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Best Chew Toys for German Shepherds Large breed dogs like the German shepherd can be heavy chewers, and you need some durable toys that can withstand those powerful jaws. So what are the best chew toys for these power chewers? Here are two we think are top of the line. The unique Orka TPE rubber material keeps these toys lasting through tough chewing while keeping dogs interested. The flat shape of the Orka Mini Bone helps exercise jaw muscles while rope pieces support good dental hygiene by… Chewy This is a great chew toy for your GSD. It has a rope running down the middle with knots at each end. You can use it as a tug toy, toss it for a fun game of fetch, or just let your pooch enjoy chewing it. It comes in different sizes, so you can get one for your puppy or adult dog. Featuring squeak and crinkle sounds dogs love, rope handle and ultra durable material, these plush toys stand up to tough tugging play. This eco-friendly rope Outward Hound tug toy is made of jute rope and durable rubber rings. It also doubles as a puzzle toy since your dog works to figure out how to remove the rings. Once he does, you can put them back on to keep the game going. This is a great toy for those tough chewers who really like their toys chewy, and it will leave your best buddy with clean teeth too! Best Interactive Toys for German Shepherds German shepherd dogs are intelligent dogs, and because of that, they need toys that provide them with hours of mental stimulation. Here are some of the best toys that are great for those intelligent dog breeds like the German shepherd. The tennis ball and multi-sized openings are sure to keep your pup mentally engaged for hours of play! Can your pup figure out which two tunnels let the ball out? You can even add treats inside for an extra tasty challenge. You can also put tasty treats like kibble or other types of dog food inside the tunnels so your dog will also be treated to a delicious reward. This intermediate level toy features three tiers with twelve compartments for dog snacks or kibble. The Dog Tornado is a level 2 interactive toy that will keep boredom at bay for hours. Stuff it with treats or even peanut butter. Some of them grow up to be working dogs too so they need to get out and about a lot! Here are some great toys to help them do just that. This durable fetch toy has a thick rim that doubles as an easy grip for you and a tough chew for your dog. Made from TPE material and reinforced with inner ribs and raised textures that feel satisfying to chew while being gentle on teeth and gums. The Orka Flyer bounces and floats so you can take… Chewy This is a great dog toy for your pooch. This fun fetch toy can soar and it also floats, making it a great water toy. This set is great for training your dog to learn new tricks or commands with an easy to set up obstacle course. This outdoor training set features one circular collapsible tunnel, six weave poles, and an adjustable jump with hoop that come in a slim carry case. You can teach him new tricks and commands with this easy-to-set-up obstacle course. He actually has a real hoop to jump through! The kit comes with 1 circular, collapsible tunnel, 6 weave poles, and that adjustable hoop. It will provide you and your dog with hours of fun, mentally stimulating exercise. Here are a couple of great toys that offer a new twist on the classic tennis ball. Your pup will love fetching this squeaky tennis ball whether playing indoors or enjoying the great outdoors. As far as rubber toys go, these are top-of-the-line! They can be used indoors or out, and they are made with high-quality rubber to ensure they will last a long time. Be sure to order GSD-sized balls. Balls that are too small can present a choking hazard. It has the classic rubber ball enclosed in a durable rubber phthalate-free and lead-free shell that helps it last longer. It also keeps your formidable chewer from damaging the squeaker as easily as with other toys. The outer natural rubber shell not only protects the rubber ball but also gives your dog another fun texture to work with. What more can you ask for? Final Thoughts German shepherds are a popular dog breed that will be a loyal best friend for many years. There are also some fun toys on our list for you to enjoy with your buddy too! This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase after clicking one, Outward Hound may receive a small commission. With so many unique options on the market, it can be difficult to figure out which of them are the best toys for German Shepherds. So why exactly does a German Shepherd need to have toys? Toys Provide Physical Stimulation Have you ever felt the need to do something with your hands? Nothing specific, you just feel like your hands have to be moving, and most of the time, you just find a small, repeated movement like twiddling your thumbs. German Shepherds are the same, and often feel the need for some sort of physical engagement. The difference, however, is that they feel the need to do something with their teeth, which usually means chewing. Without toys to keep them busy, your German Shepherd will start chewing anything and everything they can get a hold of. Toys Provide Relief In another case of dogs being remarkably similar to humans, your German Shepherd will often use their favorite toy as a security blanket of sorts. This is because a familiar toy helps soothe their mind by giving them comforting scents and physical stimulation. Toys are Great Training Aids As with anything your German Shepherd enjoys, the right dog toy is an excellent motivator during training. Just use it like you would any other training aid, giving them a bit of time to play with it after they successfully follow a command. This will allow your German Shepherd to associate training with play, creating a much more fun and positive experience for all parties involved. Toys Help Build Strong Bonds Of course, having plenty of dog toys also provides you with the opportunity to bond with your German Shepherd. Toys Prevent Boredom As we mentioned before, German Shepherds need steady sources of physical stimulation, and this stimulation helps to stave off boredom. Bored dogs may become depressed or anxious, causing them to embrace destructive behaviors such as chewing. Essentially, giving your dog plenty of fun toys is a way to keep them happy and healthy and your belongings undamaged. First of all, the toys you buy need to be tough. From there, look for variety. Your pup should have access to a variety of toys, textures, and functions. Go for a mixture of hard toys, soft toys, chew toys, puzzles, and anything else your pup will enjoy! The best toys for your German Shepherd appeal to their natural instincts as a herding dog. In addition, you need to consider that German Shepherds are particularly prone to separation anxiety, so they should have a mentally engaging toy to keep themselves occupied, such as a treat puzzle. German Shepherd Exercise Needs German Shepherds are large, energetic dogs, so they need about hours of exercise per day. You should try to give them a variety of activities aside from your standard walk such as wrestling, chasing, or searching for objects. A good combination of mental and physical exercise will keep your pup happy and healthy! It comes with a variety of items your pup will love, with two ultra-tough toys, two bags of diet-adjustable bags of treats, and two delicious chews. Indestructible Beef-Flavored Bone This indestructible chew toy comes with a delicious beef flavor that will keep your German Shepherd entertained and always ready to play. Orka Bone Dog Chew Toy This dog bone is unique, serving both as your standard chew toy and a treat puzzle. Just pop a treat each into the two treat compartments and let your dog gnaw on the resilient rubber bone! Naturals Jute Puzzle Rope Dog Toy This toy is perfect for when you want to play with your German Shepherd, made of a tough, plant-based material designed to withstand game after game of tug of war. It works much like a standard puzzle toy, but once your furry friend gets the tennis ball out, you can treat them to a good old-fashioned game of fetch! Tux Tough Treat Dispensing Dog Chew Toy For more persistent chewers, this puzzle toy from Tux is incredibly tough, but also tricky enough to provide a solid challenge. Harry Barker Cotton Rope Tug and Toss Toy This toy is designed for humans and pups who love playing together, perfect for the two most popular games: fetch and tug of war! While there are plenty of good toys for your German Shepherd to play with, there are also plenty of bad ones. One of the greatest dangers certain toys present is their size. Many toys, especially plastic ones, can be chewed down to a sharp point after a while, which then poses a risk of choking or injury. If you notice that a pointy tip has been formed, the best thing to do is toss the toy out and buy a new one. Finally, stay away from toys with frills or ribbons as well as those that resemble common household objects. Toys that resemble household objects, on the other hand, can promote destructive habits. Your pup is sure to be happier, healthier, and absolutely thrilled with their new toys! Here are a few of the most commonly asked questions! German Shepherds will enjoy just about any toy you give them, but they definitely prefer toys that engage their natural instincts. Toys such as frisbees or tennis balls that allow them to chase will appeal to their herding instincts, while treat puzzles will help keep them mentally engaged. Of course, everyone needs a bit of mindless entertainment, which your standard chew toy will deliver perfectly. German Shepherds are an extremely intelligent and active dog breed, so they need a fairly high amount of exercise and mental stimulation to keep them from becoming bored or depressed. Most vets recommend getting in around hours of exercise or playtime with your German Shepherd, as well as keeping around a variety of toys so that they have multiple ways to keep themselves mentally engaged. Of course, they have to be able to keep themselves entertained sometimes, but nothing beats direct engagement, so try to play with your German Shepherd directly whenever you have the time. German Shepherds all have standard dog hobbies such as walking and wrestling, but their instincts as herding dogs mean they also have a few unique interests. Or sometimes even their humans! Being the little balls of energy they are, German Shepherd puppies need plenty of toys to learn and grow. Once you reach the teething stage, chew toys are going to be an absolute must to allow them to teeth without destroying your valuables. In addition, you want to promote their natural spirit of curiosity and adventurousness from a young age, so be sure to keep them mentally stimulated with a variety of puzzles as well. The best interactive toys for German Shepherds typically have some sort of food reward involved, giving your pup incentive to focus on the toy. German Shepherds are commonly known to suffer from separation anxiety, but having something like a puzzle or a kong will keep them busy enough to prevent that anxiety from setting in. Related Articles:. With a curved base, this chewable wiggles back and forth as your pup tries to lick and chew, keeping him focused on the tasty task. Features: Made of vanilla-scented natural rubber Can be filled with liquids like bone broth, pastes like dog-safe peanut butter, and solids like kibble Safe for washing on the top shelf of your dishwasher for easy upkeep Made in China Can be used with most common canine treats Fun, tasty way to beat the summer heat Great pricing perfect for stocking up and having several ready at a time! Cons Not the toughest chew on the market Different Types of Toys for German Shepherds The German shepherd is a large, active dog requiring daily physical and mental exercise. Toys are an excellent tool for making the task easier and provide a fun way to unwind with your pooch and build your bond. Dog toys come in many forms, however, with some better suited for German shepherds than others. The most common types of toys enjoyed by German shepherds are: Balls and Fetch Toys The German shepherd is a chase-happy floof ready to run, making fetch toys like balls or Frisbees some of the best toys for him. Like retrievers, German shepherds can be a little too fetch-obsessed, giving your arm one heck of a workout. Invest in a dog ball launcher to make things easier and give your arm a break. Incorporating a treat-dispensing ball is another great idea, as these toys keep your shepherd occupied on his own as he paws, nudges, and shakes the ball to free goodies hidden inside. Doing your homework here is vital since chews come in various types, from chew toys for teething puppies to long-lasting chews for the most determined chewers. Some German shepherd owners like to offer edible chews on occasion, too, such as beef collagen and bully sticks. Tug Toys Most German shepherds love a good game of tug, so tug toys are a natural choice for the breed. These toys should be large enough that you and your dog or your dog and another dog can safely hold either end of the toy. Training Toys Many German shepherds have specialized skills that require ongoing training. This can include working dogs like police pups and herders or those who practice canine sports like Schutzhund or agility. Maintaining these skills takes a lot of training that can get boring or repetitive. Adding dog training toys to the mix makes sessions more fun and engaging. Water Toys Not every shepherd is wild about the wet stuff, but water-loving ones are obsessed. Puzzle toys offer a great test and heaps of fun for your wise woofer, usually with a tasty reward that food-motivated shepherds are eager to work for. Every dog has likes and dislikes that may not always align with their breed. Also, consider his age and overall health. Picking a Toy for Your German Shepherd: Things to Think About Every dog is unique, but there are some basics to consider while toy shopping, as only some products are a good fit or even safe for your dog. This is especially true with a large breed known to be hard on toys like a German shepherd. Another dog might prefer a simple chew for laid-back fun. Food-motivated shepherds love Lickimats as an indoor option. Freezing them helps them last longer, too. Snuffle mats are another great option, as they put his sniffer to work for hidden goodies. Toys made of solid heavy-duty rubber or nylon are ideal, particularly those without small pieces that can be chewed away. While fun for a dog to gnaw at, these nubs are choking and ingestion hazards if chewed free and swallowed. Materials Dog-safe construction is a must for any toy. The U. Dangerous chemicals like arsenic and lead have been found in toys manufactured overseas. For this reason, many pet parents opt for American-made dog toys only. Other toys can be used for games of fetch on land or in water, and some can double as chew toys and tuggers. Warranty Some manufacturers stand behind their products so much that they offer a money-back or replacement guarantee if your doggo damages or destroys the toy. Sometimes, these have time limits such as 30 days, while others offer lifetime guarantees. These warranties are great for peace of mind about the product and for getting the most for your money. Most toys can be rinsed clean with mild soap and water, while others are dishwasher-safe for more in-depth cleaning. To keep your German shepherd safe around his toys: Purchase responsibly: Only buy size-appropriate toys for your dog made of dog-friendly, non-toxic ingredients. These super hard chews are especially risky for dogs who chomp down on toys versus gnawing at them. To see if a dog toy is too hard, press your fingernail into it. You also want to see if any are due for a cleaning or if your pup has outgrown them super important with puppies! Discard damaged or small toys: Promptly trash any broken or damaged toys. These are serious choking and ingestion hazards, as well as risks for mouth lacerations if they have sharp edges. Not only are these foul-smelling, but they can also make you and your dog sick. Every dog is different. When in doubt, ask your vet. The Importance of Toys for German Shepherds All dogs originated with a job, but few take working as seriously as the German shepherd. From herding to police work to sniffing out bombs, these doggos are the floofs-of-all-trades in the dog world. This makes the breed one of many that need a job, which can be hard to offer all the time. This is where toys come in. Here are a few ways toys benefit German shepherds: Burning off physical energy. German shepherds started out herding livestock around the farm, covering large swaths of land with speed and agility. This athleticism remains at the heart of the breed and demands a daily outlet. A long walk or brisk jog is ideal, but not everyone can go as fast or as long as the breed would like to. Toys help take off some of the physical workload of exercising your German shepherd. Instead of hiking with your dog for an hour every day which not everyone can do! Providing mental stimulation. He can and will get bored quickly. This is where toys can shine. Easing anxiety. Anxiety can lead to many issues, from destructive chewing to nuisance barking and even health problems. Offering a safe outlet for chewing instincts. Chewing is a natural instinct that dogs need to express. This is as costly as it is dangerous, with non-chew items risking potential mouth injury, bowel obstruction, and poisoning. Does your German shepherd have any of the toys we listed? Share the details in the comments for other shepherd parents! Like it? Share it!

