food schedule for german shepherd puppy
According to Tufts Veterinary School , food aggression is when dogs become aggressive when someone approaches them around food. There are a range of fixes for this, including training a dog to stop showing this behavior, or just effectively managing it and minimizing the risks around it. How To Prevent Aggression In Golden Retrievers The best thing to do about aggression in golden retrievers is to stop it from happening in the first place. Since bad behaviors usually stem from a mix of environmental and genetic factors, here are three ways to try to prevent aggression in your golden: 1. Socialize your dog Dogs usually become aggressive when they feel threatened. Choose a good breeder Since genetics definitely play a role in whether or not golden retrievers can be aggressive, make sure to choose a good breeder than is breeding good-tempered dogs. Also, breeders are the first ones to socialize your puppy , and responsible breeders will know how to do that, as well as care enough to do it. Goldens are big dogs with big teeth, so if you have an aggressive golden, it could be dangerous. Conclusion Although it is not common, it is possible for golden retrievers to be aggressive. To prevent aggression in your dog, be sure to never physically punish them, choose a good breeder, and properly socialize them. Related articles:. Print Retrievers, for the most part, make great family dogs. They are also smart, so they learn quickly and their strong willingness to please often makes retrievers a great addition to the family. But some retriever puppies are a high-energy ball of fire, one that is difficult to train or even handle in daily life. And sometimes there will be signs of aggressive behavior that are concerning. However, there is a fine line between puppy play behavior and hyper and aggressive behavior. Some owners are reluctant to stop such behavior thinking that it is just puppy behavior and therefore the dog will outgrow it. If you have a retriever puppy that is hyper or aggressive you might wonder what can be done and why they are acting that way. Here is some guidance on this topic. What are normal puppy behaviors? It is normal for very young puppies to nip at your hands and your feet. It is also normal for them to chew on things, jump on you and walk all over you. An 8-week-old puppy nipping at your hand might at first seem cute and sweet. But one bite from those exceedingly sharp puppy teeth and you might decide its not so cute. Those teeth can puncture your skin in a second and draw blood just as quickly. So, while it may be normal for a puppy to nip at your hand or foot, it is not a behavior that you want to ignore. Puppy play is naturally aggressive When puppies playing with their litter mates, the play can be very aggressive. This is natural, as dogs, they are always figuring out their pack and where they fit into the pack. Recognizing puppy play You can recognize when a retriever puppy is playing by the stance they take. They also may run around in circles, growling, or barking in high pitched barks, but when they do this their ears will be up, their tail wagging and they do not look threatening. It is uncommon for puppies under 12 weeks of age to exhibit true aggression. True aggression involves a dog exhibiting prolonged growling with a stiff posture and baring of teeth. Their hackles the hair on their back will be raised and they will be poised in a threatening position with ears back. If you were to approach a dog in this position which I do not recommend they will often move toward you and try to bite or snap at you. This type of aggression is something to be fearful about and is not healthy. Isolate the dog as much as possible and consult a veterinary or other professional for help or advice. What are signs of aggression in puppies All puppies can act aggressively, but if you take steps to address the aggressive behaviors while your dog is a young puppy, you can make a huge difference on how or whether that aggression progresses. These are all forms of aggression and none of them should be tolerated, not as a puppy and certainly not as a dog. There are also dominance behaviors that puppies exhibit that are often mistaken as aggression. They include things like jumping on people, stepping on people, pushing you around, forcing you to pet them and others. While these behaviors can be done aggressively, and should still be corrected immediately, they are not the same as aggression. Definition of puppy Because we often get clients that bring out their dogs that are close to a year old and refer to them as puppies, I want to define what I consider a puppy. A puppy is a dog under six months of age. Most retrievers are a good size by around six months. They will often continue to grow up until about a year and a half, but they have the bulk of their size by the time they are six months. And by six months, you need to have a handle on any aggressive behaviors, or you are going to struggle with eliminating them. Is it normal for a puppy to be very aggressive? It is normal for a puppy to test you with aggressive behaviors. And to be clear, that place should be at the bottom of the pack, under all your family members. I understand that your dog is a part of your family but allowing your dog to be in a position above any or all your family members is just asking for trouble. Treating your dog as a human and attributing your dog with human thoughts and reasoning is not fair to your dog or to your family. Love your dog, but make sure your dog is the lowest member of your pack and you will have a much easier time with obedience and basic good behavior. How to stop puppy growling Growling is often the first step for dog aggression. Or, if you try and take a toy away from your dog. No matter how or when you see the aggression start, it is important to nip it in the bud right away. A sharp NO command sometimes is all that is needed, especially if it is well-timed with the first sign of the growl or nip. Other times you may need to grab your dogs muzzle and squeeze. If these corrections do not seem to be helping, I would immediately crate my dog if it growled at me. Be sure you do not let your dog out of the crate while he is exhibiting a growling behavior. Only let him out if he is behaving appropriately. How to stop puppy nipping or biting A dog that nips or bites you often started as a very young puppy. We teach our puppies at 8-weeks-old that biting and nipping people is not allowed. And at this very young age, they learn it very quickly. Your pup may cry out or squirm, but that is fine. In fact, you need to be quite stern to make an impression. If it continues, you are not being firm or consistent enough. How to stop puppy growling while tugging During play, it is not uncommon for retriever puppies to growl and tug at toys, blankets, even your pant leg. This behavior is usually just playful and natural. However, I would still try to end this behavior as soon as possible. While almost harmless at first, this behavior can escalate quickly as your dog grows bigger and stronger. You can end this behavior first by not participating in it. If you start tugging with a toy with your puppy, you are going to encourage the behavior. The second step is to discourage the behavior with a sharp NO command. It can help if you say GIVE when you take the item. This will start to teach him the GIVE command that will be helpful later if you are a hunter. How to stop puppy baring his teeth A puppy or dog that bares his teeth to you is threatening to bite you. Even if the puppy goes no further than to bare the teeth and growl, you need to end this behavior. This behavior is far more dangerous than the puppy that nips at your hand. The nips may be done in play, since that is how puppies play with one another, but baring of teeth and growling is different. And you must handle it differently. I am not talking about lifting your dog off the floor with the shake, but if your puppy is very young, that may indeed be a great correction. Have you ever witnessed a mama dog correct her puppies? This is not a violent thing, just a natural correction for a puppy. The puppies rarely cry out or whimper when given this correction, they just walk away and understand that the behavior they were exhibiting is not acceptable. If your dog continues to bare his teeth even after this correction, you may have a bigger problem on your hands, and I would proceed carefully. True dog aggression is no joking matter. Dogs with aggression problems can snap at any time and go from baring their teeth to full out attacks. Hyper behavior is different from aggression. A hyper dog has a lot of energy and may not know how to control or channel that energy. Often hyper behavior is a genetic trait. In this sense, it is not something that you can eliminate. But you can take steps to make it more manageable. Exercise more Dogs that are hyper need more exercise than dogs that are more docile in nature. If your dog is hyper and is not getting enough exercise, the hype behavior is going to drive the dog to other behaviors that you may not enjoy such as chewing up your dining room table leg or your favorite pair of shoes. For instance, if your dog is hyper and is jumping up and down all the time, and you not only allow the jumping but pet him or her and give praise while your dog is jumping, then you are unknowingly rewarding the jumping behavior. Give your puppy time to mature Retrievers are often full of energy while they are young, well some a bit longer, but tend to slow down as they mature. But as they mature they do usually slow down and become a bit less energetic. Training Highly energetic dogs can benefit greatly from structured training programs. Programs such as the ones we offer here at Otter Tail Kennels, can teach an energetic dog control and channel their energy into hunting or retrieving which can make home life more manageable. There are even some things you can do at home to get more control of your energetic dog. Practice sitting I know this sounds boring, and for you it is. But for an energetic dog that does not like sitting at all, having them sit for 30 seconds, or a minute or two can be very challenging. They will need many reminders at first, but over time they will learn to settle and sit calmly. You can slowly increase the amount of time. This simple obedience drill will help your dog learn control. Teach your dog the kennel command so that when you say Kennel, they run into their crate and stay there until you release them. This basically sends your dog on a time out and forces them to practice control and settle. Final thoughts on why my puppy is so hyper and aggressive For dogs under 6 months of age, much hyper and aggressive behavior is simply puppy play. You must teach your puppy boundaries and the earlier you teach them the better. Be consistent in your corrections and persistent, and over time you will reap the benefits. You can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time happy retrieving. Lunging Biting Dogs can display these behaviors toward adults or children, as well as other dogs or animals in the home. However, they can also act aggressively toward strangers or unfamiliar pets. What should you do if you see these signs of aggression in your dog? If you ignore this behavior, someone could get hurt. To address the underlying issue, seek professional help from a licensed dog trainer or animal behaviorist. If they do show signs of aggression, there is a reason. So, what causes this kind of dog aggression? Causes of Aggression in Golden Retrievers Are golden retrievers aggressive in most cases? But do golden retrievers have the propensity to act aggressively as a result of certain factors, just like any dog breed? Food aggression and resource guarding is relatively common among dogs, including the golden retriever. Dogs might also be possessive about their toys, bedding, a certain room in the house, or a certain family member. Dominance Because dogs are pack animals, they tend to look for hierarchy. Aa dog may try to assert their dominance over another pet or, in some very rare cases, a family member. We generally find golden retrievers are fantastic family dogs. Fear Another type of aggression is fear-based aggression. Fear aggression occurs when your dog is frightened of something or gets startled. A loud noise like thunder, a stranger in the house, or the prospect of a car ride could trigger this. They can be, just like any dog. A golden could snap when someone steps on their tail or massages a sore arthritic joint too hard. They can help alleviate joint pain, improve mobility, and help with long-term joint health. Abuse or neglect can result in a fear or distrust of humans and other animals, so a golden who has experienced this kind of mistreatment could be more likely to act out aggressively. However, like any other dog breed, they can display aggressive behavior under some circumstances. The question is, how can you avoid such circumstances and encourage more positive responses? Here are the best ways to avoid bad behavior, including canine aggression, when you own a golden retriever: Give Proper Training Dog owners can avoid many behavioral problems with good long-term training. Your dog should know the fundamental commands like sit, stay, come, heel, and lay down. They should also be crate and leash trained. If you need some help, consult a dog trainer for help or enroll your pet in obedience training classes. Kids need to know that your dog is not a toy and needs to be given the proper space and respect. Socialize Your Dog Proper socialization means exposing your dog to a wide variety of people, animals, situations, and environments at a young age. That way, your pooch grows up familiar with everything they may encounter as an adult, which helps to avoid unwanted behavior like aggression. You can socialize an older dog as well as a golden retriever puppy — it just might take a little more time and patience. Positive reinforcement is a much better tactic. This means rewarding your pet with treats and verbal praise when they exhibit good behavior and correcting them when they need it, rather than resorting to punishment. Choose a Reputable Breeder Are golden retrievers aggressive when they come from a breeder? Not necessarily, but poor breeding practices can certainly contribute to aggression. Dogs who come from backyard breeders or crowded settings may have had to compete for food, toys, or territory, increasing the likelihood of aggression later in life. Most shelters work with the dogs in their care to make sure they have basic training and socialization. Are Golden Retrievers Aggressive or Not? Are golden retrievers aggressive? No, not inherently. On the contrary, golden retrievers are extremely friendly dogs who are social, affectionate, gentle creatures. They tend to get along very well with adults, kids, and other pets, making the golden one of the best dogs for families. While golden retrievers are not aggressive by nature, there are several possible reasons why they might show aggression. Any dog can be possessive, try to assert dominance, be afraid or in pain, or come from a background of abuse or neglect. To avoid aggression in your golden retriever, commit to training them and socializing your pet. Last but not least, adopt your dog from a reputable breeder or shelter that has instilled some training and positive socialization already. Browse the Native Pet blog. Read more. Are Golden Retrievers Aggressive? The Honest Truth Posted on April 5, by Galen Kauffman Share: Golden Retriever owners will most times be highly indignant if you dare to suggest that their Goldens have even an iota of aggression in them. They will be quick to tell you that dog experts will even use this big golden, friendly dog as an example breed when looking to confirm what a calm, amicable dog is. And the puppies? Are golden Retrievers aggressive as puppies? Not at all. Alright, so as a puppy it is only natural that he will nip and bite your hand as he is teething. He has the cutest little growl too. However, not training your puppy and not taking him along to socialization classes can allow this puppy habit to develop into something serious. Is Aggression Common in Golden Retrievers? Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? Only very seldom. Calm and laid back as your Golden Retriever is, there are going to be times when your golden doggo may be aggressive. They are loving, playful, calm, friendly, smiling, amiable dogs. Are male Golden Retrievers aggressive more often than females? Not really. As mentioned, these dogs are rarely aggressive, but it is more likely that the male Golden Retriever will be more aggressive than the female. Aggression in Golden Retrievers nearly always comes from poor breeding, bad dog owners, inadequate training, and lack of socialization. You can also add in abuse, neglect, and cruelty. Golden Retrievers are known as control groups for aggression A control group is a standard to which comparisons are made in a dog aggression experiment. There is a control group and an experimental group. The inclusion of a control group helps the researcher to make conclusions from the study. It is only with a control group that a researcher can determine whether a treatment can have an effect on an experimental group. In the study, golden retrievers were tested and used as a control group. Seventy Golden Retrievers were tested in the temperament test. Levels of escalation in aggressive behavior were scored. A total of .Goldens are not typically aggressive Most Golden Retriever owners are familiar with the good-natured temperaments of their Goldens, and they would consider an aggressive Golden Retriever to be an unheard-of thing. Dogs are like kids and the Golden is just a big loving child wanting to please you. And rightly so. Nobody in their right mind would want an aggressive Golden Retriever around their small children. Nonetheless, even though the chances are almost nil that your Golden has any aggression in him, there are one or two factors that can cause aggression in Golden Retrievers, and with good reason, and we look at some of them below. Fear Fear causes any dog faced with a threat to defend itself by biting. Veterinary behavior specialists tell us that fear-related aggression is just that — it is used as self-defense. It may well be out of sheer desperation that a cornered dog bites when it anticipates a threat. A Golden Retriever that has been regularly smacked learns to generalize — believing that every human hand wants to strike him. He goes into self-protection mode by biting the hand that reaches out to him. Fear is also instilled in a dog such as the Golden Retriever when an owner uses harsh, cruel punishment-based training methods. Harsh behavior increases aggression but also anxiety. Danger Dogs act in unusual ways when they sense danger. Can Golden Retrievers be aggressive in the face of danger? This abuse can take different forms. Goldens who have suffered from emotional and physical abuse can respond to anyone with aggression. He will in all likelihood be scared, agitated, and aggressive. Socializing your Golden Retriever will prepare him for a broad range of situations so that he is able to interact with various animals, people, and situations. It teaches him to react to the world out there in a calm way without fear and aggression. Illness Aggression in a Golden Retriever can have a medical cause. Just like the human child gets whiney, cranky, and aggressive when ill and with a bad headache, our canine friends do as well. Medically-induced aggression in a Golden Retriever can result in warning signs of growling, baring teeth, and general aggression. Brain inflammation occurs in conditions such as rabies and encephalitis. The aggression in this instance is most times a neurological reaction to the effect of the inflammation on the brain. Low thyroid levels affect mood and thyroid therapy can relieve aggression in dogs with hypothyroidism. Dogs are like humans in some ways and if they have woken up feeling under the weather, they may respond by showing signs of aggression. Injury There are many causes of aggression in dogs and injury is a common cause of canine aggression. Your Golden Retriever is nearly always a well-behaved dog, so if he suddenly shows signs of aggression, you just know there is something unusual up with him. If you find him acting out of character and wanting to nip you, get him to the vet as soon as possible for a thorough examination. He could have chewed on something that has caused injury to the teeth or even lodged somewhere, causing injury and pain inside the mouth. Irresponsible Breeding Canine aggression always poses concerns. Aggression in dogs is researched by people wanting to understand breed differences. Research always reveals that the Golden Retriever is a calm, good-natured golden beauty with hardly an aggressive bone inside him. But what about irresponsible breeding? A dog can suffer from all kinds of complications in pregnancy and when ignored because of the costs it can be tragic and heartbreaking. A responsible Golden Retriever breeder is one who knows the breed well and who has health clearances to show that both parents are free of genetic disorders. They follow the AKC breed guidelines for health testing. The test includes hips, elbows, thyroid tests, hearing tests, DNA testing, and heart tests. Also before breeding, dog parents need additional tests for Brucellosis testing and both dogs need to be up to date with all their vaccinations. Their characteristics, their bad attitude, their lack of affection, their lack of concern, and their troublesome lifestyle all cause aggression in Golden Retrievers. Signs of Aggression in Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers are sometimes like other dogs in showing their aggression and they will growl and bark while simultaneously becoming hyperactive. Their floppy ears are raised, the feathered tail is raised and stiff and their hackles are raised. If your Golden has turned into a bit of a biter, snapper, and growler, there has to be a good reason. So how does one stop aggression in Golden Retrievers? Socializing Ensure that your Golden Retriever puppy stays with his mother until he is 8 weeks of age. Just like young kids have to be disciplined in order for them to display appropriate behavior, your puppy Golden will need to be trained and socialized. Check out with your local vet where the best puppy socialization classes are. Choosing a Good Breeder By the time your Golden Retriever puppy is 8 weeks old, he is ready to go to his new home. The way he has developed so far will be dependent on how the breeder has raised him and his siblings. Puppies kept in an unloving, cold, hostile environment will have aggressive tendencies later on and not be able to function properly in your household. Choose a good breeder very carefully. Are you wanting to buy the cutest, most beautiful, friendliest, balanced, loving, non-aggressive Golden Retriever puppy? My Golden Retriever Puppies has just what you want, after all, they are the trusted source for responsibly-raised Golden Retriever Puppies in Ohio. Know your breeder and find yourself a healthy, lively, happy, amicable Golden who has been raised with love and care and dying to shower you with Golden Retriever kisses. Training Although it is difficult to find one iota of aggression in a Golden Retriever, any kind of aggressive behavior can be avoided with proper training. Apart from early socialization, you can train your dog firmly, fairly, and consistently. You could also allow a reputable professional dog behaviorist or trainer to train your Golden to mix with other people and dogs without showing aggressive tendencies. Positive reinforcement training is great when a tasty treat is given as a reward for the desired behavior. Never confuse your dog, and make sure that everyone in the family uses the same signs and commands that he is familiar with. Exercise If you want to avoid aggression in your Golden Retriever, exercise him. Dog aggression is a concern for any dog owner and even your mild, calm Golden can begin to feel the stirrings of aggression when he is never exercised. The Golden Retriever is a large dog and he is also a sporting breed. Your Golden will need a consistent workout every day for at least 20 minutes at a time. Hitting a ball for him with a tennis racquet can be an excellent running exercise for him. You have to be patient with him and show him kindness, gentleness, and fairness when training him. Conclusion Are Golden Retrievers aggressive? They can be, but only under certain circumstances. It is things such as improper breeding, abuse, and fear from humans that put aggression into any dog. Know your Golden and get him to the vet if you suspect uncharacteristic aggression which could be brought on by pain or illness. You can easily find one by checking out our puppies here! All our puppies are raised by our own group of small, independent breeders who lovingly care for and socialize with each of them daily so they grow up happy. We even take all the extra steps to provide the best healthcare for them. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. While most people do not think that agressive golden retriever is a problem, it can be depending how the dog was raised. If a dog or puppy is abused from early on and then you adopt this dog, it can have some aggressive dog behavior that needs to be corrected as soon as possible. The kind, friendly, and confident manner of Golden Retrievers have made them so popular that many unscrupulous breeders were attracted towards them. As a result, careless breeding of Golden Retrievers have developed several health and temperament problems. Unprovoked Golden Retriever aggression is one such problem that has developed due to irresponsible breeding. Though aggression is an instinctive nature of Golden Retrievers, they were never unwanted. Golden Retrievers had shown aggression to hunt, to defend themselves from other creatures, to defend resources such as food, a place to sleep, and a mate. Golden Retriever aggression has been classified in several ways — dog aggression, food aggression, aggression towards strangers, and aggression towards family members are some of the common types. Aggressive Golden Retriever Dog : rare but it can happen. It is rare for a Golden Retriever dog to turn out to be aggressive, but it can happen. There are many causes for this type of behavioral issues. In some cases, poor propagation can result in an aggressive Golden Retriever. Dominance issues are one of the most common reasons for aggression. Most often times, Golden Retriever dog aggression issues will simply be acting out of fear. This is acknowledged as defensive aggression. For instance, if your golden was hurt by a big dog or young child when she was youthful, she may react aggressively when uncovered to these triggers later on in life. Dealing with defensive aggression can be scary and irritating at the same time. While you do not want to scare your dog or cause more emotional trauma, you naturally want to decrease the incidences of aggressive behavior. One of the most important things you can do when dealing with defensive aggression is to not disregard the problem. It is important to deal with the issues as soon as possible mainly because aggression can increase over time if not properly addressed. Aggressive behavior can begin with some Golden retriever dogs when they are as youthful as five or six weeks old! This is why it is very important to invest in your golden retriever from a reputable breeder. One good way to stop aggressive behavior is to make sure that your dog or puppy is properly socialized. A critical period for socialization is from the time a dog is 6 weeks old until he or she is 14 weeks old. Following your puppy is weaned and has received her first sequence of shots, you can take her out in public. Some people choose to socialize their dog in public before she has acquired shots. You can minimize the risk of your dog contracting a virus by holding her while out in public. Aggressive behavior in any dog is easy to spot, ears will be laid back, teeth showing and body more in a downward slant as if to attack its prey. In addition, you should be able to recognize the signs of dog aggression to learn how to deal with an aggressive golden retriever dog. This signs can include: Dominate aggression is typically the bully type of aggression, which can lead to food dominance or having problems with dogs or people. Fear aggression typically happens when the dog is so afraid that they go into a fight or flight mode. Typically their tail may be between their legs even when they are showing signs of aggression. Territorial aggression happens when there is typically more than one dog in the home and one is territorial over food or toys. Some dogs become very aggressive when they are possessive of their owners. This means that they may bite or growl if others approach their owner. Many dogs become aggressive with punishment which is the direct cause of humans. This means harsh punishment which is abuse can lead to the dog becoming aggressive to protect itself. Some dogs display aggression when they are in pain, especially a senior dog, therefore it is important not to lift a dog that is in pain. Maternal aggression, if your golden retriever dog just had a liter of puppies, you might not want to begin playing with the puppies straight away because this can cause the motherly instinct to kick in and make her aggressive toward you. It is important to recognize the type of golden retriever aggression that your dog is displaying because sometimes it is just situational, such as pain aggression. Dogs are like people and they deal with pain differently, which means that some dogs want you to comfort them when they are in pain and others want you to leave them alone. It is vital you know the cues your dog is giving you so that you understand if it is situational or if your dog needs obedience training. While golden retrievers are not know for their aggressiveness, any dog in certain situations can become aggressive. Half of all the dogs out there bite someone or another dog at least once in their life. Dog biting is not desired behavior, no matter whether it is aimed at humans or dogs you need to put a stop to it as early as possibly can. By stopping this behavior as early as you can you will be able to prevent the chance of your dog developing anti-social habits. If you can stop your dog from biting as early as you can then you will be able to have a nice friendly dog which will not be a risk to other dogs or other people. When stopping dog biting too many people don't stop to think about the actual reasons for it happening, actually Golden Retriever aggression and biting are two very natural things when they are in danger or feel threatened. Your dog might bite because he is scared or for a variety of other reasons. If your dog is stressed for example then he might bite, just think about what you do when you're in a foul mood. Some people may become aggressive when they are in a bad mood, and dogs are exactly the same. There are different ways that humans can relieve this pressure, however dogs don't have as many options. In order to stamp out Golden Retriever aggression and biting you need to show your dog that any such behavior is completely unacceptable to you. There are a number of different things that can cause dog biting and aggression, including fear, when they are with young, or when they feel threatened. If you are aware what causes dog aggression and biting then you may be able to avoid all of these things. The next important step that you want to look at is training your dog, you will be able to train your dog so that he doesn't show any aggression. It's possible to do this training yourself or with the help of a professional. If you train your dog properly then he will be able to know that it is wrong to bite. There are also a number of other options that you have when you want to find ways to stop your dog biting. If you notice that your dog is biting from a young age then you stand a better chance of getting the problem sorted out easily. You need to socialize your puppy with other people and dogs to make him feel comfortable around strangers. Try to get your dog used to other people touching and petting him, you can do this by allowing your dog to sniff each new person before they are allowed to pet him. Your dog will enjoy this as it is like a handshake! Make sure that you do not tease your Golden Retriever dog, teasing your dog might get some good reactions but it's not good for your puppy. Teasing games will only aggravate the puppy and make him annoyed. So if you have a puppy that is biting then now is the right time to start training him not to bite. A puppy's bites may not hurt at this stage, however they will do very soon! Make sure that you socialize your dog and get him completely used to strangers before he reaches adulthood. If you do all of these things then you should be able to stop your dog being one of the ones that bites other people! Nobody wants a Agressive Golden Retriever that bites, fortunately you don't have to put up with it any longer! You will learn how to deal with it. This means that you should never discipline your young puppy harshly, especially if she is between 8 to 10 weeks old. When you discipline your dog, do not hit her with your hand or another object, yell at her, or use other harsh discipline methods. This can actually backfire and cause more aggression, especially if your dog is defensive aggressive. In Golden Retrievers, the majority of the cases of dog aggression and food aggression have genetic components. According to one such study, breeding for calmness in Golden Retrievers have messed the fundamental brain chemistry of the dog resulting in unwanted aggression. Selective breeding against the nature of the dog has fastened the process. However, if a Golden Retriever has developed a dog aggression or food aggression we can at least control it through proper socialization and obedience training. Living conditions, excessive punishment, being attacked or frightened by an aggressive dog also influence aggression in Golden Retrievers. While genetics may play a role in raising aggressive behavior, environment can play a huge role. If your dog is abused or neglected, she will have a very good chance of starting to be aggressive. A dog that has poor living conditions, very harsh masters and no social expertise is very most likely to develop behavior issues. If your dog shows aggressive behavior immediately after one year of age, you will need to address the problem quickly. You may need to enlist the help of a trained professional to do this. Recall that it is important to not reward your dog for aggressive behavior. If you deal with your dog or pet your dog immediately immediately after aggressive behavior, you are in essence rewarding that behavior. If your dog becomes aggressive since it is fearful, you will need to take some time to work on social competencies and socialization. You should also seek the advice of a trained professional who has practical experience dealing with defensive aggressive behaviors. Aggression can be controlled. Nonetheless, it is very important to take the steps necessary to solve the problem as an alternative of ignoring behaviors and hoping that they will go away on their own. Here are some tips for Controling Agressive Golden Retrievers Aggressive Behavior : Firstly you need to work out why your dog is biting. Once you know the reasons then you will be able to isolate these and work on correcting them. We're going to take a look at a few tips which might be enough to make your life slightly easier. Social Life While your Golden Retriever puppy is young you should make sure that he socializes with as many other dogs as possible. This will help him to understand that the other dogs and people are not a threat, and in actual fact they can all get on like a house on fire! When your Golden Retriever puppy is young it might look cute when your puppy bites, however it's certainly not cute when your puppy gets older! Consistent In order for your Golden Retriever dog to learn anything you need to be consistent. Whenever your dog bites anybody, anything or any other dog then you need to show him that it's just not acceptable. Once he starts to learn that biting is not acceptable then he will slowly learn not to do it. Don't get too annoyed Dogs thrive on contact with other people and so you cannot just ignore him when he does something wrong. If your dog is agressive then tell him off, then for a few minutes do nothing, however after that stroke him and pet him. You need to show your Golden Retriever dog that you still love him, otherwise he will only get annoyed, just make sure you keep your hands a long way away from his mouth! Don't hit your dog When you are telling your dog off some people may tell you to strike your dog. However this is never a good idea. It isn't sensible to strike your dog because he is being disobedient, or aggressive. Just give him a warning. Physical punishment is a surefire way to lose your puppies trust forever. Trust is vital for any future relationship you have with your dog to be a success. Don't play too roughly If your Golden Retriever is aggressive then you shouldn't play roughly as this might encourage him to bite you. By playing roughing you are actually showing him that this behavior is ok. You need to show that it is not acceptable for your dog to do anything you don't like. By playing rough he will think that it's ok to play rough with you too. Some dogs are harder to stop biting or being agressive than others which may cause you a lot of frustration. However there are plenty of other methods to help you find ways how to get dog to stop biting. Water spray You could get one of those spray water bottles used to mist plants and put some water in it. Whenever your dog does anything you don't like then you can say no, and spray him with water. This should startle your dog, and as he doesn't like it he should associate it with being bad. Praise Another option is to reinforce everything good that he does. Whenever he does anything right then give him lots of praise. Positive reinforcement is thought to be much more effective than negative punishment. All dogs love treats and praise, so if you only give it to them when they deserve it then they will soon get the idea. Though Golden Retrievers are equally amiable with both strangers and those familiar to them, they sometime show aggression towards both of them. The reasons may vary for a Golden Retriever aggression towards strangers and towards family members. One reason why a Golden Retriever shows aggression towards strangers is that they might never have the chance to get used to them. Again proper socialization and lot of outings can solve the problem. Socializing Golden Retriever means that you start exposing them to a wide variety of new experiences, new people, and new animals from a young age. Aggression towards family members can be commonly because of two reasons— either your Golden Retriever is trying to defend himself from a perceived threat, which he sees in any of the family member or he is not comfortable with the treatment he is getting from you or other members of the family. Golden Retrievers have an overly-possessive behavior and when you try to take away his belongings or you approach it when it is eating, they develop aggression against you. This resource guarding nature of Golden Retrievers which gives rise to aggression actually boils down to the issue of dominance. Your Golden Retriever has a tendency to rank each member of the family, and has his own perception of where he ranks in that environment as well. And a higher-ranked Golden Retriever acts aggressively in defense of resources. The best way to treat Golden Retriever aggression is consistent and frequent obedience work with lot of socialization. In fact, the earlier you start the socialization process the lesser are the chances of aggression. Golden Retrievers also show aggression if they are not handled and groomed properly. Picking up his paws and touching them with the clipper and taking them into the bath definitely helps in reducing the chances of aggression. Conclusion about how to deal with an agressive golden retriever dog Agressive Golden Retriever can quickly become a serious problem which is often blamed entirely on the dog. However your dog doesn't know any better, and so it is actually your responsibility as the owner to get the problem sorted. It can be very frustrating when dogs bite, however it is possible to stop your dog biting and being agressive today. So, Keep in mind that golden retriever dogs are smart, therefore, if you recently adopted a full grown dog and it is showing signs of aggression, you should immediately get your golden retriever dog in an obedience training course. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. How on earth does one of the most lovable and gentle dogs out there become aggressive? Unfortunately, it is not unheard of. Golden Retrievers are just as likely to show aggressive behavior as any other animal or human out there. We look at a few of the factors that can cause aggression in Golden Retrievers and a few of the common warning signs. We also look briefly at the methods that you can use to help prevent aggression in your Golden. Abuse This is an unfortunate truth. Neglect Neglect is absolutely a form of abuse. It can be withdrawing any kind of love or affection or even just attention from a dog, but it can also include not providing the dog with the basic necessities of life, such as food and water. When a Golden has been malnourished, they start to exhibit food-guarding behavior , which includes growling and biting at anyone or anything while they are eating. Image Credit: chendongshan, Shutterstock 3. This is considered one of the most common causes of aggression in most dogs. Illness or Pain Dogs that are in pain or are sick can react with aggression. They feel vulnerable, and if they are in pain or some form of discomfort, they can lash out in a protective or defensive reaction. Specific Illnesses This is different from a dog feeling sick. There are certain illnesses that can cause aggression. The most famous is rabies, but hormonal imbalances or metabolic and genetic disorders can also cause aggression, such as hypothyroidism, neoplasia, and psychomotor epilepsy, to name a few. Image Credit: Piqsels 6. Danger or Threat All dogs will react aggressively if they feel threatened or feel the need to protect their territory , including their families. This is particularly true for a mother dog protecting her puppies. A dog without the proper socialization will be nervous and fearful in new situations and around new people. Image Credit: pixels, Shutterstock 9. But they can also breed undesirable traits into their puppies. So, if the parents or grandparents had aggressive natures, this might be passed down to the next generations. The Warning Signs It is helpful to recognize the warning signs before a dog acts out from aggression. A few of these will be obvious, but most signs can be overlooked or misunderstood. Body language that your Golden might display, in order of the aggression ramping up, include: Squinting, turning head or body away from the situation, and avoidance of eye contact Licking of the lips or yawning Flattening of the ears tightly against the head Crouching down and tucking the tail under the body Freezing in place and stiffening of the body Growling Snapping Biting These are all signs that a bite might be imminent, so proceed with caution if your dog is exhibiting these signs. That said, many of these tips can be applied to almost any dog at any age. Image Credit: Piqsels 1. Socialization Just as improper socialization can lead to eventual aggression, the right socialization can prevent it. When your puppy or dog is introduced to as many environments, situations, people, and animals as possible, they gradually learn to not be afraid of new things. Using praise, pets, and treats when your dog does something right is the best method for training all breeds. Image Credit: Piqsels 3. Find a Good Breeder The genetics of the dog is important and so is how the breeder raises the puppies. Patience and Love This is important for every single dog out there but is particularly true for rescue dogs. Rescue dogs will gradually learn to trust again. Image Credit: Standret, Shutterstock 5. If you have a handle on what causes an aggressive reaction from your dog, try to fix it. But first take your dog to the vet to rule out any injury or illness. Exercise Ensure that your Golden is receiving plenty of exercise. They are energetic dogs that need to engage in many types of activities and training, which effectively reduces aggressive behavior. You should also look into enrolling your dog in obedience classes or even agility trials and dock diving. These dogs are hard-working, and if you give them a job to do, they are less likely to become aggressive. They are the fourth most intelligent dog breed behind the Border Collie , Poodle , and German Shepherd , and they are highly sensitive dogs. The first sign of any kind of aggression needs to be addressed, even if it means talking to an animal behaviorist or vet. Just spend time with your Golden and give them plenty of love and attention, and that dog will absolutely be devoted and confident and unquestionably, a happy and loving companion!
German Australian Shepherd Video Temperament and Behavior Known for their intelligence, alertness, and loyalty, the Australian German Shepherds are extremely devoted to their family members, spending time playing. They get along well with the kids provided they are socialized when young. As in the case of most herding dogs , they are reserved and unresponsive with strangers. Being protective by nature, they do a great job watching and guarding their house and family. Because of their kind and loving behavior towards their family members, they are considered good family pets. However, they need confident and firm leadership and are thus not suitable for the timid or first-time owners. Care Exercise As a lively dog, it needs a minimum one-hour of daily activities including running, playing, and agility exercises. Keep your pet occupied and mentally stimulated by providing it with puzzle toys. Long walks are also recommended for avoiding boredom and inactivity. Grooming Routine maintenance will ensure a shinier and healthier coat. Utilize a slicker brush to stroke its hair in the direction of its growth. This will keep dead hairs from coming on your clothes as well as furnishings. Do not bathe your pet too often as it might strip its skin of all its natural oils. Trim its nails occasionally to prevent them from growing too long. Keep its teeth and gums healthy by brushing them with a gentle toothbrush and vet-recommended toothpaste. Health Problems These dogs might be prone to common health conditions including food and contact allergies, hip dysplasia, epilepsy, eye disorders, as well as some other diseases affecting its parent breeds. While adopting a puppy, it is advisable that you check the health clearances of its parents from the breeder. Training Let your pet know that you are its leader and it should follow your commands. Enforce strict and positive training methods, but do not be too harsh. You may reward it by praising its good behavior, offering foods, or playing with toys. This will encourage your pet to listen to your commands and accept training. Feeding Keep an eye on the quality as well as the quantity of food you provide your pet. A low-calorie diet with small amounts of fat and protein is necessary to keep it in good shape. Do not offer more than cups of dog food a day. Origin Story of the Aussie German Shepherd Mix It might not be a shock to hear this about mixed breeds, but the origin story of the Australian Shepherd mixed with the German Shepherd is somewhat unclear. What is known about the German Shepherd Aussie is that the breed was developed sometime between the s and s. However, like other mix-breeds, the only way you can really decipher what this dog is all about is by understanding their purebred parents. Von Stephanitz did this by using a selection of the best shepherd breeds that were scattered around the German countryside. The German Shepherd dog also referred to as GSD has quickly proved to be capable of far more than just herding. Nowadays, these dogs are synonymous with police work, bomb and drug detection, and personal protection. While the breed was refined in the outback, this purebred got its actual start working the hills and countryside of Europe. In the last hundred years, the Aussie Shepherd transitioned to the Australian West, rounding up livestock for farmers and ranchers. They, too, are astute and will often try to outsmart their owners. So, be prepared to remain on your toes at all times. Australian Shepherd The Aussie Shepherd is an emotionally supportive dog but can, at times, be reserved and independent. At heart, the Australian Shepherd loves the company of its owners. Australian Shepherd and German Shepherd Mix Appearance Whenever you get a designer pup, you can never fully predict what physical traits the dog will adopt from either parent. These dogs are mostly well-proportioned with strong athletic bodies. Their sloping back and long legs give this half German Shepherd half Australian shepherd the ambling gait of a GSD with the pep-in-step of the Aussie. This hybrid will most likely have a fluffy, plumed tail that can be long or short. This will be dependent on which parent breed they take after. Their almond-shaped eyes are very expressive. With these dogs, their eyes are truly the windows to their soul. Eye colors vary from dog to dog. Typically, you can see them with brown, blue, or hazel eyes. In some cases, the German Shepherd Aussie can inherit Heterochromia , a condition that causes two different eye colors. Males tend to be at the heavier end of the scale. These dogs tend to sport a solid color, while a few might have a combination of colors. Some are even speckled or spotted dogs with a tricolor or tinges of silvery gray or brindle. It really depends on the parents and who has the dominant gene. Therefore, grooming these dogs can take a bit of time and concentrated effort. Grooming this hybrid requires plenty of brushing and trimming to keep their coats in top shape. Since their coats are primarily straight hairs, you can use a dog comb and a dematting brush at least twice each week. Baths should only be given when necessary using a mild dog shampoo. This will help to avoid irritating the dogs skin or drying out their fur. Doing so helps them avoid ear infections. And to finish off a full grooming program, keep their nails down with some quality dog nail clippers. If your dog gets enough exercise, it is less likely that they will need their nails clipped each month. If you run on asphalt or hike with them, their nails will naturally wear down. This designer mix, however, is a moderate shedder with half the grooming needs of their parents. This occurs in the Spring and Fall seasons when the dog will lose clumps of hair and shed much more than usual. During this time, it is best to take them to a groomer to effectively get rid of the shedding hair. Shaving is never the solution for dogs with a double coat. Shaving a double-coated dog can actually make it harder for them to cool off. This part of their personality is thanks to their German Shepherd heritage. However, both the German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd are amazing problem solvers and can work as police or service dogs. German Aussie puppies have a very high energy level, and without consistent exercise, they will make their boredom and frustration known. They will bark all night and day, chew on things and dig, dig, dig. Essentially, all this dog wants is to play with its family. They can be a little wary of strangers but are overall still very confident dogs. Their wariness of strangers makes them great guard dogs, though, so you can expect some barking from them when strangers approach. Are They a Good Family Dog? The German Shepherd and Aussie mix is a great addition to any family. They adore human attention and would fit best in an active family — they are a breed that enjoys going on long walks or hikes with their owners. This breed can get along with other pets. The most significant factor in their acceptance of other animals is their socialization when they are puppies. Both parent breeds are known for being quite relaxed as properly socialized dogs. They can even get along with cats and other small animals if introduced slowly and correctly. Well, it all boils down to the breeding business. Some breeders are well-established and have pedigree dogs in their kennels. Breeding is an expensive business, and very few breeders make any profit at all. To make matters worse, you could get your heart set on an unhealthy pup. These documents should include more than a standard vet checkup. The best breeders care just as much about their puppies as their clients do. When it comes to rescuing a German Shepherd Aussie mix, there are several benefits to adopting one. For starters, you can save quite a bit of money. You can also have the option of bringing home an older dog and avoid the highs and lows of potty training a whining puppy. One or two other breeds may be thrown into the mix. Take the time to observe if the breeders or rescue staff have an evident bond with their pups. If the adult dogs or puppies at one of these breeding or rescue facilities seem detached or fearful, this is a huge red flag. As both parent breeds were bred to be obedient working dogs, their cross also has that focus and obedience during training. With plenty of positive affirmations and repetition, you will have a wonderful, well-trained dog in no time. Exercise for German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd Mix As previously mentioned, this breed is highly energetic, so it needs plenty of exercise. The German Shepherd Aussie will need about 2 hours of activity spread throughout the day. But you will probably have to walk with them twice a day to fulfill their exercise quota for the week. Diet and Nutrition for the German Shepherd Aussie As an active breed, your German Shepherd Aussie mix needs a diet high in protein to keep its body and muscles strong and healthy. This is an estimated 1, calories a day. Divide this amount into two meals to discourage overeating and bloating. You should also check if your German Shepherd Aussie mix is gaining too much weight by doing a touch test. This is where you run your fingers through their coat and feel for their ribs. Being overweight can be a sign of illnesses like insulinoma a tumor of the pancreas and hypothyroidism an underactive thyroid condition. As for the Aussie Shepherd, this dog enjoys a life expectancy of between 12 and 15 years. It is suggested that the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix could live for between 13 and 15 years, adopting its Aussie genetics. Sometimes, unsound breeding practices in their parents can contribute to a greater risk of hereditary conditions. Joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia are possible in German and Australian Shepherds. However, below are some potentially serious health conditions affecting the half Aussie half German Shepherd breed. Hemophilia An inherited condition that stops blood from clotting. Dogs with this condition can have prolonged, spontaneous bleeding from injuries or even from the nose and eyes. Epilepsy Seizures can be caused by trauma or sickness, but in many cases, the real reason is unknown. Luckily, this can be managed with lifelong medication. A visit to the vet may prescribe eye drops to reduce inflammation, but surgery to remove the cataract is the most effective treatment. It usually occurs after the dog has eaten or drank excessively, often just before or after exercise. The stomach starts to fill up with gas, then twists around on itself, cutting off the blood supply to the organs and rupturing the stomach lining. Without emergency surgery, the dog will not survive. Collie Eye Anomaly This is actually a group of eye problems affecting Collie-type breeds. They range from mild to potentially fatal, and some can cause blindness in one or both eyes. Your dog must be checked regularly for any sign of eye problems of this nature. Degenerative Myelopathy Degenerative myelopathy is a disease of the spinal cord that stops the brain from communicating with the hindquarters. It is a progressive disease that almost always results in complete paralysis of the back legs. In many cases, their front legs are weakened, and they become incontinent. The only good news here is that the dog is not in pain while experiencing this disease. They do, however, require a diligent owner. Novice pet parents or those with packed schedules should think twice before bringing one of these puppies home. The primary consideration you must make with these pups is their need for space and attention. As long as you make the effort, they will be an excellent addition to your home. Applies to all dog food recalls in the U. The German Shepherd mixed with Australian Shepherd dogs weighs from 46 to 65 pounds. Its parent breeds are notably medium to large-sized dogs. The height of this crossbreed could range from 20 to 23 inches. Its coat is remarkably dense. You should be wary about warm places due to the coat of this dog. The colors of their coat can come out as a combination of white, black, blue, red, cream, silver, and sable. The Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix makes a very energetic dog, suitable for owners and families with an active lifestyle. This dog also loves going outdoors and exploring nature. The German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs are intelligent dogs. They can be trained well to become service and therapy dogs. High intelligence causes less worry and more pride to the owners. The trainers would require less training time for this crossbreed. The mixed puppy has a clingy nature. Its affectionate nature may also contribute to a fearful state, often leading to separation anxiety. This condition may be averted by employing effective obedience training and socialization. Overall, this crossbreed is a dependable and wonderful companion. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Puppies for Sale Finding a breeder for a crossbreed tends to be more difficult than going into a pet store and purchasing a new pet. The quality of the crossbreed is drastically high when the dog is acquired through reliable breeders. One place where you can spot potential professional breeders is at a dog show. Certified breeders often attend this event. You can gauge the temperament and disposition of some dog breeds during the dog show as well. This event could help you decide better on what breed to get. There are designated and verified parent clubs that you can access and reach out to. These parent clubs provide support for breed-specific studies, along with the help of AKC. You can seek out public opinion regarding some breeders. There are breeders with website and comments. You will see disappointed owners or prospective buyers if the breeder has pending issues on the environment and health problems of the dogs. There is no accessible list of substantiated breeders for the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix dogs at this time. These places are good grounds for acquiring your new family member. Following these steps will assure that your dog will be in top appearance throughout all the seasons. Brushing is an essential part of grooming this mixed breed. The German Shepherd Australian Shepherds shed heavily throughout the year. Brushing is beneficial in developing your bond with your dog as well as its aesthetic value. I recommend two to four times of brushing per week for this crossbreed. Another function of brushing the coat is providing proper insulation for the dog. Some owners prefer this step. This may or may not reduce the insulating property of the coat. There is a possibility that the coat will not grow as well as before it was shaved. While you are brushing its coat, you should also check for tick and flea infestations. You may also need a pair of thinning shears. You need to do minimal trimming of the feet, tail, ears, britches, and legs. With the use of a slicker brush, you will gently brush the hair from the toes toward the leg of the dog. You will cut the hair sticking above the foot and the lengthier hair surrounding the foot. You can use the shears to cut a vertical line at the end of the tail. You only need to cut the hair with excess length. Trimming this part involves following the natural curve of the coat. The special spot to notice is the coat on the ear. If you lack the basic grooming tools or enough time, there are dog wash salons that may also offer grooming services. You can also contact and find professional groomers to help you with the activity. The risk factors and genetic mutations in the parent breeds affect the disposition of the offspring. The Australian Shepherd parent breed is relatively healthier than the other dog breeds. It suffers less skin, coat, and bone problems. It manifests as spontaneous bleeding. Dogs could have internal bleeding in muscles or joints. Hip and elbow dysplasia: This malformation can spontaneously occur to the dog. It leads to joint inflammation at a young dog age. The cartilage in the hip socket is greatly affected in this disease. This degenerative disease ultimately ends in blindness. Epilepsy: It is a serious neurologic disorder that can be triggered by infections and injury. This may have structural or idiopathic causes. For German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs, this health issue has an idiopathic origin. Collie Eye Anomaly: This is a group of eye issues that may be minor to fatal. It may cause unilateral or bilateral disturbances. If you established enough rapport with the breeder, you can contact him more about the proper management of the dogs. Professional breeders will gladly inform you about the health hazards, genetic and non-genetics, and other things you need to watch for. They made the effort to subject the parent dogs and the offspring to screening tests. A regular appointment with a reliable veterinarian can help you a lot in maintaining the health of the German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix dogs. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Food Requirements You will need a great diet plan to sustain the energy of this agile crossbreed. This mixed pup could grow to a helpful working dog, so it is crucial to maintaining a steady and strong development. A healthy quantity of the dog depends on some variables. It is advisable to divide the food servings into two meals each day. Some essential minerals for the development of puppies are chloride and sodium. They affect the cardiac and skeletal muscles. They also contribute to the correct functioning of the nervous system. Below is a list of the recommended dry food for the Australian Shepherd crossed with German Shepherd dogs. These ingredients contribute to building strong muscles and giving energy to the dog. It is gluten-free. The formula has Omega-3 and Omega-6 for a shiny coat. It also includes minerals for the optimal function of the joints and strength of teeth and bones. Orijen Dog Food: This well-known formulation has a high content of protein, amounting to 75 to 80 percent. The recipe for this dog food is patterned on the diet of the wolf ancestors. Canidae Life Stages: This is quite a one-size-fits-all dog food. It can be suitable for dogs of all ages and kinds. It is equipped with antioxidants, fatty acids, and probiotics. It contains chicken, turkey, lamb, oatmeal, potatoes, brown rice, white rice, and cracked pearled barley. It can be digested easily. It has a healthy source of fat called flaxseed. It is important to know the benefits of this dry food, like its advantage to the brain and eye development. It has vitamins C and E that provide help to the immune system. This is a vet-approved formulation without any artificial flavors and colors. It has whole grain wheat, whole grain corn, whole grain oats, and whole grain corn. Giving proper nutrition does not end in providing the food. You need to monitor if the diet contributes to the good development of the dog. You can check for possible weight gain by touching his spine and ribs. There is a breed standard that the dogs need to achieve. If you are able to feel the ribs, the dog is less likely to be overweight. Owners should be cautious with the possibility of obesity because it may be a manifestation of a systemic disease like hypothyroidism, insulinoma. Your inquiries can be addressed by setting up an appointment with a veterinarian. The professional can also create a detailed diet plan for the dog. There are also some brands that you should keep off of their food bowls, such as the worst dry dog food. Dogs pass on the genes to their puppy pups, and thus they can develop a different taste for food, which is why you can try your luck with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. If you own a puppy, scan through the best puppy food brands, and for gray-coated grandpa doggos, chose something from the best senior dry dog food list. All changes in nutrition should be made after discussing it with your vet. The crossbreed inherited the athletic nature of its parent breeds. The duration of vigorous physical activities should be at least one and a half hour. Different techniques to gain the attention and interest of the Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix puppies are required to avoid irritability and aggressiveness from manifesting. You can involve the dog in physical activities such as long walks, jogging, hiking, tug-of-war, and fetching. Tug-of-war may intimidate some new owners because it could lead to increased aggression. This has great benefits if done properly, such as teaching about rules and boundaries and bonding with your dog. For fetching activities, the Legendog Flying Disc Rubber Catcher is a great toy that can fly higher than the average flying discs. It has edge bulges to let the dogs bite firmly. It keeps the dog fairly occupied. It has no preservatives, salt, sugar, or plastic. You can give it to dogs of all ages. Australian Shepherd Crossed with German Shepherd Training The German Shepherd crossed with Australian Shepherd dogs has a high possibility of being hailed as service dogs, involved in search and rescue, and therapy dogs. These dogs are highly trainable and willing to learn. The owner has a role in supporting and keeping a level head during the training process. The emotions of the owners could confuse and distract the dogs. Choose particular tasks: You can heighten the productivity of the dog if you choose to train it with specific tasks. These tasks may involve fetching the newspaper or loading the dishwasher. Never hit your dog: This action will affect your bond with the dog. The dog could see you as a threat and attack you. It may develop antisocial personality traits. Basic commands: The breeding instinct of the Australian Shepherd may manifest in their offspring. Invest in obedience classes: Your dog will benefit greatly with knowing the basic commands through formal classes. You can have fewer frustrations as well because another person is responsible for the training. It is important to allow time for the dog to process the commands and avoid unnecessary pressure. Training will also contribute to better mental health for the dogs. If you are hesitant of the proper training techniques for your dog, you can refer to an experienced dog trainer. It is affectionate and loyal to its owners. An important factor in building a good family dynamics with the Australian Shepherd German Shepherds is making the dog feel that it can be part of the family, even if it is still new. You must do early socialization. This will contribute to their potential in becoming therapy dogs, service dogs, or herders. Aside from its benefit to family dynamics, socialization allows the dog to be friendly to your friends. They are also friendly to children. With the proper training and early socialization, you can be assured that these dogs will exhibit minimal herding behaviors with your little children and other animals. You need to be careful in dealing with boredom in these crossbreeds. They could manifest with destructive behaviors if left unattended for a long period of time. These behaviors may include excessive barking which may affect your relationship with your neighbors. Intentional breeding likely started in the recent past, probably in the United States. For over years, these dogs have roamed the American West, rounding up livestock for farmers and ranchers. While the breed was refined in the Outback, this purebred got its actual start working the hills of Europe. Needless to say, the modern Aussie comes from a long line of herding champions! German Shepherd? More like canine bodyguard! Brave and powerful German Shepherd dogIn the 19th century, German officer Captain Max von Stephanitz sought to create a German herding dog like no other. Through careful crossbreeding, the modern German Shepherd Dog emerged. Shortened to GSD, these canines quickly proved capable of far more than herding. One even became a famous movie star named Rin Tin Tin. DRA does. Most have well-proportioned, athletic bodies. Set up high on their well-proportioned head are triangular ears with rounded tips. It could still range anywhere from upright and alert to floppy and folded. Their almond-shaped eyes have that observant and intelligent expression. Eye color varies from dog to dog. Most often, we see them with brown, blue, or hazel eyes. Your pooch might even inherit heterochromia from their Aussie side, a condition that gives them two different eye colors! Muzzles can be medium or long that slightly tapers and have a rounded tip. Your Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix is likely to have a fluffy, plumed tail that can be long or short, depending on which parent breed they take after. They sport a solid color, while others have a combination of black, tan, red, cream, golden, white, blue merle, or red merle. Some might even be tricolor or have tinges of silvery gray or brindle, with speckled or spotted markings. How big will a German Shepherd Australian Shepherd mix get? Full-grown Aussie German Shepherds usually have a height of 19 to 26 inches tall 48 to 66 cm and weigh 45 to 80 pounds 20 to 36 kg , where males tend to be heavier than females. This is assuming that your pup has a standard-sized Australian Shepherd parent. If your pooch comes from a Toy or Miniature Australian Shepherd, they could be much smaller. Their energy is far too boundless for anything but a spacious home with a large yard. Farms and ranches would also make a great home for this mixed breed. Do Aussie German Shepherds make good house dogs? With this crossbreed, you get a skilled guard dog and family companion, all rolled into one. Because this pooch is quite aloof and a little wary of strangers, it makes them a reliable watchdog. Exposure to different people and situations is essential for this hybrid. To keep them engaged, include plenty of praise and tasty treats. You might even consider muzzle training your hybrid friend, especially if he joins your pack as an adolescent or adult. This might seem harsh, but muzzles can be an excellent tool for keeping your dog and other people safe. If this crossbreed is starting to sound a little intimidating, keep in mind that they are completely devoted to their families, and they love to play! Take a minute to watch this video of Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix puppies playing with their littermates and toys. Your kids will enjoy this hybrid, too. Both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds are known for their patience and friendliness toward children. Think of their crossbreed offspring as a canine nanny of sorts. You should also exercise caution if you have other pets in the home—especially pets that look like food. Confident, experienced owners who can spend a good portion of each day bonding with and training this pup will undoubtedly reap the rewards. Well-trained German Aussie mixes are capable of some amazing feats. You should still consider providing mental enrichment at home by giving your German Aussie Shepherd mix puzzles, interactive toys, as well as clicker and obedience training. Owning an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix Every dog needs some assistance when it comes to general care and maintenance. One of the first things you need to consider when raising your Aussie German Shepherd is that they have moderate tolerance to heat. Do Australian German Shepherd mixes shed? Their crossbreed offspring is considered a moderate shedder with average grooming needs. But like other double-coated canines, they shed profusely during their bi-annual blowout — spring and fall. We recommend using a slicker brush and a rake while moving in the same direction as the hair growth. Baths should only be given when necessary using a mild dog shampoo when washing your pet to avoid irritating her skin or drying out her fur. Ears that are upright can quickly accumulate dirt and dust. Cleaning can be done once a week with a damp cloth or an ear wipe. Not only do sharp talons take the fun out of playing with your dog, but long claws can splinter and break. Most pups can do with a pedicure once a month or so, but this varies from dog to dog. Exercise: how much activity does a German Aussie Shepherd need? Plan on a full two hours of daily exercise for this fireball of a canine. Ideally, this time will be split between strenuous activity and play, training, or casual walks. To keep them and yourself happy, think outside the proverbial box. Walks are great, sure, but have you ever seen a GSD Aussie mix dock dive? What about flyball? This is one clever pooch, so they can learn to do just about anything. And for them, learning is half the fun. Combining exercise with mental exertion is a fantastic way to wear out your pup. It also strengthens your bond. You can teach your fur buddy to catch flying discs with this Kong Frisbee, which is well-loved by active fidos. For a satisfied Aussie German Shepherd tummy, aim for 2. Divide this amount into two meals to discourage overeating, bloat, and keep your canine friend fueled. Being overweight can be a sign of illnesses like insulinoma and hypothyroidism. Are Australian German Shepherd dogs healthy? Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mixes are generally healthy dogs that could enjoy a lifespan of 9 to 15 years! But like any dog, owners will still need to watch out for some health problems. Joint issues such as hip and elbow dysplasia are possible in both German Shepherds and Australian Shepherds. A few other health issues to look out for are hemophilia, degenerative myelopathy, epilepsy, drug sensitivity like MPR , EPI , and cancer. How much are Australian German Shepherd puppies? Wondering if you can afford one of these remarkable dogs? You might find one for a lower price, but expect to pay somewhere in this range. Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix breeders Picking a breeder is just as important as picking out your puppy. To make matters worse, you could get your heart set on an unhealthy pup. Keep in mind that these documents should include more than a standard vet checkup. The best breeders care just as much about their puppies as their clients do. Furthermore, breeders should have an evident bond with their pups. If the adult dogs or puppies at a breeding facility seem detached or fearful, this is a huge red flag. You might be able to find one of these pups through a rescue. For starters, you can save quite a bit of money. You also have the option of bringing home an older dog and avoiding the more trying aspects of puppyhood hello, potty training. Perhaps the most joyful part of doggy rescue is providing a needy pooch with a loving, stable home. One or two other breeds may be thrown into the mix. Temperament: Work-oriented, people-pleasing, and intelligent. These differences among parent breeds mean that your mix will certainly be unique. They will typically be smaller than a standard German Shepherd but larger than a standard Australian Shepherd. Although both the parent breeds are herding dogs, there is still a lot of differences in their appearances. Height and Weight You can expect a fully grown Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix to weigh anywhere from pounds. Males tend to be at the heavier end of the scale, with females being at the lighter end. As for height, anywhere from inches tall. Colors and Coat We all know that German Shepherds are typically black and tan with a double coat. And Australian Shepherds come in a variety of different colors and mixes with a medium-length coat. This means that the Australian German Shepherd mix can come in many different colors and mixes of whites, blacks, tans, silvers, blues and greys. With both parent breeds having a medium-length double coat be prepared for grooming and shedding. These mixes will shed profusely twice a year during their bi-annual blowout. During this time you will need to brush the undercoat to remove the extra dead hair trapped. This will need to be done every day or so. This hybrid will excel at agility competitions. They can be wary of strangers which makes them amazing watchdogs. Do not be surprised if the Australian German shepherd tries to herd small kids. Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Personality and Temperament One thing to keep in mind with this breed is that they need huge amounts of both mental and physical stimulation. Daily exercise will keep your German Shepherd Aussie mix happy and entertained, and prevent any destruction that can result from boredom. Their intelligence needs should be met by consistent training sessions to keep their mind sharp. Agility, herding, and tracking are a few sporting activities that this mix excels at. Whether or not you choose to compete in these events you should still consider some form of obedience training. They are hard workers and should be provided with enrichment to combat boredom. Because of their self-confidence and nearly unmatched intelligence, they excel in high-pressure jobs. They are amazing problem solvers and thus both the German Shepherd and Australian Shepherd can be used as police dogs or service dogs. Again as both their parent breeds were bred to herd flocks all day they have a very high energy level. Without consistent exercise, they will make their boredom and frustration known. A bored Australian Shepherd German Shepherd mix will let you know by barking, chewing, and digging. Their high energy levels are almost as high as the affection they have for their family. This dog wants nothing more than to play with their family. They can be a little wary of strangers but are still an overall very confident dog. Their wariness of strangers makes them great guard dogs and you can expect some barking from them when strangers are near. However, this is not ideal for the sort of family who consistently has guests over and wants them to feel welcomed. The good thing is since the Australian German Shepherd mix is so easy to train this can easily be stopped by socializing them as a puppy. The Australian German Shepherd is a good family dog because of their loving nature. They enjoy human attention and would fit best in an active family — they are a breed that enjoys going on long walks or hikes with their owners. Caring for an Australian Shepherd German Shepherd Mix Remember these dogs require a great deal of physical and mental stimulation. This may be a mixed-breed dog but for the most part, they are still working dog. Be prepared for lots of exercise and mental stimulation. Also, their undercoat will need consistently raking out during shedding season. Training should begin early on so that they knows their boundaries — when properly trained they will make a great companion. Exercise Requirements This point can not be stressed enough — This crossbreed requires plenty of exercise and stimulating games. They are not ideal apartment dogs because of this and do best in a home that has a large yard or garden. A fun exercise that your Australian German Shepherd mix would enjoy is being in water. Both of their parent breeds are known for excelling at dock diving competitions so your mix should be no exception. They would appreciate a long walk each day and then some time to play in addition to this. They should be left off leash while in an enclosed backyard for playtime. Remember they do have prey driven instincts so while walking around the neighborhood it is important to keep them on leash. Grooming and Shedding Grooming and shedding are also important things to consider when getting an Australian German Shepherd mix. They will have a medium-length double coat that will require at least weekly brushing throughout the year. This mix will shed moderately all year long therefore if you suffer from pet allergies this will not be an ideal dog for you. Twice a year in the spring and fall they will shed their entire undercoat which will require daily brushing to avoid matting. At this time, you should expect to rake large clumps of undercoat from this dog. Their ears stand upright and naturally collect a lot of dust and dirt. This can lead to ear infections therefore it is crucial to clean their ears at least once a week as well. Bathing should be done as needed to avoid irritating the skin. Feeding and Diet When choosing what type of food to feed, you should look for a high-quality dog food that is appropriate for their age. Food that is low in carbs is also ideal. You should also consider the activity levels of your dog. Active dogs will need lots of protein to keep their muscles and body healthy. Some common health problems to watch out for are:.
They thrive on human interaction and love to be involved in everything their family is doing. Miniature Poodles are quick learners and excel at obedience training. Very eager to please their people, they are a great choice for first-time dog owners. Mini Poodles are usually good with other dogs and children, but they can be a little bit reserved around strangers. With proper socialization from a young age, your Mini Poodle puppy will learn to interact well with people outside of their immediate family. Expect your new for-ever family member to have a lot of energy and need plenty of exercise. They need an outdoor walk every day to keep calm and centered. Check out this best-selling dog leash with a comfortable handle! While walks are a must, the Mini Poodle is not suited to be an outdoor dog. This breed has a long history as a circus dog, so this dog is a favorite choice for owners who want an athletic puppy who is open to learning tricks. Some Mini Poodles are territorial and highly excitable, but patient and consistent training can usually modify this behavior. For all of these reasons, finding homes for our Mini Poodle Puppies for sale is never challenging. Minatare Poodle Health Considerations The average life span of the miniature poodle is 13 — 15 years. Use ear cleaner wipes and eye wipes regularly to remove crust or discharge. All breeds of dogs should be brought in for regular vet checkups. Miniature Poodle Coat The Mini Poodle has a hypoallergenic coat which is excellent for allergy sufferers. Matting eventually causes skin irritation. If your Poodle has a long coat, you should brush out your Poodle every day. Check out this popular dog slicker brush and detangling comb that is perfect for your Mini Poodle. While Miniature Poodles are a fairly low-shedding dog breed, they still need coat care. Many Poodle owners opt for a short cut or trim to minimize grooming needs. When a shorter cut, you can reduce brush outs to a few times a week and get the coat trimmed up every weeks. Mini Poodles Puppies For Sale. Welcome to TrustedPuppies. Utica is a charming and historic city that offers a welcoming environment for you and your new furry friend. Our goal is to connect you with the most reputable Miniature Poodle breeders and puppies for sale in the area to ensure that you find the perfect companion for your family. Our Utica Miniature Poodle breeders are dedicated to raising the highest quality puppies and providing them with all necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are healthy before they go to their forever homes. They also offer ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. In Utica, you can enjoy quality time with your furry friend. The city features several dog-friendly parks and outdoor spaces, such as the Roscoe Conkling Park or the Erie Canalway Trail. Additionally, if you are interested in connecting with other Miniature Poodle enthusiasts, events such as the Mohawk Valley Kennel Club Dog Show provide a chance to appreciate the beauty and charm of Miniature Poodle canines. If you cannot find a local Miniature Poodle puppy in Utica, most of our reputable breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in Utica. Some breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. Begin your search for the perfect Miniature Poodle puppy on TrustedPuppies. Look no further! Whether you desire a standard-sized Poodle or a tiny Teacup Poodle, our platform has something for everyone. Browse our listings from ethical Poodle breeders and find the perfect furry companion to join your family. What are Teacup Poodle Puppies? Teacup Poodle puppies are delightful mini versions of the elegant Poodle breed. Bred to be smaller than the standard Poodles, these tiny pups are irresistibly cute and highly sought after. Despite their size, Teacup Poodle puppies possess all the wonderful qualities of their larger counterparts, including their intelligence and affectionate nature. What is the Average Size of Teacup Poodles? Teacup Poodles have a compact and petite build, making them perfect for cuddling and carrying around. When fully grown, these tiny canines usually stand around 7 to 9 inches tall at the shoulder. Their small size makes them ideal for indoor living and suits various living environments, including apartments and smaller homes. Despite their diminutive stature, Teacup Poodles have big hearts filled with love and devotion for their human families. They are quick learners and excel in obedience training. Along with their intelligence, Poodles are affectionate and loving companions, forming strong bonds with their human families. They are known for being social and friendly with both children and other pets, making them a perfect fit for families of all sizes. Our listings feature ethical Poodle breeders who prioritize the well-being and health of their puppies. Each Teacup Poodle for sale on our platform is raised with care and attention, ensuring they are well-socialized and ready to become a beloved member of your family. About Jules Hello there! I want you to pick me! I love to snuggle and be as cute as can be! Being loved makes me happy and all I want is a nice family to take care of me. I love to play and to take long naps. Make the call now and find out how to bring me home! Reviews There are no reviews yet.
