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Remember, at this stage, he is still only a baby! The last thing you want to do is expose him to negative experiences while he is so young. Starting young makes the whole training process even easier. Remember that the German Shepherd coat is double-layered, consisting of a dense, harsh outer coat with a softer undercoat. The undercoat is essential as it helps them stay warm in cold temperatures and protects them from the heat in hot weather. This is why German Shepherd dogs can adapt to functioning in different weather conditions. Always ensure your dog has access to clean water especially in warm weather and change it frequently throughout the day. To train your German Shepherd puppy to stay outside, you must teach him properly. That means getting him used to spending time away from you here and there, gradually increasing the amount of time he spends outside, and making the outdoors more fun and enjoyable for your pup. Spend some time with him outside after he relieves himself. This will prevent your German Shepherd from making a single connection between going outside and using the restroom. German Shepherd Separation Anxiety is a constructive post I wrote that tackles this issue alone. If you nip this in the bud from an early age, this will stop your dog from getting distressed and developing future behavior problems. Your German Shepherd puppy might be used to spending every second by your side right now, but you need to start getting him used to spending more time alone, especially if you expect him to last for longer than 30 minutes in the yard on his own. So, how do you do that? Spend one-on-one time with him outside. Go inside without him. Let him get used to being alone outside and wait a few minutes before letting him back inside the house no matter how much he begs! You want him to get used to spending more time outdoors, right? You need to increase the amount of time he spends outside alone slowly. My German Shepherd Willow at 12 weeks old. This is where you come in! You need to make the yard fun. Here are some tips for making your yard fun for your German Shepherd. Leave toys in the yard, such as tug toys. Build an agility course of some sort. These can be expensive, but you could easily make your own to save money. Give your dog somewhere to relax when he gets tired. Take a chew toy bone outside. I like KONG bones as they keep your pup entertained, and you can even stuff them with treats. I often get asked whether you should let your pup sleep outside. Build a positive experience outside by avoiding bad weather and temperatures. Gradually increase the time he spends outside until it becomes just a normal part of his everyday routine. Add some toys and activities to your yard to make the yard more fun! Related Posts You May Like:. Your German Shepherd is going to become a large-sized dog. Aside from their generous height in a standup position, German Shepherds can also weigh anywhere between 50 and 90 pounds. Of course, there are always variations, and many will be larger than this. Considering their size and the fact that they were bred to be herding dogs, which meant they were used to sleeping outside to protect the animals they were guarding, German Shepherd owners might consider putting their dogs outside to sleep. After all, they can take up quite a lot of space, so you might think they are more comfortable sleeping outside at night. But you should not do it right away! In fact, German Shepherd puppies should not sleep outside until around four months of age. Keep in mind, though, that any dog — as adult or as puppies — should not be left alone by themselves the entire day and night. There are a few reasons why German Shepherd puppies should not sleep outside until they are at least four months old. In fact, it can be seriously detrimental to their health if they go outside before they are truly ready. Since his double coat will not be formed until he is around 4 or 5 months of age, your German Shepherd cannot regulate his body temperature properly. Your German Shepherd puppy is also more susceptible to diseases and parasites. In the first few months of life, your puppy will receive a series of shots to keep him healthy. Without these shots, he is more susceptible to all types of illnesses and parasites that can be detrimental to his health. Since shots are typically not completed until 16 weeks, putting him outside sooner is compromising his health. Lastly, your German Shepherd needs to be socialized. German Shepherds must be socialized as puppies, especially during the first few months of life. This will allow them to be friendlier, although they can still be successful in guarding. Without proper socialization, you risk your German Shepherd becoming aggressive. For this reason, some pet owners may wait until the 6-month mark for potentially better success. Basically, you should not expect your German Shepherd puppy to be A-Okay with the sudden change. He will likely not want to sleep outside, and you should never ignore him — especially on the first night. So how can you get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep outside — and happily, too? Well, here are four simple tips and tricks for helping your 4-month-old German Shepherd to sleep outside without a whine or whimper: Let them find a safe place during the daytime. Place his favorite items in the safe spot. This will create a comforting spot for him to rest. Let him nap in his outdoor safe spot. If he can get comfortable in his safe spot for a nap during the day, it will be a lot easier for him to relax in the same location for a lengthy slumber at nighttime. Stay positive and applaud your pet. Praise him with cheering and treats when he begins to spend some time in his safe spot for naps and, eventually, bedtime altogether. Be persistent. If you want to be successful, you must stay persistent. To ensure that your German Shepherd puppy is healthy and safe while sleeping outside, there are a few things you should always make sure he has. These items include: A doghouse. Now, this is not necessary, but plenty of dogs — especially puppies — enjoy them. It gives them a safe space to snuggle and feel safe, which is what any puppy of any breed can truly appreciate. Plus, you can put all their favorite items inside, making the doghouse more appealing. If you live in a cold climate, then a doghouse with sufficient warm bedding is essential. Water bowl. Your dog is going to get thirsty no matter what the temperature is at night. Make sure he has a water bowl that is filled to the brink every night. Try and put his favorite water bowl out there to make him more comfortable. All his favorites. I cannot stress this enough! You want your German Shepherd puppy to feel comfy and cozy, as this will make it an easier transition for you and your dog. While their environments are of utmost concern, here are some benefits if you let them sleep outside: They get a chance to explore the outside world at an early stage which is otherwise difficult. German Shepherd puppies feel independent and develop better decision-making skills with this approach. That can be detrimental to their health. Most importantly, puppies might lack interaction and relationships with you over time. Final Thoughts You should not try to have your German Shepherd sleep outside before four months of age as it poses a risk to his health, both physical and mental. Your puppy needs to be socialized and taken care of in his first months of life, ensuring that he has all his vaccinations before making his way outside. When the time comes, make sure he has a safe, cozy spot to lay his head, with access to all of his favorite toys. Related Posts You May Like:. When can puppies go outside to play with other dogs? The question of when can puppies go outside matters a lot to new owners, yet experts in different fields of animal care seem to have different answers. When Can Puppies Go Outside? Other behaviorists advocate for the importance of early socialization. Meghan Herron, a veterinary and animal behavior specialist, states that the critical period for socializing your puppy is between 3 to 16 weeks. But waiting to socialize your puppy until their vaccines take full effect may mean missing out on this important window. Ensuring your young puppy has as many positive interactions with new people, places, and things as possible will make for a confident and friendly adult dog. According to veterinary behaviorist Dr. Ian Dunbar, your puppy should meet and have positive experiences with one hundred or more people by the time they are 16 weeks old. So when can puppies go outside and begin meeting all these new people? Ensuring your puppy avoids contact with diseases until they are fully vaccinated is the first priority. Just like human babies, young puppies need a lot of sleep. As important as socialization is, ensuring your puppy sleeps enough is necessary to ensure proper growth and brain development and will also make sure your puppy is in a good mood. A common rule of thumb is five minutes of exercise per month of age. At two months old, this means only ten minutes. So over-exercising your puppy can be harmful to the development of their skeletal structure. However, the main reason to be cautious when taking a young puppy outside is exposure to diseases your pup may not be vaccinated against yet. Risking exposure to diseases your dog is not protected against is dangerous. Many diseases, such as the parvovirus, can be spread just through contact with inanimate objects. This means that even sniffing something an infected dog had been in contact with hours previous can potentially infect an unvaccinated puppy. Even seemingly healthy dogs may carry viruses. This means they may look and act healthy but still have the disease and can spread it to other dogs. Thankfully, no! Places such as private gardens and yards offer safe places for young puppies to explore on their own without running the risk of exposure to dangerous viruses. A puppy can begin exploring your yard the day you bring them home. Becoming familiar with your yard or garden will be a necessary part of potty training. Taking your puppy out for a walk should be delayed until they are fully covered by all their vaccines. This seemingly small action can result in your puppy coming into contact with a dangerous virus. Most veterinarians agree, puppies are fully vaccinated by 16 weeks of age, which is when they can exercise for about 20 minutes at a time. Up to this point, the exercise needs of your puppy can be met with within the safety of your home or yard. Pet-friendly stores offer excellent opportunities for your puppy to meet more people. As your puppy builds up immunity through vaccines and natural exposure, talk to your vet about safe places you can start letting your puppy explore as they age. So this can be a great place to sniff around and meet people who love dogs! Always double check with your vet, though. The chance of contracting a virus preventable by a vaccine is low at a veterinary clinic, but your veterinarian will be able to tell you for sure if the area is safe or not. When I worked at a veterinary clinic, the best part of my day was always meeting a new puppy. Dog-friendly hardware stores make an excellent destination for a young puppy. This saves you from carrying a growing puppy the whole trip and means they get used to the motion of the cart. Just remember to sanitize the cart before and after use! Places a young puppy can safely explore on the ground are fairly limited for the first 16 weeks. One option is to arrange puppy play dates with dogs you may know. This will help teach behavioral cues for future experiences with other dogs and also helps burn some of that puppy energy. Avoiding Aggression Socializing puppies with humans and other dogs is imperative for every dog, but especially breeds that are prone to aggression. Making sure your puppy not only has a lot of new experiences but positive experiences are ultra important. Until your puppy is covered by all vaccines, playgroups should meet in backyards or homes. Finding safe playgroups with other vaccinated dogs is a great way for your puppy to learn how to play. These playgroups can take place in the safety of a yard or garden where all the dogs are kept safe from potential environmental exposures and can be monitored closely. Playgroups are safer than meeting other dogs on walks for another reason. Leashed dogs are more likely to exhibit fear or anxiety-based aggression. So skipping the park and opting for backyard fun keeps all parties safer. This means your puppy is set up for success since the experience is more likely to be a positive one. Remembering to take new experiences slow with a new puppy can ensure new experiences are positive. But ensuring early experiences are positive and safe is the most important part of socialization. For several weeks, this may mean limiting their exposure to other dogs. Provided the experiences your puppy does have with other dogs are all primarily positive, though, they should begin to develop social skills at a young age. Though the critical period for socialization is often quoted as being the first four months, this is simply a foundation. Continuing to build on these experiences will make for a happy, well-adjusted adult dog. When can puppies go out in a yard? Right away, provided no unvaccinated dogs have come in contact with the environment beforehand. However, puppies should wait to explore environments outside the home where other dogs frequent. Unless you know the vaccine status of every dog that has been in a certain location before you and your puppy. For most puppies, this will be around 16 weeks. Carrying your puppy or placing them in a sanitized shopping cart are two great ways of keeping your puppy safe while outside. From the safety of your arms or another elevated environment, a puppy can still meet a number of new people and experience the world outside your home. In general, a German Shepherd puppy can open its eyes after 7 to 10 days after birth. A German Shepherd can start to focus and see things after about 14 days, after birth. Upon birth, its ears and eyes are closed. Its umbilical cord is still attached. Their heartbeat is slow. After three or four days, the umbilical cord of a GSD puppy gets dry and falls off. At this stage, your GSD puppy relies on its mother in everything. Its mother will feed it, clean it, and protect it from everything. Its temperature starts to normalize as well. At two weeks old, the nervous system of a GSD puppy is still not fully developed. At this age, it will start to open its eyes and ears. After the second week, it can have fully opened eyes and ears. A GSD puppy at this age starts to crawl too and can do its bowel movement on its own. In normal circumstances, a GSD baby will open its eyes at around 10 days according to pets. It can walk and it will start exploring around. At this stage, it starts to form a bond with other puppies and with humans. Its emotional development starts to develop as well. Your puppy will start to roam around. A slight noise will make it react. It will start to notice other living things like cats or other animals in the household. It will start to notice you, its owner. You can introduce it to a pet toy too. It will start playing with humans at this age as well. At one month, a GSD puppy already has a full set of teeth. Its temperature is now normal so is its heartbeat. You should also start exposing your puppy to kids to see how it will react or its behavior around children. At two to three months old, your puppy is learning quickly by now. Its motor skills have greatly improved by this time and it has reached sexual maturity. At the age of six months , a GSD is now considered an adult. A female GSD experiences its first estrus period at this age. For both male and female GSDs, this is their juvenile stage. It means it is their most active phase in life. Your GSD would want to go outside all the time, play, or run. It is about doing outdoor activities. It now raises one leg when urinating to show ownership and leadership. After 12 months of being with you, you can now feel the bond that your dog has for you. Your GSD will continue its maturity until it reaches three years old. If it has been two weeks and your puppy has not opened its eyes yet, you can check if its eyes are clouded with dirt birth buildup dirt. You can do it again the following day according to Dopappy. If the eye is infected, use saline water to clean its eyes. A drop of saline water two to three times a day should do the trick. German Shepherds of all ages are susceptible to eye problems. Among the common eye problems that GSDs are at risk of are: Cataracts. However, German Shepherds are very attached to their owners. They were bred to develop a devotion to their family that is hard to match. They are not designed to be outside dogs and should be around their family members as much as possible. Indoors is a much more appropriate place for German Shepherds to sleep as well as most dogs — to be fair. You should plan on your dog being an innate and vital part of your life before adopting a German Shepherd. These dogs need a lot of attention and companionship. If you want your dog to spend most of its time sleeping outside, you may want to select a different breed. We highly recommend crate training your German Shepherd at a young age. Just like any other dog, German Shepherd puppies can be quite destructive. You should always crate train your puppy. Remember, your puppy should love their crate. They should also spend the night in it — since you will be unable to supervise them while asleep. If your German Shepherd is crate trained correctly, they will likely choose to sleep in their crate even after you stop closing the door. Their crate should be their safe space. Even with proper crate training, some dogs may pick another spot around the house to sleep in—for instance, many sleep near the front door or under windows. If your dog is allowed on the furniture, they may choose the furniture as well. It is not recommended for a German Shepherd puppy to sleep outside. Puppies are not good at regulating their body temperature. The temperature changes and drafts outside can be potentially dangerous for German Shepherds younger than six months of age. While some puppies might be fine, those battling illnesses may become sick or often — which can affect their development. Nighttime is vital for crate training. Every dog should be crate appropriately trained — especially very large dogs like German Shepherds. This can be difficult to do if your canine is sleeping outside. It is best to crate train them at a young age, which would include them sleeping inside. Puppies are more susceptible to diseases. Before they are completely vaccinated, puppies are more prone to getting sick. Outside is often full of germs and parasites. While your dog does need to go outside, spending hours overnight might be a bit much. It is recommended that you keep your pet indoors to sleep until they are at least a year old and have been fully vaccinated. German Shepherd puppies need bonding time. German Shepherds need plenty of companionship. While growing up , they should be spending much of their time with their family members. Can a German Shepherd Live Outside? There are very few occasions where dogs should live outside full-time. There are a few working breeds that do good spending much time outside with their flock. For instance, the Russian Bear Dog was bred to bond closely with their flock. If these canines are used in a working manner, then it would be cruel to separate them from their flock regularly. However, German Shepherds are not one of these breeds. They bond very closely with their family and are very people-oriented. Their companionship need means that they need hours each day with their family. Otherwise, they may become destructive and even aggressive. They were bred to defend people first and foremost. Instead, they perform this job best when they are allowed plenty of bonding time with their family and kept inside. They may want a German Shepherd as an expensive alarm system or because they look fantastic. However, German Shepherds are a lot of work. They require extensive socialization and training to be good canine citizens. As brilliant dogs, they need plenty of mental stimulation. Often, this means daily training exercises, puzzle toys, and long walks. They are also highly active, require much exercise. If your dog was never trained properly, now is the time to start. If your dog is still destructive, it is likely because they are not getting enough mental stimulation. This can be hard to judge for many dogs. Usually, bored dogs will try to make their own fun, resulting in destructive behavior for seemingly no reason. Your German Shepherd may break into your cabinets or chew up your couch. Adding training and puzzle toys can help. Some dog owners opt to have their German Shepherds sleep outside because they shed heavily. This not fair to the dog. Shedding should always be managed by appropriate grooming and not simply by banning the pup from sleeping inside! Do German Shepherds Need to be Inside? If you want your German Shepherd to develop a suitable temperament, they should be allowed inside at least half of the time. These dogs are active, so they may naturally want to spend a lot of time outdoors — especially when the weather is nice. However, they should never be forced to spend the majority of their time outdoors. There are a few reasons for this: They need to bond with their family. German Shepherds rely a lot on their bond with their family members. They are people-oriented dogs that were bred for their devotion. They can become bored. German Shepherds are brilliant dogs. Their brains are always on. To develop properly, they need a lot of mental stimulation. This lack can lead to destructive behaviors. They may also bark needlessly. In extreme cases, these German Shepherds can become aggressive. They may be a bit too excited to see people, leading to over-exuberant behaviors and aggression. These dogs were designed to get much of their mental stimulation from their humans. When interacting naturally with people, they will often get much of their needs met — especially if training and new situations are part of that interaction. German Shepherds must learn to behave in the home. While these dogs are often well-behaved in the home, they have to learn how to behave well. If the dog is never allowed inside, they will likely not learn how to behave appropriately. If you want your dog to behave indoors, you have to let them indoors at least half of the time. The best time to start working on house manners is when your pup is still small — that way, he will not ingrain unwanted behaviors. If you wait until your Shepherd is grown up to teach him house manners, it will be a much harder task. Many people choose to adopt a German Shepherd to protect their home. However, if your dog is left outside, he cannot protect his home. Furthermore, dogs need the training to protect their home and people. The key is for them to be protective against the right kind of people — not everyone. German Shepherds need lots of socialization. German Shepherds need plenty of socialization. They tend to be a bit cautious of people due to their temperament. This is especially true for German Shepherds that are mixed with another guard dog breed, such as Shiloh Shepherds or King Shepherds. It can be difficult for them to get enough socialization if they spend all their time outside. They need to be around their family to learn how to interact with them. Secondly, your dog needs to be socialized with other people. Typically, this will take place indoors. This may backfire and make them more fearful of new people — since they associate strangers with scary situations. You may allow your German Shepherd to sleep outside if they are an adult and the weather is nice. However, the best spot for them is in a crate or inside. Like all breeds of shepherds , these dogs are very attached to their people. They also need plenty of socialization, so they should be around people as much as you can justify. While your canine is awake, they should be inside for much of the time — especially if their people are home. This breed needs to be with its people. As puppies, this is vital for socialization. They need to get comfortable inside a home. As adults, the mental stimulation of socializing with their people is essential to keep them happy. Otherwise, they can become bored and destructive. If you own a German Shepherd that has been crossed with more independent breeds, such as the King Shepherd crossed with Malamute and Great Pyrenees , your dog will probably do better with more outside time. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.