Final Thoughts 10 Places to Find Goldendoodle Puppies for Sale Goldendoodles are relatively easy to find due to their popularity with pet owners and breeders. That said, there are numerous places selling Goldendoodle puppies. However, you should always remember that getting puppies from puppy mills and backyard breeders are highly discouraged. To make sure you are getting a healthy Goldendoodle puppy that is in tip-top shape, consider these breeders: 1. Hermeier Doodles — Iowa Hermeier Doodles aims to match puppies with their forever homes. They are very particular about the well-being of their Doodles. Every puppy they sell goes through regular vet checkups, potty training, and socialization training. Hermeier Doodles also desensitize their pups to fireworks, crying babies, car horns, and other forms of dog irritants. Needless to say, they provide all the necessary care to their Goldendoodle puppies. If you are a first-time dog owner, the Goldendoodle breeder will also educate you on everything you need to know about the Goldendoodle breed. Should you decide to get a Goldendoodle puppy from them, make sure to fill out their application form right away! You may also check out adorable photos of their past litter on their website. After applying for a puppy, you can expect their reply within 24 hours. It is important to take note that this price comes out of the final price of your puppy. They are an American Kennel Club recognized breeder and they have been operating since .Together with his three daughters, Kim breeds and sells Golden Retriever and Goldendoodle puppies. Puppies from Golden Doodlebugs are dewormed, dewclaws removed and vaccinated before being sold. Their puppies come with a two-year health guarantee against genetic health issues such as hip dysplasia. Plus, every puppy they sell also comes with day pet insurance from Trupanion. If you want to see how cute and cuddly their doodles are, make sure to check out the gallery section on their website. You can also read some of the testimonials from their customers on this page. The Truth About Their Coat 3. They specialize in breeding Goldendoodles of all coat colors from cream and apricot to chocolate and black. They also offer Goldendoodle studs and Goldendoodle dams. High Mesa Doodles train their pups as early as eight weeks of age. This is to make sure that their customers receive a well-behaved dog. On top of their standard training program, you may also enroll your puppy in their Master Turnkey Puppy program. In this program, your puppy will be fully house-trained and crate-trained. They will also immerse your Goldendoodle pup in different social scenarios to prepare them for their life-long adventures with you. This Goldendoodle breeder also offers puppy delivery, but that will hike your bill up a bit. You can view detailed information on their delivery pricing on their website. They were established in and managed by two sisters and their families. These dogs are known for their fluffy appearance which resembles an adorable teddy bear! If you are interested in owning one of these Goldendoodles, you would be delighted to know that every puppy from Almond Blossom Doodles comes with a two-year health guarantee. Their puppies are also microchipped, dewormed, and vaccinated before being sold. To join their waitlist, you may contact them using the details provided below. Once their puppies are 6-weeks old, every customer on their waitlist will be contacted. If they reach out, you will have the chance to choose your preferred Goldendoodle puppy from their available ones! One thing to keep in mind about this breeder is that they impose a no-breeding contract. This means you are required to have your Goldendoodle puppy spayed or neutered by 7 to 9 months of age. They started as a Goldendoodle breeder about 10 years ago. Similar to most other Goldendoodle breeders, Twin Creek Puppies employ a no-breeding contract. They require puppies to be spayed or neutered once they reach the appropriate age. However, if you are looking to breed your Goldendoodle, you can reach out to them for negotiation. All Doodles from Twin Creek Puppies are backed by a two-year genetic health guarantee. This means you can return your puppy if it develops genetic-related health issues within the said period. Twin Creek Puppies emphasizes their attention to detail when it comes to breeding Goldendoodles. You may check out their waitlist requirements and specifications on their website. Delivery is also an option in Twin Creek Puppies. Their purchase guarantee and health guarantee are detailed on this page. Windsong breeds Goldendoodle puppies that are healthy, happy, and well-socialized. We help each family select the right puppy for their lifestyle while keeping the individual needs of each puppy in mind as well. Love Our babies receive round-the-clock care from birth until they join their new family at 8 weeks. In fact, our babies spend the first weeks in our master bedroom as this makes for easy nighttime checks! They are loved on from their first day of life by children, cats, and most of all me! At 4 weeks they move to my living room where they can observe and interact more closely with our family. Health A high-quality diet, proper supplements, and the necessary genetic testing is our key to raising healthy puppies. We are passionate about health and are proud to offer a 2-year health guarantee on all our puppies. More info Happiness The happiness and well-being of our moms, dads, and puppies are extremely important to us. All of our breeding dogs live in our home or in loving guardian homes with their forever families. We believe there is a right and wrong way to breed. We are not a kennel, all of our dogs are well-cared for and cherished family members. As the popularity grows, the number of backyard breeders also increases. There are many Goldendoodle breeders in the USA, but not all of them are reputable. Unfortunately, many of these unscrupulous breeders sell puppies that are plagued with health problems throughout their lives. There are a few key points to keep in mind when choosing a Goldendoodle breeder in the USA. Here are a few things to consider: 1. The GANA is an organization committed to keeping track of the lineage of Goldendoodle breeds, and only allows those who adhere to their standards and provide documentation of health clearances to be members. Health Testing: The most important thing to look for when you are searching for an ethical Goldendoodle breeder is if they comprehensively test the health and genetics of their dogs. This includes testing for various hereditary diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases, heart, and thyroid. This will help you get a sense of the living conditions your potential pup is coming from, and whether or not they seem happy and healthy. Also, take note of how the breeder interacts with the dogs — this will give you a good sense of their overall care and concern for their welfare. Several breeders update their testimonials sections on websites, but you can also find reviews on Yelp and other online communities. How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost? There are a few factors that will affect the price of a Goldendoodle puppy. With proper care, your Goldendoodle will bring you years of love and companionship. All of these costs added together can make quite the dent in your budget, so be sure to factor them into your budget when deciding whether or not a Goldendoodle is the right breed for you. If you know any great Goldendoodle Breeders who lives in the USA, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in the USA? It really helps others who are looking for Goldendoodle puppies in the USA. Goldendoodle Breeders Elsewhere. About Best Goldendoodles BestGoldendoodles. Best Goldendoodles matches family-raised, f1b Goldendoodle puppies and mini Goldendoodle puppies with qualified families. We are proud to be a part of the prestigious Crockett Doodles network of premium family-raised doodle breeders, raising F1b Goldendoodle puppies and mini Goldendoodle puppies for well-matched families from the best Goldendoodle breeders. Striving to be the best Goldendoodle breeders, our Goldendoodle and Poodle parent dogs are family pets. Read on to find why our Goldendoodle puppies are some of the most highly desirable Goldendoodle puppies and mini Goldendoodle puppies in the Southeast. Our litters consistently find homes within hours after we announce them. We have found it to be the best food for quality, cost, and convenience. Owning a Goldendoodle or mini Goldendoodle puppy takes time and money. For someone willing to invest some time and money, a Goldendoodle or mini Goldendoodle pup are a great choice for many people. You can read horror stories about puppy mills with dozens of stacked boxes packed with sickly dogs who never see the light of day. Sadly, Goldendoodle puppies, Labradoodles, and other designer dogs are hot commodities for the puppy mills. Fortunately, many states are cracking down on these cruel puppy mills where some owners have become rich off the poor dogs they keep in deplorable conditions. If you see a Goldendoodle puppy, mini Goldendoodle puppy or any desirable dog breed for an extremely low price, you should look into it carefully. Often puppy mills ship their dogs through internet purchases for low prices to unsuspecting buyers who never even consider visiting the place they got their puppy from. You should be very wary of online puppy stores. We are excited to be a part of the Crockett Doodles network. Many reputable Goldendoodle puppy breeders rightly condemn the deplorable practices of puppy mills but have dogs themselves. Where would you keep 18 dogs? If you think about it, it is understandable why someone who breeds Goldendoodles for a living would find it necessary to have so many dogs. They need to put food on the table and provide for their family. I also understand why some Goldendoodle and mini Goldendoodle puppy breeders would try to convince you that you need their particular breed. I am not a full-time Goldendoodle breeder. I am a professor at a private Christian liberal arts university BJU , and my wife is an events coordinator and primarily a mother. Our goal is to match our standard Goldendoodle puppies and mini Goldendoodle puppies with well-matched families as puppies are available. A great dog Goldendoodle or otherwise depends largely on nature and nurture. You want a standard Goldendoodle or mini Goldendoodle with the best possible genetic foundation, and you want to provide that Doodle with structure and balanced training. Hopefully the breeder you get a Goldendoodle puppy from has done some homework to help you with the nature part of the equation. We acquired an outstanding Goldendoodle and a great Standard Poodle from totally different breeding lines hoping to provide our Doodle puppies with healthy genetic lines. We are confident enough in the genetic nature of our puppies that we offer a health guarantee. Many people wonder whether or not Goldendoodles are hypoallergenic. The greatest advantage of a F1b Goldendoodle is its incredibly strong potential for a non-shedding Poodle coat. The non-shedding coats of F1b Goldendoodles and mini Goldendoodles make them highly desirable compared to F1 Doodles. Although most f1b Goldendoodles do not shed or shed very little , it is impossible to guarantee that any dog even Goldendoodles will not shed at all. If you do your research and determine that a Goldendoodle or mini Goldendoodle is the right match for your family, please contact us to see if we can help match you with the perfect puppy. Our desire is for the new Goldendoodle family to have the best experience possible. We have been overwhelmed by the demand for quality dogs. We try to be completely fair in how we handle requests, even when dealing with celebrities. Crockett Doodles has a personal delivery service that personally transports pups anywhere in the continental United States. The commitment of families to travel from all over the U. We appreciate families that understand that a Goldendoodle puppy is a multi-year hopefully 15 or so commitment, and worth some effort. Nathan Crockett. With so much information swirling about Goldendoodles, how do you ever find a reputable Goldendoodle breeder? Where do you start? How do you avoid a scam? You probably already know that Goldendoodles, one of many types of Doodle dogs , are a hybrid or crossbreed between a Poodle and Golden Retriever. For this reason, they vary greatly in size, weight, coat type, and coat color—just to name a few traits. So, what does this have to do with finding a reputable breeder? A reputable breeder will be able to share their extensive knowledge about Goldendoodles with you—everything from explaining all the types of Goldendoodles to the importance of Goldendoodle grooming. Second, by choosing a good breeder you are supporting responsible breeders and not supporting the puppy mill industry. Third, you may have very specific needs for your family situation. Maybe you have an interest in a therapy dog. Maybe you have young children. These are all situations where a reputable breeder can help match you with a puppy for your unique needs. Finally, and most importantly, the little bundle of fluff you hope to adopt will be an integral part of your family. You probably want that puppy to grow into a healthy adult and be by your side for, well, forever. Or, at least as close to forever as possible. For the best chance at giving your puppy a long, happy, healthy life, you could leave it up to chance. Or your can do your best to find a breeder who wants a long, happy, and healthy life for the puppy, too. A reputable breeder strives to: Give a puppy a healthy start in life. This begins long before the puppy is born. And the scale often tips in their favor because they are very savvy. And it seems like separating the quality breeders from scammers has gotten more and more difficult. However, the more educated you are, the more you know about Goldendoodles , and the more you know about what to look for in a reputable breeder, the easier and clearer it is to find the gems and avoid the jerks. Want to match you with the puppy that will fit in with you and your family. Focus on health and temperament, including testing for genetic conditions that could be inherited. With patience and education on your side, finding a good breeder is possible. How to find Goldendoodle breeders near me Finding a reputable Goldendoodle breeder near you seems like a logical choice. But before you settle on searching your immediate surrounding area, I do want to mention all your options. Some reputable breeders offer puppy nannies who will fly with your puppy to the airport nearest your home. Or, you may want to consider making a weekend road trip to pick up your new puppy. By looking at your options, you can expand the number of reputable breeders to include in your search. Chat with other Doodle parents and learn about their experiences adopting a Goldendoodle puppy. Visit with your veterinarian. They are a great resource. Visit with a dog trainer in your area. For a complete list of rescues that focus on doodles, retrievers, and poodle mixes visit 14 Goldendoodle Rescues: Your Resource Guide. What are the signs of a reputable Goldendoodle breeder? But what does that look like in real life? Goldendoodle health Physical health Since Goldendoodles vary in size, color, and coat type, these physical traits get a lot of airtime. However, physical health is the place to start. Choosing a reputable breeder who cares about the future of the Goldendoodle breed and who places the upmost importance on good health tops our list of qualities to look for in a reputable breeder. Unfortunately, unscrupulous breeders that breed without regard to health and genetics are out there ready to tell you anything. Screen for diseases and conditions that could be inherited from the Poodle and Golden Retriever sides of the families. Are keen on reducing the chances for inherited problems by testing hips, eyes, patellas, elbows, and heart in their parent dogs. Ensure their puppies receive regular veterinary care. Provide the appropriate vaccinations and deworming at the appropriate times by their veterinarian. Are knowledgeable about and make sure their puppies have proper nutrition. Equally important is socialization. The article goes on to emphasize the important role the breeder plays in socializing a puppy in the first weeks and couple months of life. This information is particularly important for breeders, given that puppies are generally still in the litter during these periods. In summary, reputable breeders are knowledgeable about and provide proper puppy socialization. One way to tell a responsible Goldendoodle breeder is by listening to them. They are passionate about the breed and knowledgeable about Goldendoodles. They will be dedicated to improving the quality of the Goldendoodle breed. They will have plans and goals. As mentioned earlier, a reputable breeder will focus on health and temperament. They health test the parent breeds, so that the puppies have less chance of developing genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia. They work to reduce the chance for inherited problems through health tests or genetic tests for their parent dogs. They do everything in their power to ensure their puppies are healthy, socialized, and have good temperaments. They are proud of their puppies and want to find good homes for them. This means they are selective or have questionnaires for you to fill out. This gets us to our next factor—client communication and support. Responsible breeders work their tails off to make sure potential buyers have the information they need about the breed, the puppy, and their program so they can make an informed decision. They will vet you just as much as you vet them. Additionally, they share take-home information about puppy care, so that the transition from their home to your home is a smooth one. And they welcome your questions before, during, and after the puppy has gone home. Additionally, the last thing a responsible breeder wants is for one of their puppies to go to a home, and then end up in a shelter. Should disaster happen and you must give up your dog, most reputable breeders would prefer you contact them first. Goldendoodle Breeder Checklist Breeds for health and temperament above all else. Tests the parent dogs for genetic conditions i. Provides puppy health records. Provides vaccination and de-worming records to you. Does not overpromise or give absolutes. Works closely with a veterinarian and provides you with puppy medical records. Dedicated to improving the quality of the Goldendoodle breed. Knowledgeable about Goldendoodles and specializes. Matches you to the puppy and the puppy to you. Provides a written contract. Has an application process, screens applicants, and interviews you. Welcomes your questions—even after adoption. Often has a waiting list. Provides you with photos or videos of your new puppy. Sends you home with details on how to care for your puppy. Will only communicate with you via email or text. Wants you to wire the money think Venmo. Has a wide variety of breeds of puppies available. Asks to meet you in a parking lot. Thanks for stopping by our little cozy spot for Goldendoodle parents. Molly was our first Goldendoodle, and was a favorite of everybody who came to visit the farm! She was an F1 standard golden doodle. The golden doodle originally was created in the late s as a hybrid cross of a standard poodle and the golden retriever. The idea was to combine the intelligence and the non-shedding coat of the poodle with the temperament and disposition of the golden retriever. Because of their popularity, different generations and sizes have been created as the breed continues to develop. The F1B is a cross of a golden doodle back to the poodle. This creates a more hypo-allergenic and non-shedding coat. Our golden doodle puppies are the perfect addition to your family! We only raise F1 and F1B as we believe they are the best as far as hybrid vigor and consistent coat quality. Colors range from cream, apricot, red, black, and parti. Our golden retrievers as well as our standard poodles are AKC registered. This is the original! The F1 will have a wavy coat with little to no shedding. F1B - Cross of Goldendoodle back to a poodle. The F1B will have a curly, wavy coat that is non-shedding. They are a good choice for people with above-normal allergies in the family. Standard- 50 lbs and up. Medium- lbs. Mini- lbs. Petite mini- lbs. These are general size guidelines- due to the complexity of genetics, we cannot guarantee size or weight. Looking for doodles in Indiana? You can reserve a doodle puppies by filling out an application form , and we will match you with the puppy that is best for your family! And found the Best Bernadoodle. From the first conversation with Joe I was confident I had found the perfect place and the perfect puppy. Best Doodle sent me frequent pictures of my boy. I highly recommend them. He was 8 wks old. We immediately fell in love!! Beckett is so smart, healthy, happy, very social and absolutely adorable. He potty trained quickly, and started sleeping all night within the first week we had him. We have him enrolled in puppy school at 14 weeks and he is already sitting, staying, following commands to not jump, etc. Joe was great to work with-very responsive. We live in Maine but I am originally from Indiana. We searched far and wide for the right breeder. Thank you, Joe! She is now just about 7 months old and is a sweetheart! Are you in the market for a Goldendoodle and live in or around the US capital? Here is my guide for the best Goldendoodle breeders in Washington, DC. The farm is located in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia, and has been breeding adorable Doodle dogs since .Although located in West Virginia, they offer car delivery services to Washington, D. The Farm was one of the founding breeders of the Goldendoodle and bred the first litter of Mini Goldendoodles! Amy is deeply committed to promoting the health and welfare of her Goldendoodles, as well as the success of other breeders in her community. Fox Creek Farm breeds Goldendoodles in all sizes. They specialize in petite, miniature, medium, and standard sizes. They are committed to breeding healthy, happy puppies that make great family pets. They are well-socialized with people and other dogs. Their breeding program is designed to ensure the health and happiness of their puppies. A socialized puppy is more likely to be confident, well-adjusted, and friendly around people and other dogs. Every one of their breeding dogs undergoes extensive health testing before breeding. Puppies are given to families based on temperament and size. Puppies are microchipped before leaving at eight weeks of age. Additionally, all puppies are dewormed and have their first round of vaccinations. Training Puppies are taught to use a doggie door at just four weeks and are potty trained outside by five weeks of age. Enrichment Puppies at Fox Creek Farm are raised with an enrichment program called Puppy Culture, which is the gold standard for responsible breeders. This program covers prenatal care, developmental periods, age-appropriate games and exercises, early socialization, and more. By using the Puppy Culture method, Fox Creek Farm provides puppies with the best possible start in life. Health Guarantee Fox Creek Farm offers a year health guarantee against genetic defects. How much is a puppy from Fox Creek Farm? However, these prices are subject to change and do not include additional costs such as shipping or breeding rights. For the most up-to-date pricing, you should contact Fox Creek directly. When purchasing a puppy from Fox Creek Farm, potential owners can expect to pay a non-refundable deposit to reserve a puppy. The remaining balance is due when the puppy is picked up or shipped to its new home. Fox Creek Farm Reviews Fox Creek Farm has received numerous positive reviews and testimonials from satisfied customers nationwide. Many have praised the breeder for their exceptional care and breeding practices, as well as the health and temperament of their puppies. They breed healthy, happy dogs and make the experience of getting a dog very enjoyable. They also provided excellent support after we got our Daisy. We are very happy customers! My puppy is sweet, beautiful, calm, smart, and best of all, very healthy. I recommend Fox Creek for anyone looking for the ideal family pet. The easiest way is to fill out the contact form on their website. They typically respond within 24 hours and are happy to answer any questions you may have about the adoption process, their breeding program, or their puppies. Additional details can be found below: Location: Berkely, West Virginia. Please use the contact us button below to send in your request including the size Goldendoodle you are seeking, where you live, and any other specifics you would like to share. Any that can accommodate your request will reach out to you. Be aware that you cannot unsubscribe from this list as it generates an email that is sent just once to all our member breeders. You may get a few emails after you have found a puppy. In that case, just let the individual breeder know to remove you from their email list. Contact Us Classified Click on the button below to access listings of some puppies that already born from our member breeders. Please note that these classified ads are not reflective of all puppies available from our member breeders, but a sampling of puppies who are currently available. The author of this book used information provided by several of our experienced GANA breeders. A must have for the new Goldendoodle puppy family or families thinking about getting a Goldendoodle! Check out the shopping page for more unique Goldendoodle items! For all other questions: Email: admin goldendoodleassociation. Your membership helps to fund research and development regarding health, genetics, puppy development, and more. 