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Insufficient relaxation or sleep time Other animals harassing your dog Lack of positive attention from you Inconsistent or unclear behavior rules taught by you Insufficient physical or mental exercise You give incorrect attention during arousal behaviors You can correct the lack of exercise through a balanced German Shepherd exercise routine for health. Boredom, due to lack of mental stimulation, is also correctable. Read this guide on using mental stimulation exercises for German Shepherds to improve their behavior. Motherhood, hypothyroidism, and physical pain all contribute to stress and hostile episodes. While motherhood passes, other medical conditions need treatment. Talk to your vet before trying to address aggression on your own as an underlying medical condition may exist. Triggers are immediate actions or behaviors that increase or begin the act of aggression in your dog. Determine what sets off your dog by watching their body language signs listed above and noting their environment. This requires identifying the trigger, eliminating any stressors, and creating a training modification program that is consistent to meet your GSDs end goals. Use the stress list, found above, to help you figure out stressors that you can control. Track what things cause your dog to react hostile. Use Safety Precautions to Prevent Injury Try a control management tool such as a muzzle or headcollar to regain control when out in public. Gentle Head Collar This control tool provides gentle corrections and prevents jumping, lunging, and pulling. It does, however, provide better safety and control. If you need more confidence in handling your aggressive German Shepherd, then place the head collar on them before going outside. Aggression Treatment To have the best chance of success with training an aggressive German Shepherd, use the entire treatment protocol listed below. Using all the steps of treatment gives you and your dog more positive results. The following chart provides the training step and the action to help lessen aggressive behavior. The program can take many months depending on what issues your dog exhibits and how deep those issues are. Instead, take an approach that touches on all of the daily life skills. In a nutshell, the NILIF technique means that for everything your dog wants in life they must perform a command that you give them. You can make yourself more predictable to your dog by teaching them that rewards only come when he asks nicely with a calm behavior, like a sit. Your dog earns all rewards such as food, treats, praise, and affection by giving you the behavior you want. Most importantly… Teach your dog the basic obedience skills to reinforce your expectations and use this obedience training in your daily routines. Instead, use positive reinforcement that promotes and rewards desired behaviors. Here are some problems and solutions to help prevent your German Shepherd from becoming aggressive. Rather than think your German Shepherd has simply become aggressive, look for the areas of their life that tend to upset her. German Shepherd Aggression Prevention There are many reasons you must consider when wondering why your German Shepherd is becoming aggressive. Use a complete training regimen to ensure success. Aggressive German Shepherds are a potential threat and a safety hazard. Safety is your priority. Both for you and your dog. Your patience and persistence help your GSD become a success story! The correct thing to do is to make sure your dog is kept away from harming any person or animal. Please share this to help others! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Take back control of their behavior using these quick and easy solutions to stop German Shepherd biting that actually works. Even better, have a set of toys that are only used when you want to engage in play with your puppy. Hide these toys in a basket or box after your game of play. This makes them extra special. They are under your control and your dog must give them back to you. Special toys are more fun for your pup to bite than you. When in doubt of what special toy your dog likes, choose from this specially-curated list of what toys German Shepherds love for interactive toy ideas to keep your dog entertained. Say OUCH! When your pup bites you, say OUCH firmly. This simple technique catches the attention of many puppies when done correctly and can train a German Shepherd puppy to not bite you. You could also make a YIP sound instead, just like their little brother and sisters would make a yipping noise when playing too rough. If they continue to bite and nip, say OUCH again and then get up immediately and leave the room for a few moments. You may return to play but keep repeating this simple process until they learn to keep their teeth on their toys. This will only encourage them to continue their unwanted behavior. Use Puppy-Safe Partition Gates Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent your German Shepherd from jumping over. If your pup bites you aggressively when you and your family walk past you, then use an exercise pen or this German Shepherd-sized pet safe partition gate to contain them. Only use pet-safe partition gates that are high enough to prevent and discourage your German Shepherd from jumping over to continue to try and bite you. Use the items during busy times in your home to keep your dog calm and out of areas that might increase their excitement and biting and nipping you. Puppies tend to bite and chew when their teeth are coming in. They do this to relieve the pain and help soothe themselves. Freeze a durable large Kong with their favorite treats and kibble and have them on hand for times when your dog is acting out and biting you. Give them a Kong to gnaw on and bring icy relief to their gums. Plus, chewing has been shown to help relax and calm dogs. Redirections are actions that keep your pup from engaging in unwanted behavior by showing them appropriate behavior. For example: When your dog nips you, find their teething toy to bite instead. When your dog jumps on you to bite your hands or ankles, look around for a Kong to give to them to bite on. Squeaky toys like this toy that continues to squeak , even after a puncture, are ideal to distract your dog from your hand to another object. These toys differ from their special toys mentioned above because these redirection toys are ones you leave out for your pup to chew most of the time. So, be sure to have them nearby! Use Daily Leadership Skills How many times a day do you teach your German Shepherd to listen to you and offer them leadership? Use daily interactions as an effective way of teaching your dog about leadership. Have them sit before you take them for a walk or exiting a door. Ignore them altogether. Only offer them interaction and come back to them when they show you calming behaviors. Our dogs love our attention. And German Shepherds crave it! An overfed dog that is under-exercised may display destructive behaviors because of boredom and lack of energy needs being met. Get up off the couch and go outside for a walk and sniff party. Low impact activities and free-running off-leash running are best. Choose from a list of fun and gentle, age-appropriate German Shepherd puppy exercises to keep your pup healthy and better behaved. Stop roughhousing with your dog before it frustrates them. Use appropriate, puppy-safe toys instead of play sessions. This way, your pup can bite the toy instead of your fingers, hands, or arms. You may also stress out your GSD by engaging them rough of play. For your pup to either keep up with the play or stop you from too rough play, they may bite you! From day one, avoid play that involves mouthing or teeth on the skin. Use toys to provide your dog a way they can bite to release their energy… Without nipping you! And this game is great because it teaches your dog a necessary life skill. Practice the game: multiple times a day for 2 to 3 minutes at a time Your pup learns impulse control during the game and this transfers over to their ability to stop themselves from biting you. Read below for the easy-to-follow directions. If your dog gets too worked up and then bites, then teach them this Rev Up and Cool Down game. After a few running steps and before your pup gets too excited, stop running and walk slowly. Keep moving slowly until your dog also slows down. When you see them slow down, take a few more steps calmly and peacefully. Continue with steps one through three. Each time your dog should slow down sooner and quicker. If your puppy knows any of these basic German Shepherd commands , incorporate those commands to make the training more interesting and fun. The link above will also easily explain how to teach over ten commands! The point of the Rev Up and Cool Down game is to teach them to settle and stay calm without nipping and biting you. You need to keep your pup exercised, mentally stimulated, and show them what calming behavior is. Be fair and understanding. A Shepherd is a joy to own when given the direction they desire and the commitment they need. Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Genetics, learning history, and environment all play a role in behavior. Here are the four questions you can ask to get the full picture: 1 What kind of information has the breeder or rescue organization given? Has the breeder become aware of other puppies in that litter showing aggression? Does the rescue have any information on either of those things? Is your GSD puppy showing aggression only when there are items of value nearby, like toys or bones? When do other dogs walk by your house? When his food bowl is present? Keep a puppy behavior diary — make notes of when you see behaviors of concern so that we can identify those specific environments. GSD puppies are typically fantastic communicators — they are born with the ability to use body language to express themselves to us and to each other. A fearful puppy may show his teeth, pin his ears, piloerection, growl, whale eye show the whites of his eyes in a doggy glare but keep his distance. More aggressive behaviors are similar to the above but they are much more inclined to break that space bubble and move in to make contact with the threat. However, a GSD puppy who is struggling with anxiety, pain or neurological issues, may take several hours or days to return to their normal state. These puppies require veterinary assistance to look further into WHY — a Veterinary Behaviorist who is qualified in both behavior and medicine. It is not only scary and upsetting after your GSD has become aggressive with you, but very confusing. They use their teeth for everything, especially while interacting with their people. Encourage him to go into his crate and get him into the car and to the vet for professional help to rule out any medical issues first. The short answer is YES. Whenever you see the behavior of concern, especially in a puppy, the very first thing to do is to see your veterinarian to rule out any chances of an underlying medical issue — medical trumps behavior, always. Ask your vet for assistance in finding the best harness for his body shape. Ask them what their training methods are and what you can expect from your first session with them. A GSD, even as a puppy, can certainly have great instincts to begin to protect his family and his environment — however, he does not yet have appropriate experience under his belt to know what to do with possible threats. Like most GSD puppies, they play, eat and sleep hard. If you have a friend or neighbor with a healthy, stable dog that could teach your GSD puppy how to play, this is always best. If, however, your GSD puppy is hurting your older dog — biting legs and neck to the point of drawing blood or causing a fight between them, separate them immediately and book that vet visit. When it comes to children and dogs of any age, there is no grey area. Is your or any child safe with your puppy? You will then need to contact a qualified Canine Behavior Consultant, not just a trainer, to help you. Demographic and epidemiologic data were collected and analyzed. A total of children were identified. The average age was 4. The majority of dog bites occurred in children 5 years of age or younger .Almost all .When circumstances surrounding the bite were documented, over half .Truly aggressive GSD puppies are rare — however, it happens. Qualified professionals will not recommend euthanasia lightly — they will do everything they can to ensure that underlying medical issues or specific contributing environments are ruled out. Conclusion In conclusion, truly aggressive GSD puppies are rare — but not impossible. Hire a qualified behavior consultant to help you figure out the WHY to prevent it from getting worse. Be sure, when looking to purchase or adopt a GSD puppy, to ask about their contracts to make sure that you are covered. If the aggression is based in fear, which it typically is — yes, with the right professionals on your side, your GSD puppy can live a normal and happy life. Fear is complex and time-consuming to work through but it can be done! More posts on German Shepherd Puppies Recommended post. However, if you have bought a German Shepherd, you might face aggression problems quite a lot. So, why does a GSD behave like this? Are there any situations that trigger this behavior? Or is there something wrong with my dog? If your GSD is acting up, barking on family members , biting furniture , etc. German Shepherds are wild dogs, and we know very well that they are excellent guards our police department uses for protection and other purposes. They guard herds and are strong fighters. These personality traits of a GSD make it aggressive. However, if you train your dog well in its initial days, you will not face aggression problems that might harm you or your dog. The common aggression problems that GSD owners face are listed below. If your GSD snaps at you when you ask it to stop doing something. If your GSD is trying to harm children or other animals in the home. If your GSD is biting on your hand and feet with force. If your GSD is chasing other pets in your home with a continuous bark. If your dog growls at you when you touch it. And much more. Why does a GSD get Aggressive? If your GSD is being aggressive and behaving badly, think clearly. German Shepherds do not react badly without a reason. It will become aggressive when it is upset, bored, threatened, etc. There might be something that is triggering this behavior in them. GSDs are active by nature and in the wild, they spend their time running around. They need time to exercise or else they become snappy. If you cannot take your GSD for a walk or run on a daily basis, try to take it out at least once in every two days. GSDs are not used to stay all the time indoors. If you are living in a confined apartment and not letting your dog out, you are the one triggering its aggressive side. Take your dog to family picnics, parks, swimming, hiking, etc. If it becomes overly possessive German Shepherds are extremely overly protective when it comes to their family and owners. So, when they see a stranger coming in the house, they see it as a threat that could harm its family. This is a common behavior problem of a GSD as it is a loyal dog and cannot see its family in danger. Sometimes a GSD reacts aggressively with friends visiting your home. When you give a lot of time to your friends and your GSD feels neglected, it starts to bark or growl just to draw your attention. So, when you try to rule over your GSD, your dog will get aggressive and show signs of bad behavior. This happens because it is dominant by nature and does not take orders too well. To solve this problem and make your dog listen to you, you will first need to set your position as the alpha of the pack. Only then you will be able to make it follow your commands and not react otherwise. If it gets bored Leaving your GSD alone at home or not giving it enough time will make it extremely aggressive. German Shepherds are loving dogs. They get attached to their owners and need their attention. However, if you do not spend time with your dog, it will try to grab your attention by barking, biting furniture, biting your foot, etc. This behavior is very common in GSDs that are left alone by their owners. Do not leave your dog alone as it will trigger its aggression which will become a huge problem for you and other family members. The Solution? Now we know what triggers aggression in GSDs but how do we control it? Behavior Training The best thing to do to avoid aggression and behavioral problems in GSDs is to train them at a very small age. It is best to start training your GSD when it is just a puppy. A pup can be easily controlled due to its size and capability. If you try to train an adult GSD to behave, it is going to harm you or get overly aggressive. Adopt a positive reinforcement strategy for training your GSD. Be patient and wait for it to learn. Many owners make a mistake of getting violent with the dog which ends up badly. Train your dog to behave and teach it different techniques taking help from treats as a sign of appreciation. Early socialization is extremely important for GSDs as they are dominant in nature. Due to their dominant nature, they do not become friends with others and see them as a threat. Expose your little GSD pup to other people, friends, pets, etc. Do this in a positive way and let them socialize with other pets in your home and your friends. Once your pup will be familiar to them, it will not grow-up to charge or bark at them. The key to handling an aggressive or ill-tempered GSD is to train it starting at a little age. This is the only way to turn your GSD into the loving dog you want it to be. Are German Shepherds Aggressive? Fact vs. Fiction German shepherd dogs are a very popular breed known for loyalty, bravery, and protection. But are German shepherds aggressive too? Find out the facts. German shepherd dogs are a very popular breed known for loyalty, bravery, and protection. The German shepherd dog has a devoted fandom of dog