Your pup can enjoy this food for up to 24 months before switching to adult food. This is considered one of the best dog foods for Boxer puppies for the money, and for good reason — you get more bang for your buck. This nutritious dog food features natural fish oil, chicken, and eggs, to name just a few healthy ingredients your pooch is sure to enjoy devouring. Pros Specially made for puppies up to 24 months Made with natural fish oil Features whole food ingredients Lacks in fruit and veggie nutrition compared to other options More expensive than other similar options 3. This puppy food has ingredients like L-Carnitine, meant to support healthy bone growth so your Boxer is less likely to develop health problems when they get older. Most importantly, this puppy food for Boxers is high in quality protein, which is necessary for healthy growth physically and mentally as your puppy grows into an adult. Royal Canin Boxer puppy food also features a wavy shape that makes it easy for the Boxer breed to chew and digest. But this is one of the most expensive options on the market, so it may not be financially feasible for some owners. Luckily, there are other high-quality options to choose from that are more affordable. Pros Designed specifically for Boxer puppies Features an easy-to-chew kibble shape Cons One of the most expensive options on the market The package tends to rip, requiring separate containment Can be tough to transition from this kibble to an adult option 4. Diamond Naturals Puppy Formula Dry Dog Food Check Price on Amazon This is a large breed puppy food that, while not specifically made for Boxers, still delivers all the nutrients your Boxer needs as they become an adult. Diamond Naturals puppy formula is an affordable option that your pooch can eat from puppyhood through adulthood, which takes all the guesswork out of proper nutrition. This food features pasture-raised lamb and includes added vitamins and minerals to help ensure well-rounded nutrition throughout all the puppy years. Made in the United States, it has no filler corn, wheat, or artificial preservatives to worry about either. Pros Made for large breed puppies like Boxers Affordable price tag Not meant for adult nutrition Missing quality ingredients that other options feature 5. It features controlled calcium levels to provide proper bone support. This dog food for Boxers is another good option made in the U. Blue Buffalo Life Puppy Dry Food Check Price on Amazon Formulated with real meat, fruits, veggies, and antioxidant-rich ingredients, Blue Buffalo Life Protection Formula for puppies is another great option for Boxers because it provides all the essential nutrients that this larger breed needs, while offering up a host of additional vitamins and nutrients designed to allow your puppy to thrive and feel their best as they age. Included are essential omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which are necessary for a shiny and soft coat of fur. The kibble pieces are tiny, so your Boxer puppy should be able to start eating quickly. Eukanuba Puppy Dry Dog Food Check Price on Amazon This large breed puppy dog food is an excellent choice for Boxer owners because it features plenty of quality animal protein, as well as calcium and phosphorous that puppies need for strong and healthy bones. Containing DHA, Eukanuba can apparently help puppies better focus their minds so training is easier on owners. Once you choose a puppy food to feed your Boxer puppy, you should stick with it until you are ready to switch to adult food. Changing foods is hard on the digestive system and can result in problems like constipation, diarrhea, and discomfort. You should feed your Boxer puppy food designed specifically for puppies until they are at least a year old before you consider feeding them adult dog food. This will help ensure that your pooch gets all the nutrients they need while growing. What to Look For in Puppy Food When choosing a puppy food for your Boxer, the most important thing to consider is quality. In just a few months, your pup will be able to eat adult dog food. The money you spend now on quality food for your Boxer will result in a more well-rounded, happy, and healthy pooch. So, when choosing food for your Boxer puppy, you should look for real meat as the first ingredient. If grains or meal is the first ingredient, your pup may not get the vital nutrients and quality protein they need in order to thrive. Your chosen Boxer puppy food should have ingredients that include real fruits and vegetables, not just powders and concentrates. Avoid foods that include artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives whenever possible. Any food you decide to feed your puppy might not agree with their digestion at first, depending on what they have been fed up to this point. Offer up just a quarter cup of the food you want to feed your puppy to start. If no obvious digestion issues result, you can go ahead and continue feeding the new food to your new Boxer. If you decide to switch to a new brand at any point during puppyhood, mix the new stuff with the old stuff for about a week to make transitioning easy. You should do the same when it comes time to feed your Boxer adult dog food — mix the puppy and adult food for a few days before switching straight to adult food. Once you are sure your dog can handle the adult food, you can switch over completely. Take the list to your vet to gain extra insight and learn which would be the best option for your Boxer puppy. Final Verdict The type of puppy food you decide to feed your Boxer is up to you. Focus on the options that feature whole foods such as real meat instead of meal. There should never be artificial ingredients in play. Hopefully, our reviews of the best dog food for Boxer puppies has made your job easier. Every bite of food will be detrimental or beneficial to this breed's health. Overview Food is fuel both for a growing Boxer pup and large strong adult Boxer dogs. The type of food that you offer for both meals and snacks has a direct affect on your Boxer's health both now and in the future. Also of importance is a feeding schedule and making sure that you offer the proper amounts. This section will cover everything you need to know in order to provide a well-balanced, nutritious diet for your Boxer puppy, adult, or senior. How Often to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog Let's look at a summary and then the details: Puppies under 12 weeks: free-fed Puppies and up to the 2-year mark: 3 meals per day Adults 2 years and up: 1 to 2 meals per day Young pups 8 to 12 weeks old: Very young pups, and particularly those that are a bit underweight, should be free-fed for at least the first month at their new home. This is the method of having fresh food accessible at all times. For a pup still trying to gain their bearings, you may need to lead them to their bowl throughout the day. Note that food should be thrown out and the bowl washed and then refilled several times per day as opposed to just topping off the food since pups may not be interested in stale food. Growing pup to 2 year mark: It's best to get a Boxer onto a feeding schedule as soon as possible. Schedules of anything feeding, exercise, sleep time, etc. Young Boxers often struggle a bit to fill out and during the 1 to 2-year mark Boxers can go through a 'skinny phase', so 3 meals per day, plus snacks, can work well during this time. Adults 2 years and up: Most adult Boxers that have reached their final adult weight and height do well with 2 meals per day, plus snacks. If snacks are regular and of substance, a Boxer may be perfectly content with 1 main meal per day. Note that this breed is prone to bloat, so you want to avoid letting a Boxer get so hungry that he rapidly gulps his food down. If that is the case, increase the frequency of meals or use a slow-feed bowl; stainless-steel is best, something like Mr. How Much to Feed a Boxer Puppy or Dog The exact serving size that is appropriate for each Boxer varies and depends mainly on age and current weight but also is affected by activity level, health status, type of food wet vs dry , and individual metabolism. This said, there are general guidelines: Puppies usually require about 55 calories for each pound of body weight. Young pups might eat a bit over a cup a day, older pups can eat up to 3 cups a day. Adults need fewer calories per pound of body weight than their younger counterparts, about .Depending on an adult Boxer dog's size, food is usually in the 3 to 5 cup per day range. To know exactly how much to give your Boxer, know your dog's weight. Don't guess since that can be wildly off. Then, look at the feeding guidelines on the bag of kibble; these are listed by age and weight and are usually pretty spot on. Dry Kibble vs Wet Canned Though many Boxers may prefer wet canned food, dry kibble is better to maintain healthy teeth and gum and a strong jaw. You'll still have to provide some level of at-home dental care , but the crunch of a hard kibble will work to some extent to remove plaque. Additionally, dry food seems to keep the stools firmer and healthier. If your Boxer is a finicky eater and balks at dry food, try mixing in just a bit of canned stick with the same brand or add just a bit of water or low-sodium chicken or beef broth. Grain vs Grain-free It's wasn't that long ago that putting a dog on a grain-free diet wasn't much of a big deal. Some grains, especially those with gluten, can cause excessive gas , upset stomach, and other issues. And, some dogs are allergic to wheat or gluten which can manifest as itching and other skin problems. But recently, a suspected link between certain grain-free dog foods and dilated cardiomyopathy DCM, a canine heart disease caused veterinary experts to take pause. And, since Boxers are one of the breeds prone to DCM, it's important to understand where things are on this. Though it was first thought that any grain-free diet may be the cause, the current thought is that it is a BEG diet, meaning boutique small specialty brands that have exotic meats non-traditional meats like alligator, kangaroo, bison, venison, etc. Many more studies need to be done for conclusive answers to be found. For now, it is recommended to offer healthy grains and this can be done while avoiding gluten if your Boxer has an issue with it. Navigating the Many Choices of Dog Foods What to Avoid: Many brands are guilty of having at least one of these elements that you do not want your Boxer's food to have: No grains at all. Until conclusive studies are complete, play it safe and offer a kibble with some level of healthy grains unless the veterinarian recommends otherwise Boxer needs to be on a specific grain-free diet, etc. Synthetic preservatives. These can be toxic. Butylated hydroxyanisole BHA , butylated hydroxytoluene BHT , and ethoxyquin, just to name a few, are linked to behavioral issues, organ damage, and some forms of cancer. Artificial coloring. Common dyes like Yellow 5 and 6 and Blue 2 are linked to behavioral and health issues. Artificial flavor enhancers. MSG is one of the worst, it is linked to anxiety, rapid heartbeat, and breathing issues. Generic animal digest, meats, oils, or fats. When anything is listed as 'animal', it is derived from a 4-D animal: dead, dying, diseased or disabled animals and can literally be any meat from any animal at all: minks from mink farms, roadkill, zoo animals, expired meats from supermarkets and butcher shops, etc. Fillers are cheap ingredients that are put into dog food to bulk it up but they have little to no nutritional value. The 'food' goes right through their system; a dog will eat but be hungry again soon afterward and this is one cause of coprophagia eating feces. These are the animal parts that are not fit for human consumption and includes such things as spinal tissue, lungs, spleens, hooves, tails, undeveloped eggs, etc. Made outside North America since meats from overseas can be questionable. The kibble will be preserved using a vitamin blend often listed as mixed tocopherals and will be naturally flavored and colored. Some level of grains. Grains that are generally well-tolerated include rice, oatmeal, and quinoa. Wholesome real meats, veggies, and fruits. Some ingredients sourced from Norway are fine; this country has very strict guidelines. If you are not sure what is in your Boxer's food, investigate it. Know about grain content and the presence or lack of additives and subpar ingredients. Recommended Dog Food for Boxers Please note that the following recommendations are formulas with some level of healthy grains; if you did not read the previous ' Grain vs Grain-free ' you may wish to do so before continuing on. This meets all of the requirements of what you're looking for. There are no synthetic preservatives; vitamins are used instead shown as mixed tocopherals. The grains in this formula are generally very well tolerated: quinoa technically a seed , oatmeal, and barley. There are 3 different recipes to choose from: beef, chicken, or lamb. Other ingredients include peas, salmon, carrots, apples, blueberries, and flaxseed. There are good levels of glucosamine chondroitin vital for joint health , antioxidants, and omega fatty acids important for skin and coat health. There are no by-products, fillers, or generic meats or oils and this is sourced and made in the USA. For this one, the base is chicken a very classic tasty protein that most dogs love , along with oatmeal, brown rice, ground barley, peas, flaxseed, carrots, tomato pomace, spinach, sweet potatoes, apples, and blueberries. All other ingredients shown on the label are either vitamins and minerals or natural preservatives. This has no wheat, corn, soy, meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors or preservatives, and this is made in the USA. This brand offers a top-quality formula that is gluten-free. There is no wheat, corn, soy, by-products, artificial flavors, artificial colors, or chemical preservatives. The base is chicken and brown rice and other ingredients include white rice, oatmeal, rice bran, avocado, flax seed, herring, and kelp. It has good levels of omega fatty acids and antioxidants. The one trade-off for having it be gluten-free is that it does not contain any fruit; however, it does have all required vitamins and minerals and you can always offers a small amount of fresh fruit as snacks. Homemade Vs Commercial Commercial dog food is convenient and, if you choose a superior brand, it will ensure that your Boxer receives all needed nutrients and is on a well-rounded and well-balanced diet. And, home cooked food gives you complete control over what your Boxer eats and does not eat and can be tweaked to satisfy a finicky eater. So, there are pros and cons to each. Whether you opt for a top-quality kibble or you use good cuts of meat and fish and fresh produce in homemade meals, neither option is super-cheap. Because, of course, you get what you pay for. But, if you buy in bulk and lean toward frozen vegetables and fruits, home cooking may be a bit less expensive. That said, when you prepare meals at home, you'll need to offer a good daily vitamin and mineral supplement even good brands of kibble need to add this in because it's nearly impossible for a dog to receive all nutrients just from food alone. Some of the foods that can be incorporated into meals include: Proteins: Chicken, turkey, veal, beef, fish mackeral, haddock, salmon, whitefish, cod, and others , eggs, and certain beans kidney, lima Vegetables: Carrots, broccoli in moderation , potato, sweet potato, sugar snap peas, green beans, spinach Fruits: Blueberries, raspberries, strawberries, pumpkin Grains: Quinoa, oatmeal, rice Related Articles: Best Snacks, Chews, and Treats for a Boxer - A great rundown of the difference between these 3 things and top recommendations. How many calories does a Boxer dog need - Requirements based on age, size and activity level. Recommendations to lower or raise intake. Boxer dog weight issues - This breed can become overweight, usually due to a combination of eating too much and being sedentary. Boxer begging behavior - Boxers are pretty good at playing their humans and it's easy to fall into the trap of giving in to begging. Read how to stop the cycle. Choosing the Best Bowl for a Boxer - Size, height, material and design are all important. This post may contain affiliate links. We are compensated for referring customers to our affiliate partners. The Boxer is a medium-sized to large-sized dog known for its smooth coat and distinctive head shape. This breed was originally developed to hunt large prey like wild boar, deer, even bears — it was bred from the Mastiff and the Bulldog to give it a strong jaw and a powerful bite. Despite its hunting background, the Boxer is a very friendly and social breed — in fact, it is consistently ranked among the top 10 most popular breeds in the United States according to AKC registration statistics. In addition to being a very friendly and loyal breed, the Boxer is also playful and energetic. Because this breed loves to be active it needs a commercial diet that can support its energy requirements. Below you will find some basic information about the nutritional needs for medium-sized dogs as well as some special considerations for the Boxer breed in particular. Adult males can stand anywhere between 22 and 25 inches tall and females can grow up to 24 inches tall. Male Boxers typically weigh 65 to 70 pounds at maturity and females can weigh up to 60 pounds. While you may be able to feed your Boxer a medium-sized adult food formula while it is young, a full-grown Boxer will do better on a large-breed adult formula. Large-breed dogs have slower metabolisms than small-breed dogs so they require a commercial diet that is nutrient dense but not high in calories. Feeding your Boxer puppy a large-breed puppy formula will make sure that he gets the nutrients he needs to be healthy without giving him too many extra calories that will cause him to grow too quickly, putting excess strain on his developing bones and joints. Before considering the specific nutritional needs of large-breed dogs you need to understand the basics about dog nutrition. All dogs require a blend of protein, fat and carbohydrate in their diets as well as various vitamins and minerals. Carbohydrates provide a dog with vitamins and minerals as well as dietary fiber. Dogs do not require a specific amount of carbohydrate in their diet, but the carbs they do get should come from healthy, highly digestible sources like whole oats and brown rice. When it comes to feeding your Boxer you should select a high-quality commercial diet that is specially formulated for large-breed dogs. Because the Boxer is a fairly active breed, if you train your Boxer for hunting or other dog sports you might be able to feed him an active or working-breed formula. If he does, reduce the amount you are feeding him or switch back to a standard large-breed adult formula. Special Considerations for Boxers Again, while your Boxer puppy is young you will need to feed him a commercial diet specially formulated for large-breed puppies. Large-breed puppies grow more slowly than small-breed puppies and it takes them longer to reach their adult size. If they grow too fast it could put strain on their bones and joints which will increase the risk for musculoskeletal problems as an adult. Large-breed dogs have a high risk for bone and joint problems like hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Feeding your Boxer puppy a large-breed puppy formula will make sure that he gets the protein he needs to maintain lean muscle mass with enough fat for energy but not too much. Once your Boxer reaches his adult size you can feed him a commercial diet formulated for large-breed adults for the next few years. As your Boxer gets older, however, you may need to switch him to a senior dog formula to make sure he gets the supplements he needs to maintain healthy bones and joints. Large-breed dogs have a high risk for developing musculoskeletal problems as they age, so an older Boxer six years or older will benefit from a dog food that is supplemented with things like chondroitin and glucosamine. At all ages you need to be careful not only about how much your Boxer eats, but about how quickly he eats as well. Large-breed dogs have a high risk for gastric dilation volvulus, or bloat, which can occur if your dog swallows too much air as he eats or if he drinks too much water after a meal. This condition is very serious and can quickly become fatal so you need to be very careful. Top Recommended Dog Foods for Boxers If you need some help in finding the right food for your Boxer, consider one of the commercial dog food brands discussed below. Consider the ingredients list to make sure that the product is of high-quality before offering it to your dog. Nutrience Adult Large Breed The Nutrience pet food company offers several different formulas for dogs as well as cats. The Original line of dog foods contains three different formulas — one for small-breed, one for medium-sized, and one for large-breed dogs. Once your Boxer has passed the puppy stage but has not yet reached his full size, the Nutrience Original Adult Medium Breed formula might be a good choice for him. It is made with chicken meal, brown rice, and chicken fat in addition to a number of other beneficial ingredients. It also contains valuable antioxidants for immune system support and a blend of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. The Nutrience Original Adult Large Breed formula is also made with chicken meal and brown rice, supplemented with glucosamine and chondroitin as well as a healthy blend of fatty acids. Simply put, both of these formulas would be a good choice as a commercial dog food diet for your Boxer. Acana Classics Dog Food The Acana pet food company is known for producing biologically appropriate diets for dogs and cats. Acana offers three different lines of dog foods — Classics, Regionals, and Singles. The Acana Regionals line of pet foods contains four different products, any of which would be a good choice for your Boxer. This formula is also completely free from gluten, grains, and potatoes —it contains fresh fruits and vegetables instead to provide your dog with vitamins and minerals as well as dietary fiber. The Red Meat Large Bites formula is made with beef, pork meal, and salmon meal as the top three ingredients — this formula is also free from gluten, grains and potatoes. Either of these formulas would be a good choice for your Boxer. Description So, what is the best dog food for boxers? This breed has some special requirements, so here is a short list of great dog food you should try. Although Boxers may experience certain health issues that are congenital and beyond our control, environmental and lifestyle factors, such as diet, can influence others. Some of the most common health issues faced by Boxers include the following: Food allergies. Certain ingredients in their food can cause allergies in Boxers. Food allergies in Boxers may present as dry, itchy skin, ears, or paws. However, unlike allergies, food intolerances do not involve the immune system but can lead to vomiting or diarrhea. We highly recommend conducting an at-home dog food allergy test like the 5Strands kit. This particular kit can test for up to ingredients and determine which ones may cause food intolerance in your dog. Once you receive the results, you can use the list to avoid dog food formulas that contain potential allergens. Boxers are predisposed to various types of cancer, such as brain tumors, mast cell tumors, and lymphoma. This is a heart condition where the heart muscle thickens and enlarges, making it difficult for the heart to pump blood effectively. Boxers are genetically predisposed to this condition, which can result in arrhythmia, decreased oxygen delivery to the body, and fluid accumulation in the lungs. Hip dysplasia. Degenerative myelopathy. This is a progressive neurological condition where the spinal cord deteriorates, resulting in hind limb weakness and paralysis. Boxers are one of the breeds that are predisposed to this condition. Aortic stenosis. A heart condition where the aortic valve is narrowed, restricting blood flow and forcing the heart to work harder. Also known as gastric dilation, this is a condition where the stomach twists and traps air, making it difficult for the dog to breathe and leading to shock and death if not treated promptly. Boxers are prone to bloat, which can be caused by overeating, eating too quickly, or drinking large amounts of water after exercise. Feeding Boxers the right amount and type of food can give them the energy they need to stay active and healthy. Feeding Boxers too much food, especially those high in fat and simple carbohydrates, can lead to weight gain and obesity, which can decrease their activity level. This can also lead to health problems such as joint pain and heart disease, which can further limit their activity level. Boxers are high-energy dogs that require a balanced diet high in protein, fat, and complex carbohydrates. Protein is essential for building and repairing muscle tissue, while fat provides energy for high-intensity activities. Complex carbohydrates, such as whole grains, are a great source of sustained energy for endurance activities. Additionally, providing Boxers with regular exercise and playtime can help them burn off excess energy and maintain a healthy activity level. Boxer Puppies. Require a diet that is higher in calories and protein to support their growth and development. They also need a balanced calcium and phosphorus diet for healthy bone growth. Feeding high-quality puppy food formulated explicitly for bulldog puppies can help ensure they receive the necessary nutrients during this crucial stage. Adult Boxers. Require a diet that is lower in calories and protein to maintain their weight and prevent obesity. They also need a balanced diet of carbohydrates, fats, and proteins to support their overall health and energy needs. Senior Boxers. Senior dogs may require a diet lower in calories and fat to maintain a healthy weight and higher fiber to support digestive health. Senior dog foods often contain joint supplements to help mobility and joint health. Avoid common allergens. Boxer often develops food allergies or intolerances, so it may be helpful if your Boxer dog food is free from common allergens, such as corn, wheat, chicken, and beef. Boxers can have sensitive digestive systems. Look for a dog food that adds probiotics to its formula. Dog Probiotics support a healthy digestive system and immune system. Digestibility: Boxers can be prone to digestive issues, so look for dog food that is minimally processed, such as fresh dog food or homemade dog food for Boxers. Lower-quality kibble may contain fillers, artificial preservatives, and other ingredients that can be harder to digest and may cause digestive upset in some dogs. High-quality protein. Boxers need high-quality protein sources to maintain muscle mass and support their immune system. Look for dog foods that list whole meat sources. Look for dog food containing antioxidants like vitamins C and E, selenium, and carotenoids, which can help support the immune system and may reduce cancer risk. Look for dog foods that contain fruits and vegetables, like blueberries, cranberries, and spinach. Amino acids. Taurine and L-carnitine can support heart function and may help reduce the risk of cardiomyopathy and other heart problems. Omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids can help support heart health, reduce inflammation associated with hip dysplasia, and improve joint function. Look for dog foods that contain fish oil or flaxseed. Omegas may also support brain health, potentially reducing the risk of brain tumors and supporting neurological function in dogs with degenerative myelopathy. Glucosamine and chondroitin. These ingredients can help support joint health and reduce the risk of hip dysplasia. Look for dog foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin. Limited fat content. Boxers are prone to bloat, which high-fat diets can exacerbate. Look for dog foods that have moderate fat levels. Limited sodium content. Opt for dog food with lower sodium content to help manage blood pressure and reduce the strain on the heart, which can benefit dogs with aortic stenosis. Small kibble size. Easy-to-digest ingredients, such as fresh food and high-quality protein sources, can also reduce the risk of gastrointestinal issues and bloat. Chapter 2: The Reviews. We may receive a commission for purchases made through these links. Our team went out into the field looking for the best canine nutrition products in the world. Our winner for this year is Pupper, which topped our charts in terms of ingredient quality as well as science backed claims. Looking for the best dog food for your boxer? Look no further! In this article, we will discuss the 25 best dog food for boxers in .We will cover a variety of different diets and price points to ensure that you can find the perfect food for your furry friend. Boxers are a unique breed of dog, and they require a special diet in order to stay healthy and happy. We hope that this blog post helps you find the perfect food for your boxer. Boxers are a high energy breed that needs a lot of exercise. They also have a higher than average metabolism which means they need a food that is high in calories and nutrients. The best food for boxers will be one that is designed for active dogs and contains all of the nutrients they need to stay healthy and fit. When looking for the best dog food for boxers, you should look for a food that is high in protein and fat. Boxers need a lot of protein to maintain their muscle mass, and fat is essential for providing them with the energy they need. You should also look for a food that is low in carbs, as boxers can easily become overweight if they eat too many. The best dog food for boxers will also contain plenty of vitamins and minerals, as well as antioxidants to keep their immune system healthy. Do Boxers dogs need Grain Free food? No, Boxers do not need grain free food, but they can benefit from the nutrients found in grains. Grains provide essential vitamins and minerals that can help keep your dog healthy and fit. However, if your dog is allergic to grains, then you should avoid feeding them grain-based foods. How often should I feed my Boxer? You should feed your boxer twice a day, once in the morning and once at night. This will help to keep their energy levels up and prevent them from becoming overweight. What health issues are boxers prone to having? Boxers are prone to having a number of health issues, including heart disease, hip dysplasia, and cancer. The health issues that Boxers are prone to can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics and poor diet. It is important to feed your Boxer a healthy diet and provide them with plenty of exercise to help prevent these problems. How often should I exercise my boxer? You should exercise your boxer at least twice a day, but preferably three times a day. Exercise is important for all dogs, but it is especially important for Boxers because of their high energy levels. A good way to exercise your Boxer is to take them for a walk or run every day. You can also take them to the park to play fetch or Frisbee. Providing your boxer with plenty of exercise will help them stay healthy and fit, and it will also help to prevent some of the health problems that they are prone to. What is the best way to groom my Boxer? Boxers have short, smooth coats that do not require a lot of grooming. However, you should brush your dog's coat once a week to remove any dirt or debris. You should also trim your dog's nails every few weeks. Boxers are relatively low-maintenance dogs when it comes to grooming, but it is still important to take care of their coats and nails. Regular brushing and nail trimming will help to keep your dog healthy and looking their best. What is the average lifespan of a Boxer? The average lifespan of a Boxer is about 11 years. However, some boxers have been known to live for up to 15 years. The key to prolonging your dog's life is to provide them with a healthy diet and plenty of exercise. Does a boxer need to eat special dog food? While there are many different types of dog food on the market, boxers do not need to eat a special diet. In fact, most boxers will do just fine on a quality dry food that is designed for active dogs. However, if your boxer is very active or working dog, you may want to consider feeding them a high-performance dog food that is higher in calories and nutrients. This type of food will help them maintain their energy levels and stay in top condition. No matter what type of food you choose, be sure to read the label carefully to make sure it meets your boxer's needs. And always consult with your veterinarian if you have any questions about your dog's diet. With so many different types of dog food available, it can be hard to know which one is best for your boxer. But by keeping these things in mind, you can be sure to choose a food that will help them stay healthy and fit. Now that you know more about what to feed your precious boxer, it's time to elaborate on each of the 25 best dog food for boxers in 1. Pupper Chicken Topper Image courtesy Pupper This chicken recipe from Pupper Fuel is formulated to meet the unique nutritional needs of boxers. It is made with high-quality ingredients like cage-free chicken, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. Pupper Fuel's chicken recipe is our top pick for the best dog food for boxers in because it is made with high quality ingredients. This diet will help your boxer maintain a healthy weight, have plenty of energy, and stay in excellent condition. This diet is made with real venison and bison, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This diet is made with high-quality ingredients like cage-free chicken, whole grains, and antioxidant-rich fruits and vegetables. This low-fat recipe is comprised of easy-to-digest all-natural, cage-free chicken, sweet potatoes and green beans that are designed for weight control. This diet is made with real lamb and brown rice, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This easy-to-digest kibble includes nutrient-dense carbohydrates like sweet potato and pumpkin, plus real chicken as the 1 ingredient. Nature's Recipe Puppy Whitening Food includes delicious, high-quality ingredients and is free of corn, wheat, soy protein, or poultry by-product meal! And you may rest confident that your dog won't be eating any artificial flavors or preservatives. This diet is made with real turkey and chicken, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. This best dog food for boxers will help your boxer maintain a healthy weight, have plenty of energy, and stay in excellent condition. This diet is made with real chicken and brown rice, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Your dog is a carnivore, which means he thrives on a biologically appropriate diet that includes a variety of different whole animal ingredients. This delectable kibble includes fresh or raw ranch-raised beef, wild boar, Boer goat, and grass-fed lamb. This dish is also made with WholePrey animal ingredients such as organs and bones, providing 85 percent quality animal ingredients. And this dog food features freeze-dried outer layer for wagworthy raw taste and nutrition. This diet is made with real salmon and sweet potatoes, and does not contain any artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. Chicken is the first ingredient in this big dog food aids in the supply of protein, an important nutritional component for your dog's body. This highly digestible dry dog food is designed to promote nutrient absorption and bioavailability. They produce this big dog kibble with certain live probiotics to assist your pet's digestive and immune health. Every portion includes glucosamine and EPA, an omega-3 fatty acid, to help support joint health and mobility. This food has been carefully developed to deliver the ideal combination of protein, fat, and nutritious ingredients for performance, training, and hunting dogs. It's brimming with energy to keep your dog on his toes. With no corn, wheat, soy, or vegetable protein among other things , this food is ideal for your furry companion. It promotes your dog's long-term health and performance, as well as his mental processes and vitality. Natural, US farmed chicken produced on a farm. There are no meat or by-product meals available. There are no preservatives used in these products. You can actually see the chicken and veggies in this dish! Dog food for adult dogs. Freshpet thinks that dogs and cats require actual, nutritious food similar to the fresh foods we enjoy. Every meal is freshly prepared in our kitchens, where the fun begins. They start with natural, nutritious ingredients that we softly steam until they retain their natural goodness and provide essential nutrients to dogs and cats in order to allow them to live their best lives. It contains all the necessary nutrients to keep your large breed dog healthy and active, including glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. The kibble is shaped and sized specifically for large breeds, and has a crunchy texture that helps clean your dog's teeth. Applaws dry dog food is made in the USA with no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It's designed for adult dogs of all breeds and life stages, and contains no corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or colors. Caliber Ultra is made in the USA with high-quality ingredients, including chicken meal, brown rice, and oatmeal. It also contains omega-fatty acids for healthy skin and coat, and glucosamine and chondroitin for joint health. It's high in protein, low in fat, and contains no artificial flavors or colors. Green tripe is an excellent source of nutrients for dogs, and is especially rich in probiotics, enzymes, and essential fatty acids. Bison is a lean, nutritious protein that's rich in vitamins and minerals. This food is perfect for dogs who are active and need a high-protein diet to maintain their energy levels. It's also great for dogs with allergies or sensitivities to grain. PetKind Tripe Dry is a complete and balanced food that provides all the nutrients your dog needs to stay healthy and happy. Final Thoughts on 25 Best Dog Food for Boxers in We hope our list of the 25 best dog foods for boxers in has helped you narrow down your options and find the right food for your boxer. Remember to always consult with your veterinarian first before making any changes to your dog's diet. When it comes to feeding your boxer, quality is important. But finding the right balance of nutrients, vitamins, and minerals is key to keeping your boxer healthy and happy. We hope you found this list helpful. Related Content.
