feeding a labradoodle puppy

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. This is a great way to minimize the risk of puppies inheriting any serious and life altering genetic conditions. Of course, nature works in mysterious ways and not always can genetic defects be avoided. However, health screening is the best and most sure-fire way of reducing the risks. Health guarantees cover any major genetic conditions that the parent pups have been tested for and they usually cover the first two years from adoption. Many Labradoodle breeders have listed their customer testimonials on their website, but you should also check for reviews on Google, Facebook, here at Doodle Doods , Yelp, or Reddit. Their dogs live with them inside the home to ensure that they get all the attention and love they deserve. In addition to that, their puppies are born and raised in their home, where they receive constant supervision and care. What Makes This Breeder Unique? All of their breeding dogs have gone through health and genetic testing to ensure the health of the puppies. Feel free to contact Angel Breeders for more information. They specialize in breeding healthy medium-sized Labradoodle puppies with unconventional coat colors like red or apricot brown. All the puppies have their origins in pedigree dog lines and are tested to be in good health. Both the parents are thoroughly tested as well before going ahead with the breeding process. This ensures that all the puppies are born healthy and are covered with a 3-year health guarantee. Cream Puff Details Contact: don creampufflabradoodles. She hoped to combine the amiability of the Retriever, along with the warm temperament of the Poodle. As a result, today, we have this energetic doodle who can be a wonderful family dog. Initially, they were bred with the intention of training them as guide dogs or therapy dogs. But around the late s, their joyful and gentle nature made them very popular as home pets. Types Of Labradoodle Since the Labradoodle is not an independent breed, there can be certain inconsistencies in temperament or appearance. So, their sizes can vary depending on the size of the parent Poodle. On the other hand, the parent Labrador Retriever determines the type of coat for the Labradoodle pup. The fur type can be unpredictable due to this and can vary from soft to woolly or wiry. In addition, they can also belong to four categories of breeding. People generally prefer the generation having more hereditary Poodle qualities. The dominant Poodle trait typically makes them hypoallergenic or non-shedding. Therefore, it would be beneficial to acquaint yourselves with the different types of breeding categories before adopting Labradoodle puppies in New Jersey NJ. F1 Labradoodles The F1 breed is the healthiest as it is a first-generation cross between purebred Poodles and Labrador Retrievers. These puppies possess equally dominant traits of both their parent breeds. When purebred Poodles mate with a grown Labradoodle, F1B breeds of puppies are born. They, too, have equally dominant traits of both the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever. F3 Labradoodles F3 Labradoodle puppies are the least healthy breed, as it is a cross between two F2 Labradoodles. Such a multigenerational cross is typically a backcross between multiple generations of Poodle. Labradoodles are usually dogs with high energy. Regardless of their sizes, they are not well-suited to living in small-sized apartments. They can be high-spirited jumpers and are in need of constant mental and physical stimulation to thrive. Not that you need additional solid reasons to get yourselves a furry companion. But when it comes to Labradoodle puppies, there are reasons to convince you to adopt one. We have taken all these into consideration in our curated list of the five best Labradoodle breeders in New Jersey NJ. Comfort Companions Labradoodles are known to be highly affectionate and have an upbeat personality. They were initially bred to be therapy or guide dogs, so they are extra sensitive too. Picking up on human emotions or body language is natural to them. They are the type of dogs that will try to comfort and cuddle you if they detect you are feeling sad. You can also expect them to greet you at your door after a tedious day and make you feel better with just their energy. Having a Labradoodle would mean that you will always be moving and on your toes. So, you will hardly have to feel lonely. Trainability Labradoodles are known to be pretty easy to train. They derive the intelligence traits from two very smart dog breeds, the Poodle and the Labrador Retriever. The combined genetics, therefore, makes the Labradoodle a super-dog in terms of intelligence. On the other hand, their nature makes them eager to please anyone. As a result, they will pick up all the tricks that you teach them very swiftly! Final Words It is not without reason that Labradoodle pups are such a sought-after breed for family pets. Their affectionate nature, gentle temperament, and adorable appearance will be sure to turn heads during walks at the dog park. Labradoodles can be the most amazing pets. A creditable breeder will ensure that your dog will be healthy and, in turn, live a long life. 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. English Manor Labradoodles on Facebook! They are Litter mates with matching everything, most of our puppies have the same temperaments because they were specifically bred to have a specific temperament that makes the Australian Labradoodle what it is today! ONE of the only Breeds ever in history to be specifically developed for use as a Therapy dog. Calm Happy easy to train dogs, that get along with other dogs pets and children. Or great for first time dog owners that need a nice easy going option to introduce them to the world of dogs. All our Authentic Australian Labradoodles used in our breeding program continue the traditional values and qualities that were stamped in this breed since the very beginning. Diva would just light up a room, she was just a love bug her disposition and her clownish ways were always cheering us up on our worst days. SO SO incredibly intuitive of our moods she always new when to cuddle with us. We continue on now with her great Granddaughters and we see SO much her personality within them. They are very suitable for first time dog owners, children , and other pets they do not have a mean bone in there BODY. Beautiful litter of 7. This litter could go home around end of August beginning of September. Sammy is out of one of our favorite Females Tippie. Sammy stole our hearts sooo much that she is our forever dog. She has such a docile sweet demeanor and she comes up to you and pets you softly with her paw. She is everything you strive for in an emotional support dog. A great granddaughter of our Foundation Female Diva and it shines through. Her puppies will be well suited for work with children, and PTSD support she has this incredible nature to calm a person, much like her mom Tippie. We care for our pups around the clock. It's very important to us that our pups are place into a safe enviroment and a very loving home where they will contine to be cared for and nurtured. Here at English Manor we invite you to come and learn about our dogs and the Authentic Australain Labradoodles and about all the love and joy they have brought to our family , to others and hopefully to yours. We have enjoyed all the comical charisma thats she has brought to our lives and all the wonderful fun loving pups and grand pups that have come, We hope that you to will share the excitement and enjoyment as you journey down this road with us! Please provide as much information as you can when filling out the application form as I use this info to create the contract as well submit it to the microchip companies after the purchase of your pup. We are only using the information to contact you. If you would like to be informed about the breed or would like to schedule an appointment to come see the dogs please call us. We love to hear from our prospective buyers. Your personality and circumstances play a big role in your labradoodles happiness. Please feel free to call us for info about Australian labradoodle temperament, physical needs and available litters. Labradoodles for sale, labradoodles in ny, Arabian horses for sale, National Show horse for sale, Labradoodle breeding dogs and Labradoodle breeding stock Available. Australian Labradoodles only. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in New Jersey? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in New Jersey. Soft, Cuddly, Cute Australian Labradoodles are truly one of the cutest breeds, and our dogs are bred to be even more adorable than your average Doodle. Friendliest Dispositions Loved for their friendliness and patience, our Australian Labradoodles are always in the mood for whatever you feel like doing. From jogging buddies to nap-time cuddle buddies, life is always better with a Doodle by your side. Extremely Intelligent Labradoodles are super smart, which is no surprise considering they share genes with eager-to-please dogs like the Labrador Retriever and brilliant pooches like the Poodle. Training your Aussie Labradoodle is an absolute blast! The Uptown Family Our dogs are like family to us, and we want to give your family the greatest chance to succeed with your new Labradoodle. Perfect Family Pet Our Doodles get along great with just about everyone—from big families with kids and pets, to people who are looking for a companion on their solo adventures. Labradoodles are adaptable and bring joy to families of all sizes! But the best part is that you get to pick—just another benefit of working with Uptown. Premium Network of Labradoodle Breeders in New Jersey To meet the huge demand for our Doodles without sacrificing their health or happiness, we formed a premium network of breeders who share our passion and love of dogs. Highest New Jersey Labradoodle Breeder Standards Our breeders follow strict guidelines to preserve the wellbeing of our dogs. That means litter limits and breeding age restrictions for our mommy Doodles, and ensuring both parents and puppies enjoy outstanding living conditions. Hidden Springs Labradoodles creates life long memories and family members that elevate our lives. Labradoodles Originally bred to be hypoallergenic service dogs Labradoodles have become one of the most popular breeds around. Responsible Breeding Our Breeding dogs have their DNA tested and certified, Hips and elbows certified, and Eyes certified and cleared for congenital defects. Responsible Ownership Responsible pet owners treat their canine friends like family and realize it is a commitment for the life of your dog. Trainability We recommend training your puppy as much as possible. The best puppies know their boundaries and are taught what is expected with love and devotion. This is usually a Standard Poodle but smaller Poodles are sometimes used to breed a smaller dog. Generally Labradoodles are largish dogs. Temperment Temperament will vary but typically, if well socialized as puppies, the labradoodle will be a lively, good natured family pet. Hypoallergenic There is the potential for owners to less likely to be allergic to these dogs, but zero or low allergy is not guaranteed even within the same litter. Find Out More Grooming Coat type is varied. Although coat type varies, your labradoodle will need plenty of exercise and stimulation, with regular opportunities to walk off lead. Act fast because they will not last long.

German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Baby German Shepherds growing up! German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds out there at the moment, with many devoted fans. They can be large and imposing as adults. But, like every breed, they have a cute puppy phase that many fall in love with. However, since most puppies are bought at weeks old, most of us miss out on this magical period of their lives. So what happens during those first important weeks? A typical German Shepherd litter consists of around puppies. The mean average, according to a study performed in , is 6. When they are first born, they will still have an umbilical cord attached and may be covered in amniotic fluid. Their mother should chew off the umbilical cord and spend the first few hours cleaning their pups. Then mom will focus on keeping her newborn pups warm while allowing them to nurse. At this stage, German Shepherd puppies will just sleep and avoid expending energy. They will frequently nurse from their mother. Newborn German Shepherds When baby German Shepherd puppies are first born, they are completely dependent on their mother. Their ears and eyes will be closed and they will be unable to regulate their own body temperature efficiently. A coat should be present, and the color will depend on the genes they have inherited from their parents. Black with tan markings is the most common for this breed. Additionally, they will be relatively immobile. They will be unable to properly support their own weight. Therefore, they will commonly crawl on their stomach to move about. They will also be unable to urinate or defecate on their own. Stimulation from their mother will be required to help them go to the toilet. One Week Old Baby German Shepherd In the first week, the puppies should bulk up significantly and double their birth weight. However, there will not be much change in their behavior. They will still primarily be focused on nursing and sleeping. To help themselves stay warm, the puppies will normally cuddle close to each other, except for when they are in a hot environment. At this stage, they will still be blind and deaf. While they are still unable to see very well, this is a big step. Eyes should open for the first time at around days of age. They will appear blue in color, but this will change into brown as they develop. They may become a little more inquisitive about their surroundings with their new-found eyesight, and may begin to crawl around a little more. We can expect to see them make some big steps at this stage. Firstly, at around days old, their ears should begin to open for the first time. They should now be able to both see and hear, though not too clearly. Their senses will continue to develop over the coming weeks. They will begin to be able to stand and support their own weight. Walking may still be tough, though! They will likely be pretty wobbly. You can also expect to see their baby teeth come in at around this time. While they still get the majority of their nutrition from their mother, they will begin to show interest in solid food. They will begin to become more independent at this age, being able to urinate and defecate on their own. Beginning Of Socialization With their sight and hearing, they are likely to show a little bit of adventure and courage for the first time, exploring their surroundings as much as their unsteady gait will allow them. This milestone also marks the beginning of the socialization period, a critical phase of their development. Things learned now can shape their personality and behavior for the rest of their lives. They may engage the other puppies in clumsy play and show body language such as tail wagging for the first time. They will form relationships with their den mates, their mother, and humans. This stage is critical in getting the puppies used to humans. This can be achieved by gently exposing the puppies to human presence and contact so that they can see that they are no threat. While their brains are still very much in development, they are still able to learn some simple concepts at this stage. Crate and potty training can begin at this age. They should now be able to walk pretty well. This mobility will allow them to further play with their family and be even more curious about their surroundings. On top of this, their baby teeth should now be fully formed and the weaning process should be fully underway. They should be offered soft but solid food. They may begin to show signs of more complex social behaviors towards their other den mates, and they should learn important skills like bite inhibition. The socialization process should continue, with the puppies gently being exposed to new people, sights, and sounds. The German Shepherd babies will also be further weaned off the mother at this time, slowly moving onto a fully solid diet. Six Week Old Baby German Shepherd At this age, you will begin to see the puppies become even more independent of their mother. Six week old puppies are gaining social skills rapidly, and love to play with people and each other. Seven Week Old Baby German Shepherd When we move into the seventh week of their life, a new significant phase of development starts to begin: the fear period. While this sounds disconcerting, it merely means that this is the time that many puppies begin to show fear towards new things, rather than curiosity. Things that the puppy may find scary or uncertain during this time can make for big changes in their personality throughout life. For example, if a puppy has a bad experience with a human at this stage, it may lead them to becoming fearful and distrustful towards people for the rest of their life. This is why gently exposing the puppies to humans and common sights and sounds beforehand is important. By preemptively socializing the puppies with humans, we can help this period run smoother. The puppies will have reached weights of around pounds and should be around inches tall. Their ears will lie flat but should begin to become erect and upright over the coming weeks. They will be fully independent of their mother at this age. They should be completely weaned, with some basic training and socialization. From here, new owners are expected to continue to train and socialize them, as they are still within a critical period of development. New owners will also need to continue to ensure the German Shepherd puppy is fed a good, nutritionally balanced diet. For more information, you can check out our full puppy development guide here. And make sure you also take a look at this guide to bathing a puppy!