lovers around the world — so devoted that this dog breed even has its own acronym, the GSD. The GSD is often associated with loyalty and bravery. The truth about dog aggression is that it can affect any breed of dog, especially if the dog doesn't get enough socialization from an early age. But there are dog breeds that are more prone to aggressive behavior because of their breeding or because of genetically inherited mental disorders, like rage syndrome , cognitive dysfunction , or hypothyroidism. We'll look at the risk factors and statistics surrounding German shepherd aggression. Plus, we'll share tips for dog owners trying to prevent aggression in their German shepherd puppy or adult rescue dog. A Look at the Facts There are three ways to assess the likelihood that a dog breed will have aggressive tendencies. The first is to look at what they were bred for — this is often the best indicator of a dog's hardwired personality traits. Next is to look at the breed's health and inherited disorders to determine whether they inherit conditions that put them at risk for aggression. And finally, look at the data surrounding dog bites to see if German shepherds bite more frequently than other breeds. This data will help us discover the answer to: Are German shepherds aggressive? Were They Bred for Aggression? German shepherds were originally bred to be working dogs, and this dog has a history of succeeding in all types of work — most of which require a stable temperament. Herding These dogs started out as herding dogs where an aggressive dog might injure the livestock. But, part of the job of a herding dog is also to protect their herd. So, they may show aggression when they perceive something to be a threat to their flock, or in the case of a family dog, to their family members. Police Work German shepherds also work as police dogs. While this may bring to mind the image of an aggressive German shepherd, police dogs actually need to have an even temperament and be able to keep their cool in high-stress environments. Otherwise, they would be at risk for biting innocent civilians. This work requires an intelligent dog that pays close attention to its handler and loves the mental stimulation they get from police dog training, including obedience training, scenting, and search and rescue. Guarding Now we come to the one job that most people associate with aggression — The German shepherd breed is often used as a guard dog. These large dogs have an imposing size and appearance that can scare off strangers, and typically they will act to protect their home and family from a perceived threat. What constitutes a "perceived threat" will be different for every dog. A well-socialized dog may welcome strangers into their home and only act if their owner appears to be frightened or in pain. An undersocialized dog may perceive every visitor as a threat and need to be put away in a crate or another room whenever you have company. German shepherds are rarely aggressive towards their owners or family since that is the thing they're protecting. They may at times become overprotective of family members, but this trait should be manageable with proper training. While German Shepherds are at risk for a variety of health problems from arthritis to pancreatitis , they are not prone to rage syndrome, cognitive dysfunction, hypothyroidism, or brain tumors. However, GSDs are prone to epilepsy , which has been linked to aggression when it's left untreated. If you're buying a German shepherd puppy, ask the breeder about any history of epilepsy in their dogs and in puppies from previous litters. While a responsible breeder will conduct a variety of health screenings, there isn't currently a genetic test that can predict epilepsy. If you've had a German shepherd for a long time, and it suddenly starts to show signs of aggression, take your dog to the vet. Even if your GSD doesn't have epilepsy or another condition linked with aggression, their new-found behavior problem may be a sign that they're in pain. Many dogs will behave aggressively if they're in pain, and your dog may need medical attention and pain relief. According to recent data, German shepherds rank fourth on the list of dog breeds that bite the most. However, when you consider that German shepherds are the third most popular dog breed in the U. And while the study referenced above listed the top breed as unidentifiable, many local reports list Labrador retrievers as the breed that bites the most people. Labs also happen to be the most popular dog breed, which means there are more of them in the U. More Labs means more chance of getting bitten by a Lab — just like how more German shepherds means more chance of getting bitten by a German shepherd. A literature review by the American Veterinary Medical Association AVMA found a strong link between the prevalence of breed-specific bite incidents and the regional popularity of the breed. For example, in some regions of Canada where sled dogs are the most popular breeds, Siberian huskies caused the most dog bites. The AVMA review also found that with many but not all large breeds, the number of bites by that breed went up during times when the breed's popularity went up. A few years later, around the time that those Rottweiler puppies would have reached maturity, there was a spike in the number of reported dog bites by Rottweilers. This same study found that, compared to their prevalence in the dog population, small and medium-sized dogs were more likely to bite than large dogs. But bites by large dogs were more likely to be reported because they cause more damage. Because an aggressive large dog is more dangerous than an aggressive toy breed, large dogs are also more likely to get treatment and training to prevent their aggression. And lack of training may be part of the reason aggression was more prevalent in small and medium dogs. This research found that situational factors not related to a dog's breed were more likely to lead to biting. The situational risk factors included a dog owner's mismanagement and neglect of the dog, the bite victim being a stranger, and the dog not being spayed or neutered. Because purebred German shepherd puppies come from breeders, rather than rescue organizations, owners are not typically required to get their GSDs spayed or neutered. So, it seems that any increased risk of a dog bite from German shepherds may be based — at least in part — on the increased number of GSDs in the population. And that's if the breed reporting can be trusted at all. Ultimately, any dog can bite if they're not trained and socialized from a young age. However, because German shepherds are large and powerful dogs, their bite will do more damage than the bite of a chihuahua — making it even more important for German shepherd owners to sign their pet up for obedience training. How to Prevent Aggressive Behavior The majority of aggressive behavior is preventable. Here's what you can do as a German shepherd owner: Start Socializing at an Early Age Dog owners can raise well-adjusted pets by introducing their dogs to as many different kinds of people and environments as possible, starting at an early age. Take your puppy to parks, restaurants, sports games, and any other dog-friendly locales you can find. While you're there, ask people of all different heights, skin tones, ages, abilities, and genders to interact with your German shepherd puppy. And make sure your pup gets plenty of treats at each new location and from each new person they meet. Take Your Puppy to Training Classes Sign up for obedience training to further socialize your pet and prevent common issues like puppy nipping. Look for dog trainers who use positive reinforcement training. While dominance-based dog training used to be a popular technique, animal behaviorists now recommend against it, partially because these techniques can sometimes cause dog aggression. Rehabilitate Older Dogs If you're rescuing or fostering an older GSD or GSD mix and the dog already has behavior problems, work with an animal behaviorist to find the best positive reinforcement techniques to rehabilitate your pet. If your adult dog has aggressive tendencies, train them to enjoy wearing a muzzle and make sure they wear it whenever they're around new people. Recognize the Signs of Aggression Even if your dog is perfectly trained, they may still behave aggressively if they feel frightened or threatened. Watch your dog's body language for early signs of fear and aggression , including a lowered head, tucked tail, pinned-back ears, growling, and snarling. Remove your dog from the intimidating situation before the behavior progresses to lunging or biting. As a vigilant dog owner, you can help prevent dog aggression and keep your pet feeling safe and calm. While any dog can show aggressive tendencies if they aren't socialized from a young age, German shepherds don't appear to be more at risk for aggression than any other dog breed. As a German shepherd owner, we know you want the best for your dog — from the best food for German shepherds to the best dog training. These intelligent dogs are easy to train, so sign them up for positivity-based obedience classes to help them become better behaved and better adjusted canine citizens. To learn more about your dog's health and wellness, check out the Native Pet blog. Read more. This is simply not true. A dominant GSD essentially likes to be the center of attention and will do what it needs to do in order to establish that. It is not acting in a way that is coming from a fear of some sort, instead it acts in a way that is an attempt to prove to the world that it is the leader and needs to be taken seriously. Shows his strength: He will never give up on a game of tug of war, be it with you or another dog. He will show that he is stronger than the next dog or person each and every opportunity that arises. Stare downs: He is all about eye contact, but not as a sign of affection. His intent is to show you that he will not budge and that you should seriously consider submitting to him. He will do this with both people and other dogs. Mounting: He will, bluntly put, mount anything that he can. He will not discern between male and female, as this is not an attempt to mate, but more a showing that he is in control. One of my dogs used to just take bones away from my Rottweiller and go sit with them on his own bed. An aggressive GSD is coming from an entirely different place psychologically than a dominant one. Instead, there is either a primal instinct or learned fear from a past experience that is traumatizing the dog and causing it to lash out with aggression. Types of aggression Possessive: At one time, dogs had to protect their food supply and sleeping dens from other predators. This primal behavior sometimes takes root in the modern dog and it becomes protective of its food and bones, lashing out at anyone who gets near. You may not even know that you are close, but they are the first to let you know. So for my second GSD I made it a point as a puppy to get him used to my hand in his food bowl when he was eating and I would hold onto bones while he chewed them. This resulted in him simply not minding at all. In fact, as he got older, he would bring bones over for me to hold for him so that he could get a better chewing angle. Fearful aggression: This generally occurs when a dog feels that it has to defend itself, but it has nowhere to go. If given a choice, most dogs that exhibit this type of aggression will retreat and remove themselves from the situation. But if they are backed into a corner, they may feel that aggression is their only recourse. Defensive aggression: This is very similar to fearful aggression. It still arises out of fear, except the difference is that the defensively aggressive dog will not use retreat as its first option. Instead of letting itself get backed into a corner, it would rather handle the situation before it gets to that point. Aggression due to pain: This can cause a normally gentle and calm dog to become aggressive in an instant and with no warning. This is may happen if the dog has an underlying medical condition, or if it perceives something as likely to be painful. This is one reason that dogs often lash out at veterinarians. The dog is not really thinking, it is just reacting. A territorial aggressive dog may simply bark at unfamiliar people attempting to enter the home or property, but sometimes they will not just bark but will also bite — regardless of who the person is. Many dogs will instinctually chase something that it thinks is getting away. This can be a kid on a skateboard or bike, a car, a jogger, or any number of other things just moving by. Protective aggression: This behavior is sometimes displayed by dogs, especially German Shepherds, when they feel that part of their family is being threatened. It is this type of aggression that often leads mothers to be protective of their litters as well as any dog being protective over a new baby in the family. Frustrated aggression: A dog may display this when held back from something that it wants. For example, if a dog is excited and wants to interact with another person or animal and you try to restrain it, some dogs may become aggressive out of frustration. The potential for a German Shepherd to become aggressive begins at a young age. It actually begins when they are just several weeks old and under the care of their mother. This job is not an easy one. Consider a human mother being overwhelmed with a child — the mother of a litter of puppies is in the same circumstance. Just like people, first-time moms can have it rough. A GSD who is a first-time mom may just be overwhelmed. This stressful situation is also one which causes a lot of fear in the mother. And when frightened, a German Shepherd mom might not act rationally — she may even act aggressively towards her puppies. If a mother acts aggressively towards her puppies, then the puppies will no doubt also become frightened. It is at this point that her puppies, because of their fear, may also begin to become prone to aggression. This will also make them more difficult to train as they get older. One lesson here is that you need to make sure that your breeder is using the proper dogs for having puppies. If you plan on getting a puppy, make sure that you discuss this point in-depth with your breeder. The actions that you take when your GSD is a puppy and growing up as a young adult are key to preventing aggression. Consistency in Training As your puppy is growing up, it will be exposed to all manner of different things that are brand new to it. There will be new people, new places, objects, new animals, and just new experiences all around. While your puppy is going through all these changes, there needs to be a constant. And that constant is you. More specifically, the constant is you and the discipline that you give to your puppy. Disciplining here does not mean correcting your dog every time it does something wrong. Rather it means positively reinforcing your GSD every time that it does something correctly. And the best way to make sure that your dog is doing something correctly is to associate a reward with something that it wants. The first step to accomplish this is by requiring your dog to perform an action any time that it wants something. Examples Your puppy is approaching you and whining to go outside. Your first instinct may just be to take the puppy outside. Do not do take the puppy outside before making it sit. As your puppy gets a little bit older and accustomed to doing this one simple action, you will need to increase what you require of your puppy. Just as a teenager needs responsibilities to grow, so does your puppy if you want to keep it disciplined and away from aggressive behavior. Your puppy is wanting a treat. Before the puppy is allowed to have a treat, make it lie down and roll over first. Your puppy is coming to you and asking for a walk. Have the puppy go over and sit, lie down, and stay by the door. Your puppy is coming to you and wants to play. Have the puppy shake and roll over, then shake again, and then sit. Use your imagination with all of this, your GSD puppy is very smart. You may even find that your puppy begins to approach you after doing these behaviors for some time and just does them on its own. This is ok — praise your puppy for asking politely. This is a good way to teach it that it cannot always get everything that it wants whenever it wants it. But going down this route will be setting you up for failure. Just like a teenager, if you give them too much and they have to do nothing to earn it, they may begin to feel entitled, and reluctant to work for anything in life. Your puppy really is no different. Depending on the puppy, if you deny it what it wants, some may sulk, some may accept it, and some may express their frustration by growling or even biting. If this occurs, your number one priority is to keep cool. Do not express any negative emotion or raise your voice. Keep cool and stay quiet. And under no circumstances should you get physical with your dog. Do not try to restrain it, and certainly never smack or hit it. Many many people often make this mistake. This could not be further from the truth. When a German Shepherd shows aggression towards someone and is met with aggression back, the dog views it as a challenge — and a German Shepherd will not back down from a challenge. Your dog is simply trying to get your attention. So now this is another attempt and nothing more. Do not read into it beyond that. And if you meet your dog getting physical with you getting physical, you are simply showing it that it has now found a way to get your attention when all else has failed. Maybe I should do that next time. If you do not approach this situation in the proper manner, you will be setting a terrible example for your dog, and creating a pattern that you may never be able to train out of it. So be smart about it, you can keep your cool. And you must. Follow these steps: Remain unresponsive and nonreactive. Do not raise your voice or say anything at all to your dog. Once you are in