We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Well-bred Labradors are relatively low maintenance, fit and healthy dogs. But your Labradors continuing health and well-being does depend entirely on you. A nutritious diet, regular exercise, grooming, preventive measures and regular visits to the vet are the real key to maintaining a high level of wellness and good health. All these actions are your responsibility and solely under your control. Daily routines will be diet control, exercise and physical inspections. Weekly routines will be grooming, ears, eyes, teeth and nail care. Quarterly routines could be shared between visits to the vet, a canine dentist and bathing. And the annual routine will be vaccinations. Just remember that prevention is always better than cure, so doing your best to prevent any illness and catching problems at the earliest possible stage is the goal to aim for. The following are all areas where you only need a little knowledge to effectively take care of your Labrador well. And if you cannot dedicate this time and effort, then in the nicest possible way, you might be better suited to a pet with less demanding care requirements such as goldfish. Making Safe Your Home and Garden Labradors are a lively and inquisitive breed, especially during their first three years so you need to keep dangerous household items out of their reach. Conceal electrical wiring…we all know of their infamous love for chewing. Sharp teeth and electricity do not mix! A Labrador can easily choke on wrappings or trash that may be swallowed along with edible scraps. Labs are smart and opening cupboards and drawers soon becomes easy for them. Be mindful of the toxicity of certain plants — Over plants have been identified as toxic to dogs , so be sure to research any plant before bringing it into your home. Fence of any ponds or pools in your yard. These are just a few points to consider around your home and garden, there are many more. Just try to put yourself in your Labradors shoes and take a good look at his environment as he would see it. Try to see how he could get into trouble and take measures to prevent it. Click here for a more detailed guide on puppy-proofing your home and garden. Brushing also helps to shake loose dirt out of and spread the natural oils throughout their coat for that desirable, healthy glossy look we know and love. Related article: The Best vacuums for removing pet hair from your home. Frequent baths will strip their oils, leaving them prone to wet and cold in winter, causing dry skin and making their coat look dull and not shiny. Keeping Nails Trim Most Labradors will need a nail trim every 2 to 3 months, although some may never need it. Regularly walking your dog on hard ground, especially sidewalks and roads, will have a natural filing effect and keep your dogs claws in order. This can make them sore and bleed. Ear Care What with a Labradors slightly drooping ears and their love of water, the inside of their ears can sometimes retain too much moisture, causing bacteria to build up and infections to form. I shall be writing an article on this very soon. Just some of the problems a Labrador may have with its teeth are gum disease, loose teeth, cracked or broken teeth, root abscesses and a build up of tartar. These can be very uncomfortable for your dog and can lead to further problems if neglected. Therefore, you need to inspect their teeth regularly, take measures to clean their teeth and even visit a professional canine dentist every 6 months or annually for a thorough check up and any necessary treatments. Treat their teeth like you would your own. Dealing with Parasites Controlling fleas, ticks and other parasites is essential for keeping your Labrador healthy. Immediate problems include extreme irritation and skin sores, but extreme infestations can lead to more dangerous problems including Lyme disease and tape worms. If you stick to a regular grooming schedule as you should! Simply brush your hand against the lie of your Labradors fur and watch for any small moving dots and check for any clearly visible ticks. There are many safe and effective over-the-counter flea control products , many of which contain formulations to prevent ticks at the same time. Finally, depending on where you live in the world, you may need to put your Labrador on medication for heartworm. Where mosquitoes are a problem, they can pass on heartworm and this can be fatal. Even the medicine for heartworm makes your dog very ill so prevention is definitely better than cure! Diseases such as distemper, rabies, hepatitis and parvoviros to name just a few. Your puppy will have had his first shots at five or six weeks before you got to take him home, and he will need a few further shots over a period of up to 18 weeks. A rabies shot usually follows at 6 months of age or so. After this, your adult Labrador will need just a single booster each year to stay protected. For many facts on vaccinations and the schedule you should follow when vaccinating your puppy, please click here. Dogs need a balance of vitamins, minerals, fats and proteins different to that of a human and feeding them on human leftovers can lead to malnutrition, as can a diet based on cheap filler packed dog food. You should perform a little research to find and use a recognized healthy brand of dog food that will cater to your Labradors needs. To help with this, please see our articles that list 4 of the best foods for Labrador puppies opens in new window or the best dog foods for adult Labradors opens in new window …yours really will thrive on these handpicked, quality foods! Additionally, the best thing you can do is set up a feeding schedule for your dog, twice per day being the recommended, and be mindful of any extra treats. Your Lab should always be well fed but not over-fed. I shall discuss this more in a later article. An Important Note On Drastic Changes In Eating And Drinking Habits If your dog is off their food, drinks way too much or way too little for a period of time more than 36 hours, you should call your vet as this is almost surely a sign of an underlying problem. They are voracious eaters and will eat just because they can, not because they need it. Excess weight can lead to all sorts of issues including arthritis and heart problems. To prevent this, control their diet and give them plenty of exercise for them to burn off those calories. They really do need very little exercise of just a few short minutes a couple of times per day. Too much exercise for a puppy can cause skeletal formation issues and plays a large part in joint problems. Take it easy until your puppy is at least a year old. Bedding and Shelter A Labrador should always have a soft surface to lay upon. To prevent this you should get your Lab a large sized dog bed or line a crate to offer a soft and comfortable place to rest. If your Lab spends any amount of time outside, you must provide shelter to offer an escape from the sun in summer, and preferably the shelter should have a raised floor so the wet and cold is kept away in winter. If your Lab puppy gets used to sleeping in a bed of yours or your children, it will be a hard habit to break and will more than likely end in separation anxiety and night-time whining. You want your Labrador to be comfortable alone for periods of time and should start forming this habit ASAP. Training The importance of training your Labrador cannot be overstated. A dog is a dog and not a human. You need to teach your dog how to behave and what your instructions are asking them to do. Before a puppy can become a trusted, well-behaved dog they have a lot of learning to do…and you a lot of teaching! To learn from the written word, I am part way through building the ultimate resource in the form of this site. Routines for feeding, exercise, grooming and visits to the vet are all easily managed with a little knowledge and by planning a schedule in advance and sticking to it. Spending quality time with your Lab is also key, especially regular grooming sessions. You should also attempt to learn your dogs normal living habits, how much he eats, drinks and sleeps. Anything To Add? As always, if you have any questions, would like to offer feedback, suggestions or further advice on the subject, please do so in the comments section below. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Fourth meal 5 pm You should follow this type of feeding schedule until your Lab puppy is 14 weeks old, after which you can adopt a two meal per day plan. However, keep in mind that Labs are especially prone to overeating and obesity, so if you use treats, ensure you give them sparingly. In fact, a study in the UK listed Labrador Retrievers among the eight breeds most prone to being overweight. So your food-loving Lab puppy requires a bit of control. One way to keep them from overeating treats is to portion out their food for the day and use that as their reward. In most cases, the puppy will respond just as enthusiastically to kibble. Place a bowl of water in a location accessible to your puppy and supervise him to ensure he drinks enough but not too much. Puppies at this age should drink between half and one ounce of water per pound of body weight daily. So if your eight-week-old Lab is 12 lbs 5. This is an essential part of puppy care. As mentioned, if you get your puppy from a reliable breeder which should always be the case , the pup should have already started with his vaccinations, and the breeder should provide the vaccination records. Then, make an appointment with the vet for any vaccination follow-up. Also, ensure your pup stays on worm preventative medication as puppies are more prone than adult dogs to worm infection. Sometimes puppies are also born with certain types of worms from an infected mother, especially roundworms and hookworms, where mother-to-puppy transmission is a significant mode of spreading. Be especially sure that your Lab puppy gets the heartworm vaccination. Heartworm is a dangerous and potentially fatal disease, and once your dog is infected, the cure is expensive and extremely harsh on your dog. A trained dog will learn how to behave in and outside the home and around other humans and pets. I have a full beginner guide on how to train an 8 week old Labrador puppy , but in a nutshell, there are three training areas you should focus on in terms of pet training: housebreaking, obedience, and socialization. Housebreak Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Housebreaking means training your puppy to eliminate outdoors or at a designated location inside the home instead of doing it anywhere and at any time. Puppies need frequent bathroom breaks because their system is not yet mature enough to hold it for long. Luckily you can take advantage of that to teach your dog to always use the same spot. Pay attention to the signs your puppy gives when they need to ease themselves, like circling, whining, or sniffing their groin. Puppies naturally need to eliminate at these times: First thing after waking up in the morning. Last thing before retiring at night. After every meal. After drinking plenty of water. Upon waking up from a nap. During or after play or exercise. When they wake up during the night. Their brain, at this point, is like a sponge that will easily absorb new info. Also, teaching these commands early will make living with you easier for your dog as he will know what is expected of him. Teach your Lab puppy to sit, lay down, stay, leave, and other basic commands that are foundational for more advanced training later. Remember to use only positive reinforcement training approaches and reward your puppy with verbal praise, positive gesture cues, and treats. Exposure to these realities will help your Lab puppy adjust fast and nurture proper social behavior. In addition, exposure will preempt signs of poor puppy socialization, like aggression and fear around people and other animals. In general, your eight-week-old Labrador puppy should have two minute sessions of exercise daily. In addition, keep the following in mind: Keep exercise sessions short in the beginning and allow your puppy to adapt gradually. Playtime counts as exercise, so be careful not to over-exercise your Lab puppy. This is the harness I use. Allow your pup spontaneous rest moments between play. When exercising your puppy , avoid taking him for walks during the coldest or hottest times of the day. There are several ways to ensure your eight-week-old Labrador puppy is always safe, including ample supervision and choosing the right kind of toy. They might also try to get away on an exploratory walk if the door is left open. To avoid these dangers, puppy-proofing your home before getting your eight-week-old Lab puppy is vital. Read more here, What Foods are Poisonous to Labradors? Unplug power cords and put them away when not in use, as your puppy could try chewing on them. Remember that your puppy is young and still learning. It is also a legal requirement in some countries, such as the UK, and it may be required when traveling. While name tags are an excellent way to identify a dog, they can be easily removed or get lost, which means you are better off microchipping your Lab puppy, or even better, do both. Choose Safe Play Toys for Your 8-Week-Old Labrador Puppy Like us, eight-week-old puppies still have their baby teeth which they gradually lose to make room for their adult teeth. So, expect a lot of chewing and nipping during this time. Like humans, teething can be uncomfortable, and chewing is their only way to relieve some of that pain. To that end, ensure your Lab puppy has the right chewing toys to avoid damaging teeth or accidentally swallowing toy pieces. This toy is great for teething pups, doubles as a fetch toy, and is also a treat-dispensing toy where you can stuff it with peanut butter or other goodies. If proper toys are not provided, your Lab puppy will chew any available object in the house, such as table legs, shoes, remotes, or your hands. As such, they need proper resources for resting and sleeping. That includes the time to do so and a place where they will feel safe in. This synthetic dog bed has an ultra-soft feel and provides maximum comfort for your Lab. You can use it in the crate or as a stand-alone bed, and it comes in a few different styles and sizes. I like this bed due to its 3. Ensure the bed is in a location with no draft and where your puppy does not get any disturbance when resting. If you put your puppy straight into the crate without helping them adjust, it may react poorly. When buying a kennel, the best approach is to buy one that your pup can use as an adult dog, which for a Lab would be around 42 inches .Just be sure to get a crate with dividers so you can make the space smaller for your puppy. An 8-week-old Lab puppy can only walk for approximately minutes at a time. In most cases, young puppies will not walk but rather jump around and play. Still, keep in mind that they do not need long exercise sessions. Instead, keep playtimes short and allow for lots of rest. Remember that puppies should only walk about five minutes for every month of age, twice a day. At three months, you can stretch it to 15 minutes. Overwalking your Lab puppy can cause joint and bone issues and should be avoided. As such, a dog from a larger breed will need more food as a puppy than a smaller breed. An 8-week-old Lab puppy should be fed three to four meals of no more than cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy will depend on his size and weight. For example, if your puppy is between lbs 4. These measurements can vary with each dog food product, as different manufacturers have varying ingredients, so ensure you check the packaging first. Eight week old Lab puppies sleep for approximately 18 to 20 hours a day. An 8 week old Lab should pee as soon as they wake up, after eating and drinking, after waking up from a nap, during or after a session of play or exercise, just before going to bed at night, and when they awake during the night. Also the last meal of the day is several hours before bed time. The principles are the same. How much should my 9 week old puppy weigh? Your best guide to whether or not your puppy is growing properly is how he behaves and feels, rather than what the scales say. As a rough guide, many 9 week old lab puppies will weigh between lbs or a couple of pounds either side of this. Check out our puppy growth FAQ for more information. Puppy weights may also vary quite considerably between the two different types of Labrador field and show and even between individuals from the same litter. Potty training a 9 week old puppy Nine weeks is often the point at which people start to worry about potty training progress, or rather, lack of it. Perhaps you are taking your Labrador puppy outside after every meal, and every time he wakes up, but he is still making puddles all over the house. So what is going on? Nine week old pups have very poor bladder control, and short memories. He is still very much a baby and will need your help in this department for some time to come. Your role is to restrict his access to areas where mistakes are most likely to happen, through the use of baby gates or some other kind of temporary barrier. You will also need to take him outside before his bladder is over flowing which might be every twenty minutes at certain times of the day and to generally ensure that every wee goes in the right place. Check out our complete guide to potty training for more information. This is such a common concern, and often arises for the first time at about nine weeks. The puppy is settled in his new home, his shyness has worn off, his confidence is back, and he is ready for some fun. Concerns arise, simply because most people do not realise just how ferocious Labrador puppies seem when they play. Puppies bite hard and make a lot of noise and this is usually quite normal. Check out this article on puppy aggression to reassure yourself that you have not bought a vicious wild animal into your home. How much to feed a 9 week old puppy Many puppies, especially Lab puppies, are very greedy and wolf down every morsel you provide for them. Puppies like this will eat far more than they need and quickly become obese if you let them decide on quantities. You also need to bear in mind that every brand of puppy food is different. You can then add a little more to each meal if the puppy is not gaining weight steadily, or reduce the meals a tiny bit if he is getting too plump. However, if your puppy normally eats heartily and suddenly goes off his food, all food, then he may be unwell. Have a chat with your vet if you are concerned, especially if your puppy misses more than one meal. On the other hand, if he is quite happy to eat an alternative menu, the chances are he is simply exercising his right to an opinion. I strongly recommend you ignore this, and simply take his bowl away. You can offer the same meal later when the puppy is more hungry. If you are interested in feeding your puppy on a more natural diet, you may enjoy our guide to raw feeding: Raw feeding for dogs. And provided that you use modern methods, which are great fun for dogs of all ages. Fortunately this is not a problem at all, because a nine week old puppy does not need a walk. What he needs is space to trot about and play. And your yard or garden is probably suitable for this. So, you have all the time in the world, in which to introduce your puppy to his collar and lead. Let him wear a collar for a short while each day. Clip the lead on from time to time and let it trail. Distract him with food and cuddles. Occasionally pick up the end and encourage him to follow you. Just drop your email address into the box below: Socializing your 9 week old puppy We have known for several decades that puppies need to be exposed to different types of experiences before they are three months old , in order to become confident and fearless. Yet far too many puppies are kept at home, away from the world in those important first few weeks. Socialization is all about raising a friendly confident dog, and proper socialization helps to avoid problems like fearfulness and aggression. That means taking your puppy to lots of different places, carrying them in your arms or a carrier, to avoid contact with potential sources of infection. Enrolling your puppy in a well-supervised, modern force free training class can be a great way of building social confidence too. Studies have shown that puppies enrolled in classes before 20 weeks of age are less likely to be fearful than puppies kept at home. The same goes for houses you regularly visit with only dogs that you are confident have been recently vaccinated. Leaving a 9 week old puppy alone during the day is not a good idea. At this stage of their life they have only been in your home for a short time, and are still settling in. They need constant supervision for toilet training, and are probably still learning to be happy in their crate. Can I bathe my 9 week old puppy? But Labradors being Labradors, there is bound to come a point when you have a sticky or messy pup on your hands! Just use a gentle shampoo designed for puppies, and try to make the process fun for your little one. You might find the kitchen sink or a large plastic bowl is a lot less scary than the great big family bathtub. Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies.