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My fascination for this breed actually began as a child while growing up in Great Britain. The yearly outing with my father was one I looked forward to with much anticipation. Years later I married my husband, Gene. It was always my ambition to one day bring a boxer into our own family, to be raised together with our two young sons. In we ventured out to purchase our first American bred boxer. Both my husband and I consider ourselves very fortunate indeed to have been able to purchase a beautiful, show potential brindle bitch named Chelsea from Glenn and Zona Grupe of Glennroe Boxers. Attending shows together, Zona and I put four owner-handled majors in quick succession on our beautiful Chelsea. As our foundation bitch, she launched Telstar on its way to success. Much more, I might add, than my wildest dreams. Striving to do the very best we possibly can in every aspect of raising, breeding and showing our own dogs has enabled me to enjoy the benefits of knowing our achievements have come from our love and devotion for the Boxer. Showing and breeding has had additional perks. I have had the great fortune of meeting many wonderful people along the way. As a boxer breeder, I also derive a great deal of satisfaction when placing a pet puppy in a companion home, knowing that these buyers benefit not only from our philosophy of breeding a quality, healthy, structurally sound boxer, but also from having the joy and love of owning one. I still enjoy competing as an owner handler, and oddly enough, still feel that same overwhelming sense of accomplishment being on the other end of the leash when I finish the championship on one of my dogs. The feeling is no different than I felt in the beginning, some thirty years ago. We have answers. The cost of a Boxer puppy can depend on its coat color, eye color, gender, size, pedigree, as well as other factors. Am I going to be limited to choosing only local Boxer puppies? We apply a strict set of standards to all those who apply to join our network, which filters out the puppy mills and backyards breeders. You can take a look at these standards in our Breeder Pledge. They cover a lot of ground - from breeder knowledge to ethics, from legal compliance to cleanliness. And much more besides. Why is Uptown Puppies so different? When you search for Boxer puppies for sale in San Diego online, the results you see are usually the businesses and Boxer breeders San Diego who are spending the most on marketing. Because Uptown vets and examines all applicants, we list only the best of the best when it comes to Boxer breeders in San Diego. What are puppy mills, exactly? Folks who buy a Boxer puppy that seems unusually cheap may have accidentally bought a dog that was bred in a puppy mill. A puppy mill is a factory for producing Boxers for sale in San Diego - with no care at all about the welfare of the animals. A Boxer bought from a puppy mill may have behavioral problems, as well as health issues that could cost you a fortune in veterinary bills. Are there any Boxer puppies available now near me? Get in touch with one of your recommended breeders, and your dream San Diego Boxer for sale will soon be heading to your home. What are the origins of the Boxer breed? Boxers were bred from a mix of dogs including the German Bullenbeisser and the Bulldog in the latter years of the 19th century. They were first brought to America in the early s, and the breed quickly became loved for its bravery, strength, intelligence, and comical personality. Today, Boxers are hugely popular all over the world. What can I expect from the average Boxer? San Diego Boxers for sale are a mix of playful mischief, comical capering and wet kisses—traits that endear them to their families. But despite this friendly personality, Boxers for sale San Diego make watchful guard dogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Basic obedience and simple command such as sit, stay, come, fetch, down, and so on will be quickly picked up by your Boxer puppy. Are Boxers good with kids? They are. Boxer puppies San Diego are great family dogs and get on well with children because of their playful personalities. Once proper introductions are made, Boxer puppies in San Diego make loyal and loving companions for children. A note to all those on the waiting list. We are so sorry the website was temporarily shut down. We were having technical difficulties, So happy its back on. But we were always here to continue breeding for your fur baby. Thankyou for being patient, always look forward to helping you. We are Sublime Boxers, a family orientated breeder. We love placing our boxers with loving homes. Show quality dog, or family pet, we got them! We do a lot for our dogs. Our adult dogs get wormed every three months and updated on their shots. Momma dogs get extra worming before and during their litters to ensure the pups get less-to-none of those nasty worms that are certain in every puppy dog or cat. Then, pups get their regiment of worming before they go home, as well as their 1st puppy shot. All adult dogs are on NuVet, which is a vitamin with antioxidants to ensure the puppies are at their best before they go home. We also give you a puppy pack to get you started with your new puppy. Contents include a bag of food to lessen the stress of a new environment. All our dogs are loved, have large pens, and run around our 1-acre yard. We spray throughout the year to keep the fleas and flys at bay, as everything can affect the dogs and puppies. We have had nothing but excellent comments from owners, telling us how fantastic their puppy is in looks, smarts, temperament, and loving nature. That is why we take great pride in our dogs. Through selective breeding, we have kept an excellent line of boxers with a lovable temperament that has been consistent throughout the years, including even out most recent litters of puppies. We also give a one-year health guarantee, that you can extend to 2 years if you keep your puppy on NuVet, which is a supplement that helps your puppy with the stress of growing up by building its immune system. We hope that we can help you with finding your next loved pet.

Things to do with your English Bulldog Ohio is a great place to live with an English bulldog. The state has a diverse landscape, plenty of outdoor activities, and dog-friendly businesses. Hike the Trails Hiking is a great way to get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. There are many hiking trails in Ohio that are perfect for English bulldogs. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks for your dog, and take breaks often. Visit a Campground Camping is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many campgrounds in Ohio that allow dogs. Be sure to bring a tent, sleeping bags, food, water, and other supplies. There are many places to fish in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to get a fishing license and follow all the rules and regulations. Go Boating Boating is another great way to enjoy the outdoors with your English bulldog. There are many places to boat in Ohio, both on rivers and lakes. Be sure to bring a life jacket for your dog and follow all the safety rules. There are many places to swim in Ohio, both in fresh water and salt water. Be sure to supervise your dog at all times and follow all the safety rules. Visit a Dog park Dog parks are a great place for English bulldogs to run and play off-leash. There are many dog parks in Ohio, both in urban and rural areas. Visit Pet-Friendly Businesses Ohio has a number of pet-friendly businesses, including restaurants, hotels, and stores. These are just a few of the many things you can do with your English bulldog in Ohio. With its stunning scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Ohio is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Ohio? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. I think I was given that pretty name to make up for how I was treated before coming to Badass Bulldog Rescue and my current foster home. Even though my life started out rough, having that name gave me something to rise up to - it's hard to not feel like you have a better life coming when your name is Princess! At first when I came to my foster family's home, I wanted to engage with them but not fully. After a little time, I opened up to belly rubs and now I am a full on cuddler! When I'm the only furbae in the room, I velcro my eyes to whichever foster parent is there and like to stay on their heels. Same when they take me on walks. So I am looking for someone who is ready for BIG love in a stout package! Speaking of walks - I love them! My pre-foster life was not very active and I've had some babies, so my weight really crept up! I'm on my new health journey now with better nutrition, medical care and exercise and am already seeing positive changes in my figure. I really hope my furever home will keep me active and keep me on track - I'm a short gal so every oz matters! I have an older foster sister and brother and have had some great play sessions with them! Full disclosure, as much as I do like to play, I also have a tendency to get possessive over food and chewbones with them. My foster mom thinks it is because my beginnings to life didn't include regular feedings or the opportunity to have anything extra to chew on. So if my furever family would have patience and continue to practice with me, my ability to share could improve. In summary, even though I have a past and am still working on becoming every aspect of the name I've been given, I'm a catch. I love my people, toys, car rides, cuddles, walks and to play. My perfect furever home will keep me on the healthy lifestyle I'm on now, continue to help me understand that pets, food and treats are plentiful and be patient with me through the process of learning to share if I'm joining a home with other furbaes. Gus came to us after being surrendered to a shelter with a female Bulldog. Unfortunately, the female was too sick and even after an emergency surgery, she did not make it. Gus was in a little better shape so we addressed his medical concerns one at a time! The results came back positive for cancer. Fortunately, this type of cancer is generally taken care of once it is removed. However due to this, Gus will need closely monitored for the remainder of his life. He loves attention and being with his people. He loves a good nap on the couch and prefers a pillow so he can elevate his head. He has not been kid tested, but due to his overwhelmingly sweet personality we do not anticipate there would be any issues. Gus does prefer to be the only dog though and would do best in a home without other pets. He is crate trained and doing better with leash walking and house breaking! He is looking for a family to love him, spoil him and to let him take it easy for the remainder of his golden years. Donations can be made via our PayPal account - info prodogsohio. You must be willing to commute to the location that the pet is being fostered in order to be eligible to adopt. We do not ship our pets. We also require that you personally bring the pet back to us should the adoption not work out. All money goes to support our rescue operation. We require your current dog s to be current on vaccines and heartworm prevention. Due to the volume of apps and inquiries, we may not be able to respond to everyone. September 13, , pm. However, with Cheappuppiesforsale. Our user-friendly website allows you to filter your search based on location, price, and other preferences, ensuring a seamless and personalized experience. When it comes to purchasing a puppy, we understand that cost is a significant factor for many individuals. We work closely with a network of trustworthy breeders who prioritize the well-being and health of their puppies. Rest assured, our breeders comply with ethical breeding practices and provide a nurturing environment for their dogs. Understanding the origins and characteristics of this beloved breed can provide valuable insights for prospective English Bulldog owners. Originating in England, the English Bulldog has a lineage that traces back to the ancient Mastiffs. Bulldogs were originally bred for bull-baiting, a popular sport during the 13th century. Temperament of english bulldogs Despite their intimidating appearance, English Bulldogs have evolved into gentle and affectionate companions. They are known for their patience, loyalty, and love for their families. The temperament of English Bulldogs is characterized by their calm and easygoing nature. They tend to be docile and get along well with children and other pets, making them excellent family dogs. Bulldogs have a reputation for being dependable, protective, and fiercely loyal to their loved ones. While Bulldogs are generally laid-back, they also have a stubborn streak. This means that consistent and patient training is necessary to establish good behavior and ensure About Ranger Well, hello there! I can assure you that I am the one you have been looking for. How do I know? My coat is shiny and soft, and I have been told that my face is too cute for words. I am also fun if I do say so myself. I have been known to catch a ball or two, long walks tickle my fancy, and fetch is just about my favorite pastime. Reviews There are no reviews yet.

Using Reddit as a Dog Owner 1. Sign Up for Reddit. Registering your account is free and simple, you can do that here. Start Out Simply One of the best ways to begin looking for advice on raising a dog via Reddit dogs forums or a specific behavioral or health issue is to simply type in the question in search field and see what other people have previously asked. This is a great way to start out with basic questions and the answers you find will be helpful in learning what to expect before you bring your new dog home as well as during your first few weeks as a dog parent. Let's start at the very beginning. Have a question for current pet owners about their own experience, or simply want to vent about an issue related to dog ownership? This is the largest subreddit for dog owners, with a great community of dog owners who are always willing to give helpful advice to new or current pet parents. There's a lot to say about this subreddit, so it's best if you take a look yourself. Navigating Your Dog's Early Years One of the most challenging stages of owning a dog is the puppyhood. This becomes even more challenging if you have never owned a dog before and are a first-time pet owner. Here you can learn about everything from raising a healthy puppy, to important milestones to watch for, to dealing with puppy-related problems. You can also share plenty of pictures of your pup which will make you some new dog owner friends. Have a Special Needs Dog? Dog Training Help Training your dog is challenging; after all, you both speak completely different languages. Heading to obedience classes with your dog in tow is the best way to start training. Follow up that training with a few more advanced dog training classes and your pooch will learn what is expected of him. Here you can ask professional trainers questions, compare training techniques with other dog owners, and learn from dog owners who have faced the same concerns as you. This is one of my most often visited subreddits, and a large number of people there are extremely well-knowledgeable when it comes to evidence-based dog training. They will provide you with no-fluff type of advice on what works and what doesn't in dog training, without any up-selling or woo-woo tips. Doggy Activities Every dog needs an outlet for their energy and one of the many outlets available is dog sports. Activities for canines include agility training, flyball, dock diving, luring and more; they all have their own following among pet owners. It's pretty silent most of the time, but hopefully this subreddit continues to grow. For some people being a dog owner means having a partner to take part in activities with. Generally, in this subreddit you can learn about the different opportunities available to working dogs and decide which one is best for you and your Fido. You can also ask other pet owners about their canines with jobs and learn what each job really demands. Breed Specific Questions When it comes to specific breeds, Reddit dogs forums have no shortage of those subreddits. Whether you are researching certain breeds you are interested in, learning what to expect from your new dog, or just trying to find out more in general, Reddit has more forums than you can browse too! In fact, you can pretty much find any breed by using the search box on the top right of the page or find them all here below:. The video, which has been viewed more than 1 million times so far, introduced the world to the unlikely friendship between a 1-year-old German Shepherd and a Jack-a-poo puppy. The two canines can be seen running around and playing indoors, despite a large difference in size, while a caption across the video reads, "This is your sign to get another puppy" and "Love has no boundaries. Storm, told Newsweek. TikTok viewers have been treated to a video of the pair playing in a post that encourages dog owners to welcome new puppies into their homes. This is even more prevalent in cases like the one explored in the TikTok post where the incoming pup is very small, young and energetic. The charity advises owners to take the dogs out for a walk before they get acquainted indoors, to avoid scraps over territory. Instead, take both of your dogs for a walk together in an area with lots of open space where they can take their time to explore and get to know one another in their own time on more neutral ground," the charity writes on its website. It's natural to be excited, but try to be as casual as possible and allow them to interact in their own time," it added. Since it was shared to the social media platform late last month, the TikTok post has currently been liked by , users and commented on more than times. Tons of users have gushed over the adorable moment in the post's comments section as well. Your wee guy is cute too," one user wrote. The TikTok post can be seen here. Do you have funny and adorable videos or pictures of your pet you want to share? Send them to life newsweek. Read more. As a general rule, however, it usually takes 6 — 10 hours. There are, however, some exceptions to this rule. The time you should wait between your dog having eaten food and taking them for a walk depends on the amount of food consumed and speed of his digestive system. It helps keep their poop regular and healthy and can help manage common digestive issues, such as doggy constipation. Mature dogs need to be fed two times a day, usually morning and evening. Between four and six months old, puppies need three meals per day. For a fully grown dog, you should typically wait anywhere from four to six hours between feeds. This gap allows your dog to properly digest previous meals before they eat again. You should be walking your dog at least twice a day. This could be split into 20 or 30 minutes of walking in the morning and in the evening. There are a number of factors that affect your walk length and schedule. More active dog breeds, for instance, like Collies, will likely require either longer walks, an additional walk in the afternoon between the morning and evening walks , or regular exercise throughout the day like they would get working on a farm. Dogs like Pugs or French Bulldogs, by comparison, only need relatively little. Of course, this may amount to the same thing if you live in the city or town without a garden. Why is this distinction important to make? Puppies poop far more often than adult dogs — in fact, up to three times more. So make sure to take your puppy outside immediately after he finishes his meal for both practical and potty-training purposes. Some dogs will continue to poop right after eating, others may not go for about half an hour after consuming their meal. This is totally normal. In fact, healthy dogs continue to defecate soon after eating their meals because their stomach is connected to the colon by nerves triggering the reflex to eliminate. But just remember: Dogs fed a low-quality food stuffed full of fillers will defecate more often than those fed healthy foods. Walking a Dog Before Eating Risks Fuelling your dog with the right nutrients is important, not only for their health and development, but also so that they have enough energy whilst out on walks. Another risk factor is that, if you go out with a hungry dog, there is an increased chance that they try to eat something on the walk that could be toxic or harmful, such as rubbish or poisonous plants. That being said, there are some dogs that would benefit from going for a walk before eating, especially if they have digestive issues. As you get to know your dog more and their routine, you will understand what works best for them. Mainly these benefits involve reducing the chances of GDV occurring. Even if you take your dog for a walk before eating, there are some rules regarding exercise and food. So, what are these? And how long should you wait to feed a dog after exercise? In general, vets advise waiting at least 30 minutes before feeding your dog, when doing so after a walk. You may also find that your dog lacks the energy required for walking and other physical activity. Ultimately the choice to feed your pet before or after their morning walk will be dependent on the individual dog and what works best for them. If you do decide to feed your dog before their walk, you would be best to wait at least half an hour after their meal as pooches that exercise vigorously shortly after eating may experience digestive issues. Symptoms can include vomiting or diarrhoea, and are caused because, when a dog exercises, blood flow is redirected away from the digestive system and towards the muscles which slows digestion down, causing discomfort. Often, however, you will find that a puppy needs to go to the toilet shortly after eating. Final Thoughts Hopefully, by now you know how long to wait before walking your dog after a meal. This is to reduce the risks of bloating and GDV, which is a potentially life-threatening condition especially prevalent in larger breeds. To further reduce these risks, you could consider walking your dog before they eat, however there are also some risks involved with this, too. Related Articles. Why does my cat keep knocking my things off the table? It wants to be able to keep an eye on the rest of the food in the bowl. If your dog is taking her food to the living room, she could be trying to protect her food, or she also might be lonely and looking for some company at dinnertime. Another theory involves the use of metal bowls. Apparently this behavior is seen more often when dogs are being fed hard kibble out of metal bowls. They might not like the noise the kibble makes. Watch my fun afternoon at the dog park now, and check back next month for more adventures. Pet news, photos and more delivered to your inbox. Sign up now for the Pet Pal Connection newsletter! Cats can exhibit this behavior, too. Cats also tend to be more private than dogs, so they could be looking for a quiet, secluded place to eat. If the behavior in your dog bothers you, experts recommend finding a more private place for your pup to eat, or feeding her close to where the family is eating, depending on her reason for taking the food from her bowl. You also can try replacing the metal bowls with plastic ones.