another room, calmly speak to your dog and command it to sit and lie down. Stay in this place with your dog until it calms down. It may whine at first or even bark. But just stay the course until your dog is calm. Let bygones be bygones. Do not hold a grudge. Your dog loves you and has limitless forgiveness toward you — you should have the same attitude. If you lay each brick carefully, you will have a solid wall. But if you fail to lay a brick, or lay it improperly, you will have an unreliable wall that will not stand the test of time. Understand that this will take time, repetition, and consistency on your part. Just be patient and build your wall properly. And know that if you do it properly, the odds are very much in your favor that this type of aggressive behavior will be trained out of your dog. If you fail to do this properly however, you may be opening a door that down the line could lead your dog biting someone or even worse. Socialization Is Key This topic is addressed a number of times on this site because it is so important. So before we even begin on this topic, be sure to take a look at or bookmark the article linked below: How To Socialize Your German Shepherd A German Shepherd that is not properly socialized may grow up to be timid, it may have anxiety problems, it may be depressed, or the worst-case scenario is that it may become aggressive. One of the reasons that you likely got your German Shepherd is because you love the idea that it is naturally protective of you. Your German Shepherd does not need any specialized attack or protection training for this to happen, it comes instinctually to a German Shepherd. Your German Shepherd was bred to be protective, and they are territorial by nature, so it is its instinct to protect you and your home. When confronted with a new situation, your dog will use its best judgment in determining how to react. But without having the proper foundation for making good decisions, such as a variety of past experiences that you created for your dog, there is no telling how it may react. Because its instinct is to protect you, if it misjudges a situation as one that warrants being fearful, it may well act aggressively in an effort to protect you. Socialization Overview People When a German Shepherd is meeting a new person for the first time, it may not know what to think, and on an instinctual level, it is gauging whether the person is friend or foe. So when introducing your GSD to a new person, your behavior is key, as well as the behavior of the other person. The person needs to be aware of the purpose of your meeting. The person must clearly understand: The purpose of them meeting your dog socializing it. To remain calm and act only in a positive manner. To not make any sudden movements, especially towards you. If you are near your home, then not to make any sudden movements towards your property. I will give you an example from my personal experience when the other person did not do as instructed, and they got nipped. Keep in mind, however, that the following account was with one of my dogs when he was around 1 year old and was being trained to protect our home. Therefore, his natural protective instincts were heightened. It nonetheless serves as a good example of what can go wrong if an introduction is not made properly. I began by introducing a friend of mine to my dog off of our property. They got along well, so we then progressed to the point where I would hand the leash over to my friend and he would walk the dog himself, again off of the property. Then we gradually brought my friend into the yard. Me, my friend, and my dog would sit and the yard and talk while my friend petted my dog. But I advised my friend never to make the first move towards the house and to always let me lead the way. My friend got a little bit too confident because the dog and him and were interacting very well. And because of his overconfidence, he just became absent-minded and decided to make a move towards the house. And for the dog, there was no grudge, no further aggression — no nothing. The situation was over for the dog. To him, he was just clearly defining his boundaries. I had done the same thing multiple times with different people who all followed my direction, and my dog grew to love each one of them. Had my friend in the above instance carefully listened to and followed my instructions, there would have been no problem. He would have been able to come into the house in a matter of minutes and there would have been no issues with the dog at all. The point in relating this story is to make sure that whoever you are socializing your dog with is prepared, and to ensure that all introductions go smoothly. You should introduce your German Shepherd to new people frequently and in different settings. Make one introduction near your home. Make another introduction in your home. Do another while out shopping. Do another inside of your car. Any circumstance that you may ever potentially be in with your dog and another person needs to be covered during this time in his life. Proper socialization also includes your dog being introduced to all different kinds of people. Introduce your GSD to: tall people. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? December 30, German Shepherds were originally bred as protection animals. Therefore, they have protective and territorial instincts that other dogs may not have. There are a lot of mixed opinions about this topic — as well as a lot of mixed science that seems to back up both sides. Most aggressive German Shepherds are aggressive because of their owners. German Shepherds need to be socialized and trained so that their territorial instincts can be harnessed. To accept individuals into their homes, German Shepherds need to be taught that not everyone is bad. In fact, these dogs can be extremely gentle when raised properly. However, not everyone who owns a German Shepherd is responsible. Without the proper knowledge, these dogs may not get the socialization they need to thrive. On the other hand, other owners know perfectly well what the German Shepherd needs — but find it more difficult to provide for those needs than they originally expected. They may get the care they need as adults but then be mostly kept to themselves as puppies. The American Veterinary Medical Association ran a whole study on whether or not particular dog breeds were more likely to be aggressive than others. However, it is essential to realize that these breeds are also more common in the United States. In Canada, most dog bites are attributes to Siberian Huskies and other sled dogs — likely because these are the most common breeds there. Similarly, in Rome, Italy, Mastiffs were found to have the highest bite occurrence. However, they are also one of the most popular dogs in that area. Furthermore, the popularity of different breeds coincided with bite reports. The more popular a breed was, the higher that bite statistic rose. It seems to be largely associated with the popularity of the breed, not their actual aggression levels. Based on behavioral assessments, small breeds seem to be the most aggressive — not larger breeds like the German Shepherd. However, these bites are largely underreported because they do not usually require treatment. Bites on children statistically come from small breed dogs, like Chihuahua and Lhasa Apsos. The statistical difference in bites reported between children and adults likely comes from the fact that children need treatment after a small breed bite, while adults do not. The behavioral assessments for German Shepherds are mixed. This suggests that there is likely high variability within the breed. Some German Shepherds are much more likely to be aggressive than others, in other words. Again, socialization and training play a large role in this. Adopting your dog from a qualified breeder is also important. After all, genetics do play a role as well. There is no evidence that German Shepherds are more likely to bite their owner than any other breed. Like all dogs, German Shepherds will protect themselves if threatened. If an owner is too rough with a German Shepherd, they may try to defend themselves by biting. This trait can be said for all breeds , though. No dog is going to submit to injury if they feel like they can defend themselves. Again, we highly recommend socializing this breed at a young age. Most bites are caused by fear, including those directed at people. For instance, dogs are commonly afraid of umbrellas. At the same time, you should also familiarize yourself with proper dog training. Positive reinforcement training works best, as there is a very small chance that the dog is going to react negatively to treats. After all, dogs bite things they are scared of! Dominance training has been disproven for dozens of years. It can also make your dog react negatively, causing your dog to bite. Are German Shepherds Naturally Aggressive? They were bred to protect herds of sheep and were then utilized for military and police work. Their protective instincts are still with them today, as they are commonly still used as guard and protection dogs. They are not Labrador retrievers in the least! They are very calm family dogs in most cases, especially if they are socialized from a young age. They are not particularly more likely to bite than other breeds when properly socialized and trained. There is a lot of variation amongst German Shepherds, though. Some are more likely to bite than others. Much of this depends on the training, though genetics can play a role as well. If you purchase a German Shepherd as a puppy, we highly recommend purchasing them from a quality breeder. Breeders are not going to breed a dog if they are overly aggressive and untrainable. Dogs are born with innate instincts and behaviors — including territorial behaviors. All German Shepherds will display territorial behaviors from their birth. These are innate instincts. A little German Shepherd puppy is going to be at least somewhat wary of strangers. It will likely take a least a year for a German Shepherd to get large enough to actually be intimidating. Before this time, these dogs will likely be too small and puppylike. However, it can take up to two years before a puppy is full-grown. The instincts will be there from birth, though. German Shepherds can be great pets — for the right family. However, there are many cases when they can make very poor pets. German Shepherd dogs require significant amounts of training. Not only do they need to be taught how to behave, but these dogs are also extremely intelligent. Therefore, you should continue to train them even after they have mastered all the basic commands. However, it is particularly important for German Shepherds. Sadly, good breeders can be difficult to come by. These dogs are quite popular, so there are lots of breeders out there. Many people mistakenly believe that purebred dogs are healthier than mixed breeds. However, the opposite is true. Purebred dogs are prone to a variety of genetic conditions, including the German Shepherd. Hip dysplasia and a wide variety of other conditions are common in this breed. German Shepherds shed a lot. They require daily brushing in some cases. You should only adopt from a breeder that puts temperament at the forefront. You need to socialize German Shepherds a lot. They need to be introduced to many different people so that they know that not everyone is a threat. You only want them protecting you and your family from bad people — not everyone. German Shepherds usually live between 10 to 14 years. However, 15 years is not unheard of. Final Thoughts German Shepherds have the potential to be aggressive. Every dog does. However, with the correct socialization and training, these dogs can easily be trained to accept others into their territory. However, these dogs are a big responsibility. Be sure to carefully consider whether or not you want a German Shepherd before you adopt one. Your actions will largely determine whether or not they become aggressive. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

This 6-year-old American Bulldog mix has been with us since July , and is looking for his forever home. He is a very old soul who just wants to be a couch potato and would make the perfect dog to snuggle up to for movie nights and afternoon naps. He is very good on a leash as he just wants to take his time on a walk. He would do best in a family with another older dog or a dog who has low energy that he can relax with. He is aloof but friendly with other dogs, if you have another dog at home we recommend that you bring them for a meet and greet to ensure that they get along before taking him home. There is no cost or commitment for this - we provide the supplies, you provide the love! Bandit is up to date on all vaccinations, microchipped, and will be neutered upon adoption or Slumber Party. Each year HSSM houses approximately 10, homeless pets. Every day we are fighting a space capacity crisis as we try to care for the overwhelming amount of abandoned local pets. Please consider visiting our shelter to adopt your next best friend. If you have a question about one of our adoptable animals, please give us a call at , email adoptions hssm. We are located at 25th Ave in Gulfport, MS. Riverside, CA About We only produce a litter for the purpose of improving on what we have and always keep a puppy or two, we always reserve the top picks for our selves from each breeding. Some years we produce no pups and others we may have a few litters, we are not a large kennel and don't keep many dogs ourselves as we like them all to have plenty of time with us in and out of the house. Many of our dogs, especially our studs are raised and live with our friends and we co own or keep breeding rights on them this has proved to work out really well for both us the dog's and there new family. All of our pups are born and raised in our home and all of our dogs are family members that will live out there lives with us,they are not retired to live with strangers or sold on to someone who wants to have a few litters out of them but remain with us for as long as they are around.I can honestly say I have never sold an adult American Bulldog on to another "breeder". .I really don't agree with passing dog's around especially bulldogs. .Contact Bybee American Bulldogs. Remember that the cost of a Bulldog puppy varies depending on certain factors such as, 1. Coat If you need a particular coat type or the most popular one, the price will go up. Authentic Breeds Bulldogs are purely bred, but there are chances of mixed breeds. So when you find a pure breed from a good breeder, the pricing will be according to the puppy and its parents. When you do find one, the breeder will charge you more. Before selling the dog, they must pay for health checks, training, food, and other expenses. Overall, you may need to prepare a good amount in your pocket before buying. Finding reliable Bulldog breeders might be difficult due to scammers. You can also check their notable works and kennel details to validate their location. Check to see if they have an Instagram or Facebook page. Kennel Visit When you visit the kennel, you can observe the puppies and breeders. You can learn about their health and mental being by checking whether the dogs are active or lousy. You can also check if the breeder has all necessary kennel items and keeps their spot clean. You can ask them why they chose to become a breeder or any other questions that can show you how professional they are. If they answer clumsily, you know the answer. When you obtain a Bulldog puppy, what should you do? Here are some helpful hints to get you started. Fix a Pee Spot Every puppy needs a peeing place that, if trained, will be the place the dog immediately goes to. Some Bulldog Breeders in Mississippi MS potty-train their puppies before selling them, so inquire about this and save time. Give Your Puppy a Home Tour Yes, you must show the puppy around your entire house for them to feel comfortable. Take the puppy for a walk around your house to help them relax. Ensure there is no sharp-edged furniture or other items in the house that could hurt them. Each family member should express their love for the dog one by one. It will take a long time, but its loyalty and companionship are unfathomable after the dog has adjusted to everyone! It will also dull their sharp teeth, making them safe when they bite someone without an intention. Because all dogs like chewing, chewing toys should never be an option; it should always be required. Maintain a Regular Schedule Maintain a schedule so that you know when to feed, bathe, and walk your dog, among other things. A well-behaved dog is far easier to handle than one neglected. As a result, it is critical to groom them consistently. You must show love to them while training them with a stern tone. Above all, be patient and wait for the training to take its course. Crate Training is Essential Bulldogs prefer napping for extended amounts of time. As a result, crate training is critical. Watch Over Them Puppies, mainly when they are young, require a lot of attention. Never allow them to roam freely without a leash if it is an open space, for they can hurt themselves or run away unintentionally. Here are the best three websites to check to see whether a Bulldog is available. One of their best features is their search engine with filters. Puppies for Sale Today Puppies for Sale Today is another website where you may see a variety of puppies, including Bulldogs. Bulldogs have short coats that require weekly brushing. Do bulldogs make good pets for families? Yes, they enjoy playing with family members, including kids. What is the lifespan of a Bulldog? Sadly, their lifespan is short. Though they are said to live up to 10 years, research has shown that mostly they live only between 6 to 8 years. Final Thoughts Bulldogs love to cuddle but are super clever at the same time. They are a fantastic choice for training to enter into shows and competitions. With this info, we now bid you farewell. Have a nice day! Find Bulldog Breeders in Other States.