For the complete list please see our Boxer Breeders page. However, pet stores will often sell lower-quality puppies for less than this. It would be wise to go with a breeder if you want to get the best possible dog because the parents will have the highest standards of temperament and health. You can expect that boxer breeders in Indiana are more professional because they know that they need to keep their customers happy so that they can come back for future litters. The more expensive the dog generally means that there is a better history of health and temperament in both parents. They will also have more qualifications for being accepted into the American Boxer Club. There are many advantages of going with a breeder when it comes to owning a boxer puppy. If you buy one directly from a pet store then you may end up getting an older dog that somebody did not want any longer or possibly one that has been poorly bred by accident. If you go with a boxer breeder in Indiana then you will be able to get the best possible puppy for your family. They can help you find one that is just right for your home and lifestyle. You will also know exactly what conditions they were kept in when it comes to health and nutrition, which makes the chances of them being healthy even better. How to Find A Responsible Boxer Breeder in Indiana There are some red flags that you should watch out for when it comes to locating a boxer breeder. It may be tempting to buy from someone who is selling puppies for less than market value but this could end up being a bad idea. You need to understand what kind of conditions they were kept in because you do not want your puppy coming into the home with health problems right away. Asking friends and family or taking to social media can be a good place to start when looking for a boxer breeder in Indiana. It is more likely that they can get a referral from somebody who has used their services before compared to just randomly calling or emailing them. You should be able to do all of this online if you want to save time and feel safer about it. It is also highly recommended that you go with what the American Kennel Club suggests when selecting any dog breeder. They have certain standards that need to be met before they are approved so take advantage of this. Visit Your Indiana Boxer Breeder in Person When you are ready to visit your boxer breeder, be prepared to see how they do business. They should let you into the house or facility right away if it is clean and there should not be any loud barking or dogs in cages. You will most likely meet the parents of the litter as well as any other adult boxers that they have on-site at the moment. If everything goes well during your meeting with them then you can expect to get a healthy puppy from them after completing all of the payment and paperwork details. Visiting the breeder in person will also give you a better idea of what kind of animal they have kept in their house. There should not be any nasty odors or signs of neglect so keep this in mind when thinking about them as a business. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Indiana Always make sure that you ask for references or referrals when visiting your breeder since this is an important part of their job. You may even be able to go with somebody who has already gotten one of their puppies in the past so you can see if they are happy with how he turned out. References will also give you an idea of what kind of pets that they have raised in their house. You should not visit with somebody who has nothing but terrible things to say about them or if they do not feel comfortable giving out references at all. If your breeder will not provide you with references then you should be even more cautious about their practices and think twice before sending them any money. Ask Your Indiana Boxer Breeder if You Can Meet Past Customers Your Indiana Boxer breeder should be more than happy to help you find one, or a few happy customers, as most good quality reputable breeders love talking about their dogs. Meeting past customers will also give you a chance to ask questions about temperament, or any problems they may have had. I personally like meeting past customers the best when looking for puppies because it gives me an idea of what my new puppy might be like when she is at that age. Your breeder should have a vet they regularly use for all of their dogs and puppies. Your breeder will also be able to give you the contact information or provide it to you beforehand so that you can make an appointment and get your little one checked out as soon as possible. These shots can be given as early as 8 to 10 weeks old; all depending on your breeder, where they are located, and what is standard in the area. Remember, good quality Indiana puppy breeders should want you to have a happy healthy Boxer for many years. They should want to know that you are using a veterinarian that they approve of, because since this person has already opened up their home and hearts while raising this pup; they want to make sure that when your puppy comes home with you, he or she will receive the best possible care. Asking if you have other pets can also be seen as an ethical sign because it shows that the breeder wants to make sure the environment in which everyone is living is safe and beneficial for all involved. This Indiana breeder may even ask what kind of food or treats you plan on giving your pup so that they can share information about how these items were developed. If so, how are they being treated? They should have full medical histories on both mom and dad including what vaccines were given, if there were any incidences of disease or illness during pregnancy, where the litter was born, their weights at birth, etc. You might even ask if the parents are still available for stud services or babysitting because this shows that you care about more than just money. A good breeder will know what type of food is best for a Boxer Puppy and they may even suggest a specific brand. Ask if you can buy any of their current food because this is an easy way to save money, plus most reputable breeders have been feeding the same food for years so they know it works well with their pups. A simple way some people have been successful in training their Boxer Puppy is by taking them outside every 2 hours and giving them a chance to go potty on a patch of grass. Make sure you provide lots of praise when they do go. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. For this reason, we included these online Boxer breeders for you to check as well. Thus, you can also check a Boxer breeder here. The great thing is that it has an online marketplace to search for a Boxer puppy from any of the states. Since they cover all kinds of breeds, you may find an available puppy through this website. Another thing to note is that you also need to prepare for other costs. In short, aside from the actual cost of the puppy from a breeder, you still need to spend money on other items. Like a new baby in the family, your pup needs some items and some changes. A new puppy at home is a concern for all the family members. Thus, they need to prepare for it as well. As you have your meeting, try to make a schedule of tasks and distribution of responsibilities. Prepare your home. Preparing a home for your Boxer puppy means making it a safe place to play and live. Thus, you need to secure every item that can potentially harm your pet. Moreover, you need to secure your items that your pet can damage, such as shoes, carpets, floor mats, and so on. Shop for supplies. Like all other puppies and babies, Boxer pups needs items for its daily life. The essential things it needs would be beddings, food, and food bowls. You also need to buy a leash and collar for identification. Create a schedule. Besides your pet, you also have your responsibilities. Try to schedule how your pup should do for the day and when you need to pay attention. The great thing about creating a schedule is that it will benefit both you and your pet. Choosing a Good Boxer Seller and Breeder The best Boxer puppies only come from those who take an extra mile in caring for them. Below are certain qualities that you should look for in a Boxer puppy breeder. The Boxer breeder should only breed Boxer puppies. A single breed should be the first thing to remember when searching for a reputable Boxer breeder. Every breed has a mating season to which they breed. If the Boxer breeder sells quite a lot of pups but only has a pair of parents, you can think that it forces the parents to mate so they can have puppies to sell. The Boxer breeder should train pups in their first weeks. Every reputable Boxer breeder gives all the pups around eight weeks at least to stay with their parents. In such a time, the breeder should train the pups before it moves to its new home. The Boxer breeder would continuously be in touch. Other states. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

The result was a success. In the latter decades, this dog has proved to be a good family pet, and is gradually gaining popularity among dog lovers in the West. Temperament and Behavior To talk about the characteristics of the Frengles, the first thing to mention is that, they are affectionate little dogs that are social, intelligent, alert, and playful and have a very even disposition, so much so that they get along well with all humans in general, and are always gentle and calm when it comes to interacting with them. This makes good family dogs ideal for apartment living. Occasional obstinacy is also a trait of these mini-size dogs, but they are always ready to please their owners and even other dogs, and this is one quality that is rare with other breeds. They would get along well with other pets, and with both older and small children, however, early socialization and supervision is also important. However, their attentiveness and alertness in attitude, and their instinct to bark at anything strange, weird or unusual, alerting their family members has made them good watchdogs. They are dogs that are active indoors and you would seldom find them sitting lazy in a corner, or sleeping. Care Exercise Frengles actually need daily walks or jogging, or a stroll to the dogs park for their mental stimulation, as also to consume their energy. They are very active with high levels of energy that would require ample opportunities to run and play. These are dogs that excel at dog agility training, and would cherish having a job to do. Play with them. This would not merely develop their bones of growth, but also would help build an even friendlier relation with you. If your frengle has taken more after the Beagle side of the family, it would need some space to run around and play, and for that, it would be benefited if they get a safe and small yard to play, but to mention, without its leash. Grooming Their short coat is easily maintainable, and the maintenance level is low. Brush their coat at least twice a week to keep it clean and retain the sheen. Health Problems Like most other crosses, no health problems reported that are specific to the breed. But since no dog is immune to diseases, consider meeting your vet from time to time for necessary vaccinations, as also for annual health checkups so as to ward off possibilities of genetic or generic dog diseases. Training The Frengle hounds are moderately easy to train. But, as mentioned, they might show signs of stubbornness from time to time. For this, you should be aware of the fact that, your frengle dog responds well to consistent and firm training, but that be accompanied with food rewards. As you adopt your frengle puppies from the breeders or rescue, they would be clingy. However, they would tend to loosen up with age. So, it is recommended that you start socializing them with other pets and humans right from birth, or from very tender age. It is from this age that you should begin to deliver all basic trainings like crate, housebreaking, obedience etc. Let your frengles be aware that, it is you who is the leader of its dog pack, and also, take them to new places and help them meet new people. Once training is a success with your frengle, you would be the proudest owner in your neighborhood. Since this is an active dog breed, make sure you pick the right food for your pet that would supply it with the right quantity of nutrients required through its daily meals, especially during its years of rapid growth. The choice of a long or a short tail depends on the choice of the breeders. Interestingly, unlike with many other dogs, having another pet dog in the same house would assist it in its development. Most dogs need around calories per pound per day to maintain a healthy weight, so the average Frengle will need to get about calories a day to maintain a healthy weight. Frengles can vary in size, but around 1 or 2 cups of dry food a day should be sufficient for the average Frengle. Wet food can be added to their diet, which will also give them additional moisture. Dry kibble can help keep their teeth clean and reduce tartar build-up and dental issues. Bulldogs tend to inhale air when eating, and this can cause bloating and flatulence. They have fairly sensitive digestive systems, and this can carry on to their Frengle offspring. This trait is further exacerbated by foods like soy, beans, dairy products, and wheat, so these should all be ideally avoided. Small-sized dry kibble can help them eat more slowly and help them avoid ingesting too much air. Beagles are known for eating almost anything, so they are not picky when it comes to food. Their high energy levels mean they will benefit more from eating two small meals a day, as opposed to a single large one. Protein is essential for any dog, but both Bulldogs and Beagles will thrive from having slightly more than average. However, too much protein can quickly lead to obesity, so the amount of protein should be closely monitored and then altered according to how active your Frengle is and their age. Around 1 gram of protein per pound is ideal. Growing Frengle puppies especially need loads of exercise and play to burn off excess energy. A common rule-of-thumb is 5 minutes for every month of age, twice a day, until adulthood. The Frengle can be a fairly active breed, and they love physical activities like walking and running with their owners. A minimum of 30 minutes a day is recommended, but they should ideally get hours. Toys, balls, and stick games are bound to be a hit with Frengles and will aid in keeping them both mentally and physically stimulated. These toy games will also help keep their chewing instincts at bay. Bulldogs have a reputation for being docile but can exert a great deal of energy when excited. Beagles, on the other hand, are particularly high-energy dogs, and will need regular exercise in order to burn it off. The Frengle is usually a good mix of the two, enjoying lounging on the sofa but also benefiting greatly from physical activity. A lack of sufficient exercise with any dog breed will quickly lead to bad behavior, including barking, chewing, and aggression, and daily exercise is essential to having a well-behaved dog. Early socialization and reward-based training will help get them used to commands quicker and encourage them to enjoy and look forward to training sessions. As with most dogs, patience is key to good training, and the reward of a well-behaved Frengle is worth it. Training sessions of minutes at a time is ideal, as Frengles may lose concentration fairly quickly. They will respond well to positive reinforcement training , as it will greatly appeal to their desire to please their owners. That said, they do shed, and are not ideal for owners who suffer from allergies. Both the French Bulldog and Beagle are known to be medium shedders, and the Frengle is generally the same. Even though the Frengle has a short coat, brushing is still necessary. While the occasional brush is a good idea, bathing should be done only when they are muddy or dirty, as both the parent breeds are known to suffer from dry skin. Their short coat also makes them sensitive to cold weather, and they should have a sweater when outside in cold climates for extended periods. Regular nail clipping is recommended for all dogs, as long nails can be painful for them and even cause arthritis if left unmanaged. Due to the long droopy ears of some Frengles, there is a lack of airflow to the ear canal, and ear infections can be fairly common. It is important to keep the inside of their ear canals dry and perform regular checks for redness or discharge. If your Frengle is showing discomfort by incessantly scratching and rubbing their ears, a check-up with the vet may be necessary. That said, Frengle offspring can still develop issues relating to their parent breeds. Another common condition is epilepsy, in which your dog can experience mild to severe seizures. These seizures can be as harmless as a mild twitch or uncontrollable shaking that can last up to several minutes. Hypothyroidism is also a fairly common illness in Bulldogs and occurs when your dog is not secreting enough thyroid hormones. It is usually easily managed with appropriate medication. Bulldogs and French Bulldogs commonly have mild eye issues, mainly cherry eye and entropion. These conditions are typically genetically inherited, so there is a chance of them being handed down to your Frengle. Cherry eye is the term used for a prolapsed third eyelid in dogs and was historically remedied by surgical removal. However, it is easily remedied nowadays with an anti-inflammatory ointment. In most dogs, this is nothing more than a mild irritation, but it can cause vision problems long term. Unless you intend on breeding your Frengle, it is widely recommended to neuter males and spay females, as this has many associated health benefits. For males, it assists in prevention from testicular cancer, will make them less aggressive, and will also prevent them from wandering off looking for females. Spaying a female will help assist in the prevention of uterine infections and cancer. It is recommended to spay a female before her first heat, as this will further help prevent these complications. If you do intend to breed a female Frengle, it is far better for her health to wait until she has experienced at least one or two heats. Minor Conditions. Brown, cream, solid or mixed variations of black and spotted Suitable for families Families with children, seniors, and singles Temperament Playful, affectionate, and friendly. Despite its name, the French Bulldog was first bred in England. The small animals were created as companion dogs. During the Industrial Revolution, some French workers emigrated with these dogs, and they became lapdogs. In the s, these dogs became popular in America, where they got their current nickname, Frenchie. By the 15th century, they were used for hunting in England. But in the 18th century, they got dropped in favor of foxhounds which were much faster. They were later imported to America and bred as tiny dogs. Today, while Beagles are used as sniffer dogs and guide dogs, French Bulldogs are solely companion pets. This breed might be a bit challenging to train because it inherits the stubbornness from both parent breeds. However, when trained and socialized early, these dog breeds remain loyal to you. Physically, they resemble both parent breeds and pick varying features. Frengles are short and strong and come with short legs and a broad chest. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. This is a pup that has a unique appearance and personality. Frengles usually have a short, muscular build and a short snout, similar to the French Bulldog, combined with the longer, droopy ears of the Beagle. Frengles are known to be great with children and other animals and are typically good-natured and easy-going. They are also known for their strong hunting instincts and love for adventure. Training and socialization from an early age is important to ensure that your Frengle grows up to be a well-behaved and obedient companion. Overall, the Frengle is a wonderful pet that is sure to bring joy and excitement to your life! They can also be stubborn if not socialized properly. They are calm and gentle, which is excellent if you need a companion. When indoors, they love to snuggle with their owners. These dog breeds tend to be wary around strangers until they get used to them. Are These Dogs Good for Families? Their Beagle heritage loves running around with children and playing. Therefore, if you have small kids, these playful dogs will enjoy their company. However, if your dog has a Beagle dominant side, they need to exercise and play a lot due to their hunting origins. You can incorporate the playtime with the kids. Frengles that pick dominant French Bulldog traits have low energy but will be calm and entertaining for the family. These combinations of features are perfect for even seniors and single people. It makes an excellent indoor dog. Your pet will also like being the center of attention. Because of this, you should spend a lot of time with them. Socialization is essential for Frengles. You need to plan for diet and nutrition needs, grooming, exercise, training, and watch out for any health issues. If you just got a Frengle, here are the crucial things you need to consider. Endure your dog is eating high-quality food for proper nutrition. Despite its tiny size, this dog breed can be energetic, which needs to be factored in the diet. In a day, an average-sized Frengle will need about 1 or 2 cups of dry food. You can also add some food that has moisture and dry kibble to keep their teeth clean. On average, the daily caloric intake should be about calories for your dog to maintain a healthy weight. You should have a minimum of two servings if you are dog is of healthy weight. As a descendant of the Bulldog, they tend to inhale air while eating, which affects their stomach at the end of the meal. If your Frengle has these issues, try and avoid foods such as wheat products, dairy products, soy, and beans. However, the portions must be closely monitored to avoid obesity. Your vet can help you customize the amount of protein to feed your pup according to their age and health conditions. A post shared by Charleston charlie. Regular exercise plays a vital role in maintaining the health of your dog. In addition, daily exercise keeps your dog happy. As puppies, especially ones with more Beagle traits, they need loads of exercise to burn off energy. This dog breed loves running and walking with its caretakers. You can schedule exercise sessions for about 30 minutes to 2 hours daily, depending on how active your dog is. This dog also loves mental stimulation; therefore, add some toys and balls to chew. Take them to a dog park to play with other dogs, but ensure they are on a leash. This will prevent them from running off in search of scents. The Frengle draws a mix of energy between the two parent breeds. While Bulldogs are docile, Beagles are very high-energy dogs that need exercise to burn off energy. Therefore, your Frengle will enjoy a good workout and also lounge on the sofa with you in the evening. If your pet is not getting enough exercise, it will become aggressive and start chewing items and barking. These destructive behaviors can be a lot to handle and frustrating. Also, using positive techniques and keeping your tone firm helps. The pup will appreciate treats and rewards, which encourages them to catch up with the training much quicker to please the owner. However, you should avoid scolding them, which can make them tougher to train. Frengles tend to lose their concentration quickly; therefore, training sessions should ideally be minutes at a time. Reward-based training and early socialization and reward-based training is the key to get your puppy to understand commands quicker and encourage them to look forward to training sessions. They are medium shedders, which is not ideal for people with allergies. Due to their short hair, they are also sensitive to cold weather. A Frengle should have their teeth brushed regularly to prevent dental issues. The nails should be trimmed, especially because long nails can be painful if your dog has arthritis. Their long droopy ears are highly prone to ear infections. To prevent these, regularly check for discharge or redness and keep the inside of the ears clean. If your dog is itchy or scratches the ears often, have them checked by a vet to rule out any issues. Should a French Bulldog Mix take after their Frenchie parent, they will be a small companion breed that bonds closely with their families. They tend to have an energetic, playful personality and love nothing more than being with their favorite humans. French Bulldogs tend to be friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs that get along with just about everyone. They tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets. They will even warm up quickly to strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you should be able to expect the same from a French Bulldog Mix. You can also meet the mother in person to see what her temperament is like and the behavior she is modeling for the puppies. The breeder should have started some training and socialization, but it is up to you to continue to train and socialize a puppy once you get them home. Frenchies are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in apartments as well as larger homes. However, as a brachycephalic breed, they are extra sensitive to heat and also sensitive to the cold. They also do not like being left alone for long periods of time. If the other parent breed is similar, then you can expect a Frenchie Mix to also be a highly adaptable dog. The other parent will introduce their own traits and some potential quirks, so you do want to ask the breeder about them. They could inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, or they could inherit some or all of them. They can also be prone to allergies, have sensitive skin, and also a sensitive stomach. Good breeding practices will make a huge difference. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing issues to puppies. So, make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. Although French Bulldogs can sometimes be stubborn, they are eager to please and tend to be easy to train. As long as training is consistent and focused on positive praise and reward, they can be a good fit for owners of all experience levels. If the other parent breed is also easy to train, then you can expect a French Bulldog Mix to be highly trainable as well. Regardless of owner experience, there are many benefits of puppy training classes. A mixed-breed dog can inherit a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is a mix of both. You will also need to clean their facial wrinkles. Weekly ear checks with cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. As a small dog breed, a Frenchie Mix is more prone to developing dental diseases later in life. This makes good, consistent dental care for dogs even more important for them. Daily brushing with a dog-friendly toothpaste or using an enzyme toothpaste paired with cleanings at the vet when needed is ideal. Frenchies are known couch potato dogs that are happy to lay back, relax, and cuddle with you. Daily walks plus some playtime are usually enough for this affectionate little dog. Even though they like to relax, they also like to play and will be energetic when they do. They can also be athletic and compete in dog sports. As a brachycephalic breed, you do need to be careful of overexertion and overheating. But, there are plenty of ways to safely exercise flat-faced dogs to make sure your French Bulldog Mix gets enough exercise. If the other parent breed is also a low-energy breed, then you can expect something similar from a Frenchie Mix. If the other parent breed requires more activity, then you will need to be prepared for the potential of a higher energy dog. Fully-grown Frenchies usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent breed can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother, so make sure you ask the breeder about them. This can give you some idea of what size to expect in a fully-grown French Bulldog Mix. French Bulldogs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed may affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span in a French Bulldog Mix. Featured French Bulldog Mix Article. The Freagle tends to have the stature of its French Bulldog parent while retaining the shape of the head of the Beagle. Common Freagle coat color patterns include black, white, brown, golden, cream, brindle, merle, black, and tan, speckled, and spotted variations. Discover more about our Freagle puppies for sale below! Temperament The Freagle is an affectionate little breed that is social, intelligent, alert, and playful; so much so that they get along well with adults, children, and other pets. However, their attentiveness, alertness in attitude, and their instinct to bark at anything strange have made them okay watchdogs. Since this breed has parents with varied and wide-ranging temperaments, you might only be able to get a hint of the temperament of your Freagle puppy until it has matured a little. Care Due to their activity level, Freagles need daily walks, jogging, or a stroll to the dog park for mental stimulation. They are a very active breed with high energy levels that will require ample opportunities to run and play. This breed can excel at agility training and would cherish having a job to do. If your Freagle has taken more after the Beagle parent, it would need some space to run around and play such as a safe and small yard to play. You can brush their coat twice a week to keep it clean and retain the sheen. Training Freagles are moderately easy to train but might show signs of stubbornness from time to time so patience and consistency is important. As with other breeds, socialization, housebreaking, and supervision at a young age are important. See store for details on a particular puppy. American Canine Hybrid Club. Size Life Span The exceptional personalities of both the Beagle and the English Bulldog are merged in the Beabull; a superb family dog and low-maintenance companion for even the novice dog owner. The two breeds, which make up the Beabull, were extremely popular in Europe and the U. When those qualities outgrew their usefulness in the 20th century, the Beabull offered a more modern and family-friendly alternative for this extraordinary gene pool. A Beabull that tends to be more mischievous and rambunctious with bursts of hyperactivity is likely to be more Beagle-dominant. Either way, the Beabull is a friendly, good-natured, and loyal family dog. They are very intelligent and very devoted companions. Your Beabull is likely to follow you wherever you go. Some Beabulls are very easygoing. Some Beabulls, who are especially Beagle-dominant, will have a comical quality about them. They are also very affectionate and might climb into your lap. Although they are known to have a stubborn streak, they are, generally, easily trained. Caution should be taken with a particularly clever Beabull, who will try to outsmart you for extra treats. The Beabull is a highly adaptable dog that does well in all kinds of environments. They are sporty as well as great house pets. They do well in most climates, but, as with any dog, do not typically do well in extreme hot or cold. They will adapt to apartment living or in the securely fenced-in yard of a house. They can keep up with an active family, but can also adapt to the lifestyle of a family, which is less active. Engagement and mental stimulation is key. As loyal members of the family, they do not like to be alone for long periods of time. This designer breed will inherit the particular health issues of both of its Beagle and English Bulldog ancestors. Asking your breeder about the genetic history of the parents and to see any health clearances can help allay potential health concerns. Like most highly intelligent breeds, the Beabull is most happy when she is mentally stimulated. A bored Beabull might try to create her own fun by getting into mischief. Owners who derive satisfaction from engaging in interesting activities with their dogs will find a perfect fit with the Beabull. Playtime with challenging games and toys can help keep your Beabull engaged. Beabulls can have a stubborn streak at times. So, they tend to be a better fit for more experienced owners. They can be a good fit for novice owners as long as obedience classes are part of the process. Beabulls can be noisy dogs, especially when emitting a powerful beagle howl. Owners with children are especially pleased to have this playful, devoted, and protective pet to engage with their kids. However, they can exhibit bursts of high-energy behavior and play-bite a bit too aggressively at times. Socialization and training early on can help curb any behaviors that might be unwanted once your Beabull is fully grown. However, they are heavy shedders and require frequent brushing just to collect their copious amounts of fur. You do only want to bathe as needed. Bathing too frequently can cause your Beabull to have dry skin. The ears of the Beabull require special attention. Because they have inherited the long, floppy ears of the Beagle, their ears are especially susceptible to infection. You will want to check these regularly to ensure they are dry and free of dirt. Their wrinkled skin should also be checked periodically for parasites and skin problems, to which they may also be especially vulnerable. Their nails should be trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly as well. Young Beabulls have a ton of energy, but they can be trained to control their own enthusiasm. They are known to have sudden bursts of energy, which looks like hyperactivity. Some family playtime and daily walks with their favorite people are all that is required to keep them happy and healthy. They are able to amuse themselves in a securely fenced-in backyard. Beabulls are medium-sized dogs that can stand between 12 and 14 inches at the shoulder and can weigh between 30 and 50 pounds. Looking at the size of the parents will give you a better idea of what size to expect in your Beabull. A Beabull will generally live for years. Beabull Puppies for Sale.