Teach them to walk nicely on a leash for exploration and pack walks. Train them to basic and advanced obedience commands for a better relationship. Offer fair and consistent discipline to develop rules. Training your German Shepherd puppy involves teaching them how to be successful in your world and life. This means they need to understand what you expect of them and how you communicate your expectations. Use the Right Tools for the Job Use the right tools for your puppy or adult and follow the training steps below to begin basic training with your German Shepherd. Teaching obedience without these supplies makes the work harder on you. Buy the right tools. Here are some of the best examples of great tools for your training. Having the right tools makes all the difference. You also need some tasty treats. Use pea-sized pieces of cheese, small bits of cooked chicken, or one of these yummy German Shepherd healthy treats of your choosing. Follow this German Shepherd training guide to teach your dog the basics of obedience at home. How to Train a German Shepherd to Sit Teaching your dog sit is one of the easiest German Shepherd training commands for your puppy or dog. Your pup sits hundreds of times in a day. Now all you need to do is connect the motion to the command. Teach Sit Step-by-Step Start with your dog in a standing position. Have your reward treat in your hand. Show your pup the treat is in your hand. Move your hand over their head as you keep the treat near their nose. As their head raises to look at the treat, their bottom begins lowering to the ground. We want your dog to associate the correct motion with the reward first. After a few sessions, say sit when their entire bottom is on the floor. Remember to reward them only when their bottom is on the floor. Once you are sure they know the command, increase your distance from them when you give the sit command. Your goal is to say sit from a long distance and your puppy performs. Practice in different rooms inside your home and use a variety of distances while training indoors. Move to the outdoors with a secure long leash when your pup is ready for more distractions and distance. Start with the last success. Stay keeps your dog in one spot until you release them and is essential training. For advanced training, use stay to transition from one command to the next. Begin indoors in a quiet area free from distractions. Hold the leash in your left hand. Use the right hand to signal to stay while standing directly in front of your dog. Raise your hand and turn your palm toward your dog. When he stays with success, walk toward him and give him the treat. Now add in the word stay when your dog performs the stay behavior correctly. Increase the stay time your dog is in the stay position beginning with 5 seconds and working up to one minute or more. Next, work on extending the distance between you and your dog while in the stay. Take a few steps back each time you train. Your goal is to reach the end of your leash while your pup stays in place. This could take many sessions over weeks or months. Guide to Advanced Stay Techniques Once you are at the full distance of your leash, drop the leash and work on having your dog stay while you move into different rooms. Add in distractions, such as friends walking around while you train your GSD. For the final steps, have your dog on the long leash and train in your backyard. Extend the leash as far as it will reach and have your dog stay in place for 30 seconds or longer. Move to outdoor training at a quiet park and repeat the steps for increasing distractions. You can use this time to plan for the next command or simply to have them wait on you. Teach Down Step-by-Step Start with your dog or puppy in a sitting position. Have a tasty treat in your closed hand. Let them see you put that treat in your hand. Move your hand toward the floor in front of them. Your pup will follow the treat into a down position. Offer them the tasty treat and praise them immediately when they are in the down position. You want to make sure they know the motions first. Continue practicing this technique throughout the day. After a few sessions with your pup performing the correct motion, add in the word down. Give him his tasty reward when he is in the down position. Practice in different rooms to ensure your dog knows the command. Move to areas where there are distractions, such as a busy room in your house, and even outside while on a leash. Use the long leash for outdoor sessions and safety. Increase the time your dog is in the down position by taking a long time to offer the treat. A reliable recall come is part of your basic obedience training. When they come to you, reward them with a happy voice and a good boy. You may want to step a few feet backward while calling him. This lures him to follow you. Once your dog reliably moves toward you when you call them, add in the word come. Reward them and repeat the exercise using different distances and the word come now. Increase the distance you are away when you call him inside the house. If your German Shepherd performs the command reliably, add in farther distances. Reward them when they respond correctly. Practice many times with the word come while you are in the same room. Now, call him from farther and farther away in different rooms. Use distractions in the home while practicing. Call him while other people are in the room. Next, use both different rooms and a variety of distractions together. But only if he ignores multiple distractions. If he responds correctly during multiple training sessions, leash him with the long leash mentioned earlier as an essential tool and train him outside to work on concentrating with outdoor distractions. Repeat the process you used indoors practicing with varying distances and distractions outside. Use this guide for a fast recall and to save yourself some stress on this command. They familiarize your dog with the many ways in which they might get asked to perform their commands. These extra steps are invaluable to the quality of your German Shepherd obedience home training program. See how long you can have your dog stay while you move into different practice areas and work on increasing the time. Try to keep his attention on you during his training despite other distractions in your room, inside your house, or outdoors. If your GSD seems to have forgotten their command, take them back to the last place they were successful and begin training from there. Not all of your days are perfect, right? Adjust your training as needed. Instead, make sure you have a well-rounded training program apart from this German Shepherd training guide : Through exciting mental stimulation and boredom-busting activities. By regularly brushing their coats to give them healthy skin and decrease shedding. Offering them the right chew toys that are safe , non-toxic, and withstand heavy chewing while being fun. Use brief training sessions and practice frequently. End training with a command you know your pup will perform and reward them at the end. Keep up your training daily for quicker learning. And… Always look for ways to bond with your German Shepherd through everyday training opportunities. If you want to achieve the quickest results for training your GSD then use games and have fun with your dog! You can easily learn breakthrough techniques to help you feel confident training your German Shepherd at home by enrolling in this scientifically-based brain training program that guides you through advanced tricks and obedience. Great work! Visit ShepherdSense. Then, share it! Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? 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. 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.

Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. And just like us, their cardiovascular system becomes more efficient the more its used. The benefits of exercising your dog are many. Exercise helps your Labrador grow more blood vessels and effectively oxygenate his body, as well as build muscle and strengthen his bones. It also helps with weight control to a certain extent. Firstly, he will tend to get bored and will be bursting with pent up energy. Your lab will expend all that energy by resorting to destructive behaviors like chewing and digging, and barking excessively. So, how much exercise does a Labrador need? Generally speaking, however, a healthy, adult Labrador needs an hour of exercise every day. If your dog is the relaxed kind, 45 minutes will do, while a really energetic dog could work out up to 1. Labradors, like all dogs, love to explore. Even a quick hike or walk around a nature trail will be great exercise. Just make sure you have the right hiking gear for your labrador. Just their normal playtime will tire him and give him enough of a workout. This is five minutes of structured exercise per month of age, until your puppy is grown. And that should be enough to keep him fit and burn off excess energy. There are plenty of games you can play with your dog which double as exercising. Tug-of-War is a great form of play and exercise. This can be played indoors—as long as you have enough space—or outdoors. A couple of tips to keep it safe. And if your Lab especially a puppy grabs any part of you or your clothes, stop the game for a time before trying again. Another good idea is upgrading a rubber ball to a Frisbee. Balls tend to sink and roll away, but Frisbees hold air much longer, making them a very fun toy for your Labrador. See if you can teach your Lab to jump and grab the Frisbee midair for even more of a workout. A low impact game which is a great brain teaser for your Lab is finding the treat under the cup. Start by having your dog sit and show them a piece of their favorite treat. Hide it under a plastic or Styrofoam cup right in front of them. Once your Labrador has gotten the idea of how it works, rub a piece of treat over three cups to keep your dog from cheating with his nose. Then place the treat under one of the three cup and ask your dog to find it. Labradors were bred to be full of energy and want to work. They need lots of regular exercise. While naturally athletic and full of energy, they need to be well exercised in order to expend their high energy. Labrador needs to be trained and exercised from the time they are puppies, otherwise, they can become destructive and difficult to control. A well-trained and healthy Labrador can also excel as service and guide dogs. In fact, the military and the police consistently use Labradors in search and rescue, hunting and as performance dogs. To realize the full potential of a Labrador they should be exercised regularly and correctly as puppies. In this article, we will show you how you can exercise your Labrador puppy so that it grows into the perfect companion for you. To learn more about this fascinating field, be sure to check out our in-depth article, Labradors as Service and Therapy Dogs. They were ideal for the task as they can run chase and swim in some of the most difficult conditions. This quality, combined with their strong sense of smell and sturdy body structure, makes them ideal for demanding physical work. While currently, they are the most popular choice as indoor family dogs, they are genetically programmed to handle high-energy activities. Their bodies crave lots of physical activity and if they are not given opportunities to expend their high energy they can become destructive. Labradors Gain Weight Easily Labs are strong and sturdy dogs and, consequently, tend to be voracious eaters. A lack of exercise can easily cause them to put on the extra pounds. An overweight Labrador is prone to all sorts of health problems and excessive weight may lead to issues like heart problems, hip, and joint damage, increase blood pressure, etc. An obese Labrador cannot be a helpful member of your family, nor can it achieve its full physical potential. To have your Labrador mature into a good companion and be of service, he must be in good health. Involving your Lab in activities that fit his genetic makeup is the key to keeping him in good health. Hyperactivity and destructive behavior A lack of activity can cause your Labrador to become bored and can result in hyperactive behavior. If they have not been exercised well from the time they are puppies it may lead them to become disobedient and uncontrollable as mature dogs. Their naturally pleasant personalities can turn sour with excessive barking, restlessness, and hyperactivity. Most owners become puzzled when their Labradors exhibit personality problems, unaware that the cause of this is rooted mostly in the lack of proper exercise and properly expending energy as puppies. Loss of Muscle Mass Since Labradors are genetically muscular and well-built, lack of exercise can harm their natural body shape as they lose muscle tone. This can also lead to impaired organ function and can also have an impact on their nervous systems. After their first three months, however, you will need to provide avenues for expending their ever-increasing energy. After 3 months of age, a puppy needs a minimum of at least 45 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. As the puppy matures, you can gradually increase his activity levels. At 4 months old, begin with 5 minutes of planned, regular exercise per day. After that, increase his exercise gradually by 5 minutes for each additional month of age. When your Lab hits its first year, you can also consider a well-planned exercise regimen in addition to his daily natural playtime. This dedicated exercise time will become increasingly necessary as your Labrador moves into adulthood. With his increasing levels of energy, it may become increasingly difficult to control him. Walking is a low impact exercise and can easily be done almost anywhere. No equipment is necessary and most owners can engage in this activity along with their puppies. All puppies enjoy running. It may be too early for the puppy to run with you but you can certainly do a few minutes of running a day with the puppy so that he gets used to it. While most dogs are on a leash you will also see that some owners manage to train their dogs to run beside them without a leash. This is achieved by training the dog when it is a puppy. So some early running is advisable but not too much in the initial months. It is an excellent activity and is loaded with lots of adventure for your puppy. Regular hiking trips on a mountain trail or through forested areas can bring great joy to your Labrador puppy as there are a lot of interesting scents and scenes that are exciting for them. Just be aware that may be difficult to keep them on the path at first as they will be eager to chase after anything that moves. Labradors are natural swimmers and their bodies develop excellently if swimming is added into their exercise regimen. Swimming is a full-body exercise and strenuous enough to expend all the energy of the puppy. Initially, you should limit the swim time in order to ensure that the dog does not overtire itself. Swimming also cools down the puppy and they get a lot of pleasure playing in the water. Related: But is it true that all Labradors are naturals when it comes to water? Playing fetch. Lab puppies love to play fetch. All Lab owners inevitably find this out and it is often the most preferred type of play for your dog. Labradors, with their natural retrieving trait, usually take to this game early on. All you need is their favorite toy to throw and a lot of space for the puppy to run and fetch the toy. Usually, owners use toys like balls or sticks but the beauty of the activity is that almost any object can be used for this game. Agility training. This exercise is more for puppies whom the owners would like to prepare for competitions. Agility training involves activities such as the puppy going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. This requires a proper agility training course and the puppy has to be trained to engage in the activity. It is advised that Labrador owners wait until the puppy is at least one year to start agility training activities. It is a common sight to see dogs and owners playing Frisbee, in playgrounds and yards. Frisbees is an exciting activity for your puppy that engages all his muscle groups. It includes jumping, leaping and running, all of which are important and healthy activities for a Labrador. This also involves their favorite pastime, retrieving, which Labrador puppies will enjoy. Ensure that the Frisbee is light and flexible as it can harm the puppy if thrown with force. How to Exercise Your Lab Puppy Indoors While most owners can take their puppies outside for exercise, some may not be able to do this. This could be due to extreme weather conditions like rain, snow or heat, or just the lack of accessibility to open areas, such as if you live in an apartment complex that does not have a pet-friendly facility. It can be difficult in these cases to ensure that the puppy gets the exercise it needs but there are ways to get around this inconvenience. Here are some ways you can exercise your puppy indoors. Use a treadmill. While it may seem surprising for many, a puppy can be trained to use and enjoy a treadmill. While it may not happen immediately, you can get the dog used to the treadmill slowly. Start with getting them used to the sight and sound of the treadmill in action. Briefly put the puppy on the treadmill. Try this for only around 5 minutes at first and then increase the time gradually. Once the puppy gets adjusted to the activity you can increase the pace for an adequate workout session. Play fetch. It can be tricky when you play fetch indoors as space is constrained and there could also be accidents and breakage of valuables. So it is best to prepare a fetch course for the puppy. Clear out parts of the house so that there is a clear path for the puppy to run without breaking or hitting anything. You may not have enough room in your place to create a long running path but that is okay. It may be difficult to do for one hour and may become boring for the puppy. It can be combined with other indoor activities to provide adequate exercise time and fun. Obstacle courses. Since an indoor exercise area can be limited you can maximize your indoor space to do more with it. An ideal way to accomplish this is with an obstacle course. You can create an obstacle course with everyday objects and supplies found around the house. For example, old tubes and cardboard boxes for tunnels, chairs for jumping across, stools for climbing, etc. Plan out your own course in a way that makes the puppy to crawl, jump, run and climb. Initially, the puppy may not get the idea but with effective use of treats and encouragement can help it learn. While not necessarily the best exercise for the puppy, it is certainly good for the overall strength and muscle building. The neck, jaws, legs, and torso get a good workout with some intense tug of war activity. It is also great fun for both the owner and the pup. A good way to start a tug of war is to wait until the puppy is biting or chewing a non-food object — anything that will not encourage the puppy to chew on inappropriate household items. Hold on to one end of the object and start pulling. The puppy usually cannot resist pulling off the object from your hands. This will lead to a tug of war and the more you engage in it the puppy will find it thrilling. Hide the treat. This is another fun activity and will keep your puppy active. You can take any treat that the puppy likes, have them smell it, and then quickly run with it and hid it in hard to get a place like under the rug on a slightly high chair or table or behind a door. When you hide it does ensure that it is not impossible by slightly difficult to reach. If it is impossible to reach the puppy may lose interest in the game. Also, ensure that you do not place in areas that can be potentially risky of the puppy. Other than these you can come up with many fun games to keep your puppy active, like playing with bubbles or playing hide and seek. The two puppies will naturally play and exercise with each other. Depending on the age you can have longer durations but do not engage in any exercise before the first 3 months are completed. In the fourth month, you can start with 5 minutes of playing, throwing the ball, or walking. Walking is easier if the puppy does not yet know how to do fetch. Continue doing this at approximately the same time each day so that the dog is accustomed to and ready for the activity. Choose a schedule that works best for you and that you can keep consistently — such as after you come home from work or early in the morning. In the fifth month, you can increase the time to 10 minutes. Do not worry if the exercise is not continuous in the beginning. Maybe you can get the puppy used to the leash and lightly jog along with it. In the sixth month, you can increase the time to 15 minutes with a greater intensity of activity. By this time you will also notice that the puppy has gained a lot of energy and can do the activities with vigor. Following this pattern, you can increase his exercise time a few minutes each month so that by the fifteenth month the puppy will be getting an intensive 1-hour exercise daily. Choosing Activities for Exercising the Labrador Puppy Most new Lab owners are unsure about which exercises to choose for the puppy. The best course is to initially try out a variety of exercises. Maybe you can switch activities every three days. Try walking a few days, the other days jogging and then throw and fetch. As you progress and the puppy engages in more activities you will find a few that the puppy enjoys the most. When that is identified try to include those more. Always remember that mental stimulation is equally as important as physical activity, so come up with interesting activities and add variety every once in a while. Do not force the puppy to do activities that they dislike. Also, if some days the puppy does not seem energetic or is sick you can skip those days. The activity should be tiring but not exhausting; a good way to gauge this is to check if the puppy is enjoying the activity and is fully involved. If its interest seems waning them maybe it is time to stop or change the activity. Keep It Fun Puppies only want to have fun. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. Also, include an ample amount of both physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will be the result. If the puppy seems ill or in pain, it is best to not exercise that day. You can choose a milder form of activity like a leisurely walk if you are unsure. Slow and steady is a good rule to follow. Have the right equipment for exercise whether it is a toy or a leash and take adequate safety precautions While swimming is an excellent exercise, do not force the puppy into water. Let him get used to the water gradually before making him swim. Initially, if the puppy cannot swim, a life jacket or any floatation device could be used for safety. Do not take the puppy outdoors if the weather conditions are extreme. Avoid exposing the puppy to any extreme weather condition be it rain, heat or snow. Do activities indoors on those days. In warmer seasons, early morning and late in the day are ideal for outdoor activities. Try to take the puppy for outdoor exercise during those times to avoid overheating. Keep plenty of water available if you are engaging in outdoor activities. Take frequent breaks, especially if the activity is too strenuous or is new to your puppy. Check the puppy for scrape and bruise after the activities. In the activities, if the puppy hurts itself take necessary steps for its care. Check with the vet before you start on an exercise regimen and keep the vet updated on your observations If you have the puppy on a leash try to not jerk or pull on the leash suddenly. It can hurt you as well as the puppy. Do not pull on the leash too hard to curb the puppy from going towards any object or animal, instead, you can physically pick up the puppy and move away from the distraction. When running or walking on remember that the paws of the puppy may need time to toughen up and may hurt sometimes. Pavements can be very hot on summer days even after the heat subsides, so be alert to how the puppy reacts. Because puppies are covered in fur, watch signs of excessive panting or wet paw prints sweat glands tend to be near the paws Try to have softer surfaces for walking or running like a lawn or soft sand. Too much of anything is never good — including exercise. There is an active debate going about the optimum amount of exercise for puppies. While everyone agrees that exercise is necessary the limits have not yet been clearly defined. It is better to err on the side of safety. A good 15 minutes to one hour depending on the age of the puppy is recommended. Beyond that, it depends on the fitness and endurance of the particular puppy and the activity itself. It would also be better to split up the time between morning and evening. This will ensure that you do not overtax the puppy. Do remember also that the puppy will be active during the day too so too much activity may tire out the puppy and lead to injuries as well. There is no easy approach or any hard and fast rules. It is better to let common sense influence your decisions in this matter. Also, talk to a vet and get his or her opinions as they will have greater insights into the condition of the puppy. No, if you are feeding a balanced and nutritious diet then the exercise alone does not warrant increasing its food intake. In fact, this may have adverse effects and lead to unnecessary weight gain. It is better to also seek advice from your vet in this matter before changing anything. If a Lab owner is unable to properly exercise their puppy then it would be better to hire someone to do this. While the owner is the best person to exercise with the puppy, life situations and work-related inconveniences can lead to an inability to exercise the puppy. In such cases, someone who will properly care for your puppy, like a relative, a family friend, or an agency that offers such services can be given this responsibility. Exercising your Labrador puppy can be a fun activity but what also matters is the bonding and enjoyment that result from this activity. A good exercise regimen benefits the owner as well as the puppy. So commit today to exercise your Labrador puppy and watch it grow into a good-natured, happy, and healthy dog. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Learn more » While Labrador Retrievers are a popular companion dog worldwide, they were initially bred as sporting dogs and have retained a lot of their working prowess even after the shift to companionship. AKC compliant breeder Ruffwood Labs emphasizes that exercise is not a value of time exercised but exertion. Puppies According to Ruffwood Labs, Labrador puppies need to be walked for around 5 minutes for every month of life. So, a minute walk would be appropriate for a four-month-old puppy. However, not all walks are equal. Take into account the terrain that you will be walking on eg. The most important part is not the length of the exercise but the quality of it. Puppies are being walked to help with socialization and lead skills rather than a need for exercise per se. Let them guide the activity- sniffing and investigating or running around madly for a few minutes. They will usually stop and sit or lie down if they need a rest, let them do this. Additionally, Ruffwood Labs warns against overexercising your puppies. Hip dysplasia is multifactorial and genetics, diet and exercise all play a part. Ruffwood Labs recommends that Labrador puppies not be vigorously exercised and kept away from stairs to avoid causing damage to their delicate, growing joints. Once they are mature, by 18 months, they will be able to engage in more vigorous exercise and start to go jogging with you if you wish. Your average labrador would enjoy around 1 to 2 hours of exercise a day but this can be divided into manageable time slots. Exercise also includes brain stimulation such as training and scent work. So your morning and evening walks can be supplemented with training sessions at home too. Labradors love to swim and this can be a great form of exercise for them. Get creative, play games, use puzzle feeders and have fun together building your bond. If you see any of the following signs while exercising your Labrador, stop the activity and let your dog rest. Damage to the Paw Pads Some dogs get so absorbed in their play that they accidentally put excessive strain on the paw pads. Even though paw pad injuries are typically painful, some dogs will ignore the very clear sign that they need to stop to continue playing. Soreness or stiffness will typically become visible once your dog has rested up following their play session. Image By: SeventyFour, Shutterstock Behavioral Changes If your dog is not quite themselves or behaving oddly, especially around the time you would typically exercise, this is a good sign that something is wrong. Your dog may be feeling under the weather, or maybe you went a little too hard the day before. If the problem persists, contact your veterinarian to rule out any medical diagnoses. Injury or Heat Intolerance If your dog is injured during play or starts showing signs of heat sickness , you should halt play immediately and bring them to a veterinarian. Prompt treatment is of the essence with these kinds of situations. Final Thoughts Exercising your dog is a critical component of being a dog owner. So, it makes sense to learn as much as you can about how to properly keep your dog healthy before you get one. So, keep that in mind before bringing your new dog home. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway.

The Multigenerational Goldendoodle Simply put, the multigen Goldendoodle is a dog resulting from breeding two Goldendoodles with several breeding lines of Goldendoodles. These dogs will come from parents who are Goldendoodles and have Goldendoodle grandparents. If any of their bloodline in the past two generations consists of a purebred Poodle or Golden Retriever, they cannot be under the multigenerational category. Goldendoodle sitting at the park quietly. Distinguishing a Multigen Goldendoodle Breeding hybrid dogs can be tricky, especially when exploring genetics and breeding lines. As a result, breeders will often refer to each generation with distinguishing terms to help identify and track the lines. F1: First Gen These dogs will resemble teddy bears with their long wavy coat of hair. This trait is often the most desirable feature of Goldendoodles for dog owners. However, depending on which traits stand out more with the parent, recessive genes will lessen with second gen Goldendoodles. A Goldendoodle sitting on the grass. F2B: Second Gen Backbreeding Breeders can use backbreeding methods to hone in on specific genetic lines with second generation dogs. Any offspring with an F1 and F1b parent will fall under this category. F3: Third Generation Breeding F2 parents will produce F3 Goldendoodles that will carry less distinct Poodle and Golden Retriever characteristics and offer a combination specific to the Goldendoodle. Third generations and beyond are typically the lower-shedding hybrids and ideal for allergy sufferers. Multigenerational Many breeders will consider any dog that uses F3 parents or higher a multigenerational Goldendoodle. As you can see, this multigen breeding process can be quite precise even when crossing breeds. How Multigen Breeding Is Beneficial? Many dog owners will want purebred animals to get the very best breeding lines possible in their animals. However, when creating hybrid breeds, breeders can tailor their breeding stock to help isolate specific traits and enhance favorable attributes to produce the offspring they desire. For example, some breeders may want to use an F1 Goldendoodle with a purebred Poodle to enhance the non-shedding coat traits. However, backbreeding makes it simple to revert to other genetic lines when aiming for specific attributes. Other breeders may focus on the Golden Retriever genes to produce a dog that carries the easy-going, fun-loving demeanor into the offspring. Although multigen breeding is not an exact science, and breeders may not know what the results will be until litters are born, it is possible to target desirable traits. A tongue out Goldendoodle with a bandana. What Makes a Multigen Goldendoodle Great? So, what makes a multigenerational Goldendoodle great to have as a pet? The answer lies in their genes and the breeding process. The smiling face of a brown and black Godlendoodle with a short coat aka a recent haircut Improved Health and Longer Lifespan Many purebred dogs are susceptible to and suffer from many health-related ailments. Some of the more prominent health issues that plague Poodles include:. These Multigen Goldendoodles have parents that are Goldendoodles. You would have to go back to their grandparents or great grandparents to find the Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Most experienced Goldendoodle breeders prefer Multigen Goldendoodles, as opposed to F1 and F1B, due to the benefits of genetic diversity, while their families simply adore them for other obvious reasons. Dogs with hair, on the other hand, have a coat that grows continuously longer and longer, much like human hair. The resulting coat is more consistent and easier to maintain. Bernadine D. What makes hypoallergenic dogs better for people with allergies? You can even further reduce dander by having your pet groomed regularly. These adorable Multigen Goldendoodles are the ultimate combination of good looks, smart wits, and playfulness. Coat Types Because of the genetics at play in multigens, all three coat types are possible, each with its own unique set of qualities. Wavy Coats The soft, wavy coat can occur in all generations of Goldendoodles and is fairly common in multigens. Also known as a teddy bear coat, the wavy coat has an irresistible shaggy appearance and hair-like texture. Curly Coat The curly coat is also fairly common and can consist of loose curls, tight curls, or curls somewhere in between. Many owners choose to clip the coat to make grooming more manageable. Straight Coat The smooth straight coat resembles that of a Golden Retriever but is quite fluffy. This is the easiest coat type to care for as it only requires minimal brushing. The qualities that have made the Golden Retriever so incredibly popular really come through in these multigens. With a charming personality and a goofy, fun-loving nature, owners are quick to list off the positive traits of this popular family pet. In the end, all Goldendoodles tend to be quite friendly, highly affectionate, intelligent, playful and we believe Multigen Goldendoodles truly are the perfect addition to the family. Petite Goldendoodle Teacup or micro Goldendoodle The size range can vary from 7 inches and 11 lbs to 25 inches and 80 lbs depending on the exact size group of the Goldendoodle you own. Multigen Goldendoodle Coat Types Goldendoodles in general come in one of three coat types. These are the curly, wavy, or straight coat types. For multigen Goldendoodles, the possibility of getting a straight or flat coat is almost impossible. This leaves the wavy or curly coat. The Wavy Coat Multigen Goldendoodles with wavy coat types are the most popular and highly sought-after coat types of the F3 Goldendoodle. The wavy coat appears more fluffy than the other coat types which gives them an overall teddy bear look that most doodle lovers are attracted to. The wavy or shaggy coat also comes with other benefits. They are generally regarded as low to minimal-shedding dogs and are generally classified as hypoallergenic dogs. Their wavy coats do have a tendency to get tangled which prevents them from shedding easily. Grooming should be easier for the wavy or shaggy multigen Goldendoodle, as the coat type requires less grooming than the other coat type associated with the multigen Goldendoodle. The Curly Coat The second coat type that is attributed to the multigen Goldendoodle is the curly coat type. Curly coat multigen Goldendoodles are the second most popular Goldendoodles when looking at the overall Goldendoodle coats. Its appearance is more identical to the Poodle parent than the Golden Retriever parent. When it comes to shedding propensity, the curly multigen Goldendoodle is low to shedding. In fact, it is the most hypoallergenic coat of all Goldendoodle coat types. This is because of its long coat hair which easily tangles and makes it difficult to shed. When it comes to grooming, you might need to groom the multigen Goldendoodle with the curly coat frequently as the tangled hair might cause some mild troubles for the Goldendoodle. Are Multigen Goldendoodles Healthy? With all that has been said so far about the multigen Goldendoodle, just how healthy are they? Before getting into that, we have to discuss the average lifespan of the Goldendoodle. How long do multigen Goldendoodles live? Well, on average you should expect your Goldendoodle to live as long as 10 to 15 years. But this depends on a lot of factors. All Goldendoodles, not just the multigen Goldendoodles are susceptible to some health genetic defects that are passed down from their parent dog breeds, but the almost lack of hybrid vigor does increase the possibility of the multigen Goldendoodles suffering some of these health conditions more. Potential Health Issues Of The Multigen Goldendoodle When it comes to health issues or defects, Goldendoodles are the pinnacle of health as they are much stronger than and have a much more stable immune system than their breed parents. However, for multigen Goldendoodles, they are prone to a few health issues and defects, like any of the following; GDV- Gastric Dilatation Volvulus Although this mainly affects little dogs like the miniature, petite, and teacup sizes of the Goldendoodles, it also affects dogs that have been produced through multiple breedings like the 3rd generation or the multi-generation Goldendoodle. It is a deadly disorder that is caused by the pile-up of gas from eating heavy meals. It then forces the gut to swell and this can be incredibly painful for the Goldendoodle being affected. You would need to treat this disorder as an emergency and visit your local vet immediately if you notice any symptoms in your precious Multigen Goldendoodle. You should also be careful with what you feed your Goldendoodle. Avoid overfeeding them and ensure you provide them with the essential nutrients required at the particular age or stage they are at. Epilepsy Multigen Goldendoodles are also susceptible to health disorders like epilepsy. This can be passed down from both breeding parents and the lack of hybrid vigor further exposes the multigen Goldendoodle to the possibility of the disorder. Obvious signs of epilepsy in Goldendoodles include Issues with respiration, random seizures, bewilderment, and moving in spots. Proper breeding can help reduce the possibility of your Goldendoodle suffering from epilepsy. And if you do notice any of the symptoms listed above, do ensure you seek professional help and advice immediately. Do Multigen Goldendoodles Shed? Due to the fact that most multigen Goldendoodles are born with either a curly coat type or a wavy coat type, they are generally classified as low to minimal shedders. Are Multigen Goldendoodles Hypoallergenic? Yes, multigen Goldendoodles are generally hypoallergenic in nature. Their low shedding propensity makes them relatively safe to have around, especially if you or any family member is allergic to the dander located in certain dog coats. You should groom your multigen Goldendoodle regularly to get the best out of them. Their curly or wavy coat can quickly become tangled and this can cause some certain discomfort for the Goldendoodle. So ensure you brush their coat often and do some other grooming practices like teeth brushing, regular baths, and others. Multigen Goldendodle Price The price of a multigen Goldendoodle depends on a lot of factors like the type of breeder, the Goldendoodle coat pattern and color, rarity, and a host of other factors. The answer really depends on who you are, what you like, and if you suffer from any allergies to dog fur. One major reason why you might need a multigen Goldendoodle is its hypoallergenic coat. If you suffer from dog hair allergies, a high-shedding dog would be a terrible choice for you. The multigen Goldendoodle is a low-shedding dog that should be relatively safer for you. All Goldendoodles generally need lots of exercise to stay healthy and strong. As such, this might be the right dog for you if you are generally active or have an active family. All in all, it is essential that you get your Goldendoodle from a reputable breeder. This is why you should make personal research on each breeder before choosing to patronize or work with them. So ask the right questions and demand the right certifications from each breeder. Multigenerational Goldendoodles are rare designer dogs that make wonderful family companions. These dogs are bred using two Goldendoodles beyond the second generation. This means near the parents, nor the grandparents of these dogs are Poodle or Golden Retriever. Normally breeders consider any generation of F3 and beyond to be multigenerational Goldendoodle. Although Goldendoodle generations are similar in their appearance and personality, they differ in genetic makeup. F1 Goldendoodle pups have hypoallergenic fur, and F1b puppies have curly fur. F2B Goldendoodle puppies are hypoallergenic, and F1 and F2b Goldendoodle puppies are suitable for families with young children and those who suffer from allergies. However, a multigenerational Goldendoodle is the best choice if you are looking for a perfect hypoallergenic dog. The parents and the way the breeder breed the dogs can have varying coat types. For instance, a multi-gen Goldendoodle can have a soft wavy coat, also known as the teddy bear coat, which is low shedding but may develop mats easily. The curly coat of a multigenerational Goldendoodle is not as allergy-friendly as a smooth-coated Goldendoodle. There are several benefits of a multigenerational Goldendoodle. One of these is that it has a lower health risk than purebred Goldendoodles. While a multigenerational Goldendoodle has more Poodle genes, this does not mean that the dog will have a more spirited temperament. A multigenerational Goldendoodle may have a higher shedding rate than its first-generation counterpart. The best way to determine whether a multigenerational Goldendoodle is right for you is to look for its pedigree. Different Generations in The Goldendoodle Breed To know the difference between generations of Goldendoodles, you need to understand how the bloodlines of both breeds differ. These dogs are generally less energetic and have a more relaxed temperament than Poodles. The coats of multigenerational Goldendoodles are also often very low-shedding, which makes them an excellent choice for people with allergies. Here is the list of different generations of Goldendoodles. F1 Goldendoodle There are several different generations in the Goldendoodle breed , and this can make choosing the right one difficult. The most common types are F1, F1B, and F2. These dogs are bred using purebred Poodle with purebred Golden Retriever. They are the first generation of Goldendoodles and have characteristics of both parents. F1B Goldendoodle The Goldendoodle has a complicated genealogy. The F1B generation is the least shedding of all the generations but is still very healthy. If you suffer from allergies or just want a dog that sheds less than other types, this generation may be a better choice. However, you should remember that F1B Goldendoodles are typically more expensive than other generations, so you should only purchase them from a responsible breeder. In most cases, the other parent in Poodle. They have .It is one of the lightest shedding dogs and mostly has a curly coat. F2 Goldendoodle F2 is nothing but a second-generation Goldendoodle. They are bred using two F1 Goldendoodles. Their coat type can be highly unpredictable. It can be either curly, straight, or wavy. These dogs can have low shedding as well as high shedding coats. They are not as popular as multigenerational Goldendoodle. F2B Goldendoodle This is the back cross of the second generation Goldendoodle. These pups have a .They are often considered