March 15, by Samantha Since English bulldog acts affectionately and calmly, most people love keeping them for pet purposes. Often, that bulldog you will find lying comfortably on the couch tends to be the English bulldog. One interesting thing is their tail. But, here are 4 English bulldog tail types you should know. The bulldog breed has several breeds, and the English bulldog will be one of them. Although these other bulldogs, like the American bulldog, may have different types, the English bulldog has no other types. You will find only one kind of English bulldog. You may, however, categorize these dogs according to their body features, like tails. They may come in different shapes and sizes, even from the same litter. These tail sizes and shapes get used by many people to tell English bulldogs apart. The tail exists as a short tail and may not get docked as some people may get tempted to think. Docking bulldog tails may get you on the wrong side with the law of animal rights since it became illegal both in the US and UK. So, if you see the corkscrew or stubby tail in an English bulldog, it will be natural. What are the English bulldog tail types? To answer this, yes, English bulldogs have tails when born. Although they may be very short, you will see them. The different types of tails in the English bulldog include: Straight tails— people often refer to this type as a pump-handle tail. The tails will be short and low hanging and taper down to a certain point. The American Kennel Club considers bulldogs with this type of tail as desirable. You will often find most English bulldogs with this type of tail, and it runs across all bulldog types. Unlike the myths that these are faulty, they exist just like other natural tails in bulldogs and get very healthy for your English bulldog to possess. Long and wavy tails— some people often wonder if the English bulldog may possess a long tail. To your surprise, yes. Some English bulldogs get born with long tails. This phenomenon may get traced back to their breeding. If it was a crossbreed with a parent dog possessing a long tail, then the chances of having an English bulldog with a long tail get higher. Although very rare, you may find a pure breed English bulldog with a long tail. The wavy tails will also find their way in the English bulldog, with most breeders considering them to be faulty. Wavy tails may be healthier than corkscrew tails and make the dog wag easier. The corkscrew tails —these tails in the English bulldog breed wrap downwards to give a corkscrew shape. This tail type will be widespread among the English bulldog, just like the straight tail. In puppies, this tail type may be flexible. As the dog matures, the tail becomes stiff to form a bun-like shape. For breeders, this tail type gets less desired. They will avoid breeding litters with this tail type, and so you might not see an English bulldog with such a tail, although you may see one once in a while. Due to some medical conditions, the tail may get surgically removed and leave the dog without a tail. So if you ever saw one without a tail, this should explain it. The explanation behind the English bulldog with a long tail As we have seen, you rarely find English bulldogs with long tails. Some people find them funny, and some breeders refer to them as faulty. Some people see long tails in the English bulldogs as abnormalities. But, this happens to be as natural as other tails. Certain factors may have contributed to a bulldog having a long tail. These include: Through crossbreeding If an English bulldog got crossbred with another long-tailed dog, chances would be that the generation might have bulldogs with a long tail. The bulldog has undergone many crossbreeding tests and experiments to bring out various traits. In the process, some develop long tails. If there was a long tail gene somewhere along the line of an English bulldog, this gene might present itself later in the life chain of this English bulldog. You will then have an English bulldog with a long tail. Instead, it has altered their genetic variability [1] , bringing about a weaker generation than the first English bulldog. This gene variation has contributed to the long list of health issues [2] associated with the modern English bulldog. By chance Just like things happen in the world, you may have individuals with different characteristics from other similar individuals. This way, you may get a pure breed English bulldog with a long tail. This scenario has a slight chance of happening, but it does happen. However, we may trace it to the first breeding attempts to change the bulldogs from bull-baiting to other friendly bulldog types. This attempt was good, but it gave birth to the various disorders [3] associated with the English bulldog and different bulldog tail types. What are some of the English bulldog tail problems? As we have seen various English bulldog types depending on their tail sizes and shapes, we also need to understand that these tails may develop health problems prompting their removal. The corkscrew tails will be highly associated with most English bulldog type tail problems. Screw tails happen if there happens to be an abnormal development of the tail bones. Although this may be a genetic abnormality, people have also deliberately introduced this possibility because they love the shape of this tail. The complications associated with the screw tails include: Tail Fold Pyoderma in the English bulldog type This condition comes about when the dog flushes its tail with its butt. The movement of the tail causes friction between these two places prompting inflammation. The inflammation gets infected with bacteria due to the warm conditions between the tail and butt region. The infection may get treated with antibiotics but tend to recur for the same reasons. The Spinal Column Malformations in English bulldog types The screw tail English bulldogs exhibit two significant types of spinal column malformations. This phenomenon consequently leads to not fully enclosing the crucial nerves in the spinal cord. This condition mainly affects young male English bulldogs and contributes to other health issues. How to fix the English bulldog tail problems? Antibiotics may help relieve the dog in the case of spinal Bifida. Therefore, for the two conditions, the ultimate medical solution gets achieved by surgically removing the screw tails. This surgery, scientifically known as caudectomy [5] , helps fully cater to the discomforts and health problems associated with screw tail in the English bulldog type. Sometimes, these infections that affect the screw tail region may get avoided. In this regard, we provide you with a few tips that may help keep your four-legged friend infection-free. Use unscented wipes or wet cloth to wipe the debris and gunk below the tail. Use a towel or dry absorbent tissue to dry the wiped region dry Develop a routine to clean the area below the tail with warm water daily and dry with a towel or absorbent tissue Visit your veterinary doctor if the butt region has a foul smell and seems irritated or inflamed Is it possible to find old English bulldogs with a tail? We have seen various reasons that result in tail removal in most bulldogs. It will not be abnormal for the English bulldog type to find no old English bulldog with a tail, especially if they had the screw tail. But as these dogs grow and mature, environmental factors play an essential role in their lives. They may tend to get more sweaty under their tails as they gain weight. This sweating may trigger infections in most of the screw tailed English bulldog types and hence get their tails surgically removed. So, yes, you may find old English bulldogs with tails, but you may also get old ones without tails. Tail docking has become illegal in most countries of the world. Initially, working dogs had their tails docked to limit distractions. When taxing on non-working dogs started, some people could dock their docks to avoid the taxes. As times changed, docking was illegal in most countries, especially if you needed to dock your dog for cosmetic purposes. You will only be allowed to cut your English bulldog tail for medical reasons and if your veterinary suggests so. As we have seen, this procedure gets carried out mainly in screw-tailed English bulldog types. The tail gets cut to avoid health issues associated with bacterial infections [6]. Is it dangerous to cut an English bulldog tail? The wound that results from docking may get infected with bacteria. A bacterial infection on the wound may cause more suffering, so you should adhere to the post-surgery drug prescription by your veterinary surgeon. Due to the cruelty of the sport, it should be condemned and stopped. The wound will be painful for days or even weeks before it recovers. If not done right, docking may cause excessive bleeding and death. Some nerve damage may also occur in the surgical area, causing the dog more suffering. However, the English bulldog breed may be categorized using their tail shapes and sizes. But, under medical conditions, docking may be approved to the English bulldog type. If you have one or intend to buy one, ensure you keep the tail region clean to avoid bacterial infection, which may lead to docking. However, the Bulldog's tail is still another bodily component that is very recognized. So, let us discuss all about bulldog tails and their types. Bulldogs with straight and curly tails are most common and most admired by the Bulldog community. There is no denying that English Bulldogs have tails, but those tails can come in a few distinct varieties, and some of those variations have a more pronounced appearance than others. Unfortunately, certain types of tails have also been linked to major health concerns. Curly Tail This bulldog tail swirls loosely like a pig's tail. People have the misconception that it also curls back on itself as Basenji does. This particular tail form is becoming less desirable for breeders. They will avoid mating litters with dogs who have this sort of tail, and as a result, it is possible that you will never see a bulldog with a tail like that, although it is not impossible. Corkscrew Tail Corkscrew tails appear wrapped at birth, but they are still flexible. As the Bulldog puppies mature, their tails will become permanently entangled in the same position, giving them the appearance of cinnamon rolls that have been affixed to the rear ends of Bulldogs. Wavy Tails The American Kennel Club disapproves of bulldogs having tails that are too long or wavy in their appearance. There is no connection between the form of a Bulldog's tail and the outstanding personality they possess, which is fantastic news. Long-tailed Bulldogs, much like other varieties of Bulldogs, may be beautiful pets and loyal friends as long as their owners do not intend to enter them in conformation dog competitions. Straight And Long Tails Bulldog puppies are born with a tail that is already beginning to resemble its mature form. The American Kennel Club states that the most attractive types of tails are those that are either straight and long or twisted into a corkscrew form. The tail of a young Bulldog puppy is straight and very flexible. It is broadest at its base and narrows to the point that is both pointed and triangular in shape. As you may have seen, a bulldog with a long tail is a highly unusual sight. Some individuals think they're hilarious, but others in the breeding industry consider them defective. Long tails are considered anomalies by some individuals when it comes to bulldogs. However, this particular tail is just as natural as any other tail. It's possible that a bulldog's long tail was caused by a combination of genetic and environmental influences. These are the following: Through Hybridization If a bulldog were to be mated with another type of dog that has a long tail, there is a possibility that the offspring might have bulldogs with a longer tail. Numerous research studies involving crossbreeding have been performed on bulldogs to bring forth various characteristics. During this procedure, some of them grow incredibly long tails. This circumstance does not diminish these bulldogs in any way. If a gene for a long tail existed at some point in the pedigree of a bulldog, then it is possible that this gene might become active later in the life cycle of a bulldog. You will end up with a dog that resembles a bulldog but has a long tail. The Bulldogs, on the other hand, haven't benefited all that much from the interbreeding. Instead, it has changed their genetic variability, producing a less robust generation than the original Bulldog. This particular gene variant contributes to the extensive list of health problems connected with the contemporary Bulldog. No one who owns a dog has the right to determine that their pet's tail is excessive and should be cut off. If a dog's tail has to be removed for health reasons, a veterinary surgeon may recommend that the procedure be performed. The tail can get infected, making it difficult for the dog to defecate. This is something that is often observed in bulldogs who have corkscrew tails. Regarding Bulldog's health, ignoring the tail and the back part might lead to issues in the future, such as illnesses and irritation. To prevent this from happening, you should ensure that the region under your Bulldog's dimpled tail is kept clean. Remove dust and grime with a moist washcloth or baby wipes that do not contain fragrance. After that, wipe the area with a gentle and absorbent tissue or cloth. It's also a good idea to rinse the bulldog tails and the space around them with warm water in order to maintain a clean environment. If you notice an abnormally unpleasant smell emanating from the rear end of your Bulldog, particularly if the region feels sore and sensitive, then a trip to the veterinarian may be required. Bulldog puppies are born with tails, much like puppies of other famous and less well-known dog breeds. However, their tails are not very long. Because of how small their tails are, many people mistakenly assume that they were born without tails. However, this is not the case at all. There is a high incidence of bulldogs being born with tails that look like this. Particular Bulldogs do not require their tails to be amputated. Furthermore, this requires a costly, major surgery. In addition, throughout this surgery, your Bulldog will be given anesthesia, which is a very risky choice in and of itself. Amputation of the Bulldog's tail is only advised in cases when the animal continues to have painful sores and infections in the region even after getting proper medicinal treatment. The Bulldog can, in fact, have a relatively long tail. This is usually associated with breeding as discussed above. Although some authorities on dogs assert that this is due to the practice of crossbreeding, this is not necessarily the case. There is a high incidence of Bulldogs being born with a tail that is regarded to be lengthy. On the other hand, it is essential to point out that the tail is not as long as the one on a GSD or an Alaskan Malamute; instead, it is something that is more analogous to the tails of Corgis, which can be smaller. The most important thing to remember is that there is no cause to be concerned about your Bulldog having a longer tail if it is born with a long tail. The corkscrew tail with deviation in Bulldog is referred to as a "screw tail. This condition is rarely observed in Frenchies, pugs, and terriers. Most Bulldogs do not have the ability to wag their tails. It's possible that particular bulldogs will be able to wiggle their stumpy tails somewhat. Still, a happy bulldog would generally have a wagging bottom since their tails are generally too short to move rapidly. Conclusion When it comes to beautiful Bulldogs, there are many things to adore about them. What is there not to enjoy about this pup, whether it is their delightfully squashed face, gigantic body type, or confident and pleasant personality. Having a tail that is typically stubby and small from birth is just another lovable quality to add to the list. This canine companion is born with a naturally short tail, which is accomplished by genetics and natural breeding to achieve this attribute. As the number of nations that outlaw cosmetic tail docking and tail cropping treatments increases, these practices are being done for the right reasons. Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Do English Bulldogs have docked tails? Do English Bulldogs Have Tails? Bulldogs are iconic for their looks. They are squat and heavily built, with jowly, wrinkled faces and a pronounced underbite. In the United States, their pushed-in faces are inextricably linked with the Marine Corps. So most of us can easily recognize a Bulldog by their face. But what about the other end? Can you picture an English Bulldog tail? All English Bulldogs are born with tails, and most hold onto them for their whole life. However, their tails are naturally shorter than those of most dog breeds. Whilst full-tailed dogs have 19 to 23 coccygeal vertebrae, Bulldogs are born with just 6 to .It says Bulldog tails should be either straight or screwed, but never curved or curly. They must be short, with a thick base tapering to a fine tip. And they should always hang or corkscrew downwards from their base. Straight tails Straight tails are the most prominent Bulldog tail type. They are one of the Bulldog tail types accepted by the American Kennel Club for show standard dogs. Straight tails are only a couple of inches long, but this is their natural length, and not the result of being cropped in puppyhood. These are the least desirable tail type for Bulldogs, according to their breed standard. Screw tails Screw tails are twisted in a series of tight kinks, so that they sit close against the body like a bun. The dog in the photos accompanying this article has a screw tail. When Bulldog puppies with screw tails are born, the bones and spaces between them are still soft enough that the tail can be gently unfurled. But as they grow up the bones harden and set in position. This tail type is also acceptable in show dogs. But unfortunately it is also associated with some pretty serious health problems. English Bulldog Tail Problems Screw tails are caused by abnormal development of the tail bones. Despite starting out as a genetic fault, lots of Bulldogs now have screw tails because some people like how it looks, so they have deliberately fixed the possibility in the Bulldog population. However, screw tails are associated with several complications: Tail fold pyoderma Tail fold pyoderma is a common problem of screw tail English bulldogs. This creates a site for bacterial or fungal infections to enter the body — and they quickly take hold because conditions underneath the tail are so warm and damp. Sometimes antibiotics are are enough to treat tail fold pyoderma, but often surgical amputation of the tail is the only way to stop it recurring. Spinal column malformations English Bulldogs with screw tails also have an increased frequency of spinal column malformations. Another example is cranial thoracic vertebral canal stenosis CTVC , where the vertebrae are malformed and squeeze the spinal cord. Both of these conditions require surgery to fix them. English Bulldog Tail Docking Bulldogs have such naturally short tails that some people wonder if it has been achieved by tail docking. Later, when taxes were introduced on non-working dogs, people started docking the tails of sporting and pet breeds, to try and pass them off as working dogs. However, it is widely regarded as unnecessary, and a potential welfare concern. Due to their extremely flattened faces, Bulldogs are likely to have difficulty breathing , which increases the risk of heatstroke in hot weather. The shape of their skull and jaw also increases the risk of dental problems. Even their eyes can be negatively affected by being set in such shallow sockets. English Bulldogs have high rates of orthopedic problems relating to their joints. English Bulldogs are also vulnerable to tracheal hypoplasia, where the windpipe is extremely narrow, making it difficult to breathe and shortening their lifespan. All of these conditions have a hereditary component. Which means they can be passed genetically from one generation to the next. Unfortunately, the entire English Bulldog breed was founded from just a small number of individuals, which means there is very little genetic diversity in the modern population. However, another breed exists which attempts to recreate an older version of the Bulldog. One with a longer tail, a more pronounced muzzle, and a lower frequency of genetic diseases. And that breed is the Olde English Bulldogge. Screw tails are specifically disqualified by the breed standard. Do Bulldogs Have Tails? English Bulldogs have short tails which can be straight or screwed. But, some Bulldogs do need to have their tail amputated altogether due to screw tail related health problems. Are Bulldogs born with tails? Bull dog tail: Straight type For someone used to the lack of a tail on a Bulldog, a Bulldog with a tail would look like an oddity. However, you will rarely come across a Bulldog with full tail. Do Bulldogs have long tails? Yes, some Bulldogs do have long tails. In English and French Bulldogs, a long tail is very rare. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! Are Bulldogs born with long tails? The kind of tail on a Bulldog depends on its breed and heritage. The same goes for French Bulldogs or Frenchies. If your English or French Bulldog puppy tail is long, it shows a mixed parentage. The American Kennel Club considers short and corkscrew tails as the standard for Bulldogs. For them, such a tail is the breed standard. Luckily for you, we will cover that next. Why do Bulldogs have short tails? Bulldogs come from a lineage of strong, hardworking dogs. In their early days, Bulldog owners cropped their tails to prevent rabies and infections, improve back strength, and prevent injuries during combat. Bulldogs with naturally smaller tails were preferred and selectively bred, which is why today, most Bulldogs have a tiny tail. This trait extends to other Bulldog species. Take the French Bulldog, for instance. Are French Bulldogs born with tails? Are Frenchies born with tails? French Bulldogs is another Bulldog breed that many consider tailless since they lack a sizeable tail. Do Frenchies have tails? French Bulldog undocked tails can be straight, screw-shaped, or tapered. As per kennel club requirements, screw-shaped tails must not curl too much, and the tapered tail must not stand upright. The French Bulldog straight tail must extend straight down and be long enough to cover their rear end to fulfill breed standards. Kennel clubs prefer small tails on Frenchies. However, you may wonder what kind of tail these dogs are born with. Are Frenchies born with short tails or are they born with long tails? Are French Bulldogs born with short tails? Yes, purebred French Bulldogs are born with short tails. Breeders of this adorable dog have selectively bred short-tailed varieties to go with their overall cute appearance. But can Frenchies come with long tails? Are French Bulldog born with long tail? Have you ever seen a French Bulldog with long tail? French Bulldogs usually have tailless behind that suits their petite bodies. Some people believe that French Bulldogs are born with long tails that are docked for cosmetic reasons. Allow us to clear that up. Thanks to selective breeding, Frenchies are no longer born with tails that need docking. Their tails are naturally short and come in three shapes. French Bulldog tail types There are three types of French Bulldog tails. No matter the type, none of these tails grow bigger or longer than an inch or two. A French Bulldog with a tail type that is different from these would be a sign of crossbreeding. The three types are: 1. Tapered tail The tapered tail is thick at the root and thin at the tip, making a V-shape. Screwed tail The screwed tail got its name because it resembles a screw. Straight tail The straight tail extends straight down but is still short and stumpy. Do English Bulldogs have tails? Do English Bulldogs have long tails? Or do they have short tails? Do they even have tails at all? The answer to all these questions is yes; English Bulldogs have tails, and they can be short or long. These tails grow more pronounced with age. Are English Bulldogs born with tails? We discuss it further below. Are English Bulldogs born with long tails? Yes, some English Bulldogs are born with long tails. Although such tails are perfectly healthy in every way, kennel clubs and Bulldog purists frown upon long tails in English Bulldogs. Unfortunately, this also encourages cosmetic docking. Are English Bulldogs born with short tails? The shape straight or corkscrew of the tail is evident from a young age. What is tail docking? A few centuries ago, English Bulldog tail docking was done to protect them from injuries. However, today breeders could produce Bulldogs with naturally short tails through selective breeding, and docking English Bulldog tails was no longer necessary. These days, tail docking is mainly done for medical reasons. Back in the day, dog owners thought tail docking prevented rabies. Hunting dogs also had their tails cropped to avoid catching infections while running through vegetation. Today, many countries have banned docking. Only if your dog has a tail infection or disease would a vet consider docking its tail. Tail docking just for looks is a controversial practice banned in many countries. Are English Bulldog tails docked or cropped? While a purebred English Bulldog has a naturally short tail, there are instances when docking or cropping becomes a necessity. Infections, bone deformity, spinal issues, and ingrown tails are some medical conditions that warrant a tail amputation. English Bulldog tail types The English Bulldog comes in three tail varieties. While all three are natural tail shapes for these dogs, Kennel clubs have differing preferences for each. English Bulldog with long tail The long and sometimes wavy tail was an original Bulldog feature that has become extremely rare due to selective breeding. AKC considers long tails on English Bulldogs faulty. English bulldog corkscrew tail The corkscrew tail is the most preferred type in English Bulldogs; plus, the AKC considers this shape the breed standard. Due to these reasons, this shape is the most sought-after tail for breeders. Unfortunately, this tail is also most prone to health complications. Unlike corkscrew tails, the straight tail is much less prone to infections and diseases. The tail is broad at the base and tapers towards the tip. It may extend downwards or straight backward like a pump handle. Does it hurt a dog to have its tail cut off? If cutting the tail is unavoidable, a vet may perform surgical tail amputation using anesthetics. The USA, on the other hand, has no such prohibitions. While some states have considered presenting bills to outlaw cosmetic docking, there are no restrictions currently in place. Luckily, better awareness of animal rights has made people less inclined to hurt their dogs by chopping off their tails. English Bulldog tail problems Hygiene issues: English Bulldog tails are often tougher to keep clean. Infections: Poor hygiene can lead to several skin infections. Yeast infection and tail pocket infection are common among Bulldogs. Some of these require tail docking. Hemivertebrae: a congenital condition that is more prevalent in corkscrew tails and causes spinal problems. Handy Hint: Dog Grooming is an essential part of having dogs. English Bulldogs have very wrinkly skins with lots of folds. An English Bulldog tail pocket is an area of folded skin that develops under their tails and collects dirt, moisture, and germs. Are olde English Bulldogs born with tails? Yes, olde English bulldogs are always born with a tail. The Olde English Bulldog tail is usually much longer than its modern counterpart: the English Bulldog. Back in the day, Bulldogs had a full tail that reached the middle of their legs. A few decades ago, the Olde English Bulldog returned from extinction, complete with the original appearance and full tail. So, do Bulldogs have tails? As you can see, Bulldogs do have tails. But due to their tiny size, Bulldogs are sometimes categorized as tailless dogs. Some Bulldog breeds have naturally long tails, whereas some are preferred to have little tails. Nevertheless, tails play an essential role in helping the dog express its feeling and convey messages to others. Related Questions Why do they cut off Bulldogs tails? Bulldog tails are partially or completely cut off due to medical reasons. Do Bulldogs have their tails docked? In truth, the small tail on a Bulldog is perfectly natural. What breed of dog has no tail? French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, corgis, Schipperkes, Australian Stumpy-tail cattle dogs, Boston terriers, and Croatian sheepdogs are all born with a tiny tail and are considered tailless dogs. No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Here are some shapes of Bulldog tails. Straight Tail When a Bulldog puppy is born, his tail is already starting to resemble what it will look like when he grows into an adult. According to the American Kennel Club, the straight tail and the corkscrew-shaped tails are the most desirable. It is broad at the base and tapers down to a short and triangular tip. Corkscrew Tail Like straight tails, corkscrew tails are also common in Bulldogs. From the base, corkscrew tails wrap downward. They should not extend upward. At birth, corkscrew tails look wrapped but are still flexible. The great news is the shape of Bulldog tails has no correlation with their wonderful personality. Caring for Bulldog Tails Bulldog tails and the surrounding area must always be kept clean —especially Bulldogs with corkscrew tails. Neglecting the tail and the rear end can cause future health problems such as infections and irritation. Wipe off debris and gunk using unscented baby wipes or damp washcloth. Then, dry the area with a soft absorbent tissue or towel. Keeping Bulldog tails and surrounding area clean by rinsing with warm water is also a good idea. Tail Removal in Bulldogs Bulldog tails may be removed but only if the veterinarian recommends so. This problem is often seen in Bulldogs with corkscrew tails. Leave a Reply: Leave a comment below and share your thoughts. The English Bulldog is one of those breeds that looks very different today than it did in the past. Unlike today, dogs in the past were bred for specific reasons to work around the home or the farm. Dogs generally spent the majority of their time outside. Today, while working dogs are still bred and used, over 60 million households have dogs, and these dogs are primarily for companionship. The English Bulldog is no exception. In the past, English Bulldogs were bred to be working dogs in specific conditions with certain tasks. Today, the English Bulldog is primarily bred as a loyal companion. English Bulldogs are meant to be friendly and affectionate companions that can keep you company in the home and are a buddy to go on evening walks together around the neighborhood. Bulldogs were originally bred as working farm dogs to help butchers control livestock. In the 15th century, they were used in a sport called bull-baiting, where they would run and attack a bull. Fortunately, this sport became illegal in .So, how does the history of the English Bulldog affect its tail shape today? The shorter the tail, the less risk of injury while working on a farm with livestock. The constant breeding of dogs with the shortest tail is why most English Bulldogs today have tiny tails. This shorter tail served bulldogs not only when it came to working on the farm but also during the sad and barbaric sport of bullbaiting. As with anything else, there are some owners that prefer the look of a certain tail type over another but any breeder that wants to compete or stay in business will need to breed bulldogs with their traditional short tail! For most dog breeds, there is only one tail type or one way the tail should look. On the other hand, the English Bulldog has three different uniquely shaped tails that they can be born with. English Bulldogs most often have three different tail types: Straight tails Corkscrew tails Long or wavy tails An English Bulldog can be born with a long tail, but tail shape and size depend on their breeding. In most cases, any English Bulldog with a long tail would mean that it was cross-bred with a different breed with a long tail. Straight Tails Straight tails are one of the most common English Bulldog tails. They look exactly as the name implies! Straight tails are wider at the base and hang down, eventually tapering to a point. These tails are straight and very short. Out of all the English Bulldog tail types, the straight tail is the most desirable. Corkscrew Tails Corkscrew tails are twisted into the shape of a corkscrew or bun, and they sit very close and tight against the body. While this may look cute to some people, this