It is active and a big dog German Shepherds tend to be big dogs and they can be very active. If your German Shepherd is big and it tends to be very active then it could be that it breathes fast because its body requires more oxygen naturally. However, if it is big and active but it has suddenly started to breathe faster than normal then it would be more likely that it would be due to something else. Not enough exercise German Shepherds are a breed that are supposed to be getting a lot of exercise on a daily basis. When they do not get much exercise it can cause them to develop behavioral and health issues. If yours is not getting much exercise then it could be the case that it needs more. Generally, it is recommended that German Shepherds get an hour of exercise daily. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Illness or injury An illness or injury could be the cause. There are many diseases that can cause dogs to breathe faster including heart problems. If yours has suddenly started breathing rapidly, it has suddenly changed its behavior and it has been showing other signs of illness or injury then it would be more likely to be due to illness or injury. If it does seem like yours might be breathing fast due to illness or injury then it would help a lot to take it to a vet. It has been active recently If your German Shepherd has just been doing exercise then it would be likely that it is breathing fast as a result of that. If it is breathing much faster than it normally does after exercise then it could be something more serious especially if it persists. If it is breathing much faster then it would be more likely to be due to things such as heatstroke or an allergic reaction. Heatstroke If your German Shepherd has been out in the sun for a while and it has started panting a lot then it could be because it has heatstroke. It would also be more likely if it is drooling more, its heart rate is very high, it has diarrhea and seizures. If it does then make sure to let it into a cool and shaded area, to give it water and to follow the advice in this article then to take it to a vet. In this case, it would help to give it access to a cool, shaded area and water. If it does seem to be showing the signs of heatstroke mentioned above then it would be important to follow the advice in the above article. Medication If your German Shepherd has started doing it after being put on medication then it could be a side effect of the medication source. This would be more likely if heavy breathing is listed as a side effect. However, it would help to make sure it is ok with your vet. Allergic reaction The cause could be that it has had an allergic reaction to something. If it has been showing signs of having an allergic reaction then it would help to take it to a vet. Things to consider There are many things that you can consider when trying to figure out why your German Shepherd has been breathing fast. If it always pants fast If your German Shepherd has always panted fast then it would be more likely to be natural especially if the vet has not found any issues on previous visits. However, it would still help to ask if the panting is normal on your next visit. If it has started panting fast suddenly then it would be more likely to be due to a more serious problem unless it has just been doing a lot of exercise. When it first started panting fast The timing of when it first started panting fast would be helpful to consider. Whereas, if it has just been running around then it would be more likely to be due to that. How to get your German Shepherd to stop breathing fast The best way for you to get your German Shepherd to stop breathing fast will depend on the cause. However, I will show you some options that you have below. Keep it cool If it has been hot outside then it would help to make sure that your German Shepherd has access to a cool and shaded area and water. It would also help to avoid exercising it during the day and to try to do it in the early morning or evening instead. Another thing that you can do to help keep it cool would be to remove its undercoat with a de-shedding brush. Give it exercise If your German Shepherd has not been getting much exercise and the vet has not found issues then it would be important to make sure that it does get exercise. You can make sure to give it exercise by walking it, playing fetch with it or getting a dog walker to do it for you. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. German Shepherd breathing fast while sleeping? Do German Shepherds Breathe Fast? German Shepherds breathe fast because they are strong and athletic dogs, they pant more frequently than other breeds. An accelerated pace of panting or breathing heavily at bedtime or cold weather could indicate medical issues such as anxiousness or cardiovascular distress. Why do German Shepherds breathe fast? During rest, a healthy dog will take between 15 and 35 breaths per minute BPM. Your dog will pant considerably faster while doing exercise. A breathing rate greater than 45 BPM, when a dog is in the resting phase, is considered unhealthy and should be investigated. To find out how many breaths per minute your dog is taking, record his chest motions for 15 seconds and multiply by four. There are several causes of heavy panting in German Shepherds. Some of them are normal physiological signs, and some show ailment. Dog size German Shepherds are large dogs that can be extremely energetic. Large German Shepherds usually breathe quickly because their size requires more oxygenation. Insufficient physical activity They may develop psychological and physiological problems if they do not receive enough workouts. There are several reasons to figure out heavy breathing in German Shepherd dogs. Numerous conditions, particularly cardiac difficulties, can drive dogs to pant excessively. If it seems that your German Shepherd is panting rapidly due to an ailment make sure a vet does an examination of your dog. Recent Activity If your German Shepherd has recently exercised, it may be breathing quickly as a natural outcome. Suppose it is trying to breathe far quicker than anticipated upon workout. Heatstroke Whenever a German Shepherd has been exposed to direct sunlight and is panting profusely, it could suffer from heatstroke. Apart from heavy breathing, other clinical indications can entail: Glasslike eyes. Temperature Dogs have different natural habitats. But they are highly adaptive! Their sweat glands are located only on their foot-pads. Their average body temperature falls within to .This may call for a life-threatening case, such as dehydration and heatstroke. These GSD, which is also called Alsatian, can tolerate both hot and cold weather as they have their standard stock coat. But not too hot nor too cold. They can survive in hot weather only if they have a place to drink cold water, and shade is accessible. But be informed that they dig up in frozen dirt during the summer season to cool themselves. Medical Condition One Veterinarian advises that if the owner tried everything already and the dog any breed still breathes or pants heavily and continuously, this may mean that they have a particular chronic health issue that needs to be treated right away. Cardiovascular conditions such as heartworm disease, heart problem, and Dilated Cardiomyopathy or Heart Disease caused by insufficient blood and oxygen pumped to the body where the heart becomes enlarged, build up fluids in the lungs, and thinner ventricular and chamber walls. For some time, observation is much needed. However, if the obvious signs or complications arise, take them already to the vet! Indigestion Have you even notice your GSD eating or biting almost anything they see! Nonetheless, these can cause reasons for indigestion or even obstruction. Your German Shepherds might have eaten something that was spoiled already. You can also say that they might have eaten big chunks of bones or objects that were stuck down to their throat. Just bring them to a real vet for a faster and effective treatment! Stress or Anxiety This might not be news to you, but German Shepperd is a social dog that can be usually found in the residential area. They are loyal and close to humans. This is also a reason why they can get separation anxiety. They breathe slowly and loudly once they experience stress or anxiety. This is because when they are left alone, they become really stressed. But only because they have this love and desire to keep their owners safe and close. How sweet! Another cause of their stress that can make them pant heavily is noise pollution. This includes the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms, heavy speakers, and basically noise everywhere! If not, this can shorten their life expectancy. What You Can Do? Let them enjoy the exciting moment in their dreams! Before getting a GSD, make sure that you know the basic facts about them and, most importantly, their medical condition. Be cautious at all times and treat them as a real family. If you observe anything unusual, researching or asking an expert is recommended, yet going to the veterinarian clinic would be the best option to choose. You should be aware of the signs that were showing heavy panting nor breathing. The normal heartbeat of dogs is between 60 to beats per minute. As for German Shepherd, the former applies. On the other hand, their average body temperature is to .Anything that made it less or exceeded is dangerous. You can also use the digital rectal thermometer. Count their heartbeats for 15 seconds, and you can multiply it four times to get the pulse per minute. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Faster breathing And so on. .In that case, you have to first and foremost limit the exposure of your dog to heat. After that, you have to consult your vet. The vet will be able to prescribe the proper treatment for heatstroke. Once you opt for that treatment, faster breathing will reduce as well. High Temperature Many times, German shepherds are also negatively impacted by the temperature outside. They might not come in direct contact with the sun. However, if the temperature is on the higher side, their breathing might become fast as well. The best way to tackle is to place them in a shaded area and provide them with plenty of water. Even then, if the faster breathing of the German shepherd does not subside, it is a good idea to contact the vet. Allergy Another cause of the faster breathing of German Shepherd is an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction can be to food, material, or other things. That is why, if you have introduced anything new to your German shepherd, that is probably resulting in faster breathing in one way or the other. If that is the cause, you have to revert to the earlier diet. Once you do so, the breathing will also come to normal. Because of Medication Side effects of medication is another reason why the breathing of your German shepherd might become faster. Certain medications can increase the heart rate of your German shepherd. When that happens, breathing will also increase. Since the cause is medicine, it is a good idea to contact your vet for a remedy. Respiratory Problems In some cases, the respiratory problem can also result in faster breathing. In that case, until you treat the cause, it will become difficult for you to stop the faster breathing of your German shepherd. I will go into the symptoms of respiratory problems below. These are the most common causes why German shepherds have faster breathing. In many cases, even when your dog is resting or sleeping, the breathing can become fast as well. Wondering why does that happens? I will highlight the same below. It has been proven in animals and humans that dreams can result in physical reactions from your body. In the dream, your dog might be chasing or playing around. In that case, the breathing of your dog will simulate that activity. Since while running, breathing becomes faster, the German shepherd may be breathing faster is because of dreaming. Unfortunately, in that case, you cannot do much. It is not a good idea to wake up your German shepherd as well. However, if that happens pretty often, you will have no other alternative but to contact your vet. Before determining whether your German shepherd is breathing fast or normal, it is essential to know the normal level. Ideally, a German Shepherd should breathe between 20 to 34 breaths per minute. Only when the rate is above that can you conclude that the German shepherd is breathing fast. As I have highlighted above, one of the causes of German Shepherd breathing fast is respiratory problems. It is essential to know the symptoms of respiratory problems to determine the cause. What are the signs of respiratory problems? Besides faster breathing, the other signs of respiratory problems include: 1. Coughing The number 1 sign is coughing. If your German shepherd is coughing regularly, that is another sign that the dog has respiratory distress. Nasal Congestion Along with faster breathing, if your dog also suffers from nasal congestion, it is clear that the dog is suffering from respiratory problems. If all these symptoms persist, it is a clear-cut indication of a respiratory problem. Intolerance To Exercise German shepherds are quite active dogs. However, the older German dogs can become intolerant to exercise. After becoming intolerant, they will suffer from respiratory problems and faster breathing if they indulge in exercise. Then, the solution is to discourage them from exercise in that case. Still, if the problem persists, you have to contact your vet. Only the vet can provide you with a treatment for the long-term solution to this problem. Panting Panting is another reason why a German Shepherd might end up breathing fast. It can result in various other respiratory problems as well. These are the symptoms of respiratory problems, along with faster breathing. If you notice any of them, you can directly point to a single cause of fast breathing. In case your dog has respiratory problems, you have to contact your vet as soon as possible. In many cases, medication might be needed. You have to keep in mind that respiratory problems will not go away with time or when you ignore them. You need to find a particular solution for them. Only once you do so you can treat them. Let me warn you; the solution is not instantaneous or easy. You might have to opt for longer-term treatment. However, you cannot ignore the respiratory problems of your dog either. That is why contacting the vet and starting the treatment as soon as possible is the only solution. Conclusion So, there are quite a few key reasons Why do german shepherds breathe so fast. Some of these reasons can be tackled on your own. Some of them require a change in the schedule of your German shepherd. However, some reasons are quite serious. In that case, the only option which you have is to contact your vet. Once you go through my guide above, it will become easier for you to pinpoint the cause. After pinpointing the cause, I have highlighted the action steps which you should take as well. In a nutshell, after going through this guide, there should be no confusion regarding the faster breathing of your German shepherd or what you should do after that. Post navigation. There are a number of reasons why a German Shepherd is breathing fast, and most of them are going to be fairly easy to manage. Typically, you are looking at a minimum of 2 hours of exercise a day for adult Shepherds, and young pups between 3 and 5 months old are typically going to need 30 — 45 minutes a day. Take a note of how long the fast breathing lasts, and if your dog gets it under control fairly quickly then, insufficient exercise might be the culprit. Heart problems can cause fast breathing and a number of diseases, so if the behavior has started fairly recently, then a vet check-up is a good idea at this time. A little time in the shade and some water should help you to see if this is the case. However, if you see signs like drooling, diarrhea, or even seizures, it could actually be a heat stroke! Signs of an allergic reaction may include hives, inflamed skin, diarrhea, and vomiting. Shepherds are very active dogs and generally on the large side, so they are going to require more oxygen when they are out and at play. Unless this behavior is very new, then there might not be a problem at all. Is Your German Shepherd Overweight? If your German Shepherd is a little on the overweight side, then a bit of fast breathing is to be expected. Reaction to New Medications May Cause Heavy Breathing If your vet has recently prescribed some new medication for your dog, then this might be the culprit. Check the side effects associated with the medication, and then you will want to contact your vet. They may be able to prescribe a different medication or a specific regimen for your dog while they are taking it. There are a number of ways to determine if your German Shepherd is breathing a bit on the fast side. One of the first things you should do is try counting their breaths while they are sleeping. This helps to give you a baseline rate with which to compare by. If your dog is breathing fast, listen for any sounds that might give a clue to the reason behind it. Wheezing, for an instant, may be a sign of allergies, and high-pitched sounds may indicate an obstruction located in the upper airway. Contact your vet if you encounter any of the following systems. If you see this, an immediate vet visit is required, and your dog will likely be placed in an oxygen chamber in order to get their breathing under control so that the source of the issue can be identified. If Your Dog Is Vomiting If your dog is panting fast and includes vomiting, you will want to contact your vet for further investigation. It could be an allergic reaction which we will detail a bit more shortly , or if it is very hot outside, then you might be seeing signs of heatstroke. A little shade and a wet towel can help you to cool down your dog, and then you will want to get in touch with your vet immediately. Sudden, Excessive Drooling Excessive drooling is another sign to watch out for. While it is one of the symptoms of heatstroke, it may also indicate an abscessed tooth that your vet will need to deal with to get your dog feeling better and breathing more normally. If You See Signs of an Allergic Reaction Signs of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, skin discoloration, and in some cases, vomiting, sneezing, and diarrhea. It could be that your dog has eaten something or may have been stung by an insect, and they are reacting to this. Your vet will be able to run some tests and confirm if this is the case. Signs of Heat Stroke Drooling, diarrhea, and seizures are all warning signs that your dog may be having a heat stroke. An X-ray and a number of tests will be required to see what is causing this distress, but this is definitely a sign that you do not want to ignore. Keep Your Dog Cool Be sure to pack plenty of water and some towels that you can get to help your Shepherd keep cool. This is important on days when it is very hot out, as these large dogs can quickly overheat if you are not careful. More Exercise Might Be the Answer If your adult Shepherd is not getting 2 hours of exercise a day, then it is a good idea to change your daily routine up for some extra trips for walking or playing outside. Shepherds are very active dogs, and so this daily exercise is an important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. Sudden, fast breathing that was not occurring before may be caused by a number of things, and testing with your vet can help rule out any illness or injury. This is especially common with rescue animals who may have undergone trauma before you took them home. If you think that this might be the case, your vet can help you to determine the best medications and training strategies to help your dog with this. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer! FAQ Below, we have answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding German Shepherds and their breathing patterns. A healthy adult Shepherd will have an average rate of 15 — 35 breaths per minute while at rest. If your Shepherd is breathing at 40 breaths per minute or higher when at rest, then you will definitely want to check with your vet to investigate and determine the cause. Why is my German Shepherd breathing fast at night? If your Shepherd is breathing fast at night, in some cases, they might just be dreaming. If the fast breathing is fairly consistent, however, this is a definite reason for a check-up with your local vet to determine what is going on. Count the beats for approximately 15 seconds and then multiply this number by 4. This should give you the number of beats per minute. For temperature, the easiest method is a thermometer treat with water-based lubricant so that you can check the inside one of their eyes. Finally, for the breathing rate, you should be able to simply count the breaths per minute, and if they are over 40 when the dog is at rest, then you should be concerned. Related Posts:. Final thoughts Heat and humidity The German shepherd is extremely sensitive to heat and humidity and will breathe and pant profusely if left tied up or confined in a hot environment. This is an involuntary reaction to heat or high temperatures, and although it may be uncomfortable for the dog, your German Shepherd cannot control his heavy breathing. Panting is also a way for the German Shepherd to cool down, which he does by evaporating water from his tongue and mouth. Their long digestive tracts allow this process to release heat slowly rather than abruptly. The heavier the coat of fur, the slower the heat dissipation process. Recovering from Exercise A dog that is exercised heavily will also pant. German shepherds are a high-energy breed and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. If you suspect your dog is panting too heavily because of exercise, stop for a few minutes to allow the respiratory system to recover. Avoid exercising your dog too much in hot weather, and always provide plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. This will ensure your German Shepherd remains healthy and does not overheat. Stress or anxiety Breathing hard is also a common reaction in stressed or anxious dogs. This can happen when they are at the veterinary surgery, during grooming, or when faced with an unfamiliar situation. Some dogs become anxious when a stranger comes over if a certain visitor arrives, or someone goes outside of the house without them. Dogs will also pant under these circumstances if they have separation anxiety because they feel anxious about being alone in the house. In many cases, the panting will go away once the dog gets used to the person or situation causing them anxiety. One is to make sure they get plenty of exercise. A tired dog is less likely to be anxious. You can also try training your dog using positive reinforcement. This will help them feel more confident and secure in their surroundings. Long digestive tracts The cooling process takes longer for these dogs because of the length of their digestive tracts, so bony areas such as their noses are susceptible to overheating. It may also be easier for them to breathe through the mouth since it allows air to pass over larger surfaces due to the size of their noses. Experiencing pain Dogs will also pant when they are in pain, as this is a way for the body to release endorphins, which are hormones that help reduce pain. He may be experiencing pain from an injury or illness. Ingestion of Toxins Ingestion of toxins can cause dogs to pant excessively. The most common toxins dogs consume are chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic. This can be harmful and even fatal to your dog. If he ingests any of these and begins to pant heavily, take him straight to the veterinarian or animal hospital right away. Pregnancy Female german shepherds may pant heavily during pregnancy. This is because the increased blood flow and added weight can make it difficult for the dog to breathe. The puppies will also take in more oxygen than usual, so you may notice your dog panting even more when they are nursing. Heatstroke If your German Shepherd is panting heavily, this serious condition requires veterinary attention, so take your dog to the nearest clinic immediately. German shepherds are more susceptible to heatstroke than other breeds because of their large size. If your dog is panting heavily and you see that he is also vomiting, has diarrhea, or is staggering around, he may be suffering from heatstroke. Ensure that you move him to a cool environment immediately in these situations. Heart disease Some dogs pant heavily because they have heart disease. This is common in older dogs and can be caused by various problems such as a malfunctioning heart valve or an enlarged heart. Why does my German Shepherd breathe so fast while sleeping? There are several reasons why a german shepherd would breathe heavily while sleeping. One of the most common reasons is allergies. If this sounds like your dog, you should consult with your veterinarian about an allergy treatment plan that might reduce excessive breathing during sleep time. Another reason for heavy panting while sleeping is heart failure. Heart failure can cause many different symptoms, including fast breathing, coughing, and labored breathing. If your GSD is exhibiting any other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or swelling in the extremities, it is essential to take them to the vet for a check-up. The last potential reason for heavy breathing while sleeping is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a dog to stop breathing for short periods during sleep. This can be dangerous if untreated because it can lead to heart problems, seizures, and even death. If you think your dog might have sleep apnea, then you should consult with your veterinarian about getting them tested. What is the average respiration rate for German Shepherds? In general, however, the average respiration rate for german shepherds is about 30 breaths per minute. This means that a dog takes in about 30 breaths of air every minute. Why is it important to know the average respiration rate for German shepherds? Knowing the average respiration rate for german shepherds can be helpful for owners and breeders. By learning how often a dog typically breathes, people can better understand when a dog is breathing too fast or too slow and may need veterinary attention. Additionally, this information can help people select healthy dogs for breeding. Final thoughts In general, it is normal for a German shepherd to breathe hard, which should not cause concern. However, if your dog is panting excessively or breathing in an abnormal manner, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues.