Basics Collar Choose a well-fitted, sturdy collar with a solid hook for attaching a leash. When adopting a puppy, make sure the collar can be expanded as he or she grows. Ideally, there should be enough space for two fingers to slide underneath the collar, but no more. One with a bit of stretch will allow your pet some freedom while still allowing you to maintain some control. Retractable leashes work nicely for German shepherds as well. ID tags If your shepherd goes missing, ID tags tell others that he does belong to someone and is actually not a stray. Microchip Dogs that go missing may sometimes go months or even years before they are reunited with their owners. Some will never be reunited at all. A microchip can increase the odds that you will find your German shepherd in the event he becomes missing. Dog Food A very important item on any German shepherds checklist is food. The ideal dog food will provide adequate nutrition and contain few fillers such as grain that might cause allergies. Puppies have different nutritional requirements and therefore need a different type of food than adults. Our Review: Best Food for German shepherds Food and Water Bowl Food and water bowls designed especially for pets have a shape that makes them easy to access. They are also heavier than normal bowls and are therefore more difficult to tip over. Choose one set of bowls for the house and another set of folding ones for travel. The right container will have a tight-fitting lid and clear sides so that you can easily see how much food is remaining. Food Scoops A German shepherd need between three to four cups of kibble per day. Food scoops ensure even portions and prevent overfeeding. Read also: German Shepherd feeding guide: how much and how often to feed a German shepherd Dog Crate A dog crate can help with potty training and also gives your German shepherd a place he can call his own. Buy one that will accommodate your canine once he reaches adulthood. Use dividers to gradually expand the space while he is growing. Our Review: Best Dog Crate for German Shepherds Dog House A well-insulated doghouse will provide protection from the elements and give your German shepherd a safe place in which to relax outdoors. The ideal size will allow your pet to stand up and fully turn around in once inside. Choose soft material such as fleece, sheepskin, or even a down comforter. Opt for a durable rubber or nylon material rather than Kevlar. In that case, they may become a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage. Tug Toys A German Shepherd puppy playing tug-o-war in a garden. This breed has naturally strong jaw bones that require regular exercise. Beef, pork, turkey, lamb, or even rawhide bones are tough enough that they will not splinter while your pet is chewing. Your pet will enjoy having you throw a ball and then being able to run after it. A toy ball will also come in handy when teaching your shepherd how to fetch. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys provide mental stimulation and can help ward off some of the separation anxiety that German shepherds are susceptible to. They also help develop mental acuity and are therefore a valuable tool when it comes to training. Some dogs also find them very comforting, especially in stressful situations such as thunderstorms. Health Vitamins and Supplements Multi-vitamin soft chews in treat form ensure adequate nutrition to help your puppy become strong and healthy. Glucosamine supplements will help your GSD maintain joint health as he grows older. Dog Bed A comfortable, sheepskin-lined dog bed will provide the ideal spot for overnight snoozing or an occasional nap. Buy one a little bigger so that your GSD will have plenty of room as he grows. First-Aid Products Build a first-aid kit so that you can easily attend to minor scrapes and cuts at home. Some things to keep in it include roll gauze, medical scissors, hydrogen peroxide, and antibiotic ointment. A topical solution applied monthly can help you combat these pests, as can certain oral medications. Heartworm Meds source: urbananimalveterinary. Has your German shepherd tested as soon after adoption as possible? That way, you can obtain an up-to-date prescription that will provide the best possible protection. Potty Pads Training accidents do happen, regardless of how careful you are. As such, you should have plenty of potty pads on hand when adopting a puppy. However, you could need them for an adult GSD if you must go sometime in between walks. Training Dog Treats Treats can serve as a reward and are a useful tool when it comes to training. Your shepherd will love ones made from pumpkin, sweet potato, liver, or peanut butter. Treat Pouch Keep dog treats handy for training sessions or long walks with a waterproof treat pouch. A small pouch that clips onto a belt or backpack will provide you with optimum convenience. Head Halter A head halter provides greater control when walking. Harness German shepherds are very strong, active dogs. Accordingly, it is sometimes easier for a child or small adult to walk a GSD who is wearing a harness rather than only a collar. Our Review: Best Harness for German shepherds Muzzle Muzzle-training your shepherd will teach him not to bite or pick up unwanted objects from the ground. It will also prepare him for visits to the veterinarian or groomer later on. No Chew Spray German shepherds are naturally curious and may therefore chew on furniture, electric wires, or other household objects. No-chew spray protects your valuable items from damage and helps keep your GSD safe. Clicker A clicker provides positive reinforcement for your German shepherd and is, therefore, a valuable tool for training. One with an ergonomic design that will allow you to performed extended training sessions with ease. Keep some with you in the car in case your German shepherd decided to romp in the water or mud while out on a walk. Dog Shampoo German shepherds have very sensitive skin. As such, any shampoo you use should not contain any harsh chemicals. Look for one with a mild formula and natural ingredients such as oatmeal to help soothe itchiness. Our Review: Best Brush for German Shepherds Comb A fine-toothed comb can also help with de-shedding your German shepherd and can be used in between brushings. As an added bonus, many combs can also trap fleas in between their very tight teeth. An ergonomically-designed pair of trimmers will provide greater accuracy and is best for beginners. Avoid commercial toothpastes made for humans, especially those that contain fluoride-a substance harmful to dogs. Super Absorbent Towels Absorbent towels can be used for everything from cleaning up messes to bathing. Cleaning Pooper Scooper or Shovel Keep your yard clean by scooping feces on a regular basis. A scooper with a flat bottom similar to a dustpan is ideal for picking up poop out of tall grass. A folding shovel can also come in handy for taking walks in the park. Poop Bags Be ready for long walks and hikes by having lots of poop bags. Small ones are fine for puppies, but as your GSD grows you will probably need large or even extra-large bags. Carpet Cleaners and Vacuums This breed is known for shedding, which means that regular carpet cleaning is a must. Choose a vacuum with lots of suction, and consider investing in your own shampooer if your home has a great deal of carpet. Use newspapers to cover a wide area whenever you are potty training. Lining the inside of a kennel with newspapers makes it easier to clean up after an accident as well. Safety Dog Door A dog door will allow your German shepherd to come and go at will. Accordingly, you will not have to worry about having someone let your dog out to go potty while you are at work. Playpen A playpen is a great way to keep your GSD puppy from chewing on or getting into things. A doggie playpen has wire panels that you can extend to provide more room as your shepherd gets bigger. As your GSD grows, you may need to stack multiple gates on top of one another in order to provide sufficient height. Some even have two-way videos, barking alerts, or audio microphones as well. Travel Carrier A carrier can come in handy for hauling your German shepherd safely to and from the vet, grooming appointments, and training sessions. One that can accommodate very large dogs will serve your GSD well from its puppy stages to adulthood. Travel Kennel Travel kennels provide a place where your pet can feel safe. They are also a must if you plan to travel with your GSD by airline. Choose one with sturdy plastic walls, vented openings, and a gate that latches securely. Dog Car Seats or Restraints German shepherds love riding in cars. Ensure yours is safe by offering the right dog car seats or restraints. A full-grown GSD can weigh up to 80 pounds, so keep this in mind when buying a car seat. Before bringing your shepherd home, locate a veterinarian who can help you with routine exams and another one you can call on for emergencies. Contact Details of the Previous Breeder or Rescue Knowing how to reach your breeder or rescue agency can prove invaluable should your GSD experience health problems. Grooming Salon Regular grooming can prevent much of the shedding that is associated with German shepherds. Find a groomer who can help you with regular bathing, nail trims, ear cleanings, teeth brushing, and deshedding to keep him healthy and looking great. Trainer German shepherds are highly intelligent; however, they do require training in order to learn obedience and develop mental acuity. The right trainer can streamline the process and give you more time to bond with your dog. One can also be a lifesaver if you must leave your GSD alone for an extended period. Find a reputable boarding facility before bringing him home. Pet insurance can help you manage these expenses very affordable and will easily fit into your monthly budget. Related posts:. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. There are many things you'll need to stock up on before bringing your new puppy home. We'll try and list as many as possible to help you plan ahead. Below you will find a list of many of the most commonly used things you will need to make your life with your new GSD puppy as comfortable as possible. Any or all of these puppy supplies will make the transition into his new home as simple as can be and will be well worth the effort to have them on hand BEFORE you need them. Puppy Food and Water Bowls Important things to consider: glass and ceramic puppy bowls can be very pretty but they are also easily breakable; puppies love to chew and plastic bowls are easily chewed up and some dogs may even have an allergic reaction to plastic. Stainless steel is the best puppy supply choice of all for your German Shepherd puppy. A 2-quart bowl is a great size for dry dog food and a 2-quart pail is an excellent size for water for your German Shepherd puppy. Here's one great food bowl to check out. This also helps to keep the dog food fresher for longer and keeps other "critters" out of the dog food. A dog food scoop is a good choice to help you portion control your puppy meals each time and both of these puppy supplies can be found at almost any pet, hardware or larger dog retail department store. Dog Crate puppy supplies A German Shepherd dog crate made of wire or heavy duty molded plastic will definitely make your housetraining process go much easier, and with less incidence, and is a very important GSD puppy supply that each dog owner should own. Dogs are den animals and the crate serves as a safe haven for the GSD puppy. Dogs are also highly social animals who love to spend time with their human families. For this reason it is best to place the crate in a area near where family members spend a lot of time. Wire and molded plastic dog crates are both very acceptable to use with your new German Shepherd puppy. Wire Crates are lighter to transport and ventilate much easier while the Plastic Kennels are usually sturdier, safer and more comforting to your dog. Some owners get one of each for their GSD puppy and for different uses. Usually dogs will not eliminate in their bedding area. It is best to keep the crate area where the GSD puppy actually sleeps large enough for the GSD puppy to move about and to turn around in, but not so large that it can sleep in one area and "relieve itself" in another part of the crate. You can easily buy dividers to help separate the crate area into smaller areas while your German Shepherd puppy is growing so that you can purchase one crate large enough to accommodate your puppy once it is an adult. Never crate a German Shepherd puppy for more than 2 or 3 hours except at night when it is sleeping. Your new GSD puppy needs lots of opportunities to exercise it's body and mind and overuse of the crate can easily lead to terrible behavior problems for bored or lonely German Shepherd puppies and dogs. If you get a wooden gate, watch your GSD puppy carefully to make sure that it doesn't chew it. Remember, with time the German Shepherd will grow large enough to easily jump over a regular baby gate once it is an adult. This is exactly where all that early training comes in. Collars as puppy supplies can easily be lifesavers! In an emergency you can easily grasp the collar and restrain him as necessary. The most important thing about the collar however is that it carries that very important ID tag, another important puppy supply. In case the dog is lost or stolen, many times this is the first thing someone who finds a stray dog will look for. It is also what helps many dogs get returned to their correct owner. Make sure that the information on the puppy ID tag is current and up to date. There are many different types of collars on the market. Buckle types are one choice, however, I prefer the quick release collars with the plastic clips. There have been a few instances where my GSD's have gotten caught up together while playing and these types of collars have been truly lifesaving. One press of the clip and the puppy collar is off. That would not have been the case if the dogs had been wearing buckle type or some other style of dog collar. I do not suggest ever leaving a choke collar on a dog or puppy full time. Neck injury or worse could easily happen if the German Shepherd were to get caught up in something. If put on incorrectly, and many people do, strangulation could easily occur to your GSD puppy. Here is an example of the quick release collars with the plastic clips that I mentioned earlier that are excellent dog collar choices. GSD Puppy Bedding Fabric bedding that keeps it's shape and is easy to vaccum is a great choice of bedding puppy supplies. Bedding that has a liner that can be taken off is another great plus so that you can wash it whenever necessary and put it back on later. Puppy Doggie Door Supplies If you have the great fortune of having a securely fenced yard for your German Shepherd puppy, then a doggy door is an invaluable puppy supply and aid in the puppy house training process. They can be purchased in several sizes large should be fine for the adult GSD and most can also be locked when you do not want your GSD puppy to go outside. German Shepherd Pooper Scooper puppy supplies Several varieties are available of this particular puppy supply and they are indeed a back saver and a nose saver as well when you are picking up after your GSD. However, if you can't get one, plain old plastic grocery bags work just as well and are basically free. Large kitty litter scoops are good choices of puppy supplies also for this particular purpose when you're in a pinch. GSD Puppy Head Halters These "easy lead" halters are an alternative to conventional puppy collars - the thinking behind them being that if you control and lead the head, that the body will follow. These restraint supplies are very similar to what horses have worn for centuries. It is really important that the fit be correct and that this not be worn without human supervision. Different types of brushes used on a GSD may include any or all of the following - pet shedding blade especially helpful while shedding , a slicker brush and a Rubber Curry Brush. Do not choose anything with small removable parts - and once the toys begin tearing apart go ahead and throw them away. Do not choose balls that are small enough to be swallowed by your puppy - it is best to choose balls bigger than your puppy can easily handle to cut down on this problem. Good choices for German shepherd dog toys are Nylabones , rubber bones , squeaky toys, hard rubber toys like Kongs , balls and plush faux wool toys. Given the suggestions for best puppy toy choices, keep in mind your dogs chewing habits. Aggressive chewers need one kind of toy but destructive chewers need something different all together and each of these dogs would require a different kind of toy. Stick type dog chews are not the best idea since they may become lodged in the German Shepherd's puppies throat. Overall, don't buy too many dog toys. It's a good idea to rotate the puppies toy selection to keep the puppy from getting bored, and from tearing them up quite so quickly. Also, this will help you to see what kind of toys your German Shepherd puppy prefers. Puppy Harnesses Some people prefer these puppy supplies, especially for puppies, and they are also quite good for dogs that are more skittish to head halters or traditional dog collars. Keep in mind that while these puppy supplies are actually quite safe that they do offer much less control than other types of dog collar restraints. Every GSD owner should have several 4 -6 foot leashes, preferably made of leather , but nylon or cotton types work also - they just don't last as long as the leather. All materials have their good and bad points and in many cases it simply comes down to an issue of supply preference as well a economic issue. Other choices are long training leads and show type dog leashes. The German Shepherd puppy will probably fuss with it at first but should soon get used to it. Keep an eye on the puppy while the leash is attached to make sure that it doesn't get hung up on something else. Also make sure that the GSD puppy doesn't chew it up while wearing it. When you do finally grab hold of the end of the dog leash, follow where the German Shepherd puppy goes while holding the end of the leash. After a bit you can take the lead and have the puppy follow you. Call the GSD puppy to you and reward him generously when he comes to you on lead. After a bit of training and practice the German Shepherd puppy should follow you easily. Don't struggle with the puppy at this point and if he resists lure him to you with a cookie or a treat of some sort. You do not want to get into a tug of war and you do not want to give in to the GSD puppy either. Keep luring the puppy to you with a treat and he'll eventually learn that it is good to do what he is asked to do and the GSD puppy will be rewarded for doing as asked. Here is one great leather leash to check into investing in. Chewing is also a very important factor in helping their incoming adult teeth settle properly. As the owner it is your job to help direct your new GSD puppy as to what things are healthy to chew on and which ones are not. Anti chew spray is just one of the helpful puppy supplies to help control destructive chewing by applying a very bad tasting spray on the object to discourage the dog from chewing on it. It is best to restrain your GSD while traveling to protect both your dog, your passengers and you. This is one of many important puppy supplies you will need for your new puppy. Puppy Health Insurance Puppy Insurance plans cover pets for thousands of medical problems and conditions relating to accidents, illnesses and injuries. One puppy insurance plan is listed for you below to check out at your convenience. Puppies bring a lot of joy to the family, but they also need a lot of attention. You must be prepared with all the supplies your puppy needs before he arrives home. Some of these supplies are basic while others will depend on your lifestyle. Some of the essentials that a German shepherd puppy needs include; leash, food, beddings, toys, insurance, collar, microchip, id tag, food, crates, treats, poop bags, grooming tools, among others. It helps to locate you if your puppy goes missing. Collar Find a sturdy collar for your puppy. It should be adjustable to accommodate growth. Do not tighten the collar so much; there should be a space where two fingers can fit in well but no more than that. Leash A recommendable leash for a puppy should be stretchable to about 6 to 10 feet in length. Always buy a leash made of dog-friendly materials. Crate When your new puppy gets home, he does not know what is expected of him. He will poo or pee anywhere that he wants, and this means a lot of cleaning work for you. A puppy dog crate will spare you all that stress; let me stay in the crate and let him out only when he needs potty breaks. Never force him to enter a crate. Buy a big crate which will still be useful as he gets old. If you like traveling a lot, buy a crate that can easily be folded for easy transport. Bedding A crate without a bed is very uncomfortable. Buy washable and comfy bedding materials that will fit in the crate. Bedding that does not allow leakage has an added advantage as your puppy will pee on it once in a while. Check out these dog beds that you can buy for your German Shepherd. Puppy Food On many occasions, the breeder or rescue center will give you the leftovers or tell you the puppy food brand that the puppy was feeding on. It is important to continue feeding the same food for some time before introducing a new diet. Consult your vet for advice. Treats Healthy puppy treats are important when potty training your puppy, convincing him to enter the crate or when training basic commandments. Refer to your vet for advice on the ideal treats for your puppy depending on his health. Food and Water Bowls Buy food and water bowls that are easy to clean and heavy to prevent being dragged everywhere by your dog. Make sure that you clean them daily to avoid your puppy feeding and drinking contaminated food and water. Always have them in pairs in case you want to travel. Poop Bag Poop bags are needed when you go out with your puppy either in the park, swimming, hiking, or long walks. Microchip A microchipped puppy will be easily traced whenever he goes missing. It takes less time to reunite the owner and the puppy compared to the Id tag method. Buy the one with clear sides to see the remaining food. You should also buy Food scoops to help you to measure the right amount of food to feed your puppy to avoid overfeeding. A Dog House An outdoor dog house should be well sheltered to offer protection for your puppy. It should be big enough to allow him to stand and stretch comfortably. You should not keep your valuable carpet inside as he will shred it as he plays. Do not keep your puppy in the dog house in the first days of arrival, keep him inside a crate, and keep it near your bedroom. This will make him feel your presence hence reducing the night cries. Toys Buy all types of toys for your puppy like; tug toys, teething toys , toy balls, puzzle toys, and plush toys. They will help in entertaining, distracting, and mental stimulation for your puppy. Grooming tools To ensure that your puppy is neat and attractive, buy nail cutters, shampoo, canine toothbrush and toothpaste, towels, dog wipe, dog mouth wash, and combs. Reliable Vet Have contact details for a reliable vet for emergency cases and normal checkups. A Groomer and Trainer A groomer is necessary to assist you in keeping your puppy looking nice. A professional trainer will assist in training and giving remedies for some bad puppy behaviors. If you need to travel or go to work, a pet sitter and boarding facility will take care of your puppy in your absence. Always keep their contact details. Insurance Pet insurance reduces the cost of medical bills in case your puppy gets ill. Carol is a paw parent, and her love for dogs started when she was just 5. She adores her two German Shepherds and a Bengal cat, who she says, "life would be incomplete without" Recent Posts. Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. An aggressive pound dog pouncing on you can get quite ugly fast. Think broken bones, damaged muscles, deep lacerations, bruises, scars, and expensive medical bills. German Shepherds have a bite force of PSI pound-force per square inch, or the measure of strength that a bite inflicts on the victim , compared to humans with a bite force of PSI. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association lists the German Shepherd as one of the six breeds with the most dangerous bites, based on a US study. Therefore, training your GSD to inhibit her bite is mandatory as it not only rewards you with a well-behaved dog, but also ensures your safety as well as the safety of the people around you. A crucial step towards correcting this nasty behavior is to first understand why German Shepherd puppies bite. Nipping or biting stems from various reasons. Understanding the root of the behavior will equip you with the proper corresponding countermeasures to correct it. German Shepherds Have a High Prey Drive One of the primary and distinct characteristics thatmake a German Shepherd a popular choice for police and military work is their high prey drive, coupled with their intelligence and high trainability. Take a look at the video below showing what GSDs were originally bred for. GSDs also have a natural inclination to chase almost everything that moves in their surroundings. They Are Teething As early as two weeks old, the baby teeth of pups start to come out. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is to be expected. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is six months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. Teething is very uncomfortable for puppies and can lead to sore gums, so puppies turn to anything to chew to soothe the discomfort. Unfortunately, this can include biting you! They May Be Taken From the Litter Too Early Young puppies learn to naturally inhibit their biting through socialization with their mother and their siblings. A puppy does not quite understand yet the force of her own bite unless she bites too hard and the recipient reacts by yelping out of pain. Taking a puppy away from her mother prematurely will therefore deprive her the chance to learn important socialization skills. As a rule of thumb, the American Kennel Club AKC recommends that you take home a puppy that is no less than eight weeks old. By this time, the puppy should have had ample time to interact with her playmates and learn bite inhibition. We concur that you should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in the U. This does not mean, however, that your puppy will completely stop nipping. As the new parent, it is your job to continue training the dog so that any subsequent bites should be gentler. For more on selecting the right German Shepherd puppy from a litter, including additional information on the proper age, what to look for in a puppy, and what to expect from ethical breeders, be sure to check out the 2 articles linked below: How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide The Puppy Might Be Overstimulated, Fearful, or Anxious Sometimes puppies lose control of their bite because of overstimulation. Overstimulation can happen during playtime, or when your puppy has become cranky due to teasing. Your GSD puppy may also bite out of fear. Your puppy has but 2 defenses — to run away or to bite. If your puppy feels cornered, then biting is the defense that she will most often resort to. Because biting is normal canine behavior and GSDs are a breed that is more prone to it, the goal here is to inhibit the bite, not completely stop it. Do Start Training Early We keep mentioning throughout this site that training and socializing your GSD as soon as you get her home is crucial. Although training older dogs is not impossible, it is true that it is easier to train younger puppies, when habits are still new and can be easily corrected. If left untrained, adult German Shepherds can be prone to aggression towards other animals and humans, which can result in tragic situations. To get a better understanding of what is involved with these necessary steps, be sure to read these 2 excellent articles: German Shepherd Training Guide: All You Need to Know Do Use Toys as Alternative Items to Chew Puppies will nib on your hands or your feet especially during the teething stage. Train this behavior away by offering the puppy a toy whenever she starts biting your hand or your ankles. This teaches her what is acceptable to bite and which is not. It is good practice to always keep a chew toy nearby in anticipation of the biting behavior. She needs to understand that biting ends playtime and that it does not give her anything in return. In the Alpha Roll , the human pins down the dog on the floor on his side or back and holds that position to exert dominance. Besides, it has also been proven in many studies that dogs have very different behavior from wolves. Pinning your dog will cause him to freeze out of fear, which can also turn into aggression. It also teaches your dog that physical touch is something to be feared. Nobody wants to be punished by hand, not humans and certainly not dogs either. Do Reward Good Behavior Dog trainers and experts agree that positive reinforcement using rewards are highly effective in forming and keeping desirable behaviors as a puppy matures into an adult dog. If her nose touches your fingers without biting them, give her a treat and praise generously. Hold off the treat if she bites. Do this repeatedly until she associates the treat the reward with not biting your hand the good behavior. In fact, most dog bite cases in children occurred because of teasing! Instead, teach your child to be gentle with your pet , as even unintentional rough play can result in unwanted events. Dogs get cranky too, especially when they get hurt or feel that their privacy is being invaded. Never leave your child alone with your puppy unattended. Supervise their interactions at all times. Studies show that parents trust their dog around their kids too much that they overlook the signs that the dog is in distress. For tug games, keep in mind, however, that your dog must be calm and not overstimulated before playing. Otherwise, your puppy may get too serious and hold on to the rope too much. The AKC recommends that for breeds that are prone to aggression such as German Shepherds, tug-of-war can be safely carried out if the puppy knows you are in control and follows your commands. Once this has been established, a game of tugging can be used both as an exercise and as a reward for your dog. When playing, always remember to be gentle with tugging as your puppy still has baby teeth! By doing this, you are also socializing your puppy with other animals — an essential skill to learn for a well-rounded behavior. That being said, do not completely write off playing with your puppy! Playtime is still an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog, but make sure to keep it safe and fun by establishing boundaries. This method, however, is a matter of trial and error. Some puppies respond to this positively. On the other hand, many puppies get aroused by this and become even more aggressive. If you yelp and she stops biting without expressing any signs of aggression, the method has perhaps worked. You are then free to continue doing so until the puppy learns to stop biting hard. On the other hand, temper tantrums, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , are characterized by a stiff body, lips pulled back to show teeth, and growling. Biting will be more forceful and painful, since the behavior is typically caused by fear or anger. A German Shepherd puppy may be more prone to displaying this behavior, especially around unruly children. Bite inhibition is crucial especially among German Shepherds, a breed that is widely reported to be the culprit of many dog bites in America. Bite inhibition is simply one of the many important skills that your GSD must learn during her training. It can spell the difference between gentle playing and aggressive biting that leads to serious injuries. Always remember that dogs have feelings, too. They are not perfect little angels that never get angry. Even the most well-mannered dog in the world will snap out of irritation.

Read on for detailed tips on when you should expect your Labradoodle to be trained and milestone ages. Did you know that back in , Labradoodles were bred by an Australian breeder Wally Conron for a blind woman whose husband had a dog allergy? Since then, Labradoodles have only grown in popularity. The average lifespan of a Labradoodle is around 10 to 14 years , and they come in three different sizes — miniature or toy, medium, and standard. Their sizes can also affect how they behave. Your Labradoodle will undergo various changes through every stage in their lives. Their five different life stages include: Puppyhood — 1 to 5 months Adolescence — 6 to 18 months Adulthood — until three years of age Middle Age — until seven years of age Old Age — the last stage; until 12 to 14 years of age. At every stage, your Labradoodle will depict different behaviors, and you will have to modify how you train them accordingly. Can Labradoodles smile? The correct training approach is to start coaching your Labradoodles from the first day when you bring them home. Compared to adult dogs, puppies are easier to train. You will have a much easier and fun time training them when and where to pee, how to socialize, how not to put everything in their mouth, how to stay away from chewing the new sofa set, etc. First 30 Days with a Labradoodle The first 30 days are an exciting time with new Labradoodles. With a crossbreed, you often have no idea what surprises are about to unfold. Your furry friend will obviously go on to explore every nook and cranny of your house. While you might feel like spending every second cuddling and playing around with them, this is the time when you should start training your dog. The sooner you begin, the more adaptable the routine becomes to the dog. When they are young, it is recommended that you initiate the process of Early Scent Introduction to amplify their senses. This will allow them to quickly identify and react to particular smells. A helpful activity is putting a leash on your Labradoodle while it walks around the house and sniffs different household objects. You can also include a few more games and habits into their routine to make them put their senses to good use. You will often find them jumping around the house and licking everyone. All their sensory organs will be heightened, so behaviors like wagging their tails and play-biting people will be common. If their erratic behavior changes are not kept in check, you might even find them baring teeth at anyone who attempts to touch their belongings or fiddle with the safe environment they are used to. Potty Training This is the age to establish a potty schedule for your puppy. Include multiple potty breaks throughout the day so that the dog knows where to go to release themselves. Train them to hold their pee in until they reach their designated point. Every time they successfully pee outside , make sure to reward them with a treat. Leash Training Leashes are going to be a life-long friend of your dogs. Make sure you introduce them to the concept of a leash right from the very beginning. It will help your Labradoodle get accustomed to the feeling of having a leash around them every time they are taken for a walk. When at home, put the leash on the dog, and let them walk around freely without pulling on it. Two Labradoodles sniff eachother out at a dog park. The puppyhood phase is about to end, and the new adulthood chapter is about to commence. By this time, they should have mastered most of the training commands and techniques so you can move on to teaching them more advanced training options. Loose leash training, clicker, and positive reinforcement training all become possible now. We must keep a strict eye on reinforcing positive behavior and obedience and redirect unwanted behavior with just as much consistency as when they were a young puppy. By this time, your dog should also be vaccinated, so they can go to a nearby park and play with other dogs. Command Training This is the stage when you start teaching your Labradoodle some basic commands. The best way to introduce it is during their mealtime. You can hold the food in your hands and use it to lure them. Identify a definite marker that you can use to communicate to your Labradoodle if they perform a particular command correctly or incorrectly. Sit with your Labradoodle on the floor and play around to try to communicate with them. Make them comfortable with your touch and sound. Find other puppies that your Labradoodle can spend time with. It is a good idea to begin socializing your puppy to help them become more comfortable with humans as well as other dogs. This will also reduce the risk of anxiety and fear, help them listen to others better, and ensure that they live a fulfilling and happy life. Regardless of what training routine you establish for your dog, make sure you only do it through positive reinforcement. Positive reinforcement is a reward-based training option. So, if your dog successfully performs a task or follows a command, you praise them or reward them with treats. You can use a favorite treat or a toy to encourage them to follow the command again. Avoid punishing your dog at all costs as it would instill life-long fear in them. Use puzzle toys and different mentally stimulating exercises to improve their physical and mental capabilities even simple food toys like frozen Kongs or slow feeder bowls do the trick. Our best Labradoodle name ideas. I am sure you have been planning the arrival of your Labradoodle and are excited for all the joy and happiness they are about to bring into your life. I got a puppy a few months back too, and there are a few tips I wish someone had told me about before: Have two separate bowls ready for your Labradoodle — one for food and one for water. Feed them with food specific to their breed, and make sure to replace their bowl with fresh water every day. Proper nutrition and a balanced diet are part and parcel of a good puppy training routine. You can also treat them with a toy every time they follow the commands you teach them. Invest in a comfortable dog bed. Although bedding can be expensive, your Labradoodle needs a decent place to relax. Make sure the size of the bed is appropriate, neither too big nor too small. Puppy-proof your house before the new member settles in. Keeping the electrical cords out of reach, properly latching the doors and windows to avoid risking your puppy wandering off, and designating a specific bathroom area for the puppy are some of the vital precautions you must take. It not only keeps them clean and smelling fresh but also eliminates the risk of illnesses and diseases in your dog. But they still need to be regularly groomed to avoid matting. To do this, however, you need to train your Labradoodles to be comfortable with the different grooming tools and sit still for some time. Here are a few tips on how you can do that successfully: Sensitize your Labradoodle to the sounds of different grooming equipment like nail trimmers, scissors, combs, brushes, etc. Play with their paws and make them feel comfortable. You should massage their feet and touch their nails to make them feel at ease with your touch. The more you delay grooming your dog regularly, the more complex and painful the procedure will get. Brushing becomes easy, pain-free, and you will be surprised to see your Labradoodle eventually starting to look forward to it. While doing facial trims, your dog needs to remain calm and still. To do a facial trim, gently hold their head in one hand and rest their chin on another. There are high chances your dog will be placed in a crate when attending grooming sessions at a salon. So make them accustomed to being placed inside a crate at home. You can keep their favorite toys and treats inside to make them feel more comfortable. Most of the advanced Labradoodle training options and methods are built on basic training methods. If your Labradoodle has successfully mastered basic training skills, the advanced training period will be relatively easy. If you want your dog to behave even better and learn new tricks, or get them registered as a service dog or a guide dog, or make them participate in an upcoming dog event, you can consider enrolling them in professional advanced training courses. Labradoodles, as the name suggests, are a cross between Poodles and Labradors, combining the best characteristics of both breeds. Labradoodles are bred to be friendly and loving and they are very easy to train. In terms of background, if the breeder or adoption service you got your pup from did not start any training, then you will have to start slow and be patient. A Labradoodle that has been trained and brought up well can serve as the perfect service dog, guide dog, or therapy dog. Are Labradoodles Easy To Train? Labradoodles are great companions that can fit in as easily in a large family as they can in a small one. They are easy to train, friendly, social, and intelligent. If they are trained consistently, they develop a friendly temperament and bond well with their owners. Do Labradoodles Bark Excessively? As with any other breed of dog, Labradoodles are at high risk of barking excessively if they are not adequately trained or if their day-to-day requirements are not met. A Labradoodle has a lot of energy. If the energy is not channeled in the right place through coaching, exercising, and proper stimulation, they might get stressed and anxious and bark unreasonably. A Red Miniature Labradoodle looks happy in the studio. Final Words The happiness that comes with having a Labradoodle as your companion and raising them is unmatched. However, as with any other dog, training them involves hard work and discipline. I hope this guide makes Labradoodle training easy for you. The biggest hurdle you may face when training your dog is a lack of motivation and consistency. Luckily, Labradoodles are inclined to learn from their owners quicker than other breeds. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Get Started Labradoodle Training We know how challenging it can be training your doodle puppy, and adjusting your new puppy's schedule and routine to yours. Below are some tips and suggestions on how to make your puppies first few weeks together with you and your family a stress free and exciting time for all involved! Bringing Your New Puppy Home The first few days home with you, can be overwhelming for your new puppy. Everything is a new experience to them. Try to bring the puppy into your home during a time that is slow for you. Once you arrive home with your puppy, you want to start a routine as quickly as possible. Try giving your puppy a few minutes of playtime before beginning any training. This is brought on by the stress of a big change, and as long as it is not excessive or bloody, it is nothing to be concerned about. High quality Puppy and Dog foods have all the necessary vitamins and nutrients that your dog needs. One ingredient to avoid in your puppy food is corn. Corn offers little nutritional value and is mostly a filler. You may feed your puppy whatever food you prefer. However, If you are changing foods, you want to do it slowly to give them a chance to adjust to the new food. Each day, gradually add more of the new food and less of the old food. If changed too quickly, the puppy may experience diarrhea. Once in the morning and once at night. We recommend the evening feeding to occur by - pm. It is recommended that you do this until they are around 6 months of age. Remember to offer water every 2 to 4 hours, not just when offering food. As with feeding we don't like to give water too close to bedtime when training a labradoodle puppy. House Training Your Labradoodle Puppy "The key to house training is to prevent accidents from happening in the first place. Such deterrence may seem impossible if you have a puppy that seems to eliminate every few minutes. But by following a few simple steps, you can teach your canine companion proper potty deportment. Pick A Potty Spot - Choose a grassy area that is close to your home and easy to clean up. Whenever your puppy needs to go, take him to this spot and use the same route to get there every time. Supervise Your Puppy - To prevent accidents, watch your puppy closely whenever he's not confined. Get Him A Den a crate, more on that below - When you can't watch your puppy, put him where accidents are less likely to occur: In a crate. The crate is a safe, enclosed area where your puppy will instinctively refrain from eliminating. Put your puppy in its crate any time you can't watch it every single second, but don't leave your pup there too long. No more than one hour longer than its age in months four hours for a 3-month-old dog. Keep A Schedule - Puppies need to eliminate after sleeping, eating, and playing, and before bedtime. By setting up a schedule for those activities, you can make your puppy's bathroom breaks more predictable and greatly reduce the likelihood of accidents. Stick With It - It may take awhile before your puppy becomes trained. If this process sounds like work ,it is, but the better you do it -or in other words, the fewer accidents you have while training-the more quickly your dog will succeed. Crate Training Your Labradoodle I have heard many people say that crate training is mean and only serves as a punishment to the dog. They couldn't be more wrong. These are some of the many benefits of crate training: Crates are perfect for the dog to sleep in. When a dog is coming into a home where other dogs already live, the crate is a safe place for the new dog. You should never confine your pet as a form of punishment. Make sure that you invest in a good sturdy crate made either of hard plastic or of heavy steel wire. Cages with rounded edges make it easier to clean them. Make sure the cage is big enough for the dog. Puppies need a cage that is appropriate for their size. They have crates that can be divided so that a large cage can work for a smaller puppy. This eliminates the need to buy several different cages as the puppy grows. We hope you have success training your doodle puppy and find it as rewarding as we have! Follow Along on Social Media! Popular Links. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one bathroom break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cozy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last potty stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy potty training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialization is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialization exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Yard The yard is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the apartment side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. If you put in the effort early on, then you will be rewarded with a well-mannered dog who will be a joy to spend time with for years to come. Labradoodles are intelligent, friendly, and playful, but if you let your youngster do whatever he wants and allow him to think that he is the boss, then you may well end up with a naughty, attention-seeking adult. Lack of training usually plays a big part in why the dog develops some unwanted behavior traits. If you want a dog that you can take anywhere and who will be a perfect companion, rather than a pain in the neck, then spend time early on teaching him some manners and your ground rules. You may consider seeking the help of a professional trainer, but that option may not be practical or within the budget. This way, your puppy will get to learn and socialize with other dogs at the same time. You could also watch some Labradoodle training videos on YouTube, but it should not replace training with other dogs. If you decide to train your Doodle yourself, then remember the golden rule: training should always be based on rewards and not punishment. It should be a positive learning experience for both of you. Labradoodles can be sensitive little critters, and bawling at the top of your voice or smacking should not play any part in training. Are Labradoodles Easy to Train? Labradoodles are very intelligent and generally regarded as easy to train due to their easy-going temperaments and desire to connect with and please their humans. They have curious minds, and most will thrive on training if they get the chance to exercise their grey matter with some fun. Some Labradoodles are professionally trained to a very high standard to become guide or therapy dogs. Over the years, Labradoodles, especially Australian Labradoodles , have been bred with a specific easy-going temperament in mind. Early Labradoodles were often headstrong and hyper-active, but well-bred Aussie Doodles these days usually have great personalities and fit well into family life. Like most dogs, Labradoodles are pack animals and hierarchical. They respect the pecking order and are happy when they know and are comfortable with their place in it. They need to learn their place in the pack and accept you as a pack leader. You cannot force this on a dog by shouting and hitting. It has to be established by the natural order of things like mutual consent and brought about by proper training. If your puppy is not made aware of his place in the household and the rules to abide by, then he will end up ruling you and your family. Be firm, but never aggressive with your dog. If you do it wrong then, you will either frighten him or teach him to be aggressive. Keep training short and fun, especially at the beginning. If you have adopted an older dog, you can still train him, but it is a lot harder for them to unlearn bad habits. Training Tip 2: Your voice is your most important training tool Your dog has to learn to understand your language. The tone of your voice is very important. You should command in a calm, authoritative voice without shouting. Praise the puppy in a cheerful, encouraging voice, followed by a stroke or a pat. If your dog has done something wrong, use a firm, stern voice, not a harsh scream. This rule still applies even if your Labradoodle is unresponsive at the beginning. Training Tip 3: Only give command that you can enforce Labradoodles are intelligent dogs. Training Tip 4: Train your dog gently and humanely. Use positive and motivational methods to teach your puppy. Keep training sessions upbeat, so the whole experience is enjoyable for both of you. Training Tip 5: Begin your training from home How well your dog responds to you at home affects his behavior away from home as well. Training Tip 6: One command equals one response Give your dog only one command — twice maximum — then gently enforce it. Repeating commands or nagging will make your Labradoodle tune out. It also tells him that the first few commands are a bluff. But a relationship based on fear is not a good one, and it will undermine your relationship with him. He should trust that when he hears his name, good things happen. His name should always be a word that your Doodle responds to with enthusiasm, never hesitancy or fear. If he gets lots of attention when he jumps up on you, his bad behavior gets reinforced. Training Tip Timing is critical When your puppy does something right, praise him immediately. Similarly, when he does something wrong, correct him straight away. This technique works surprisingly well. Training Tip Give your dog attention when YOU want Labradoodles are sociable creatures, and they love being with you and involved with the family. While you are training him, it is good to give your puppy lots of positive attention when he is good. But if he starts jumping up, nudging you constantly or barking for your attention, then ignore him. If you give in to his every demand, then he will begin to think that he is the boss and become more demanding. Wait a while and pat him when you want, and when he has stopped demanding your attention. Training Tip Be Consistent In terms of rules and training, treat your fluffy little Doodle pup as a grown-up. Make him abide by the rules you want him to live by as an adult. You may want to put your pup on a leash to hold his attention in the beginning. Stand facing each other and hold a treat a few inches above his head. Stroke and praise him for as long as he stays in the sitting position. Practice it in short sessions until he does it every time. After a while, he should do it just from command, without moving the treat over him. When he does, give him a treat anyway. If he jumps up on his back legs and paws while you are moving the treat, be patient, and start all over again. Another method is to put one hand on his chest and with your other hand, gently push down on his rear end until he is sitting. Give him a treat and praise, even though you have made him do it. For example, when you are putting his leash on, while you are preparing his meal, when he fetches the ball, or when he is demanding attention or getting over-excited. They do it all the time with their siblings in the litter. It is a game for them. But when they arrive at your home, they have to be taught that human body parts are not for biting. Try not to encourage play-biting. As a puppy grows and feels more confident in his surroundings, and he may become slightly more aggressive. His bites may hurt someone, especially if you have children or older people at home. Make sure to have a soft toy nearby every time you have a play session with your puppy. When he starts to chew your hand or feet, clench your fingers or toes to make it more difficult and distract him with the soft toy in your other hand. Keep the game interesting by moving the toy around or rolling it around in front of him. He may continue to chew you, but will eventually realize that the toy is far more exciting and livelier than your body parts. If he becomes over-excited or too aggressive with the toy and starts growling a lot, then stop playing with him, and walk away. If your pup is more persistent and tries to bite your legs as you walk away, thinking this is another fantastic game, stand still and ignore him. Your puppy may well jump back in amazement, surprised that he has hurt you. Train a Labradoodle Not to Jump The reason why a labradoodle jumps up onto humans is that they want to get your attention and say hello. As you are taller than him, he has to jump to get your attention. Sadly, it might not be enjoyable for your guests or other people having an unknown dog jumping on them. As a dog owner, you must stop your dog from bothering other people. You can try the below techniques to train your labradoodle not to jump: When your dog starts jumping, follow training tip 9. Do not look into his eyes and stand straight up with your arms crossed. When his paws touch the ground, pat him. Repeat the exercise until he stops jumping. If your dog is jumping on a guest, then ask your guest to turn around and ignore him. Labradoodle Crate Training Crate training is the process of teaching your pup how to behave and enjoy spending time in a crate. Along with housetraining, this is one of the first things you should do when you get a new puppy. The idea behind crate training is that dogs like to have their particular spot. This place is a Safe Haven where only they can go. It teaches them to hold it until they are let outside to potty. Crates are not for every Labradoodle, and you should NEVER use them to imprison the dog while you are out of the house all day. Doodles are not like hamsters or pet mice, which can adapt to life in a cage. But, used correctly, a crate can help to: Housetrain your dog Keep your dog safe when traveling Create a doggy bedroom or place where your Labradoodle feels safe. If you use a crate, then remember that it is NOT a prison to restrain the dog. It should only be used humanely, and time should be spent to make the puppy feel like the crate is his safe little haven. Place the crate in the corner of a room, away from cold draughts or too much heat. Labradoodles like to be near their pack so, leave him where he can hear you. Crate Training Here are some techniques that you can follow to make your puppy to accept a crate and then to want to spend time in there. He might not be very happy about going in at first, but he will be a lot easier to crate train than an adult dog Drop a few tasty treats around and then inside the crate. Keep the door open. Do not close the crate door yet. Place a chew or treat inside the crate and close the door while your pup is outside the crate. He will be desperate to get in. Open the door to let him in and praises him. Fasten a long-lasting chew inside the crate and leave the door open. Let your puppy go inside and spend some time eating the chew. After a while, close the crate door and feed him some treats through the mesh. At first, do it for a few seconds at a time, then gradually increase the time. If you do it too fast, he will become distressed. Slowly build up the amount of time he is in the crate. For the first few days, stay in the room, then gradually leave the room for a short time, first one minute, then three, then 10, 30 minutes, and so on. The next points are very important to make the crate training successful: Do not let the dog immediately out of the crate while he is barking, or he will think that barking is the key to opening the door to the crate. Wait until the barking or whining has stopped for at least 10 seconds before letting him out. If you do decide to use a crate, remember that a dog is NOT a caged animal. Use the crate for limited periods and only if your dog is comfortable in there. NEVER force a dog to go in and then lock him in for hours on end. From about the age of three weeks, a puppy will leave his sleeping area to go to the toilet. Therefore, you need to teach him that it is unacceptable to make a mess anywhere inside the home. It depends on how quickly your puppy learns and how persistent and patient you are. Follow these steps to speed up the potty-training process: Constant supervision is essential for the first few weeks if you want to house train your puppy quickly. This is why it is necessary to book the week off work when you bring a new puppy home. Making sure you are there to take him outside regularly. If nobody is there, he will learn to urinate or poop inside the house. Take your puppy outside to the same place every time. Dogs naturally develop a preference for going in the same spot or on the same surface -often grass. Take him to the same patch every time, so he learns this is his toilet — preferably an area in a far corner of your garden or yard. No pressure — be patient. You must allow your Doodle pup to wander around and have a good sniff before he does his duties. Stay around a short distance away instead of leaving him. Sadly, puppies are not known for their powers of concentration. They may become easily distracted, and it may take a while for them to select that perfect spot to wee pee on! Share the responsibility. Just make sure you stick to the same routines and patch of ground. Take your pup outside at the following times: As soon as he wakes — every time Shortly after each feed. With proper training, they make wonderful companions and family pets. In this blog, we'll explore some tips and tricks for training your Labradoodle puppy to help them become a well-behaved and obedient furry friend. Start Early: The earlier you start training your Labradoodle puppy, the better. At a young age, puppies are more receptive to learning and are more likely to form positive associations with training. Use Positive Reinforcement: Positive reinforcement is a powerful tool in puppy training. Use treats, praise, and affection to reward good behavior and encourage your puppy to continue doing the right thing. Consistency is Key: Consistency is key when it comes to training your puppy. Use the same commands and cues every time you train your puppy, and be consistent in your expectations and consequences. Short and Sweet Sessions: Puppies have short attention spans, so keep training sessions short and sweet. Potty Training: Potty training is one of the most important aspects of puppy training. Start by taking your puppy outside first thing in the morning, after eating, and before bedtime. Reward them for going potty outside, and be patient and consistent with the process. Basic Commands: Start with basic commands such as "come," "sit," "stay," and "heel. Socialization: Socialization is crucial for Labradoodle puppies. Introduce your puppy to new people, places, and experiences in a positive and controlled manner to help them grow into confident and well-behaved dogs. Training your Labradoodle puppy takes patience, persistence, and consistency, but the rewards are well worth it. By following these tips and tricks, you'll have a well-behaved and obedient furry friend in no time. The Labradoodle is a gorgeous cross between a Labrador Retriever and a Poodle, and the Goldendoodle is an adorable mix between a Golden Retriever and a Poodle. Characteristics and traits can vary significantly because these pups are a hybrid breed, but they are usually incredibly people-focused, laid back, and playful, making Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training an enjoyable moment. Doodles make awesome pets, especially if their owners fully comprehend the importance of training from a young age. The type of adult dog breed you end up with depends a little bit on their personality and a lot on how you take care of them. Before you begin Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training, it helps to decide exactly what kind of dog you want to have. Do Plenty of Research It is vital that you have an understanding of canine learning theory because dogs learn very differently from people. A puppy does whatever it can to get what it desires the most at that moment. There are plenty of online resources that can teach you about methods to get the best out of your training. It may be helpful to consult a puppy training professional or spend some time at doggy school to get a headstart and pick up tips from experts. Your pup is a blank slate — with your guidance, they can develop the traits and learn the behaviors that you value the most. Labradoodle and Goldendoodle puppies are curious and they love exploring their new home as they make it their own. Getting it right during the early stages sets a precedent for the rest of their life. Spending as much time as you can with them helps build the foundation for a happy, confident and well-behaved dog. Form a Bond and Gain Trust With Your Doodle Before you do anything, you will need to develop a strong bond with your new pal to make sure they trust you. Try to keep your own energy as calm as possible — they bounce off you. While it may be tempting to get excited by their cuteness and mirror their enthusiasm, this makes it more difficult for them to listen to you and regulate their own behavior. Teach your furry friend what to expect from the moment they get into the home to stop them from getting confused. Use Positive Reinforcement Intimidation or fear tactics are never the best way to build a loving and secure bond between you and your fur baby. To make the most of this method, reward your pooch for good behavior and ignore bad behavior. Treats, verbal praise, and clicker training reward them for a job well done. This also helps them to make positive associations with you and training time. Everyone has their own list of priorities and yours will depend on factors such as whether you have children or other pets. Potty training is a straightforward, formulaic process that your new puppy will adapt to. A consistent routine is the key to getting them toilet trained as efficiently and effectively as possible. Let them outside at the same time each day, and take them to the same spot. In the early days, it may be difficult for them to make it all the way through the night, so try to make provisions for this stage. Select a word for them to associate with potty training and repeat it over and over whenever you take them to the toilet. Every time they do their business outside, give them lots of cuddles and praise, treat them and play one of their favorite games. There will be setbacks — getting it right takes time! If they mess in the wrong place, take them outside to their toileting spot and give them the chance to relieve themselves. We cannot emphasize the importance of praising them when they get it right enough! Crate Training Not everyone opts to crate train their puppy, but it can be useful for the earliest stages of Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training. The crate gives them a safe place they can call their own. Be sure to make the time they spend in the crate a positive experience, and never leave them in there for more hours than their age in months plus one hour. For example, a three-month-old puppy can be kept in their crate for no more than four hours. Socialization Dogs are social animals, and Goldendoodles and Labradoodles, in particular, are happiest when they spend time pleasing people and playing. However, building confidence takes effort and guidance from their pet parent. If you want to ensure they grow up to have a balanced personality, you need to expose them to plenty of dogs, people and different situations. Take them out and about as much as possible to help them become accustomed to a range of noises, sights and sounds. Bring them to a local dog park to get them used to spending time around other dogs. Manners Your adorable little pup has the potential to develop a host of bad habits, but these behaviors can be nipped in the bud. Temperament and Dealing with Small Children There are several steps to take while getting your canine cutie used to being a member of a family with children. Both pup and child will need to have clear boundaries mapped out for them so they can build mutual trust and be kind to each other. Let the child practice with a toy before they pick up or cuddle the pup. Ensure the child sits down when they play with the dog; this helps to prevent the pup from getting overexcited. Teach the child to do small tasks to help care for the dog, such as filling the bowl or helping with grooming. Knowing what to expect according to the time of day helps them to settle and feel reassured. Always wake them up at the same time, feed and walk them around the same time and do training exercises at a set time. Patience Is Everything! The best piece of advice for Goldendoodle and Labradoodle training is to have patience. Spend lots of time bonding and playing with your pooch so you can make training something fun that you both enjoy. Over 6 Months Old 8 week old Labradoodle Puppy Training At 8 weeks old your puppy has only just arrived home, so your main focus will be on helping them to settle in, bonding and starting that all important potty training process. Potty Training Your brand new puppy will need to have the opportunity to pee as much as every twenty minutes for the first few days. They will also need to pee or poop after every meal, and every big drink. Socialization Have four different sets of visitors to the house, and go to at least four busy places with the puppy in your arms. Sweet Goodbyes Puppies find it hard to be left alone, so we like to sweeten up those goodbyes with treats! Every time you need to briefly leave the room, drop a handful of kibble behind you to make it seem like a good thing for your pup. Follow me Puppies are naturally inclined to follow you at 8 weeks old, and you want to encourage that instinct. When outdoors in the backyard change direction lots, and give lots of treats and cuddles in exchange for them coming after you. Recall Blow your recall whistle we use five short pips when your puppy is running full pelt towards you. They will have started to understand that outdoors is the place to pee, and have gained a tiny bit of bladder control. But they will still need a lot of help! Socialization should still be in full swing this week, and your increasingly confident puppy will need help remembering to keep her teeth to herself. Potty Training Your puppy will still need lots of opportunity to pee outdoors in order to reduce accidents. Socialization Meeting people is really important this week. Take your puppy to four new places, and have four sets of visitors. Carry them while you are outdoors. Rewarding Eye Contact Whenever your puppy looks up at your face, pop a treat in between her paws or into her mouth. This will start to encourage her to look up at you more often, in the hopes of something scrummy. We close our treat laden palm when the puppy approaches, open it again as they back oiff and feed the treats to them with the other hand. This helps them to start learning that staying calm and keeping a little distance will get you treats quicker than biting and snatching at them. This week you might start to see those teeth come into action. Remember to remove attention from the puppy when they bite hard on your skin. At just under 3 months old your puppy will have lots of confidence, and be accidentally getting themselves into all sorts of jams unless you are really careful. The window for socialization is closing soon, so make the most of those last couple of weeks to build up their knowledge of people and the world around them. Potty Training At 10 to 12 weeks your puppy will be able to hold its bladder for maybe as long as two and a half hours during the day. If you get an accident in the house, reduce that time down again. And make a note of when your puppy pees so as not to lose track. Over these weeks try to go to two new busy places and two new sets of visitors each week. Rewarding calm behavior Now is the time to help your dog learn to relax. Every time you catch your Labradoodle puppy relaxing, pop a treat between their paws. This will encourage her to chill out even more! Introduce off leash heel position You can start to teach your dog to walk nicely next to you at this point. We begin this process by reinforcing them for standing next to you with the clicker and treats. Recall To work on your recall, whistle your puppy for running towards you as you run away. Give them lots of treats as a reward when they arrive. You can also whistle when giving meals to build up strong positive associations with this cue. Bite inhibition Labradoodle puppy biting can really ramp up at this age. Remember to remove attention when your puppy bites hard. Either standing up, or even leaving the room or popping them in their crate or playpen temporarily while they calm down. This is your final chance for socialization, and it needs to be carried out in a more relaxed way. But at least you can pop your pup on the ground now! Recall Whistle your puppy for running towards you as you walk away, rewarding them with lots of treats when they arrive. Stand with your puppy on the leash, and carry them between locations so as not to upset future heelwork progress. Introduce sit We introduce the sit at this stage, but in a very relaxed informal way. We do so indoors only, when there are no distractions. This is begun without a cue or command, by capturing the position. Potty training should be pretty established. Your goal is to encourage your dog to focus on you and to become a well mannered member of the family. Your puppy should still be given the chance to pee at least every two to three hours. As well as after meals! Changing directions Puppies are more confident at this age, so you need to keep them keen to stay near you. When outdoors in the backyard or at the dog park, keep changing direction regularly. Be unpredictable, and when they follow you back it up with lots of fuss and treats. Off leash heelwork Off leash heelwork training moves from establishing the position to taking a few steps forwards at this stage. Make sure you use lots of praise, and only practice in a familiar, boring area. And one with no distractions! Go slowly, and make sure your pup stays focussed on you. Introduce down We also introduce the down position at this age. This is done without a cue like the sit was the previous month, by capturing the position. Advancing the sit The sit advances further at this stage. Once that is well established, you can begin to very slightly increase duration and distance one by one. Adding distance, duration or distractions to things they already know. Where you get your dog used to doing as you ask them, in different locations or with distractions. Or for longer! Adding distance, duration or distractions We do this step by step, only increasing one thing at a time. So if you want your dog to sit for longer, you will do it somewhere they already happily sit and with no one else around. And thinking of adding a distraction like another dog? Then do it somewhere they are familiar with, and with that dog a long way away to begin with. On leash heelwork We love teaching heelwork off leash. It helps your dog to walk nicely next to you, without ever having the opportunity to pull. A dog that has never wandered ahead is less likely to try to do so even with a leash. Training Methods I cannot recommend positive reinforcement training enough. Positive reinforcement involves rewarding your dog when they do something that you want them to, by giving them something they like. Food is usually the best thing to motivate your dog with, but toys work well for some dogs too. When you use positive methods you can start training your puppy from the very first day they arrive in your home. And logical to know how far you expect a puppy to be able to have come at different developmental stages. Labradoodles are clever and focussed, but they also have a fairly high prey drive. Training is a marathon, not