corkscrew shape results from an abnormal deviation of the vertebrae. In puppies, this tail type starts as very flexible. As the dog ages, it becomes a rigid, solidified shape that stays close and tight next to the body. This curly tail type is not accepted as part of the American Kennel Club breed standard. Even though this tail type is considered a breed fault by the AKC, many breeders argue that this tail type is much healthier than the corkscrew type. While the English Bulldog has an especially curly tail, there are plenty of breeds with a curly tail. Unfortunately, even though corkscrew tails meet the breed standard, they can cause many problems for dogs. The natural friction from movement can lead to infections and inflammation. The tight formation of the tail also creates the perfect warm and damp environment for bacteria to grow. Since this tail is so rigid, it can be challenging to clean. Infected skin in this area is commonly referred to as a tail fold pyoderma. This skin infection is often treated with antibiotics. Unfortunately, antibiotics can only do so much. Sometimes, the only way to solve a recurring tail fold pyoderma is to amputate the entire tail surgically. Spinal Column Malformations Since the corkscrew shape tail on an English Bulldog stems from a deviation of their last vertebrae, this puts them at an increased risk of spinal column malformations. Nerves are not enclosed in the spinal cord and are left exposed. The lower back is most commonly affected, though any part of the spine can be affected. Puppies will have strange hindlimb weakness and a stumbling gait. Radiographs x-rays can be taken to confirm the incomplete vertebrae. In these severe cases in puppies, the puppy is most often humanely euthanized because there is no treatment. Though it is invasive and costly, mild cases can be treated with reconstructive surgery. No treatment is necessary in those cases of older dogs previously not exhibiting any symptoms indicating pain. This condition is often present at birth; unfortunately, even with surgical management, most of these patients continue to have neurological deficits. Tails provide several benefits to dogs that help them in their everyday life. If you look at different dog breeds, they all have different types of tails. Sighthounds have long whip-like tails that allow them to counterbalance when they change direction during high-speed runs. Labrador Retrievers and other water dogs have long, thick tails that they can use as a rudder to help them change direction and move quickly when swimming. Siberian Huskies have thick, fluffy tails that they can use to cover their face to stay warm when they sleep at night. But the English Bulldog just has a little nub…so does this slow them down in the world of dogs? Not really! Dogs also use their tails as a communication tool! Since dogs are a nonverbal species, they use body language to communicate. A happy dog is likely to wag its tail loosely, but a scared dog may tuck their tail between its legs. How a dog moves its tail can tell a lot about its feelings. Researchers were so convinced that dogs intentionally communicate with their tails that they decided to study it. One study showed that dogs wagging their tail to the left were anxious or insecure, while dogs wagging their tail to the right were relaxed and comfortable. A tail pocket on an English Bulldog is an area of folded skin that develops under their tails and collects dirt and moisture. Bulldogs are prone to getting this tail pocket due to their excessive folded skin. Are English Bulldog Tails Docked? Tail docking originated in Ancient Roman times to prevent the spread of rabies and to prevent injuries. Later, when pet taxes were implemented, working dogs were exempt from those taxes. Today, tail docking is considered an outdated practice only done for cosmetic reasons. Many breeders want it done solely to provide a specific look to their dog. Most veterinarians believe tail docking for cosmetic reasons is unnecessary and refuse to do it. In fact, tail docking has legal restrictions in Maryland and Pennsylvania. Both Maryland and Pennsylvania state laws only allow veterinarians to perform the surgery if it is medically appropriate. Similarly, it is illegal in all of the UK unless it is deemed medically necessary. English Bulldogs do have shorter tails than most dogs, but their tails are like that naturally and are not docked- unlike other breeds like Rotties and Boxers. Surgical tail amputation is always considered a last resort to resolve a medical issue. In some cases, English Bulldogs with corkscrew tails may require surgical amputation to resolve a recurring tail fold pyoderma issue. Final Thoughts For many reasons, English Bulldogs have become one of the most popular dog breeds. Their tails are much shorter than most dog breeds, which can also make you wonder if their tails are docked. Today, tail docking is widely viewed as an outdated procedure, and most veterinarians will only perform a surgical tail amputation if it is medically necessary. Unlike most dog breeds that are born with a straight, flowing tail, English Bulldogs are born with one of three tail types: straight, corkscrew, or curly. While corkscrew-shaped tails are standard for English Bulldogs and a part of the accepted AKC breed standard, the corkscrew shape results from the last few vertebrae being deformed, unfortunately, this can lead to many medical issues. Corkscrew-shaped tail types will require regular cleaning to prevent infection. Hopefully, since the straight tail is acceptable in the breed standard, more breeders will begin to breed for this tail type that is much healthier for the English Bulldog! About The Author Alix Mitchell Alix Mitchell is a veterinary technician turned dog trainer with over a decade of experience working with dogs. Although her educational background in animal science gave her a broad knowledge base, it was her own behaviorally challenging dog who helped her realize her passion in life is teaching dog owners how to live a better life with their dog. Alix currently resides in Virginia with her husband and two dogs. In her free time, you can find her either reading a good thriller novel or out in nature camping and hiking with her family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully.

Part of the reason is that the French Bulldog has a much bigger personality than this dog's size might indicate. They are like a big dog in a little dog body, making the French Bulldog a perfect fit in small spaces that lack a yard. But when it comes to the brief but vital puppy months, knowing what to expect is critical to your new puppy's adult health and wellbeing. In this article, we take you on a tour of the French Bulldog growth chart from puppyhood to adulthood so you know what to watch for and what to expect as your dog grows up. By the age of one year old, this tiny puppy may weigh nearly 30 pounds! With so much growth in such a short time span, it is critically important to know what to expect during each week of your dog's puppyhood. These dogs don't get very big, but they start out in life very small. This means there is a lot going on during a Frenchie's first critical year of life! Now we will walk you through the French Bulldog growth chart step by step so you understand the major changes your puppy will go through on the way to adulthood. It is also very important for puppy training. This includes potty training as well as obedience training and socialization training. French Bulldog puppies do have a reputation for being stubborn and obstinate — this is just part of their natural breed personality and temperament. But Frenchies also love to please their people. So starting the right type of training at the right time and in the right way can go a long way towards easing any power struggles that may crop up between you and your pup. French Bulldog Puppy Stages of Growth So let's take a look at the major French Bulldog puppy stages of growth from birth through one and a half years of age. NOTE: What you are about to read is a general outline of puppy growth. As Bluegrass Frenchies breeder explains, each puppy may go through each stage a little earlier or later. This doesn't necessarily mean there is something wrong. However, when in doubt always consult with your canine veterinarian for specific guidance. First Stage: Birth to Three Weeks When your French Bulldog puppy is whelped , your dog will be blind and deaf and literally unable to stay warm without the mother dog's help. A newborn puppy's only useful senses are touch and taste, which is how they find their mother's nipples to nurse. Around the age of two weeks old, your puppy's eyes will start to open. The ears will open soon after that. Suddenly the world opens up and your puppy starts their sensory exploration of the world around them. Second Stage: Three to Four Weeks Starting around week three, your Frenchie puppy begins to put faces to scents, learns what their tail is for to wag, of course! These early weeks are critical ones in terms of providing the young puppy with a safe and stable, positive environment. This is also one of the most critical early socialization periods for your puppy, when they learn about appropriate socialization with other dogs, including play, bite inhibition, manners, and the start of weaning. Third Stage: Four to Seven Weeks Starting around the age of four weeks old, the Frenchie puppy will begin transitioning to puppy food and away from their mother's milk. It is vitally important that a young puppy be permitted to stay with their mom and siblings for at least the full seven weeks. Many breeders insist on nine weeks before releasing puppies to their new forever homes. Fourth Stage: Eight to 12 Weeks When your puppy enters the eighth week of life, the first "fear factor" period begins. This is a time when fearful or threatening experiences may imprint your puppy for life. At the same time, the Frenchie puppy is starting to get a basic sense of controlling their eliminations and is able to sleep for longer periods of time without "accidents" at night. Fifth Stage: 12 to 16 Weeks This fifth stage of puppyhood is often likened to that of a human toddler — a two-year-old child. This is when all puppies will start to push the boundaries of discipline and manners a little or a lot. This means the fact that French Bulldogs can be a bit stubborn by nature doesn't really factor in here, even though it will later on. Sixth Stage: 16 Weeks to Six Months Start around the age of 16 weeks or four months old, the puppy will lose the baby teeth and begin to get its full set of adult teeth. This process can be especially challenging for brachycephalic short muzzle dog breeds like the French Bulldog. If the baby teeth do not completely fall out as the adult teeth grow in, severe tooth overcrowding and bite problems can happen. Even if your Frenchie does not experience these problems, you can still expect a lot of teething, mouthing, and biting as your dog tries to ease the aches and pains caused by teeth falling out and teeth growing in. You will need to be very patient and do your best to provide your puppy with chew toys and icy treats to relieve their discomfort. Closer to six months old, your puppy will hit puberty with all the hormonal changes this entails. This can bring up additional behavioral problems that might tempt you to schedule an early neutering or spaying procedure. But as the Ethical Frenchie breeder explains, having your puppy fixed too early in life can lead to serious health issues later in life. It can be difficult to wait 18 to 24 months before having your dog neutered or spayed. But this may be the best choice for immune system health that will keep your Frenchie with you for longer. At this stage of life, the puppy has their full set of adult teeth and all its faculties and is keen to explore life and the world with you. French Bulldogs typically look nearly full growth by this stage and yet they are still puppies on the inside. It is important to continue to provide your teenage dog with steady, positive training sessions and firm yet loving corrective discipline as needed. If you want to participate in canine athletics with your dog, now is a great time to get started on that as well. For example, your dog will need to learn how to go potty on the lawn, walk on a leash, respond to common commands, stay quietly in a crate for nap time and evening sleep and behave appropriately when visitors or guests come to your home. As well, because of the short muzzle and wrinkly skin that characterize the French Bulldog, there will be certain health maintenance tasks your dog will need you to do for them so that they stay healthy throughout life. You want your puppy to get used to having their ears, paws, and tail area touched and groomed, and cleaned. You want to be able to reach into and examine your dog's mouth and teeth without any resistance. Starting with gentleness and lots of praise and pats, you can teach your dog that these activities are safe and fun and a great time to bond with you. Your Canine Veterinarian Is Your Best Resource As your French Bulldog puppy grows up, always contact your veterinarian with any questions Shannon Cutts As a freelance pet writer and blogger, Shannon is passionate about crafting knowledge-based, science-supported articles that foster healthy bonds of love and respect between people and animals. But her first and very most important job is as a dog auntie and cockatiel, tortoise, and box turtle mama. We are compensated for referring traffic and business to Amazon and other companies linked to this site. Knowing these stages and characteristics can help you to determine how big your Frenchie will be when they finally reach adulthood. It might also help you to determine their personality and other physical traits. There are seven stages of French bulldog growth. The first stage begins at birth and the seventh stage of growth ends at 18 months. At the end of the seventh stage a French bulldog is done growing. One thing to keep in mind is that their size is determined by the height of the withers and the length from the base of their neck to their buttocks. So while it only will take about a year for your Frenchie to grow to full size, they will still put on some weight and bulk up until they fully mature at about two years old. Frankly, the difference in weight between male and female French bulldogs is nominal. When they are adults the weight differential between male and female Frenchies is only about 3 to 5 pounds, with the males being the bigger of the two. We created a recommended products page that links to every product we personally use for our English bulldog, Ollie, which will also work great for French bulldogs! Females French Bulldogs Female French bulldogs grow at a little less than a pound a week, on average, and at the end of their first 3 months should weigh somewhere between 7. Between 3 and 6 months that growth slows down a bit. The average French bulldog female weighs between .Their growth slows even more between 6 months and their first year of life. By 12 months old your female Frenchie will weigh between .Male French Bulldogs Male Frenchies average a little bit more than a pound of growth per week and thus at the end of their first 3 months should weigh between 8. Between 3 and 6 months, just like females, that growth slows down a bit. The average French bulldog male weighs between .Their growth, just like females, slows even more between 6 months and their first year of life so that by 12 months old your male Frenchie will weigh between .Of course, all of these numbers are just speculative and averages. Some French bulldogs will grow a little faster and end up a little bigger and vice versa. Like their rate of growth the numbers and factors that we will discuss below are subject to change from one French bulldog pup to the next. That includes eyes, nose, ears, paws touch , and tongue taste. Their weight will be about 3 pounds at the end of Stage 1. Stage 2 Stage two is from 3 to 4 weeks and is a time of rapid sensory development. Also, your French bulldog puppy will want to avoid any sudden changes and exposure to strange people or other animals. Their weight will be about 4 pounds at the end of Stage 2. Stage 3 Stage three is a critical time for social development between 4 weeks and 7 weeks. It is during this time that your French bulldog will learn how to socialize with its mother and also learn how to behave well with other dogs. Their weight will be between 5 to 7 pounds at the end of Stage 3. Stage 