If there are any variations, take them to the vet. Catching any issues in the early stages can help to greatly improve the prognosis. For a mixed breed like German Shepherd Yorkies, finding the right dog breed can be a bit difficult. This is why it is best to speak with your vet when choosing dog food. When your German Shepherd Yorkie is a puppy, it is most important to choose high-quality food with high-quality food sources. There should also be an appropriate balance of protein, fat, carbs, vitamins, and minerals. When your dog reaches adulthood, you can choose its dog food based on its final siz e. Continue to choose a reputable dog food brand that will provide your pooch with the nutrients that it needs for proper health and wellbeing. This will prevent your puppy from gaining weight and becoming obese. Make it a point to limit treats and snacks as well. A daily walk for about 15 to 20 minutes should suffice. If your dog is larger and takes after its German Shepherd parent, then more exercise is needed. You should aim for about 30 minutes or so of exercise a day. A brisk walk is great, but bigger dogs will love to play fetch and Frisbee as well. Always keep an eye on your dog after daily exercise. Adjust their physical activity according to their energy levels afterward. In case your dog appears to have tons of energy, you can increase their exercise time. If they appear to be too tired, then cut back a little. Grooming techniques and schedules will depend on the type of coat your dog has inherited. If your dog has a long, silky coat like a Yorkie, then the process is a little more extensive. To begin with, it is best to keep this coat short as longer hair can get tangled rather easily. Dogs with this kind of coat can be bathed more often. In case your German Shepherd Yorkie has a German Shepherd coat, you will only have to brush them a few times a week. Do this religiously, though, as these dogs can shed quite a bit. Regular brushing works to keep it under control. During the warmer months, your dog may blow their coat. This requires them to be brushed at least once a day. A de-shedding brush can help to get rid of additional loose hair as well. Pups with this type of coat only need to be bathed a few times a year. Bathing them too often can cause their skin and coat to dry out. See also German Shepherd vs. Coyote To ensure this, keep your dog indoors during extreme temperature changes. If going out in the cold, make sure that your dog is wrapped up properly. In warmer weather, avoid taking your pup out when the sun is at its warmest. Walk them during the early morning or evening. Due to their smaller size, these dogs can live in apartments and smaller homes. You will need to take your dog out on a more regular basis, though. Try to break up their walks so they get to go out several times during the day. This mixed breed is highly trainable, but it is important to figure out what will motivate them. If the German Shepherd genes are more dominant, this pup is happy to learn commands because they want to be mentally stimulated. Those who take after their Yorkie parents want to be at the center of attention. Showering them with lots of praise and affection can mean that they learn commands and tricks more readily. Always start training them from the moment you bring your pup home. This is particularly important when it comes to housetraining. Smaller dogs often get away with accidents as they are easier to clean up. Socialization is a form of training as well. Make an effort for your pooch to see people and other animals regularly. Continue this into adulthood as well so that they will better behave around people. Choose a reputable breeder when looking for a German Shepherd Yorkie. Good breeders will make an effort to research both sides of the parent breeds. This will help to eliminate major and debilitating diseases, reducing the risk that your dog will end up with such conditions. As a designer breed, it is unusual to find German Shepherd Yorkies in shelters. You may be able to improve your odds by checking shelters that take in German Shepherds or Yorkies specifically. The breeding of German Shepherd Yorkies is done via artificial insemination, with German Shepherd females carrying the puppies to term. These dogs can live from 11 to 14 years of age, making them one of the longest living breeds for mid-sized dogs. These pups can be as tall as 16 inches and grow to weigh up to 50lbs. This is what you need to know about the German Shepherd Yorkie mix. From appearance to personality, they have a lot to offer. You can now decide whether this pooch would be a good addition to your family. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. This crossbreed is a medium-sized pet ideal for dog lovers looking for energetic yet intelligent companions. Moreover, they are also active and outgoing. Much like the parents, this active designer breed is receptive to training because of its temperance and loyal personality that is inclined to follow its owner or chosen person. Aside from being obedient in training, the feisty German Shepherd Yorkie mix also needs constant attention and care from its owner since it is a highly sociable dog with immeasurable amounts of energy. This Yorkie Shepherd mix is an uncommon designer breed considering that both parent breeds have a huge size difference. This poses a challenge in breeding them and is one of the main reasons why these hybrids are rare. Hence, female German Shepherds are more fit to undergo pregnancy for this hybrid. However, it is important to note that Yorkie Shepherd mix breeders prefer applying artificial insemination due to the difficulty of breeding them through natural reproduction because of the size gap. Further, the Yorkie German Shepherd puppies and adults need extra care and maintenance due to possible health ailments they may experience. Nonetheless, we can take a look at the background of its parent breeds to better understand the roots of this unique hybrid. They were primarily trained to be guard dogs because of their sturdy physical build and unwavering loyal personality. On the other hand, the Yorkshire Terrier originated from Yorkshire, England. They were trained to hunt common house and farm pests such as rodents, weasels, and vermin. They are one of the smallest types of dogs included in the Terrier group. Although not as prominent as half of the parent breed, the German Shepherd, the facial structure of the German Shepherd Yorkie mix highlights its pointed nose bridge and dark-colored snout. On the other hand, the pointed ears of the German Shepherd Yorkie mix are features definitely inherited from the other parent breed, the Yorkie. It is important to note that both parent breeds have fur colors that gradually change as the dog develops. Hence, it is possible that the German Shepherd Yorkie mix could go through the same process as it grows into an adult dog. Their stature makes them perfect companions for activities that will really exert their energy, such as hiking and hunting. The average height of this designer breed ranges between 12 and 20 inches. As for its average weight, it ranges between 20 and 40 pounds. Generally, the size and weight of the German Shepherd Yorkie are still dependent on various factors, such as inherited genes and lineage of its parent breeds. The hybrid goes beyond being merely adorable with its highly intelligent and energetic characteristics. The feisty and outgoing personality of the German Shepherd Yorkie makes it a perfect companion for individuals who enjoy physical activities, such as going on walks or hiking. They take delight in making their masters happy with their tricks and antics. Like most dog breeds, proper training is still recommended for this pooch from an early age. This ensures that the hybrid retains the good traits rather than eventually becoming too stubborn. It is important to note, though, that this is the case if the pooch is properly cared for. This is due to the reality that this hybrid can possibly suffer health ailments, especially in adulthood. Here are the following possible health issues that the German Shepherd Yorkie hybrid crossbreed may develop in the long run: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia: The GSD is prone to these conditions and may also be inherited by its German Shepherd Yorkie offspring. Effects of this health ailment include drastic weight loss and lethargy or lack of energy. Tracheal Collapse: Yorkshire Terriers are prone to this condition that can also possibly affect the health of your German Shepherd Yorkie mix. Tracheal collapse occurs in the adult stage and it causes harsh dry coughing that can put your pooch in constant pain due to the pressure on their throat. Further, consider investing in pet insurance for your pet to get the best medical care in case of emergencies while being worry-free from a financial aspect. Designer breeds such as the perky German Shepherd Yorkie mix are bundles of surprising traits and features that require maintenance and attention in order to ensure their healthy development. Food and Diet Just like its German Shepherd parent, the German Shepherd Yorkie mix also needs high-quality food, such as dry dog food mixed with healthy protein. Prioritize providing protein from meat and balance it by adding vegetables that are good sources of fiber. It is possible that your pooch may have a short coat like the GSD or a long coat like the Yorkie. German Shepherd Yorkie mix with short coats should be given a bath at least once a month or as needed since dirt and debris cling more easily to their fur due to the rough texture of their fur. On the other hand, German Shepherd Yorkie mixes with long coats are recommended to be given a bath at least once a month. Their fur is also recommended to be brushed thrice a week to prevent tangles. Tangles can cause their fur to mat, which makes them more difficult to groom. Consider investing in brushes and shampoo products that provide detangling features. Training and Exercise The German Shepherd Yorkie mix is an active and outgoing dog that needs to spend energy daily. Luckily, this designer breed is highly receptive to training due to its intelligence. The reward system technique can be done to achieve this. Apart from training, daily exercise is vital not only for the German Shepherd Yorkie mix but for other dog breeds as well. Exercising your pooch helps them prevent health problems like hip and elbow dysplasia. You can check out our guide on buying puppies online safely if you purchase online. Aside from the cost of the actual German Shepherd Yorkie mix, the table below also presents the expenses and initial costs you can expect as a new owner of this rare crossbreed: Type of Expense. In particular, many experts consider the German Shepherd the third smartest dog breed, behind only the Poodle and the Border Collie. But the Yorkie is not far behind, so you can expect your Yorkie German Shepherd mix to be as intelligent as well. The German Shepherd is so respected that military and law enforcement agencies often employ it for various tasks, including bomb-sniffing, drug-sniffing, attack, and takedown, search and rescue, and much more. While the Yorkie, for its part, can even learn how to use a litter box. The Yorkie German Shepherd Mix Is Unpredictable Since the Yorkie and the German Shepherd are so different in size and appearance, the resulting mixed breed can vary significantly from one dog to the next. Your pet can be small, standing only inches tall and weighing less than 10 pounds, or it can be a much larger dog standing more than 2 feet high weighing closer to 50 pounds. The Yorkie German Shepherd Mix Is a Great Watchdog Both the Yorkie and German Shepherd parents are alert, intelligent, and wary of strangers, so a mix of these two breeds will likely result in an excellent watchdog that works tirelessly to keep your home safe. You might recognize the Yorkie as Mignon, a dog on the popular television show Green Acres. The Yorkie also became popular with our armed forces in World War II when an American soldier found a Yorkie named Smokey in a fox hole, and it became one of the first therapy dogs. German Shepherds are herd dogs that will often nip people to get them into its flock. While it does not intend to be aggressive, it can scare children and unsuspecting visitors. Proper training early on can minimize this behavior, but it will be hard to eliminate it. German Shepherds also tend to chase small animals that enter the yard. Yorkies tend to bark a lot and can be stubborn and demanding of your attention. It will be good for children, and it will make an excellent watchdog. It should not be difficult to train and should be capable of learning even complex tasks. The only downside you might need to worry about is its instinct to herd, but this drive will not be as strong in the mixed breed, and you can minimize risks with proper training. If you lack training experience, plenty of professionals can help you learn for a small fee. We hope you have enjoyed reading over these facts and learned something new. If we have convinced you to get one of these wonderful pets, please share these facts about the Yorkie German Shepherd mix on Facebook and Twitter. See also:. The first thing that comes to mind is the size difference of the parent breeds. The outcome of this cross may not be entirely predictable. Read more to learn about the pros and cons of a German Shepherd Yorkie Mix. The German Shepherd originates in the early s. It is from Germany, as the name suggests. It was originally bred for herding and guarding livestock. However, over time, the German Shepherd was bred as a working dog, namely in the police and military. The Yorkie came from England, specifically the county of Yorkshire. The German Shepherd Yorkie Mix is the result of crossing these two. It is a very new breed, and so not much is known about it yet. Crossbreeding two purebred dogs is sometimes controversial. Some people believe that purebred dogs should not be mixed. This is because there is stability and predictability in keeping the purebred line. These breeds have been selected for certain traits, so some believe that mixing them will lead to unpredictable health or temperament consequences. However, others support crossbreeding. Purebred dogs can face health problems due to inbreeding and a limited gene pool. Genetic disorders and structural issues become more pronounced. Creating a hybrid, or mix, may help address these problems by introducing genetic diversity. The German Shepherd weighs between 50 and 90 pounds. Its coat is smooth and medium-length. It has a double coat that can vary in color, but is usually shades of black and brown. Some German Shepherds are all black or all white. The German Shepherd is muscular and has smooth curves instead of angles. The Yorkie is far smaller. It stands proudly at 7 to 8 inches, and weighs about 7 pounds. The German Shepherd Yorkie Mix can take after either of its parents. Its height and weight will likely be somewhere between the two: between 8 and 26 inches, weighing between 7 and 50 pounds. These are hard-working, highly intelligent and courageous dogs. That is why they are the favored dogs of police departments. The German Shepherd may be more aloof around strangers. However, a properly bred German Shepherd is not aggressive. German Shepherds are active and eager to learn. They are easy to train and can learn many commands. Yorkies are feisty but loyal. Terriers were bred to kill vermin, and Yorkies have not lost this fearless hunting instinct. They are brave and stubborn, but may be suspicious of strangers. A German Shepherd Yorkie Mix can take after either or both of its parents. You can expect this first-generation cross to be brave, loyal and stubborn. A good breeder will give information about parent temperaments and let you meet your puppy before you adopt. Socializing your German Shepherd Yorkie is very important so that it learns to be comfortable around strangers. Training Your German Shepherd Yorkie Mix Socializing puppies of any breed is vitally important to having a happy, healthy adult dog. German Shepherds and Yorkies are both sometimes aloof or distrusting of strangers. Check out our guides to help you potty train and crate train your puppy. A German Shepherd Yorkie Mix can be on the smaller side, which makes potty training harder. This is because small dogs have smaller bladders and pee more often. Also be sure to check out our complete guide to puppy and dog training here for links full of tips, tricks and advice to achieving a happy and obedient dog. Both German Shepherds and Yorkies are fairly active dogs. Make sure you give your German Shepherd Yorkie at least a daily walk. Playtime will engage this intelligent and curious hybrid and keep her happy. As we will see below, German Shepherds are prone to joint problems. Yorkies have a life expectancy of 11 to 15 years. German Shepherds are particularly prone to a number of health issues, including: Hip and elbow dysplasia. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article.
Heart murmurs are graded on a scale from 1 to 5, with 1 being mild, and 5 being very loud and easily detected. When a dog is relaxed or sleeping, rates above 35 breaths per minute signify heart problems and warrant an immediate trip to the veterinarian. Count each rise during that period, then multiply that number by four to find out the number of breaths per minute. By the time you see visible signs of a heart problem — difficulty breathing, rapid breathing, coughing, weakness, lethargy, exercise intolerance and collapsing — your dog may have heart disease. What are heart murmurs? There are two broad categories of heart murmurs in dogs: A congenital murmur is present from birth. Congenital murmurs are usually caused by a structural heart defect. Fortunately, most murmurs in young puppies turn out to be benign in nature. An acquired murmur is one that becomes apparent later in life. Acquired murmurs are usually due to heart valve abnormalities or cardiac muscle disease. Fortunately, most dogs with acquired valvular disease never develop congestive heart failure, as long as they receive proper care. The most common cause is myxomatous mitral valve degeneration, which is a progressive degeneration of the mitral valve. The cause is unknown, but in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, a genetic link has been identified. Larger breeds also sometimes develop murmurs associated with cardiomyopathy, which is a term for cardiac muscle disease. Learn more about dilated cardiomyopathy The mitral valve is the valve between the left atrium upper chamber and left ventricle lower chamber of the heart. Oxygenated blood from the lungs goes into the left atrium, where it is transported to the left ventricle, which then pushes the blood out to the rest of the body via the aorta. When the mitral valve degenerates, it becomes bumpy and irregular and no longer closes all the way, allowing blood to wash back into the left atrium. The heart becomes less efficient, making it work harder with every beat. Eventually, fluid backs up into the lungs. When that happens, the dog is in congestive heart failure and will require cardiac medications for the rest of their life. Monitoring is your best defense If your veterinarian tells you that they hear a heart murmur, they will likely recommend an echocardiogram to confirm the diagnosis and establish baseline cardiac function. Repeating the echocardiogram annually is a good way to monitor progression. An echocardiogram is non-invasive and usually done without anesthesia or a sedative. A simple blood test, called pro-BNP precursor of B-type natriuretic peptide , is a useful tool for monitoring as well, as pro-BNP levels rise in the face of cardiac muscle stretch and stress. Obesity makes it harder to breathe, which strains the heart. It also makes it harder to exercise, and exercise is good for the heart. These diets are sodium-restricted, which helps prevent fluid accumulation and supports healthy blood pressure — both of which are important for cardiac patients. The nutrients include antioxidants, anti-inflammatories and other things that support cardiac function. If you are told that your dog has a heart murmur, you should schedule regular follow-ups to monitor its progression, help your dog lose weight through proper diet and exercise, and consider using a prescription diet for canine cardiac health. Your attention to cardiac management could be the difference between a dog who ends up with congestive heart failure and one that does not. If your puppy does not outgrow their murmur, an echocardiogram is recommended to determine the cause, cardiac status and prognosis. This is important whether your dog is intended for breeding or not. For dogs intended for breeding, the echocardiogram will help determine whether the dog ethically should be used for breeding. For dogs undergoing spay and neuter procedures, the echocardiogram provides your veterinary surgeon with important information regarding the risk of anesthesia. The ultimate prognosis depends on the type of congenital heart defect. Many puppies will live a normal lifespan. For other puppies, surgery may be an option. The few dogs with very loud murmurs, however, may be subject to fainting, and there even may be sudden death. Aortic stenosis is the heart condition most commonly associated with these heart murmurs, but cases of pulmonic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, as found in other breeds, have also been detected. Typically, clinical signs of aortic stenosis first appear in the young adult although, rarely, puppies can be affected. It should be stressed that minor "flow" murmurs are commonly found in young in young Boxer puppies, as in other breeds, but most disappear by about 16 weeks of age. Even if they persist there may be no cause for alarm if they are quiet. Such genuine "flow" murmurs" are not associated with heart disease in the adult. The incidence of Boxers with severe aortic stenosis has increased in recent years, although the number of cases is still very low in relation to the number of dogs bred. To rectify the situation the Boxer Breed Council has, with the aid of veterinary cardiologists throughout the country, developed a system of testing based on simple stethescopic examination by the cardiologists. A breeding control scheme has also been established. Therefore, should a heart murmur, or any heart condition other than a genuine puppy "flow" murmur, be recognised in a Boxer it should be referred to one of the cardiologists. The breeder and the Breed Council geneticist should be informed of the result. Dependant upon the findings the condition may be treatable. If a puppy "flow" murmur is loud and persists, the vet in charge may recommend that further advice be sought from a specialist cardiologist. References 1. Clinical and pathological effects The heart is a four-chambered pump which is divided into left and right sides. Each side has two chambers: blood enters into the thin-walled upper chamber atrium. It then flows into the larger, lower chamber ventricle. The ventricles have thick walls composed largely of heart muscle. Between the chambers of the atria and the ventricles there are valves that prevent blood flowing backwards from the latter to the former. On contraction, blood flows from the ventricles into the major blood vessels. There are also valves at the junction of the ventricles and these blood vessels that preventing blood flowing backwards. The right side of the heart receives blood from the whole of the body other than the lungs, via the venae cavae. The blood accumulates in the right atrium and during a heart beat it is sucked past the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle and then as the right ventricle contracts squeezes its muscular wall, the blood is pushed through the pulmonary valves into the pulmonary arteries that take it onto the lungs to take up oxygen. The left side of the heart receives this oxygenated blood from the lungs, via the pulmonary veins. The blood accumulates in the left atrium and during a heartbeat it is expressed past the mitral valve into the left ventricle. Then, as the muscular wall of the left ventricle contracts, the blood is pushed through the aortic valves into the aorta and onto the other major arteries which carry it around the body to perform all the functions of blood circulation such as delivering oxygen and nutrients and sharing heat and metabolic products throughout the body. So, the left hand side of the heart has to pump blood around the major organs of the body, whilst the right hand side only has to push blood through the adjacent lungs. This difference does not affect the structure and function of the atria very much but requires that the muscles of the left ventricle have to be much stronger than the right. As strength is largely a function of muscle size the muscle wall of the left ventricle is thicker than the right Aortic stenosis is a condition of the heart in which there is a narrowing of the aortic valve of the heart that controls the flow of blood from the left ventricle. The condition is characterised by an abnormal ring of tissue at the valve which interferes with normal blood flow, creating resistance to the passage of blood and causing an obstruction The lesion of aortic stenosis in the dog commonly occurs in the subvalvular position, and thus the condition is called subaortic stenosis. The severity of the lesion can range from mild to severe, from an incomplete ridge of fibrous tissue to an extensive fibrous band encircling the aorta. A heart murmur, which is an abnormal sound of blood rushing through the valve when the heart contracts, is heard in dogs with the condition since there is turbulent flow through the obstructed valve. The degree of murmur, and its duration correlates with the severity of aortic stenosis Kvart et al .Exactly what happens in an individual depends on the degree of obstruction of the aorta, whether or not other valves of the heart are affected, and the degree to which conduction of heart beat signals are interfered with. The consequences of various manifestations of the disease are outlined below. When resistance to the flow of blood is high, the left ventricle has to contract more forcefully to expel the blood and this causes high ventricular pressures which may cause the left ventricle wall to become thickened and lead to damage. As a result of this abnormally high ventricular pressure, the intramural coronary arteries - which supply the muscles of the heart with blood- will thicken and collapse, and the muscle wall of the left ventricle will start to degrade necrosis and scar tissue will form fibrosis. Eventually, the cardiac tissue does not receive adequate blood flow and thus does not receive enough oxygen for normal function myocardial ischemia and hypoxia. Heart failure may start to occur since the heart is unable to pump enough blood through the narrow valve to meet the requirements of the body. The reduced volume of blood past the stenosis valve causes abnormally low blood pressure in the rest of the body hypotension. The body is able to compensate, to some extent, for impending heart failure using various mechanisms although some of these can themselves lead to further problems. When there is inadequate blood flow from the heart, heart rate is increased so that blood supply to the organs is maintained. However, this raised heart rate may restrict the ability of the ventricles to relax as there is less time between each contraction; time in which the ventricles can relax and fill. Increasing heart rate can cause backward or congestive heart failure, in which fluid builds up in the lungs pulmonary oedema and in which the amount of blood that the heart can push forwards around the body decreases. A further problem is that it is during relaxation that the heart muscle itself receives blood via its coronary arteries so when beating quickly its own oxygen supply can decrease and heart muscle can die. Inadequate blood flow from the heart also causes the body to react as though there has been a loss of circulating blood volume. Hormones are released in response, which cause fluid to be retained even though there actually has been no loss of blood. The amount of fluid in the body thus increases and this is another reason that fluid accumulates in the lungs. As the walls of the left ventricle thicken the heart shape changes and the valves of the heart can become distorted and leak. Leakage regurgitation of blood in the reverse direction from the aorta back into the left ventricle, and this may manifest in a diastolic murmur Schaer .When the valves, the tricuspid and mitral valves, between the ventricles and atria are affected, they may allow blood to flow backwards into the atria during contraction which causes further backwards or back pressure heart failure problems and the problems, outlined above, associated with this. The abnormally thickened muscle often contains scar tissue or fatty infiltrates which interfere with the conduction of nerve signals through the heart resulting in uncoordinated contractions dysrhythmia or arrhythmia. Irregular heartbeats can contribute to both forward and backward heart failure. Forward heart failure occurs when the left ventricle provides inadequate blood flow to the body and this can lead to weakness, collapse, fainting and sudden death. Other congenital heart abnormalities may be associated with aortic stenosis, including pulmonic stenosis, and atrial septal defect Oliveira et al , though more often than not aortic stenosis occurs alone. Affected dogs may also be at risk of complications such infections of the inner lining of the heart endocarditis , caused by bacterial infiltration due to the defective valve. In one study, a smaller aortic annulus at the junction of the aortic valve and ventricular septum and a steeper aortoseptal angle relative to body size was notable in both healthy and affected Boxers, and these may be key factors for the development of aortic stenosis Quintavalla et al .Return to top 2. Dogs with mild narrowing, which does not progress, may have a normal lifespan, with very few changes to quality of life. Dogs that are moderate-severely affected by the condition may experience serious welfare problems. They may exhibit an inability to exercise, fainting and muscle weakness. The build-up of fluid in the lungs, due to pulmonary odema, leads to difficulty in breathing with the animal showing rapid or laboured breathing or coughing. Where the heart muscles receive reduced oxygen as a result of the obstructed blood flow myocardial ischemia and hypoxia , dogs may experience fatigue or chest pain angina. Affected dogs may be at risk of complications such as changes in heart rhythm arrhythmias — which in themselves may directly cause welfare problems by making the dog faint or collapse - congestive heart failure or infections of the inner lining of the heart endocarditis. In one study of Boxer with aortic stenosis, infective endocarditis and left heart failure tended to occur later in life and in dogs with mild to moderate obstructions Kienle et al .These complications may lead to sudden death. Return to top 3. Duration of welfare impact Aortic stenosis is not a true congenital defect, since