a sprint, and every dog takes their own time. Just remember to only move on to more challenging training situations for them when they have totally mastered the stage before. Related Articles. If you would like one of these wonderful dogs for your family, please take the time to fill out our owner application. Application Form Care and Training Trainers agree that most pet problems which dog owners experience have to do with the training they receive and the excess freedom they are given in the home. Your Labradoodle puppy is a sweet, intuitive, intelligent dog and capable of being a pleasing companion. Labradoodles enjoy training, playtime, and direction. If you take the time to establish your loving authority early on, you will reap the benefits for years to come. Train your pup to be a good canine citizen and a welcome addition to your neighbourhood. I have listed common mistakes which owners make, and a way for you to prevent those hardships. Click on the links below to read the tip, click on the link again to close them. Mistake 1: Not being puppy-educated. Attend a puppy kindergarten class if possible, and read several training books before your new pup arrives. Do role-playing with your children on sit, stay, and come commands, with you being the puppy and your child being the trainer. You will need to teach your children firmness in voice commands. Mistake 2: Idealistic expectations. Dogs are expensive. Dogs are trouble. Dogs are frustrating. Dogs are noisy. Dogs are messy. Be prepared for the bumps in the road a chewed shoe , and the valleys an emergency trip to the vet when an army man gets swallowed. You will be a much happier owner if you have realistic expectations. Mistake 3: Lack of communication with children or adult owners. What are your expectations for your children? Do you want your new pup to teach them responsibility? Be reasonable about how you expect your children to fit into the life of your new pet. A good way to begin your puppy adventure is with a contract between you and your children which states the needs of the puppy with clear plans for who will meet these needs. An example follows: By having a contract in advance, if your child balks at taking your dog on a walk, you may remind them of the agreement they signed. Mistake 4: Not being prepared to sacrifice. My husband and I often laugh about our experience bringing home our first child. We had spent weeks attending classes and breathing, reading books and breathing, visiting delivery rooms and more breathing. Then the delivery occurred. Days later, we brought home this squirmy, screeching, sleepless boy with no idea what to do with him. Be prepared for the worst, and then reality will be a cupcake. Exercise your pup well before your bedtime. Do not offer water within a few hours of your bedtime. At bedtime, put your puppy in the crate with his comfort toys which the breeder sent along with him. Expect whining for a good long bit, but do not cave in and let your puppy sleep with you. Coo and comfort your new pup; pet him through the crate. You have the wisdom and you are in charge. You can train your pup to sleep through the night. Your goal is the get the little sweetheart through the night with only two potty outings, perhaps around AM and AM, but never wake a sleeping puppy — let him wake you. During potty outings, do not cuddle or comfort your pup, although you will always carry your pup to the door in the beginning weeks of housebreaking, rather than have him walk. While on this nighttime potty outing, communicate to him that this is strictly business. Take him to his designated potty place and set him down. Then go back to bed, settling him into his crate. This should only last a few nights, and he will soon surprise you by stretching a few more hours between potty outings. Always check his crate with your hand for a mistake. There is no need to scold mistakes at this stage. Simply remove his bedding and replace with dry bedding. Then, after he becomes fond of his crate in a few days, you may return to your bed. He will feel secure, and you will feel your sacrifice has been worthwhile. Mistake 5: Expecting housebreaking too soon. Many authors and even some trainers tout methods of housebreaking guaranteeing results in eight weeks. Most trainers would say that this is not a reasonable for all puppies. While some puppies may possibly be housebroken at that age, it is rare. For a puppy to be reliably housebroken, it must first meet a physiological developmental milestone in control. While most puppies will be housebroken before that, it is wise to have reasonable expectations. Mistake 6: Too much freedom too soon. Your puppy will naturally want to keep his crate clean, provided it is only small enough for him to turn around in. Instead, begin immediately with crate training, which is the most humane and natural living quarters for your pup. By nature he wants a safe den to cuddle in remember his wolf ancestry. Your pup will be very sleepy in the beginning weeks, so take advantage of this. After each potty outing will be your play time, cuddle time, and training time. Afterwards, you will return him to his crate for a nap. The playtime may be done in a small area 6-foot by 6-foot which you designate as his romper room. This area, as well as the crate, should be in a part of the home the family gathers in, such as the kitchen. A flexible gate system is a terrific option. This system will keep your pup safe from the myriad of choking hazards throughout your home. The flexible gate and crate combination prevents those unwanted accidents — in short, it will keep your stress level low. My mistake with this system was in allowing my pups freedom beyond the gate before they were tried and true. Be quite sure your pup is housebroken reliably before extending his boundaries. When you do choose to extend the boundaries beyond the pen, do it gradually, adding a room at a time. Wait several weeks or a month of no accidents before you expand boundaries again. It is wise to have agreement early on as to which rooms will eventually be opened to your pet and which will not. If you plan for your puppy to never enter the study, for example, then make that known ahead of time. Most trainers suggest that your trained dog should sleep on a dog bed beside your bed, but not on the bed. This prevents them from thinking that they are on your level of authority in the pack of your family. We routinely break this rule. Do as the trainers say, not as we do. Praise him cheerfully. This takes commitment, and your pup should only be out of the pen when you are willing to pay attention and do training. Mistake 7: Using too many words. Your Labradoodle will be trained faster if everyone in your home uses the same terminology during training. Mistake 8: Grazing and over-treating. We hope you will feed your Labradoodle with excellent health as your goal. At eight weeks, your puppy will need to eat three times a day on a regular schedule. The last feeding should be before PM. No treats or water after dinner is best to help your dog achieve housebreaking. Feedings should be in the crate. Take your puppy out for potty immediately after a meal. After the meal has been offered for fifteen minutes, the food is removed. Keep track of how much your pup eats during the first months, as your vet may find this helpful. The reason that continual feeding or grazing is not best is twofold: It solidifies your role as the alpha, provider of the meal, and it also prevents your dog from becoming obese. Obesity in dogs is never healthy and may be an environmental factor contributing toward hip dysplasia. Treats should be given only for performing a command. It is expensive and does not provide the pure nutrients your growing pup requires. Instead of junk treats, fill your treat jar with a premium-quality dry dog food which you do not currently use. For example, if you currently use Innova chicken, try a salmon-based food for treats. On the subject of food, not all dog food is equal. Most grocery store brands of kibble contain a high percentage of fillers. The fillers themselves may have been in contact with pesticides or other chemicals. Never will you see a particular cut of beef listed, which means your dog food choice could be filled with parts you and I do not want to discuss. There are commercial dog foods available which use human-grade standards, rather than animal standards. Ask in a premium pet store about human standards. You will pay much more for human-standard food, but your dog will eat considerably less, since it is packed with the nutrients his body craves. Most dog enthusiasts believe that chicken- or fish-based foods are digested more easily. Fish oils have been known to be beneficial to prevent scratching in dogs who experience dry skin due to environment, weather or allergies. Potty Training tips from Perfect Paws. Confinement to a small area such as a bathroom or an enclosed exercise pen in combination with confinement to a crate works best. This method is the most effective and flexible. When and how to use confinement is described in detail below. Read more about potty training from Perfect Paws. Puppy Patch Labradoodles Email: click to email About our Puppies Our Australian Labradoodles are allergy and asthma friendly with low to non-shedding coats. A cross between a labrador and a poodle and multi-generational, our puppies are thoroughly socialized. Please browse our site to see the latest puppy litters and our breeder policies. Recent News.

It is a cross between the Pug and the Staffordshire Bull Terrier. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross. It is possible you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generational crosses. Please review individual breeds for potential health issues. Pug Breed Description - Cross 1 The pug is a toy dog with a wrinkly, short-muzzled face and curled tail. The breed has a fine, glossy coat that comes in a variety of colors, although often black or fawn, and a compact square body with well-developed muscles. Pugs were brought from China to Europe in the seventeenth century and were popularized in Western Europe. Pugs remain popular into the twenty-first century, with some famous celebrity owners. Behavior Affectionate, intelligent, and gentle, this little lap dog is a good-natured pet but can be exclusive and touchy. He does not tolerate children well. The rambunctious Pug puppy becomes a calm, poised adult. He seldom barks and is not a watchdog, despite being reserved toward strangers. He needs firm, very early training. Staffordshire Bull Terrier Breed Description - Cross 2 The Staffordshire Bull Terrier is a medium-sized, stocky, and very muscular dog, with a similar appearance to the much larger American Staffordshire terrier and American pit bull terrier. It has a broad head male considerably more so than female , defined occipital muscles, a relatively short fore-face, dark round eyes and a wide mouth with a clean scissor-like bite the top incisors slightly overlap the bottom incisors. The ears are small. The cheek muscles are very pronounced. The lips show no looseness. From above, the head loosely resembles a triangle. The head tapers down to a strong well-muscled neck and shoulders placed on squarely spaced forelimbs. They are tucked up in their loins and the last ribs of the rib-cage are usually visible. The tail resembles an old fashioned pump handle. The hind quarters are well-muscled and are what give the Stafford drive when baiting. They are colored brindle, black, red, fawn, blue, white, or any blending of these colors with white. White with any other color broken up over the body is known as pied. Liver-colored, black and tan dogs can occur but are rare and it is advised not to breed from either as well as those with light eyes. The exception to the light eye rule are Blue staffies; all others should have dark brown eyes even if fawn coat. The coat is smooth and clings tightly to the body giving the dog a streamlined appearance. Behavior This vigorous, courageous, highly tenacious , bold, strong-willed dog is, in fact, calm and stable. If trained properly, he is gentle and affectionate with his owners, though is a formidable, aggressive guard dog as required. Adored and adoring within its family circle. It is usually good with other pets in the household if raised together. When well cared for and properly trained they can make brilliant companions. Don't forget these great sites.However, both dog breeds have short coats, so the odds are the puppies will have inherited that feature. Unless the breeder introduced a black Pug parent to the Staffy, the coat would almost certainly be black. Both breeds have small ears folded slightly, so expect something similar. The Staffy is renowned for its broad head, and the Pug is brachycephalic. What will tend to happen here is some puppies will inherit the very short muzzle of the Pug. Still, others will have a more elongated muzzle from the Staffy genes. Puppies will certainly be taller than a Pug but not as tall as a Staffy. Both dogs are incredibly human-oriented and like nothing better than cuddling with their humans. The Pug is a bit of a clown and a show-off, whereas the Staffy is bold and fearless. So the combination of personalities here should throw up some exciting puppies. A post shared by Ruckus ruckustherascal Neither parent breed is challenging to train, although they can be stubborn. Positive reinforcement training is the way forward for the Staffy X Pug. Brad Davenport Brad has spent his entire life surrounded by dogs and has owned all sorts of breeds, including Dachshunds, Great Danes, French Bulldogs and he currently has a little Hasanese called Biscuit. Brad is an experienced dog writer who is obsessed by canine health, care and psychology and has completed several courses on dog care and training. Updated November 29, What do you think when you see a dog like this? And more and more dog lovers are also seeing the rough diamond in these dogs. Despite their size they love nothing more than to be near or on their favourite person for as much of the day as possible. Most of them would rather walk through the gates of hell than knowingly disobey their owners. Maybe the Jack Russell Terrier owner in me just wants a rest. Not that I get to see them much. I reckon along with working dogs they must be among the healthiest and least prone to the common illnesses of purebred dogs. Most of them just seem to visit me once a year for their annual checkup. Of course these are terrible generalisations, and you can be unlucky. Some dogs get atopic dermatitis, and others have behaviour problems like any breed. Inter-dog aggression is probably higher than average for example. There are two problems with this: Breed of origin is a very poor predictor of aggression. The breeds we think they are probably wrong anyway. Just like life! Are They Pitbulls? Have a look at these dogs commonly confused with crossbreeds. Bull Terrier These are fine dogs, but nothing like Staffie crosses. Whenever they want to talk about Pit Bulls they seem to use a photo of a Staffordshire Bull Terrier or a Staffie cross. Which only adds to the prejudice. The photo shows what Pit Bulls generally look like, though you will see another picture of an American Pit Bull Terrier here. They resemble taller, long-legged and skinny Staffordshire Bull Terriers with a remarkably smooth coat. Of course this one has had something unspeakable done to the ears. The thick-headed dogs, mainly. Are we just giving in to a very human tendency to have to put a label on everything? The breed that exists under the radar, taken for granted, but always there being awesome. Just like moggies are in the cat world. Maybe trying to fit them to any breed is the problem. Since the only thing they all have in common is a boofhead, perhaps we should call them the Australian Boofhead. Why These Dogs Need Homes I think that a lot of the behavioural issues can be blamed on the terrible raw deal they often get. These are the dogs most likely to be surrendered to a shelter, the most likely to get parvovirus in our clinic, and generally the ones less likely to get what they need in terms of care and socialisation. Aggie And the ones most likely to be on the other side of the wire in dog rescues and shelters. This means many come away disappointed. But I suspect more people would take them if they knew what they were really like. Check with the shelter about the history and known problems with that dog. If you take that dog, a good dog training class is essential. These dogs are hard to walk if untrained, but then all dogs and owners benefit from training. Start with a checkup with your vet and follow their recommendations on where your dog would do best. Meet his team here.

Every six months, or twice a year, German Shepherds go into heat. This is common of huge dog breeds, while smaller dogs could go into heat times annually, and the largest kinds only once a year. In German Shepherds, the time between heat cycles is roughly 6 months. German Shepherd interestrus intervals were reported to be .The cycles of senior German Shepherds will be slower and have fewer heat seasons. Notwithstanding this, your dog will continue to go through estrus throughout her life and is still capable of becoming pregnant despite the shorter estrus seasons. Conception — Gestation delays menstrual cycles and reproductive seasons, just as it does in humans. Your GSD is fertile right now, so mating with her could result in a pregnancy. However, keep in mind that if a female German Shepherd mates before the estrus period, she may become pregnant. This is due to the fact that canine spermatozoa can potentially live for up to 11 days in the female genital canal and are mobile. This is due to the fact that many people believe the proestrus and estrus heat cycle stages to be included in the heat period. She is now fertile enough to become pregnant and is ready to mate. In addition, a dog may become more aggressive toward other female dogs and display unusually increased interest their male counterparts. Urine marking, repeated genital licking and excitement are other signs that your dog wants to breed. To understand the signs that the heat cycle is ending, you should first know what to expect when your female German shepherd is in heat. After all, there is no indication that the heat cycle is ending besides the fact that the signs start to fade away. This lasts for an average of 9 days. The most obvious sign of this stage is when male dogs start to crowd outside of your house. They become attracted. Regardless, your female dog will start to show vaginal bleeding at this stage, although the blood becomes lighter as the period progresses. See also Can german shepherds eat blueberries? During the flagging stage, the dark red vaginal discharge will turn lighter. You may also notice your pet rubbing their rear end against furniture or other objects. These are indications that your female German shepherd is ready to mate. This is also the stage where mature eggs are released from the ovary. Metestrus: Matestrus can be considered as the stage for pregnancy and can last for an average of 9 days. The most noticeable sign is a bulged abdomen, for obvious reasons. Anestrus: Anestrus is the period between each heat cycle and as previously said, it lasts for about 6 months. Some signs will be shown by the female German shepherd throughout the whole heat cycle. A female dog in heat not eating is a normal occurrence throughout the heat cycle. While they may not eat much, you should stock up for when the time comes for them to make up for their lost weight. Female dog aggression during the heat cycle is another sign that your pet is in heat, regardless of the stage. Learn more » A German Shepherd female will enter the heat cycle, known as estrus, at around 6 to 12 months of age. Your pet is about to go through some serious changes in her body as her estrogen levels rise, and she will need to be kept comfortable and safe during the heat cycle, which lasts about 21—28 days. Read on to learn more about the length of the German Shepherd heat cycle and how to take care of your dog. German Shepherd Heat Cycle German Shepherd females usually have their first heat cycles starting anywhere from 6 months to 12 months of age. The heat cycle will last about 21—28 days, and there are roughly two heat cycles per year. There are three stages of heat: proestrus, estrus, and anestrus. A bloody red discharge will appear at this time. Your German Shepherd will not be interested in mating during this phase, and it lasts approximately 7 to 10 days. Estrus is the time during which your German Shepherd female will be interested in mating. It will last around 9 days but could last 3 to 21 days. Your female could become pregnant during this phase of the heat cycle. The bloody discharge turns a lighter red and may become straw-colored during this time. Females will flag by raising their tails or placing them on the side to expose their vagina, which means your dog is ready to breed. Anestrus is the stage where the heat cycle ceases and it lasts about 4 to 5 months until the next heat cycle begins. Some German Shepherd females may go into heat every 6 months, while others may only have one heat cycle per year. The length of the cycle might also vary with some dogs experiencing cycles that last longer than 28 days. Every female German Shepherd will have her own cycle, and you will need to learn to anticipate it to help your dog through the process. Image Credit: adamkontor, Pixabay How to Care for a German Shepherd in Heat When your female German Shepherd goes into heat, you will need to take special care to separate her from any male dogs for at least 21 days, unless you are planning on breeding her. She will also often lick at herself to clean her blood, or you can use a diaper to catch the blood and help ensure that a male will not be able to breed with her. She will also get more vocal as her heat cycle continues. Your female may also display signs of nervousness and anxiety during this time. Play with her, give her love and attention, and let her exercise to her preferred level, as she may have less energy than normal. Final Thoughts German Shepherd females will experience a heat cycle that lasts approximately 21—28 days. During this time, she will go through the first two phases of heat, known as proestrus and estrus, during which she will bleed and be ready to breed. Featured Image Credit: adamkontor, Pixabay Contents. Mice may live only a year or two, whereas an elephant can live 70 years in the wild. Dogs stand as a stark contrast to that fact. A Toy Poodle may live over 14 years in contrast to the average 7 years for a Saint Bernard. That fact plays a direct role when a German Shepherd Dog goes into heat. Research suggests that larger breeds mature slower with shorter lifespans is because it takes so much energy and genetic resources to reach their adult sizes. While that Toy Poodle may be sexually mature at 5—6 months, the German Shepherd Dogs will need some extra time to achieve the same growth level at 9—15 months. The factors that will affect the start include: Age Overall health Size and weight You have some control over those variables, but the die is cast for most of them. Image Credit: Eudyptula, Shutterstock Signs of Estrus in Dogs As a large breed, you can expect the estrus cycle to last between 14—21 days for your German Shepherd dog. It will occur around twice a year for breeds of this size. The first signs that your pup is receptive to males are physical. You may also see your pet licking its genital area as a result. The swelling puts added pressure on other internal organs, including the bladder. The telltale sign is the bloody discharge. Your pup may seem more anxious or agitated. It may mount other objects. Your German Shepherd Dog will permit mating around 10 days into its cycle. Its vaginal discharge will gradually decrease. Either the estrus will end after a long anestrus stage, where all signs will abate, or pregnancy will begin. Care of a Female Dog in Heat The question of what to do with your pet depends on whether you want your dog to have puppies. Females are just as determined as males when it comes to mating. If you take your dog on walks, keep your pup on a short leash. We suggest erring on the side of caution and adhering to these restrictions for the entire 21 days. The discharge and swelling both will have stopped. The pros for spaying your dog: Less impact on overpopulation of dogs Reduces the risk of some cancers of the reproductive system Lessens the chances of potentially life-threatening pyometra The cons for spaying your dog: Heightened