chunky golden retriever puppies

Wolf vs. While these are generic numbers, they can still give you a better understanding of the ideal size to expect. Of course, note that your German Shepherd has to be a purebred, and the mating needs professional intervention. Below is a photo of a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog , which was initially bred from working line German Shepherds and Carpathian grey wolves in .This hybrid has a special diet requirement. Look for high-quality dog food that contains real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Some options include: Dry kibble: This is the most common type of dog food and is convenient and easy to store. Look for brands that offer high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. Wet food: This type of dog food is more palatable than dry kibble and can be a good option for picky eaters. Look for brands that use real meat and avoid fillers. Raw food: Some dog owners prefer to feed their GSD-Wolf Mix a raw food diet, which consists of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. But why do I stress it under the diet section? Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and mobility issues. To help prevent hip dysplasia, make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight and gets regular exercise. To help prevent these issues, feed your dog a high-quality diet and avoid table scraps and other human foods. Joint problems: Because of their size and activity level, GSD-Wolf Mixes are also prone to joint problems like arthritis. Multivitamins: A multivitamin supplement can help ensure that your dog is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. Here are some tips to help you keep your GSD-Wolf hybrid healthy and happy. Grooming Your German Shepherd-Wolf Mix has a thick, dense coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and shiny. Here are some grooming tips to keep in mind: Brush their coat at least once a week to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Bathe them as needed, but not too often, as it can strip their coat of its natural oils. Trim their nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort. Clean their ears regularly to prevent infections. These are only a few tips. Ideally, once you get a German Shepherd Wolf Mix, you may encounter new requirements based on their health conditions as well. Nevertheless, regular grooming is mandatory! Combining the power and strength of a German Shepherd and a wolf, this mix is inherently stronger. Here are some exercise tips to keep in mind: Aim for at least 2 hours of exercise per day, including walks, runs, and playtime. Provide plenty of mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and training sessions. Consider enrolling your dog in agility classes or other activities to keep them engaged. Training Your GSD-Wolf Mix is a smart and independent breed that needs consistent training and socialization to thrive. In fact, they can understand and grasp commands faster than usual because of their mix. Here are some training tips to keep in mind: Start training and socialization early to prevent behavior issues. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior. Be patient and consistent in your training approach. Consider working with a professional trainer if you need help. Maintaining a German Shepherd Wolf Mix requires a bit more effort than other breeds, but with the right approach, you can keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. By providing them with plenty of exercise, training, and health care, you can enjoy a strong and rewarding bond with your unique and beautiful German Shepherd Wolf Mix. They have a natural instinct to protect their loved ones and can be fiercely loyal to those they trust. Your German Shepherd Wolf Mix is a smart and inquisitive breed that thrives on mental stimulation. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. Similar to their parents, your GSD-Wolf hybrid is an independent breed that can be stubborn at times. They may not always follow commands or listen to their owners and may prefer to do things their own way. However, this hybrid needs early and consistent socialization to prevent behavior issues. They may be wary of strangers and other animals if they are not properly socialized from a young age. Your GSD-Wolf Mix has a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals like squirrels and rabbits. A German Shepherd Wolf Mix is safe for people professionally trained to handle wolf dogs but is not safe for ordinary pet owners, first-time dog owners, and families with children. Three primary reasons move people to interbreed wolves and German Shepherds, or any other dog breed: The desire to create the attractive wolf look in a wolfdog. The expectation is that breeding a German Shepherd and a wolf will produce an exceptionally hybrid pup with a balanced blend of the domestic and the wild traits in the two canines. The attempt to tame the wild in the wolf and create a fiercer guard dog than the purebred German Shepherd. Unfortunately, these expectations rarely materialize. Instead, German Shepherd Wolf hybrids can manifest extreme aggression and stubbornness for several reasons. Dogs sexually mature by 6 to 8 months, but they also have less aggressive hormonal changes and a more stable behavioral pattern in the years of sexual maturity. In contrast, wolves only mature sexually at around 1 to 4 years. The species-specific roles that come with sexual maturity, such as fighting their place in pack roles, can generate aggression and stubbornness and make their behavior patterns extremely unpredictable. Inheriting the unpredictable behavior of a wolf can make German Shepherd Wolf Mixes challenging to manage. And pruning out the wolf traits in the Wolf Shepherd can be tricky, even with training. That means having to deal with a difficult-to-manage pet. A Wild Prey Drive Prey drive is the instinctive tendency of carnivores to pursue and capture prey, also known as predatory behavior. Both the wolf and the German Shepherd have a strong prey drive , the first more than the second. This behavior can make your wolfdog threaten the safety of livestock and other animals when you walk with them or even try to escape to meet this instinctual hunting drive. Territoriality Wolves are a territorial species, a trait that German Shepherd Wolf Mixes can inherit. Wolfdogs often show territoriality through urine marking. But being territorial especially means that the wolfdog will be possessive of things and spaces in the home. As a result, the Wolf Shepherd will tend to be aggressive and defensive when other animals and people approach areas and things they consider to belong to them. Winter Wolf Syndrome Winter wolf syndrome, or seasonal aggression, is the aggression that characterizes wolves and wolfdogs around the mating season. The manifestation of the winter wolf syndrome can vary from wolf to wolf or wolfdog to wolfdog. Some wolves and wolf dogs may just show a bit of grumpiness, while others can show outright aggressiveness and extreme possessiveness. In German Shepherd Wolf hybrids and other wolfdogs, the extent of the winter wolf syndrome behaviors may vary with: Wolf content: The amount of wolf in a German Shepherd Dog. Sex: Males show protective behavior towards females, and females may show aggression towards their fellow females. In both cases, the wolfdogs can direct this aggression toward the owner or other persons. According to the Colorado Wolf Sanctuary , because of the natural element in the winter wolf syndrome, wolves and wolfdog owners should be aware that it is unsafe to interact directly with their pets in the five months or more around the mating season. The resulting question from the discovery that wolfdogs can be unsafe is whether governments allow people to own wolfdogs, even though they can turn violent. In some states, owning a wolfdog is illegal. Others regulate the ownership of wolfdogs with the same laws set for the ownership of wild animals, while others regulate wolfdogs in the same way as dogs. When owning a wolfdog is permitted by law, some states and local laws may specify the permissible wolf content in the wolfdog or require owners to get additional permits. A good number of states, including California, Montana, Idaho, and Florida, have both local and state restrictions on wolfdog ownership. Fewer states like Alaska, Georgia, Michigan, and Illinois completely outlaw wolfdogs. No state in the US is without restrictions on wolfdog ownership. As laws are constantly changing, please contact your city, county, and state governments before purchasing a wolf dog. In other countries like the UK, you require a license to own first-generation F1 wolf dogs, which are regulated by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act .However, it is legal to own a wolfdog as long as it is 3 generations F3 from the parent wolf. In other words, you can own a German Shepherd wolfdog if it is born of second-generation wolfdogs or a second-generation wolfdog and a German Shepherd. Going forward, you should check the safety and legality associated with the mix before you decide to get one. Even if you possess adequate knowledge in raising one, this hybrid is pretty challenging and can pose complexities on the go. Related Posts You May Like:. Conclusion Characteristics They have a very strong will to hunt. This makes other small pets, such as cats, bunnies, or even small dogs easy targets. Other animals are not safe around them. When left to themselves, wolf dog hybrids can will get into trouble. Also, they can spend most of the night howling, so you may wish to speak with your neighbors first before committing to ownership. They love to explore and if allowed would wander miles from their home with little effort. Wolves also keep a big territory and will naturally want to patrol it in order to protect their boundaries. It gives you an idea of what they would be like in your home when they are being good although they need to be outside almost all of the time. Temperament There is a reason that these dogs are illegal in some places. They are wild and unpredictable. There have been many incidents where the German Shepherd Wolf mix has killed children. Never under any circumstances should you allow your children to go unattended around these dogs. They are more aggressive than any normal domestic dog, and when they feel threatened, they will attack. Only the most experienced dog handlers and wild animal experts should handle these animals. It is so important to keep the animal thinking that you are the alpha to it. The German Shepherd wolf hybrid will challenge you for dominance. It was the family pet. German Shepherd Wolf Mix Puppies When the wolf dog is a puppy they will appear to be gentle and playful like any dog pup. Not all wolf dogs are created the same. Since there is not a breed standard, the character of a pup is going to vary greatly. There really is no breed of dog that you can properly compare them with due to the influence of the wolf. Health Concerns The German Shepherd wolf hybrid is note prone to any particular health concerns. There are considerable health benefits to owing a mutt. Some of them may not wish to deal with them. Others may wish to come out and treat a German Shepherd wolf mix on site. Ideal Living Conditions Wolf dogs are going to need to spend most of their time outside. According to Mission Wolf, wolf dogs need at least an acre of land to roam on. Wolf dogs love to have a source of water for them to enjoy. They love to swim for pleasure and to cool off. The dog must not be allowed to roam free. At least eight feet tall. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent. They are one of the few dog breeds that will try to do something different every time until they get the result that they want. Diet The wolf has a high prey instinct. So, a protein rich diet is a must. They have not adapted to eating dog food in large quantities. In the wild, Wolves eat tons of moose, elk, rabbits, deer, and tons of other wildlife. This is uncomfortable for the dog, and it creates quite the mess. The main ingredient in most dog foods is corn, or some other form of grain. Although with their disposition, they are much more suited as a dog that spends most of its time outside. If you are concerned about how much you would have to groom them. They shed about as much as a Labrador , but the fur is a little more course. Trainability Wolf and dog hybrids are trainable. They are incredibly intelligent. But, they are also super stubborn. But, with the wolf dog it is extra important. You should always treat them like a wild animal. This means that you should approach them on their terms. These animals really do a lot of their communication with their mouth. They Conclusion Normally when I type up one of these pages, my goal is to provide you with information that will help you decide what kind of dog is best for you and your family. My goal is to do that without really injecting my opinion. A Husky or German Shepherd will be a much better dog for you and your family. But, it very well might happen. Is that a chance that you are willing to take? He is a hybrid wolfdog. Or maybe some coyote, no one knows. He is drop-dead gorgeous and is flat out terrified of strangers. He has been living with Jayne and Mike Belskey at the Grey Wolf Central Wisconsin Rescue for two years now, having been rescued by them as a panicked, huddled, terrified mess from a shelter. It made me happier than I can say that after two hours after I arrived in the house he relaxed enough to lie down only a few feet away from me, albeit with a table between us. Maybe it was because I did lots of look aways, yawned a lot, avoided eye contact and kept my voice down. Maybe not, but I hereby admit to being thrilled to be in the same room with him, and was absolutely overwhelmed by his beauty. I got to meet Bits only because it was the day of the annual veterinary visit at Grey Wolf Rescue. Bits is on a leash only because he is about to be vaccinated and have blood drawn to check for tick-borne diseases, and for one brief moment he looked directly at me and I snapped the picture. While we talked, she climbed on the table, then the top of the couch, chewed on my hair, began eating my notebook, then played with the coffee cups, then squatted to pee, then lept at the blinds and pulled them down. Rinse and repeat. Of course we intervened whenever possible, but it was like trying to stop water coursing over a water fall. It did not end well. The couple eventually realized that there was no way they could manage a wolfdog and tried to find her a place to go. I will refrain from expressing my reaction to that here. He was also young, perhaps six-months old, but with a massive head and huge paws and his owner thought it a tad amusing that the animal was biting his wife and downright hysterical that he bit me after I traded the toy he had for a piece of chicken. The wolfdog ate the chicken while I picked up the toy, and then I offered the toy back to him. If you let me take your toy, then you get something better and you get the toy back too! The next week I heard that the wolfdog badly bit his male owner and was euthanized. For years I struggled with what to call wolfdog hybrids. Should I call them wolves? And yet, it is thus the perfect name, because they are not wolves, they are not dogs, and they are trapped in the awkardness of being neither. Yes, I know that some wolfdogs do well with their human family, and even get along with other dogs. Yes, I know that. I will no doubt get comments from wolfdog supporters and breeders who defend the practice of breeding wolves to dogs. When I testified as an expert witness in support of a woman who went to court to force her ex-husband to keep her young children away from the wolfdogs that her husband had purchased, I was put on the official Wolfdog Blacklist, and heard about it for years afterward. Wolves simply are not designed to live in houses with people. They need to trot miles and miles every day. They do not, and will never, look to their human for guidance, or boundaries, or anything but to live together as equals. You do not, ever, tell a wolf what to do. If you need more evidence, read the beautifully written and heartbreaking book, Part Wild , by Ceiridwen Terrill. I reviewed it in a previous blog. It was never my intent to have a Wolfdog in my life, let alone open a sanctuary and rescue. But everyone involved in rescue can understand about those life changing moments when a certain animal points the way to a new life path. For me it started with one abandoned Wolfdog pup that had 2 choices, either come home with me or be euthanized and so the journey began. I will be the first to say that after sharing the last 14 years of my life with them, I fully understand the draw these magnificent animals can have on the human heart. I have loved each and every rescued animal unconditionally. I have met some very loving and committed owners who do a wonderful job accepting life with these animals and giving them the best life possible, I work with a national network of rescues and sanctuaries around the country that do a fantastic job and I have met some very happy and well-adjusted animals. But for some many there is such a bone crushing sadness. When an owner realizes they are in over their head, there are few options for a happy ending. If I could build 20 new enclosures today, I could fill them all tomorrow with wolfdogs needing rescue. The ethics of captive wildlife is a struggle for me. Our wolves belong in the wild, not chained out in your back yard. Grey Wolf Central Wisconsin Rescue is a testament to the power of commitment. Containing wolfdogs is no easy feat, and the work the two of them has done is no less than amazing. Every individual animal they have has a horrendous, heartbreaking story behind it, and every individual receives attention and care from them both every day, every hour. They do not travel. It was an honor to be able to visit and spend time with them and the wolfdogs. Most of the time I merely observed while Jayne gently captured each wolfdog, muzzled it for safety sakes, and then DVM Pam Prochaska of Tomah WI gave it a once over, what vaccinations were needed and took blood to test for diseases. If you are so inclined, it would be a wonderful thing if you would too. They deserve all the help they can get. I have heard that there are a lot out west in the states, but a surprising number in the midwest too. What about other countries? Is this an issue where you live? On a related note: Anyone who wants to help the effort to disallow the use of free running packs of dogs in the wolf hunt in Wisconsin can check out the Ride for Wolves sponsored by the Dane County Humane Society in Madison, WI. After 3. A dark day for me. Lovely, yes? We are doing major work in the backyard to better manage water flow the house is at the bottom of a long, steep hill and are having retaining wall built. You know how it goes. Patience is not my virtue however.