it develops after birth Pyle et al .Aortic stenosis is often a progressive disorder, and the severe forms can lead to death in early adulthood. In one study of 96 Boxers with aortic stenosis, 21 dogs .The prognosis for long-term survival of dogs with untreated mild or moderate aortic stenosis if favourable, with an average median survival of 4 years 3 months and 2 years 6 months respectively, but the survival of dogs with severe aortic stenosis was poor, with an average survival of 1 year 7 months Kienle et al .Definitive treatment for severe aortic stenosis requires surgical intervention, either excision of the lesion or replacement of the valve, but the surgery should be performed before 6 months of age for greatest success Muir et al .Return to top 4. Number of animals affected The true prevalence of aortic stenosis in dogs is currently unknown, since the previous studies are based on small, local, veterinary populations. Heart murmurs are commonly reported in dogs; over a 4-year period in the UK, .However, it is important to note that these heart murmur data are not specific to aortic stenosis, and that not all heart murmurs point to significant cardiac disease. Aortic stenosis has been reported to be one of the most frequently recorded congenital cardiac abnormalities in the dog Tidholm .Of dogs with aortic stenosis, the Boxer breed has been shown to have an increased relative risk of the condition, with an odds ratios of 9. A prevalence of 1. As part of a mandatory breed screening programme in Italy, Boxers were screened for cardiac abnormalities and of Boxers 8. There is no reported difference in the predisposition of males and females for aortic stenosis. Return to top 5. Initial diagnosis results from detection of a heart murmur using a stethoscope, although murmurs can be indicative of other heart conditions or even of normal function. Murmurs are categorised on a six point scale from Grade 1, the mildest and least audible, which can be heard with a stethoscope only in a quiet room to Grade 6, the loudest and most turbulent, which can be heard with the stethoscope not touching the chest, or even without using the stethoscope. Echocardiographycan be used to evaluate: heart size, function including the direction and speed of blood flow, and valve appearance. Other diagnostic tools used to determine the severity of the disease and the presence of heart failure, include: ECG recordings, blood tests, chest radiography and full physical examination. ECG can be used to detect occult disease eg heart rhythm abnormalities at a stage before animals show any clinical signs. Return to top 6. Genetics An inherited basis of aortic stenosis is strongly suspected in the Boxer, though there is no definitive data to support this. Boxers have a higher risk of aortic stenosis compared to other breeds, and there are specific conformational traits associated with the Boxer breed that affect the morphology of the aortic valve small aortic annulus, steep aortoseptal angle; Quintavalla et al which may be linked to the development of the condition. To our knowledge, there are no studies of the genetics or mode of inheritance of aortic stenosis in Boxers. Aortic stenosis is considered to be a dominant trait in Newfoundlands Stern et al but in Golden retrievers, the condition is more likely to be a rescessive trait Stern et al .In both studies, authors also suggest that the inheritance pattern may be more complex and involve multiple genes, and especially considering the variation in age of onset and the lesion type and placement associated with the condition Pyle et al .Return to top 7. How do you know if an animal is a carrier or likely to become affected? Since the genetic mechanisms or mode of inheritance is not known for this breed, there is currently no way of telling specifically which animals are likely to become affected. Importantly, not all dogs that carry the genotype show outward clinical signs and there is a range of severities of affected dogs from mild to severe. Return to top 8. Methods and prospects for elimination of the problem Although dogs with a mild form of aortic stenosis have a low risk to develop symptoms of the condition, it is still important to identify these dogs for the purpose of eliminating the condition from the breed Farrell et al , since mildly affected and asymptomatic dogs may pass on a more severe form of the condition to their offspring. Since , a breeding scheme has been in operation in the UK for the Boxer breed, and it recommends cardiac screening for murmurs of dogs at 12 months or older. Dogs with grade 3 murmurs of higher are considered unsuitable for breeding, and dogs with grade 2 murmurs are only recommended for breeding with a dog clear of a murmur. Further research is required to determine the mode of inheritance involved in the development of aortic stenosis in Boxers, in order to establish a valid method to eliminate the condition from the breed Meyers-Wallen .Return to top 9. Return to top .Human Genetics —48 Tidholm A Retrospective study of congenital heart defects in dogs. Because of this blockage, the Boxer dog's heart must work much harder and faster than normal. Yes, it can be. It is a tricky condition.Some Boxers have a mild case which does not affect life span at all.However, with others, it can be severe and fatal. Abnormal heart rhythms in a dog can lead to sudden death. Any dog that is being considered for breeding should be tested for this - along with Doppler studies a particular type of ultrasound machine that uses sound waves to measure the flow of blood through a blood vessel - by a board-certified canine cardiologist prior to any pairing. Diagnosis Once a heart murmur is detected, your Boxer dog should be referred to a canine heart specialist. One of the most important aspects will be to determine the severity of the murmur. This is helpful to see the size and shape of the heart. Any abnormal enlargement of the heart's chambers can usually be spotted, which would indicate a more severe case. EKG - An EKG is important as it will determine the severity of the heart's valve narrowing and it will measure electrical impulses to the Boxer's heart. Ultrasound- With Aortic Stenosis, the left ventricle wall of the heart thickens. This test will measure the extent of the thickness and well as the internal dimensions of the heart. Doppler Test - A Doppler test is a specialized ultrasound test that measures the flow of blood through a blood vessel. Of most concern, will be the left ventricle. The flow rate can tell you a lot. Flow is measured by meters per second. If a dog has a flow that is LESS than 4 meters per second, he will usually live to full life expectancy and not have any major problems. If a Boxer has a flow that is MORE than 5 meters per second, this is an indication that the dog will be affected by this disease; though all tests will be combined together to give the murmur a 'grade'. Medication will most certainly be given and the dog must be monitored on a regular basis. Studies have shown that this procedure does not significantly extend the life span of affected dogs. The 3 most commonly prescribed beta-blockers for Boxers with Aortic Stenosis heart murmurs are propranolol, atenolol and metoprolol. It is available in tablet, injectable and liquid forms. Owners should immediately report any side effects to their dog's veterinarian. It is given as tablets but is also available as injectable doses. It is given as a tablet. Note: Always follow the exact dosing instructions for any of these Aortic Stenosis medications, as an overdose can be toxic and sometimes fatal. A dog should be checked every 6 months to 1 year, with testing done to see if there are any changes. Boxer dog health issues - A list of the health conditions most likely to affect the Boxer dog breed. Boxer dog exercise requirements - Ensuring that your Boxer puppy or dog stays active for a healthy body and mind. Boxer dog is skinny - There is a phase that some Boxers goes through that occurs around the 14 to 22 month old mark, in which the ribs may be visible and the dog looks too lean. Why Boxer dogs drool - While they do have big lips, is it normal for this breed to excessively drool. The few dogs with very loud murmurs, however, may be subject to fainting, and there may even be sudden death. Aortic stenosis is the heart condition most commonly associated with these heart murmurs, but cases of pulmonic stenosis and cardiomyopathy, as found in other breeds, have also been detected. Typically, clinical signs of aortic stenosis first appear in the young adult although, rarely, puppies can be affected. It should be stressed that minor "flow" murmurs are commonly found in young Boxer puppies, as in other breeds, but most disappear by about 16 weeks of age. Even if they persist there may be no cause for alarm if they are quiet. Such genuine "flow" murmurs are not associated with heart disease in the adult. The incidence of Boxers with severe aortic stenonsis has increased in recent years, although the numbers of cases are still very low in relation to the numbers of dogs bred. To rectify the situation the Boxer Breed Council has, with the aid of veterinary cardiologists throughout the country, developed a system of testing based on simple stethescopic examination by the cardiologists. A breeding control scheme has also been established. Therefore, should a heart murmur, or any heart condition other than a genuine puppy "flow" murmur, be recognized in a Boxer it should be referred through the vet in charge to one of the cardiologists. The breeder and the Breed Council geneticist should be informed of the result. Dependent upon the findings the condition may be treatable. If a puppy "flow" murmur is loud and persists, the vet in charge may recommend that further advice be sought from a specialist cardiologist. Welcome Testimonials "Can't be happier with our Rosie who we picked up November .Great temperment, easy to train, and the friendliest fun loving girl ever. We are already thinking of another o.These Boxers are amazing. Top of the line Their temperament, their disposition, their health.I have 3 amazing boxer babies from t.Associated Data The data presented in this study are available on request from the corresponding author. Abstract The detection of a congenital heart defect at purchase is an important step in early detection from a clinical and legal standpoint. Indeed, some cardiac abnormalities may be corrected with surgery, and very often, treatment needs to be performed early before congestive heart failure or irreversible heart damage can occur. From a legal viewpoint, if the defect is revealed in a newly purchased puppy, the buyer may be required to return it and receive compensation. Puppies affected with congenital heart defects are likely to die prematurely, causing emotional suffering to the owner. Furthermore, by considering breed predisposition, early recognition allows breeders to avoid breeding from particular dogs with genetic defects and prevent the continuation of genetic defects in breeding lines. Given gaps in the literature about the recognition of murmurs in the puppy trade, the present article describes how to identify a heart murmur in a puppy during a pre-purchase examination and its significance from a clinical and legal viewpoint. In the canine population, the prevalence of cardiac defects ranges between 0. Pulmonic stenosis is the most common defect found in puppies, followed by patent ductus arteriosus, subaortic stenosis, and ventricular septal defect. On the basis of the above considerations, the veterinarian should recognize and identify the murmur following a protocol for routine examination of puppies involved in trade. Keywords: cardiac murmur, puppy, purchase, heart defect 1. Introduction Buying a puppy is an important step for most pet owners. The prospective owner aspires for the puppy to be healthy and fit well with the new family, often acting on impulse driven by the opportunity and enthusiasm to get a dog. Instead, a pre-purchase examination before selling is strongly recommended in order to evaluate the health status of the animal. The ground rules for a pre-purchase examination are the same as those applicable to clinical evaluation. On the one hand, there are some buyers for whom any risk is acceptable as they do not perceive clinical signs as a problem, but rather as a normal breed-specific characteristic [ 1 ]. On the other hand, some buyers may want assistance to arrive at an informed judgment on the risks related to buying a dog, given that there may be diseases associated with some breeds which reduce the life span or make it unsuitable for its intended use by the purchaser. Indeed, heart diseases of proven or suspected hereditary origin in puppies may constitute a defect vice in buying and selling, making the animal inappropriate for its intended use, or significantly decreasing its value [ 2 ]. The innocent murmur is a common physiological finding in puppies, generally as a result of physiologic anemia. Rising hematocrit in growing puppies can explain the spontaneous disappearance of innocent murmurs with aging [ 4 ]. Generally, puppies are sold when they are at least 6—8 weeks old to ensure that the puppy has received an adequate supply of milk from the mother dog and has completed the period of socialization. Conversely, the detection of a continuous murmur in a puppy requires a complete cardiologic and medical workup. Once the presence of a murmur has been identified, the aim for the veterinarian during the pre-purchase clinical examination is to determine the existence, severity, and exact origin of the underlying cardiac disease. Cardiac examination should be performed to evaluate heart rate, rhythm, and the presence of normal and abnormal sounds. Auscultation should be executed in a silent room, with the animal in standing position, auscultating the precordial valve areas in both sides of the chest and, if an abnormal sound is detected, the point of maximum intensity should be identified. Given the gaps in the literature regarding a clinical protocol or guidelines for the identification of a cardiac murmur during puppy trade, the authors describe how to categorize heart murmurs in the animal during a pre-purchase examination and its significance from a clinical and legal viewpoint, as murmurs can be physiological or pathological. Clinical Examination of the Cardiovascular System Clinical examination is a great help to the veterinarian in the evaluation of the cardiovascular system. Variations in mucous membrane colour and capillary refill time, jugular distension, dependent oedema, tachycardia, and tachypnoea are common findings of congestive heart failure CHF [ 5 ]. The auscultation of the heart is fundamental for the evaluation of the cardiovascular system. Normally, it is possible to hear two heart sounds: S1, caused by the closing of the atrioventricular valves at the beginning of the systole, and S2, generated by the closing of the semilunar valves at the end of the systolic event. Two other heart sounds also can be found in pathological conditions: S3, caused by the rapid filling of the ventricles in diastole, and S4, generated by atrial contraction. Additional sounds generated by turbulent blood flows are called murmurs. The heart murmurs are classified according to intensity, frequency, quality, duration, configuration, primary location point of maximum intensity, PMI , and site s of radiation [ 6 ]. The intensity indicates the loudness of the cardiac murmur and is classified on a scale from 1 to 6 [ 6 ], as summarized in Table 1 [ 6 ]. This is strongly related to the blood velocity at the site of origin of the murmur and is classified as high, medium, or low. The murmurs that originate from mitral valve insufficiency typically have a high pitch [ 7 ], while the murmurs originating from aortic stenosis typically have a low or medium pitch [ 4 , 8 , 9 , 10 ]. The quality or timbre of the heart murmurs indicates the type of sound, which can be soft, harsh, rumbling, musical or a mixture of these. The shape, also referred to as configuration, indicates the intensity that it assumes during the cardiac cycle; therefore, a murmur may be crescendo, decrescendo, crescendo-decrescendo or plateau. A crescendo murmur gradually increases in intensity, while a decrescendo murmur gradually decreases in intensity. A crescendo—decrescendo murmur is characterized by a gradual increase in intensity, followed by a gradual diminution. A plateau murmur conserves a moderate continuous intensity regardless of their intensity grade. The duration or timing indicates the portion of the cardiac cycle that the murmur occupies and not in which the murmur onsets. Murmurs may be systolic early systolic, mid-systolic, late systolic, or holosystolic , diastolic early diastolic, mid-diastolic, late diastolic, or holo-diastolic or continuous. A continuous murmur initiates during the systole and continues extending on the second sound, throughout diastole or part of thereof. The location indicates areas on the precordium where the murmur is perceived with a higher intensity and correspond at the site of murmur origin Figure 1. When a murmur is heard at a site other than the point of maximal intensity, it is said to radiate. The murmur may radiate near to the site of origin following the direction of turbulent jet. An aortic stenosis murmur radiates up the carotid arteries, while mitral murmurs radiate dorsally within the thorax. The first and often most challenging step is to determine the clinical importance of a murmur. It is essential to distinguish pathological heart murmurs from functional ones and, in puppies, from innocent heart murmurs [ 11 ].
A Husky Lab Mix has high energy levels, and she needs to be exercised properly to stay fit. She also enjoys swimming, running in the park, and playing Frisbee, or any other interactive game. These dogs are suitable for active families, where running, jogging, camping trips, or hiking are common activities. I think having a yard where your dog can run freely is essential when dealing with this breed. Make sure you have a strong fence before bringing your future dog home, to prevent her from escaping. A Lab Husky Mix also loves to dig holes, so take all precautions if you have plants. It can be white, black, brown, golden, or any combination of these colors. Some have blue eyes, while others have eyes of different colors. The most common are eye and skin diseases, degenerative myelopathy , arthritis, hip dysplasia, and cancer. Besides potty training , obedience lessons can also help you bond easier with your dog while giving you the chance to remain in charge. This dog is very intelligent and in most cases you can train her yourself, especially if you start at an early age. Always use positive reinforcement and never punish your dog for not following your commands. Outside the shedding season, your dog needs to be brushed twice a week, to keep her coat beautiful and to reduce the amount of lost hair. Keeping your dog alone for too long can cause separation anxiety, sometimes also found in Huskies, but more common when it comes to Labradors. Get her some resistant dog toys to chew, and free access to the yard where she can play, run, and move freely. Make sure she always has a place to go in case of bad weather. If you work all day, ask a friend or a pet walker to take her to the park and make sure you also spend enough time with her when you get home. Conclusion As you can see, a Labrador Husky Mix is a great dog. Do you think you can handle such a dog? Or do you already have one? Let us know what you think about the Husky Lab Mix in a comment below. About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Very easy to train. I disagree with many of the characteristics listed. Ours is lazy and does not like a lot of activity. The only issue we have is his obsession with children. He loves kids so much that if he can see them but cannot get to them he becomes so laserly focused and cry a very high pitch until they are out of sight. He wants to smell them and lick them on the face and generally hang out with them. Another dog approached and he chased him or her off in an aggressive manner. I had never seen him aggressive like that before. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. So, what do you get when you mix them together? An intelligent, social, and playful pooch that can accompany you on all of your adventures. If you are thinking of adopting a Husky Lab Mix into your family, here is everything you need to know. Husky Lab Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 40 to 60 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, straight, color varies Shedding — yes Temperament — Intelligent, sociable, loyal, playful, and eager to please Trainable — Very trainable but can act up when bored Activity — Highly active needs at least one hour of exercise and intermittent daily activity Best For — Families and people with lots of time to spend with them and active lifestyles What is a Husky Lab Mix? They are different from a purebred Labrador Husky, which is a purebred dog native to coastal Labrador. It has the same wolf look as a Husky and, just like a wolf, howls rather than barks. Huskador Appearance Mixed-breed dogs are an unpredictable combination of the two parent breeds, so it is impossible to know exactly what they will look like before they are born. However, one Husky trait that is commonly inherited by Huskadors is heterochromia, which is two different-colored eyes. This is one of the traits that gives both Huskies and Huskadors their unique look. Although their final look is always a lottery, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Husky Lab Mixes. Size As both Huskies and Labradors are medium-sized dogs, their joint offspring will be about the same size. Huskies are the smaller of the two breeds, and the females are much smaller than the males. Male Huskies are between 21 and .Labradors are larger at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. This means for safe breeding, the Labrador will pretty much always be the mother of the Siberian Retriever, as the mother needs to be the larger of the two dogs in order to avoid problems birthing the pups. So expect you Husky Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 40 to 60 pounds. You can get a better idea of just how big the dog will be by looking at the size of the parents. Color Labskies come in a wide range of different colors including black, brown, yellow, white, grey, and copper. They can be one solid color, like Labradors, or they can be an unexpected mix, taking after their Husky parent. It is not uncommon to see white Huskadors with the golden ears of a Labrador, or white pups with the coloring over the ears and nose in black or brown. But any pattern or mix is possible. Coat Siberian Retrievers will usually have the short coat of a Labrador, as this seems to be a dominant gene that shows up in their mixed children. But they are also likely to have the straight hair that we are accustomed to seeing on Huskies. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. Huskies have a particularly thick undercoat that helps keep them warm in icy temperatures, so a Huskador might also find themselves with one. But whether they inherit this winter warmer or not, Siberian Retrievers shed—a lot—especially in fall and spring when they change their coats. Regular brushing is essential for maintenance, as is a vacuum cleaner that is up to the task! Husky Labrador Mix Character The personality you get when you mix a Husky and a Labrador is unpredictable, but both are friendly dogs that love people, so you can be sure you will have a sociable, human-loving pup. Labrador Retrievers were initially hunting dogs bred to retrieve wild game. This means they have been bred to enjoy being around humans and to be pleasers, completing tasks in return for rewards. They are friendly, good with strangers, and easy to train, which means their behavior is controllable. Huskies are working dogs bred to pull sleds and hunt in cold climates. They can also be very vocal and bark a lot. These dogs are escape artists, which means you need to take extra care when building their homes and enclosures. A Husky Lab Mix can inherit any and all of these traits in different measures, but you can be sure the dog will be intelligent and trainable. Both breeds are also playful, friendly, and love people. They make great pets for family homes. Activity Levels Both Labradors and Huskies have a lot of energy, so you can be sure their offspring are also going to be high energy pups. They will need a minimum of one hour of exercise every day. These dogs will love and benefit from a quick game of fetch every few hours, which appeals to their retriever instinct. This regular distraction will also help keep them occupied enough that they are less likely to indulge in unwanted behavior such as chewing your shoes, digging holes, and finding their way under the fence. Yes, sometimes these dogs are just too intelligent for their own good! These dogs are ideal for active owners who want a companion on their adventures. And Husky Labs Mixes can go just about anywhere with you. They are personable enough to get on well in a crowd, they will have no problems with those long jokes, and they even love the water! These dogs tend to be great swimmers. Exercise As we have already said, Siberian Retrievers are very high energy dogs, so they need a lot of exercise. This means a minimum of one hour per day. They need exercise in regular bursts. As we have already suggested, take them out in the yard for a quick game of fetch a couple of times a day and you will have a much happier pooch. It will also help maintain their weight, which is important because carrying extra pounds can exacerbate many of the health problems common in these dogs. Intellectual Stimulation The pups of Huskies and Labradors are highly intelligent, which means they need a lot of intellectual stimulation. If not, they will get into trouble. Labradors tend to be chewers and will make short work of a lot of things in your home. Huskies are diggers and also seem to manage to get in or out of anything. So you may come home to find they are not where you left them. Puzzle toys can help keep your dog stimulated, but be aware that Huskadors will make short work of them. They are heavy chewers with powerful jaws, so you will be replacing that toy regularly. Another option is to look for more durable indestructible dog toys. The KONG Extreme is one of our favorite toys and can be mentally stimulating as well as highly durable. Companionship Huskadors need a lot of love and attention. They are not the type of dog you can leave alone at home for the whole day while you are at work. They will not only get into trouble, but they can develop separation anxiety and depression. This is not the type of dog for people whose houses are empty for most of the day. Grooming Both parent dogs of Siberian Retrievers shed a lot, so you can expect their kids to do the same. For this reason, they need to be brushed at least twice a week, and during their shedding seasons in fall and spring they will need brushing every day. This should not be seen as a chore, but rather as some nice bonding time for the two of you. What may seem like more of a chore is cleaning up all the hair they shed around your home. Commit to the fact that very regular vacuuming is now part of your regime, and get a specialist pet vacuum cleaner that has the power and the attachments needed to pick up all that hair. This means they do not need to be bathed too often. When you do bathe them, be sure to wash out all the shampoo and conditioner. This can easily be held onto by their hair, and if left behind can irritate their skin. But brushing is only the beginning of the grooming regime these pups need, not all of which will be such a pleasant bonding experience. They need their teeth brushed at least three times a week. Thankfully, this can be partially achieved with dental chew toys. They should also have their ears cleaned regularly, especially if they have the floppy ears of a retriever. Bacteria, yeast, and parasites live in the ear canal. Finally, make sure to trim their nails on a regular basis, at least monthly. This is often a job best left to the experts, as it is easy to cut too deep and hurt your pooch, which will only make them less cooperative next time as they will develop a fear of the clippers pretty quickly. If you are confident enough to do it at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. We prefer to use a nail grinder called a Dremmel to trim our dogs nails. However, the Dremmel is something you should slowly introduce to your dog so he is not fearful of the sound and vibration. Diet Huskadors need a diet that is high in healthy proteins. Both Labradors and Huskies are natural carnivores, so they feel better when they have a diet high in meat and without excessive amounts of carbohydrates. Processed carbohydrates should be avoided for all dogs, but especially these. Husky Lab Mixes have a lot of energy, and that protein will help them get through their day. They should also have quite a bit of fat in their diet but not too much. You need to be careful about maintaining the weight of these dogs, as they can have heart and joint issues, and excess weight will just exacerbate these health problems. Husky Lab Mixes can have sensitive stomachs, which means that artificial coloring, rendered fats, and processed grains should all be avoided. Look to vary their diet by introducing novel proteins such as rabbit and venison. Puppies should eat special puppy food until about the age of one. Until they are six months old, feed them four times a day, and after that drop to twice a day. They will probably need to move onto special foods for senior dogs at about the age of 7, which is when they enter the second half of their lives. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day. But while this is a good guide, listen to your vet and watch their weight to find their unique dietary balance. Check out our list of best dog foods for Huskies and best dog foods for Labs for some of our recommendations. Known Health Problems Dogs are just as unique as humans when it comes to the health problems they can develop, but some breeds are more prone to certain conditions than others. Husky Lab Mixes are susceptible to the conditions that are common among both Huskies and Labradors: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — A condition that arises when the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally, which can cause extreme pain and arthritis later in life Eye Conditions — Various eye conditions including cataracts, corneal dystrophy, and progressive retinal atrophy, all of which can all result in blindness Heart Conditions — Usually a decrease in the effectiveness of the heart pumping blood throughout the body, which can lead to complications such as a build-up of fluid in the chest and abdomen Life Expectancy Husky Labrador Mix dogs have a life expectancy of 10 to 15 years. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. Check out our list of best dog foods for your senior dog for our recommendation of dog foods for older dogs. How To Train Your Husky Lab Mix Huskadors inherit a lot of intelligence on both sides, so they are smart dogs that are highly trainable, but they can be stubborn. For this reason, domination and punishment should never be used. It can cause these stubborn pups to dig in their heels and refuse to cooperate. The best way to train Husky Labrador Mixes is through positive reinforcement and reward. They are people-pleasers so they find this highly motivational. While these pooches are naturally sociable, it is a good idea to socialize them from a young age, especially with children. This helps them learn the care they need to exercise when dealing with smaller humans. They will also probably need to be trained to control their likely Husky-inherited tendency to bark. They will meet you halfway, but you need to fulfill your side of the bargain. Husky and Labrador mixes make great pets for families, as they will quickly become members of the family and get on well with kids. A family also often means lots of people in and out of the home to spend time with them. But they are perfect for anyone with a highly active lifestyle looking for a dog that can accompany them on all of their adventures. They will have no problems taking on challenging trails, being out and about all day, and even going in the water. So this is the ideal dog for someone who has the time and energy to give them a lot of love and attention. They will thank you with the same in return. This means you can meet the parents, which can help give you an idea of what kind of character the puppy will have. The breeder will also be able to share medical records with you, which can give you advance warning about the types of medical conditions your new pooch is prone to developing. If you are adopting a more mature Huskador, spend some time with them to see what they are like. As Husky Lab Mixes are still a relatively new breed, they are also relatively expensive. History of the Breeds Siberian Husky More closely related to wolves than many modern dog breeds, Huskies have long been sled dogs used in colder regions. They are bred for strength, swiftness, and to withstand cold temperatures. Their unique wolf-like look and friendly nature mean they are also extremely popular as pets. Labrador Retriever Labrador Retrievers were brought from Newfoundland to England in the 19th century and then trained and bred as hunting dogs. They are highly intelligent and love being around people, working, and pleasing their humans. This is why they are often used as assistance dogs, as they are both hard workers and incredibly loving and loyal. Yes, Husky Lab Mixes are excellent dogs, as they are intelligent, highly trainable, friendly, and loyal, plus they are great with children and strangers. If they are under-stimulated, they can have a tendency to act out, chewing and digging. Huskadors generally grow to between 20 and 25 inches tall and weigh between 40 and 60 pounds. If you would like a dog on the smaller side, choose a female, as they tend to be smaller than their male counterparts. If your Husky Lab Mix is playful and energetic, this is a sign that they are happy. When they start to become lethargic, this is often a sign that there is something wrong. The Verdict When you mix a Siberian Husky and a Labrador Retriever you get a very attractive dog that is also loveable, loyal, and a joy to have around. They are the ideal pet for families and anyone looking for a companion for their active lifestyle. These dogs do need a lot of love and attention and can suffer from separation anxiety. But if you invest in your Huskador, it is impossible to put a price on the unconditional love and companionship they will give you in return. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic Labsky Highlights The Labsky is a mixed breed dog. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Siberian Husky parents. Labskies were first bred intentionally in the s. The Labsky is a medium- to large-sized dog with high energy. Labskies tend to love people and human contact. They are usually very friendly. The Labsky has a double coat that requires daily brushing. Their fur can come in white, black, yellow, brown, red and grey, and many times the coat will be a mix of colors. Labskies can have a high prey drive and might be best suited to homes with pets of the same size. The mixed breed dates back to the s, although their original country of origin has not been established. The Siberian Husky has existed for over years, and originated in the cold climes of Alaska and Canada. The Labrador Retriever has a history as a gun dog and was first developed in Newfoundland in the 19th century. These days, the Labrador Retriever has become recognized as one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and frequently ranks as the most popular dog breed of all, according to the American Kennel Club. Even though the Labsky looks like a fancy, high-end designer dog, many of them end up in shelters so consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you! Most weigh in at 40 to 60 pounds and range in height from inches. Labsky Personality Many Labsky lovers like to describe their dogs as very loyal and exceptionally active. With high energy levels, the Labsky thrives on long walks and will always be interested in physical play sessions. If you have access to lots of outdoor space near to your home, the Labsky will prosper and approach life with much vigor. At home, Labskies are seen as loving and loyal dogs who seek out company and enjoy being around people. A Labsky enjoys mental stimulation, and interactive toys can help keep the dog interested and alert. These dogs very much enjoy being around family and prosper in an environment with a lot of human contact. Labsky Health Labskies are generally farily healthy. The Labsky breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Siberian Husky and Labrador Retriever also face. It is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Labskies suffer from include: Eye conditions. Your Lab Husky should also visit the vet regularly. You can then wean if off that brand slowly and introduce new food while steadily increasing the ratio. To ensure your Lab Husky mix cub gets all they need to grow up big and strong, try one of the best puppy food brands or some of the best dry dog food for small dogs. A Husky crossed with Lab pup should be fed three to four times daily. Once it hits six months, feeding can be dropped to just two times a day. Keep feeding your dog with puppy dog food until it turns a year old. This is because this feed is designed to have more protein, something that a growing puppy needs. Once your pet turns a year old, it should then be fed about 2. That is when you can switch to the best dry dog food that undoubtedly all adult doggos enjoy. It contains ocean fish meal, salmon, potatoes, sweet potatoes, and peas. Give this to your dog if you want it to have a shinier coat. Nutro Max Large Breed Adult Dry Dog Food: One of the best makers of dog food today, Nutro Max uses fewer ingredients in its feed to reduce the number of digestive issues a dog might develop. It uses real chicken as its main source of protein. Once your pooch reaches a certain age, their bones and overall health become more frail, and they need food that can give them all the necessary nutrients. We have ample suggestions of the best senior dry dog food brands that you could offer your aged pooch. They will also benefit from additional vitamins and minerals, so we suggest including the Nutra Thrive dog food supplement in their diet as well. Your Lab Husky mix will need regular exercise to stay fit and burn off excess energy. This dog needs a long walk twice a day. It also enjoys running around the park and playing Frisbee. This crossbreed has a natural affinity to water and loves to swim. Its webbed paws make it a natural in this activity. Any interactive game will suit this dog perfectly. Families with an active lifestyle and those who love the outdoors will be good matches for the Husky Lab mix. You can even take it hiking or camping. Labs have a particular gene that has been linked to weight increase. This hybrid dog will thrive in homes with a yard where it can run freely. It also loves digging holes so you might have to rearrange your garden. Keep your dog engaged and entertain with these toys — KONG Extreme: Kong toys never fail, and this extreme version of a beloved toy will keep your Lab Husky mix happy for hours. Fill it up with treats, stand back and watch your dog chew on it for hours. Nina Ottoson Dog Tornado: This interactive toy is a bit pricey but well worth the expense. Trixie Dog Activity Chess: This toy will reward your dog with snacks in exchange for its smarts. Hide treats within the movable pieces to keep your pet busy. Your dog will have a great time knocking the ball around or playing fetch with it. It also squeaks, so the more auditory-inclined canines will be interested. Mammoth Flossy Chews: Your Husky Lab hybrid will love tugging and playing this cotton blend, three-knot toy. It comes in different sizes, including an extra large one for massive and strong dogs. Husky Lab Mix Training Obedience training is a must with a Husky Lab mix, and it should start as soon as you bring your dog home. This training will help you develop a positive relationship with your pet while also enabling you to remain in control. A Husky Lab is a very intelligent canine, and a responsible and patient owner can train their Huskadors themselves. This will go easier if the lessons are done at an early age. Fortunately, this stubborn streak can be tempered with heaps of positive reinforcement and repetition. Socialization training is also crucial for this dog. Make sure you start socializing your puppy as soon as you bring it home. Invite your friends over or take your pet to different places. The idea is to let it interact with various people and animals. To make training easier, consider the following tips: Positive reinforcement is best. This is a better strategy with this breed. Do not punish your dog for not obeying your commands or forgetting its training. Set up regular playdates. Playing with others do is a way to keep them entertained, socialized, and mentally engaged. Invest in puzzle toys. Make sure you have lots of engaging toys and puzzles on hand. Labrador Husky Mix and Families A Lab Husky mix is a great family dog, as long as everyone is on-board with the proper way of handling and training it. Consistency is key to ensure this dog is trained and socialized properly. This dog suits all types of owners, from single households to families with small children. But you have to make sure you have the time and energy for this dog. You should ask yourself if you have the patience and dedication needed to provide it with the best possible life before getting one. This magnificent dog is not the pet for busy employees or those who are away from home for long hours. The Husky Lab mix is a unique dog and a fantastic companion. It needs someone who will love it back; someone who will dedicate the time and effort to ensure its physical and mental requirements are met. Its parents have a significant contribution on how it behaves so, start the process by looking at the background and origin of the Labsky. A husky lab mix is a designer dog produced by its two parent dog breeds, a Labrador Retriever and Siberian Husky. Designer dog means that the dog is a crossbreed between two purebreds. In this case, the crossbreed will not only inherit the looks from its parents but the characteristics and temperament as well. Labradors play particular roles that can be helpful for the community. About Labrador They are trained to aid people with disability. They have a charming personality that allows them to serve as a therapy dog. Labs are widely used in law enforcement agencies and other organizations in different parts of the world, mainly in the United States, the United Kingdom, and Canada. These groups use Labs as retriever-gun dogs. Their particular capability makes them suitable for hunting and sporting activities. Take note that Labradors vary in appearance and behavior, which is categorized into two types: English Labs are breeds that are more trainable, making them suitable for people who want a dog to accompany them during hunting. American Labs are more energetic, allowing them to be chosen to participate in field trials. They have a leaner body and longer legs compared to their counterparts. Labradors either have a chocolate, black, or yellow coat. These breeds are sometimes mistakenly called Golden Retriever, but take note that the latter has longer hair compared to Labs. Furthermore, the Labrador Retrievers weigh between 65 to 80 pounds for a male, and 55 to 70 pounds for a female. These breeds also require less maintenance because they only shed hair twice every year and may sometimes exceed during temperate climates. They can even get along with kids and families easily. This breed originated in Siberia in Russia. Most people use the Siberian Huskies in hunting and even in transportation by training them to pull sleds. Their loyalty enables them to feel closer to families and kids quickly. Unlike the Labradors, the Siberian Huskies have medium body size. Male huskies weigh 45 to 60 pounds while females are between 35 to 50 pounds. They also have a thicker double coat than the other parent breed of Husky Labs. Erect ears characterize them with markings. These breeds are also known for being energetic. Their thick coat allows them to withstand harsh weather conditions and frigid temperature, but it is also the reason why they need weekly grooming. Commonly, they have patterned colors on their body. Their paws, legs, tail, and face may be covered with white markings, and the rest of their body is black. Their coat could also be a combination of copper-red and white or white and gray, and in some cases, just pure white. You can rarely find a Miniature Siberian Husky with an agouti coat, which means that the body has other band colors. Their nose could be pointed or square, and their tails have very thick fur. Unlike other dog breeds that bark, this one usually howls. Considering the temperament of both parent breeds, husky lab Mixes are known to be energetic, which requires them to get plenty of exercises and an active lifestyle. They also need mental stimulation to make them entertained. They are people-oriented, which is beneficial for family members most especially if you have kids at home. It is recommended to expose them to socialization to reduce their anxiety and make them calm whenever they saw people or other animals. Bringing them for a long walk every morning is an excellent exercise for them. Other activities that will help them stay active are hiking, romping, and running. You can teach them these things most especially if you are training them to compete in sports. It reduces your stress in cleaning your home, and you can also save money from bringing it at the dog parlor. Brushing their coat about two or three times a week is enough to keep their skin beautiful. The average life span is 11 to 13 years, and between these stages, you will discover the milestones that your pet can experience. Take note that being a dog owner is also the same as parenting a child. It requires focus, determination, patience, and effort if you want to establish the dog with the character that you want it to possess. Although these breeds have natural traits and personality, it is still helpful to help them develop them. Before you decide to adopt a husky lab, make sure that you are entirely equipped with the life stages of this breed. It is the period that you need to take extra care of your puppy. Some of the body organs of the husky lab are not yet fully developed, so you need to be gentle when you want to hold them. It is also the time that these breeds are blind and deaf yet. The husky lab Mix have a delicate body during the neonatal stage. That means that they need to be kept beside their mother to obtain body heat. Most of the time, you can see them sleeping or being fed by their dog mom. You will also notice that their parent frequently licks them. It is a way for the dog to help their puppies eliminate. Their ears will open, allowing them to respond to sounds around them. They can also see a bit of light as they open their eyes. This time, they can already eliminate on without seeking help from their mother. Also, their mobility starts to be developed. You can see them striving to crawl since their strength is not yet enough for them to walk. They may sometimes try to stand up, but their force is not yet intact to carry their body, leading them to stumble. The husky lab will also start to recognize their parent and siblings. Small teeth will also grow, but it is not yet advisable to give them food to chew. However, you still need to be mindful when sudden loud noises occur because it can scare the pets or worse, it can even affect their development. You should continue to help them in the socialization process. As soon as they recognize people and other pets around them, they slowly show interaction. Their senses will help them see things clearly and respond to them. It is also a crucial stage for them because their razor-sharp teeth are beginning to lose. This development may happen between three to six weeks. The puppy will experience teething before he gets permanent teeth. READ - Five Amazing Things About the Teacup Pomsky 4 to 7 weeks — Socialization stage Since they can already recognize people and other species around them at the earlier stage, now is the time for them to socialize. Their siblings can contribute to their development during these weeks. It is also essential for them to interact with people for them to understand and follow the discipline being taught. This stage is also essential for both the Husky Lab and its mother. It is the perfect time for the mother dog to wean her puppies. Weaning is crucial because her milk supply is starting to dry up. You should also take note that you play an essential role during this process. You must hold the puppies from their mother dog for a few minutes a day as one way of training them to socialize. Let them mingle with their siblings so they will get used to it. It is also the perfect time to start feeding them. Let them eat in a clean pan. In this way, you are training them to eat independently. Since it is the first time that you are going to let the puppies eat food while it is also a growth period for them, it is essential to choose high-quality food specially formulated for them. Their teeth are not yet stronger enough to bite hard foods, so make sure to moisten it with warm water before giving. Take note that the process is new to them, so it takes patience to feed them with different food. If you think that your effort is not working, you might want to try other food flavors that are appealing to them. Some puppies may be picky eaters, while some dislike the taste of the food. Also, only give them a small amount at the start to avoid wastage. It is also crucial to keep in mind that this stage is not the best time to separate the puppies from their mother. Separating them at an early age will make them bark or bite because they will feel threatened and nervous. However, they are still sensitive to loud noises, making them feel threatened or terrified. That means that their socialization training should continue until this period. Worst is, they will have a traumatic experience when they are not taught properly, or specific scenarios are not controlled. One of the best ways is to avoid creating loud noises or threatening them. Also, prevent harsh discipline or rough play because it will let them learn to bite. Do you know that you can also train them through simple commands or words that they can easily recognize? Teach them actions like stay, sit, come, and down. In this way, you are also training them to follow instructions. The development of your husky lab puppy continues on this stage. You can notice that the pet will start to have better control of its bowel. His sleeping pattern is also changing, wherein he will have a better sleep at night. Keep in mind that husky lab puppies are prone to diseases during this stage. Therefore, you should make sure that their cage or sleeping area is always clean. Make sure that you have completed their entire vaccination to keep them safe from any illness. Despite this fact, you still need to impose the commands that you used to teach them. You might also feel stressed during this stage because it is also the time when your pet is starting to bite things like rugs, couch, or grasses. Instead, say no gently and buy them toys that they can play with. It is the time when they show their eagerness yet they could sometimes be bratty. It is normal for them to show confidence when you teach them anything most especially that they feel independent. They may bite, or you might get hurt if they are forced to counteract with you. Teething may also be stressful for them because they would find ways to relieve the pain they feel. To help them cope up in this stage of their life, give them soft toys so that they play with it and they have something to use to relieve the pressure. Keep them away from the things that they might chew. It is their way of finding relief, but you need to make sure that they will not go to places where they might swallow even a tiny object. It is dangerous for their digestive system and health. Since one of the parents of the husky labs is husky, you should expect that this type is difficult to housebreak. It is not surprising when the puppy adapts this trait as well. However, you should continue to make an effort to house train the pet. Reward him or give him praises when he learns to defecate or urinate outside the home. Although the personality and character of the husky lab mixes are slightly developed in this stage, you must still teach him the right attitude like being obedient and calm when strangers or other animals passed by. This breed is known to be energetic; therefore, you must allow him to do plenty of exercises and activities that will help develop his body tone. It is the period in which they have learned a lot of things. They are energetic and love to spend time playing with their siblings. However, you still need to take care of them to prevent them from getting injured. Now that you have established their mental and emotional maturity, you can now increase the training period and other activities that you want them to learn. It could include herding or agility. Although both parent dogs of the husky labs have hunting and sporting skills, it is still essential to train them consistently. In that way, they will learn how to use their natural skills correctly, and you can also enhance their performance at the same time. Commonly, the husky lab Mix stop their development stage before they reach their first birthday. As they become nine months old, you can also notice that their height increases while their body is leaner. Paying attention to their growth will guide you on how to train and teach them basic and advanced skills that they can use when they reach their full adulthood, which is between two to 2. Generally, male husky labs reach their full size when they are 36 months. They also mature emotionally until they are about two years old. It is why it is always recommended to teach your dogs the socialization and emotional aspects so that you can establish it before they get mature. Also essential to supply your Dog with supplements and nutritious foods during its development years. It is an excellent way for you to prevent diseases from attacking your pet. Remember that sickness can reduce the life span of this dog breed, so it is excellent when you boost his health. Make sure that you only choose high-quality foods that contain vitamins and minerals he needs to strive. They may inherit the diseases from their parent dogs, but you can still do something to prevent the occurrence of such illnesses. If you can do all of these guidelines, you are giving your pet a healthy and enjoyable lifestyle. Finding a healthy Husky Lab mix puppy. Labs are working dogs , born with a job to do. As you might guess, that job typically involves the second word in their breed name — retrieving! These dogs were bred to work closely with hunters to flush out and collect downed prey. Labs are loyal human-focussed dogs. They make for fun-loving, affectionate, and playful pets. Huskies are working dogs too. Historically, they helped out with hunting and gathering food, firewood, supplies, and other necessities. These dogs were bred specifically to cohabitate and collaborate with people. Overall, they make for wonderful, loyal pets and guard dogs. But as he grows up, each day will bring new surprises. Only time will tell which breed-specific traits he has inherited from his Labrador Retriever and Siberian Husky parents, respectively. Your Husky Lab mix full grown may weigh anywhere from 40 to 60 pounds. He is likely to be athletic and powerful. Both parents grow up to about 24 inches in height, so you can expect a medium to large dog. He may have facial and body features that lean more towards the Lab or the Husky. He could have brown eyes, blue eyes, or even one of each! Coats and Colors Labs are well known for their different coats, and mixing a Lab of a certain color with a Husky could lead to a Huskador that has a dark coat. Shedding and Grooming The Labsky dog tends to shed. A lot. The reason for this is simple: the Siberian Husky grows a double-thick coat as protection against the freezing Siberian climate. This means that even a Lab Husky mix who inherits more Lab traits will still shed more than your average Labrador, although likely less than your average Husky. Now, if your dog inherits more Husky traits, you can look forward to a jaw-dropping level of shedding at least twice a year as your pup sheds his thick undercoat and prepares to regrow it. But regardless of which end of the shedding spectrum your pooch tends towards, the best way to control Lab Husky mix shedding is to brush your dog regularly. You can use a tool called an undercoat rake to make the shedding process much more comfortable for your dog and more manageable for you. Take time once or twice per week to groom your dog. This will give you some control over when and where the hairs fall out. Also, it gives you some regular enjoyable bonding time with your pup. Husky Lab Mix Temperament Lab Husky mix temperament is where you will find the most uncertainty, since any puppy can tend more towards the temperament of one parent breed or the other. Your puppy may exhibit a calmer Labrador temperament or a more high-strung Husky temperament. While they are likely to be smart, Husky Lab mix puppies could take after the Lab parent and be a quick, eager learner during training. Or they could be more stubborn and even inconsistent, like the Husky parent. A Huskador puppy could also have a more reserved personality, like a Husky. Alternatively, you could end up with a naturally exuberant Lab-leaning pup that reminds you of the canine star of Marley and Me. Labs tend to bark only as needed. Huskies, on the other hand, tend to bark at anything and everything. Your pup could fall anywhere in between the two. Digging is another issue , as Huskies are big on digging. Labs are known for chewing on anything they can find, which could also be an issue for your Siberian Retriever. He will likely be very loyal and somewhat protective, however. Socialization is an important part of raising a well-behaved member of any breed or mix. From the day you bring him or her home, have plenty of visitors to the home. Take your Huskador to a number of different locations to familiarize him with other environments. Try to get your pup to meet as many different people, vehicles and animals as possible. Socialization is important to the well-being and good behavior of every breed, even ultra-friendly Labs. Huskies, as mentioned, tend to be a bit more reserved, so socialization is vital for this mix. Training and Behavioral Traits For decades, dog training was all about establishing the pack leader. Leading trainers taught that there were only two choices: either your dog was the alpha, or you were the alpha. However, we know differently now. For a dog, there is no such thing as alpha, or dominance, or pack leader, or even anything similar to any of these concepts. As long as you provide your dog with his daily required resources, your interspecies family life is likely to go quite smoothly overall. In fact, the purebred Siberian Husky breed is known to exhibit some of these traits far more frequently than purebred Labrador Retrievers. This can make training more challenging and time-consuming if your Labsky puppy tends more towards the Husky side of his parentage. But whether such behavioral traits show up in your puppy or not, these behaviors are never about winning dominance over you or becoming the pack leader. These traits are either inbuilt breed-specific characteristics, or fear-based responses to perceived scarcity of needed resources. Ultimately, your puppy is dependent on you for every need that he has. Understanding this can eliminate your concern over alpha-type struggles. Huskador Exercise The Husky Lab mix comes from two active, energetic, working dog breed parents. Boredom can be a real problem for these dogs, as they are literally bred to stay active all day, every day. Often, they perform very physically demanding jobs! So you can pretty much count on the need to keep your Siberian Husky Lab mix dog active and busy. Otherwise, she may develop her own itinerary of fun activities to pursue. Lab Husky mix dogs also have webbed paws and a natural love of water. Swimming is a great activity for them. So is any game of fetch that involves retrieving a bobbing toy from the water. They also love to run and will eagerly enjoy long runs off-leash if your situation permits. Lab mixes are at risk of hip dysplasia, so be careful with younger dogs and keep their exercise at appropriate levels. Health and Care A Lab and Husky mix puppy may inherit known health issues from either the Labrador or the Husky gene pool. Therefore, it is critical to conduct health testing when selecting a designer dog puppy. This is the only way to know if breed-specific congenital health issues may be present. Each breed may have health issues that are inherited or acquired along the way. Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few health issues that can be protected against in future generations through health testing. The most prevalent are hip and elbow dysplasia, as well as progressive retinal atrophy. Siberian Husky dogs are known to be prone to a few health problems including cataracts, glaucoma, arthritis and heart problems. Predicting Life Expectancy Generally speaking, the Labrador Retriever has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years. The Siberian Husky, in turn, has an average lifespan of 11 to 13 years. These statistics would indicate a Lab and Husky mix might live anywhere from 10 to 13 years, which is generally considered an accurate lifespan range for these designer dogs. We recommend reaching out to these rescue societies to ask about any Huskador dogs in need of adopting. Here are a few to get you started.