risk of vaccine reactions Increases chances of orthopedic conditions and bone cancer Urinary incontinence Obesity Genetic factors play a significant role in determining whether or not the surgery is the best choice for your German Shepherd Dog. It typically occurs later in these pets after 6 months of age. It also affects the timespan between the cycles, which will likely happen twice a year. Knowing the signs can help you prevent an unwanted pregnancy until you and your vet discuss the best option for your dog. Related Reads:. During these days, your GSD is fertile and can get pregnant if she mates. Note, however, that a female German Shepherd can get pregnant if she happens to mate before the estrus period. This is because many people consider the heat period to include both the proestrus and the estrus phases of the heat cycle. A change in the color of discharge pinkish instead of blood-stained. Frequent urination. A loss of appetite. Your dog may also be more aggressive to fellow females and exhibit extra interest in male dogs. Frequent licking of the genitals, agitation, and urine marking are also indications of readiness to mate. Contrary to popular belief, a GSD spraying is not just a boy thing! Here are 7 things you should do to care for a German Shepherd in heat: Keep your dog engaged to distract her from the discomfort of the hormonal changes during the heat period. Playing games, offering treat-filled toys, or taking short walks can help keep your dog happy and calm. This entails keeping her on a leash during walks, not leaving her unattended in the backyard or garden, and keeping her in a separate room in the home. Keep your GSD from carpeted areas of the home, couches, and bedding during the bleeding phase of the heat cycle. Alternatively, you can consider using dog diapers to stop the blood from staining floors and the bedding that your dog lies on. These have a better fit due to the stretchable fabric that fits perfectly around your dog. If your GSD is trying to lick her genitals while in a diaper, consider removing it for some time to give her a chance to self-groom. If your GSD shows the need for extra rest, always allow this. Ensure your dog gets all the recommended nutrients in her meal during heat, including enough fresh drinking water. If your GSD shows a preference for a different meal from the usual, consider giving it to her to boost her appetite. Keep the surrounding environment calm and free of extreme noise or disturbance. Your dog is sensitive to any form of stress during this period. If your GSD shows extreme discomfort or signs of pain in the swollen vulva, use heating pads to give some relief. Your German Shepherd may show unique characteristics and needs during heat. Be attentive and consult your vet about any unusual signs you do not know how to address. German Shepherds go into heat twice a year, approximately every 6 months. This is typical of large dog breeds, as smaller dogs may go into heat times a year, and the largest breeds only once a year. Two studies focusing on dog estrus cycles reported .This may change depending on your dog and her body clock. If your dog is experiencing irregular cycles, you may want to talk to a vet to determine if this is normal or if there are underlying causes. Instead, older German Shepherds will have slowed cycles with fewer heat seasons. Despite this, your dog will still experience estrus her entire life and can still get pregnant despite the reduced estrus seasons. Conception As happens in humans, gestation delays menstrual periods and fertility seasons. Similarly, the interestrus interval, or the period between estrus seasons, is prolonged in German Shepherds and other dogs after whelping. A study reported that German Shepherd Dogs had a regular 6-month estrus interval under normal circumstances, but the interval was prolonged by 58 days in German Shepherds who went into gestation. Seasons Though seasonality is generally considered a non-factor in estrus frequency in German Shepherds and other dogs, it is not an impossibility. Do German Shepherds Experience Menopause? Nonetheless, the estrus phase of their heat cycle will become less regular and last fewer days as your dog ages. If your dog misses an estrus, talk to your vet to rule out any triggering medical conditions. Your German Shepherd does not need to have her first heat to be spayed. In fact, some studies have shown that spaying your German Shepherd before maturity 6 months can predispose your dog to joint disorders like hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as some types of cancer like mast cell tumor and lymphoma. Have your GSD checked by a vet if you notice any discharges different from a blood-stained discharge during proestrus and a pinkish or brownish discharge during estrus. The best way to tell if your German Shepherd is in pain during her heat is to pay close attention to her behavior and body language. Look for signs of discomfort such as panting, pacing, or restlessness. She may also be reluctant to move or play. If she is vocalizing more than usual, this could also be a sign of pain. In addition to her behavior, you should also look for physical signs of pain. This happens around months but can be earlier or later in some dogs. Once your German Shepherd has had her first heat, the heat cycles are repeated every 6 months for the rest of her life. Related Posts You May Like:. Is my female GSD in heat? How can I tell? Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. How will I know? What do I do? Intact female dogs dogs that have not been surgically spayed , and that are sexually mature are said to be in estrus, "in heat", or "in season", during their occasional "cycle" in preparation to breed and reproduce. House Clean While Your GSD Is In Heat On average, the complete canine reproductive heat cycle takes about 6 months in length which results in about 2 heat cycles each year for most female Alsatian dogs. Be aware of all aspects of your dogs health and behavioral life, prepare accordingly and you should both have a long and healthy life together. Female German Shepherds, also called bitches, generally have their first heat cycle at around 6 to 12 months of age. Sometimes, a female GSD in heat may not have their first seasonal estrus cycle until they are 12 months of age or older, depending on that particular dog. Remember, however, that this information is very general and not all female dogs will follow these exact patterns. Overall, each individual female dogs heat cycle pattern tends to be relatively close to the basic average, length wise, however lengths of heat cycles may differ from female to female when the female German Shepherd goes into heat. In most cases, the average female German Shepherd Dogs heat cycle lasts about 3 to 4 weeks. Some female German Shepherds can come into estrus as early as every 4 months, while others may do so only once a year. Some canine heat cycles, just like in human females, may be shorter than average while other dogs may have longer ones 4 weeks or longer. Remember these important points concerning your female GSD in heat and her yearly heat cycles and prepare accordingly. First, assume your dog to be "in season" for at least 21 days, possibly longer, which will vary due to your own individual females heat cycle. Second, and this is very important, keep in mind that conception is most likely to happen during the middle section of your GSD's heat cycle - typically around 7 to 14 days after the heat cycles starts. Third, you will need to confine your girl for the entire heat cycle - at least 21 days or more depending on your particular bitch, to make sure that accidental mating does not happen. Whether you keep her indoors or out you will need to make sure that her environment is "Romeo proof". And believe me, you will need to think of everything because an interested male can be very vigilant in getting into a females area if she is in heat. These boys can climb, dig or break into just about any area if so inclined. If your female is in an area that has any weaknesses of any kind, believe me, "Romeo" will find it, get in and breed your female if she is willing. If you have any questions about your female GSD in heat, consult with your veterinarian or breeder - especially if your dogs heat cycles do not seem "normal". Cycling problems in female dogs can often be an early indicator of other or more serious health problems. Is my female German Shepherd in heat? First Stage - Proestrus: begins with the appearance of vaginal bleeding, swelling of the vulva, and possible increase in urination yes, females can mark their territory, especially when they are in heat. The most noticeable thing of all when you have a female GSD in heat, even if you're not sure your female GSD is in heat, is when male dogs begin to hang around the house. Your female German Shepherd will still reject the male during this first stage. Fertilization can not happen at this time. The length of proestrus on average is about 9 days. Second Stage - Estrus: the time in which the female dog will allow the male to breed her. This time is also called "standing heat" and can last anywhere from 4 to 21 days depending on the individual German Shepherd Dog. One particular behavior to look for during this time is called "flagging", which may last between 4 to 7 days. This is just one indicator that is very telling that your female is getting ready to be bred. Ovulation does occur during this flagging stage. Concerning any female GSD in heat, the dark red, bloody vaginal discharge will eventually turn to a lighter shade of red over time. In most dogs, once this vaginal discharge becomes wheat or straw colored, the dog can be said to be most ready for accepting the male and breeding. Third Stage - Metestrus: this is the stage that readies the uterus for pregnancy, and can easily last 4 to 14 days. False pregnancies frequently occur during this time. If fertilization does occur the fertilized eggs may take up to a week before they attach themselves to the uterine wall. Overall this stage averages out as approximately 7 days. Keep in mind that this interval of time will stay the same even if the dog becomes pregnant. If fertilization does not occur then this stage will revert back to anestrus, which is stage four of this process. Fourth Stage - Anestrus: the resting time between heats which normally lasts about 5 or 6 months. If you decide that you need to know exactly what stage of estrus your female GSD may be in, your veterinarian can easily assist you in figuring this out. Scientifically your veterinarian can perform an analysis of the cells of the vagina under the microscope cytology , as well as being able to measure progesterone levels present in your dogs bloodstream. There is no benefit of any kind in letting your female german shepherd have a litter of puppies before having her spayed. In fact, the earlier you spay your dog, the more health risks you are deleting for her down the road, such as breast and other types of cancers, or pyometra, among others. In fact, if you spay you dog before her first heat cycle, you actually give her the most health benefits of all associated with the spaying process. If you do not intend to breed your GSD bitch, you really should consider spaying her and there are many, many positive reasons why. First, you will be helping to control the animal overpopulation problem by cutting down on unwanted litters. Secondly, there are many health benefits associated with spaying your dog and no longer having to deal with a female GSD in heat. Any potential reproductive problems your female GSD in heat could acquire down the road will be almost alleviated by this one simple act. Third, you will no longer have to deal with any of the hygenic issues of a female GSD in heat, such as the vulvular discharges, etc. If you do decide to spay your German Shepherd , this can be done during her heat cycle however it would probably be better to wait until the heat cycle is completely over to decrease the chance of any type of complications during surgery. Knowing your dog and being able to provide for her in all situations, even when your female GSD in heat is flagging everything in sight, is just one important part of being a dog owner. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address. For owners who are experiencing this event for the first time, it can be particularly confusing. Understanding the normal occurrence of the heat cycle is necessary if you are not sterilizing your female German Shepherd. German Shepherd Heat Cycle The heat cycle , also known as Estrus, is a four-stage cycle comprising of proestrus, estrus, diestrus, and anestrus that occurs in a female German Shepherd when she reaches puberty and begins her first menstrual period. This typically occurs at the age of four months in most German Shepherds but can vary based on factors such as nutrition, age, and environment. Various changes, including behavioral, clinical, hormonal, physiological, and cytological, can be observed during this time. How long are German Shepherds in heat? It is important for owners to be aware of when their female German Shepherds will mature and reach puberty, as well as the duration of the heat cycle, signs of puberty in a female dog, the number of estrus cycles in a year, and any normal or abnormal parameters observed during the heat cycle. Here are explanations of the events and answers to the above questions described one by one. When do German Shepherds get their period? The normal age at which a physiologically normal female German Shepherd begins her menstrual period is between 6 to 10 months of age. This age is referred to as the age of puberty. The first bleeding during the proestrus stage of the heat cycle is considered to be the onset of puberty. At this stage, a female German Shepherd is capable of reproducing and giving birth to offspring. The age or time of puberty can vary between 4 months to 2 years. A bitch that is older than 24 months and has not shown any signs of heat is considered abnormal. How often do German Shepherds go in heat? Female German Shepherds are considered nonseasonal and monoestrous, meaning they do not experience heat continuously or seasonally. The heat cycle lasts for 6 to 7 months and can vary depending on factors such as age, environment, and nutrition. As a result, a female German Shepherd typically goes through heat twice a year. This is only possible if the female German Shepherd is provided with proper nutrition, a healthy environment, and proper management. If the female experiences stress, the estrus cycle may be disrupted, resulting in variations from the normal average values. To ensure normal estrus cycles, provide a proper environment with normal healthy temperature, humidity, and well-balanced, nutritious feed. Consult your nearest veterinarian or dietitian for the formulation of a diet plan. German Shepherd in heat signs The German Shepherd will exhibit different signs when it is in heat. The following are signs of heat, which are divided as follows: Sr. All canine females go through the heat cycle once they reach a certain age. That age is based largely on their breed and size, but there is always some wiggle room here. Generally speaking, a female dog can enter estrus—the heat cycle—around six months of age to nine months, though some wait until a year or longer to begin. Since her reproductive organs have been removed, she no longer goes through the cycle. German Shepherds are large dogs. This means they are more likely to wait a bit longer to have their first heat. Some wait up to two years. Even so, you should be watching your GSD closely for signs of estrus as early as four months of age. What does all of this actually mean? When a female dog reaches sexual maturity, she will begin what is called the heat cycle. The medical term is estrus, though some people call it being in season or sometimes doggie periods. When a dog is in heat, she will be receptive to breeding, usually resulting in a litter of puppies. When a female GSD is in heat, she will give some fairly obvious signs. There are many physiological changes taking place inside her, so her systems may seem out of whack. A blood-tinged discharge may be present during estrus, and it happens to be the sign that most people notice first. Many dogs clean themselves very well during this time so there is nothing to worry about, but not all are able to keep up with this. A swollen vulva is a frequent occurrence during heat. Your dog may spend more time licking herself and cleaning this area. Nervousness or distraction are two behavioral signs of heat in German Shepherds. This is due to the surge in hormones. However, not all dogs go through this phase. Many simply take it in stride. Flagging is the act of flipping her tail to one side and presenting her vulva to male dogs in the vicinity. While generally harmless, some dogs even flag their owners. It may become a bit annoying if your dog is particularly insistent about it, but try not to punish her for this behavior. Most dogs will go into heat approximately once every six months. With all things in nature, however, there is a wide variation that is perfectly normal, too. Many larger breeds, such as Great Danes, will have delayed starts and longer periods between each heat cycle. Since German Shepherds are large dogs, you may only see one heat cycle a year. In fact, you may only see one every eighteen months or so. It Takes Practice Even though Mother Nature did a pretty good job creating the systems that keep our dogs running, there will always be room for errors and hiccups. Sometimes, it can take a year or more for your dog to get into a relatively predictable cycle. Some dogs take up to two years after the start of their first heat cycle to find their unique pattern. Older and Wiser You may have just gotten used to her heat cycle by four, five, or six years of age, then suddenly things go haywire again. Perhaps she had one cycle this year when she usually has two, or maybe it lasted a shorter time than normal. As with other mammals, the fertile period for dogs starts to decrease as she ages. The older a dog is, the less fertile she will become. This is because a German Shepherd is born with all the eggs or at least the follicles she will ever have, a bit like humans. There are differences, of course—such as canine eggs being far more immature than human eggs upon release—but the basic mechanics are the same. Those eggs will slowly lose their effectiveness and die off, even though their method of ovulation is slightly different than ours. You may have noticed a trend in this article so far—heat cycles can vary widely, and size plays a pretty big role. Some dogs, often the very tiny breeds, may be in heat for only a few days. Others can be in heat for weeks on end. Shorter heat cycles of less than a week are pretty rare though. The average heat cycle for a German Shepherd is about three weeks. As your dog ages, her cycles may shorten or lengthen. They may decide to check her hormone levels and do a physical to be sure nothing scary is happening. It is a common misconception that male dogs also go into heat. Because male German Shepherds are sexually active year-round after reaching sexual maturity, of course , they are highly attuned to any in-season females in the vicinity. When they sense a female in heat, they will begin to act strangely, becoming aggravated, agitated, and may even develop aggression. To the untrained eye—or a misinformed owner—this seems an awful lot like a heat cycle in a male dog. Removing him from the source of his frustration the smell of the female in heat will quickly return him to his normal behaviors. Thanks, Science! Another Myth Thwarted! Before we get started, please stick around until the end of the article. Your sweet little boy needs some help, too! Not for her body at least. What you can do, however, is be an emotional support human for your dog. Be Loving Even though this is a totally natural thing for dogs, it might be frightening to a young German Shepherd who has never been in heat before. It can also be upsetting and stressful to an older dog who has had a traumatic first or second heat cycle, too. Now is your chance to remind your dog how much you love her. Speak softly if she seems agitated. Be gentle and kind. Protect Your Furniture and Floor With the squishy, loving part out of the way, we should look at practicality. Heat cycles can be messy. Between the excessive urination, the bloody discharge, and the antsy chewing, your house could end up a huge mess. These are basically dog diapers. They are designed to catch the discharge and may even save your rug from a urination accident. Dog diapers come in a variety of sizes, styles, and prices. There are disposables available, but if you care about the environment, look into washable fabric diapers or period garments. A word of warning: Do not use dog diapers as a birth control method. They do not stop hormone-driven dogs from mating. This involves keeping your in-heat GSD in a room with a tile or linoleum floor. Keep in mind that estrus discharge can smell quite strongly. Trust us on this one. Most dogs will clean up after themselves, but only their own bodies. A Crate is a Cave If you crate trained your dog when she was a puppy, her crate might be a good option. Be sure to wash her bedding thoroughly after each visit to the crate. If you thought estrus blood on your tile smelled bad, just wait until you get a whiff of it after three days on her dog bed. Intact females can be a bit aggressive toward one another. This is especially true of those in heat. Do not bring her to the dog park or leave her unattended in your yard. The Leash is the Way Even in your own yard, keep your German Shepherd on a leash when she is in heat. If you must take her outside for any reason, even in your fenced yard, put the leash on. As mentioned earlier, every male dog in the neighborhood and even from outside the neighborhood will be chewing through your fence, digging under it, or hopping over it to get to your GSD. You might try to play a new game or even just repeat an old favorite. Spend extra time with her and you will both benefit from the attention. This is especially true for new dog owners or those who have never experienced a heat cycle before with a previous pet. While there, your veterinarian will examine your dog. Chances are good that everything will be perfectly fine. This is the perfect time to ask all your questions and to get some support. You should walk away feeling much more capable of handling the next few weeks. You now know that male dogs do not go into heat. How can you help your male dog survive a heat cycle? Her smell may have clung to her owner out for a walk alone, for example. Regardless, if there is a female in heat somewhere within walking distance, your male dog is going to know it… and so will you. Distance Keep your male German Shepherd indoors if you know there is a dog in heat nearby. It may not seem fair, but either is creating a bunch of unexpected puppies. If your male dog is showing signs of sniffing out a female in heat, keep him locked up inside, on a leash when outside, and under your careful supervision at all times. Male dogs can become incredibly aggressive when a female is in heat. Some people have luck with menthol products dabbed on windowsills or door frames. Other people have tried strong-smelling, natural products such as mint or sour apple. Every dog is different, so try a few things to try to hide that smell. The goal is to make the house heat-proof, not your dog. Important note: Before you use any essential oils around your dog, make sure that you are prepared to do it in a safe manner. We have an excellent post linked for you below that will take all of the guesswork out of it and make sure that your dog stays safe. Is Aromatherapy Bad for Dogs? How to Safely Use It Leave It may not be feasible for all situations, but if you can manage it, leave the area with your dog. Think of it as a vacation with your good boy. Distraction You may not always know where the female in heat is located, nor can you get away. In these cases, you still need to keep your male dog locked up. But try to keep him occupied with fun distractions. Games, toys, treats, and lots of time with you should help some. Doggy Daycare and Boarding If all else fails, you can enroll your male dog in a doggy daycare or boarding session. Most daycares and boarders do not allow females in heat, so your dog will be safe and happy playing with other dogs while the air clears around your home. There are some male dogs that become completely loony when they sense a female in heat. Sometimes, there is