Until I met Forest and River. Forest was first. I happened to be living with them at the time, and I really did not care for the furry child who had entered the home. Forest peed and pooped everywhere, and then there was all the biting and the chewing and the howling. I swear, dog care books conveniently downplay the actual reality of daily puppy life, which is mostly that they chew on everything. Photo courtesy Jessica Pineda That all changed when I went with my brother-in-law and niece when they took Forest to a trainer. Watching Forest learn things and seeing how smart he was changed my entire outlook on dogs. I never truly realized what they were capable of and how eager they were to learn. I never realized how easy it is to teach them, and what kind of bond it built between you and your pet. I devoured books and YouTube videos on behavior, training and breed history. I quickly taught Forest a variety of tricks and trained certain behaviors, like not pulling me down the street when we went for walks. I was obsessed. So I yearned for the day I could get my own. Not soon after, I met River. I was well into my dog obsession when I met River. All I know is that she was found wandering the streets with a shattered femur and was between 9 and 11 months old. While River recovered, I knew I needed to find a place that would let me have a big dog like her. And again, with luck, I found a little guest house on a 5-acre property. It was the perfect place to have a dog, and the moment River was recovered enough that I could adopt her, I did. Then, almost a week after I moved into my new place and brought River home, I got a text from my niece. She asked if I would be interested in taking Forest too, since she was concerned about his quality of life. Without me, Forest was kind of neglected, everyone too busy to play or walk him. Without hesitation, I agreed. One German Shepherd puppy is a handful, but two? I know, I know. I feel you. I had no idea what I was getting into, even in just introducing the two. Also, walking two dogs at once is a sure-fire way to die when you trip over their leashes. Unless you want to watch your house and yard destroyed by a bored dog, you have to put in the time or you will be in over your head fast. And even though I did it, I would not recommend that anyone adopt two German Shepherds at once unless they have experience with the breed. All dogs deserve that, of course, but I feel for these super-smart, active breeds — they really need it. If I had known what joy Forest and River would bring me, I would have become a dog owner much sooner. However, one advantage this breed offers is how eager even puppies are to learn. When you start training early and are consistent, your puppies will understand what they are supposed to do very easily. Puppies raised together are likely to bond quickly. As puppies that show the promise of becoming large dogs very quickly, getting both puppies used to going on walks or other activities is essential for them to get used to interacting with new people. Better socialization makes all the difference. If you live in a setting where your puppies will have easy access to the outdoors, it will be that much easier to help them meet their exercise needs. Because young GSDs are high-energy , exercise always helps keep them calm and focused. Having two puppies who grow up together will help them get along better. Many of the conflicts that might otherwise arise between dogs are less of a problem with two German Shepherd puppies who have grown up together. Dogs that learn to share resources easily will be less possessive. Being able to train both dogs at the same time, as is often the case with puppies, is another significant advantage. Being able to teach both dogs at once makes it easier to train them in less time. The sooner your puppies are trained, the better for them. Shepherds raised in the same household from an early age could have fewer problems than you would find from adding another dog later. After all, an adult dog introduced into a home could have acquired bothersome behavior that is hard to cope with. However, buying or adopting two puppies may not be the best solution for every household. There are advantages to adding an adult dog as well. Owners will do well to consider the advantages or disadvantages of both situations. One common concern that German Shepherd owners have is whether a second dog might eliminate dog aggression issues. A second GSD should seldom become a problem. Your main concerns should involve the feasibility of an additional pet in general. All of these are vital factors in any new dog. One of the most severe mistakes for anyone who gets a new dog to make is giving the new dog a lot of attention while spending less attention on the first dog. It will be very important to find a healthy balance in how you provide attention to your dogs. Each dog will require individual attention to make sure they receive the right amount of interaction. However, one dog should not receive a large amount of attention in front of the other. Doing so will probably encourage a rivalry between the two. Another consideration besides time and attention that you will need to keep in mind if acquiring a second dog is what resources you have for additional food, exercise, and veterinary care. The decision to take a second German Shepherd is important. German Shepherd Dogs can have special feeding needs, including eating foods that protect joint health. Food sensitivities and allergies may require one dog to have special food. Daily walks can be helpful but are better if someone else in your household can assist. Supervised play in a fenced-in yard might be the best option. The higher veterinary costs are also an important consideration. German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that range from bone and joint problems to gastric torsion. When you have two of these dogs, being able to afford care is vital. Adding a second Shepherd to your home when you already have one can be a good choice. In most cases, the dogs should get along well, with minimal fuss, as long as you supervise both of them. However, making sure that you are in a position to handle both dogs is ideal. If you have plans to deal with any of these circumstances, adding another German Shepherd might be a good choice for you. Your current dog will probably adjust well to the second dog, with a similar size, temperament, and activity level. One of the things you might need to think about if you decide to have two German Shepherds is whether you want to have two dogs of the same or opposite gender. There are advantages and disadvantages that are important for GSD owners to consider. Contrary to popular belief, neither gender is more or less likely to have aggression issues. Some dogs of the same gender get along perfectly well, while others do better with another dog of the opposite sex. A dog that is reactive toward dogs of the same sex would probably do better with a dog of the opposite sex. The good thing is that taking steps like having both dogs altered when possible and practical, as well as making sure the introductions are done correctly, will help ensure that both dogs get along as well as possible. Taking some steps to ensure that the introduction goes as smoothly as possible is a good idea. This video demonstrates how smoothly an introduction can go when done properly. Meeting in a neutral setting works best for these dogs. Both dogs should be leashed for the best results. In fact, taking a walk together is one of the best ways to start the introduction. The dogs should be kept at a healthy distance from each other during their walk to avoid any possible problems. After the dogs have had a chance to rest for a moment after the walk. The dogs should be allowed to smell each other for a couple of minutes. After they do this, it should be safe to allow them to interact with the leashes still attached. Watch the behavior of the German Shepherd Dogs very carefully. If you see behavior that indicates a willingness to play, like bowing or tail-wagging, encourage the dogs to play together gently to help them get better acquainted. When both dogs are going to be in the house together, it is an excellent idea to let the new dog in first. Let your first dog in next. Make sure you keep an eye on the dogs so you can separate them if there are signs of aggression or tension that could escalate. If the dogs show any signs of hostility, separate them, and only allow them to interact again after they have calmed down. For at least the first few days, you should make sure the German Shepherds are not left alone unattended. Making sure each dog has a training crate or other dedicated area to sleep will help the dogs maintain proper space. Dogs who have had proper introductions are not usually as likely to fight. Ensuring the dogs have separate areas to rest and sleep helps to make a difference. Even though these methods are not entirely fool-proof, they are helpful. In some cases, aggression has its roots in two intact dogs of the same gender having problems. These types of disputes have their origins in sexual frustration. However, there is a remedy in the form of having one or both dogs spayed or neutered. Neutering can help eliminate aggression, especially in the case of two males. Aggression between two German Shepherds can be terrifying, considering the size that most of these dogs reach. Even though steps like trying and having the dogs altered can make a difference, aggression between the two could occur at some point. Dogs this size who start fighting can inflict injury on each other or anyone who tries to stop the fight. Knowing how to stop a row in a way that reduces the threat of harm is essential. When your dogs have difficulty getting along, it is vital that you know how to deal with the situation. Any number of circumstances can lead to dogs fighting, from quarrels over food to fights over toys. If your dogs have a disagreement, you need to know how to eliminate the problem in a positive way that reduces the possibility of injury. Having taken steps to introduce your dogs properly will reduce the likelihood of the fight being drawn-out. Remove whatever is triggering their hostility, such as food or a toy. Separate the two dogs to give them time to calm down. Once the dogs have had a chance to settle down, allow them back into the same area, with proper supervision. Reward both dogs with praise and treats or pats for behaving themselves. Rewards for good behavior will accomplish more than negativity. Two German Shepherds can be a perfect addition to any household, regardless of whether they have been raised together or if one of the dogs is a later addition. Being adequately prepared and making proper introductions makes a world of difference. So, two German Shepherd Dogs would be even better, right? German Shepherds that are of similar size, temperament, and energy levels get along the best. Are you wondering if having two German Shepherds means twice the goodness or double the trouble? Keep reading to understand the potential risks and best conditions for raising two puppies together. The short answer is yes, you sure can! German Shepherd Dogs GSD are fiercely loyal and develop bonds quickly, even in as little as a few weeks. They are also exceptionally intelligent which makes training them much quicker than with other breeds. This is great if you train one puppy first and then the second. However, they must trust and respect you before you train them together. If their bond is stronger with each other instead of with you, the training will be poor. Raising them simultaneously too early may create an inseparable bond that inhibits them from socializing with other dogs and humans. On the other hand, they might develop the exact opposite relationship with each other and end up fighting one another instead. Because they can easily view the second dog as intruding on their territory, and they might not want to share the house or you. There is also the risk of littermate syndrome, a situation where two German Shepherds start fighting so severely that it leads to having to relocate one of the dogs to a new home. This will allow you to focus your attention on training the first puppy who can then help you train the next. While they are still puppies, they can teach each other to share resources and your attention. Your first puppy will adjust better because both will be more willing to play, will be less likely to fight, and neither of them will be able to dominate the other. However, some GSDs will get along better with a puppy of the same sex. The results of their relationship vary from case to case, but it is something you still have to consider. What is much more important to consider is how well your current puppy gets along with other dogs right now. All of that to say: you can have two German Shepherds of either gender so long as the age gap is small and the first puppy you have has been properly socialized. Introduction Have the two puppies meet in a neutral area, such as a park, rather than in the house several days before you bring the new puppy home. Keep them leashed. Stop the session if one of the dogs gets nervous. Each puppy should have their own space in a quiet area around the house, especially when they want to get away from its new sibling. Be sure to encourage the new puppy to recognize their bed by teaching them to sit in it, and if they do, give them a treat. It helps if you do your best to show both dogs the same affection and give them the same attention with exercise, treats, etc.