multigenerational Goldendoodles. F2BB Goldendoodle These dogs are .They are a cross of F2 Goldendoodle with purebred Poodle. These dogs are light-shedders as they have a high percentage of Poodle genes. They are 4th generation Goldendoodles and are often termed multigenerational dogs. They have curly and light shedding coats. F3 Goldendoodle These are multigenerational Goldendoodles. These are the third-generation Goldendoodles. They are a cross of F1B Goldendoodle. They have typically curly coats. The Golden Retriever inherited the gene for shedding, and a first-generation Doodle may shed less than the F1 doodle. But these dogs may be hypoallergenic or have the look of the first generation. A multigenerational Goldendoodle has the best qualities of its parents and grandparents. As for the health benefits of F1b Goldendoodles, they have less shedding than the F1 Goldendoodle. They are hypoallergenic, intelligent, and trainable. However, these dogs are still high energy and require exercise. They may shed occasionally, so this is a consideration if you live in an apartment or a small home. While Goldendoodles are easy to train , Poodles are not as easy to socialize with other dogs. Goldendoodles are known for their friendly personalities and are great for first-time dog owners. While Groomers can maintain the coat of an F1 Goldendoodle, you must also be aware of its tendency to shed. As a multigenerational dog, a Multigen Goldendoodle has more Poodle genes in its lineage than the Golden Retriever. They are almost completely non-shedding. Among Goldendoodles, hypoallergenic ones have non-shedding coats. Hypoallergenic F1B Goldendoodles are the best for people who suffer from moderate dog allergies. But their coats are curly and require substantial grooming to keep them from matting. Multigenerational Goldendoodle Coat Types Multigenerational Goldendoodles, also known as F3, are hybrids between two second-generation Goldendoodles. The dogs may have less hybrid vigor than the first-generation Goldendoodles. Coats vary from straight to soft-wavy and curly. The following information will help you determine the most appropriate coat for your dog. This type of coat is low shedding but requires daily brushing. To maintain a wavy coat, brushing your Goldendoodle at least twice a week is recommended. Curly Coat The coat type of multigenerational Goldendoodles can vary, depending on their parents and breeding setup. In general, wavy Goldendoodles have the highest chance of developing a curly coat. This coat is derived from Poodle genes. The curly coat and either be with loose curls or tight curls. F1b Goldendoodles are the first generation and were backcrossed with a purebred Poodle. They are more likely to have a curly coat than any other generation and are generally hypoallergenic. Straight Coat There are many different coat types in a Goldendoodle. Straight coat dogs resemble the Golden Retriever, while those with wavy coats resemble the Poodle. This coat type requires minimal grooming, but it can be difficult for people who have allergies to the fur. DNA testing is available to determine whether your Goldendoodle has this coat type. It is also important to note that you can avoid this coat type through genetics. Straight Goldendoodle coat types are less common than other varieties. This coat is easier to maintain, but you will need regular brushing. What is the Best Generation of Goldendoodle? Multigenerational Goldendoodles are considered the best generation, as they have the best genetic combination. Breeders monitor registered dogs, and they carefully screen for any genetic illnesses. The best breeders have documented medical histories of their parents, as well as those of close relatives. This reduces the chance of developing certain diseases in a puppy. The first generation of Goldendoodles is called the F1. These dogs have the highest level of shagginess. They resemble Poodles with their curly coats, which require daily brushing. They require moderate to high grooming. The F1B and F2 generations are the most popular. The best Goldendoodle generations will be F1, F2, and F3. The F1 generation is a cross between a purebred Golden Retriever and Poodle. There are some definite differences between the first and the second generations of Goldendoodles. The first generation has a lower price tag and the most consistent look. First-generation Goldendoodles are easy to predict and have a great temperament. They also have more poodle genetics than later generations. However, if you want a dog with the best personality and low shedding coat, it is best to choose multigenerational Goldendoodles. There are many benefits of choosing these dogs. They have the best appearance, the best personality, and a lower risk of developing certain health conditions. These dogs are more expensive than first-generation Goldendoodles. Are Multigen Goldendoodles Better? While multi-gen and F1 Goldendoodles have very different temperaments, there are some similarities. Multigen Goldendoodles are generally more fun-loving and may have a longer lifespan. In Multigen Goldendoodles, all parents and grandparents are Goldendoodles. Multigen dogs have curly fur and are hypoallergenic. Most Goldendoodles are devoted and loving and are typically easy to train. And while the shedding of F1b puppies is not as severe, Multigen Goldendoodles are still susceptible to it. The Multigen Goldendoodle has become a fashion designer dog. The fun-loving temperament of the Goldendoodle is a winning combination. The Poodle genes impart a high level of intelligence and make it an easy-to-train dog. Multigen Goldendoodles are devoted to their owners and love the water. So yes, multigenerational Goldendoodles are better as they have all the best set of features. With careful selection, you can get an ideal dog for your house. Make sure you choose a reputed breeder and check the health certificates of the dog. It will help you to get the best and most loving companion. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Usually, breeders use several generations or backcrosses to a Standard Poodle to produce an F3 puppy. Hybrid Vigor simply means that a crossbreed dog will have less chance of inheriting health issues than a purebred breed. However, subsequent generations of crossbreed dogs lose some of the Hybrid Vigor qualities of the original F1 animal. Coat Types F1 Goldendoodles can have curly, straight , or wavy coats. Depending on which parent the puppy takes after, he might shed a little bit. The B refers to the backcross element of the breeding. So, the puppies should be non-shedding or very light-shedding. Generally, F1B Goldendoodles tend to be very light shedders. These dogs inherit some degree of Hybrid Vigor, too. Before they got Bruce, their dog was a mutt with a thick double coat that never stopped shedding! Now that they have an F1B hybrid with a curly coat, the allergy is under control, and the antihistamine tablets are hardly ever needed. Coat Type F1B Goldendoodles usually have curly or wavy coats that are usually non-shedding. In fact, F1BB dogs are the lightest shedders of all the first-generation Goldendoodles. Although you still need to brush the silky, curly coat daily to prevent matting, F1BB dogs are the best choice for allergy sufferers and those who hate vacuuming! These crosses usually produce offspring similar to those of the F1 generation since their parentage is the same, being purebred Poodles and Golden Retrievers. Coat Type F2 Doodles have extremely variable, unpredictable coats that can be wavy, straight, or very curly. These dogs are usually called multigen Goldendoodles since they are third-generation offspring. Coat Type F2B puppies usually inherit curly or wavy coats and are usually non-shedding, although there are exceptions to that. Because F2BB dogs have a high percentage of Poodle genes, they are the lightest shedders of all the Goldendoodles. F2BB puppies are called multigeneration dogs because they are fourth-generation offspring. Usually, F2BB Goldendoodles are advertised as multigen pups. F2BB puppies should inherit a certain degree of Hybrid Vigor, but not as much as earlier generations. Coat Type If you want a pet to suit an allergy sufferer, an F2BB Doodle is probably the best choice since these are the lightest shedders. F3 Goldendoodle or Multigeneration Goldendoodle F3 Goldendoodles are usually called multigeneration Goldendoodles, being the third generation or greater. F3 Goldendoodles carry a large percentage of Poodle genes, making them very light shedders. If you decide to buy a multigen puppy, we recommend you ask the breeder what generation the pup is. Coat Type Usually, F3 multigen Goldendoodles have a curly coat. What Generation Should I Choose? Before you search for your new furry friend, you need to be clear about exactly what you want from your dog. All Goldendoodles tend to have the same friendly, tail-wagging good nature as Golden Retrievers combined with the intelligence and trainability of Poodles. Most potential Goldendoodle owners want a dog that sheds minimally and has some Hybrid Vigor qualities. Usually, the more Poodle genes the puppy carries, the curlier his coat will be, whereas a straighter-coated puppy has more Golden Retriever genes and will shed more. How Much Are Multigen Goldendoodles? In recent years, Doodles of all types have become incredibly popular family pets and saw a massive uptick in demand for these dogs during the recent Covid lockdown. Consequently, prices for these crossbreed dogs went sky-high! You can expect to pay more for the Mini and Petite varieties of Doodle since they are the most popular, with unusual colors fetching an even higher price! But … Since the lockdown ended and more people have returned to work, many dogs have been handed into rescue centers for rehoming. Now that the demand for Goldendoodles has slackened, their prices have dropped quite a lot, and waiting lists are pretty much a thing of the past. FAQs In this part of our guide, we answer some of the most frequently asked questions about multigen Goldendoodles. For example, an F1B Goldendoodle is a first-generation backcross multigen hybrid. Q: Which generation of Goldendoodle is best? A: The best hybrid breed for you depends on what you want from your dog. Alternatively, simply choose a generation with the coat you want your furry friend to have. Q: Are F1B Goldendoodles more expensive? A: F1B Goldendoodles are usually more expensive than the other generations. Final Thoughts I hope you enjoyed our guide to multigeneration Goldendoodles. If you found the information we provided interesting and helpful, please share the article. Goldendoodles generally have the same outgoing, friendly temperament as their Golden Retriever and Poodle parents, but their coat type and Hybrid Vigor vary. What Goldendoodle generation do you have, and why did you choose him? Tell us about your pet in the comments box below. Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. Leave a Comment. By Jennifer Nelson There are many types of Goldendoodles that you can choose to bring home. The type will often depend on the parents and grandparents of the dog and how they were combined together to make the offspring. While the original Goldendoodle is a mixture of Poodle and Golden Retriever, it is possible that different combinations can be used in subsequent generations. This can help us get a multigene Goldendoodle. What are Multigen Goldendoodles? A multigene Goldendoodle is the product of breeding two Goldendoodles beyond their second generation F2. This means that both the parents and the grandparents of the new multiegene dog are also Goldendoodles. While it may vary, most breeders are going to consider any generation of F3 or beyond to be a multigene Goldendoodle. There are different breeding combinations that you can use to get to this type of Goldendoodle. The Goldendoodle is a mixture of a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. These two were put together with the hopes of producing a crossbreed that would have the high intelligence and the low shedding of a Poodle along with the sweet temperament of the Golden Retriever. This new designer dog is gaining in popularity and many families are finding how great the Goldendoodle will be for their needs. This dog is not only smart, loyal, affectionate, and friendly but they are a great addition to the family for those who have allergies. Because of the rise in popularity of this dog, there are now multigene, or multi-generational, Goldendoodles. This is the product of breeding two Goldendoodles beyond the second generation. Most breeders will consider the F3 generations and beyond to fall under the category of multigene. Various combinations of breeding can be used to help increase the likelihood of desired traits that. You would like in your Goldendoodle including a coat that is less likely to shed for those who have serious allergies. What are the Benefits of a Multi-Generational Goldendoodle? Many of the multi-generational Goldendoodles are going to have more of the Golden Retriever in their bloodline compared to their parents, which means that they are more likely to be closer to the Retriever rather than the Poodle. This can be a benefit to those who are more concerned with getting a dog that has a great personality rather than worrying about the appearance. Poodles are great dogs, but they are not as easy going and relaxed as the Retriever is. Adding more of the Golden Retriever into the mix can help produce a more enjoyable dog. However, since the dog is still mixed in with some of the Poodle genes, you get the benefit of low shedding and allergy free that you want with this kind of dog. They may shed more than some of the earlier versions of the Goldendoodle who have more of the Poodle in them, but their temperament can be a lot of fun. One of the drawbacks that can come with a multi-generational Goldendoodle is that the further that the generation gets from the original purebred breeds, the less of the hybrid vigor they will have. Hybrid vigor is going to be the overall good health that crossbred dogs are able to get. For example, there are certain types of cancer that will show up in a Golden Retriever. These are often not seen in multi-generational Goldendoodles. This hybrid vigor does not mean that the dog is never going to run into any health concerns. And if you use a low-quality breeder to help with some of this, then you could end up with more health conditions in the dog. It is important to be careful about the breeder and the dogs that you choose to get. Another question that some dog owners are going to look at with the multi-generational Goldendoodle is the type of coat they have. The exact coat they will get will depend on their parents and exactly how their breeding is set up to go. Some of the different types of coats that you are able to experience with this dog include: Wavy: This can show up in all generations of the Goldendoodle and it is pretty common in multigens. It is also known as the teddy bear coat and gives them a shaggy appearance. It is often low shedding. Curly coat: This is another common option out there and will consist of loose curls, tight curls, or sometimes curls that are in between. This is the lowest shedding of the coat and can look very similar to the Poodle. You will need to groom it well to keep it from matting up. Straight coat: This can happen thanks to the genes from the Golden Retriever, though it will often be fluffier. This is the easiest of the coat types to care for because it just needs a bit of brushing. It is also the one that is more likely to shed. This shows up when more of the Golden Retriever genes are present. While it is not that common thanks to the availability of DNA testing, there is one other possibility that can come up with the multigens and that is the improper or flat coat. Dogs that have this kind of coat are going to resemble the Golden Retriever and will shed quite a bit. They may also lack the long facial hair on the eyebrows, beard, and the mustaches. This type of hair is not that desirable in the Goldendoodle for a number of reasons. It sheds a lot, which is something that owners of Goldendoodles do not want, and it is not going to have the curly or wavy hair that often helps to show that the breed is a Goldendoodle. Thanks to DNA testing for the dogs, it is less likely to show up. What is the Best Generation of Goldendoodle? There are many types of generations when it comes to the Goldendoodle you would like to own. Some will choose one type over the other and it does depend on what you are looking for within the dog for which generation will be the best for you. Some examples of this include: Do you want to keep shedding down to a minimum to avoid allergens? Then the F1b or F2b are the best generations. Do you want the healthiest cross of the two dogs with the most vigor in the hybrid? Then you will want to focus on the F1 generation. Want a dog that has a very low maintenance coat? Then F2 or F2b are the best options here. Want your Goldendoodle to have a temperament that is similar to the Golden Retriever? Then the F3 and beyond are the best options. Want to have the Goldendoodle be more like a Poodle? Then the F1b or the F2b are often the best. This is part of the fun of getting a Goldendoodle in your home. There are breeds open for everyone based on your preferences and what you seem to like the most. Keep in mind that each dog is unique and may not follow the outline that is listed above. Even if you get a dog within a certain generation, they are all unique and can bring their own something special to the table. Are Multigen Goldendoodles Better? This will depend on the type of dog that you would like. Many owners love this kind of dog and like the temperament that is friendly and very loyal. However, some prefer to go with a Goldendoodle that has more of the Poodle inside of it. It all depends on what you are looking for when you bring home a Goldendoodle puppy. The truth is that these Goldendoodles are going to be wonderful pets that have some of the special traits that seem to show up with them. They have a great personality and are adorable to look at. You will find though that all generations and varieties of the Goldendoodle can make great pets so any of them that you decide to add to your family will be a great decision. They are intelligent, affectionate, and very friendly, making them the perfect addition to any family. Choosing the Right Goldendoodle Generation As you are looking for a great Goldendoodle to add to your family, it is important to consider all the different types. Since this dog can be mixed together out of two breeds, there are many variations that come with it to make it truly extraordinary overall. Each one is amazing and brings something new to the table so you are sure to find the perfect breed for all of your needs. The Differences Between Goldendoodle Generations? Not all Goldendoodles are the same! While most have the cuddly, teddy bear, fluffy Doodle look, their genetics can vary greatly depending on their generation and what parents they have. So, what is a multigenerational goldendoodle? There can be significant differences between what breeders refer to as F1, F1B, F2, and multigenerational called multigens Goldendoodles. Knowing the distinction between the 4 types of Goldendoodles within this breed can help choose the breeder and desired traits you hope to find in your new Goldendoodle. What is GANA? This organization sets the standards and affirms that these generations are acceptable and contribute to the diversity of the Goldendoodle gene pool. The grading scheme definitions of each generation per the Goldendoodle Association of North America can be found here. Before diving into their differences, what does F mean? The number following the F signifies the generation of the Goldendoodle. For example, a first-generation Goldendoodle is bred from two non-Goldendoodle parents a Golden Retriever and a Poodle while a second-generation Goldendoodle is bred from two F1 Goldendoodle parents. Knowing these distinctions helps identify what traits can be expected in Goldendoodle litters. What are Goldendoodle Furnishings? A key element to discuss is the role that furnishing genes play in the looks and shedding factor of the different generations of Goldendoodles. The Golden Retriever carries zero furnishing genes and the Poodle carries two furnishing genes. Furnishing genes are responsible for the presence of hair that continues to grow in length most noticeable on the face and muzzle. Golden Retrievers have short, smooth hair on their face due to their lack of furnishing genes. Poodles, unless shaven, will have long hair covering the face and muzzle as a result of carrying two furnishing genes. Because furnishing genes are dominant, it takes just one copy of this gene to present in long hair on the face. However, two furnishing genes are necessary to facilitate a non-shedding coat. The curl genes involved in each generation will dictate the type of coat each puppy inherits. Golden Retrievers carry zero curl genes whereas Poodles carry two curl genes. All F1s will inherit a total of one copy of the curl gene allowing their coats to be wavy in general. For those puppies who inherit no curl genes, their coats will be straight to slightly wavy. More information and photos showing the different coat types can be found here. Perhaps a decade ago, testing for the number of furnishings and curl genes became accessible to breeders. Until that point, the only way to know if a breeder was producing high-shedding or flat-coated Goldendoodles was via trial and error. We now know that the curl and furnishing genes are unrelated and that the curl genes have no impact on the shedding factor. They are known for their friendliness, being the perfect family pet, and being great for first-time dog owners. They were bred with this very purpose in mind. Of course, their precious appearance helps too! The coats are typically wavy due to inheriting one curl gene from the Poodle and no curl genes from the Golden Retriever. F1 Goldendoodles benefit from hybrid vigor making them healthier than their purebred parents. F1 Goldendoodles have proven to have better