Did You Know? How big do GSDs get? The German Shepherd is a large breed of dog. GSD males are ideally 24'' to 26'', weighing between 70 to 90 pounds, and females 22'' to 24'', weighing between 50 to 70 pounds. German Shepherd Coat? GSDs have an inner and an outer coat. Indeed, they shed heavily at times, but quick daily grooming with a coat "rake" helps greatly! GSDs make superior family pets. Great with adults, children, and infants alike. GSDs typically live 12 to 14 years. Guarding Skills GSDs are of the shepherding class of dogs and are thus inclined to protect the home and family. Many of my customers decide on a German Shepherd because of their renowned loyalty. They became familiar with the breed when they were growing up either with one in the home or through a neighbor or friend that had one. The fore legs are parallel and straight, while the rear legs are placed one more forward, and the other further back. This causes the head to be high, and the rump lower, looking at readiness and nobility. The stack pose is used in the show ring to exaggerate the dog's overall structure and is not the normal stance or position of the show line dogs. In short, it is an ordered examination of a dog's abilities in the disciplines of tracking, obedience, and protection, while Kkl is an abbreviated form of the German word "koerklasse. It is the final evaluation of many tests and trials to determine one simple thing about the dog.A dog with a Kkl rating of "passed" is deemed worthy to pass on its traits to the next generation. Call us to learn more about our puppies. As a responsible future German Shepherd dog owner, you might want to focus on sourcing your new pup from a responsible and reliable breeder instead of a questionable or unreliable one. Good German Shepherd breeders always adhere to the German Shepherd breed standard established by the AKC, and they do everything they can to ensure that the pups they breed are as healthy as possible from the start. Shadowbrook Shepherds — Troy Owned by Pat Holley, who is an experienced dog breeder and handler, Shadowbrook Shepherds is a breeding outfit that specializes in producing high-quality German Shepherd dogs that come from remarkable German bloodlines. They produce GSDs of work, show, and pet quality, as well as the occasional breeding-quality dogs that are only sold to approved breeders. Shadowbrook Shepherds is a member in good standing with both the German Shepherd Dog Club of America and the American Kennel Club; hence, its breeding program focuses on sticking to the standards for responsible and ethical breeding practices. They produce an average of six to eight litters of German Shepherds per year, all the while focusing on good conformation, excellent health, and sound temperament, to ensure that the dogs they breed excel in any field — whether as regular old family members, skilled working dogs, or quality show dogs. Of course, Shadowbrook Shepherds chooses only health-tested breeding dogs to ensure that their litters carry the best qualities of the German Shepherd breed. All of their puppies are also health tested and vet checked, as well as fully vaccinated, microchipped, and put through a deworming protocol before they are ready to leave for their new home. Shadowbrook Shepherds offers a limited AKC registration, a health guarantee, and a new puppy starter pack that contains all the necessary information that goes along with your puppy such as health records, dog training advice, toys, etc. Shadowbrook Shepherds details. We have created a list of the Best German Shepherd Breeders in Pennsylvania to help you find a healthy puppy. You can ensure that our list will not include any backyard breeders or puppy mills. They only breed puppies from parents who are certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals to be free of hip and elbow dysplasia. Their German shepherd puppies have excellent physical and mental qualities and come from superior lines. This breeder specializes in breeding black and red purebred German shepherd puppies, as well as they also breed for those who are interested in German shepherd dog ownership for the purpose of the Show Ring, or for the disciplines of Schutzhund, or as Service dogs. All puppies come with a 1st vet check, a two-year written health guarantee, as well as their first vaccination and their first round of deworming. Every German shepherd puppy also comes with a three-generation pedigree from the A. They strive to produce German Shepherds with a stunning black and deep red coat, exceptional character, and family protection all in one. All parents dogs and are health screened and hip and elbow certified. Breeders invite everyone to come to visit their house to see how their dogs are raised and what facilities that get it. German Shepherd Breeder Info:. NET I am no longer able to log in or send out from the epix. I apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you. With many years of experience in ethical, responsible breeding as members of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America - we adhere to the standards they provide. Our AKC registered dogs are deeply rooted in select German lines, and select American lines with a careful breeding plan we produce puppies, 4 to 6 annual litters, that excel as cherished family pets, working and show dogs. We are also expanding what we train or introduce our pups to, we have plans to bring in canine agility training and conformation. We remain active with our dogs and take great pride in ensuring that our pups are raised in a healthy, well socialized and loving environment. We talk below about some of the specialty areas that our pups have been and will continue to be successful in. You'll find our pups grow to be great protectors, wonderful pets, excellent in the fields of search and rescue, remarkable therapy dogs - it all begins with our puppy training. You can find this dog in the thick of war as a bomb dog, as a seeing-eye dog for the blind, or in the home as a family pet. There is no limit to what these dogs can do. After deciding that the German Shepherd is the right dog for your family, the next step is finding a reputable breeder. A reputable breeder is one that will ask you questions about the breed and why you chose it and will meet you at their facility. They should also let you meet the parents of your puppy if you request it. We have put together this list of the Top 10 German Shepherd Breeders in Pennsylvania to help lead you to your perfect puppy. Each breeder will include some information about the breeder, puppies, and guarantees they may offer. Also included is easy-to-use contact information, for when you select the breeder of your dreams. Even though we have worked hard to put together this information for you, you should always do your own research and talk with the breeder of your choice to make sure that it is an ideal fit for your family. After seeing their courage and intelligence in one of the most challenging environments, he fell in love with the breed. Upon returning home, he decided to start breeding the German Shepherd dogs he loved so much. Tony specifically set his eyes on the long-coated variety, for their unique look, and that is what he specializes in breeding today. Puppies from Bergerhaus are raised inside the family and are socialized with children and other pets. Before going home, they receive a vet check, all vaccines, four deworming treatments, and a microchip. They also come with a two-year health guarantee. Stud services are also available to approve female dogs. If you are in the military or a law enforcement officer, we have some good news for you. Bergerhaus offers a discount for all military and law enforcement as a thank-you for your service. Purchasers of puppies report calm, friendly, confident dogs and refer to Tony as knowledgeable and professional. Tony offers lifetime support to all his adoptive families and encourages them to reach out if they have questions.
Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Chicago Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Chicago? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Chicago? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. We have answers. There are a number of factors that affect how much Golden Retriever puppies Illinois would be. A Golden Retriever breeder Illinois that has more experience also tends to sell their dogs at a higher price. Do your breeders transport puppies out of state? Are there Golden Retriever breeders near me? We work with breeders and businesses from all 48 states in the continental US. All of them have a proven track record of transporting dogs safely to any major airport. How do you screen breeders? Learn more about our criteria at the Breeder Pledge page. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? Simple: We care about animals and the families they will go home to. With us, you are. We have a wide network of partner breeders and companies, and we can attest to the legitimacy of each and every one of them. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are businesses that prioritize money over animal welfare. They produce puppies with no consideration of animal rights, ethical breeding practices, or health condition--the only thing that matters is the bottom line. If you buy a Golden Retriever for sale Illinois from a puppy mill, expect to spend a lot on vet bills—with no guarantee how long your dog will live. Are there any purebred Golden Retriever puppies for sale near me? What is the MatchMaker process? We want to make your life with your new best friend the happiest it can be--and it starts with choosing the right puppy for you. Some of our happy clients share their stories below. We hope one day, you will too.
F1 Goldendoodle What is an English Goldendoodle? They are very loving and friendly dogs that enjoy spending time with their owners. They are highly intelligent, very easy to train, and thrive on social interaction. As a result, English Goldendoodles make an excellent service or therapy dog. The English Goldendoodle is also considered a low to non-shedding breed, which makes them ideal for owners with allergies. English Goldendoodles come in a variety of colors. Due to the English Golden retriever's light coloring, the signature English cream Goldendoodle and white Goldendoodle tends to be the most common. However, English Goldendoodles can also come in tan, red, apricot, chocolate or even black depending on the color of the Poodle. Most of our Goldendoodle puppies are of the white, cream, tan, or apricot variety. We encourage you to learn more about English Goldendoodles at the link below. First and foremost, the health and happiness of our dams and their puppies is our top priority. Our English Golden Retrievers are our pets first, and live and sleep inside the comforts of our home. We are not a large kennel facility or puppy mill and are strong advocates against such practices. Our dogs give birth in in comfortable, temperature controlled conditions in our home. Each of our parents pass a full vet administered health exam prior to breeding. We interact with each of the Goldendoodle puppies daily. We work on socializing them through human touch, and introduce them to crate training prior to going home with you. All Goldendoodle puppies are given a full vet administered health exam prior to going home. Trusting the wrong breeder can lead to a boatload of health issues down the line. These top breeders are a great place for you to start in your Goldendoodle puppy search! They breed first, second, and third generation Goldendoodles, Cavapoos, and Bernedoodles in Austin, Texas. Their puppies range in size from Mini to Standard. Health All parent dogs are health-tested to make sure that they are passing down healthy genes. Each puppy gets probiotics from an early age to ensure healthy guts, too. Raising Puppies Waterloo Doodles puppies have a consistent schedule. They get time to run around and play while also being groomed every day. The website does not mention whether or not the puppies grow up in a home or a kennel. Price I was unable to find any pricing information. This is not many reviews to go off of, but the ones that are there are glowing. It was a great experience. I was hesitant to go through a breeder because nobody would let me meet the puppy before adoption or deposit. Waterloo allowed me to meet the entire litter and find the dog that we connected to the most. Definitely will be getting our future pups from them! Laura and Railee M. We are so happy to have found our little baby and newest family member! Application Process First, you must apply. After that, you choose your desired litter, put a deposit down, and meet the puppies at eight weeks old! We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Austin Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! We are a small business dedicated to breeding beautiful, healthy, and well socialized medium to large Goldendoodle puppies raised in a loving environment. We hope that you found our website because you are as excited about Goldendoodles as we are. They are intentionally exposed to children, dogs, cows, chickens, horses, bees and plenty of farm equipment including trucks and tractors. Each Doodle is Family Our puppies are provided the ideal environment from the day they are welcomed into our world by our loving family. Our dogs and pups live with us, in our home, where they are provided the necessary stimulation and attention for proper growth, development and socialization. All of our dogs are provided healthy, high quality diets at all stages of life and development. During pregnancy and whelping, our dams are fed an all-natural diet that consists primarily of our own special recipe of farm raised chicken and eggs antibiotic free of course , and a variety of our farm raised, canine appropriate, seasonal veggies grown right here at the ranch. Healthy Doodles Are the Best Doodles All of our dogs receive NuVet Plus vitamins which we have carefully selected based on the scientific studies we have reviewed. Our parent dogs receive a routine serving of bones, sourced locally, right here on the ranch. We control exactly what goes into our dogs, including our training treats, which we make from scratch out of chicken and bone meal. Our Doodle Goal It is our goal to reproduce the best characteristics of this amazing breed. Combining the best tempered and most intelligent dog breeds with exceptional dietary choices, age appropriate exposures and human stimulus results in easily trained puppies with great temperaments. See What Some Current Owners Are Saying We talk to people daily about Goldendoodles and consistently hear about and have personally experienced such great companionship from this breed. We want to share this with others. He is the perfect match. Gus is my first dog. He has such a vibrant personality and loves everyone, especially kids. He will be the perfect therapy dog. Kirst R. We LOVE our doodle! Laddy is the sweetest, most patient, good with kids dog we could could have ever asked for. Bryan and Cora B. My dog Nollie is the love of my life. She has the perfect personality she's a playful fluffy cuddly mop and she settles down immediately. I couldn't have asked for a better pup. So easy to train I think I'm going to make her a therapy dog, she's a natural! Karlee R.
Other Grooming Activities In addition to the grooming steps we mentioned above, you should also keep track of other activities like nail trimming , ear cleaning , and teeth brushing. They get along well with people of all ages, including young children. They come in multiple sizes, so you can adopt a pup according to your preference and living arrangement. Golden Labradoodles are generally healthy with a longer life expectancy when compared to purebred Retrievers. Cons Of Golden Labradoodles: Not all Golden Labradoodles are hypoallergenic, so you must carefully choose one based on their coat type. Getting a healthy and happy puppy is more than worth the investment! Neither of them is better than the other, as both Labradoodles and Goldendoodles are wonderful companions with many amazing traits. Additionally, they both have the same requirements when it comes to grooming, training, and exercise. However, based on our survey results , some people note that the Labradoodle can be a bit more laid back compared to the slightly more hyper Goldendoodle. Golden Labradoodle: Final Thoughts We hope this in-depth guide about the Goldendoodle-Labradoodle mix has shed some light onto this wonderful Double Doodle. Just make sure to research the breeder carefully before committing so that you can be sure your puppy is coming from an ethical source. Take matters into your own hands and learn to give your Doodle the exact haircut YOU want with this valuable online course! Varies in texture and length, can be straight, wavy, or curly Color Golden or shades of gold, ranging from light cream to dark golden Eyes Usually medium-sized and expressive, can be brown or hazel Ears Medium to long in length, hanging close to the head Tail Long and set at or near the level of the back It is important to note that individual Golden Labradoodles may deviate from these averages, as they are a mix of two different breeds, the Golden Retriever and the Poodle. The size and appearance can also be influenced by the specific size of the Poodle parent used in breeding, whether it's a Standard, Miniature, or Toy Poodle. When considering the appearance and size of a Golden Labradoodle, it is essential to choose a reputable breeder who can provide information about the specific traits and characteristics of the puppies. Factors such as exercise, diet, and grooming can also play a role in maintaining the optimal appearance and size of your Golden Labradoodle. Coat and Grooming The coat of a Golden Labradoodle typically exhibits a wavy or curly texture and is soft and dense. Maintaining their coat's health requires regular grooming practices. This includes consistent brushing to prevent matting and to ensure the coat remains neat and tidy. Golden Labradoodles boast a double coat, featuring a water-resistant outer layer and a soft undercoat. Regular baths are essential to keep the coat clean and free from dirt and debris, with the coat's length varying from short to medium to long among individual dogs. To maintain their appearance, professional grooming is recommended every weeks, including trimming around the face, paws, and tail. Golden Labradoodles are known for shedding minimally or not at all, making them a suitable choice for individuals with allergies. Additionally, regular nail trimming is crucial to prevent discomfort caused by overly long nails. Routine brushing also helps distribute the coat's natural oils, promoting a healthy and glossy appearance. Ensuring ear cleanliness through regular cleaning and checking for signs of infection is essential for their overall health. Good dental hygiene is vital as well; brushing the dog's teeth regularly prevents tartar buildup and gum disease. While professional grooming can be costly, adopting a consistent maintenance routine at home can help control grooming expenses. Keep in mind that grooming requirements may vary based on the specific crossbreeding of the Golden Retriever and Poodle. Furthermore, grooming sessions serve as an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog and reinforce positive behaviors. Temperament and Personality When it comes to the temperament and personality of a Golden Labradoodle, there are several traits that are commonly seen in this breed: Friendly: Golden Labradoodles are known for their friendly nature. They are typically outgoing and welcoming towards both strangers and other animals. Social: These dogs thrive on companionship and love being part of a family. They enjoy being around people and are usually good with children, making them a great choice for families. Intelligent: Golden Labradoodles have a temperament and personality that includes high intelligence. They are quick learners and are often eager to please their owners. This makes them relatively easy to train. Playful: These dogs have a playful and fun-loving nature. They enjoy engaging in various activities such as fetch or playing with toys. Their playful nature also makes them good companions for active individuals or families. Loyal: Golden Labradoodles are known for their loyalty. Once they form a bond with their owner, they are committed and devoted. They make excellent companions for those looking for a faithful and devoted pet. Trainability When it comes to the trainability of a Golden Labradoodle, there are some key factors to consider: Intelligence: Golden Labradoodles exhibit a remarkable level of trainability due to their inherent intelligence. They possess a quick learning ability and readily comprehend and execute commands. Positive Reinforcement: The most effective approach for training a Golden Labradoodle involves utilizing positive reinforcement techniques. Employing reward-based training methods such as treats, praise, and playtime yields highly favorable outcomes. Consistency: Consistency plays a pivotal role in the training process of Golden Labradoodles. These intelligent canines thrive on routine and exhibit superior responses when commands and expectations remain consistent. Socialization: The early socialization of Golden Labradoodles holds immense importance regarding their overall trainability. Introducing them to diverse individuals, animals, and environments aids in fostering confidence and adaptability in these dogs. Early Training: Initiating training at an early stage of a Golden Labradoodle's life is highly recommended. Due to their eager-to-please nature, they can commence learning basic commands and obedience training from a tender age. To enhance the trainability of your Golden Labradoodle, the following suggestions should be taken into consideration: Enroll in obedience classes: Professional training classes provide structure and guidance for both you and your dog. They offer an excellent opportunity to acquire effective training techniques and ensure that your Golden Labradoodle attains proper socialization. Exercise patience and maintain consistency: Training requires time and effort. It is crucial to remain consistent with your commands, rewards, and expectations. Patience is the key, as each dog learns at their own pace. Establish a positive and calm environment: Dogs respond most favorably to positive reinforcement and a serene training environment. Avoid punishments or negative reinforcement techniques, as these can impede progress and have adverse effects on their well-being. By considering these factors and implementing the aforementioned suggestions, you can cultivate the trainability of your Golden Labradoodle, thereby positioning them for success in their training journey. History and Origin of Golden Labradoodle The history and origin of the golden Labradoodle can be traced back to the s in Australia. The breed's history and origin are unique and not standardized, unlike purebred dogs. Each Labradoodle can have variations in appearance, temperament, and coat type, depending on the traits passed down from their parent breeds. This variability is what makes Labradoodles unique and endearing to many dog lovers. The golden Labradoodle is a hybrid breed obtained by crossing a Golden Retriever with a Poodle. Its history and origin lie in the purpose of developing a hypoallergenic guide dog for visually impaired individuals who also had allergies to dog hair and dander. This aim led to the combination of the intelligence, trainability, and friendliness of the Golden Retriever with the low-shedding coat of the Poodle. The result was a dog that not only had a hypoallergenic coat but also possessed the desirable qualities of both parent breeds. Due to its friendly and affectionate nature, intelligence, and adaptability to various lifestyles, the Labradoodle quickly gained popularity. It became a sought-after family pet, therapy dog, and service dog. Its popularity also extended internationally, and today, golden Labradoodles can be found in many countries around the world. An interesting fact about the golden Labradoodle is that the term "Labradoodle" was actually coined by Wally Conron, one of the breed's initial developers. The name was created by combining the names of the two parent breeds, Labrador Retriever and Poodle, resulting in the catchy and distinctive name we know today. Caring for a Golden Labradoodle If you've got a lively, bouncing golden labradoodle in your life, it's essential to understand how to properly care for them. Exercise Needs When it comes to the exercise needs of a Golden Labradoodle, it's important to provide them with regular physical activity to meet their exercise needs and keep them happy and healthy. Daily Walks: Taking your Golden Labradoodle for daily walks is essential for meeting their exercise needs. Aim for at least 30 minutes to an hour of walking each day. Playtime: Engage in regular play sessions with your Golden Labradoodle to meet their mental and physical exercise needs. This can include playing fetch, tug of war, or interactive puzzle toys. Outdoor Activities: Golden Labradoodles love outdoor activities such as hiking, swimming, and running in an enclosed area. These activities provide them with an opportunity to burn off excess energy and meet their exercise needs. Training Exercises: Incorporate training exercises into your Golden Labradoodle's exercise routine. This not only helps them stay physically fit but also enhances their mental agility and fulfills their exercise needs. Dietary Requirements Golden Labradoodles Protein Golden Labradoodles require a diet that is rich in protein to support their active lifestyle and maintain healthy muscles. The diet should include high-quality sources of protein such as lean meats, fish, and eggs. Fat A moderate amount of healthy fats is essential for Golden Labradoodles. It provides them with energy and supports healthy skin and coat. Include sources of healthy fats like fish oil and flaxseed oil in their diet. Carbohydrates Carbohydrates are an important source of energy for Golden Labradoodles. Opt for complex carbohydrates like whole grains and vegetables, which provide a steady release of energy and are rich in fiber. Vitamins and Minerals Golden Labradoodles need a balanced mix of vitamins and minerals to support their overall health. Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in their diet to ensure they receive an adequate amount of essential nutrients. Water Water is crucial for Golden Labradoodles to stay hydrated and maintain proper bodily functions. Ensure fresh and clean water is always available for them to drink. Dietary Restrictions Some Golden Labradoodles may have specific dietary restrictions or sensitivities. It's important to consult with a veterinarian to determine if any special dietary considerations are necessary, such as avoiding certain ingredients or following a specific diet plan. Health Considerations When it comes to the health considerations of owning a Golden Labradoodle, there are a few important factors to keep in mind. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure the overall well-being of your furry friend. It is recommended to schedule annual examinations, vaccinations, and screenings for common health issues such as hip dysplasia , progressive retinal atrophy PRA , and allergies. To address the health considerations, it is crucial to maintain a balanced diet and proper nutrition for your Golden Labradoodle. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate portion sizes and types of food that best meet their dietary requirements. In addition, regular exercise plays a vital role in keeping your Golden Labradoodle physically fit and mentally stimulated. Daily walks or playtime are necessary to prevent obesity and ensure their overall well-being. Grooming is another important aspect of their health. Regular brushing of their curly coat is essential to prevent matting and maintain their skin and coat in good condition. Don't forget to schedule regular bathing and grooming sessions to maintain their hygiene. It is important to be mindful of any changes in behavior or appearance and seek veterinary advice if any health concerns arise. Early detection and timely intervention can greatly contribute to the long-term health and happiness of your Golden Labradoodle. By incorporating these health considerations, you can help ensure that your Golden Labradoodle leads a healthy and fulfilling life. Training and Socialization for a Golden Labradoodle Ready to unleash the charm of your golden labradoodle? In this section, we'll dive into the key aspects of training and socialization. Discover the power of basic commands and obedience training, unlocking your dog's potential for good behavior. Basic Commands and Obedience Training Basic commands and obedience training are essential for a well-behaved and disciplined Golden Labradoodle. Here are some key aspects to consider: Start early: Begin training your Golden Labradoodle puppy as soon as you bring them home. Puppies have a natural curiosity and eagerness to learn, making it easier to teach them basic commands. Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats, praise, and affection, to reward your dog when they obey commands correctly. This positive association encourages them to repeat the desired behavior. Consistency: Be consistent with your training methods and commands. Use the same verbal cues and hand signals each time to avoid confusion. Consistency helps your dog understand what is expected of them and speeds up the learning process. Focus on essential commands: Teach your Golden Labradoodle basic commands like sit, stay, come, lie down, and leave it. These commands provide the foundation for obedience and ensure your dog's safety and control in various situations. Short and frequent training sessions: Keep training sessions short, around minutes, to maintain your dog's attention and prevent boredom. Regular, frequent training sessions throughout the day will yield better results than longer, infrequent sessions. Gradual progression: Once your dog has mastered the basic commands, you can gradually move on to more advanced obedience training, including leash walking, heel, and off-leash training. Build on their previous knowledge to expand their skills. Persistence and patience: Training takes time and patience. Dogs have different learning abilities, so be patient and understanding if your Golden Labradoodle takes longer to grasp certain commands. Stay consistent with training and celebrate their progress. Professional help if needed: If you're unsure about training techniques or facing challenges, consider seeking help from a professional dog trainer. They can provide guidance and tailor the training to suit your dog's specific needs. Remember, basic commands and obedience training are essential for a harmonious and well-behaved relationship with your Golden Labradoodle. With consistent training and positive reinforcement, your furry friend will become a well-mannered and obedient companion. Socializing with People and Other Animals When it comes to socializing with people and other animals, Golden Labradoodles thrive on interactions and companionship. Here are some important aspects to consider: Early socialization: It is crucial to start socializing your Golden Labradoodle from a young age. Expose them to various environments, people of different ages and backgrounds, as well as other animals. This helps them develop confidence, adaptability, and good behavior. Positive reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement techniques to reward your Golden Labradoodle for good behavior during social interactions. This can include treats, praise, or playtime. Avoid punishment or negative reinforcement, as it can hinder their socialization progress. Leash training: Ensure your Golden Labradoodle is comfortable and well-behaved on a leash. This will make it easier for them to interact with other dogs and people while on walks or in public spaces. Introduce gradually: When introducing your Golden Labradoodle to new people or animals, do it gradually and in a controlled environment. Start with calm and friendly individuals before progressing to more challenging or stimulating situations. Supervision: Always supervise your Golden Labradoodle's interactions with people and animals, especially in the beginning stages of socialization. This ensures their safety and allows you to intervene if any issues arise. Consistency: Be consistent in your socialization efforts. Regularly expose your Golden Labradoodle to different social situations, and reinforce positive behavior and manners consistently. Remember, every dog is unique, so individual temperaments and preferences may vary. Also, seek guidance from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist if you encounter any challenges during the socialization process. Pros and Cons of Owning a Golden Labradoodle Considering the pros and cons of owning a golden Labradoodle, it's essential to weigh the advantages and disadvantages. On one hand, you'll discover the perks of having a loving and sociable furry companion by your side. On the other hand, there are certain drawbacks that come with this unique breed. So, let's delve into the details and uncover what makes owning a golden Labradoodle such a mixed bag of blessings and challenges. Advantages Advantages of owning a Golden Labradoodle include their low-shedding coat. This is great for individuals who are allergic to pet dander or for those who prefer a cleaner living environment. You won't have to worry about constantly cleaning up fur around the house. Intelligent and trainable: Golden Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and trainability. They are quick learners and enjoy pleasing their owners, making them ideal for obedience training and learning various commands. Whether you want them to perform tricks or just follow basic obedience, they will quickly pick up on what you're teaching them. Gentle and friendly temperament: With their Golden Retriever and Poodle heritage, Golden Labradoodles are known for their gentle and friendly temperament. They are typically good-natured and get along well with people of all ages, including children. Their friendly nature makes them excellent family pets. Versatile companion: Golden Labradoodles make excellent companions for individuals or families. They are adaptable to different living situations, whether you live in an apartment or a house with a large yard. They are also great for outdoor adventures like hiking or going to the beach. Therapy and service dog potential: Due to their intelligence, temperament, and trainability, Golden Labradoodles have the potential to be excellent therapy or service dogs. They can provide emotional support and assistance to individuals with disabilities or special needs. Disadvantages When considering owning a Golden Labradoodle, it's important to be aware of the potential disadvantages that come with this breed: High Energy Levels: Golden Labradoodles are known for their high energy levels and need for regular exercise. Without enough physical and mental stimulation, they can become bored and may exhibit destructive behaviors. Grooming Requirements: The coat of a Golden Labradoodle is dense and curly, which requires regular grooming to prevent matting. This can be time-consuming and may require professional grooming services. Health Concerns: Like all dog breeds, Golden Labradoodles are susceptible to certain health issues. Some common health concerns in this breed include hip dysplasia, allergies, and eye problems. Regular veterinary care and health screenings are essential to ensure their well-being. Separation Anxiety: Golden Labradoodles are sociable and affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship. They can experience separation anxiety when left alone for long periods, which may lead to destructive behaviors or excessive barking. Finding and Choosing a Golden Labradoodle When it comes to finding and choosing a golden Labradoodle, there are a few key factors to consider. In this section, we'll explore how to find a reputable breeder, the importance of health testing and certifications, and the crucial steps in selecting the right puppy. Finding a Reputable Breeder When finding a reputable breeder for a Golden Labradoodle, it is important to consider several factors to ensure you are making the right choice: Reputation: Do your research and look for breeders with a good reputation. Read reviews, talk to other dog owners, and join online communities to gather information about reputable breeders. Breeding practices: A reputable breeder will follow ethical breeding practices. They will prioritize the health and well-being of their dogs and will conduct health tests to ensure the puppies are healthy and free from genetic diseases. Transparency: A reputable breeder will be open and transparent about their breeding program. They will provide you with all the necessary information about the parents of the puppies, including their health records, pedigree, and temperament. Interaction with the puppies: A reputable breeder will allow you to meet the puppies and their parents. They will encourage you to spend time with them to assess their temperament and confirm that they are well-socialized. Contract and health guarantee: A reputable breeder will provide you with a written contract that outlines the responsibilities of both parties. They will also offer a health guarantee for the puppies, ensuring that they are free from any genetic or hereditary defects. By considering these factors, you can find a reputable breeder who will provide you with a healthy and well-socialized Golden Labradoodle. Health Testing and Certifications By conducting health tests and obtaining certifications, breeders can identify potential genetic health issues and prevent them from being passed on to future generations. This helps in maintaining the health and longevity of the breed. Health testing and certifications indicate that the breeder is committed to producing healthy and genetically sound puppies. They give assurance to potential owners that the puppy they are considering is less likely to develop hereditary health issues. One example of a crucial health test for Golden Labradoodles is the hip and elbow dysplasia evaluation. This test determines the structural soundness of the dog's hips and elbows, reducing the risk of joint problems. Selecting the Right Puppy When it comes to selecting the right puppy for your family, there are a few important factors to consider: Breeder reputation: It is crucial to find a reputable breeder who follows ethical practices and cares for the well-being of their dogs. Take the time to research breeders, read reviews, and ask for recommendations from trusted sources. Health testing and certifications: Ensure that the breeder conducts necessary health tests on their adult dogs to identify any potential genetic health issues. Ask for certifications or documentation to verify the health of the puppy and its parents. Temperament assessment: Request information about the temperament of the puppy and its parents. A responsible breeder will provide insights into the puppy's behavioral tendencies and match you with a suitable companion based on your lifestyle and preferences. Observation and interaction: Spend time observing and interacting with the litter of puppies. Observe their behavior, social interactions, and how they respond to stimuli. This will give you an idea of their personalities and help you select a puppy that aligns with your expectations. Physical health: Examine the overall health of the puppies. Look for signs of alertness, cleanliness, and proper growth. Ensure that the puppy has received appropriate vaccinations and has been dewormed. Remember, selecting the right puppy is a decision that requires careful consideration. Take the time to thoroughly evaluate the breeder, assess the puppy's health and temperament, and trust your instincts. By doing so, you can increase the likelihood of finding a happy and healthy Golden Labradoodle that will be a perfect fit for your family. The Golden Labradoodle is a popular pedigree dog breed due to its gorgeous appearance, intelligence, trainability, and gentle nature. It is known for being sweet, loyal, and excellent with families and children. What are the characteristics of a Labradoodle's coat? The Labradoodle's coat can be wavy or curly, and it is soft, silky, and low shedding. This makes it a great choice for individuals who prefer a dog with minimal shedding. How small can a Golden Labradoodle get? If you prefer a smaller companion dog, a Mini Golden Labradoodle may be more suitable. Mini Golden Labradoodles are created by using a Miniature Poodle in the mix and typically weigh less than 40 pounds. What are some favorite activities for Golden Labradoodles? Golden Labradoodles enjoy various activities such as agility competitions, playing with digging toys, and even participating in fun Tik Tok videos. They have natural dirt scraping behaviors and retrieving instincts, making them highly versatile and entertaining companions. What are the recommended dog toys for a Golden Labradoodle? For a Golden Labradoodle with a gentle nature, self-fetch dog toys and aesthetic dog beds are great options. Self-fetch toys allow dogs to play without the owner needing to do much, and aesthetic dog beds provide a comfortable and cozy den-like space for them to relax. The link has been copied! The famous Golden Labradoodle, which is one of the finest breeds of dogs, was created in Australia as a hypoallergenic pattern dog. The very first hybridization between a Labrador Retriever and a regular Poodle was done by a famous Australian breeder, Wally Conron, in .This man is also considered as accountable for the breeding plan at the Royal Guide Dogs Association of Australia. Sultan, himself was a magnificent and intelligent creature and had a hypoallergenic sheet along with the abilities, intellect, and character to be a capable model dog. In Hawaii, Sultan got a lot of progress in his job by working along with a woman. After seeing such results, this ignited a new spark in the breeders, and many of them started discerning this astonishing dog and determined to start incorporating these two varieties. The popularity of Labradoodles swiftly expanded because of the Labrador Retrievers, and it has finished up as the most solicited after Doodle dogs. The Golden Labradoodle, which is a mixture of two different species, is generally created by crossing a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle. After that, multi-gen breeding got much adhesion to create an enduring and noticeable specie. To modify this fantastic creation to be identified as a thoroughbred race in the coming few years, both the Australian Labradoodle Association and The Australian Labradoodle Association of America are trying their best and taking all possible actions in this course. There has been an ongoing massive effort by these groups to let breeders come closer mutually and assist them in accomplishing a basic standard of Labradoodles with multi-gen breeding. Poodle Although the Poodle is recognized as a national symbol in France and it has been awarded the honor of national dog and the French are very much passionate about this dog, but, it does not mean that the poodle was originated in France. It is considered as one of the most pristine discovered breeds which, in the initial years, were formerly utilized for bird shooting in Germany. Because of this reason, the Poodle had this amazing and outstanding trait of running over the water, particularly. It is the place where it can run swiftly and with no trouble, and it also determines the bird hit by the hunter. The word poodle is an English that has been derived from the German term pudel or pudelin, which means to splatter in the water. It took a lot of time for this race to developed into its particular race in France. But, even in those days, there was this trend where Poodle-owners would tonsure the legs, collars, and tailpieces of their dogs in Germany just like we can see it nowadays. There is a practical reason behind: They would shave those parts that would reduce the weight of the dogs. They would leave the thick cover that would shield the dog throughout its limbs and organs towards the cool water. It was not until the recent 14th ages that breeders began to produce shorter versions of the Poodle. Even in the 14th century, the large poodles were still in use by the French, which is also recognized as the primary and approved Poodle for bird shooting. The ordinary Poodle takes jobs like exploring for truffles in the forests, and the smaller species of the Poodle was considered as a sign or element of decoration and was normally utilized as more of an embellishing dog by the wealthy people at that time. Labrador Retriever The Labrador Retriever was created on the island of Newfoundland outside the northeastern shore of Canada. Incipiently named St. Except for the fact that their legacy is anonymous, many people still consider that the St. John dogs fraternized with the Newfoundland race and other local wandering town dogs. The breed was facing the fear of being wiped out and facing the threat of extinction at one time. But it is believed that the Malmesbury class and some other English dog lovers and followers who were fond of this breed, they started preserving the remaining living dogs of this specie. That is why they are attributed with the credit of having kept the race in the s. The race gradually started to disperse from Newfoundland because of the restrictions and regulations established by the state and several tax authorities. Families were just permitted to have one dog at a time, and keeping a female dog would mean that the owner will have to pay a huge amount of tax. Hence, the female pups were mostly faced with killing or disposal at the time of birth. Nowadays, Labrador Retrievers are frequently operating in many different areas such as medicines and drugs, bomb detection, rescue and search operations, providing therapies to the injured dogs, and also working as hunter dogs. Not only this, but these intelligent dogs are also performing exceedingly well in other fields such as different competitions of dogs, fieldwork, exhibiting intelligence, and adapting accordingly, showing affection and obedience towards the trainer and owners. How Big do Golden Labradoodles Get The standard size of a Golden Labradoodle can vary quite a lot, seeing as Labradors Retrievers are bred with a Poodle that can have of all sorts of shapes and sizes. A miniature Golden Labradoodle is normally around 12 to 16 inches. And their weight is around 15 to 25 pounds. A medium Golden Labradoodle is typically around 16 to 20 inches, weighing in at 30 to 45 pounds. And a standard Golden Labradoodle usually is 20 to 24 inches with a weight of 55 to 65 pounds. Traits of Golden Labradoodles Since a Golden Labradoodle is a crossbred dog, there is only one fact about which you can be sure about, and that is its color. You can only be sure about its color that it will be golden. Otherwise, you cannot predict any other traits that a dog will possess. Everything from size, weight type of coat, and so on, will be impossible to predict. And even though Labradors and Poodles are somewhat similar when it comes to their temperamental trains, they are fairly different types of dogs otherwise. The Poodle is basically a hypoallergenic type of dog along with a coat that hardly sheds even the slightest bit. While, on the other hand, a Labrador is recognized for possessing a dense, and silky coat that has this tendency of shedding. Both races are categorized into three distinct colors. The Poodle can be found in various colors like apricot, black and rust-colored, and the Labrador is either Golden, chocolate, or yellowish in color. Poodle and Labrador, both are considered water dogs with strong and powerful structural built. As a likely expected master of Golden Labradoodle, one can assume this crossbreed to have a similar type of strongly built body, which also includes floppy ears, a tall tailpiece, and a pleasant and charming expression. Golden Labradoodles With Kids and Other Pets Golden Labradoodles are frequently wonderful with children because they are considered as friendly and caring partners. Although they are much more active dogs, they might beat over tinny little toddlers by collision, but this race will cherish your children wholeheartedly. As with each other dog race, you should also educate children on how to act nearby a dog, and you should perpetually have a keen eye on any cooperation between a dog and children to be assured that neither your dog nor children do anything that would agitate or beat the equivalent. You should clearly instruct your children nearby your dog that the dog must not be disturbed or irritated when it is feeding or resting, and also, they should not try to snatch the food of dogs. Most importantly, It does not matter how kind and loving your dog is; it should never be left with a child alone. This race is very friendly and is particularly great around other dogs in a house. But this woolly friend needs some coaching and socialization, like every other dog, to get the whole experience of being with other pets. Care and Grooming of the Golden Labradoodle The desire for supervision and grooming can diversify quite a little because it usually depends on the length and kind of cover in your dog. In general terms, you should develop a habit of brushing your Golden Labradoodle a few times per week, and trim or shave it at least once a month to keep the coat soft enough to manage easily. They should only be washed when it is necessary because a bad smell or odor is not really associated with these dogs generally. Dogs have this tendency to develop ear infections, and the Golden Labradoodle is also highly vulnerable to ear contaminations, so be sure that you pay immediate attention to take care of their ears. You must regularly wipe and brush them after you have finished bathing with them. You must inspect them for at least once in a week for any dust or heavy smell which will show contamination. You must wipe them with cotton paper once in a week while utilizing a moderate sort of ear detergent just to get rid of any possible threats of contamination. Brush the teeth of your dogs about times a week to kill bacteria. Regular brushing is much more useful if you want to be assured to bypass any critical breath. Cut the nails of your dogs once or twice in a period as your dogs cannot trim them directly by themselves. When you hear the sound of clicking made by the dog while walking on the floor, it means that its nails are growing too much and need to be trimmed immediately. It is a fact that there are blood vessels inside the nails of your dogs. So, if you cut them too much down, you may provoke bleeding, and hence your dog will presumably be not reliable for assistance the next time when you trim its nails. So, if you are not satisfied by cutting the nails of your Golden dog, you must see a vet and have him take the responsibility. You should begin teaching your dog to be cleaned and inspected when it is quite just a puppy. This is the reason that you must be assured that common concern will be an emphatic experience for the dog full of cheering and comments. It will be a lot simpler for you, but also for the conditions where the dog has to attend the vet or any other study when it is growing more timeless. When monitoring your dog, you should be assured to examine any bruising, redness, or symbols of viruses, like soreness or swellings on any part of the body. The eyes must be clear without any redness. Your accurate weekly analysis of your Golden Labradoodle will assist you in finding any possible health problems. Golden Labradoodle Life Expectancy The average life expectancy for a Golden Labradoodle is 12 to 15 years where heredity and lineage, and overall lifestyle decisions have a significant impact. The basic dilemma with standards is that they are just average. Any Golden Labradoodle can live a long life well if you are providing him with good food and exercise. Health Issues of the Golden Labradoodle The Golden Doodle is a strong race, but because of being in collaboration with other races, the Doodle is more jeopardized to develop several problems. If you are anything like us, the Golden Labradoodle might have recently caught your eye. But before bringing your little guy home, you might want to ask yourself a few questions. Maybe even make a list of the pros and cons of a Golden Labradoodle? That is the reason most people label Doodles as hypoallergenic. For example, if you have seasonal allergies, shedding dogs can set off sneezing fits. Hypoallergenic coats are also great for people with asthma and eczema. So which coats are the most hypoallergenic? Most Golden Labradoodles have either a curly, wavy, or straight hair type. But these types of coats can be the pros and cons of a Golden Labradoodle depending on how you view it. Temperament The Double Doodle is the best of everything you know about Doodles. They have the sweet and gentle spirits of the Goldendoodle, but they are also adventure-seeking like the Labradoodle. When you bring a Goldendoodle Labradoodle mix into your home, there will never be a dull moment. Your dog will love to cuddle and spend every waking moment with you. But these Doodles are also great for people who love to get out and be active. And when you combine this with their social natures, you will see that the Double Doodle lights up the room. Trainability Golden Labradoodles are some of the smartest dogs you will ever meet. They live to serve and make you happy, which means that your puppy is willing to do anything to make you proud. Anything from potty training to basic commands and tricks is a breeze. Colors You might think that Golden Labradoodles only come in golden colors. Sure, golds and creams are more popular, but they also come in blacks, chocolates, and tan. So if your ideal Doodle is black with curly hair, nothing will be in your way. These Minis are anything under 40 pounds and are perfect for those who want a medium-sized dog. Each breeder has an ideal weight that they aim for when mixing hybrids. Long Lifespans The Goldendoodle Labradoodle mix has a long and healthy lifespan. You will have anywhere between years with your family pet if they stay healthy. So what can you do to make sure that you get this, or even more? A great diet , exercise , and check-ups can do a world of wonders to keep your dog healthy. Their sweet characters and gentle spirits make them great family pets. You might even find that your dog understands how fragile