Well, due to Google, we actually have one in Turkey, so, pretty far away! As a Golden Retriever breeder, we adopt out a few great pups that we have been able to find some great families for. We have been fortunate to have some great golden adults. They have heritage links to some great well know kennels such as Liberty Kennels from which President Ford's golden came from; Gold Rush Kennels with their english creams and whose owner R. Ann Johnson published a well researched textbook on golden pups; and, also from Golden Glen Kennels that were well know for their dark goldens for their obedience and hunting. These are all our dogs - our pets first and foremost! We have been fortunate in gaining many referrals from past adoptees, as well as some of those getting 2nd, even 3rd, pups for themselves! We greatly appreciate our adoptees - past, present, and future. Our children participate in the breeding a little more each year! We have been doing this for 19 years since .Our adoptees say that our pups are better than they've found from most breeders when they come to pick out their pups. Of just over pups in 19 years, there has been great health history with no cancer. Any health issues have been mostly environmentally caused or some pretty common parasites that we work diligently to ward off for you and the pups. These are our babies, newborns, just like our kids that come home from the hospital. The pups are raised in our home, and socialized with tender loving care, on wooded and meadowed acreage with a pond. She was never bred, but our Golden Retriever adoption service is in honor of her, now residing at the "green tennis ball retirement lodge". This is the first pup, from our first litter! The Goldens we Breed: We have three spectrums of Golden pups and parents, primarily based on their coloring - See our "parents" page for complete information 1 English Cream bred with another English Cream. These come primarily from "Gold-Rush Kennels" lineage who have a long history of top dogs. These are the darker to dark red goldens that we started breeding with and come from great lineage both from "Liberty Kennels" back east from which came President Fords dog; and, "Golden Glen Kennels" with a long history of hunting and obedience backgrounds. This is a combination of the two above and produces some great pups in a range of medium light English Cream Golden to a medium to light medium dark "mocha" coloring. We have chosen not to breed the "average" golden that tends to be the light medium to medium in coloring with a fairly long coat. This is what the AKC considers the "standard of the breed". You will see these around, but mostly you will see them at a dog show; and, are the only range of Goldens you'll see shown. These average goldens have been way over bred, including a fair amount of "inbreeding", and they tend to have the most health problems due to this. There are some very beautiful dogs in this category, but by far we feel you will find the most beautiful, distinctive dogs with predictable great temperaments and health within the English Creams and darker Goldens. Our personal favorites are the very dark goldens, though hard to find. They specialized in the very dark goldens for hunting and obedience trials. Unfortunately these two ends of the spectrum do have their own caveats. The English Creams are fast becoming over bred with claims of grandiose backgrounds, rampant breeding of so-called "English Creams" "specially imported" from some country by a breeder, and they don't look much like a golden, and come with arbitrary high prices. With the darker Goldens, especially the darker red's, they are in a sense being hi-jacked by seemingly elite hunting breeders, generally requiring you to only use the dog for hunting activities a "working dog" ; and, subsequently, the "Golden community" is starting to lose these dogs that make fantastic intelligent companions and they also make great "help" dogs for people. Several of our darker Goldens have gone this route, as well as for hunting. This is not to say that the English Creams aren't good for this, as well! Most of our dogs, and the pups produced, have what we call a "long flat silky coat" that tends to be easier to care for than the very thick haired show golden and with generally less shedding. The English Cream Goldens tend to be somewhat fluffier and shed a bit more, while the darker goldens tend to maintain the flatter silky coat with less shedding. All our adults have good health backgrounds with their parents or grandparents, and farther back, having lots of OFA and CERF certifications for eyes, hearts, elbows, hips; though we go more by our health history because "certifications" tend to imply to many a level of "perfection" and unfortunately these are living beings, essentially just like us humans - see our health page for more health info. The darker Goldens tend to have a penchant toward hunting senses and abilities, though pups from all parents have been used for hunting. Some people favor the lighter, english cream goldens for their somewhat more mellow temperament, and somewhat lower energy level. However, be careful of seeking "mellow".This is especially true with a golden. We've never met or heard of a true golden retriever that doesn't have an inherent mellow temperament and that wants to bond with THEIR human. All our adults and pups, light to dark, have primarily the boxy heads with shorter snouts, though some have a somewhat longer snout. They all have wonderful traits of mellow dispositions, eager to please, and are "easily" obedience trained. We do provide the "one word" commands on our website, so you can start right away, but it does take comittment. The pups are socialized and surrounded by their siblings and mother and other dogs and all of our family 3 children, carefully monitored as well as visitors. Pups generally are released to their new homes around 8 weeks old. We do not recommend getting them much later, as the sooner they are with you, the sooner, and better, they will bond with you, instead of us or their siblings or parents. The ideal bonding time is from weeks old and gradually decreases at around 12 weeks of age; however, you will not find a golden that won't bond with a human at any age! Our pups have been placed in adoptive homes ranging as pets and companions to elderly care companions to pheasant hunting dogs to mascots on fishing boats to very happy apartment dwellers to families with 4 to 5 children. As a breeder under the USDA "Animal Welfare Act" we are classified as an "Exempt Business" - Anyone who sells domestic pets directly to pet owners is exempt, regardless of sales volume, when picked up face to face or may be sight-unseen when the breeder has 4 or fewer breeding females. Such sales can be made via internet, in person, or by mail. Puppy choices are set by receipt of application and deposit. The Humane Society of the United States just released its list of some of the nation's worst puppy mills and breeders. Rolling Hills Retrievers - Home. Rolling Hills Retrievers specializes in training retrievers. Rolling Hills Puppies in Hull, reviews by real people. Pet Food Express Delivery. Get the Ball Rolling. Dog Toys.Love Your True Colors. Celebrate pride, love, and identity with your pets! Health Guarantee Rolling Hills Pups. Rolling Hills Puppies Rolling Hills Puppies seller makes the following warranties to buyer, in consideration for the purchase of a puppy. Seller guarantees that upon arrival and for a period not to exceed 7 days thereafter, puppy is free of any non-stress related condition requiring veterinary treatment. Rolling Hills Puppies - Facebook. Rolling Hills Puppies. We are passionate about dogs! We specialize in raising Mini-Goldendoodles and Mini Bernedoodles! Rolling Hills Australian Shepherds in Pennsylvania. See puppy photos, reviews, health information. Easy to apply. Find the best Australian.Services in Chula Vista, CA. Our staff at Rolling Hills Pet Hospital is filled with passionate animal lovers who are here.We offer the following services to keep your pets healthy:. Genetically tested with a guarantee! We can safely deliver your puppy.Rudy has over 50 years of breeding expertise. Bernese Mountain Dog pup! So beautiful! Bailey Rolling Hills Puppies. Spring labradoodle puppies females available soon - YouTube. Spring labradoodle puppies females available soon.Four heroes receive puppies thanks to West MS students. It's been a tradition at West Middle School for seven years to help raise funds for puppies to give to veterans. The puppy is provided to.Rolling Acres Puppies: Home. Welcome To Rolling Acres.Our mission is to raise our dogs in a family based environment. We breed for top quality, healthy puppies that can be introduced to.Goldendoodle puppies - Standard and Mini Goldendoodle.Rolling Hills Puppies - Posts Facebook. We specialize in raising Mini-Goldendoodles. We are dedicated to raising happy and healthy family pets for.Grace Acres Puppies. Goldendoodle puppy. Home raised. My husband and I got into raising puppies in .We live in the gently rolling hills of SE Iowa on 15 acres.Breeding for over 30 years. Come to our farmette in the rolling hills of West Virginia, or have us fly your puppy to your nearest airport. Check out what puppies we have available for purchase! They are adorable and sweet - a perfect addition for your family! Rolling Hills Puppies is a business that is passionate about dogs! We raise Mini-Goldendoodles, come check us out! Our operation is located in the rolling hills of middle Tennessee. We have multiple facilities designed to cater to our dogs. Hidden Road Doodles Home. Our farm is located in the rolling hills of central Ohio and we would love to have you stop by for a.Goldendoodle Puppies Platinum Goldendoodles Home. Platinum Goldendoodles Doodles is located in the rolling hills of Arkansas, and all our puppies are raised on our farm with our little boy who absolutely.Goldendoodle Puppies in New Hampshire - Top .Bittersweet Goldendoodles New Hampshire is owned by a husband and wife duo. They own a acre farm in the rolling hills of Central Western New.Windy Hill Doodles. Windy Hill Doodles, Labradoodle, goldendoodle and cavapoochon puppies for sale. Located in the rolling hills of California's eastern Stanislaus County, Our puppies are raised by our wonderful breeder in Indiana. In he built a state-of-the-art home on a rolling hill in the countryside. Our dogs have free.Pine Creek Doodles United States. We'd love to have you come visit Pine Creek Doodles and meet our puppies! Rolling Hill Kennel. Rolling Hill Kennel.Payments are sent directly to sellers; Lancaster Puppies is not in any way involved in any part of the transaction, transmission or.Austin Golden Doodles. Our puppies are born and raised at our home nestled in the rolling hills of Austin, Texas. Treated as family, because they are our family! We are located in the rolling hills of West Central Wisconsin and are situated on 40 acres with plenty of room to roam. We have been raising quality puppies.Are you ready to add a new puppy to your family? We are dedicated to providing smart, healthy, beautiful dogs that make the best family companions. All our puppies are sold with Limited AKC registrations and health guarantees. Healthy Rolling Meadows Puppies. More like this. Julie Vandergrift. Rolling Hills Puppies - Sioux Center. You can also find other Pet Services on MapQuest. Our 20 acres of forest land is nestled in the rolling hills between Creswell and Lorane. It is the ideal place to raise our puppies and to give them room to.Our mission is to create a healing space for people and pets while celebrating and promoting the human-animal bond. Breeds: Collie. Breeder Name: Tiffany Spencer. A few steps from our own home, we built a state-of-the-art kennel on a rolling hill in the countryside. Our dogs have free access to the outdoors, Our Dogs Rolling Hills Pups. Proudly created with Wix. Click Here to Like Us on Facebook! Rolling Hills Puppies is a breeder of Bernedoodle, and Goldendoodle. They are located in Iowa. Please leave a review if you've gotten a puppy from.Rolling Hills Pups. Each pup is surrounded with love and care and raised around children and other animals. We'd love to be part of your journey, email for info on available.Double Rolling Hills puppies. Call Joe .Miller of Horseshoe Kennel. Product Rolling Hills Ranch and Kennels. Offered exclusively to families who have adopted from Rolling Hills. Vacation time and the holidays can be a hard time to find someone reputable to watch your pup. Don't trust your best friend to anyone. We will happily care for your dog as if it is our own. Our boarding practices are listed below. Hull, IA. Visit Website. View phone number. Breeds Available: Goldendoodle Bernedoodle. Putt for Pups - Charity Golf Tournament. You will be helping to change lives by joining us for an amazing day of golf at the beautiful Rolling Hills Country Club in Monroe, NC. Pathways Training Center LinkedIn. About Us - Riverside Puppies. Our adult dogs are not just breeding animals, they are cherished pets and have.We have acres of rolling hills; lots of room for family and pets. Nestled in the heart of the Appalachian Mountains, three generations of our family work daily to create the ideal setting for healthy, happy, well socialized, family friendly puppies. Puppies — Rolling Hills Standard Poodles. As of , most of our dogs.Catching a Big Puppy Fishing. Our type of fishing!!! Rolling Hills Fun. Rolling Hills Zoo. Rolling Hills Zoo is open year round and accommodates the entire family, even your pets! Brighten up your Monday with this video, which features a series of dogs rolling down grassy hills. That's all it is! The Zoo does have a Pet Daycare Free for families traveling with their pets. With any extra service provided I would always call ahead for any information. At Rolling Hills Acreage, we have a variety of animals that we enjoy caring for! Purchasing a puppy is a big decision. Check out the answers to our Frequently Asked Questions. Meet some of our delighted customers and see what they have to say about their puppy from Rolling Hills Acreage. Feeding regiment your dog is used to Rolling Meadows Puppies. We are egg farmers and have a small backyard kennel. We started raising German Shepherd puppies in .Tender Loving Puppies: Home. Hello my name is Kim Gibson and I advertise puppies for reputable breeders in the beautiful rolling hills of the Ozarks. Come take a look at all the cuddly.The kennel is ideally situated on 46 rolling country acres in beautiful Caroline County VA. We are conveniently located 20 minutes south of Fredericksburg, Happy Hill Farm Ohio: Goldendoodles. Nestled in the rolling hills of central Ohio is our family organic produce.We are devoted to each puppy and socialize with them daily to ensure thier.About Us - Rolling Ridge Puppies. About Us. We are located in the rolling hills of Holmes County Ohio on a farm of acres. We have a couple horses, some Angus cattle and our Bernese MT. Active License Report for Web. Available Puppies. Puppies and pending litters at Rolling Hill Russells. I am always more than happy to hear stories about the puppies I have produced and want to know.Albark Kennels. At Albark Kennels, our family has been raising puppies in Maryland on our.Al-Bark Kennels is located in the rolling hills of beautiful Western Maryland. Springer Doodle puppies. Welcome to Springer Doodle Hill.The cross of these two breeds produces a dog that is low to non-shedding, weighs around pounds, and stands about 14 inches tall at the shoulder. Pleasant Hill Puppies. We live in the rolling hills of Western Holmes County, Ohio. Our children love to play with the puppies and do most of the chores. Our goal is to provide you.PUPPIES Our family provides puppies with plenty of love and attention so you can receive pups that are socially adapted, bio-sensory friendly, and ready to join their new families at weeks old. Our puppies begin their potty training early with plenty of outdoor bathroom breaks at regular intervals throughout the day. Los Angeles County Animal Care. To assess the development and longitudinal stability of cognitive traits in dogs, we administered a battery of tasks to candidate assistance dogs at two timepoints. The tasks were designed to measure diverse aspects of cognition, ranging from