longevity than their pure breed ancestors. This hybrid vigor comes from crossing two unrelated dog breeds. F1 Goldendoodles cannot be guaranteed to be non-shedding. F1 Goldendoodles can also come in smaller sizes. This allows smaller genes to affect the outcome of the size of the offspring. There is no way of knowing ahead of time how these two inherited traits will match up in any individual puppy. In the other F1B option of crossing an F1 Goldendoodle with a Golden Retriever, no puppies will inherit two curl genes and no puppies will inherit two furnishing genes. This pairing will likely produce higher shedding coats that will be straight or wavy. Additionally, the F1B Goldendoodle can also benefit from hybrid vigor. Under the healthiest and most cognizant of circumstances, these Goldendoodles can be healthier than their purebred parents. These benefits will only be fortuitous should your breeder be careful about choosing their breeding pairs utilizing health screening protocols. The hybrid vigor will not diminish if the breeder is thorough in health testing and ensures that the parent breed lines are uncrossed, meaning that the parents are unrelated. Like the other generations of Goldendoodles, the F1B generation is highly intelligent, easily trainable, and beautiful. They are created by crossing two F1 Goldendoodles. This generation requires careful selection of parents based on the traits desired in the offspring. Each puppy has equal chances of inheriting zero, one, or two furnishing genes as well as zero, one, or two curl genes. These genes can be inherited in any combination in a single puppy. Puppies inheriting two furnishing genes will likely be non-shedding. Puppies inheriting one furnishing gene will have reduced shedding most likely equal to an F1 Goldendoodle. Those inheriting no furnishing genes will have coats very similar to a Golden Retriever including a smooth face and moderate to heavy shedding. All three coat types are possible in the F2 generation as well — straight, wavy, or curly. Type means traits that all puppies in the same litter inherit eliminating the variety of possibilities within a single litter. Just as in the F2 generation, without careful selection of breeding pairs, a variation of furnishings and coat types can be created. In the multigen, breeders can begin to be more consistent as they can select breeding prospects using DNA to ensure two furnishing genes are present in both parents. This ensures all puppies will inherit two furnishing genes giving them a higher chance of being non-shedding and allergy friendly. The number following refers to how many generations of that breed have been produced from that specific line. These differences are important to understand to know what characteristics are possible in specific pairings. As you can see, not all Goldendoodles are the same! Each generation has its characteristics that are different based on their parents. Knowing the differences can help you choose which Goldendoodle is right for you and your family. It is important to know the breeder you have selected is knowledgeable about the genetics of each parent dog to be able to predict the traits that will be produced by crossing specific dogs together. You may not understand the genetic reports on each parent dog, but the breeder should be able to confidently explain them to you. Breeders that have not done DNA profiles on their breeding dogs before breeding them cannot begin to provide you with accurate predictions of the traits your future puppy may possess. These traits do not only include information on furnishings and coat types, but also diseases each parent may carry as well as the colors they are capable of producing. This certification includes the assurance that your Goldendoodle was produced ethically and is from healthy parents. Goldendoodles are well known for their amazing personalities and for being the perfect family dog. They are typically great with kids, extremely smart, and above all, endearing. No matter what their color or coat type may be, they are very hard to not love! Also, be sure to check with our Complete Goldendoodle Grooming Guide for other recommended supplies and a step-by-step lesson on properly grooming a Doodle. Many multi-generational Goldendoodles have a higher prevalence of Golden Retriever in their bloodline and can, therefore, more closely resemble a Retriever than a Poodle in terms of temperament. This is an advantage for people who are more concerned with personality than with appearance. You see, Poodles tend to be rather high strung and excitable, while Golden Retrievers are famous for their laid-back yet eager-to-please dispositions. So people searching for an easy-going, relaxed Goldendoodle generation usually gravitate toward a multigen. Often, breeders report that their multi-generational Goldendoodles are quite low shedding and are allergy friendly. Hybrid vigor refers to the overall good health enjoyed by crossbred dogs. For example, certain forms of cancer that often show up in Golden Retrievers are not typically seen in multi-generational Goldendoodles. However, hybrid vigor does not mean that the dog will never experience any health concerns at all. In this article , we go over a few conditions that are sometimes seen within this breed. Some low-quality breeders resort to intense inbreeding in order to produce multiple generations without having to keep different bloodlines and many dogs on their premises. Multigen Coat Types Because of the genetics at play in multigens, all three coat types are possible, each with its own unique set of qualities. Wavy Coat The soft, wavy coat can occur in all generations of Goldendoodles and is fairly common in multigens. Also called a teddy bear coat, the wavy coat has an irresistible shaggy appearance, hair-like texture, and is usually low shedding. Regular brushing is required to keep this coat tangle-free. Curly Coat The curly coat is also fairly common and can consist of loose curls, tight curls, or curls somewhere in between. Many owners choose to clip the coat to make grooming more manageable. Straight Coat The smooth straight coat resembles that of a Golden Retriever but is quite fluffy. This is the easiest coat type to care for as it only requires minimal brushing. Goldendoodles with a straight coat usually shed more than those with a wavy or curly coat and are therefore not as allergy friendly. Beware of this Coat Type Though no longer very common thanks to DNA testing, there is one other coat possibility with multigens — the improper, or flat, coat. Dogs with this coat type closely resemble a Golden Retriever, will shed rather heavily, and lack the long facial hair on the mustache, eyebrows, and beard. This undesirable coat can largely be avoided through testing for the IC gene in breeder dogs. What Is the Best Generation of Goldendoodle? The answer to this question depends on what you are looking for. Are you concerned with allergies and shedding? Consider an F1b or F2b. Want the healthiest cross with the most hybrid vigor? Want a low-maintenance coat? An F2 or F2b is your best bet. Looking for a Goldendoodle with a Retriever-like temperament? Consider a multigen F3 and beyond. Want more of the feist you find in Poodles? An F1b or F2b will probably be best. As you can probably tell now, with Goldendoodles, there really is something for everyone! So, Are Multigens Truly Better? Well, multigen owners certainly think so. The higher concentration of Golden Retriever genes usually produces Goldendoodles with extremely good temperaments. The qualities that have made the Golden Retriever so incredibly popular really come through in these multigens. All Goldendoodles tend to be quite friendly, highly affectionate, intelligent, and playful — the perfect addition to the family. This is really just the tip of the iceberg here. There is so much more to love about Goldendoodles! You can find them all right here. Related Questions: Do Goldendoodles need to be groomed? To prevent tangles and mats from forming in the coat and to remove loose hairs, Goldendoodles should be brushed daily. Pay extra attention to areas of high friction, such as beneath the collar. Ear cleaning, toenail clipping, haircuts, and an occasional bath are important as well. How much does a multigen Goldendoodle cost? Prices can vary quite a bit depending on location, demand, quality, coat type, and DNA testing. Find out what impacts their price here. See Also: Click the image As we can see, there are plenty of different Goldendoodle varieties. But generations can help us a great deal in understanding the genetic side of things. Essentially, Goldendoodle generations explain how a puppy was bred and how much of their genetics are inherited from either of their lineage. This also means that breeders can use various types of Goldendoodles to achieve a certain outcome. What Is A Multigenerational Goldendoodle? So, what is a Multigen Goldendoodle? But, different breeders do interpret it differently. For instance, some breeders consider F2b Goldendoodles as Multigenerational Goldendoodles. By the way, F2b Goldendoodles can also be achieved through various routes. One of them has to be an F1b Goldendoodle or multigen. By that definition, F2b and F2bb Goldendoodles can also be considered as Multigenerational Goldendoodles. As you can see, there are various ways how breeders can create Multigenerational Goldendoodles. They could use either two F2 Goldendoodles, cross F1b Goldendoodles back to F1 Goldendoodles, or come up with a completely different combination instead. The possibilities are almost endless! At the end of the day, it ultimately depends on your preference and needs. You may also have to take into account that not all breeders specialize in all of the different generations. In fact, breeders usually specialize in one or two Goldendoodle generations. But going back to the topic, all Goldendoodle generations have their pros and cons that you should consider beforehand. In comparison, F1 Goldendoodles with a mix of both purebred parental breeds may lean on either side of the lineage. This comes with an added uncertainty, making it much more difficult to predict the outcome. Goldendoodles can be best described as friendly, affectionate, outgoing, and extremely smart. In addition to that, they tend to make friends everywhere they go, making them excellent pets for almost anyone. Coat Types Multigenerational Goldendoodles can inherit one of the three coat types seen in Goldendoodles — straight, wavy, and curly. Curly coats are often considered the best choice amongst the three, as these pups are usually very low to non-shedding, making them an excellent choice for people with allergies. Although they barely shed, they are also the most prone to matting. Doodle with a curly coat. On the other end of the spectrum we have straight coats that take most after the Golden Retriever parent. But even though straight-coated Goldendoodles generally come with a shedding undercoat, they tend to shed much less compared to their purebred Retriever parent. Doodle with a straight coat. And finally, Multigen Goldendoodles can also inherit a wavy coat that sits somewhere between the straight and curly. Doodle with wavy coat. Size There are three, even four size categories for Multigenerational Goldendoodles. Standard Goldendoodles are the largest of them all, whereas Toy Goldendoodles are the smallest of the bunch.

Use the same commands and cues consistently. Improved obedience and communication. Reward good behavior with treats and praise. A motivated and happy pup. Socialization Introduce your pup to various people and dogs in a slow, positive manner. Well-adjusted and confident around others. Structured Play Mental stimulation and reduced boredom. Leash Training Teach leash manners to enjoy peaceful walks. Enjoyable walks with your well-behaved companion. Obedience Classes Enroll in obedience classes for professional guidance. Enhanced training skills and socialization. Training a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy involves consistent positive reinforcement methods. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use rewards like treats and praise to encourage desired behavior, and keep training sessions short and engaging. Socialization with other dogs and people is essential, and enrolling in puppy training classes can provide structured guidance. Use these puppy training tips to have less stress with your puppy: 1. Stay on top of their exercise needs. Your GSD needs the proper exercise. Increase exercise slowly to avoid an injury that comes from too much impact on unfused joints and bones. While your puppy still lacks maturity and focus, you can increase training to help teach your dog obedience skills. Increase daily obedience and practice to help them learn training basics. Your beautiful German Shepherd puppy will grow very quickly! Teaching them when they are puppies will pay off for the rest of their life. Simple training should start the moment your puppy arrives home. Using the same word for the same activities will help them learn quickly. Give them the right chew toys. Your pup needs balls and toys that are safe and chew-worthy. Look for more indestructible toys to keep your German Shepherd busy and continue to offer chew treats to work their jaws. Find the right chews for you puppy so you minimize the potential for choking and their jaws get a good workout. Use some of these balls for German Shepherd puppies as a distraction toy to get their focus away from your fingers and onto the toy. Giving your puppy a chew toy when they are biting an unapproved item redirects their attention to the right item. Include mental stimulation for their minds. This puppy needs mental stimulation to help them exercise their brilliant minds. This intelligent dog need more than physical exercise. Their minds need to learn and become involved in their world in new and interesting ways. There are many ways you can include mental stimulation. Many of these ways involve teaching a new brain challenge or mental game. Keep them supervised. Even a young GSD can cause lots of trouble when left unsupervised. If your once potty-trained pup has now forgotten their potty manners, then use pet-safe baby gates to contain them or leash them to you to supervise their actions at all times. Pet safe gates like these allow your dog to still see you and feel they have watched over their family. Pet gates are a safe option that prevents your dog from getting its head stuck or worse. Shutting a German Shepherd behind a closed door increases their anxiety and can make unwanted behavior worse! Instead, use the baby gate in a safe area to give them less run of your house. Behaviors you like can improve daily. Every day is an opportunity for you to become a more successful leader. For example: If they want to go outside ask them for a sit first. If they bring you a ball to throw, ask for a down before you engage in play. Setting up expectations of accepted behavior helps them learn how to behave more appropriately. And these successful moments can help speed up how long it takes to train a German Shepherd. Even tiny successes are great confidence builders for your puppy and for you. These bursts of training are easier for your pup to understand. The most telling sign of your little puppy growing up is unpredictable behaviors. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but in a furry adorable body! Hormones, rebellion, confusion, and curiosity all add up to puppy puberty. But with the proper home management techniques and setting expectations, you can overcome these common puppyhood challenges. And my short Happy Puppy Guide is packed with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your furry friend grows up to be a happy and well-behaved companion. Your 6-month-old German Shepherd will thank you for it. I fetched it for you right here! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts Remember that your 6 month old German Shepherd is not a puppy anymore. It is the age when your pet officially enters the adolescence stage. What does this mean for it and you as its owner? The most troublesome period starts here. Your doggy can become rather unpredictable, and it is sometimes frustrating. It may still seem like a big fur ball, but it shows its temperament and character, so you need to be very careful. Moreover, it is very strong, too. So if your puppy is not properly trained, you may experience some difficulties in controlling it. Size and Appearance Your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy continues growing. It has already gained pounds .It is a large dog breed, and it has become obvious now. Your boy weighs pounds kg , and the girl, though smaller, is pounds kg heavy. The height of a male puppy at this age reaches inches cm at the withers, while female dogs are inches cm tall. Now, teething is almost completed, and your doggy can normally show all its 42 adult teeth already. However, some puppies continue teething until they are months old. The fur coat is also almost adult, with its double layers and a lot of shedding. It means that you need to develop a direct schedule for brushing and grooming. Buy a high-quality undercoat rake and brush your pup at least once a week. Since teething is finished, the ears stand up straight at this age. However, some puppies do not have perky ears until they are 12 months old. Another very important thing to consider in your six month old German Shepherd is that its sexual maturity begins. This stage is equivalent to teenagership or puberty in people. The hormones start kicking in, so males may want to look for a mate when outside. That is why it is so important to keep your puppy away from stray dogs at this time. Your boy may also start marking its territory and displaying aggression toward other animals and people. Estrogen in females also results in uneasiness and aggressive behavior. Walking in a dog park is not the best idea for your girl at this period. On average, a 6 month old GSD sleeps hours a day. Most of them are at night, but it may also need several naps in the daytime. Your puppy is very active at this age, so it needs a lot of walking and running. It is capable of walking long distances or even jogging. It is a truly great breed that can be very energetic. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers, and many believe that it is OK, since wolf pups as their ancestors could walk and run with their pack for many miles. However, every veterinarian will tell you that too much exercise of this kind can be dangerous for your pup because it can result in problems with joints at this age. So, choose other types of activities for exercising. Teach your doggy to walk on a leash, with frequent breaks, increasing the length of the walk gradually. Never walk your puppy in very hot or cold weather. If your pup shows the slightest signs of lameness, talk with your vet about it. The age of 6 months is the time when many behavioral problems can appear. It is connected with the period of puberty and hormonal disbalances. Your pup needs more independence, so it may wage a war against all your belongings if not trained properly. Chewing, tearing, and demolishing everything around is common. Even if your doggy has been potty-trained properly, it may have more accidents indoors now because it finds pleasure in looking for secret places for doing its business when indoors. Therefore, you have to show it who the boss in the household is and become a true leader of the pack for it. When playing, your pup may become rougher and try to dominate. It can get pushier with other dogs due to the start of its sexual maturity. Your pet can display a lot of boldness and attack other dogs fearlessly when walking in the park. It may also develop more aggressive reactions to other people, especially strangers. Even if it does know most commands, it may pretend to forget them because its hormones fluctuate. So, you need to be very careful to avoid incidents. Scent marking is another sign of puberty. The pup can do it inside your home and display disobedience if you try to prevent this. Female pups can experience the beginning of heat. It may cause them to feel subdued and insecure, so they become less sociable and even aggressive to their owners. You need a lot of patience and knowledge to train your doggy to behave properly at this age. Try to be persistent, provide it with more outdoor exercise, and never use force or physical punishment in response to its misbehavior. Increase the amount of exercise gradually to avoid bad injuries to the bones and joints. Find the most appropriate and appealing activities and games for your puppy to keep it healthy and out of trouble. Include mental stimulation in your everyday exercise. Offer it new brain challenges or mental games. Health and Care You need to be carefully observing whether your pup meets its weight and height requirements for this age. Learn to measure your doggy regularly to be on the safe side. Your pup has already had three vaccination sessions by this time. Neutering or spaying your pup is an issue that you may have to consider. However, most veterinarians do not approve of this at such an early age. It can result in joint disorders, incontinence, musculature injuries, and even cancer. They can be explained by lessening or eliminating the production of hormones associated with growth. The cartilage in long leg bones may get soft or even be missing, contributing to skeletal weaknesses. That is why you should delay neutering until your boy is one year old. Or, if your little male displays too many signs of disobedience and aggression due to its sexual development, delay neutering until the veterinarian X-rays your doggy and ensures that the growth plates are hardened and completely closed. As for female German Shepherds, the additional safety considerations for spaying should also be taken into account. Too early spaying can increase the risks of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence, along the common joint and bone issues. It is recommended to wait until your girl is one year old or even longer. Most breeders will tell you that a female German Shepherd should go through one or two heat cycles before spaying to reduce the risks of severe health issues. That is why the most desirable time for spaying the GS female is 18 months of its age. As for other health problems at the age of 6 months, you do not need to worry. If you want to know what to expect further, research the pedigree and ancestors of your pup to see whether there were any hereditary issues in their bloodline. You can also have a DNA test to predict future problems, such as degenerative myelopathy. However, you need to be watchful and careful about different signs and symptoms that may signal some temporary disorders. These symptoms may not mean anything serious. Though, it is always better to be sure. Feeding You need to feed your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy an appropriate diet with the correct number of calories and protein rates. It still grows rapidly, so you should be careful when choosing between high-quality puppy kibble and raw homemade feeding. The latter should include raw meats fish, turkey, or chicken are good and different vegetables and fruits. Do not offer your puppy too many treats during the daytime. Remember that they can be full of fats and lead to obesity. You do not want your pup to suffer from hip dysplasia or other health issues caused by being overweight. Arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer can also result from improper diets. Give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. Develop a feeding schedule and be consistent with following it. Self-feeding can also lead to obesity. Provide clean and fresh water to your dog, and you do not need to take the water bowl away. Your pup should have access to it whenever it wants. Never add any supplements or extra treats until your veterinarian recommends them. If your puppy refuses to eat for more than two subsequent meals, have a talk with your vet. You do not need to make a transition to adult food at this age yet. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate and recommended, even if normally such a transition is due closer to the age of one year. If you do not do it gradually, you may face digestive upset in your puppy. The start for a 6 month old GSD is not the best option because the socialization window closes at 4 months in German Shepherds, and you may encounter some behavioral issues now. Never use harsh, negative, or punishment-based methods of training. Your pup is very sensitive, and all this can damage its psyche. The positive, reward-based methods are more appropriate, and they will produce better results. Continue socialization by exposing your pet to unfamiliar animals and people in a friendly environment. Though, you need to be very careful now because hormone disbalance can evoke unpredictable reactions. German Shepherds tend to be enthusiastic barkers, so you have to discourage your pup from barking all the time. Teach it to inform you when someone unknown is approaching, but keep from barking all other times. Always control your doggy persistently. Instill that you are a leader to obey. Do training for at least minutes per day regularly and always use positive reinforcement. If you need help, ask a professional trainer to assist or teach you. It is pretty tall, with the height of a male reaching inches .Female dogs are a bit smaller, with inches cm in height. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd weight? Your pet continues growing quickly, so its weight also increases. The average weight of a boy puppy is pounds .How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd eat? You can give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd sleep? Because of its almost full-sized bladder, your pup does not need a potty at night or may need it just once. Therefore, it can sleep peacefully the whole night. Normally, the average sleeping time is hours, with the biggest amount at night. Though, it may also need several naps in the daytime. How far can a 6 month old German Shepherd walk? Even if you think that your pup needs a lot of exercises, walking and running should not comprise the largest part of it. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers if it is needed, but never make it walk for such a long distance. Its bones and joints are not formed completely yet, so much walking can cause many health issues. Choose some other activities for exercising, then. Final Thoughts Now, you can see that your 6 month old GSD puppy is a source of both enjoyment and trouble. You should be very patient, persistent, and careful about feeding, training, and exercising your little one to raise a healthy, energetic, and loyal dog, the best companion and protector for all your family. Follow the advice of your veterinarian relating to health and care. You can also consult with a professional dog trainer or hire them to help you. We hope that some recommendations and tips in this article will also be helpful. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. If you have recently welcomed a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy into your home, you are probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelming responsibility. At six months, your GSD puppy is starting to look and act a lot like an adult. He is also starting to explore his surroundings and may be roaming a lot more than usual. He is also going into puppy puberty, which comes with many behavioral changes including marking, aggression and acting on sexual desires. In this blog post, we will provide a survival guide for new owners of a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy. We will cover essential topics such as feeding, exercise, training, grooming, and health care, and offer practical tips and recommendations to help you navigate this particular stage with your new companion. What to expect from a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy? If you have a male puppy, for instance, you will notice that they are becoming overly territorial or intolerant of other male dogs and generally aggressive to unfamiliar people. In addition to the hormones, are the raging sexual desires which will make your puppy want to be around dogs of the opposite sex. Female puppies will start to go into heat, while male puppies will start roaming looking for females. Other changes to expect include: Playful and energetic Your young dog is also likely to be more energetic and playful than before. Becoming independent GSD puppies at this age are also starting to become more independent and may be less reliant on you. Enhanced communication skills Puppies at this age also have enhanced hearing skills and can process instructions a lot better. This is the time to advance obedience training to help them learn good behavior and become well-behaved adult dogs. Resource guarding Additionally, they may experience what we refer to as resource guarding. This is where puppies become so possessive of their toys that they become harsh when someone or another dog tries to touch them. American Kennel Club recommends early behavior training to prevent this possession aggression from escalating into nasty bites. Your six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will need quite a lot from you. First and foremost, they will need a consistent routine and structure. The routine should incorporate everything from feeding to play. A routine will help make life so much easier for both of you. Other needs include A good leader As an owner, you should also provide your puppy with good leadership. Part of being a good leader is giving clear instructions and being consistent with reinforcing the behavior. For a GSD puppy, establishing yourself as a pack leader is crucial in instilling good behavior. Consistent exercise You will also need to take your dog for daily walks or for play dates at the dog park to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Even as puppies, German Shepherds are extremely energetic dogs, and therefore daily exercise is a basic need for them. You will need to commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and another 30 minutes in the evening. In addition, you will need to have a list of games and activities to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. Here are some activities you can try. Proper socialization It is also important to continue socializing your German Shepherd puppy at this age. This can involve exposing them to a variety of people, places, and other animals in a controlled and positive manner. This will help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. Proper nutrition Proper nutrition is also important for a growing German Shepherd puppy. You will need to feed your puppy high-quality food appropriate for their size and age. It is generally recommended to feed puppies three to four times per day until they are about six months old, after which you can gradually transition to twice-daily feedings. Love and attention In addition to these basic responsibilities, you are also expected to provide your German Shepherd puppy with plenty of love, attention, and positive reinforcement. This will help them feel secure and build a strong bond with you. There are plenty of ways to bond with your dog. You can make use of the morning and evening exercise to bond, go on weekend hikes and trips together, walks at the dog park or play interactive games indoors. The goal is to create as much quality time with your dog to enhance the bond. Regular grooming Regular grooming is another thing your pup will require from you at least once every week. Now that their coat is fully filled up, they will start to shed a lot. This means you will need to create a schedule for brushing their coat and general grooming, like cleaning their ears and teeth. Ensure you get a good-quality brush for this job. They look a lot like a large breed dog at this point. Males will have an average weight of 53 pounds and a height of between inches, while females will weigh 46 pounds on average and will be inches tall. However, some German Shepherds puppies may be larger or smaller than others at this age. The puppies will have a more developed a more muscular appearance than they did when younger. They will have a longer, thicker coat, and their ears may be fully upright. Their paws may also be larger and more in proportion to their body, and a majority will have all their adult teeth on. Also noticeable will be their strong, muscular build and their intelligent and confident demeanor. It is normal for some puppies to grow more quickly or more slowly than others. To help speed up their growth, focus on proper nutrition. You also want to get your puppy a variety of chew toys to help with ear erection. This new stage comes with its own set of behavioral changes, as expected, like aggression, territorial marking, and moodiness. Other changes that your pup may experience to indicate sexual maturity include bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva. As the hormones kick in for both males and females, they will begin to act on their sexual desires. For males, particularly, they will start to prowl for females, and for females, they will start to go into their first heat cycle. But yes, from 6 to 12 months, your pup will develop aggressive reactions to other dogs as well as to unfamiliar faces. They will start to get pushier when playing with other dogs. They will also become bolder and more fearless when with other dogs. This is their innate need to want to dominate and protect their territory, which they are slowly marking. This sudden aggressiveness is also due to the hormonal fluctuation they are experiencing. Ideally, your puppy should have been trained as early as 4 months when the aggressive behavior starts so that by the time the aggression is heightened at 6 months, it is easier to deter. Be aware that even though they will not be aggressive to you as their owner, they will start to show disobedience when you give them commands. You will need to stamp your authority so that the puppy understands that you are in charge. This will also make training even with aggressive behaviors easier. Puppy puberty: What do owners need to know? The sixth month in puppies is marked with a surge of hormones. This makes it pretty hard to predict their behaviors. In fact, they may show some aggression and pushiness. They however like to hang out around female dogs because their sexual desire is heightened. For female puppies, you will notice a shift in their moods. They are also likely to become insecure and less interested in activities they once enjoyed as they start getting on heat. They may also become irritable and aggressive to other dogs. Both genders will also start showing some disobedience and unruly behaviors like not responding to commands they once did. Nutrition needs of a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppy At six months old, your German Shepherd puppy will still have some growing to do, and it is important to ensure that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and development. There are a variety of meat proteins that you can incorporate into the diet, such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and salmon. Fats Fats and oils from fish, chicken, and meats are essential in developing healthy and shiny coat, skin, and fur. Carbohydrates Your 6-month-old puppy is going to need a lot of energy to keep up with his current activity levels. According to PetMD good sources of carbohydrates are plants and grains. Other essential nutrients Your puppy will also need essential nutrients minerals and vitamins to help in stabilizing their surging hormones as well as dental health and a multitude of other body functions. These nutrients can be found in cereals, meats, and vegetables. But your dog is still a puppy on the inside, and this is very important to remember. Your dog still has a lot of growing to do on the inside! A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is going to need a lot of socialization and structured crate training and enough gentle exercise and play to keep all that energy under control. What to Expect as Your German Shepherd Turns Six Months Old German Shepherds are really smart , strong dogs, which can mean they are a handful to raise and train as they grow up and get bigger. If you are caring for a German Shepherd puppy right now or have ever done so in the past, you already know this! One of the biggest areas of anxiety for first-time German Shepherd owners is whether what they are experiencing with their dog is normal or not. For example, is it normal for a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy to be biting everything in sight? How about if a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy whines and barks a lot? What about appetite, portion size, and treats for a 6 month old German Shepherd? When should you transition to adult dog food and an adult dog portion size? And what about that all-important question — should you get your German Shepherd spayed or neutered and, if so, when should you do it? These are all intelligent questions that caring dog owners typically ask. So if you are wondering what the answers are, you are not alone — and you are about to find out in the sections to follow here. In most cases, the timing of neutering a male German Shepherd puppy is going to be different than the spaying of a female GSD. So we will look at each procedure separately here. When to neuter your male German Shepherd puppy However, as the University of California at Davis points out, a scary new study in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Science highlights the health risks of too-early neutering. Specifically, joint disorders, musculature injuries, cancer, and incontinence are all risks that are linked to neutering a German Shepherd before the age of 12 months one year old. Researchers believe the risks arise from how neutering lessens or eliminates the production of important hormones associated with reproduction and also with growth. When a male dog is neutered too early, the hormones that tell the soft cartilage growth plates in the long leg bones when to close go missing. This can delay reaching the final German Shepherd growth stages, cause bone overgrowth, contribute to skeletal weakness throughout life and might cause German Shepherds to stop growing. To reduce these risks, you may want to delay neutering your male puppies until after their first birthday and they are a full grown German Shepherd. Alternately, you may want to delay neutering until after your veterinarian has X-rayed your dog and determined that the growth plates have closed and hardened. When to spay your female German Shepherd puppy Choosing when to spay a female German Shepherd puppy comes with additional safety considerations and health threats beyond simply preventing unplanned pregnancy. Female German Shepherds that are spayed too early in life have an increased risk of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence along with more frequent and serious joint and skeletal issues. To lessen the risk of these issues, it is definitely important to wait until your female German Shepherd puppy has had her first birthday. But you may want to wait even longer, and here is why. Many breeders believe that a female German Shepherd should go through one to two successful full heat cycles before spaying. As owners posting on this popular German shepherds Forum explain, waiting until your female German Shepherd has had her second birthday can reduce the risk of later-in-life urinary incontinence even further. And then some owners and breeders will choose to spay at the halfway point of 18 months. Other neuter or spay considerations for a German Shepherd puppy It is also important to keep in mind that some K-9 programs, such as participation in formal military or police K-9 work, are only open to intact German Shepherds. If you want to enroll your dog in this type of program, be sure to check the requirements before proceeding with a neuter or spay procedure. For this reason, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America GSDCA explains that weight monitoring is an essential aspect of adjusting food portions during the age of three to six months old. By the age of six months old, your puppy should be eating twice per day. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available to your dog. Only feed your puppy a high-quality, complete, and balanced puppy food made for large-breed puppies ask your breeder or veterinarian if you are not sure what to feed. As we mentioned earlier in this article, a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is likely going to look very similar to how it will look like an adult German Shepherd. But on the inside, there is still so much growing and developing to be done. What you feed, how you feed, and how much you feed can have everything to do with how strong and structurally healthy your GSD puppy grows up to be. Start by mixing 90 percent old food with 10 percent new food. Do this for one to two days. Then switch to 80 percent old food mixed with 20 percent new food. Continue until you are at percent new food. This system can ease digestive upset and temporary elimination issues like constipation or diarrhea that may arise when there is a big food switch. As the Central Texas Veterinary Hospital explains, German Shepherds as a breed can be particularly prone to issues of a sensitive stomach. This makes planning for a slow food transition especially critical to success for this breed. Training a Six Month Old German Shepherd Puppy According to expert dog trainers with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America , the type of puppy training your dog receives from the ages of two to six months is vital to raising a healthy, happy adult dog. Quite the contrary! So your GSD puppy may still be teething and biting on everything in sight to deal with that painful process. German Shepherds are high-strung, sensitive dogs and they are also strong and powerful. You can accomplish the same and even better training results using positive rewards-based reinforcement methods that will not damage your bond with your dog. Continue socialization with strange people and animals Your German Shepherd puppy will need ongoing exposure to strangers — people and animals — as part of the socialization and training process. You have total control over how you want your German Shepherd to respond when a strange person or animal crosses their path. You can teach your puppy how to alert you when an unknown individual approaches your home or crosses your path. If you are firm and consistent with your training through the teenage phase, hiring a professional K-9 trainer if you need to, your reward will be a well-behaved, well-trained adult dog that will guard, defend and protect you with their life. One reason for this is that as long as the growth plates stay soft, you risk injury if you over-exercise your dog. But the soft growth plates can be damaged if your German Shepherd puppy is allowed to run for extended periods of time, race up and down the stairs, do a lot of jumping or agility work or play too vigorously. Games like tug-of-war also bad for developing teeth. Throw-the-toy ball, stick games. Too-vigorous or rough play with other dogs or people. So at six months of age, your German Shepherd puppy should be exercising for 30 minutes six months times 5 minutes each day. But here again, make sure the exercise is appropriate for a young large breed dog that is still growing and developing internally. Using mental and sensory exercise aids like snuffle mats and treat puzzle toys and teething aids like iced Kongs and safe flavored chew toys can also provide much-needed exercise and enrichment for mind and body. This will help ensure your 6 month old German Shepherd grows up to be a healthy adult dog. It is fun to watch Sam demonstrate how he has mastered basic commands from multiple owners, which is very important to help your GSD puppy socialize and bond fully with all family members. The owner also talks about the formal K-9 training program Sam is enrolled in through their local German Shepherd dog club. This is a fun option for you and your dog that is worth checking out if you happen to have a local German Shepherd club in your community.