younger children are. Your Doodle will stay calmer and act with caution to take care of your babies. The only times your dog will bark is when they get antsy for something. Whether they need a walk, food, or just entertainment, these Doodles will let you know what they need. But you will never see your Double Doodle barking aimlessly at small noises or things in the yard. But this is another one that can also be a con, depending on your optimism. Seeing all the good in a pet is the easy part. But in this next section, you will have to decide if each con is something you can live with. Grooming Are Golden Labradoodles high maintenance? If you are looking strictly at grooming needs, then yes. You will need to prepare for lots of brushing and grooming appointments with a Double Doodle. The curlier and silkier the hair is, the more it will need to be brushed. And curly and wavy coats need a trim every weeks. So you will spend a lot of time and money to keep up with the hypoallergenic coats. But they can inherit more characteristics of one breed over the other because genetics can be fickle. Your dog might act more like a Poodle but have the hair of a Lab. Activity Needs If you are an athletic person, the Golden Labradoodle will have no problems fitting into your schedule. They love to tag along on any outdoor activity you enjoy. Your Doodle will need to have at least an hour of exercise a day. You can rotate between intense play, dog parks, and walks to give your dog something to look forward to. Lots Of Attention With great intelligence in a dog comes great responsibility. Your Golden Labradoodle will need to have lots of attention and interaction to thrive. Unfortunately, that means that if you work long hours, this breed may not be for you. But there are a few ways to get around this. Hiring a dog walker for a midday stroll will help your Doodle feel loved and entertained. Another great option is Doggie Daycare , where your pup can also socialize with other dogs. Your dog will never feel alone and will have a home away from home. Health Most Golden Labradoodles are healthy and hearty dogs. But disease does not discriminate against breeds. Your Golden Labradoodle is more prone to: Joint problems. This is a pretty great list of attributes. No wonder people love Labradoodles so much! What About Undesirable Traits? Be that the nervousness of some Poodles. Or the destructive chewing habit of some Labradors. But with so many positive traits, it makes sense that the Labradoodle was first bred to be a guide dog in service. In fact, Labradoodles continue to be in high demand as service dogs worldwide. This is because of their friendly, happy, intelligent, loving temperament. Does Coat Color Impact Temperament? The Labradoodle hybrid dog breed as a whole is still quite young and has not got a great deal of temperament or genetic history. They will try to take advantage of the demand. They do this by passing off poorly-bred or unverifiable puppies as true Labradoodles. Here, it truly will be up to you, the owner, to thoroughly research any Labradoodle breeder you want to work with. Or perhaps you want to adopt a Labradoodle from a rescue shelter or charity. Rescue golden Labradoodles may have none, some, or all of the characteristics of any dog who has been abandoned or given up for any number of reasons. In this case, taking the help of expert dog trainers can ease the transition for you both. Golden Labradoodle Health There is no evidence to date that suggests the golden Labradoodle coat color is directly associated with any breed-specific health issues. But, both the Labrador Retriever and the Standard Poodle dog breeds have known heritable genetic health issues. It is impossible to know in advance how two sets of genes will mix to influence a particular puppy in any litter. Reputable breeders will always ensure prospective parent dogs are health-tested for all known genetic diseases. This helps to avoid breeding puppies with genetic or other health defects. What are these Health Problems? Then you can ask your Labradoodle breeder for verification that both parent dogs have been cleared of all known genetic health issues. But, we will also look briefly at these problems here. Make sure your potential breeder does these health tests. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This condition is where the hip or elbow sockets form abnormally. It is a painful issue that can lead to difficulty walking, and arthritis. Labradors are prone to this, especially if they are overweight. Fortunately, breeders can carry out x-rays on potential parents to assess the quality of their joints. Testing for eye problems is important. Especially as PRA causes vision loss and eventually blindness. The severity of this can vary. But it involves muscle weakness and inability to move after intense periods of exercise. Cardiac Problems Heart issues are another common health problem in Labrador Retrievers that can be tested. Many larger breeds are prone to this. It is a fatal condition. The CHIC database for Standard Poodle dogs states that all breeding stock should be pre-tested for the following genetic health conditions. Hip Dysplasia We have looked at this briefly above. But Poodles are also prone to hip dysplasia and malformed joints. So, it is even more important that both parent breeds get tested for this problem. Hip scores are tested. So eye exams are another important test to ensure the healthiest puppies. This breed is also prone to eye issues like cataracts. There is no specific test for this. But eye examinations are still important. DNA tests are available for this. So, ensure your breeder tests for this disease. Epilepsy Another potential problem Standard Poodles can face is idiopathic epilepsy. Sebaceous Adenitis This is a skin disorder that has been seen in Poodles. There is no DNA test. So make sure parent dogs have no history of skin problems. Sebaceous Adenitis can cause blistering, itching, hair-loss, and infections. It is a hormone disorder that unfortunately has no DNA test. So, once again, breeders must know the family history of the dogs they want to breed. Not All Problems can be Tested For Not all genetic or idiopathic of unknown origin health issues can be tested for in advance. So, it is also important to learn as much as you can about the individual health and temperament history of each parent dog involved in breeding your puppy. If at all possible, arrange with the breeder to meet and interact with each parent dog. This will help you get a good idea of the temperament your Labradoodle puppy might inherit. Do this and also verify that all testable health issues have been performed on each parent dog. This will give you the best possible chance of bringing home a healthy, happy golden Labradoodle puppy. Golden Labradoodle Grooming All Labradoodle puppies will have a puppy coat for at least the first six months of their life. An adult Golden Labradoodle dog can have three different coat types: fleece, wool, or hair. You might wonder how this could be possible! But the answer boils down to the amount of genetic influence each purebred parent dog has over each puppy in a litter. And these two purebred dog breeds have very different coat types. It sheds seasonally and year-round, to hear most Lab owners tell it. Rather, it means that shed hair gets caught in the surrounding coat and must be brushed out manually. Dog Allergies If you have an allergy to dog dander, you will want to select a Labradoodle with a coat type more like the Standard Poodle parent. But, it can be hard to know in the first six months of life what coat type a given Labradoodle puppy may have inherited. So, if it is very important that your Labradoodle puppy grow up to have a non-shedding coat, ask the breeder about DNA coat testing. Golden Labradoodle with Fleece Coat This Labradoodle has fairly equal influence from each parent dog. It tends to arise most frequently in F1b litters one hybrid Labradoodle parent dog and one purebred Standard Poodle parent dog or F2 and later litters both parent dogs are hybrid Labradoodles. If your puppy grows up to have a fleece coat type as an adult, the coat will be very soft to the touch. Just like angora goat fleece. The coat will either be wavy or have soft spiral curls. If your puppy grows up to have a wool coat type as an adult, the coat will look and feel much like a Standard Poodle coat. It will be wiry and dense with tight curls. The wool coat needs a lot of grooming to brush out shed, dead hair before it can turn into skin-damaging tangles and mats. Owners often take wool-coated Labradoodles for professional grooming and clipping every six weeks to keep coat growth manageable. Often puppies with hair coats come from F1 generation litters one purebred Labrador Retriever parent dog and one purebred Standard Poodle parent dog. If your puppy grows up to have a hair coat type as an adult, the coat will look like a straight or wavy much longer and shaggier version of the Labrador Retriever coat. This hair coat type is fairly wash-and-wear. Plus lots of vacuuming to keep your home from being blanketed in dead, shed dog hair. And if you have dog dander allergies this is not the coat type for you! Your Golden Labradoodle We hope you have enjoyed learning more about all the factors that contribute to creating the most wonderful of hybrid dog breeds, the golden Labradoodle! Are you sharing your life with a golden Labradoodle now? Or are you thinking of adding a Doodle dog to your family? Please post a comment below to share your questions and experiences with the whole community! Take a look at a few of them below!
Add To Cart Videos Just for you When you purchase this box you also get lifetime access to the video tutorials. You can watch these videos at any time via your desktop, tablet, or mobile phone. Keep in mind, these videos are exclusive, meaning you won't find them on YouTube or out on the world wide web. Our videos are captioned, searchable, and include chapters so you can jump around to find the support you need. Videos are accessible within 2 hours of placing your order. Giving it as a gift? Send us an email at hello letsmakeart. German Shepherd We'll explore the versatility of gouache by playing with transparent and semi-transparent layers. Black Lab Painting black or white animals is always tricky because we have to go against our brain that says "it's a black dog so the entire thing is just straight black". But light hits everything and that's what makes us able to see it! If there is light, there is value. So in this project, we are utilizing blue and white for our mid-tone and light values. Spaniel Puppy In this project, we are layering our values to create form and are focusing on how to paint long hair as opposed to short hair. Corgi In this painting, we'll focus on utilizing gouache as we would a watercolor, which means we'll use water as a way to lighten our values instead of white paint. And don't forget to name your new furry friend—it's the best part! Please Note These tutorial videos and outlines will not be made public until the winter season, if you're wanting to participate which we hope you will! Although we all know our furry friends enjoy a visit from the trusty mail person, the contents of this box will be delivered to your email inbox only. This digital box is nonrefundable and includes a PDF download of all the goodies, along with access to all four tutorials. Give yourself a treat and come play with us! After you order this product, you will receive a download link with the following information via a PDF file: Full-length video tutorials guiding you step-by-step through each project. Downloadable outlines - drawing skills are not required Downloadable reference photos Easy to understand step sheets for each project. Add To Cart Digital products are final sale and not eligible for refunds or returns. This professional-grade paintbrush is your new go-to for all your artistic endeavors! Add To Cart. Boxes offer a safer option for dogs--such as hunting or show dogs, which are transported in a vehicle for several hours at a time--than allowing them to move around freely. Construction of a dog box requires careful planning to ensure that the final product is an effective box that will keep your dogs safe. Measure the area of the vehicle where the dog box will go. The box should fit into the area snugly, to prevent dangerous sliding of the box. Factor in driver visibility when determining a maximum height for the box, as it is important not to obstruct the rear view. Measure the height and length of your dog to ensure that the design will allow your dog to comfortably enter, turn around, and lie down in the box. Use a piece of graph paper, along with a straight-edge ruler and pencil, to carefully draw plans for the box. Include a door, or doors if the box will house multiple compartments, on the front of the box. The doors must be large enough for your dog to get in and out of the box with ease. Include side vents on both sides of the box at your dog's standing height. Mesh will cover these vents, and also the doors, allowing your dog to look out of the box. Draw a frame of two-by-fours around the outer edges on all sides of the box, as well as around the vents and doors. The frames will provide an anchor for door hinges and handles, but also will add strength to the plywood box. Position handles on support beams on two opposite sides of the top of the box. These will allow you to place the box in the vehicle more easily. Draw hinges and locking latches for the doors of the box. The hinges and latches should be on both a beam around the door and a beam attached to the body of the box. Follow the drawings carefully during construction. The drawings will be scaled to match your measurements, and following will lead to a satisfactory final box.
We are not your typical kennel, I take bringing these little red babies into the world very seriously. They receive daily interaction, nutrition and lots of free play time with their siblings. All puppies are born in my home and carefully cared for until they find their homes. Also, they receive a clean bill of health from my vet and are microchipped free of charge. Very importantly my puppies receive early neurological stimulation through the Bio-sensor Stimulation Technique. My main purpose is to breed healthy poodles that can live a maximum lifespan. Please know we will not sell our poodles to be bred with other breeds to create a Doodle. Our Success!!! It's always exciting adding a new member to the family. You gain a new lifelong friend and loved one! We provide excellence and well maintained healthy dark red standard poodles from our family to yours. Our Dogs for therapy or service are well tempered for the job. All parents are health tested and guaranteed happy and healthy with well agreements. Confidence in Your Purchase When you purchase a Darla's Poodle you can be confident with the quality of your purchase. Darla has dedicated her life to breeding dogs for over 45 years with a specialty designation in Poodles for over 17 Years. I desire to make a difference in someones life and even save someone's life. God Bless Sugar Dogs International. Diabetic service dogs, also called diabetic alert dogs or DADs, are trained to let you know when your blood sugar has spiked too high or dropped too low. This way, you can take action before the problem turns into a medical emergency. Social Sign up to hear from us about our expecting mothers pedigrees, testing and available puppies. Email Address. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Bringing Joy to your Family, one puppy at a time.Our website has a new look! Same owners, same poodles : just a different design. This is a 3-week old puppy re-charging her batteries - don't you just want to give her a hug!? We are planning our next litter of puppies and ohhhh, they will be beautiful puppies! If you are interested in a puppy, and wanting to reserve one, please send me an email for additional information. Once the pre-litter list is full, you will need to wait until the puppies are born, to see if we may have one available, prior to sending a deposit. All of our puppies are Red, Big and Beautiful! And with outstanding personalities. If you text me, I will ask you to send an email. When sending an email for more information - please include your first and last name. Getting photos from our "puppy families" really brighten our day 7 Week old puppy above - you can't find a better puppy!!!! And if you do, please let me know - I am looking for a big male. Red or black. Pony-sized puppies. True Snuggle Buddies! AND "Behr Babies! Red is one of our puppies. Now isn't that something!?? What a beautiful poodle. A note from Bonnie on her pony-boy, Red, above, "He is still in tact. The vet does not want to do the alteration until he is 2. She says because of his size and he is still growing. I never go out with out him on leash even though he has 95 percent recall. Thank you thank you for raising such amazing dogs. What a gorgeous girl!! I am a small breeder of beautiful red and black standard poodles located in Boise Idaho, an all-round nice place to be! I breed for health, temperament, structure and size. Everyone loves the larger poodles! I also focus on keeping those remarkable dark red and inky black colors that everyone loves! Boise, ID Large Standard Poodles: Parents An extensive amount of research, testing, assessment and time have gone into finding and testing my poodles. Scarlet is a beautiful deep, dark holding red standard poodle. Both sire and dam are fully health tested, including Embark DNA, and evaluated for sound structure and solid temperament. I adhere to the highest quality breeding standards. My poodles are lovingly cared for. They are never kenneled and live inside with the family. I believe these are responsible protocols, and the best assurance that you will have - not only a nice poodle - but an exceptional poodle! In growing Large Standard Poodles my focus is to build the confidence of the puppies by exposing them to new people, noises, surfaces, and environments. At 6 weeks old, puppies will begin taking trips in their wagon to schools, malls, hardware stores, nursing homes, police and fire stations. This is how they get extensive socialization to become the best they can be. I welcome your questions with enthusiasm because I love the breed and want to ensure that every pup from Marvels develops as they should. They will be ideal companions you can be proud of; and that is the ultimate goal of what I do as a breeder. Please read more about my poodles and complete the Large Standard Poodles Contact Form if you are interested in reserving a puppy. TI invites you to personally visit her TX home of fenced parks and meet the spoos or peruse the website to see if she may provide you with your next family pet. An appointment must be made. Ask that individual what tests they are doing on their standard poodles, why are they nattering or murmuring against another? Fact; some of us do all testing and structure analysis as should be done by a breeder, assuring we provide the healthiest top quality pet for you and their future. If a breeder can't answer your questions on testing, move on and find a reputable breeder that will.TI has had both, and will always have a Royal Standard Poodle in her life. It is her joy and pleasure.Those are the pleasures of life! Yet ALWAYS ask your questions, home raised, health tested, structure analyzed, registered, FULL tail and dew claws to keep tendons stable, maintaining leg strength to help avoid torn leg ligaments. We've heard the phrase "In a Perfect World".Testing parents to better the odds for "healthier" pets, observing and analyzing structure, research, research, time, time, it all takes time. The above MN picture some Standard Poodles come hopefully to be in the breeding program. Some don't make it due to her testing standards.MONEY and time! John B. Armstrong writes it well, "All dogs and living organisms are carriers of multiple mutations. If a genetic disease is produced in an animal, it is not necessarily the result of poor breeding practices, but is the nature of inheritance as a random event. There is no such thing as a perfect animal". Mutt, Designer breed or Purebred The best a consumer can do is research who you would like to get your next pet from, asking breeders to test and work with one who health tests parents. THAT is looking out for the standard poodle's future so we have them there to enjoy in our future. Sit - no words need to be said.There are many viewpoints in the world of what designates a Royal. The one book that actually defines Royal - the dictionary - you'll find the word "regal". This exemplifies these poodles size and temperament to a T! Their hormones, when done early, do not focus on filling out masculinely or working to become a dam. Instead the body continues to grow in another dimension :o TI learned from her husband who part-time farmed now deceased, cancer , one can see this in bulls vss steers. Bull pasturing outside the Royal Standard Poodle parks.Some lookers ask to get a Royal Standard Poodle looking just like brown Bruno.I apologize sharing they will never look just like Bruno as the above occurs once neutered. Waiting up to a year certainly helps hormones develop for a healthier Royal Standard Poodles. TI moved in December 10, ready or not! Glossary Will continue to add here, what would you like to see? Artificial Insemination AI ; Semen is placed into the female's vagina or oviduct in order to achieve pregnancy through other ways than normal copulation. This is the medical alternative to sexual intercourse. The White papers TI writes are to help take a look at the many situations put over her breeding years. TI has been an engineer, helped organize businesses in the past and in so doing have written white papers to take a look at situations and resolutions. Please take a look when you have questions, concerns, and see if they help you. Current white paper is on dog food under the Must Read tab. It was an old fallacy that if docking the tail before 3 months of age they would not get rabies. Tails help maintain structural balance to the canine. The fallacy has come and gone and no longer needs to be done. Docking is to surgically remove the tail or a portion of the tail; a docked tail; stumped tail. DHA; Docosahexaenoic acid is an omega-3 fatty acid also known as Omega oil found in Fish, google and read on DHA to learn more for brain stimulation thus dogs and some animals need.DHA is also required for maintenance of normal brain function in adults. The inclusion of plentiful DHA in the diet improves learning ability, whereas deficiencies of DHA are associated with deficits in learning. DHA is taken up by the brain in preference to other fatty acids. The turnover of DHA in the brain is very fast, more so than is generally realized. DHA during the womb and their youth is essential in my viewpoint :0 Due claw; Unused digit fifth toe on the inside of both the front and rear legs. Poodles generally have due claws on front paws only. Dew claw muscle is needed Harness; A combination of straps around the chest and back, attached to an animal to control him in walking. Avoiding collars while young training helps keep their atlas in alignment, from getting headaches, nippy and so much more. See 7. Chiropractic Pet Care side tab. Kids; Often referred to ones' pets living with them :0 Neuter; A male animal whose reproductive ability has been surgically altered. Males are neutered. Spay; Female whose ovaries have been surgically removed. This can include explaining a certain product, service, technology or methodology. Withers; First nine dorsal or thoracic vertebrae; bony projections of vertebrae in the vicinity of shoulder blades; highest point of the shoulders behind the neck. Notes: 1. TI does NOT sell to anyone for cross "oodle" hybrid breeding! It is trust and respect that we sign contracts that are legally binding. Those very few who break that trust and respect must be corrected to get their ethics in, making A more Perfect World. Thank You to all who have gained that trust and respect by spay and neutering your pet from TI per contract. Photos and video also doesn't do the colour justice as the colour varies in intensity depending on the lighting. The one thing that was not mistakable was that this was a colour I had never before seen. The best part was that their temperaments were calm, very loving with eyes that would melt any cold heart. I also met the parents and the grandparents and saw photos going back 5 generations. I was hooked on the colour and knew my research had proved correct. I found my breeders. We often get asked "what does a red look like in person" Our reply is "same as a dark red headed human" Their hair is also as fine. A typical red will love lying in our laps and winding around our legs like cats for affection or attention. They are a very "soft" natured dog and respond well to "positive" training. If you are harsh with them or they sense they are disappointing you they will mentally just shut down and pout. They also want to be everywhere with you including the bathroom. You will always hear the pitter patter of a red standards feet as they will be your shadow. They love working for praise and or a laugh. Once they know a trick, they will produce it with amazing precision with eager eyes waiting, begging for your praise and you better be lavish with it if you want to see them happy. Rose pups I would describe our reds as being the most empathetic of all the colours. It is as if they can read you and decide if you are happy in which case they may be silly to get a laugh or they know that you are sad and will be calm and quiet and just rest their head on your lap waiting for you to invite them up on the couch to watch a movie with you. I do find that the reds are more "dedicated" to their owners. Valor and Ember Do not leave your red standard poodle at the window while you go to get a Tim Horton's coffee or you will be met with the back of your red standard poodle and hear sighs of "woe" until you are forgiven. Thankfully reds like all poodles, forgive quickly. I will warn anyone that is thinking about getting a red Standard and plans on walking them, that you will not get past a block without someone stopping you to see your puppy. Everyone will want to know what breed it is and you will hear people exclaim "I didn't know poodles came that colour or that size". We have almost caused accidents by people slamming on their brakes to stop to look at us. One thing is for sure is that if you go walking with your red you will make many friends Paris waiting for her owner to finish in the bathroom, after she tried unsuccessfully to get in This color Red is NOT for everyone. If you are not used to having a dog constantly at your feet or on your lap, constantly touching you, or wanting to be in the same room as you then you might find a red to be too "needy". If you have plans on doing Pet Therapy with a Red they are perfect for this as they are so gentle and caring, but please -limit- the time you offer your Red to the service, as they can become easily drained from them absorbing others emotional and sometimes physical pain. They do love obedience and showing, of course as how better for them to show everyone how smart and pretty they are! During that time, I broke both my feet and also required both of my hips to be replaced.