no other option but asking your vet for help. Some vets may have suggestions before trying medications for calming your dog, too. It never hurts to ask. And at the very least, they can prescribe a medication to help keep your buddy calm and serene until the storm of estrus passes. How Is That Fair? When you own a German Shepherd, their needs should always come before your own. In this case, your male GSD is suffering, frustrated, and may even become aggressive if you choose to do nothing. You could end up with unwanted puppies at your door in a few months, a big vet bill for a c-section, or even worse, a hospital bill when your dog bites someone in his frenzy to get to the female in heat. The bottom line is that your pride and entitlement mean squat when it comes to keeping your male German Shepherd safe, happy, and healthy. Give him the love and care he needs. Final Thoughts When a female German Shepherd goes into heat, it can be a time of stress, mess, and frustration for everyone. If you prepare yourself and your household right now, you can handle the weeks ahead without a hitch. And if you have a male dog who senses a female in heat, you can make it through this, too. It takes a little know-how, ingenuity, and willingness on your part. Male or female, your GSD will make it through this heat cycle—and any in the future—happy and healthy because of the steps you took today to prepare. I knew I needed to learn more about owning a female dog. So, if I decide not to spay her, then how often will she come into heat. After owning my first female German Shepherd. I was not sure when she would have her first heat. After doing some research this is what I discovered. Normally female German Shepherd will have their first heat cycle 6 months to 12 months of age. My second female German Shepherd Connie had her first heat cycle when she was 9 months, depending on each individual German Shepherd it could be different. Female German Shepherd will have their heat cycle twice a year. It normally runs every six months. If you are worried then, I would recommend talking with your veterinarian about It. You want to be sure your girl is healthy. How long does a female german shepherd stay in heat? When I decided to breed my female German Shepherd Val. Being a new GSD owner, I was curious too how long she will be in heat, and how long the full heat cycle would last. This is what I learned. The average heat cycle stages about 21 days and total, depending on each individual German Shepherd it could be different. How long do German shepherds in heat bleed for? My female Princess I will tell you this. But most of the time you will see bleeding will last 9 days, but I have witnessed up to 14 days with my female princess. Now, this is just my experience with my own dogs. German Shepherd mating age and Information: How old does a German shepherd need to be to breed? When I bred my first female German Shepherd, I did not breed her before she had her third season. After talking to the Breeder that I purchased my dog from, he told me to wait until your dog has had her fourth season before you breed her, but she should be three years old or older before she is bred. How long is the pregnancy of a German shepherd? With my own experience after breeding multiple German Shepherd litters. Most good breeders will get to confirm locks together with the female and the male. The normal gestation period in dogs is approximately 64 days from conception, although this can vary by several days from the time of the second mating. When should I get my german shepherd spayed? Spay or Neuter German Shepherds: There are many different opinions on this topic. As a new German Shepherd owner, we all have some questions. After talking to different German Shepherd owners, Some veterinarian says 6 months to 12 months, and others will say wait until they are two years. When I, ask my breed this question? My professional breeder told me not to spay or neuter at all. If you do decide wait until after 24 months because all German Shepherds Will fully start to develop at 24 months of age and up to 36 months before they are fully mature. Now I know different German Shepherd owners that have male German Shepherds that did neuter them after 2 years old, and they do not have any problems with them at all, and the same for females owners I have talked with too. My female dogs are not spayed, and my male dog is not neutered. How long does it take for a German Shepherd dog to recover from being neutered? My Male Buddy This is a very popular question for new dog owners. The average time it takes a dog to recover from being neutered, is 7 to 10 days. In the time of that 7 to 10 days. You need to keep your puppy or older dog calm. No jumping overexercising. Just leash walking is recommended only until your dog is fully recovered. How much does it cost to spay a female German Shepherd dog? Typically costs can vary: Some people choose to use their local veterinarian and others choose to use a low-cost Clinic. I know my veterinarian charges to .The cost to do a more complicated surgery can usually range from and up to on the higher end. Whatever you decide I wish you the best of luck! About the author: Dennis is the founder of German Shepherd Behavior. I have owned this breed for over 25 years and looking forward to sharing my German Shepherd journey with you. If anything, that part of the heat cycle is the tip of the iceberg! Proestrus stage The first stage of a heat cycle is known as the proestrus stage. This can last anywhere between days, with most dogs averaging about a week. The signs of a dog entering her proestrus stage are: Bloody discharge Your dog will spend a lot more time licking herself than usual. Keep an eye out for this, and look for any telltale signs of bloody discharge on your floor, bedding, or pillows. The discharge will usually look like a bright red color, but most of the time your dog will be cleaning it away. As soon as you notice your dog licking herself and when you see bloody discharge, this is when the heat cycle has begun. For your peace of mind and to have a general idea of how long her heat cycle will be, mark this in your calendar. Enlarged vulva The quickest way to tell if your dog has entered her heat cycle is to look at the size of her vulva. If her vulva looks swollen and larger than usual, this is a clear sign of the heat cycle beginning. In some cases, her teats might swell and her lower abdomen might darken in color. Also — frequent urination is a common symptom during this stage. Tail tucking The proestrus stage is where the dog will feel most insecure about herself. Your dog will begin to tuck her tail around her behind, wrapping it close to her vulva. This is because she is not yet ready for male suitors who might be taking a fancy to her as they smell her from across the park. Change in behavior The dog will be feeling very sorry for herself at this point. She will become clingy, quiet, confused, nervous, or aloof. Estrus stage This stage is when the actual heat cycle properly begins. Most people will refer to this part as the only stage of the heat cycle, but it is equally important to be aware of the first, third, and fourth stages to prepare yourself for the estrus stage. The estrus stage typically lasts between days and indicates that your dog is fertile and ready to procreate. The common signs of this stage include: Change in discharge color The bloody discharge in the proestrus stage will turn to a straw-colored, or even clear, discharge. The change in discharge color usually occurs around the ninth day of the cycle. Instead, it will return to its regular position. However, in most cases, her tail might turn slightly upright. This is usually an indication of playfulness and, in dog terms, flirting. After all, her tail is no longer shielding her vulva. She will get very creative during this stage. The dog is fully aware of the scent that she is leaving for male suitors, and her heightened senses can smell her potential lovers from a mile off almost. She will become suddenly very interested in male dogs, which is why it is essential to keep an eye on her during this time. Your dog might still have a loss of appetite or may lose her appetite at this stage. It winds them up, and some male dogs can be more prone to biting when they have been wound up this much. Make sure to plan the breeding stage properly so the cough deed is done in a safe and controlled environment. Diestrus stage After all the excitement of the estrus stage, she will enter a day period called the diestrus stage. She will sort of return to similar symptoms of the proestrus stage at this point, where the straw-colored discharge will turn red once again, and she will tuck her tail around her vulva. She will still carry the scent of the heat, so keep an eye out for male suitors. Her fertility window is over, move on! Anestrus stage The final stage indicates when the heat cycle is, at last, over. This is called the anestrus stage, and generally lasts between days until she will enter the proestrus stage again. So, how long does the heat cycle last? The main stage of the heat cycle, as in when she is fertile and ready to mate, usually lasts around days. However, the entire cycle lasts up to 6 months. It all varies from dog to dog. Small dogs are more likely to go into heat twice a year, while large breeds like German Shepherds might only go into heat once a year. This is completely normal and purely due to the size of the animal. We know how important it is to understand how the heat cycle works and how to care for your pooch during this time. Here is the ultimate care guide to German Shepherds in heat! Unlike a human menstrual cycle that lasts between days, a dog will be in heat for around weeks. The whole cycle itself is a long and drawn-out process that only occurs twice a year. In most cases, a female dog can enter her first heat cycle at months old. Some might even be a year old before they are first in heat. It mostly depends on the size of the dog, as some will inevitably be much larger than others. They will enter their first heat cycle when they reach sexual maturity. When a dog has been spayed, her reproductive organs have been removed, so she can no longer reproduce, which stops the heat cycle forever. What about German Shepherds in heat? Like every other female unspayed dog, German Shepherds will all go through their heat cycle. The only difference is that due to their size, this large breed is likely to have to wait a bit longer for their first heat cycle to arrive. It is always recommended to keep an eye on your female German Shepherd for signs of the estrus cycle from when she reaches 4 months old. This is purely due to the size of the dog and is nothing to worry about. Mother Nature works in weird ways. Especially as German Shepherds are such large dogs, the time between cycles is mostly unpredictable. Some dogs might have a streak of cycles over a couple of years that are very regular, like clockwork. Others will go into heat randomly. Generally speaking, your dog will develop some sort of regularity with her heat cycles when she is around 4 or 5 years old. What happens when my dog gets old? She will go in and out of the heat for the rest of her life. The only difference is, that any form of regularity with previous heat cycles will go out of the window. Forget everything you thought you knew about how long each cycle lasts. After around 6 years, your German Shepherd is likely to have shorter heat cycles. This is especially the case if she has been pregnant before. As with all mammals, female dogs will become less fertile as they age. Can male German Shepherds go into heat? Male German Shepherds do not have a uterus, therefore they cannot physically go into heat. Instead, they are sexually active and ready to go all year round. Alright for some. This is purely because they can smell her cycle in a way that we cannot, and it causes them to want to mate and breed. They will go through some behavioral changes — especially if they live with a female unspayed dog — such as cheekiness, agitation, or even aggression. These are big and strong dogs, after all. This is why a lot of German Shepherd owners will opt to spay their female if they own both a male and a female dog. This scent can linger, and German Shepherds are notorious for their heightened and impeccable senses. Once the male dog can no longer smell the heat, he will immediately go back to his usual self. The next step is taking the necessary precautions to take care of your German Shepherd while she is in heat. Let Mother Nature do her thing Fortunately for you, you mostly just have to leave your dog to do whatever she needs to do. From the moment she has her first heat cycle, her natural instincts will set in immediately. It might seem a bit inhumane, especially if you have a uterus yourself, and you can empathize with the potential discomfort your dog is going through. During her heat cycle, a female dog will become increasingly clingy and overly affectionate. This is because her estrogen levels are rising, and she might be feeling some discomfort from the bloody discharge. The best thing you can do for your German Shepherd who is in heat is to give her all the love in the world. Some dogs might be aloof and dismissive, which is totally understandable. But for those who cling to their humans, you have to comfort her along this journey. This is especially the case for dogs who are going through their first heat cycle at a young age. Speak only with a gentle voice to let her know that nothing is wrong. You should expect to see bloody discharge on your floor, cushions, bedding, and clothes for the next couple of weeks. Instead, there are some ways to prevent stains from appearing. The easiest way to protect your furniture is to place old towels everywhere. The same goes for her dog bedding or if she likes to sleep in your bed. For extra protection, look to invest in some reusable dog period pants. These are basically washable fabrics that can catch bloody discharge similar to human diapers or sanitary towels. Not only will it protect your furniture and belongings from bloodstains, but the period pants can act as a diaper for excessive urination. While there are disposable dog period pants available, we recommend buying reusable washable ones for the benefit of the environment. When your dog enters the estrus stage and is ready to mate, she will simply find a way to rip the period pants off her body. Nothing will stop her! However, when your female German Shepherd is in heat, it is wise to keep her on a leash at all times. Remember, nothing will stop both male and female dogs from attempting to mate when she is in her heat cycle. German Shepherds might not be small dogs that can squeeze through fences, but they can certainly fight their way through to get what they want. Isolate the dog If your dog is no longer clingy and affectionate, and instead is more interested in mating with males, you might want to consider isolating her in another room. This might seem cruel, but keeping her away from other dogs is the best way to prevent unwanted pregnancies. Keeping her separate from other dogs during this time is a good idea. You can keep her in a crate overnight if you want to control where she bleeds while you are asleep. However, make sure to only keep her in this crate at night, otherwise, she might think you are punishing her. The vet will be able to reassure you that her heat cycle is totally normal, and will probably give you tips on how to deal with it. They can also discuss the option of spaying in the future if you are tired of dealing with her heat cycle. Spaying is a surgical procedure that involves removing the reproductive organs from the dog, which means she will no longer be able to have puppies or go into heat. This is a common procedure that vets are experts in, and saves dog owners from a lot of future stresses and anxieties about unwanted pregnancies. If you have a male dog, you might want to read this section to get an idea of how to deal with him as his mating instincts are on high alert. Keep him away This seems obvious, but try to keep your male German Shepherd away from dogs in heat. This means that you should look to separate your male and female dogs in different rooms. These are large breeds, which means that it can be hard to pull them apart when they are attempting to mate. Also — remember to never disrupt the dogs while they are locked! Leave them alone. Not only will keeping your male dog away prevent unwanted pregnancies, but male dogs can get aggressive when they know a female is in heat. They can become very protective over the female and will often growl, snarl, bark, or bite at other potential male suitors. In the same way as a female dog, you can always keep your male dog in a crate overnight. Just make sure not to put them in the crate sporadically during the day, as they might think they are being punished for something they cannot control. Go to the vet Each dog will react differently to a female in heat, so you can always take both him and your questions to the vet. This is a good idea if your dog acts aggressively when a female is in heat. Your vet will tell you to distance the dog, and they might even give you some herbal remedies to distract the dog from smelling the scent of the heat. Some herbal tinctures are designed to sedate dogs, which will calm down their aggression. Distract him You have to try and keep your male dog preoccupied when he is near a dog in heat. This means that you should put him on a leash if a fellow dog owner says that their dog is in heat, or you can throw him a ball to distract him. The same goes for if you have a male and female dog in your home. This is especially important during the proestrus stage. Some friends or family might be able to take care of your male dog for a couple of weeks, which means you can still visit him frequently. Conclusion So, there you have it! The ultimate guide to caring for a German Shepherd in heat. Most of the time, you just have to allow Mother Nature to do her thing as your dog deals with it naturally. Still, there are some great ways to make her heat cycle easier for everyone involved — including the female dog in question, male dogs, and humans. Hopefully, this guide has given you some peace of mind as your pooch enters her next heat cycle! Vulva begins to swell and your dog begins to bleed. Bleeding may reduce or stop. Your dog is ready to mate during this time. About 2 months Previous symptoms are gone and the body is preparing for the next heat cycle. About 4 months Stage 1: Proestrus is the first stage that most owners start noticing the vulva begins to swell and your dog begins to bleed. This stage lasts for an average of 9 days, but can range anywhere from days. Stage 2: Estrus is the stage when the female is receptive to the male. The vulva is enlarged but softens a little. This stage will last for 5 to 10 days. The fertile period occurs during this time. Stage 3: Destrus is the stage where the female is no longer receptive to the male. This stage lasts for about 2 months. Stage 4: Anestrus is the stage where the body allows the uterus to prepare for the next heat cycle. This stage will last for about 4 months. Each stage has differing signs related to behavior, physical or clinical changes, hormonal changes, physiologic changes, and cytologic vaginal smear changes. When does an intact female German Shepherd start her first heat cycle? German Shepherds are large dogs. This means they are more likely to wait a bit longer to have their first heat. Female German Shepherds might go into their first heat as young as 6 to 12 months of age. The smaller the breed the earlier they get into their first heat. How long does the first heat cycle last in German Shepherds? Heat usually lasts between weeks. Early in the cycle, a female dog may not be receptive to male dogs, although some are receptive through the entire cycle. How long does a German Shepherd bleed in the first heat? A dog in heat can bleed for the first 7 to 10 days. The bleeding reduces around the day mark. How often does a female German Shepherd go into heat? An intact female dog usually goes into heat about every six months. Younger and older dogs tend to have a more irregular heat cycle. Many larger breeds, such as Great Danes , will have delayed starts and longer periods between each heat cycle. Since German Shepherds are large dogs, you may only see one heat cycle a year. How do you know if a female dog is in heat? Sometimes, these signs are not apparent even when a dog is in heat. Her vulva will be swollen and noticeably red. You may also see her licking its genital area as a result. They will have a very short heat then stop. And a month or so later there will be another short one. How will female dogs behave differently if she goes into heat? Change in appetite: Your dog may suddenly become pickier in its eating habits. Licking of her genital area: Your dog might be licking her genital area more to clean up any discharge. Rubbing her rear end : Your female might lift her tail to rub her rear end against various objects, such as a wall or fencing. Lack of energy: Some dogs become less energetic as they go into heat. If your dog seems unusually tired, or not as interested in playing with you, it could be a sign they are beginning their heat cycle. More Irritable with other dogs: As their hormone levels change, you might see your dog become less tolerant of other dogs or even cats in the house. Sometimes might see aggressive behaviors toward both female and male dogs. Desire to escape and seek a mate: The hormone change will drive her to follow her instincts in seeking out a male to mate with. She might even try to escape your home or yard to check out what options are nearby. Flirtatious behavior: Once a female dog enters the estrus phase of her cycle, she is receptive to the attention of male dogs and might seek it out. She might start to present her rear and flag her tail to one side when around male dogs. Create a safe space for your dog to rest With all the hormonal changes, she might want to seek out a quiet place to be alone. You can make this area comfortable by including a mat which can be especially useful for thick or long-coated dogs. Playing soft music may comfort your dog. Plugging in a pheromone diffuser like this one by Adaptil near their safe space may help her to calm down. Of course, have plenty of interactive dog toys and chews for her. You can purchase disposable dog diapers or invest in a washable cloth diaper to use with disposable liners. You can place a disposable dog maxi pad inside of the diaper during heavier flow to reduce the frequency of laundering the cloth diaper. Manage dog-dog interactions in your home If you have a multi-dog household, you might notice a shift in dynamics between your dogs. Your female dog in heat might be on the grumpy side and overreact when approached by a dog housemate. Supervise interactions between your dogs to make sure that they are being respectful of each other. Use baby gates to provide separate safe areas for each of them. If you have an intact male in the home, they should always be kept separate from a female in heat to prevent mating. Even when kept separate, your intact male will become stressed as they can still smell a female in season and might go to great lengths in efforts to get to her. Even if your male dog is neutered, he might still pester your female dog — supervise and separate as needed. Stay away from dog park and keep your female dog on a leash when going outside Female dogs approaching their heat cycle can attract both neutered and intact dogs close and far. This can cause her undue stress as she seeks to avoid attention from other dogs. It might also trigger a fight between other dogs as they compete for her attention. Your best bet is to keep your intact female dog in a closed yard. And if you have to take her outside, always put her on a leash to prevent accidental mating and unplanned pregnancy. Climbing over or digging under a fence is worth the effort for them as they follow their instincts to mate. Bottom line: Be extra kind and gentle When a female German Shepherd goes into heat, it can be a time of stress, restlessness, and frustration for her as well as everyone including other animals in the house. If you prepare yourself and your household, and know how to take care of your dog, you will know exactly what to do to make it through. Never scold your pup if she happens to make a bloody mess, just calmly reassure her while you clean it up. Make sure to watch her closely and give her some extra love and attention. More on German Shepherd Health and Care.