executive function e. Subjects first participated as 8-toweek old puppies, and then were retested on the same tasks at approximately 21 months of age. With few exceptions, task performance improved with age, with the largest effects observed for measures of executive function and social gaze. Results also indicated that individual differences were both early emerging and enduring; for example, social attention to humans, use of human communicative signals, independent persistence at a problem, odor discrimination, and inhibitory control all exhibited moderate levels of rank-order stability between the two timepoints. Using multiple regression, we found that young adult performance on many cognitive tasks could be predicted from a set of cognitive measures collected in early development. Our findings contribute to knowledge about changes in dog cognition across early development as well as the origins and developmental stability of individual differences. Keywords: Assistance dog, behavior, cognition, development, longitudinal, individual differences Introduction Ontogeny provides an important window into the nature of any complex trait, as emphasized by Tinbergen when he dedicated one of his four questions to development. Domestic dogs present rich opportunities for comparative studies of cognitive development given their ubiquity in human societies, employment in diverse working dog applications, and highly variable environments throughout development. One common approach for inferring how variation in developmental experiences affects adult cognition compares adult phenotypes of dogs who have presumably experienced different environmental conditions during development. These studies have evaluated both social cognition i. Some of these studies find no difference in the cognitive performance of dogs with different rearing histories Brubaker et al. While informative with respect to adult phenotypes, these studies lack measures of early-life cognition and thus cannot directly characterize cognitive development. Other methods for studying changes across the lifespan involve cross-sectional or longitudinal research. These approaches have been common in studies of canine temperament and personality e. Bensky et al. Many of those studies investigated the development of socio-cognitive skills, as have several papers published subsequently e. In contrast, cross-sectional or longitudinal studies of nonsocial cognition have tended to focus on older dogs and cognitive decline associated with aging e. These findings suggest that important cognitive changes are occurring over early development and highlight the need for further research on these processes. Lastly, one important question about cognitive development—which can only be addressed through a longitudinal design—concerns the stability of individual differences across time. Again, this question has been addressed in numerous studies of canine personality and temperament e. However, very few cognitive studies have implemented similar longitudinal approaches. Riemer et al. In that study, there were no effects of age on performance and the small sample size precluded a powerful assessment of the developmental stability of individual differences. The literature reviewed above has either indirectly assessed cognitive development or focused on the development of a limited subset of cognitive traits. We sought to fill these gaps in our understanding by conducting the first large-scale longitudinal study of canine social and nonsocial cognition, allowing us to assess both the early development and stability of a wide range of cognitive traits. Here, we report the results of this multi-year study in which we tracked individual differences in cognition in a population of candidate assistance dogs. This test battery — derived from the dog cognition test battery for adult dogs MacLean et al. We investigated changes in task performance across ontogeny—i. Regarding changes in skills related to age, we hypothesized that for tasks where there was an objectively correct response e. We also expected that at least a subset of traits would exhibit consistent individual differences across time, although given the lack of previous research in this area, we had no a priori hypotheses regarding the relative stability of different traits. Canine Companions granted informed consent to all aspects of the study. We aimed to test all subjects on the same tasks at two different timepoints: first in early development and later in young adulthood. Our sample included Labrador x golden crosses, 40 Labrador retrievers, and 6 golden retrievers from 65 different litters Bray et al. Thus, our final sample consisted of dogs 93 females and 67 males. The dogs who participated in both rounds of testing included Labrador x golden crosses, 37 Labrador retrievers, and 5 golden retrievers. The general methods used with puppies and adults were identical except for one task that was only presented to adults, as well as minor procedural differences required to obtain age-appropriate measures, described below e. Implementation with puppies Puppies completed testing in a dedicated .All of the cognitive tasks in the DCDB are briefly described below; detailed experimental methods and video examples are provided in Bray et al. Because the temperament tasks i. However, given that measures of behavioral lateralization have been shown to vary based on the task in humans Annett, and dogs e.

Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. I have 2 dogs that need to be rehomed by tomorrow. Are you looking for a pet for your Houston, Texas home? Search our site to find Texas pets for sale and you will be able to enjoy your pet companion in this. Austin Pets Alive! Use the search tool below to narrow the search for your perfect match. Seven happy puppies looking for a new home! Mom is pure bred German shorthair pointer white with liver spots and dad is a solid black doodle f2! Makes for great bird dogs, family dogs, sporting dogs, etc! Preferably active tamiles for these guys due to their breed. If you have used Texas Craigslist pets as a platform to sell your pet, then you may have noticed that they only allow posters to ask for a small rehoming. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Austin, TX. Cedar Park Seven happy puppies looking for a new home! Craigslist is a great resource for finding new pets in Austin. I am rehoming my dog Mona Austin. They are 10 weeks old! For any info message me at five one twosix7one8. One is 4 years old the other is 3 years old. Pets "puppies" in Austin, TX. Austin Lost and Found Pets. For Sale "puppies" in Austin, TX. With so many options, it's easy to find the perfect furry friend for your home. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. Puppies for Sale from Austin, Texas Breeders. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Craigslist is a website that allows people to find pet-related items. From schnauzers to shih tzus, there are plenty of adoptable animals on Craigslist. Pets "Dogs" in Austin, TX. Olde English Bulldogge Puppy!! Pets "dogs for free" in Austin, TX. For any info message me at five one two.Because pets make life better, Petszone, pet health. They are 10 weeks old! For any info message me at five one twosix7one8. Because pets make life better, Petszone, pet health. For Sale "puppies" in Austin, TX. Seven happy puppies looking for a new home! Mom is pure bred German shorthair pointer white with liver spots and dad is a solid black doodle f2! Makes for great bird dogs, family dogs, sporting dogs, etc! Preferably active tamiles for these guys due to their breed. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Austin, TX. Are you looking for a pet for your Houston, Texas home? Search our site to find Texas pets for sale and you will be able to enjoy your pet companion in this. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. I have 2 dogs that need to be rehomed by tomorrow. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. If you have used Texas Craigslist pets as a platform to sell your pet, then you may have noticed that they only allow posters to ask for a small rehoming. One is 4 years old the other is 3 years old. Cedar Park Seven happy puppies looking for a new home! Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Pets "dogs for free" in Austin, TX. Olde English Bulldogge Puppy!! For any info message me at five one two.Craigslist is a great resource for finding new pets in Austin. Puppies for Sale from Austin, Texas Breeders. With so many options, it's easy to find the perfect furry friend for your home. I am rehoming my dog Mona Austin. Pets "Dogs" in Austin, TX. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Are you searching for kittens for sale in Austin, Texas or do you want a puppy, bunny, or another type of pet? Search within the area to find your Texas pet. Pets "puppies" in Austin, TX. From schnauzers to shih tzus, there are plenty of adoptable animals on Craigslist. Craigslist is a website that allows people to find pet-related items. Austin Lost and Found Pets. Westmoreland Dallas, TX Get directions view our pets dasadopt dallas. Up to 90 days of daily highs, lows, and precipitation chances. Photos show one ad that I got scammed on. Craigslist is a great resource for finding new pets in Austin. Austin Lost and Found Pets. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. If you have found your pet in our shelter, please call our Reclaim Hotline at or email animal. Search our database to find the right pet for you or your little ones. He is a baby himself very loving. For Sale "puppies" in Austin, TX. Here are some from nearby sorted by distance — change search area. They offer plenty of enjoyment for the entire family. He enjoys home cooked meals like chicken and rice. Puppies for Sale from Austin, Texas Breeders. Angela Nelson or Desire Angela. Pets are held for 3 business days and then are released for adoption or transfer. In Austin, Texas, there are many pet-related. Search for pets for adoption at shelters. Black Mid Size Moyen Poodle. For Sale "puppies" in Austin, TX - craigslist. In Austin, Texas, there are many pet-related items for sale on Craigslist. With so many options, it's easy to find the perfect furry friend for your home. Whether you want a pet dog, bird, bunny, or snake, you can find them here. Pets are fun companions that get us through our day. If interested please text or call 5one2 seven6three 6three6six. He also eats Purina dry dog food when we don't have time to cook. I am rehoming my dog Mona. Don't use your cash app or vemno to pay a deposit. All Black Male Poodle looking for a home!! Ready to go! Re hom seventy five. He is so playful and been around children. From schnauzers to shih tzus, there are plenty of adoptable animals on Craigslist. Craigslist is a website that allows people to find pet-related items. He loves playing ball outside and does good with kennel training. Some of the items that are available on Craigslist in Austin include dogs, cats, horses, and more. We have collected the best sources for Killeen deals, Killeen classifieds, garage sales, pet adoptions and more. Please read the instructions in the pinned. Asdr registered, Parents are health tested Female Dallas has 2 brown eyes Female Otter has 1 brown 1 blue, atypical merle. Pets near Waco, TX - craigslist. Microchiped, utd on shots, wormed, 9 weeks old! Male lilac tri Olde English Bulldogge looking for a permanent family. Rehoming Mini Australian Shepherd. These puppies need a good home. Adoption Policy We do a meet and greet and one home visit with a approved application. Male mini Australian Shepherd looking for a forever home. Please text three five five five one two three for more info. Free German shepherd puppy. Find it via the AmericanTowns Killeen classifieds search or use one of the other free services we have collected to make your search easier, such as Craigslist Killeen, eBay for Killeen, Petfinder. Classified Ads Alternatives Whether you've experienced Doublelist personals or not, DoULike personals in Killeen will offer a familiar and comfortable atmosphere. Will to consider your best offer. Please text three five five five one two three for more. Craigslist Killeen Personals, TX. Free to loving home do NOT contact me with unsolicited services or offers post id: .Delivery to dallas, fort worth or as far as Killeen. List of all international craigslist. Chocolate goldendoodle female for 'rehoming'. Rehoming fee, up to date on all vaccinations, microchipped. We are a small foster based all breed dog rescue. Small rehoming fee. If you have missed a connection in Killeen, look no further! This personal alternative was created behind one of the top dating websites. Adoption Policy We do a meet and greet and one home visit with a approved.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Is there anything cuter than a two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy? At eight weeks old, they are absolutely, impossibly, unbearably adorable! At two months old, a Golden Retriever is ready to leave their mother and littermates to join their new family. Some breeders will keep a puppy for a couple more weeks before sending them home, but eight weeks is very typical. Puppies at this age are usually playful and curious, with brains like little sponges. This usually only lasts a day or two, and then their true personality will shine through! They are in the prime socialization window here, which is the time between three and sixteen weeks when puppies are most open to learning about the world. Proper socialization can help you buffer against potential behavior issues as your pup matures, and teaches them how to feel and act in different situations and environments. It helps them feel confident and self-assured. A two-month-old Golden Retriever puppy is constantly learning! Make sure your puppy is learning that they are safe and that they can trust you both at home and out in the world. A fear period is a temporary span of time where a puppy may be more sensitive to things like strange people, strange dogs, inanimate objects, sounds, etc. It usually lasts about a week and you may notice your puppy showing signs of fear such as cowering, running away, growling, or barking. It can be a little scary as the owner of a puppy to see them acting this way. The good thing is that a fear period is short-lived and will pass. If they are concerned about something or someone, help them get more distance so they can observe the thing while feeling safe. They have a lot of needs and are totally dependent on you to meet those needs. Be patient as you help them learn how to live in our human world, and you can develop a strong, positive bond with your new companion. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! This is heavily influenced by genetics, but is not always the best indicator of their adult weight. Some lines of Goldens are bigger or smaller than average, so puppy size will reflect that. Your vet can help you make sure that your puppy is at an appropriate weight if you have any concerns. Eight-week-old Golden Retrievers need around 18 hours of sleep each day. Oftentimes, a puppy that is wild and bitey is in fact overly tired and in need of a nap. It may seem like they need more exercise to drain that crazy energy, but they actually need sleep. Using crates and pens can help ensure that your puppy is getting enough sleep at night and throughout the day. Many two-month-old Goldens are not good at putting themselves down for a nap, even when they really need it. So, you may need to step in and help your puppy settle in for some sleep. Make sure that their crate or pen is nice and comfy before you put them in for a nap, so they are more able to relax and fall asleep. Every puppy is different, so yours may prefer a nice cushy bed , or they may actually like laying on the bare floor. You can take note of what kinds of surfaces your puppy lays on around the house and then recreate that in the crate or pen. Covering the crate or pen with a blanket can also help make sleep easier for a two-month-old puppy, as it cuts down on the visual stimulation. Products like Adaptil spray or diffuser , and the Snuggle Puppy toy can also help a puppy settle in for sleep. Chewing and licking are naturally calming behaviors for puppies, so it can also help if you offer something like a stuffed kong , which can assist in transitioning the puppy from awake to asleep. Playing Classical music can also help a puppy feel more calm and able to sleep. At this age, most two-month-old puppies are ready for sleep after about an hour of awake time, so by following these tips, you can help make sure your puppy is getting enough quality rest. Instead, you can give them a break and see if they choose to get up, or simply scoop them up and walk home. Sometimes people get a Golden Retriever to be a running or biking companion, which can be a great thing when the pup is a fully grown adult, but is too much exercise for a young puppy. Playing with toys in the house or in the yard can be a great way for young pups to burn some of that puppy energy. If you have a yard, letting your pup safely explore and run around outside can also be a nice way to get in some exercise. You may also find that your puppy needs more sleep on some days, and on other days, they need more playtime and exercise. Golden Retrievers as a breed can also vary a lot in terms of exercise needs. Some are pretty laid back and chill and others are up for anything and want to go hard. These differences can be reflected in how much energy your puppy has, as well as in what kind and how much exercise your puppy needs. Training is an excellent way to build a positive bond with your puppy and create a way to communicate with each other. Group puppy classes can be a good option for getting started with training, as the trainer will help you learn how to train your pup. You can also hire a certified, professional trainer to come to your home and provide personalized training guidance for you and your puppy. Before you sign up with any trainer, be sure to ask them what kind of training methods and tools they use, to avoid causing any physical or mental distress for your puppy. Potty training is definitely a top priority for two-month-old puppies. They have small bladders and bowels and will need frequent trips outside to help them learn appropriate potty behavior. Crate training can also be started at this age, as learning how to be okay with confinement is an important life skill. Eight-week-old Golden Retriever puppies eat about a half cup of food three times per day. There is no one-size-fits-all rule when it comes to feeding your two-month-old Golden. Puppies at this age need more frequent meals than adult Goldens, so three meals a day is recommended. Because two-month-old Goldens are undergoing so much growth at this stage, feed them high-quality food that can support them as they mature. Most Goldens have big appetites and will happily gobble down their meals when you serve them. Using slow feeder bowls like this bowl on Amazon , or other food dispensing toys, such as the Planet Dog Snoop , can help slow down their eating and provide them some mental stimulation while they eat. Puppies like to put things in their mouth as a way to learn and play. Unfortunately, it can be pretty painful for humans, as those puppy teeth are needle-sharp! There are, however, some things you can do to minimize and deal with the biting. First, ensure that your two-month-old Golden is getting enough sleep. Overly tired puppies tend to get super bitey and frenzied, so naps are key to preventing your puppy from turning into a piranha. Your floor might look a little cluttered, but it helps to keep toys within reach for a quick redirection. Third, you can simply give the puppy a break if they are on a biting spree. You could step on the other side of a baby gate or put them in their pen to calm down a bit, and then resume the play. This communicates to the puppy that when they bite, they lose access to you and the fun stops. A common piece of advice when dealing with puppy biting is to yelp in response to their nip, as if you were another dog. This is actually not a good way to handle puppy biting and can actually make it worse. Other puppies will be further excited by the yelp sound and come at you with even more intensity, resulting in harder bites. Good Beginnings Bringing a two-month-old Golden Retriever home is a very exciting thing. It can also feel pretty overwhelming as you figure out how to care for and train them. You might be sleep-deprived and have a couple scratches on your hand from those sharp puppy teeth, but try to keep in mind that this is the beginning of a special relationship with an incredible animal. Focus on bonding with your puppy, teaching them about the world, and creating good habits from the start. Have any questions about raising eight-week-old golden retrievers? Let me know down in the comments! Read the rest of our Golden Retriever puppy series here:. How much does an 8-week-old Golden Retriever sleep? How much exercise does your 2-month-old Golden Retriever need? Eight weeks is typically when breeders allow puppies to be taken to their new homes, but some breeders keep them for a couple of extra weeks. This shy, sleepy puppy will eventually get more comfortable with its new environment and come out of its shell in a couple of days. Socialization is important for eight-week-old golden pups. Getting your pup used to these things is a good way to avoid potential behavioral issues as the puppy matures because it allows them to learn how to feel and react to various stimuli and leaves you with a confident, well-adjusted pup. You need to reinforce the idea that your puppy is safe and gain their trust during this time period. During this time, pups will be a little more fearful of things like strangers, sounds, and certain objects. It will pass, and usually only lasts a week or so. It can be a little scary or discouraging for the owner of a golden puppy to see them go through this fear period, especially if they start exhibiting fear towards people. Goldens are known to be such friendly and social dogs, so watching them exhibit such antisocial traits can be off-putting. You can still get them outside and introduce them to new things, just remain mindful of their feelings. You need to be patient with an eight-week-old puppy. These adorable balls of energy and fluff are completely dependent on you to meet their needs and there are a LOT of needs! Check out our article on the Best Shampoo for Golden Retrievers so you can meet their hygiene needs! You need to be patient with them so that you can not only bond with your new pup, but also help him grow and learn about the world around him. Sometimes the puppy that was the smallest puppy in the litter can grow and quickly become the largest. And the largest puppy of the litter may not always remain the largest. As a breed, Golden Retrievers vary in size and weight. So you should enjoy that before they grow too big to pick up and cuddle! You may be surprised to learn that 8-week-old Golden puppies require about 18 hours of sleep a day. This may seem counter-intuitive because most people would assume that if a puppy is full of energy it needs to run it off, but in all actuality what they really need is sleep. You should use either pens or crates to make sure that your pup gets the optimal amount of sleep both through the night and during the day. Here are some things you can do to help your puppy nap: Adorn their crate or pen with comfortable blankets or pillows. Learn whether your pup likes to sleep on a bed or on the floor, then set their crate or pen up accordingly. Cover the crate or pen using a blanket or towel so that their visual stimulation is limited. You can use aromatherapy products for dogs to lull your pup to sleep. Get your puppy something like a stuffed Kong toy because licking and chewing are relaxing to pups. Classical or calming music can help your puppy get to sleep. You can expect that your pup should be ready for a nap after being awake for around an hour. So, you can get him to sleep easier using these tips. An 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppy is largely able to know how much exercise it needs all on its own. What you should do instead is either pick them up and take them home or give them a break and see if they get a second wind. Golden Retrievers excel at playing fetch, but you need to keep games short. The running and then suddenly stopping to pick the ball or toy up and bring it back is hard on their tiny bones. People often adopt Golden Retrievers with the intent of getting a companion to exercise with running, hiking, biking, etc. Allowing your puppy to play with toys in your yard or house can be a good, safe way for your puppy to exercise. Having a yard is ideal because you can let your pup run around the yard and explore, while also burning off some excess energy. Just make sure you choose a short, easy walk that your puppy can handle. However, some days they have more energy than others, which is normal. Every Golden Retriever has varying exercise needs. Some are pretty chill and would rather lay around, while others are really hyper and active. You need to know that positive reinforcement works best for Golden Retrievers. You should avoid any sort of training that is based on punishment. There are also other training methods that can be beneficial to your pup. Group training is a good way to get your pup acquainted with other dogs and learn alongside them, while the trainer provides you with ways to better train your pup. You also have the option to hire a professional dog trainer, who will come to your house and give you customized tips to train your puppy. Before hiring any sort of trainer, ask them about the methods they use to avoid distress for puppies. They need to learn about confinement early on. Another important thing to teach your pup is their name, and to come to you when you call them. The bond with your pup is vital to any other training you do with them. For more about the training process, check out our article about Golden Retriever Puppy Training. Hey, food is good, okay? Most 8-week-old Golden Retriever puppies should be eating around half a cup of food three times a day. So, talk to your vet for a specific amount. They need high-quality puppy food. For more about what to feed your pup, check out our article about the Best Puppy Food for Golden Retrievers. Your golden puppy will probably quickly devour any food you place in front of them. It can be a good idea to buy a slow feeder bowl or toys that dispense food to slow them down a bit while also giving them some mental stimulation and making mealtime fun. Just as infants put things in their mouths, puppies do too. They do this to both plays and learn about their world. This can really suck for humans because puppies have sharp little teeth that feel like needles. The good news is that you can do some things to cut back on the biting and learn to deal with it. The first thing right off the bat you should do is to make sure your puppy is getting enough sleep. Secondly, scatter chew toys all over your house. Third, give your puppy a break if they start biting. This is as easy as going on the other side of their gate or putting them in their crate. This lets your pup know that when they start biting, the play stops, and access to you is denied. Many people suggest yelping and making loud noises when your puppy bites. But this is actually pretty counter-productive because it can make the situation worse by scaring the puppy. Other puppies can get more excited by the noise and bite harder. Biting is just something that puppies at this age do. However, remember that getting through this trying time is going to help you establish a lifelong bond with your new family member. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. This was the first time we had a chance to chart puppies from birth until 8 weeks old. We tried to take as many pictures as possible so we could have a journal of our Golden Retriever puppy growth week by week. When raising guide and service dog puppies we usually bring home our puppies at around weeks old. On occasion we are allowed to see puppies before 8 weeks of age, but they need to stay with their mother and siblings during those important early weeks to get milk and antibodies from mama and learn how to interact properly with siblings, learning important behaviors like bite inhibition. During our days as a foster we raised two litters of puppies , but both were already weeks old by the time we got them home. We actually own the Puppy Culture DVD and Workbook which includes charts, lists, worksheets and other great information for raising your litter. Keep your eyes and ears open and absorb it all like a sponge! Birth To 1 Week Old Guess what? This was the first litter we ever whelped!? We got a lot of advise, but we were largely on our own. Large Puppy Dish — great for feeding the puppies when they moved to solid food. Whelping Mats — we ordered 2 of these mats and washed them several times a day. Whelping Box — We have a homemade whelping box built by my father-in-law, but if we continue raising litters I plan on purchasing an EZWhelp Whelping Box. Our homemade box lasted three litters. We ended up purchasing the Magnabox which was hellu expensive but if you plan on raising multiple litters we highly recommend it. We recently put together a whelping checklist with all the supplies we gathered together to help out with our second litter of Golden Retriever puppies. Check out our whelping supplies checklist here. However, none were overly huge and none were extra small. No runts and no beasts. It was my understanding that when the cord was chewed down to the base of the belly it was sometimes difficult to get it to stop bleeding. I took the hemostat and pinched the umbilical cord about 2 inches from the base of the pups belly then cut the cord rather than let Raven chew it off. I kept the hemostat on the cord for about 2 minutes to let it clout. The umbilical cord dries up quickly and then within a day or 2 it falls off. Raven was a good mama and took care of her poops. Puppy eyes and ears are closed at this stage and puppies army crawl around the whelping box looking for a teat to suckle. We did everything we could to make sure our pups stayed warm by adding a watt heat lamp to the whelping box and portable heating unit in the puppy room. As I mentioned Raven stayed in the whelping box most of week 1 and of course… the puppy piles! One thing I learned is if I had a puppy on my lap then do not let Raven lick those areas or be prepared for a little accident on your lap. While caring for Raven and her litter Raven was really blowing out her coat that first week, but as time went on it slowed down. I heard from other friends this is common and that Raven blew out her coat much less than other mama dogs. We got Probiotics for Raven before her first litter, but forgot to order them for her second litter. After an upset stomach for the first week or so we realized our mistake, got Probiotics, and no more upset tummy. Week 2 — Pups eyes are opening starting to waddle. Week 3 — First bark! Week 7 — The great puppy escape artists! Week 8 — Our golden puppies head to their new homes. Have you ever had a litter of Golden Retriever puppies? Tell us about your experiences with puppies in the comment section below. Are you about to raise a litter of puppies? Not raising a litter, but getting ready to bring home your first Golden Retriever puppy? Puppies for Dummies will give you the basics on how to raise and train your new puppy. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Why do you think the police force and military are using the German Shepherd so much? Sure, a Doberman can do the job just fine and there are definitely dog breeds that have stronger olfactory senses or stronger bites but they may not be willing to obey every command in every situation. They are too intelligent to outright obey everything which can sometimes be perceived as stubborn. Does that mean the German Shepherd is not smart? Absolutely not. In fact, the German Shepherd is often cited as one of the smartest dog breeds, right after their cousin the Belgian Shepherd, also known as Malinois. Their will to please outranks. How trainable is the German Shepherd Husky mix? Well, the Husky is known to be quite independent by design. So even though pairing these two very smart dog breeds makes sense at first glance, a Shepherd Husky mix might not be as easy to train as imagined. That being said, pairing a German Shepherd with a more agreeable Husky can certainly help. Genetics and temperament of the parents always play a pretty big role. This is not always the case and even a purebred may struggle with protection without proper direction and training. Always consult a professional to avoid teaching your dog negative behavior patterns barking at strangers on walks, lunging at dogs, and so on. Huskies are incredibly enduring. How could they not, they were bred to run hundreds of miles in very cold climates. But their original working purpose was quite specific and they may need to have an outlet for this desire to run. Training your dog early on will prevent behavioral issues in the future and gets your dog used to brain training. Since both breeds are relatively high energy, you need to walk your Shepsky at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes each. The German Shepherd is known to be a formidable family dog while the Husky can be quite reserved. Huskies are used to living and working in a pack and can be very sociable animals while Shepherds develop a deep bond with their owners. Although pairing these two breeds can produce great family dogs, there are other large dog breeds that are even suitable for apartment living out there that are very patient with children and also perfect for guarding property. Expect to have a very smart dog that will challenge you throughout the day. He will probably grow into a medium to large-sized dog with a weight of about 40 to 80 pounds. Both dogs are working breeds so you can expect a Shepsky to have high exercise needs. A task or daily job would keep them the happiest. Grooming Both dog breeds can have relatively similar coat types. Huskies have a thick double coat, meaning an undercoat plus guard hair. While the undercoat is soft and dense, the guard hairs are straight and somewhat smooth. Depending on the specific pairing, the coat can be a toin coss. Be ready for shedding seasons with both of these dogs. You can expect your male German Shepherd Husky mix to be in cm with a weight of lbs kg. Female German Shepherd Husky mixes range from in cm , weighing in at lbs kg. Apartment Living Can you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog like the German Shepherd Husky mix? It depends. If you provide your dog with an outlet for his exercise needs which means lots of walks, play, and training then there should be absolutely no problem. However, their tendency for high-pitched barks or howling may cause problems with your neighbors. Proper training will help and entails teaching your dog the quiet command. Would I advise you to buy a mixed breed from a breeder? Definitely not. There are far too many mixed breeds sitting in shelters and waiting to be chosen. As long as there are no health issues present in their ancestry, you could argue that mixed breeds might be healthier than purebreds from backyard breeders. Beware of backyard breeders mixing in a third breed without stating so. Make sure to check out my breeder questions before you fall victim to scammers or backyard breeders. Make sure to talk to a veterinarian or nutritionist first. Do you have a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share with us your experiences in the comments below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested dog or rescuing. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Each litter typically produces adorably fluffy puppies, each of which may look different. Some will inherit heterochromia — or different colored eyes — from their Husky parent, while others will receive the longer snout of their German Shepherd parent. History: Emergence of the Gerberian Shepsky To understand this active and loving mixed breed, we must first understand purebred Huskys and German Shepherds. As we mentioned, the German Shepherd is known as a herding dog. They were developed in for herding and guarding sheep in Germany. The Husky is a working dog, first bred over years ago in Siberia. They arrived in Alaska in where they ran hard as sledding dogs and stole the hearts of locals with their goofy personalities. No formal records document the first hybrid litter of Gerberian Huskys. In general, the German Shepherd Husky Mix has an ideal temperament. They get their friendly, silly, and gentle qualities from the Husky side, while they receive loyalty and bravery from their Shepherd side. While Huskies never meet a stranger, shepherds are standoffish. The combination leads to a perfect balance. Once grown, your Gerberian Shepky will protect you, and guard your family from anything- all while providing love, cuddles and plenty of adorable moments to last a lifetime! They are great around children, and when socialized from a young age, can live well with other animals. The German Shepherd Husky mixed breed is incredibly intelligent will learn quickly when trained appropriately. Huskies can be stubborn and become bored easily, while the German Shepherd loves to learn new things and have a job to do. If your puppy is more Husky, he may prefer hours of running, rather than mental stimulation. For example, hold out a toy or treat and let your pup catch a whiff. Then, hide the object and let your pup sniff it out. Get creative with your training and bond with your puppy to find what works for you! Be sure to keep your Gerberian Shepsky well exercised and mentally stimulated to avoid developing unwanted negative behaviors like barking, howling a husky favorite , and chewing. Calorie requirements differ based on age, weight, activity level, and sex. For example, a quickly growing puppy requires more calories than an adult Shepsky and should eat food specifically formulated for puppies. In contrast, active adult German Shepherd Husky mixes require about calories, while less active and senior dogs only require calories per day. A high quality food, formulated for large breeds is best. Remember to account for special treats in daily caloric needs! Get the whole family together for a walk or run. Continuously switch up the route so your Shepsky never gets bored. Other recommendations include providing at least 2 hours a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. German Shepherd Husky mixes do best in an environment where they can play, run, and roam. Your new pet will be most content when able to participate in interactive activities like obstacle courses and challenging puzzles. With lots of love and attention, your Gerberian Shepsky will settle into a nice routine of work and play. Be sure to snuggle up for plenty of cuddles at the end of a long day! Shepsky Health Considerations Like their purebred parents, German Shepherd Husky mixes may suffer from certain health issues due to their genes. When you purchase a puppy, your breeder should be happy to provide a detailed health screening of the parents. Joint Dysplasia causes the elbows and hips to develop abnormally, leading to pain and eventual loss of movement if left untreated. If caught early, the condition can be treated successfully with medication or corrective surgery. Cataracts, inherited from the Husky parent, are issues with the lens of the eye that will lead to decreased vision over time. If left untreated, your Gerberian Shepsky may become disoriented, confused, and even aggressive as he loses his ability to process his surroundings. Again, if caught early, this disease can be treated with medication or surgery. This condition causes the stomach to swell and twist around it self. The risk is passed on to your Shepsky and great care must be taken to avoid it! Simply remain attentive to how much and how often your pup is eating and you should be safe. And, much like a wolf, the Shepsky mix possesses a strong snout and piercing eyes. They may even have two different colored eyes! Puppies with heterochromia are highly coveted and will cost more. But they are worth it — so gorgeous and unique! Just like the eyes, Gerberian Shepsky coats may be a variety of colors based on which parent they most closely resemble. Common colors include white, gray, silver, tan, red, and the classic German Shepherd coat color — Sable! Because the Husky originated as a sled dog, their coats are adapted for the cold climates of Siberia and Alaska. However, they are double coated and may shed one coat to accommodate warm temperatures. Your Shepsky will also have a double coat that requires twice weekly brushing sessions to promote proper shedding and skin health. Additionally, frequent full bathes are harmful to your German Sherpherd Husky mixes natural oils. This can lead to irritation and dry, itchy skin. Instead, only bath them when necessary with a gentle shampoo. Simply spot clean in between with a damp cloth, and use a non-toxic deodorizing spray if necessary! We've included some summary facts and stats below to help you make your decision. Do you think this gorgeous, regal looking dog is right for your family? Yet, cuddly, friendly, and adorable! So what do you think? Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Shepskies are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. One hour of exercise per day is a good starting point. They need dog parks and wide open spaces. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as many breeds are prone to dental issues. Shepsky Feeding A Shepsky diet should be formulated for a medium sized breed with high energy and exercise needs. You should consult your veterinarian or professional nutritionist for advice on what to feed your Shepsky and the correct portion sizes. Their dietary needs will change as they grow from puppyhood to adulthood and senior age. Stay on top of these nutritional requirements. Their German Shepherd parents grow very rapidly between the ages of four and seven months, making them susceptible to bone disorders. They do well on a high-quality, low-calorie diet that keeps them from growing too fast. Overfeeding your Shepsky and letting them pack on the pounds can cause joint problems, as well as other health conditions. Limit treats, keep them active, and serve them regular meals rather than leaving food available at all times. The main colors of Shepskies are brown, black, cream, white, red, and blue. Almost never solid, their coats are generally a mixture of two or more colors. They tend to shed quite a bit and you may need to pick up a RoboVac. These pups will require a few good brushes per week. Brushing will also help to spread the oils throughout the coat. These pups are well suited for cold weather. Their Siberian Husky parentage is straight from Russia, which is about as cold as it gets. Always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog should ever be left unsupervised with a child. The Shepsky is part pack dog and should be socialized early on. Introducing an adult Shepsky to a household with other pets can be more difficult if the German Shepherd parentage personality prevails and may require more work and professional trainers. Find out if this is the right dog for you by learning about their German Shepherd and Siberian Husky parents. Shepsky Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Shepskies because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Siberian Husky breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. The German Shepherd Husky mix is a relatively new designer dog breed. Very little is known about where and when it originated. Many dog experts claim that the first of this kind was bred intentionally sometime in the late s. Originally, a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky parents were mated to produce a first-rate working dog, since both the parents are excellent working dogs. Soon, because of their sheer strength and quick intellect, they were used to assist with search-and-rescue operations and took military and police roles. It would help to get a glimpse of the origin of the parent breeds to have a better understanding of German Shepherd Husky mix. The German Shepherd , which originated in in Germany, were used to herd sheep and pull heavy loads under tough conditions. They were imported and used as sled dogs during the Alaskan Gold Rush. The breed eventually became popular throughout Canada and the United States as great pets. The Siberian Husky is believed to have originated over two millennia ago from the Siberian Arctic. Nomadic Indian tribes used these dogs to help with pulling sleds and heavy loads. The Siberian Huskies made their way to North America in the s. Despite having relatively short history, German Shepherd Husky mixes have already become fashionable and increasingly common. German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies! For the most part, when two different thoroughbred canines mate, the puppies will most often inherit traits from their parents. This will vary from litter to litter, of course. But rest assured that German Shepherd Husky mix puppies look a lot like their parents in terms of how they look as well as their personality or temperament. This striking creature has a medium to long head and a strong, somewhat pointy muzzle. A German Shepherd Husky has pointy triangular ears and a set of alert almond-shaped eyes. The puppies of these parent breeds are well-built, energetic, and athletic. German Shepherd Husky mixes are super fluffy and their beautiful coat contributes to their attractive appearance. Like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, this designer dog has a double coat. It has a tough top coat and an insulating layer of undercoat that is made up of short hair. The undercoat protects and keeps the dogs warm in cold regions. Some of their undercoat will shed during the months of summer, keeping them nice and cool during the hotter weather. All in all, the coat of German Shepherd Husky mixes is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Husky German Shepherd Size. What is the size of a typical Husky German Shepherd Mix? Expect the size to be from the smallest Siberian Husky to the biggest German Shepherd. A Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that usually grow up to around 20 to 23 inches in height. On the other hand, a German Shepherd is categorized as a large breed and can grow up to around 22 to 26 inches tall. So expect your Husky German Shepherd Mix to be between 20 and 26 inches tall. When talking about weight, Siberian Huskies weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, while German Shepherds are much heavier at around 49 to 88 pounds. So perhaps the weight of a Husky German Shepherd Mix will be from 35 to 88 pounds. This can also be due the gender of the dog. The most common color combinations are brown-black and white-black. The color of you German Shepherd and Husky Mix is simply a product of genetics. These dogs are: Good guard dogs. They inherited this characteristic from their parents. But they can be excessive barkers. Compared to some other breeds, they learn things quickly because of their higher cognitive abilities. They will always put you first before themselves. They are well-loved because they are affectionate. Be prepared to pet them all day long. These dogs mix well with other pets and with people. They are trusting. These dogs may be naughty at times, but they are very dignified. Active and powerful. They are energetic and need regular training and exercise. They need at least one walk every day. They are the ultimate dogs! They are known for their energy. They get bored and sometimes mischievous when they lack physical and mental stimulation. As mentioned before, this hybrid is also intelligent, loyal, playful, and very trainable. A Husky German Shepherd Mix is an alpha dog and may get somewhat aggressive or do naughty things if its owner is not firm. On the other hand, your dog may inherit the calm and gentle behavior of the Siberian Husky. A Husky German Shepherd Mix with this demeanor can be clingy with their owner. This hybrid loves to take part in various activities with you. Some owners let their friends engage in fieldwork, herding, and the likes, but these dogs will also have fun playing outdoors, jogging, walking, and hiking. While the Husky German Shepherd mix is friendly, warming up to other dogs and strangers may take time. And since the coat is super fluffy, it mats and tangles easily. So, regular grooming of your dog is necessary to prevent matting. Brush your German Shepherd Husky mix several times a week. On top of this, take your dog to a qualified groomer every two months. Remember, start grooming your pups from an early age so they get used to the process. Bathe your dog when needed. Ear check Wax may build up in the ears of German Shepherd Husky mixes fairly often. You should clean their ears carefully using a dog-friendly cleaning solution and cotton balls or cotton buds. This will keep the ear canal clean and reduce ear odors. Remove these parasites in their entirety to reduce discomfort and risk of infection. Dental hygiene The dental hygiene of your German Shepherd Husky mix is also an important part of their grooming process. Also, this dog needs high-quality dry food to keep its gums healthy and strong. Nail grooming In addition to the abovementioned grooming requirements, also make sure that the nails of your German Shepherd Husky mix are trimmed or groomed regularly. This activities is often stressful for the dog. This is because new genes are introduced to the existing pool, strengthening and widening it. However, even a hybrid dog like a German Shepherd mixed with Husky can inherit health conditions from one or both of their parents. This hybrid lives between 10 to 13 years, and during this lifespan, they can develop different health issues. These include: Elbow and hip dysplasia. Problem in the formation of the joints, which usually results into painful arthritis. Juvenile cataracts. The opacity of the lens of the eyes of the dog, which often causes blindness. Corneal dystrophy The accumulation of abnormal materials in the cornea, causing visual impairment. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA. This happens in the twilight years, with symptoms including night blindness, dilated pupils, inability to see in bright light. Bloating of the stomach, which results in the stomach twisting around itself. Failure to produce enough enzymes necessary for digesting meals. Excessive bleeding caused by a defective platelet functioning. Cancer is prevalent in this hybrid. Anal furunculosis. This is an inflammatory bone disease. German Shepherd Huskies are particularly at risk of airborne, contact, and food allergies. A neurological disorder causing uncontrolled seizures and loss of consciousness. This is perhaps the most frightening thing that can happen to this dog. Impaired thyroid function, dwarfism, footpad disorders, nasal cavity tumors, and eczema German Shepherd Mix With Husky Food Recommendations In terms of its dietary needs, the strong and athletic Husky German Shepherd Mix requires a high-protein diet. Provide a diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Be careful with foods that contain common allergens such as lamb and egg Give your dog supplements depending on the age of the mix. German Shepherd Mixes are picky eaters, so look for a brand that matches the needs of your dog and try to stick with it. These dogs have a high risk for digestive diseases. So, you must ask your vet for recommendations. The first step is to provide them with balanced nutrition by making sure you opt for best dry dog food, which you can also find in Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Prior to making any change in their diet plan, consult with your vet. If your buddy is older, try to get any formula from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppy pups have a bit different diet requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little companions in the best puppy food brands list. Their parents are working dogs, so they have unparalleled energy and can engage in physical activities without getting tired. What they need is a regular exercise to maintain and improve their strength and endurance. Your dog needs some off-leash time. Dog parks and fenced yards are great places for this. A Husky mixed with German Shepherd that is free to play stays happy. Playing also mentally stimulates the dog. They will increasingly become frustrated and use their intelligence to do naughty things around your house: digging up, chewing on furniture and other things, non-stop howling, and trying to escape. What stimulation or exercise your dogs need depends upon their motivation and temperament. German Shepherd and Husky Mix Training Suggestions A fairly intelligent breed interested in learning and in caring for their owner, a German Shepherd and Husky Mix is relatively easy to train. Not properly trained, these dogs can acquire habits that make the owners clench their teeth pull their hair out. From howling too much to knocking things over to chewing on shoes, there are many things you must keep your dog from doing. A German Shepherd and Husky Mix is very sensitive to vocal commands, making the training process more efficient and much easier. Start obedience training at an early age to prevent annoying habits from developing, and so that you and your pup both can live a happy life together. However, it has a predatory nature, and without proper socialization or training, it might get inro trouble with rodent-type pets or even cats. They can also be extremely overprotective of children and other members of the family. If they feel that the humans they love are in danger, they may attack strangers, so watch them for this kind of behavior. We all know that every dog is unique, so you must socialize them correctly to prevent any untoward incidents. Known to be intelligent and extremely loyal, the German Shepherd Husky Mix is a fun loving, sweet, and pleasant dog. It is great service or companion dog for the family. Getting a dog with a Siberian Husky or a German Shepherd descent can break the bank for many first-time owners. Lucky for them, the Siberian Husky German Shepherd is a relatively affordable dog. Be warned, though. Proper breeding costs a lot of money when it comes to veterinary care, health screening, vaccinations, flea treatments, deworming, and many other procedures to ensure that the puppy is healthy. While herding dogs were being bred in Germany throughout the 19th century, the first formally recognized German Shepherd was registered by Max von Stephanitz in .The dog, named Horand von Grafrath, was the result of several generations of selective breeding to create a working dog ideal for herding sheep. The German Shepherd has a very forceful bite, and they are often mischaracterized as aggressive and likely to harm humans. However, while German Shepherds are responsible for a large number of canine attacks on humans, this is largely due to their popularity as pets and how abundant they are rather than any natural, breed-specific aggression. German Shepherds are actually considered great family pets, and they are known to be very good with children, though they can also be somewhat overprotective. .The Siberian Husky, in contrast, comes from Northeastern Asia where they were bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. The result is an active breed with a lot of endurance that just loves to run. These dogs do very well in cold climates, and they were introduced to Alaska around as part of the Alaskan Nome Gold Rush. While you will still find these dogs working in some frozen terrains, they are now popular household pets. While they are energetic, friendly, and excellent with children, they are also troublemakers if not trained and socialized properly. They enjoy digging, chewing, jumping, and generally escaping any kind of confined space. Both dogs are of a similar size and have a wolf-like appearance, which is part of what made them prime candidates for crossbreeding. What Are Crossbred Dogs? It is worth noting that crossbred dogs, sometimes called designer dogs, are dogs that have been intentionally bred by mixing two or more recognized breeds. It is not a term for dogs bred accidentally or without purebred ancestors. However, crossbred dogs are not recognized as separate breeds in their own right, so their behavior and characteristics are not as predictable as purebred dogs. One of the advantages of purebred dogs is that it is relatively easy to predict their size, appearance, and temperament. Gerberian Shepsky Appearance As both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a wolf-like appearance, you can expect similar traits from their offspring. German Shepherds tend to be considered medium-to-large-sized dogs. Males typically measure 24 to 26 inches in height at the withers, and the females are usually a bit smaller at 22 to 24 inches. However, both sexes tend to look bigger than other dogs of a similar height, as they have very long necks. Siberian Huskies are a bit smaller, measuring between 19 and 24 inches and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds on average. The females are at the smaller end of the spectrum, and the males are at the larger end. As a result, you can expect Shepskies to be around the smaller range for German Shepherds, with males ranging from 22 to 25 inches and females ranging from 20 to 24 inches in height. When it comes to their weight, males tend to be between 50 to 80 pounds, while females weigh a bit less at 40 to 70 pounds. Shepsky puppies tend to have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, with pointed ears and long noses inherited from both parents. Their eyes will either be brown or blue, and some individuals might have the distinctive dual eye color often associated with huskies. Both parent breeds have a coat ideal for colder climates, so this is something that can be expected from their offspring. They typically have a dual coat with a dense, soft undercoat and another layer of more durable guard hairs on top. As German Shepherds can have either medium-to-long outer coats, the same is true of their Gerberian Shepsky offspring. They are almost never one solid color and will almost always be a mix of at least two different colors. One thing you can expect from all Shepsky coats is that they will be high shedding. Anyone with an allergy to dog hair should be wary about adopting a Shepsky! Gerberian Shepsky Temperament German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and they are also highly motivated to please, which makes them one of the most trainable dog breeds out there. This quality is also why they are such good working dogs. Siberian Huskies are also very intelligent, but they are far more independent. They have been bred to make challenging decisions while running across dangerous arctic territories, so problem-solving is a necessary skill. As a result, while your Shepsky will almost certainly be a very intelligent dog, they might be a bit more troublesome to train than a German Shepherd. Alternatively, they might choose to entertain themselves by digging or chewing. Both breeds were created to spend a lot of time with humans, with Huskies often staying indoors with their families for warmth. This means they tend to bond quickly with their people and are very good with smaller family members though very small children should never be left unsupervised with any dog. While German Shepherds tend to have guard dog-like protective instincts, Huskies are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. So, it is difficult to predict whether your Shepsky crossbreed will display more alpha-like behavior or be more submissive and play well with other pets. Remember, proper socialization training can go a long way when it comes to ensuring that they play well with others regardless of their temperament. Neither parent breed tends to bark excessively, but your Shepsky will get vocal if they want to alert you to a threat. Huskies tend to howl rather than bark, so keep in mind you might end up with a Shepsky with an adorable howl that may disturb the neighbors. If you do find yourself with a barker, read our guide on dealing with excessive or nuisance barking. Overall, expect your dog to be high energy, combining the herding instinct of a German Shepherd with the running mandate of a Siberian Husky. Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training. Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended. In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes at a time. Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work. Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment. Shepskies tend to have fairly dry coats. Huskies do not have oily coats, and they will often pass this trait down to their crossbred children. Avoid excessive washing to prevent drying them out further. Regular brushing is advisable to remove shedding hair, since these dogs tend to shed a lot. This is both for their comfort and to make cleanup around the home a little more manageable for you. Shepsky Health Concerns Shepskies have a relatively long lifespan for dogs of their size, and you can expect them to live for around 10 to 14 years. Shepskies can develop joint conditions, particularly in their elbows and hips, which can lead to pain and discomfort moving as they age. Adequate exercise and an orthopedic bed that allows them to take the pressure off their joints are both useful tools in preventing these issues. This unique crossbreed can also be prone to developing eye conditions such as canine glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Losing at least some of their eyesight in later life is a common concern. German Shepherd Husky mixes are also slightly more susceptible to developing epilepsy than most other breeds, though the condition is still relatively rare. Medications exist to help manage this condition. This can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance. You might be able to find a Gerberian Shepsky in a local shelter to adopt for a small fee, or you can opt to find a dedicated Shepsky breeder. Do Gerberian Shepskies shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherd Husky mixes shed a lot, and there is no getting around it. Both parent breeds have a thick winter coat that is prone to shedding, so this is a common characteristic in their offspring. If you are looking for a medium-sized low shedding dog, consider something with the Poodle breed in the mix, such as a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that they typically pass on to their crossbred offspring. Do German Shepherd Husky mixes smell? Many Huskies pass on their low-oil coat to their crossbred offspring. If you do adopt a Shepsky, remember not to bathe your dog too regularly. The lack of oil can make them prone to having dry skin, and excessive washing can exacerbate this problem. Do Shepskies get cold? Siberian Huskies were bred to deal with extreme cold, and German Shepherds also have a thick coat to deal with colder temperatures. This means their offspring are very well insulated against the cold, and you will almost never have to worry about them being uncomfortable in colder temperatures. Overheating, however, can be an issue, so always carry water when you go out. You will probably find that your Shepsky prefers to relax in cool, shady areas. What is an Alusky? This is a very popular designer breed, as they often have distinctive black and white patterning as well as an overall wolf-like appearance. What dog breeds are commonly mixed with Huskies? As well as German Shepherds, you will find a number of other dog breeds that make a good mix with a Husky. The Verdict On Shepskies If you are looking for a fun and energetic dog that will make a great addition to a boisterous and adventurous family, then a German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great choice. Shepskies are very family-friendly pets that are loyal and highly trainable, but they also need lots of love and attention to keep them healthy and happy. They have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, but are far from aggressive and are generally very good with children. However, they are known for their delightful wolf-like howl. Remember that crossbreed dogs are always somewhat unpredictable in their appearance and temperament, so ensure that you meet the dog you plan on adopting first before deciding whether to add them to your family. Shepskies are best for people who have quite a bit of space for their dog to play and usually have someone to keep them company at home. You will enjoy training your Shepsky yourself if you have a bit of experience with dogs, but steer clear if you have allergies, as they are big shedders! Do you have any experience raising a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.