4 Between eight weeks and three months is when your Frenchy will learn rapidly about everything in its world. They also will become much more independent and form the human bonds that will be significant in their life. Their weight will be about 6 to 9 pounds at the end of Stage 4. Stage 5 During stage five, which is from 3 to 4 months, your French bulldog will become very independent. It is during this time that you must be firm with them so that they develop a well-balanced personality. Their weight will be about 9 to 12 pounds at the end of Stage 5. Stage 6 During stage six is when your Frenchie will begin to demonstrate dominance traits and also start teething. Their weight will be about 14 to 18 pounds at the end of Stage 6. Stage 7 It can be said that your French bulldog will learn something new every day during the 6 to 18 months of stage seven. This is a critical period for their social adjustment as they step into adulthood. Their weight will be between 19 to 30 pounds at the end of Stage 7, depending on whether they are male or female. Several factors influence the height and weight your French bulldog will reach as an adult, including genetics, their growing environment, and the type of food they are fed. The first, as with all dog breeds, are the genetic factors that are given to your French bulldog puppy from its mother and father. For example, French bulldog pups that breastfeed and eat well during their first few weeks of life will usually grow faster and end up being a bit larger. Another factor is what kind of kibble your puppy gets after that are weaned from their mother. Nutritious and well-balanced food will help them grow bigger and faster. Pups that receive low-calorie kibble or nutritionally void kibble will usually grow slower and be smaller. Overfeeding during this time can cause obesity and other health problems. Not really, no. The fact is, French bulldogs are very small dogs, to begin with, and trying to figure out how large they will be as adults using their tiny paws as a guide is difficult at best. One method that you can use is to look at their height and weight between the time that they are 14 and 16 weeks of age and then double that. Yes and no. Unless you were to give your puppy growth hormones, which are unsafe, they will grow to be a specific size and stay that way. You can help them to become more muscular which, technically, will make them a bit bigger. You can also supplement their diet with high-protein foods like eggs and yogurt, which will help build muscle. Also, as we mentioned earlier, the more breastmilk and regular feeding that your French bulldog gets as a puppy, the more likely that they will end up being a bigger adult. You can, however, ensure that they do not become too muscular or become obese. Again, a well-balanced kibble will help them to grow at a normal rate and normal size. Do not overfeed them and make sure that they get regular exercise. If a smaller French bulldog is what you desire, you can always pick one of the smaller puppies from a particular litter. The smaller they are as a puppy, the smaller they will likely be as an adult. Male French bulldogs are typically larger than female French bulldogs. In the first few weeks of their lives, the males will grow faster than the females but, around stage 3, their rate of growth equals out. Closing Thoughts French bulldogs are a wonderful breed and one of the smaller breeds no doubt. Hopefully, this article has given you the information that you seek about how they grow and when. If you have more questions, need advice, or would like to leave a nice comment, please do so in the space provided, and best of luck with your French bulldog! Here are some of my favorite Dog and Bulldog Products Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful for your dog and bulldog questions. These are affiliate links, and I am compensated for referring traffic. But in all honesty, these are the exact product that I use or recommend to everyone. Food For Bulldogs: Royal Canin Bulldog was the dog food our breeder recommended for our bulldog with a bit of canned pumpkin added for each meal to give a bit of extra fiber Poo Bags: For poo bags we use Greener Walker poop bags. We have used them for over a year without having a single leak. Also, these bags are made to be friendlier for the environment. They are good for sensitive skin which bulldogs are known to have. I love this dog bed because it has an outer liner which can be replaced if it gets too beat up. To see all our most up-to-date product recommendations , check out this resource that I made for you! French bulldogs go through several growth and developmental stages as they mature from puppies to adults. Socialization stage weeks : This is when French Bulldog puppies start to become more social and start to learn how to interact with people and other dogs. They become more active and playful. Adult stage years : This is when French Bulldogs are fully mature and have developed their adult personalities. They may become less active as they age but still require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Understanding the developmental stages of a French Bulldog can help you provide the appropriate care and training for your pup at each stage of their life. By providing proper care and socialization, you can help ensure that your Frenchie grows up to be a well-adjusted and happy adult dog. Most Frenchies are born via cesarian C-section due to dystocia — a medical term used to diagnose a difficult birthing experience. Brachycephalic breeds are predisposed to have a difficult birth because of the size of their head and narrow female pelvis. So, what is a French Bulldog litter size? On average, French Bulldogs have a 3 puppy litter, higher litter size is unusual due to the size of the dog. During the neonatal, aka newborn, stage: Puppies are blind, deaf, and toothless. Touch and taste are immediately present after birth. Their mother has the most influence over the puppy. She will feed them and keep them warm too. Puppies will mostly nurse and sleep during this stage. At the transitional, aka baby, stage: Their sense of hearing and smell will develop. Their eyes will open and will develop. Puppies teeth will begin to appear. Also, puppies will start to move. They begin to stand, take their first steps, wag their tail, and even bark. During the socialization stage, the highlights are: By 3 to 5 weeks, play becomes important as puppies become aware of their surroundings. From weeks 3 to 4, pups develop control over their bladder and bowel movements. This is when they start learning to leave their sleeping area before relieving themselves. From 4 to 6 weeks, puppies start learning dog social skills such as play, interaction with littermates, the inhibited bite, etc. Pups also explore their social boundaries, how to communicate effectively with other dogs and improve physical coordination. From the 4th week, puppies begin forming emotional attachments and bonds with the people around them. A good time to meet your future pup. Between 6 to 8 weeks, puppies should start receiving vaccinations source: American Kennel Club. After being fully weaned, pups start to be ready to leave their canine birth family and go to their new human homes. By 7 to 9 weeks, puppies can begin to be housetrained , including potty training. At 9 to 12 weeks, puppies can start learning basic commands as they start focusing on people their new parents. Socialize your French Bulldog daily. At the ranking, aka teenage, stage: French Bulldogs start teething. It will last for several months. You are the main influencer for your pup. They become more active and playful, and their energy levels increase. This is a good time to start more advanced obedience training and socialization. Usually, French Bulldogs reach adulthood between 9 to 12 months of age. They may also experience a growth spurt during this time. They may become less active and playful than when they were puppies, but they still require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Senior French Bulldog Stage The senior stage is not typically included as one of the developmental stages because it is not a stage of growth and development like the other stages. Instead, it is a stage of aging and gradual decline in physical and cognitive abilities. During the senior stage, French Bulldogs may experience age-related health issues, such as arthritis, vision or hearing loss, and cognitive decline. However, with proper care and attention, they can still enjoy a good quality of life well into their senior years. This includes: Regular veterinary check-ups. A healthy and balanced diet. Regular exercise. And accommodations for any age-related issues they may be experiencing. French Bulldog Growth Chart This chart will give you a guideline for what to expect on how fast your French Bulldog grows and how quickly he or she will gain weight. Call Vic Kasser or Email! A French Bulldog is considered a small to medium breed dog depending on the Sire and Dam size and weight. One of the first questions anyone asks when considering purchasing a dog or puppy is how big will it get? This is a very relevant and important question considering your need to ensure your puppy is cared for appropriately in your home. Double Up: Generally, an adult dog will weigh about twice as much as he did when he was 4 months of age; giant breeds will double what they weighed at 5 months. Four Fold: The weight of your puppy at 8 weeks is a quarter of his adult weight. You can also obtain the weight of the sire father and dam mother of purebred puppies. Female puppies will weigh about what their dam weighs. Male puppies will weigh about what their sire weighs. Try Puppyweights. Factors Affecting Growth While much of a French Bulldog's growth is determined by genetic factors, early environmental factors also affect growth. Puppies who nurse frequently in the first weeks of life get better nutrition and are more likely to grow quickly. A healthy diet after your puppy is weaned can also affect her growth rate. Puppies who don't get enough food or who get low-quality food may end up smaller. Overfeeding can cause your dog to become obese. Medical conditions may also affect growth. French Bulldogs who are sick in the first few weeks of life tend to be smaller. Estimating Adult Size You can estimate your puppy's adult size by weighing her at eight weeks. Be sure to get the weight in ounces, since French Bulldogs don't grow very large and a few ounces can make a difference. Double this number and then double it again. For example, if your French Bulldog is 88 ounces at six weeks, double it to get ounces, then double the number again to get ounces. Divide this number by 16 to get your dog's weight in pounds. The ounce puppy will be about 22 pounds as an adult. Growth Rate On average, French Bulldogs tend to grow to their full size height at the withers and length from the base of their neck to their rear-end between the ages of 9 months to a year, and then they tend to "fill in" and bulk-up during their second year, fully maturing by the time they're around 2. During their growth stages, puppies can certainly grow to be heavy, and then they start getting leaner and more toned in their second year, so it's not unusual for a puppy to be heavier when they're under a year, and then drop a couple of pounds in their second year. Small-breed dogs, such as Chihuahuas, do not have room in their bodies for large litters, therefore they tend to produce only two to four puppies per pregnancy. Large-breed dogs, such as Great Danes, usually have larger litters, 10 to 12 puppies being common. Breed type also impacts the size of the newborns. Small-breed puppies are typically several inches smaller than large-breed puppies, regardless of the number of dogs in the litter. Small Puppies the Mother's Health Unusually small puppies are not a result of large litters. Instead, their size can usually be traced back to the health and nutrition of the mother dog before and during her pregnancy. Because the unborn puppies share the nutrition she takes in from her food, she needs an ample diet to properly nourish the puppies. Without sufficient food, the puppies will not reach appropriate size and may suffer health problems. According to veterinarian Kathleen Hefner, writing for the American Kennel Club, most puppies who die soon after birth were probably born from malnourished mothers. Litter Size Problems Even though litter size does not impact puppy size, large litters can cause problems for the mother dog and her new babies. If the mother's uterus attempts to carry more puppies than she can physically handle, her life and the puppies lives can be threatened. Also, large litters tend to produce more stillborn puppies and runts. With so many neonatal puppies vying for nutrition, those in the center of the womb often do not get sufficient nourishment, which can cause them to be born small or to die. Great Pyrenees breeder Catherine de la Cruz warns that large litters can trigger earlier-than-expected whelping, which can be a problem for the puppies unprepared human grandparents. Predicting Litter Size While accurately predicting the size of an expectant mom's litter is difficult, some other factors do contribute. Research shows older mother dogs have smaller litters than younger canine moms. Also, dogs who had their first litter at an older age will have smaller litters. The mother's weight can be a factor. Obese female dogs tend to have smaller litters than healthy-weight dogs. However, any pregnant mom can experience a large litter relative to normal within her breed. Dog litter sizes vary from one puppy to more than a dozen newborns. The recorded largest litter had .While litter size can impact many aspects of whelping and raising puppies, it does not actually impact the size of the individual puppies. The parents genes, the puppys breed, and the mother's health and nutrition determine the puppies size at birth. This is just a tool to be used along with observations of mom and dad weight, bone structure, previous puppy mature weights and more! However, we'll still link The file. So it is good to send us a scented item from home even at this early stage if you have already chosen your French bulldog puppy. This is not a good time for strangers to come and visit as negative events can have a serious impact on his personality and development right now. Stage 3: The Overlap Stage Weeks From weeks, your French bulldog puppy begins the most critical social development period of his life. He learns social interaction with his litter mates, learns how to play and learns bite inhibition. Mom will begin weaning the pups around this time, and will start teaching them basic manners, including accepting her as the leader of the pack. We begin to introduce food to the puppies starting around the 4th week. We transition gradually as Mom weans them. Puppies that are removed from the nest too early frequently are nervous, more prone to barking and biting and have a more difficult time with socialization and training. Puppies need to be left with Mom and siblings until at least 7 weeks of age. If we feel that your French bulldog puppy needs more time with mom we will let you know that as some puppies need a little longer for optimum social development. This is the window of opportunity to make sure your Frenchie puppy grows up to be a well-adjusted French bulldog. This is not a good time to engage in harsh discipline note… you never should anyway! You can begin teaching simple commands like come, sit, stay, down, etc. Leash training can begin. We offer one-on-one training with your puppy as early as 8 weeks as this is the perfect time to begin. Especially if he will be with us beyond 8 weeks of age. He will continue to learn behaviors and manners that will affect him in later years. He might start biting you. Play biting or even a real attempt to challenge your authority. You may see a decline in his urge to please you. Frozen doggie bones can help sooth him during this period. We wet and freeze tube socks with a knot in them and they love these. Easy to wash too. He may try to assert his new dominance over other family members, especially children. If you turn him loose in a public place and he bolts, the chances of injury or even death can result. Be realistic in your expectations of your French bulldog at this time. Gradually increase the scope of activities for your French bulldog, as well as the training. Otherwise, extend his activities to include more people and other animals.