chocolate mini labradoodle puppies for sale in michigan - Only interact with dogs that are safe and you know for sure will have positive reactions to your new German Shepherd. Forcing them will only make them develop stress and anxiety in new situations and with animals. Think quality, not quantity, when socializing your German Shepherd. There are tons of new things your dog needs to get comfortable with. Use treats and positive encouragement when they investigate a new situation with confidence. Train daily. Make it fun. Punishment will only cause your dog to fear you and increase anxiety. Crouch down to offer them a gentle scratch and pet. This connects their name to paying attention to you and marks you as a positive leader, which is important for obedience training and living with their new family. Always work on rewarding good behavior instead of punishing bad behavior. The goal is to build trust in the first few weeks and months that you have your new dog to create a bond. And dogs are actually happier when they are trained rspca. Keep the sessions short, but have multiple training sessions throughout the day. Never end training on a bad note. For example, give them a command they know for sure so they finish with success. Read this guide to learn all about the basics of proper German Shepherd obedience training , including a helpful training schedule and the foundation commands. Be prepared for chewing by offering the right options. Biting and chewing are natural instincts for dogs and puppies. These actions provide them with opportunities to investigate the different amounts of pressure to use in relation to the purpose of their biting. Your job as their new owner is to help your pup understand and educate them on what is appropriate to bite, nip, and chew. This teaches them your signal and cue. They should let go or look a bit startled. Follow their release with praise or a tasty treat when your dog stops the unwanted behavior. Do NOT physically punish your dog! Instead, redirect them to a proper chew toy. Sometimes puppies teethe and their gums are sore and need something to chew. Other times adult German Shepherds have a desire and natural urge to bite for relaxation and to reduce anxiety. Only use safe, non-toxic chew toys, which are found listed here, in the best strong chew toys for German Shepherds to avoid boredom. Avoid accidents by managing the home environment. Create a set routine and schedule and stick to it to avoid accidents and train your puppy faster. Say hello to your new sloppy family member… They not only shed everywhere but also dump water out when drinking, spill their food, and… Have total disrespect for your carpets! You must have them in a secure area or watch them all the time to avoid any accidents. No matter what you will clean up some kind of bodily function when owning a German Shepherd. So, do yourself a favor and stock up on pet stain and odor remover! Use food-dispensing toys and slow feeders to keep them at a healthy weight. This is a food toy called a Kong Wobbler. Keep to a schedule so that you can control their food intake and watch their weight. Instead, use rubber toys in which you place part of their food to help control their voracious eating. I like to use a Kong Wobbler for both puppies and adults. Even better? Puppies are more responsive to the Ignore method of training. As a new German Shepherd owner, you might think you need to appease your dog all the time or give in to their excessive attention-seeking. In my experience, this is one of the most effective training methods that you can use when owning a German Shepherd. Put simply, here are the basics to use the Ignore method of training: You ignore the behavior that you want to stop or reduce. On the flip side, you give attention to the behavior you want to encourage. The hard bit is ignoring a very intelligent German Shepherd who is persistent! Give your German Shepherd a job at home so they stay entertained. This represents big challenges as a German Shepherd owner. You must be smarter than your dog! But the jobs can be as easy or difficult as you have the time and energy to train. This is not a mentally lazy dog, but a breed with extremely high intelligence and a huge breadth of application for that intelligence. This can easily be accomplished by investing in a crate or exercise pen. This also provides a safe place for your puppy to sleep and helps with potty training. But another great way to keep your eyes on your puppy, which can also help during potty training, is to keep your pup leashed or tethered to you in the house. Leashing your dog inside will reinforce your bond, keep your puppy safe, and alert you when they start sniffing around to go potty. Durable, nontoxic plastic and rubber toys and treat puzzles can help keep your busy puppy occupied and out of trouble. An interactive toy such as this Kong Wobbler is a great example of a safe puppy toy. Begin training young Training begins the day you bring your puppy home. Puppies can easily start their basic commands such as sit, stay, place, off, etc. Even as puppies, they love to please their owners and enjoy learning new things. However, they require consistency and leadership to become confident, well behaved dogs. Exercise is mandatory This breed is very active and even as young puppies require some form of exercise or they become destructive. The younger the puppy the less exercise they need but owners should be prepared to spend time exercising their dog, every day, throughout their lifetime. Fortunately, exercise can come in many forms such as playing in the yard and going for walks. Line up your vet and other providers If you already have a vet and service providers, this is not as important. German shepherds do best on high quality, large breed puppy food that is easy to digest. Flying Saucer Puppy Food Dishes help prevent young puppies from walking in their food. Consistent rules and schedule When training your puppy, they need consistency and an understanding of what the house rules are. Decide early on what they will and will not be allowed to do and incorporate those boundaries into training. For example, if the puppy is not allowed on the couch, they should never be allowed on the couch. If you want them to sit before going outside, they should always sit before going outside. Keeping to a schedule, such as feeding them at the same time each day, also helps with potty training. Consistency helps them grow into confident, well-adjusted dogs while inconsistently can cause anxiety and confusion. In other words, set your puppy up for success. Please share these tips with all your friends. A general rule of thumb is that a puppy can hold her bladder for approximately one hour for every month old they are. Most puppies find their way to a new home at months old, so they should go for a toilet break every hours to start. How often should my puppy poop a day? Typically, most pups will go once or twice a day — although some may go four or more times! How many hours should a German Shepherd puppy sleep? On average, a German Shepherd puppy will sleep for 18 hours a day. Some pups sleep longer than others but they usually sleep between 15 and 20 hours in a hour period. As puppies get older, they sleep less. The average 4-month-old puppy sleeps a little over 11 hours a day. Should I sleep with my German Shepherd puppy? You should not sleep with your German Shepherd puppy during the first few months home. Yet you can let your pup sleep beside you in a crate or a dog bed. Until they are completely up, they flop around, go up and down. You can help your puppy to strengthen her ear muscle by whistling and making funny noises that perk up her ears. When do German Shepherds start teething? Starting at 4 months old, German Shepherds will begin to lose their puppy teeth. But some puppies start losing their teeth earlier or later. You may discover a discarded tooth on the floor. Or you may see a few drops of blood on her chew toy. And it is not uncommon for a puppy to swallow her tooth, which is perfectly normal. When do German Shepherds get all their adult teeth? An adult German Shepherd should have 42 adult teeth. The small incisors in front usually come in first, followed by the big canines, the premolars and the molars. All adult teeth should be in place around months old. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is very common. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is 6 months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. German Shepherds grew into their full size between 18 months to 2 years old. But they are not considered adult dogs until they reach the age of 3 years old. If your pup is still young, one of the most effective ways to calm her down is to give her regular mental and physical exercise. The rule of thumb is that you should give a puppy 5 minutes of exercise for every month old they are. For example, a 4-month-old puppy would need 20 minutes of exercise. When do German Shepherds get their full coat? She will start the coat change on her face first. Then her fluffy puppy coat will be replaced by the smoother adult coat down her back, towards to trail and gradually down her sides. When do German Shepherds start shedding? While their shedding is especially intense during the spring and fall, they lose their undercoat during the rest of the year. Other Than Vacuuming When should I bring my puppy for the first vet visit? You should bring your new puppy to see a veterinarian no later than 2 days after coming home. Some breeders require this within 48 hours as included in their sales contract. It is very important for your vet to examine your puppy to look for signs of disease. When should a German Shepherd puppy get her vaccination? Your German Shepherd puppy is recommended to get her first vaccination distemper and parvovirus between weeks of age. Here are the recommended vaccinations from AKC for your reference: Some dogs do not need every vaccine. You should always discuss it with your vet. When should my German Shepherd puppy be wormed? A German Shepherd puppy should be wormed for the first time at 2 weeks of age, then at 4, 6, 8, 10 and 12 weeks old fortnightly until 12 weeks of age. After this, they can be wormed monthly until they are 12 months old. When do female German Shepherds go into the first heat? Female German Shepherds started their first heat as early as 7 months old, but this may vary from dog to dog. During that time, they may begin mounting other dogs or could become touchy or grumpy. There will be discharge and many owners use feminine pads and a diaper-type arrangement to keep the house clean. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior AVSAB recommends that pet guardians begin taking puppies on walks and public outings as early as one week after their first round of vaccinations, at about 7 weeks old. Instead of going for a marathon for the first time, it is advised to build up the distance with your GSD with time. Remember dogs cannot sweat like humans to reduce their body temperature. When can I walk my German Shepherd without a leash? Never let your dog go off-leash where there might be traffic or where he could injure himself. PART V German Shepherd puppy socialization guide Socialization helps them learn what to expect from the world around them and gives them the tools they need to navigate it as they get older. This includes new people, dogs, and animals, learning how to interact with new environments, and being exposed to a wide variety of sounds, smells, and sights. Socialization is especially important in German Shepherds starting from as early as 8 weeks old. This is because this breed is hard-wired to be protective of their owners as well as their property. Failing to socialize can make the dog become aloof to strangers. Other common signs of unsocialized in dogs include: Fearfulness or skittishness around unfamiliar people or animals Aggression towards other dogs or people Lack of confidence in new or unfamiliar situations Difficulty with basic training commands Inability to handle being handled or touched Puppies that are well-socialized are more likely to be healthy, obedient pets that make great additions to any household. They are intelligent dogs that can be challenging to train for first-time owners. However, with the right mindset, you can train your German Shepherd to become an obedient and well-behaved canine citizen in no time. At what age should I begin training my puppy? What should I teach my puppy first? Is it ok to crate my pup overnight? What are the basic commands every puppy must learn? How to motivate my puppy? Last but not least, we have compiled an easy-to-follow training guide. This training guide is our best effort in compiling a collection of training resources for any new GSD owner to kick-start training a new puppy — without wasting your time searching forever online. Each part is only one page long with at least one video for a demonstration. German Shepherds are powerful guard dogs that make great pets. However, raising a German shepherd puppy is not an easy task. Make sure you purchase more than enough food a few days before your puppy arrives and create a space for storing them in your home. Puppy-Proof Your Home German Shepherd puppies are curious creatures that love putting their nose in everything around the house. So, the first thing you should do to keep your pup safe is puppy-proof your home. Puppy proofing your home can help you keep your new pet out of certain rooms in the house. You can use baby gates to keep your dog confined in a particular part of the house. You can also cover or replace all the electrical cords in the home. Puppy proofing the house can make it easy for you to train your new pup. Build a Feeding Stand Dogs are possessive creatures; therefore, your new pup cannot feed or drink water using just any bowl in the house. So, make sure you get some high-quality bowls for the new addition to your family. The bowls should be big enough to feed your dog for several years. And instead of putting the bowls on the floor, you can even build a feeding stand for your new pup. A food stand can help you prevent food spillage and save you some cash in the end. It can even stress it out. Make sure you pick a place in the house with less traffic; after all, no pet loves eating in a high traffic place. Create More Space in Your Home for the Dog Adopting a pet means creating room for an extra member of your family in the house. Finding it when your pup is itching for its walk can be quite tedious. So, find out which house plants and flowers can affect your German Shepherd pup. And if the ones in your home are poisonous, you can replace them before your new pup arrives. One of the best ways to keep them from danger is by ensuring your backyard has a high fence. A high fence can help you keep your pet out of danger by keeping it from wandering out of your compound. If you plan on giving your pet free reign, then make sure your fence is high enough. Most pet parents already have other animals in their home. Therefore, you should prepare a safe space for introducing your current pets to the new addition to your home. After all, cats are territorial creatures that need their own space. Create a Dog Potty Area A dog potty area can come in handy, especially when potty training your new pup. Look for a nice place in your compound with less traffic and build a potty area for your new dog. It can be a particular corner in your backyard. A pet door can allow your dog to enter and leave the house at any time. Plus, if the potty region is in your backyard, a pet door can help you prevent your pup from soiling itself in the house. Conclusion Other than protecting us, a German Shepherd pup can bring joy into your life. Make sure you pet-proof your home and create space for your new pup in the house before it arrives. Preparing your home before the pup arrives can make it easy for it to adjust to its new home. Guest Post by:. Or looking to add a German Shepherd puppy to your family and want to know what you might need? Things will definitely go more smoothly if you have everything ready and in place before your German Shepherd puppy comes home. Crate- Crate training is important for your puppy's safety and education. It makes potty training your GSD much easier, too. There are two types of crates: wire or plastic. We prefer the wire ones in most cases. Get the size your puppy can grow into and will fit as an adult, this is usually the 48 version. Wire crates typically come with dividers so you can make it smaller when they're a baby and allow more room as they grow up. Cheaper is not always better. Invest in a quality name brand crate for the safety of your puppy. Dog Collar- start with a nylon adjustable collar. Leash- a six foot non-retractable leash is an essential. I prefer lightweight leather, there are many types of nylon ones that are also good. Retractable leashes such as the flexi-leash are unsafe and detrimental to training, we do not recommend these at all. They run delivery routes all through Texas and other places. They also offer shipping. You can find them online and order through their website. They're also less chewable than plastic. A lot of these pups do like to play in water, and their dishes are no exception. In this case, if your pup is one of those individuals, it's sometimes best to keep the water outside. Toys- Puppies love and need to chew. Nylabone toys are excellent for this and are a great thing to keep in their crate to help them stay calm and busy in there. Skip the puppy varieties, these pups can go straight to the heavy duty adult ones. The varieties that have raised bumps on them seem to be the favorites around here. Kong toys are also good, and can be stuffed with their ground raw food, organic plain full fat yogurt, or other tasty treats, then frozen to make a nice pacifier to keep them occupied. And soft toys or rope type toys should be used only under supervision as it's easy for a puppy to destroy and ingest pieces of these. We don't recommend rawhides for the same reason, also many rawhides are somewhat toxic. Bedding- puppies go through definite chewing phases, so an expensive fluffy bed is generally not a great investment in the beginning. In addition, there will likely be accidents as your pup transitions to their new home with you. So a towel or soft small blanket that's easily washable in the crate works well until your pup is mature enough to handle something nicer. Just be careful they aren't tearing up or ingesting the towel or blanket either. This is a good list of the basics to have upon arrival of your German Shepherd puppy. We are always available if you're shopping and have any questions about the suitability of something you may be looking at. We are happy to help you and your puppy get off to the best start possible so feel free to contact us today! 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chocolate mini labradoodle puppies for sale in michigan - Knowing what to do to help your dog with misbehavior is half the battle. Are you making any of these disciplining mistakes? Do not use negative reinforcement Negative reinforcement is causing discomfort or worse, pain, to your dog to get them to perform a behavior. Other common negative reinforcers include a choke chain and prong collar. Negative reinforcement is about turning off something negative, or uncomfortable, at the least, and painful at the worst. But take note… Negative reinforcement has been scientifically shown to lead to an increased risk of aggression of 2. Instead, use lure and reward GSD puppy training Do not use physical correction Just as when using negative reinforcement, physical corrections cause your dog anxiety and fear and lead to aggression. When you got your dog you wanted him for life as your best friend and companion. If you find yourself about to engage in physical force for punishment with your German Shepherd, step away from your dog immediately. Ask someone for help. Call a friend or family member and tell them you need help with your dog. Even withholding food, water, or shelter is cruel and must be avoided. And demeaning them by calling them names and speaking to them in a critical tone can cause fear and aggression in German Shepherds. Not to mention, your continued shouting could stress your dog to the point they shut down and withdraw from you. They will no longer be the sweet, lively dog you dreamed about. Instead, learn how to use your voice to communicate effectively with your German Shepherd. Keep your voice calm, clear, and confident. Unfortunately, this type of training only makes his house training take longer since he begins to fear going potty anywhere. So, instead, he begins to sneak off and hide to potty indoors to avoid punishment. Preferably, always have your puppy tethered to you when potty training, never letting them out of your sight. When not tethered to you, place them in a puppy-proof area to prevent potty accidents. Reward your German Shepherd when they potty outdoors in the area you want with praise and treats. Learn more about how to quickly potty train a German Shepherd to start off on the right steps to house training. Or, what about when your tiny puppy sinks his little teeth into your hand in play and you laugh out loud? Why does your German Shepherd misbehave? Take a look. There are a few common factors in dogs that cause them to misbehave. Even if you think your dog is trained and should know better, these are the top reasons they might have bad behaviors. Separation anxiety If you spend a lot of time with your puppy, then begin to leave him alone for long hours he may start to misbehave. This is especially true if you are busy and tend to leave him in a crate for far too many hours. This could mean chewing inappropriate things, digging, or even excessive barking and howling. Under exercised An under-exercised dog is not getting his basic needs met. German Shepherds must have at least 2 hours of physical exercise per day. See — Fun Jobs for German Shepherds at Home for more ideas Before you leave the house give your dog a long walk with plenty of time to sniff. Inconsistent Discipline Another leading cause of needing to discipline a German Shepherd is a lack of consistent training and discipline techniques. Do you make sure your puppy always has 4 paws on the floor to greet guests? While many owners remember to obedience train their dog they overlook the importance of mentally stimulating games to reduce boredom. Decreasing boredom is shown to give your dog a more enjoyable day, which lessens their desire to participate in unwanted behaviors, such as chewing and digging. Start with a few minutes a day using mind games to help keep their mental health in check. Need more help disciplining your German Shepherd the right way? Do you wish there was a German Shepherd monthly guidebook? There is! Disciplining your German Shepherd puppy is most effective when you focus on teaching your German Shepherd what to do, rather than punishing him for unwanted behaviors. The wrong type of punishment can cause irreparable harm to your companion, but discipline when used properly actually reinforces positive behavior. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Your puppy can experience unruly behavior all of a sudden when they enter a new maturity stage. I know how angry and frustrated you get at your dog when they seem out of control. That was me, too! Instead, realize your GSD might not be out-of-control, but they might just be in a new phase. At the same time, your GSD begins to take more interest in the great world around them and ventures into new activities… Which winds them up in trouble as they explore. They also develop more independence and rely on your presence less and less. At some point, you believe your puppy is possessed and feel that all the things he learned are forgotten. Around 12 to 18 months old the out-of-control behavior will pass and all your hard work will start to pay off. Either way, puppy or adult, you need to prepare yourself. So, it all adds up to this: you learn how to control a German Shepherd using the following behavior plan to make it through this difficult time. But… Deep down you know you want to enjoy your GSD again and realize you must follow a training plan to help your rebellious dog become the calm, well-mannered German Shepherd you know he can be. Let me explain how to train an out-of-control German Shepherd using a scientifically-based behavior plan. German Shepherds are most active at dawn and dusk in scientific terms this is called crespuscular. The best times to exercise your GSD are: early morning early evening The rest of the day your dog is generally less active and sleeping. Shepherds wake up with energy and excitement after a long sleep time. This is why your pup is so excited in the mornings and when you come home from work. German Shepherds are used to walking and running miles and miles, so use an exercise tool called a long line or long leash to let your puppy enjoy running at their own pace. Do NOT force a puppy to run with you or you can damage their bones and joints. Puppies need gentle exercise, the type found here is most appropriate: The 5 Best Exercises for German Shepherd Puppies A German Shepherd over 18 months of age can run with you in short sprints, building up to longer distances. They have a need to do what they were designed for, which means they: generally enjoy chasing toys outdoors exploring different terrain using their noses to find things Most of all, an exercised dog is a calmer dog! And calm dogs are simply less likely to get unruly. Did you know that the German Shepherd Dog is bred with natural instinctive intelligence to solve complex problems apa. Yet many owners have never thought to give their dog mental stimulation. How do you mentally stimulate a German Shepherd? German Shepherds like both physical and mental challenges that are game-oriented. Dogs that have not had the chance to use up their energy are more likely to become difficult to handle, over-excitable, and out of control. A simple brain game to promote mental stimulation in your German Shepherd is to use a food-filled Kong Extreme. This keeps your dog occupied and also lets them use their energy by working for their food. You might say… I train my dog every day and he still acts out of control! And, I totally believe you! But, have you trained calmness? Instead, stay proactive by teaching your pet to perform the behavior you want! The most effective way to stop unwanted and out-of-control behavior is to ignore it. Avoid the battle! Out-of-control German Shepherds love to get you excited! Many times, their greatest pleasure is getting you wound up over some small matter. Remember, what fuels the misbehavior is often the conflict itself. Stay calm and refuse to get engaged physically or verbally. Fold your arms, look away from him, and walk out of the room if possible. Being ignored is a major consequence for most German Shepherds. Hand-feed your dog their meals. Taking food gently from human hands is a valuable life lesson and your dog loves to practice getting food! Hand-feeding your dog is also a perfect way to raise the value of interaction with all people. This simple training builds trust in your dog while showing him that only calm behaviors not nipping or pawing for the food get the reward. Quietly give him a small piece of tasty treat and a very gentle stroke on his side. You also should try these German Shepherd bonding exercises to help calm down your dog and increase their trust in you. Teaching Right is Easier than Correcting Wrong Learning how to train an out-of-control puppy will go more smoothly if you focus on teaching him what is right, instead of punishment. How many times do you correct your dog for a certain behavior, only to be too tired or stressed later to stop the same behavior again? You might think you taught your dog the right way to act, but his out-of-control behavior is telling you another story. This is the point where you brush up on disciplining a German Shepherd the right way. Before we go any further… Let me tell you that discipline does NOT involve physical corrections or punishment. Successful positive German Shepherd obedience training , especially for dogs lacking control, relies on the appropriate use of management tools to prevent your GSD from practicing and being reinforced for unruly behaviors. Some leashes are designed to be hooked to waist belts or clipped to belt-loop with a carabineer. With your puppy near or attached to you, you can provide the constant supervision they need to prevent them from getting into trouble. Click and reward for a calm behavior you like. Like anything else you must remain consistent to learn how to control a German Shepherd. Emphasize Structure and Consistency A German Shepherd puppy acting wild needs structure and consistency in their daily activities. A good behavior training program emphasizes structure and consistency. And why should you care about emphasizing structure and consistency with a German Shepherd that is out of control? Because predictability and structure equal less stress; and less stress is what you came here for in the first place. The more consistent you are with your training and expectations, the less chance your dog will misbehave. Think about this… You can spend the time now training your out-of-control German Shepherd the right way, or you could potentially live in stress and frustration for years to come. Which sounds like the better outcome for you and your dog? There are thousands of owners out there, just like you, who are in the same boat, too. But you must start! You can even create a German Shepherd entertainment plan to keep them busy! Give them the attention they deserve so you can both enjoy each other again. Manage the situation by using either a baby gate to keep your dog away from the front door, teach him to sit for his greetings where he gets the appropriate reward — petting, eye contact, and praise. Learn to train your dog to go to their mat and give them small bits of reward when they are lying calmly. Write out a similar chart of your own and place it where everyone can see it. This helps everyone to know the steps to train your out-of-control German Shepherd. Want more help learning how to control a German Shepherd? Using a combination of exercise, training, management, with a sprinkling of useful tools, and dedication to consistent training, you can help your German Shepherd learn to chill out and become a calm, happy companion who is a joy to be around. So, take the next step… If you want more help training an out-of-control German Shepherd puppy, read Your German Shepherd Month-by-Month to stay one step ahead of your intelligent companion. Stop thinking you have to live with a wild child and get busy training. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques Positive reinforcement, also known as rewards-based training, implies giving a reward to increase the frequency of the response. Rewards can be: Treats. Choose healthy treats, pieces of kibble, or tiny pieces of meat. Physical attention. You can pet behind the ears or give a hug. Verbal praise. Give your GSD his favorite toy that you save for rewards. Rewarding your German Shepherd for good behavior is an underrated tool in your dog-training arsenal. It is simple yet incredibly powerful. Unfortunately, it is also often ignored. If you scold him, he might feel content for having received your attention. This speaks to the importance of patience; the more patient you are, the more your German Shepherd values positive attention. When you bestow it upon him during his calmer episodes, he starts recreating the setting. You will notice him sitting in the same place where you patted him or held a similar position. It might be tempting to pet him then, but you have to be patient, or you will confuse the dog. Wait until he mimics the actual calmness you want to reward, then use reinforcement by giving him attention, affection, and treats. Increase Socialization If you have previously delayed socializing your German Shepherd, the chances are that the lack of socialization is a key contributor to his disobedience. You should socialize a German Shepherd at 8 weeks old, which is usually when you bring your puppy home. Your breeder would have already begun early socialization from 3 weeks, so you should now continue the process of exposing your pup to a range of sights, smells, sounds, and interactions with people and other dogs. No matter whether your doggo is a pup or an adult, increasing socialization will set your German Shepherd on the right path to becoming a confident, friendly and obedient dog. I have a great article on how to socialize a German Shepherd from pup to adult. This details easy ways to go about this and includes how to socialize an older dog or even an aggressive German Shepherd. When your German Shepherd has pent-up energy, he might not be in the state to receive commands. By sufficiently draining this excess energy safely and productively, you can make your German Shepherd more receptive and less stubborn. In this state, you can reinforce restraint-centric anchors. That said, you must not wait until the dog is in his most agitated state before you take him out, as that would associate acting up with freedom, and he will almost always act out to be taken for walks or playtimes. Instead, prevent it in the first place. If you have a young pup and need some ideas, you can check out this article, 7 Fun Ways to Exercise a German Shepherd Puppy. German Shepherds are high-energy dogs, and adults need at least hours of daily exercise. In addition to essential exercise for your German Shepherds to stay obedient, he also needs to be mentally stimulated, which brings me to the next solution. Provide Varied Mentally Stimulating and Fun Games We have to remember the original purpose of the German Shepherd, which was to herd and protect livestock. Although rarely used in this capacity nowadays, the genetic working trait remains with the breed. They need a job to do and thrive off pleasing their owner, which is why they are used in law enforcement, search and rescue, and as service dogs today. Every evening around 8 pm, my German Shepherd will sit in front of me and give me the stare! I love this toy, and dogs enjoy finding the treats in the puzzle toy, which keeps them busy for ages. This best-seller gets a crazy amount of good reviews and is widely recommended by almost 60, dog lovers, so it must have something about it. Increase Training Sessions Similar to socialization, if you have previously delayed training your German Shepherd or if training is incomplete, the chances are that the lack of training is a pivotal contributor to his disobedience. Not only does your German Shepherd need to learn that he should listen to you, but he must also find out what listening to you entails. While the best time to start training your GSD is at 8 weeks old , the next best time is now. This will keep your dog continually focused and interested. Your German Shepherd must also learn his position. This entails going back to training in a distraction-free setting. He might not intend to ignore you deliberately, so this is where you need to get him to focus his attention on you. Manage the environment when progressing outside. Start off with not too many distractions. Use high level treats when outside. Check out this excellent video on how to train a German Shepherd with distractions. This gorgeous pup is only 5 months old and is learning to focus on the trainer in a controlled outside environment. Chewing has several functions, including providing pain relief for teething pups, keeping teeth clean and jaws strong in older dogs, and relieving boredom. Dogs just enjoy chewing. But what if the chewing becomes destructive? Providing your dog with a chewing outlet, such as various interesting chew toys, will stop many German Shepherd behavior problems. The happier your doggo is, the less stubborn he will be when it comes to obeying you. Choose something like the KONG variety of chew toys. Follow a Training and Feeding Schedule Having a schedule provides structure and discipline and teaches your pup that you are the leader. Your German Shepherd will soon pick things up and catch up. You should also stick to a feeding schedule. Dogs are creatures of habit, and providing meals at expected times means listening and obeying you when you call them to eat. German Shepherds are prone to sensitive stomachs, and many are not food motivated, unlike the Labrador. Having a feeding schedule also prevents your German Shepherd from becoming a fussy eater. It might be that he wants that extra treat or wants to climb on the couch. So now the tide is turned. Instead of your dog ignoring you, you now ignore your dog. Never bow down pardon the pun to any form of demanding behavior, especially demand barking. This will only teach your best friend that he gets what he wants when he barks for something. Instead, ignore the demand barking, and at the precise moment he becomes quiet, quickly reward him with a treat. That way, he will soon learn that when he stops barking at you, nice things will happen. The trick here is in the timing. Use Brief and Effective Time-Outs When training a stubborn German Shepherd, one of the most crucial steps is teaching your dog to accept time-outs. Rewarding your doggo with treats is easy; it is in discipline or punishment where most people mess up. You need to teach your German Shepherd to follow your commands — or ground himself. So, what do I mean by a time-out? A time-out is a type of negative punishment in which we deprive the dog of what they enjoy, in this case, social engagement. Use an area of the house, a room with a dog gate, or an exercise pen for young pups. Time-outs should be around 60 seconds for young puppies to minutes for older dogs. Use the time-out at the moment of the stubborn behavior, not after. But not only does regular brushing help to control and reduce shedding , but it also helps to increase bonding between you and your pet. Most dogs enjoy being the center of attention. Brushing is relaxing and beneficial to the skin and hair. Your German Shepherd will also learn that it is acceptable to handle his body and feet, and you will develop trust with your canine buddy as a result. This has the everlasting effect of reducing his stubbornness when you need to clip his nails or he needs to be handled by the vet. Go here to find out the best grooming tools for German Shepherds and the ones I use. This will give you peace of mind that he will respond to you positively and help curb any bad habits. Often, inexperienced owners just need to be taught what to do. Attending obedience classes solves this knowledge gap and creates an opportunity to increase socialization, so you kill two birds with one stone. You can also enlist the help of a professional trainer as they will be experienced in training stubborn dogs and improving obedience. Key Takeaways German Shepherds are socially intelligent dogs. However, with delayed or insufficient training and a lack of guidance, they can become asocial and disobedient. Fortunately, with enough patience, firmness, and positive reinforcement training alongside increased exercise time and stimulation, any German Shepherd can be brought back into the socially acceptable circle of obedient dogs. Related Posts You May Like:. Different causes make your furry friend chew destructively on couches, surfaces, and shoes. These include: Poor obedience training from when your dog was a puppy Loneliness from being left alone for too long Lack of exercise and mental stimulation Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior Excessive stress in the home environment How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Adult German Shepherds As with the causes, the remedies for excessive-destructive chewing in an adult GSD can be diverse. These will include: Retrain your dog if you think basic training was poorly done during puppyhood. You may want to consider the services of a professional trainer. Find ways of keeping your dog busy when you are not around. You can consider giving your dog a bone to chew on. If you do, go for natural or synthetic ones that will not break into pieces and risk choking your dog while he is alone. Ensure your GSD has the recommended 2-hour exercise daily, which could be distributed into walks and runs in the morning and evening and play and games at other times. That means he finds a replacement for his wild mates in his human family. Besides, the GSD is also a friendly and affectionate dog that loves cuddling time and spending time with family. As such, leaving your German Shepherd alone can cause excessive loneliness, otherwise referred to as separation anxiety , when it gets to the levels of an undesired psychological condition. The German Shepherd is among the top 10 breeds most predisposed to separation anxiety. This suggests that it could also be a breed thing, and you must take extra precautions. Dogs with this behavior problem find something to relieve their nervousness and stress, so most will turn to destructive behavior. Typical forms of destructive behavior include excessive chewing, house soiling, getting into the trash can, digging, destroying furniture and other items, and increased aggression toward family, strangers, and other pets. I would never leave her in her crate for more than hours. However, I got delayed in traffic for another 30 minutes on this occasion, and she clearly got bored! I only wanted one cushion! Remember that destructive behavior can be caused by factors like lack of exercise or a stressful home environment. Three solutions can be highly effective in stopping separation anxiety in your German Shepherd. Suggestions include finding someone to keep them busy and staying connected with them while you are away. Find a way of keeping your dog occupied while you are away Keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged can be achieved by employing a professional trainer or a dog walker. There are also doggy daycare facilities where you can take your GSD. Find a way of staying connected with your dog while you are away In an ever-changing technology era, staying connected with your GSD using dog cameras is easy. Take, for example, the Furbo Dog Camera from Amazon. Its main features can offer many ways to stay connected with your German Shepherd. You can toss a treat to your dog to reward him for good behavior. You can talk to your GSD to calm him down, especially when the barking alerts come in. Urine-Marking in German Shepherds Urine marking is an instinctive dog behavior that usually starts during sexual maturity. They will urinate on objects to leave a message for other dogs. For example, male German Shepherds will spray on the walls of a building where there is a female GSD in heat to tell fellow males to stay away. Generally, females only spray when they are in heat to attract any male dogs that happen to be in the area. However, urine marking becomes inappropriate inside the house, making it a behavior problem. The original herding and protective roles of German Shepherds make them quite territorial. As pack dogs, GSDs can also be highly dominant. Territory marking you welcome your partner at home, and your dog urinates on their backpack to claim ownership of you. Your dog has noticed a new dog in the neighborhood and wants to mark the house as his territory. How to Stop Urine Marking in German Shepherds To prevent or stop urine marking , consider one of these remedies — depending on the cause. Keep new and unfamiliar items in the house out of reach. Clean places where your GSD has urine marked to remove the smell and prevent your dog from remarking them. I like this one as you can use it on any surface. Help your German Shepherd become friends with new persons or dogs in the house. Eliminate anxiety-causing situations in the home. Confine your dog in his crate for a couple of hours. Consult a canine behaviorist if the behavior is out of hand. German Shepherds with ADHD will portray behavior problems such as hyperactivity, inability to pay attention, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, poor social skills, aggressive responses, fear, and sensitivity to noise. The consensus seems to reign about the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in ADHD. Hyperactive German Shepherds may be uncontrollable during walks, manifest excessive leash-pulling, become overly excited when removing the leash or returning home, and be challenging to engage in obedience training. Experts have used human ADHD questionnaires to detect the condition in dogs since; it seems hyperactivity has similar body chemical markers in dogs as in humans. This explains why testing ADHD in dogs entails observing changes in respiratory and heart rate and behavior. Consequently, solving hyperactivity in German Shepherds entails countering self-stimulation with external stimulation. As often repeated, the test for ADHD is to give your German Shepherd a prescribed stimulant in a controlled clinical situation and then observe the change in its respiratory rate, heart rate, and behavior. The levels for these markers will reduce in dogs with ADHD. Avoid self-diagnosing your dog, especially with self-made remedies. Excessive Barking in German Shepherds Barking is a typical communication behavior in dogs, and German Shepherds are known to be naturally vocal. Nonetheless, when barking becomes excessive, it can become a nuisance for both the owner and the neighborhood. Excessive barking means your dog will start to bark for any little stimulant and go on and on and on. It could be a doorbell, a passing stranger, or even the rustling of leaves in the backyard. If your GSD barks excessively, this may be the first sign of underlying issues and that he is sensitive to specific triggers. Triggers of excessive barking include: Boredom — your German Shepherd is home alone most of the time. Insufficient exercise — both physical and mental. Territorial behavior — your dog is overly protective of you, your home, or your possessions. Attention seeking — your dog has been reinforced to receive your attention when he barks incessantly. Medical issues — your German Shepherd has a medical condition that causes them pain and discomfort. How to Stop Excessive Barking in German Shepherds Sadly, people re-home their dogs every day due to excessive barking. If you have this German Shepherd behavior problem, below are the methods that are incredibly efficient in stopping excessive barking in dogs: Using positive reinforcement. To do this effectively, you must understand your German Shepherd and what makes him bark in the first place. Desensitization and counter-conditionin g : desensitization means exposing your GSD to the stimulus that causes excessive barking at a level lower or similar to the actual trigger. Eliminating the triggers: this might be a bit difficult, especially if they are beyond your control. For example, you cannot stop strangers from using a path near your house or leaves from rustling. Avoid gimmicks such as bark collars and sprays designed to teach your German Shepherd not to bark, as these only address the symptom and not the cause of the behavior problem. You have to lure them to the bathtub and put up with their crazy shaking and splashing unless you have managed to train them out of it! But bathing your dog becomes an extra hassle if covered with awful-smelling dirt! So, why do German Shepherds roll in the mud? Many speculative theories are used to explain why dogs roll in the dirt. Here are some of them: In the wild, wolves disguise their smell with dirt History has it that wolves disguise their scent by rolling in the dirt. Since dogs have their ancestry from wolves, it is speculated that they will roll in the dirt for the same reasons. Dogs love to leave their smell around Dogs have the instinct to leave their smell around to claim dominance or mark their territory. The pungent smell of dirt pushes them to want to claim their dominance with their odor, even when strong smells would overpower it. It gives them a sensational feeling As animals that predominantly use their sense of smell to interact with the environment, dogs enjoy extra sensory stimulation and may look for it excessively, such as lying in a pile of dirt. German Shepherds have innate behavior dispositions unique to the breed, like all other dogs. This can include behaviors like mouthing or destructive chewing. Think of their instinctual protectiveness towards their loved ones and how that can cause them to be aggressive toward strangers via nipping or jumping at strangers. But German Shepherds grow to be the dog you train them to be. And if that is not done correctly, behavior problems like howling will occur. However, that is not the only reason why your GSD may be misbehaving. German Shepherds have behavior problems such as howling, mouthing, jumping, and nipping due to poor or incomplete socialization and training, letting your dog have his way, insufficient exercise, hormones, health reasons, and using aversive training methods. Genetics can also cause poor behavior, which is easily solved by training. Genetic Disposition to Bad Behavior It has been scientifically proven that behavior, including howling and jumping, has both genetic and environmental determinants. This fact is recorded in a study on the genetics of behavior traits in German Shepherds, which confirmed that multiple genetic and non-genetic factors influence canine behavior, such as mouthing and nipping. In simple terms, your German Shepherd may inherit genes predisposing them to aggression from their parents, which does not mean you cannot tame the behavior through training. Poor Puppy Socialization Poorly socialized puppies grow into badly behaved adult German Shepherds exhibiting undesirable behaviors like jumping up and biting. If a German Shepherd is not socialized well at this age, he will become an unapproachable and untrainable adult. Proper socialization training for your German Shepherd means exposing them to different environments where they learn how to interact with other people and pets positively. This makes them more confident and calm than anxiety and aggression in unsocialized and badly trained dogs. Incomplete Obedience Training Obedience training is crucial in helping your German Shepherd understand your expectations. This includes managing behaviors such as play biting and improving the overall trainability of your pet. Many new dog owners think a week of training after bringing their dog home is enough. Not so! This is also key to ensuring your dog feels confident when interacting with visitors. Miscommunication can result in undesired behaviors like play biting, especially when your pet meets visitors. I have two helpful guides to help you with obedience training using positive reinforcement techniques. These guides incorporate strategies to improve trainability and build confidence in your dog. It has been confirmed that positive reinforcement training produces the best behavior in dogs because it boosts their confidence. Alao, you encourage your pet to repeat it by constantly rewarding him. Instead, research suggests that aversive training methods may be less effective in teaching good behavior to your dog. This can also negatively affect their interactions with visitors. Hormonal Effects and Gonadectomy Testosterone is often associated with aggression in male dogs. This research study discovered that other hormones could be the underlying causes of play biting and aggression in dogs. Oxytocin OT , a hormone associated with social bonding and sexual reproduction, and Vasopressin AVP , which regulates the volume of extracellular fluid volume and renal handling of water, can negatively impact dog behavior. Gonadectomy is the generic term for the surgical removal of the male testes or female ovaries. However, research results from a large sample of over 13, dogs show this is not entirely true. Scientists still do not know the reason for this. Would you call that a well-behaved dog? This is especially notable when visitors come to the house and the dog exhibits poor behavior. Not setting boundaries with your dog can be another reason your German Shepherd has behavior issues. Such a dog will show aggression when someone tries to set boundaries, such as at the vet or the dog park. The German Shepherd is a high-energy dog requiring at least two hours of daily exercise. This means more than leash walks! In addition to this, he will need lots of interactive play and mental stimulation to manage his health and build confidence. If you try to make your GSD a couch potato, he will have behavior issues, manifesting primarily in destructive behavior, negatively affecting his play-biting habits and behavior around visitors. Zak George , the well-known dog breeder and trainer, often emphasizes this point in his teachings. For example, a study revealed that dogs involved in physical activity and those who practice agility shows are less likely to show aggressive tendencies than those living a more sedentary life. Medical Conditions A final reason your German Shepherd will show behavior problems is if he has medical issues. These could be both physical and psychological. For example, dogs with Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior are often linked with self-directed aggression and self-mutilation, primarily through biting. A study on clinical features in dogs and cats with OCB indicated self-mutilation as the most recurrent of these features. Such practices are often seen as a sign of distress in dogs. Other medical conditions that may cause behavior issues in dogs include injury and post-operative pain, which can trigger aggressive behavior. In this case, having a breeder or vet advise on handling the dog can be beneficial. The causes of German Shepherd behavior problems are lack of socialization and exercise. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and social dogs and must be exposed to various people, animals, and environments to develop correctly. They are also active and energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. What other resources can help me deal with German Shepherd behavior problems? Many resources are available to help you deal with German Shepherd behavior problems. The most important is a qualified and experienced dog trainer. A good trainer can help you identify the source of the problem and develop an effective plan to address it. Another great resource is books and online articles written by experts on the subject. Final Thoughts Owning a German Shepherd is both exciting and rewarding for most owners. However, behavior problems associated with the breed can sometimes make owning a GSD a challenge altogether. What is most important is knowing that you can manage these behavior problems. Exercise, training, eliminating cues to behavior problems, and seeking a canine behaviorist are all possible ways to make your German Shepherd overcome his behavior shortcomings. Remember, though, that the job of a dog behaviorist or trainer is to train the dog and the human too! Related Posts You May Like:. Possible reasons that your German Shepherd is out of control Insufficient exercise German Shepherds were bred to do energy-intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. This means that they require a lot of exercise to be properly stimulated. If they do not get it then it can cause them to lose their focus and to be much more difficult to control. This is why it is important to make sure that your German Shepherd is getting a lot of exercise. You might be surprised at just how much exercise your German Shepherd actually needs so it would be worthwhile to give it a lot more exercise one day and see how it responds to it. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Attention seeking The reason that your German Shepherd is out of control could be that it is its way of getting your attention. If you do not give it a lot of attention or exercise on a daily basis then it can cause it to look for ways to get it. One of those ways is to act in a way that gets a reaction out of you. To stop this you should try ignoring it when it is behaving badly, if you can, and then to reward it when it acts in a way that you want it to. Punishment If you typically punish your German Shepherd when it misbehaves then it could be the reason that it is hard to control. One of the reasons for that is that if you punish it then it might think that you are punishing it for something different. For example, if your German Shepherd bolts out the door and you punish it when it comes back then it will likely think that you are punishing it for the last thing that it did which was to come back to you. It can also cause other problems such as fear, aggression, anxiety, distrust, and destruction. An alternative strategy would be to do lots of positive reinforcement training instead. This is why you train your German Shepherd by rewarding it for doing the things that you want it to do or at least for making steps in the right direction. If your German Shepherd thinks that it will be punished by you then it will make it less likely to listen to you. Training The reason that your German Shepherd is out of control could be due to a lack of training. German Shepherds and other dogs do not understand language like we do. This is why it is important to take the time to teach your German Shepherd to do the things that you want it to do. You should start with the basics in an easy environment and then work your way up to harder tasks and environments from there. When you bring your German Shepherd into a new environment it will cause it to get distracted by the things going on around it and it will not be as mindful of your command. It would be better to save rewards for good behavior and signs of good behavior. When this happens, take a step back and train it to do what you want again starting at an earlier step or even the beginning. Training To get your German Shepherd to listen to you more it will be necessary to give it lots of training. Training your German Shepherd will have a number of benefits. It will make it more responsive to your command so you will be able to get it to stop misbehaving more easily. It will make things easier for you in social situations where you need your German Shepherd to behave. It will also help you to have a more rewarding relationship with your German Shepherd. You should start by teaching it the basics such as to sit and stay in an environment where there are not many distractions. Then you can build up to teaching it harder things such as to come to you on command. If your German Shepherd is quite energetic then giving it some exercise before you start training it should help to make it more focused on you when you try to train it. You can watch the video below to see how to get started on teaching your dog the basics.