These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Edison. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs help children to be more cooperative and sharing. For children, a close relationship with a dog is a proven benefit in study after study. For instance, in research with preschool children, psychologists at Oregon State University found that teaching children to care for a puppy enhanced their social skills. Sue Doescher, a psychologist involved in the study. And that transfers to how other kids feel. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. You might be able to find a dog at a local shelter near you, but you could always contact Labrador Retriever breeders if you want a puppy of your own. The popularity of Labrador Retriever puppies has caused many people to unethically breed the dog for their own financial gain, resulting in sickly and aggressive dogs. By carefully considering your Labrador Retriever breeder, you can get a wonderful puppy that is healthy, happy, and well acclimated. Below are five Labrador Retriever breeders in New Jersey. Every one of these breeders are certified and approved by various Labrador Retriever clubs for ethical breeding standards. You can trust any one of these breeders to love your puppy just as much as you will. By raising their Labrador Retrievers within the home of a large family, all of the McClan Labradors are adaptable, friendly, and great for all families. McClan Labradors specializes in all Labrador Retriever coats, including yellow, black, and chocolate. All Labrador Retrievers bred by StormyC Labradors are raised within the home for friendliness and compatibility. They are also bred to be work and show dogs. No matter what the purpose of your Labrador Retriever is, StormyC Labradors likely has a dog for you. This breeder sells all Labradors Retriever coats, including yellow, chocolate, and black. As a result, Weymouth Labradors only breeds the official colors, including chocolate, yellow, and black. Weymouth Labradors is a great breeder if you are looking for breeders that are careful to not over-breed their dogs. As a small hobby kennel, Weymouth Labradors only has litters occasionally, ensuring the health and happiness of all their puppies. Paradigm Labradors raises their dogs to be obedient, agile, and great within all households. So, you can relax and unwind with one of these labs or show them off at a dog show. You can learn all about the Paradigm Labradors dogs on their site, which introduces you to all their boys, girls, youngsters, retirees, and litters. Unlike many other lab breeders, Shadowbrook Labradors primarily only focuses on black labs, but they occasionally breed chocolate and yellow labs too. No matter what coat style the lab puppy belongs to, all the dogs are bred for superior health and personality. Shadowbrook Labradors are especially great for showing and training purposes. Because they are bred and raised on a farm, they also make phenomenal family companions due to their flexibility and gentle nature. Related Read:.

Dry Dog Food Puppy Large Breed Help your large breed puppy thrive with the power of protein-rich recipes that provide peak nourishment. Large breed puppies stay nourished on a Biologically Appropriate diet packed with fresh or raw animal ingredients to support peak development, and this diet is tailored to their unique needs. Packed with WholePrey animal ingredients like organs and bone, ORIJEN food is made with the most nutrient-dense, succulent parts of the prey to deliver the nutrition puppies need. The result is a diet for your canine companion that is beyond comparison. The first 5 ingredients are fresh or raw poultry and fish ingredients. Our fresh ingredients use refrigeration as the sole method of preservation and our raw ingredients are frozen at their peak freshness. Our authentic WholePrey diet features the most succulent parts of the prey like poultry or fish, organs and bone to mimic what your dog's ancestors consumed in the wild. Made in the USA with the world's finest ingredients. Sizes subject to availability in market. Please contact retailer to confirm their inventory. Expect delivery within days. Large breed puppies require a diet rich in protein for muscle mass, yet calorie limited to promote a healthy body weight and reduce stress on developing bones and joints. Dogs evolved as hunters - the structure of their teeth, jaws, and digestive system scientifically classifies them as carnivores, evolved to eat a meat based diet. Through a biologically appropriate diet packed with fresh meats, ORIJEN captures the carnivore in your pet and releases their inner instinct in each grain-free recipe. Two thirds of the meats in every formula are raw or fresh, and never rendered or processed, so they are brimming with proteins, fats, vitamins and minerals. The high quality fresh meats and low-glycemic healthy carbohydrates are all sustainably sourced in the USA and made in Kentucky from trusted farmers. With heritage red meats from America's heartland, wild caught fish from New England, free run poultry and eggs, locally grown fruits, vegetables and botanicals such as butternut squash and Bartlett Pears, trusted sustainable American farmers are at the core of ORIJEN's business. The unmatched variety of high quality ingredients rival mother nature, supplying nutrients in their freshest, most natural flavorful form, mimicking the ancestral diet and keeping your pet's inner instinct happy and healthy. Guaranteed Analysis.

Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. To train a German Shepherd puppy dog you must be consistent, kind and clear. German Shepherd dog puppies are divinely cute and for a reason! Just like babies are cute, puppies will win your heart even after destroying your favorite pair of shoes or that expensive carpet! Making sure you use them will start you on the right side of training and pave the road for you to get an obedient dog. The good news is that you do not need any special equipment to have an obedient GSD puppy. All you need is love and treats. The most important German Shepherd puppy training tip is socialization. Some vets will tell you to keep the pooch inside until the full set of vaccines is completed. Unfortunately, if you do keep your pooch safe inside until he is months of age, his socialization period will have closed forever and your chance to raise a friendly and confident dog drops significantly! That said, it is ultimately your decision whether you want to take the risk to take him outside or not. Most large US cities do not have too many disease problems and taking your puppy to a class where the trainer checks that every puppy has had the first set of shots is mostly safe. However, if you leave in a rural area, make sure there is not an outbreak of a disease that can affect your pooch. Of all the German Shepherd puppy training tips, I suggest you really think this one through. As a dog trainer, I recommend you find a safe puppy socialization class because this developmental period is critical to prevent behavior problems in the future. Apart from that, you also need to socialize your puppy daily on your own, this link will explain the process and give you a list of things to check as you go! Tip 2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. You may have noticed that your German Shepherd puppy likes to chew on your shoes, toys, boxes, carpets, pillows, your hands…well, pretty much everything! Before you loose your mind and all your precious possessions let me tell you that this is normal puppy behavior. At this age dogs explore everything with their mouths and even though annoying, it is a great time to teach your pet what is appropriate for his mouth as well as how to soften the bite. The reason German Shepherd dog puppies have sharp teeth is because they are capable of learning how much or how little pressure to apply when biting different things. This is good news! To train a German Shepherd puppy to do this follow this link! Tip 3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Right around now you are also probably dealing with potty training, the best German Shepherd puppy training tips for potty training are outlined below. You should know how many times, and when to take you puppy out. I am sure you have heard all sorts of things against the use of food for training. To do this, you need to find the things that your dog likes most and use them as rewards. Food will be one of them, so use it. But also use anything else, like walks, petting, play time, toys, etc. So, of all the German shepherd puppy training tips here, I don't want to hear any excuses for this one! Done the right way, your pooch will respond to your command even when empty handed. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. This is a hard concept to understand for us, clever human beings. When we learn something new, we can very easily generalize the concept to any situation, that is what makes us creative creatures. Fortunately, you have a German Shepherd puppy, they are clever and chances are they will need less repetitions than the average breed. To help you out on this matter, this link will take you to a step-by-step guide to train a reliable command. Tip 6: Train your German Shepherd puppy to ask for permission. Dog commands and fun and useful and you can probably find hundreds to teach your GSD. This one though - Ask for permission - is technically not a command, because you will not ask your canine to do it every time, instead you want to teach him to do it on his own every time the occasion requires it. Take time to do this with your puppy, it will be worth it! This is another one of the most important German Shepherd puppy training tips because a dog that asks for permission is an obedient and safe dog. To prevent a dog from jumping on people it is imperative to teach that same dog not to jump when he is a puppy. If he jumps again, then ignore again. When I say ignore, I mean it! No eye contact, no pushing or kneeing…nothing. Keep turning around if you have to. Pulling on the leash is another of those dog behaviors that people think come out of the blue, but actually they happen because there was never formal training done. To prevent pulling on the leash all you have to do is make sure your puppy understands that he gets rewarded food, petting, attention, verbal praise, keep on walking, etc. Pay close attention to what he does during those first few walks together and make sure you reward him for staying close to you! Got any German Shepherd puppy training tips to share with us? Tell us about them here! Those ideas came from research done in wolfs in captivity and have now been debunked by new research done in wolfs in the wild. The new research says that you need to be a good leader, kind of like a parent. Alphas are most often the parents of the group. Provide shelter, food, safety and limits. This article tells you more about it! Tip The best German Shepherd puppy training tip is… Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This rule is amazing and will work wonders, besides it is really easy to apply, all you have to do is pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy and reward the good things he does. You need to figure out what the reward is and remove it. For example, when a dog is laying down, it is harder to bark. This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields labelled below in red have been filled in What is your DOG's name? Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.