What is a Pugalier? This cross can also be referred to as a Cavalier Pug mix. This hybrid dog is a relatively new designer breed combining to types of canines that have been around for many centuries. The average Pugalier can weigh between 6. Penny weighs 7. Pugalier appearance 2Pug West the Pugalier Photo: 2pug. They can have the eyes of the Pug, which are slightly protruding. Their coat can be soft to touch with wavy hair. Pugaliers can be black, brown, grey, white and fawn with medium-length hair and a dense coat. Ruth shed some insight on the appearance of her Pugalier, 2Pug West. Depending on how much Cavalier is mixed with Pug can really changed the appearance of a Pugalier. He does appear to have longer and floppy ears and his nose is not as flat as a purebred. Cavaliers make affectionate, loving, loyal and playful companion dogs. Pugs tend to have sweet personalities but they can have a stubborn streak. Pugaliers will usually be bright, funny and sociable pets, so they can make an excellent choice for families with children. Penny described the personality of her dog to give our readers an insight into Pugalier temperament. They have such a sweet nature! She loves cuddles but also loves her alone time. She loves to greet you when you get home by jumping and silently howling but after a few minutes, she will snooze on the couch. They are very gentle but when excited can be a little rough in a play type of way. She is also very inquisitive and will sniff everything and everyone! I also find with mine, he is extremely playful and enjoys exercise. Finally, Jack finished off our round up of Pugalier personalities. Do Pugaliers suffer from separation anxiety? Separation anxiety can occur when pet parents leave their canine companion at home alone. It usually manifests itself as incessant barking, howling or whining, destructive chewing or digging and even defecating or urinating inside the home. Jack the Pugalier does suffer from separation anxiety. I did find our Pugalier was showing signs of separation anxiety before. But we got a second puppy in the house and it absolutely helps with this. Do Pugaliers like to cuddle? While they like to dish out affection to their owners, Pugaliers are likely to enjoy some attention for themselves. Ruth explains that her Pugalier, 2Pug West, demands a lot of attention. He requires lots of attention and prefers to nap and lay down with us rather then being on his own. Do Pugaliers make great family pets? Channelle believes Pugaliers are a great option for family pets based upon her experience with Penny. They are friendly, loving, loyal and gentle for the most part unless they are super excited and want to play but they never hurt you! Pugaliers would be an ideal pooch for first time dog owners, the elderly or a family with children. I can guarantee, anyone who brings a Pugalier into their life , would have a gorgeous friend for life! Are Pugaliers easy to train? Channelle provided our readers with some insight into how she trained Penny. They can be with persistence and positive reinforcements. We had adopted Penny when she was 6 from a shelter so she was a little harder to train but now she is great! Pugaliers love to dig and a prone to separation anxiety but if you train them at a very young age, they will be the perfect pooch! How much exercise do Pugaliers need? Wag Walking recommend 30 minutes of exercise a day. Penny, for instance, relishes the chance to explore despite having low to moderate exercise needs. A small backyard is perfect for them, even a decent sized apartment. If you have a few toys for them and a decent sized area for zoomies, they will be happy! Are Pugaliers hypoallergenic? Do Pugaliers shed? Dog Time give the Pugalier four out of five stars with regards to shedding. It really depends how frequently you groom them I guess. We brush Penny a few times a week and she is professionally groomed once every weeks and now she hardly sheds at all. Penny also has more of the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel coat which is much longer than the more common Pugalier you see which has more of a pug coat. I guess you just have to keep on top of it. Do Pugaliers need regular grooming? Pugaliers will benefit from regular grooming to remove dead hair and debris from their coat. Like we said above, Pugaliers can differ from dog to dog depending on which traits they inherit from each parent. Not necessarily. The only thing that should be done regularly is cleaning between their wrinkles. I also find depending on the bloodline of your pug, they do shed a lot of fur so look into getting some special shampoo and brush them regularly to get rid of excess fur. Do Pugaliers have any health problems? The research I did prior to getting Jack told me that cavaliers and pugs are prone to hip dysplasia. Are Pugaliers fussy eaters? Compared to a lot of the common dog treats, he actually prefers fresh fruit and veggies like avocado, bok choy, sweet corn and tomatoes. Do Pugaliers get along with other dogs? Having said that, we recommend pet parents to socialize their puppies from a young age and expose them to lots of people and vaccinated dogs to help their social skills develop. Pugalier price Pugaliers can range in price if you buy them from a breeder. But this was 6 years ago and I also drove very far to the countryside. In more metro areas, pugs and pug mixes are generally a lot more expensive. Are Pugaliers expensive? Is this a cross breed that is suited to first-time dog owners? Ruth says yes based upon her experience with Penny. Our Pugalier is extremely smart and picked up tricks very easily, so for that it made it super easy as new dog owners. If you have another dog already, Pugaliers would make a great addition to your family. Otherwise if you are home frequently, they would be amazing as a first pet! Pugaliers to follow on Instagram If you want to learn more about Pugaliers, we recommend following some members of the breed on social media to learn more. Here are some Pugalier accounts to check out on Instagram. So, finding high-quality dog food containing only necessary and healthy fats is best. Likewise, treats should be given not in excess but only when deserved. Pugs are more than happy to spend most of the day on the couch, and while Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are similarly relaxed, they are a bit more energetic and willing to participate in activities. Regardless, your dog will need moderate daily exercise. Early socialization and obedience training will be essential to train your Pugalier properly. Pugs are sensitive creatures and do not respond well to harsh training methods. Without positive reinforcement and rewards, your dog can get hurt feelings and lose the desire to train. When training your Pugalier, you should never use punishments or other negative reinforcement. Instead, focus on the positives by providing rewards, praise, and treats for desired behavior. If the coat is more like the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, they will require multiple brushings per week as well as a bath every month or so. However, you can minimize the chances of your pet suffering a chronic disease by maintaining regular veterinary appointments. Minor Conditions Pugs and Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are susceptible to eye conditions such as corneal ulcers and cataracts, so watch out for any signs of eye discomfort, irritation, or pain. Your Pugalier will also be prone to patellar luxation , which is essentially a displaced kneecap. The severity of this condition varies, and it can predispose your pet to other conditions later in life. Hip dysplasia is another condition to be aware of, which often appears as weakness or pain in the hind limbs. You may notice your dog limping, struggling to stand, or having difficulty climbing furniture or stairs. Serious Conditions A serious condition that your Pugalier is at high risk for is obesity. Mitral valve disease is another concerning condition that your dog may be prone to. The mitral valve is a structure that prevents blood from flowing backward through the heart. When Pugaliers develop mitral valve disease, the valve degenerates and becomes less effective. The cause of this condition is unknown, but genetics is suspected to play a significant role. However, spaying can be more expensive than neutering due to the invasive nature of the surgery, and a female Pugalier may cost a bit extra upfront. It is said that Charles II was so enamored by his dogs that he brought them everywhere he went. An assassination attempt on Prince William was thwarted due to his Pug barking at the sight of the intruders. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, on the other hand, were bred to aid in hunting efforts and still retain these keen instincts. However, they are also more than happy to snuggle up on the couch. They can thrive in nearly any family situation or housing and only require moderate exercise. They get along with other pets, making them an ideal companion for a multi-pet household. Bringing a Pugalier home will require a lot of work, especially if you acquire one from a breeder. You must dedicate a significant amount of time to researching any breeders you approach, as the Pugalier is considered a designer breed and may be irresponsibly bred as a result. If you think the Pugalier is the right fit for you, we recommend beginning your search at your local animal shelter. Wherever you find your Pugalier, they will undoubtedly become a cherished friend for life. See also:. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. Pugaliers are prone to weight gain, and they have moderate energy levels. Make sure your pup gets several potty breaks through the day with active play sessions and short walks mixed in. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. If your pup inherits the folds in their skin from the pug parents, make sure to keep the skin clean and dry, as they are prone to developing skin infections. You should brush their teeth daily, as small breeds are prone to dental issues. Pugalier Feeding An ideal Pugalier diet should be formulated for a small breed with a moderate energy level. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. A good brushing per week will probably do, though if their coats are more like their Cavalier parent, they may need two to three brushes per week. Baths should be sparse as they need their natural oils for optimum radiance. Pugalier Children And Other Pets Because the Pugalier is on the small side, they can be easily injured by overly excited children. Pugaliers are great for families of all ages of kids, just supervise and make sure everyone knows how to play gently. When it comes to other pets, Pugaliers get along well with most animals if they are introduced slowly and calmly, and early socialization will help this go smoothly. Always be cautious introducing new dogs to each other. While Pugaliers are very friendly, some dogs are not. Dogs should always be separated during meal times. Pugalier Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Pugaliers because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Pug or Cavalier King Charles Spaniel breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:.
Yes, email me when puppies become available. Message sent. You are shopping for a puppy. It's our greatest pleasure to assist you through your puppy journey. Our Goldendoodle puppies are bred for health, temperament, non-shedding, allergy-friendly coats, and cute blocky builds. We are ethical, transparent and professional. We take pride in the quality of our puppy raising process, and whole health care for our adult dogs. Why buy from Idaho We sell a lot of our goldendoodle puppies to the Seattle area. Usually our prices are lower than Washington's. This is due totally to location and local demand. Idaho is still very small. The puppy featured in this photo lives in Seattle with a couple of his siblings! You can occasionally see their updates on our Facebook page. We are excited about Seattle because it is only a short plane trip for our puppies. Most of our Seattle prospect families are great situations for our puppies. As reputable goldendoodle breeders, we really care where our puppies go and how they will be treated. It takes thought and preparation to be ready for a new puppy and the commitment of their lifetime. We have enjoyed the relationships we've had with our Seattle goldendoodle puppy families, and we look forward to more. Please send us an application if you'd like more info on our cute puppies. We breed for health, temperament and blocky builds. Our goldendoodle puppies for sale usually have a long wait list, so please fill out our contact form so you get updates quickly when puppies are available. Welcome to a Professional Family Breeder When you are looking for quality, reach out to us! We live in beautiful Boise, Idaho. Did you know that your new puppy is less than an hour flight away from Seattle Washington? Choose us for our top quality, consistent litters, stunning looks, best health quality, high socialization and off to the best start possible. We are a real business with full-time commitment. We have a puppy nanny that can deliver, or my brother lives in Gig Harbor and I love to come see him for the day. The flight with puppy is in-cabin and only 1 hour long. The puppy goes to sleep in my arms as soon as the plane engine starts, and wakes up an hour later ready to come into your arms! It has worked so well that my daughter and I have flown 3 puppies together to Seattle with us in the cabin. It's one of the highlights of my job. Please reload. We are located on Whidbey Island in Washington State. Our dogs are our family; they live in our home and are very well loved. Our puppies are just as important to us, so we have had full genetic health testing done on all of our breeding dogs, as well as OFA certifications for hips, elbows, hearts and eyes. We want to ensure we are breeding the healthiest puppies possible. We do offer a two year health guarantee on genetic diseases. We only offer visitation to families with deposits and only at scheduled picking day. This is for the safety of our family as well as the well being of our puppies and dogs. We are happy to do video calls or Facetime otherwise. Happy, healthy puppies Our puppies are raised with our four children. They are held and loved daily. We also use Puppy Culture method to ensure that they come home with their socialization well started, obedience started and comfortable with many sights and sounds. Potty training and crate training are started a couple weeks before they leave us for their new homes. A Forever Friend Goldendoodles are active, friendly, and love to be with people. They are good natured and affectionate. They can be wonderful family pets and companions. I do highly recommend finding an obedience trainer in your area as all dogs do better with adequate training. They are usually low shedding dogs that can be great for people who suffer allergies. Due to the low shedding they do require quite a bit of grooming. This includes daily combing as well as a trip to the groomer every 6 to 8 weeks, depending on length you prefer. Please check with local groomer for costs. For me the expense is a great trade off for not having fur on clothes, furniture or throughout the cars. All of our deposit spots for are full. If you are interested in a puppy in , please email us or note that in your application. Please note that we do not ship our puppies. But we have also done genetic health testing, as well as OFA certifications on hips, elbows, hearts and eyes of our breeding dogs. This ensure our puppies will not have a number of diseases that are common among these two breeds. Not only are goldendoodles good with kids and easy to train, they thrive in both city and country environments. At Seattle Goldendoodles, we raise top quality goldendoodles for families who want to add a four legged member to their family. We are a small family who loves dogs. Each goldendoodle gets the love and attention they need to become well adjusted, happy pets. When you select your 8 week old goldendoodle, it will be crate trained, potty trained, and adjusted to in-home family living. We also guarantee your goldendoodle against hip dysplasia for 1 year. We are dog lovers, just like you. Read below to find out more about our beloved goldendoodles, and be sure to check out our numerous testimonials from happy, satisfied families. Keep in mind that we are not a puppy mill or a kennel — all of our goldendoodles are bred from F3 multi-generational dams and sires, so puppies are the ultimate F4 mini multigeneration goldendoodles. Seattle Goldendoodles We are not a kennel, but we are Doodle lover who specialize in raising red and apricot colored multi-generational goldendoodle puppies. We focus on quality and temperament, not quantity. Our puppies get daily exercise on our 1. Your Seattle goldendoodle will be affectionate, gentle, and easy to train. As a mix between a golden retriever and poodle, the goldendoodle is loving, highly intelligent, and makes an exceptional family dog. Selecting a goldendoodle breeder in Seattle can be difficult, so we offer the following information to help you make your decision. If you have any questions, please give us a call and we will be happy to answer them. When you select your puppy at 8 weeks, they will be appropriate age potty and crate trained for easier transition into their new home. This one-on-one care is something that big kennels are simply unable to offer, and it makes a tremendous difference when you introduce your new goldendoodle into your family environment. What is daily life like for Seattle goldendoodle puppies? Top Quality Care — Every goldendoodle puppy is a part of our family, and they are treated as such. They live with us in our home environment where they can become fully socialized with other dogs, children, and adults. They are involved in our daily activities and are fed top-quality foods and supplements to help them grow healthy and strong. Started for potty and crate Training — As we raise our goldendoodle puppies they get started a crate and potty training, bolstered by positive reinforcement. By the time you pick your new puppy up at 8 weeks, they will already be capable of a seamless transition into your home. Life in a Clean Environment — All of our goldendoodle puppies are raised in a clean, in-home environment. Why does this matter? Our Seattle goldendoodle puppies are happy and well-adjusted because they understand the home environment and its sacred nature. Our puppies are constantly surrounded with normal, everyday household sounds and smells, making their transition far easier on both puppy and owner. Play and Exercise — Our home sits on more than an acre of land where our Seattle goldendoodle puppies get the exercise they need to be healthy and strong. This daily play time also helps them become comfortable around other dogs and humans, so that you can take them on walks and interact with other dog owners wherever your travels take you. When you pick up your new goldendoodle puppy, we provide you with all of the information and guidelines you need to ensure your new family member gets the care it needs to reward you with many years of unquestioned love. Sires and Dams — Your puppies health and temperament owe much to the health and agility of its parents. All of our Seattle goldendoodle puppies come from an F3 multi-generational line, which makes them F4 pups. Our dedication to raise of genetically different parents creates healthier, more vigorous goldendoodles. We guarantee all of our goldendoodle puppies against hip dysplasia for one year with puppy has to be spay and neutered within months of age. We raise our Seattle goldendoodle puppies on a diet of high-quality Canidae Life Stages kibble, which is a lamb and rice formula containing no corn or wheat. Both can cause health problems in dogs and puppies of all ages, but puppies are especially susceptible. Corn and wheat are used as nothing more than fillers in dog foods, and could cause your goldendoodle to have allergies, swelling, bloating, and other major health issues. We highly recommend that you continue to feed your goldendoodle top quality foods when you bring him or her into your home. Vet Care — Every goldendoodle puppy needs its shots to ensure its ongoing health and prevent worms from causing unnecessary health problems. All of our Seattle goldendoodle puppies go home with 4x de-worming and proper shot. Vet Certification fee and shipping fee, Is Responsibility of new owner. We do not ship puppies. Families are able to pick up their puppies. Your Goldendoodles health is our top priority We love animals, especially goldendoodles, and we want you to have the best dog possible Goldendoodles are amazing dogs with wonderful personalities. They get along with children and adults alike, and can be trained to take on a working role as a service or guide dog. Goldendoodles naturally get along with everyone and are highly social dogs. Seattle Goldendoodles Owner, Stephanie is a nurse who routinely brings her goldendoodles into Seattle hospitals to visit with patients. Stephanie and her husband absolutely adore Goldendoodles, which is why they started raising them in the first place. Our puppies are proven healthy, happy, and they are raised with endless amounts of love and affection. Contact us today for more information about our goldendoodle puppies Are you ready to bring one of these four legged bundles of joy into your Seattle home? Give us a call today and select the perfect goldendoodle puppy for your Seattle family. As an Amazon Associate I earn a small payment from qualifying purchases but these are all items from my shopping history and I often show in stories. Follow the sign up process, I would suggest listing 20 pounds as the adult weight and check puppy for the age. I believe it will tell you your dog will eat 4 pounds per week. After you get your intro offer you can change the cadence, the default seems to be every 5 weeks. You can also change between organic and value. You can do the entire process on the phone or sign up online and then call them at .I buy poop bags from Amazon and typically get at once because it is so much cheaper than places like Mud Bay. Another potty training tip is that I recommend not letting them have access to too large of an area at a time. I would suggest a baby gate — I like these extra tall walk through gates because they just make life easier. Just an example, if you hang in your living room in the evenings then start by just letting your pup have access to the living room and not the entire house. Small is good, it is comforting and keeps puppy from going potty in their crate. What I like about this style is that they can see everything happening but if you that is too much stimulation and you need to you cover it I suggest something light like a sheet or pillow case, nothing heavy because they get hot. I also send my families home with a snuggle puppy which helps comfort them while they are in the crate and reminds them of snuggling wit their siblings. I know there are some knockoff brands on Amazon but check out the reviews, they seem to have issues with the battery operated heartbeat. For some brands an XS harness is for a 5 pound dog. If you get a puppy from me, I use a comb on my puppies to desensitize them and I also put an electric toothbrush on their feet to get them used to having their feet touched. Here are the tools that I use. My groomer recommended starting with a slicker brush as the first step to combing your dog. After you use the brush you can move to combing them out. I have about 4 of these combs and they are my favorite because you can get all the way to their skin and not just brush the ends of their hair. If there is a mat I need to cut through I have one of these de-matting combs. They are shipped for a dominant right hand but it was easy enough to switch — one side is very sharp so again be careful — watch your fingers butalso be careful combing out your dog with this item. I blow the coat completely dry and with one hand on the dryer and the other on the comb using the dryer makes the comb move through their coat so easily. You are going to go home with some toys but puppies will be teething so they are going to want to chew A LOT. I recommend you have a generous supply of toys! Squeaky toys, stuffed toys, hard toys, and chewy toys! This is important for your puppy, and will make life better for them and you! I do not recommend buying rawhide because I feel it is not a digestible, safe product for dogs but that is just my opinion and stores continue to sell — just do some research. Puppies need supervision with toys and they have a better experience if you actually play with them. They love puzzles and they come in different levels — 8 week old puppies can start with level 1. BEDS: Your puppy is usually going to want to chew up and destroy even their dog bed. The truth is they are absolutely fine sleeping on the hard floor, they do not require a soft bed to feel comfortable. A lot of times a dog bed can make your puppy feel hot. I use freeze dried raw dog food for treats. The product is a little higher price for me to feed multiple dogs as their meal but the love it for treats and the small size is perfect. Our favorite brands are Vital Essentials — I have purchased the mini nibs in duck, rabbit, salmon, beef as well as their minnows.
food schedule for german shepherd puppy - Lifelong Customer Support Expert advice will be a phone call away. Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. As English Bulldog Breeders, how do you breed for a healthier Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other bulldog breeders from improving the health of their Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes them unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities and produce high quality English Bulldogs for sale. I have been looking for English Bulldog Puppies for sale near me. Where are you located? We are located in the Northeast corner of Indiana. We just happen to be about 2. We are also about a 30 minute drive from the Michigan and Ohio state lines. Other major cities within 2. If you are looking for an English Bulldog puppy near you and happen to be in one of these areas we are certainly within close proximity. What if I am not located locally? Do you offer delivery services? A large portion of our adopters are located on the East Coast and Southern states. While many do make the drive to pickup, we also offer a delivery service to those with extremely busy schedules or limited ability to travel. We also utilize our own flight nanny for our West Coast adopters looking to have their puppy hand delivered. Whether through pickup or through delivery service, we try to be the type of bulldog breeder that is ethical and responsible to both our bulldogs and adopters. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs?
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food schedule for german shepherd puppy - Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. If this is the case,…. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Gundog expert Jayne Coley summarises the early training routine that she followed with her own young labrador, Trade. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. You have to adapt your training to suit the type of puppy you have. The steps below summarise the training routine that I have followed with my young dog, Trade, who has an easy-going temperament. I began to train him properly in the New Year when he was 9 — 10 months old, though I usually wait until the shooting season is over when I have time to do a little each day on a regular basis. Step 1: Foundations By the age of 9 — 10 months, Trade had been toilet trained, knew his name and came back when I called him. He had been well socialised and behaved in company on a lead, was used to going out in my vehicle and had learned to swim. Trade has never been chastised for carrying something he should not, e. I then place the item out of reach. Crucially, by this age we had built up a good bond before formal training began. Step 2: Heelwork It was so wet and muddy at home so I started training on the patio and in our yard where the pup is restricted to a certain area and there are no distractions. We began with heelwork on the lead. To keep the exercise interesting, I walked in straight lines, did figures of eight, included the occasional tight turn and altered my pace. This all helped to keep Trade focused on what we were doing. If he didn't sit immediately, I repeated the command whilst pushing his bottom down with my left hand. Once confident with this routine, I put a lightweight collar on him and progressed to walking to heel off the lead, using my hands to encourage him to keep his head up and concentrate on me, when necessary. If he did move, I calmly walked up to him and, holding his collar, took him back to the exact spot he moved from in a quiet but positive manner. I slowly built up the distance until I could walk around him in a huge circle. Once he did this perfectly, I introduced the recall. Instead of always walking back to him, I would call him back to me, encouraging him to come straight to my hands which were cupped gently in front of my hips. Once I was happy with this, I began to mix up heelwork with sit and stay, and recall. When he didn't move, I quietly picked the dummy up myself. Gradually — over several days — I built on this until I could throw a couple of dummies, one at a time, over and around him and he remained steady. It is always important to lift the pup's top lip out of the way when you put a dummy in his mouth. Trade was reluctant to do this at first, but with patience and perseverance over several days, he accepted it. Slowly, I built on this until I could walk away backwards the length of the lead and call him to me, concentrating on perfecting a good delivery, using my hands to encourage him to bring the dummy right to me with his head held nice and high. Step 6: Retrieving Next, we worked on being sent for a retrieve. I then bent down and pointed my right hand towards the dummy whilst looking at the top of his head to make sure he was looking past my hand at it, before saying his name positively and at the same time letting go of one end of the lead so that he instinctively ran forward and picked the dummy. Initially, I sat back on my heels, which encouraged him to run straight back to me. Slowly we built on this until the lead was no longer needed. Sometimes I would send him for the dummy, sometimes I'd pick it up myself, or I'd walk him to heel in the opposite direction before sending him. On other occasions, I would stand well back from Trade and throw a dummy over his head, call him to me and then send him for the dummy from my position. I like to vary things as this keeps him interested and wondering what I am going to do next. He was at first a little unsure, so I repeated it in a lighter tone, to which he responded. In return, I praised him quietly. Always remember, training a dog is like building a house — it is imperative that the foundations are put down properly, otherwise, sooner or later, cracks will appear. Keep it light and encouraging when you praise, and low and gruff when you scold, so your puppy knows the difference. Especially if you have a boisterous puppy. Keep everything calm and relaxed, and do things in your time. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!