We breed to the world standard and concentrate on the working ability and structure of the the German Shepherd breed. Our trained driver can transport your German Shepherd to our kennels for puppy purchases, dog training or dog boarding. Trust that your German Shepherd will be transported with care: our driver is knowledgeable about the breed, trained in dog handling and transport, and our transporting service is bonded and insured. This service is exclusive to Nadelhaus purchased German Shepherds. We do not transport dogs that were not purchased or imported through Nadelhaus. Pricing below are estimates only. Our transportation services are generally limited to Northern California, but we encourage you to contact us with any inquiries for your location or for a price quote. Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos are added every month. We couldn't be happier with our Nadelhaus Shepherd. Traci picked the perfect dog for my family. Great disposition, physically healthy, and structurally put together like a true German Shepherd quality dog should be. Can't say enough about the ongoing support from Nadelhaus. Love you Traci! Her temperament and size is perfect! We have had other German Shepherds in past but I honestly have to say she is a miracle!! Sweetest German Shepherd ever!! Our little Leo is a delight. He slept all the way home in the car, is loving doing his business in the garden already! Last night was a little rough for us. We all slept but you know how that goes. Leo will learn and we will all adjust. We'll be in touch when we have questions, but just wanted to thank you again. We continue to use Traci for boarding and training. She is an invaluable source. He is absolutely one of the most beautiful things I have seen in my life. In addition to being absolutely gorgeous, he has amazing temperament and is a hit with kids and adults. He is our own nanny dog! We are so glad we went with Nadelhaus, and will definitely go back to Traci for our next pup. We are in love with the breed and the amazing Nadelhaus pups! We are a two-hour drive from the North Bay and nearly a 3-hour drive from San Francisco. Our customers come from all over including Sacramento, the Central Valley, the Bay Area, Southern California, and even from out of state. Not only do we breed German Shepherd puppies, we offer puppy and dog training , dog boarding , and can import fully-trained German Shepherds. What is the price to buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy? Our Puppy Application page will provide you with more information on the application, deposit, and matching process. Once you have read through these steps, you can click through to the application form and view the prices for both Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppies as well as import German Shepherd puppies. If I buy a Nadelhaus German Shepherd puppy, can you ship it to me? If you are not able to pick your puppy up from our facility in Northern California, we can ship a puppy to you. Shipping rates vary by location and include a health certificate vet visit, transportation costs, and an airline approved crate. Contact us for shipping details. Will my puppy have its shots and vaccines? Puppies need a series of vaccinations throughout their first year of life. All of our puppies receive their vaccinations and are de-wormed to the date of pick-up. They are vet checked at six weeks old. Once a puppy is picked up from Nadelhaus, new owners will need to schedule remaining shots for their puppy with their local veterinarian. Will my puppy be micro-chipped? Visit akcreunite. Can I have a German Shepherd puppy imported from Europe? Puppies bred at Nadelhaus sell quick and even with a deposit, there is generally a wait list for our puppies. If you are interested in skipping the wait list, consider having a puppy imported from Germany. Importing a German Shepherd puppy is a special opportunity to acquire a very beautiful dog with special bloodlines. Both the female mother and male stud are often top V and VA dogs in Germany and come from very popular and highly sought after bloodlines. If you are interested in importing a puppy, simply fill out the same puppy application and click the checkbox that you would like to import a puppy. I am a 7 month old, 20lb, spayed German Shepherd mix that is looking for my forever family. I would do best in a quiet, active home with adults only or older, calm teenagers. I do a good sit for yummy food but still need work on my manners and other training. I am expected to weigh about 70lbs once I am fully grown. If I sound like the dog for you then please inquire with the adoptions staff for more information. Please make sure to include in the application that you are interested in meeting me. Please call for assistance. Please note at this time we are doing adoptions by appointments only. Please call us at to schedule an appointment. Our hours are weekdays from 11am-6pm and weekends from 11am-5pm closed major holidays. Interested adopters must arrive at least 1 hour before close. To check on an animal's adoption status, please call during normal business hours to speak with an adoption counselor. Emails will be returned as soon as possible, but please allow up to 48 hours during busy adoption periods like weekends. September 14, , pm. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in San Francisco? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in San Francisco cost? The price of German Shepherd puppies is affected by numerous factors, and even similar-looking dogs and breeders could have different prices. For example, breeder experience, coat color, dog pedigree and more. We understand that price is often an important factor when choosing a dog, which is why there are so many affordable options in our network. Our goal is to connect families with the best dogs possible. Breeders and businesses in the UP network can arrange travel for your pup to your nearest major airport. How do you vet San Francisco German Shepherd breeders? All of the German Shepherd breeders and companies we partner with follow our tough, binding Breeder Pledge—and we never work with puppy mills or unethical breeders. We believe that Uptown Puppies is the best, most fun way to find your perfect puppy. Sadly, that means there are also tons of unethical breeders out there looking to cash in on the industry. Our network is big, and growing. MatchMaker is awesome. Are you next? Just take a peek at some of our recent puppy alumni to see what our system looks like in action!

Often, the reason this happened is because of irresponsible breeding. To increase your chances of having a happy, healthy, good-natured dog, you want to choose a reputable breeder. But how do you find one? Keep on reading to learn how! If you have two healthy parents as well as healthy grandparents, great-grandparents, aunts and uncles, previous litters from these parents, etc. Temperament is inherited. Everything that was said about health also goes for temperament. Inbreeding is a major problem with golden retrievers where dogs that are too closely related can produce unhealthy puppies. Responsible breeders will know and take steps to prevent this. If anything were to go wrong, you would want a breeder with integrity to help navigate the problems, whether that ends up in a refund, a replacement puppy, etc. For a new and inexperienced puppy buyer, it can be hard to distinguish a good breeder from an irresponsible one. For one, the mom and dad will have received OFA clearances for their hips, elbows, and heart, as well as clearances for their eyes, which is a yearly exam. To help further decide on whether or not a breeder is reputable, the next section covers a big list of questions for you to ask a breeder. What Questions To Ask A Breeder This section is broken down into questions to ask about the breeder themselves, questions to ask about the sire and dam, and questions to ask about the puppies. Questions to ask about the breeder themselves Why did you choose to breed golden retrievers? You want a breeder that truly has a passion for the golden retriever breed. How long have you been breeding golden retrievers? At what age do you start to breed your dogs? Goldens must be two years old to receive final clearances on their hips and elbows, so if a breeder tells you they start to breed their dogs before two years old, watch out. Do you provide registration papers? They should provide AKC registration papers for you. Do you participate in any dog sport or activities? Most good breeders are involved in something other than just breeding. Their dogs participate in sports, shows, or are even therapy dogs. Is there a contract when I buy the puppy? There should be a contract that covers costs, refunds, responsibilities, etc. If they do require the pups to be spayed or neutered , this will be in the contract. What happens in case something goes wrong? This is also a good time to feel them out and see if this has ever happened before. Do you have any references I can talk to? Good breeders will have previous happy customers. Are you a member of the Golden Retriever Club of America or any local golden retriever clubs? Most breeders have a specific reason they were excited to breed two dogs together. How many litters has this mom had? And how old is she? Can you provide proof of the health clearances for these two dogs? Do these dogs have any titles? Can I meet the parents? The parents should be friendly and outgoing to you and any other dogs around. Questions to ask about the puppies How do you socialize the puppies? A good breeder will be able to talk to you about this. Where are the puppies born and raised? Are they raised in the home, or out back in the shed? Will they be examined by a vet before they go home? The answer should be yes. What are the puppies bred for? This may include being bred for companions pets , or show, sport, or hunting. They may ask you: Have you owned a dog before? Do you currently have a dog? What type of lifestyle are you expecting with your new golden? Why do you want a golden retriever? Do you have children? What kind of home do you live in? How much time will you be able to spend with the puppy? Is it because the breeder is inexperienced and just trying to get started? Is it because they come from champion bloodlines? Is the breeder is experienced and takes their time to properly care for the mother, socialize and stimulate the puppies, feed them the best food, and take them to the best veterinarian? Or is it because the breeder is a good salesman and can charge a premium for their puppies? Check out this article to learn more about how much golden retrievers cost. One of the best ways is to go to a local club check out this list of them by location , email or call them, and ask them to refer you to a good breeder. Another way is to ask your friends who have golden retrievers where they got them. This is how we found our golden, Oliver. A friend from church had a golden and we went over to their house and met him. We instantly fell in love and decided we needed to get his brother. You can also find breeders on Google, Facebook, or Instagram. To find a good breeder ask about health clearances, pedigree, temperament, ask to meet the parents and try to get a referral. Have any other questions about choosing a golden retriever breeder? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. How exciting! Puppies are adored by everyone. Not every puppy will be the right fit for you. Choose a Trusted Breeder A responsible breeder is the best place to find a well-bred, healthy dog, whether you are looking for a family pet or companion animal. Breeders carefully choose the parents of each litter to emphasize desirable traits and minimize defects in their lineage. What is the best way to find a reputable and responsible breeder? A carefully planned breeding program As a Golden Retriever breeder, it is our goal to raise healthy, socialized puppies that represent the breed well and are ready to go into new homes with ease We guarantee the genetic health of each puppy we place for a period of two years Meet Your Puppy In-Person A puppy should never, ever be purchased without seeing it first. Use your senses to judge the environment. Buying a dog requires good observation skills. Clean conditions, plenty of space for the dogs, and a look of health and well-being in all regards are essential when visiting your chosen breeder. Puppies should be healthy, well-fed, lively, friendly, and free of any illness-related symptoms like runny noses, itchy eyes, blisters, or fleas. As a breeder, the puppy should be raised in the house, with normal daily activities so that it becomes accustomed to sounds and human interaction. When in doubt, walk away. Trust your instincts. A good breeder would not breed puppies without her present. If a breeder is unwilling to let you see her, walk away. Ask as well if you can see the father. This may not always be possible as the father may be owned by another breeder and used exclusively for stud purposes. At least three generations should be included the parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Lastly, find out how often the mother of the litter has been bred and the number of litters she has had — If she has had multiple litters in a year, then this is too frequent. Ask Questions A reputable breeder will conduct an interview with you. You will be evaluated carefully before the puppy is given to you. Breeders who care about placing their puppies in good homes take the interview process seriously. You should also expect the breeder to have a lot of knowledge about the breed and be able to answer any questions you may have. Breeders should also know about the major problems within the breed. Breeders of reputable dogs will have developed a breeding program that reduces or even eliminates the risk of such disorders occurring in their dogs. Ensure that both the mother and the father have formal health clearances even if the father is not present, the clearances should be on file. The mother and father should be at least 24 months old to receive final health clearances. No reputable breeder would sell their puppies without getting them inoculated and having a general checkup. Our pups undergo these simple exercises to prepare them for life. Since we see the benefits of Early Neurological Stimulation and know that it will help our pups grow into lovable canines, we will continue to use it. Take Your Puppy to the Vet Schedule a new puppy vet visit within a few days of picking up your new puppy, no matter what the breeder has already done. Any potential health concerns will be identified through a full physical examination and lab tests. The breeder intends to make sure that each puppy is in good health when adopted or delivered. Due to this, we ask that the buyer make every reasonable effort to have the puppy examined by a vet within three days after taking possession. Can You Return The Puppy? Under strict circumstances, we will offer returns on puppies. Is There a Contract? We do have a sales contract available for every puppy we sell. It is advised that your read the entire contract before signing. A copy will be provided to you. Picking Up Your Puppy It is ideal to pick up your puppy at the breeder, but we understand that this may not be feasible for everyone. If you cannot pick up your puppy in person, we offer two options for puppy travel and delivery : Puppy Air Travel Airport Selection We will find and select the most convenient airport that provides a pet program and an incoming flight schedule that is most convenient for the pup. Coordination To make sure your pup is well-prepared for the day of travel, we coordinate with you and the breeder. Our team will work with you and the breeder to coordinate schedules, and you will receive an itinerary for all flights. Puppy Pickup Our team will transport your puppy from the breeder to the airport. This is a great way for us to spend extra time with your pup to ensure that their travel day is as easy as possible! Accommodations The airline-approved kennel your puppy travels in includes absorbent bedding, food, and water. Joyful Reunion We will keep in touch to let you know your pup is on its way, and we look forward to hearing the good news that your pup has arrived safe and sound! Puppy Pickup Your puppy will be picked up from the breeder and brought to your home or a prearranged third-party location. Joyful Reunion This is the best part! Bringing the love of your life into your arms from our arms to yours is always a pleasure! A dog breeder needs to provide all the necessary documents when you purchase a dog. You should expect to be provided with proof of vaccinations and health certificates. In addition, papers verify that a puppy was bred ethically. Expect the following: Sale contract. As long as they are socialised well as a puppy, Golden Retrievers can happily fit into family life. They are gentle but need to be treated with respect by all members of the family, including young children, as like any dog their patience will eventually run out. Common health problems in Golden Retrievers Like any purebred dog, Golden Retrievers may encounter some breed-related health problems throughout their lives. Often, Breed Clubs will also be able to provide advice on what tests your breed may need and where to get these done. Make sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening to reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by these upsetting conditions. For Golden Retrievers, this is because they can have short legs in proportion to their body and a tendency to become overweight. Eye problems — screening tests are available and dogs should be screened on a yearly basis, especially if intended for breeding. Multifocal retinal dysplasia - abnormal development and growth of the back of the eye retina which can lead to blindness. Generalised progressive retinal atrophy GPRA — slowly leads to progressive blindness over months or years. Retinal pigment epithelial dystrophy RPED, or central progressive retinal atrophy — a genetic problem which causes issues in the back of the eye retina and loss of vision. Glaucoma — high pressure within the eye causing pain and loss of vision. Ichthyosis — a skin disease that causes thickening of the footpads and makes other areas of skin rough and covered with thick, greasy flakes that stick to the hair. Caring for your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers are usually real big softies and can make a great addition to a home. How much noise they make will be down to the individual dog. Training and socialisation Golden Retrievers thrive off training and are very intelligent dogs. They love nothing more than to be given tasks to do to keep them occupied and have fairly good problem-solving skills — for a dog! As long as your Retriever is properly socialised from a young age , they should be confident around new people and situations. Retrievers also like their chill out time but will be more than happy to show you plenty of affection on their own terms. Exercise Golden Retrievers are very active dogs and need plenty of opportunities to exercise , play and get rid of excess energy. Your Golden Retriever will need a minimum of two hours of good exercise per day. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together. Because they are intelligent dogs, Golden Retrievers can get bored easily so make sure you keep their brains active as well as their bodies. As their name suggests, retrieving is what they were bred for, so nearly all Golden Retrievers love a good game of fetch! Grooming Golden Retrievers have medium to long coats and generally do shed a lot. They are not a dog to take on if you hate hoovering! Ideally, they should be brushed or combed three times a week at a minimum. Where necessary you can trim their coat with the right tools, but seek advice from a professional dog groomer or vet first. You may also find that your Retriever loves water including any and all muddy puddles and swimming. Make sure they stay safe around the water and if they get mucky, use a dog safe shampoo. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate Golden Retrievers and children If you have a young family then Golden Retrievers can be fantastic with children. If socialised properly from a young age, Retrievers can be quite calm and tolerant. Always supervise children and vulnerable adults with your Golden Retriever and make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and play with dogs with care and kindness, to prevent any issues. Golden Retrievers and other pets Well-socialised Golden Retrievers are very easy-going, which usually means they can be great around other dogs and pets, too. Any introductions should be done carefully and following the right advice for your other pet, too. Always supervise your dog with other pets, even if they have known them for a long time. Obesity can cause other health problems for your Golden Retriever, so keeping them in shape is extra important. Make sure to monitor their weight and keep an eye out for any sneaky snacking. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. If you give your dog an occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily food allowance. Use healthy treats in moderation instead. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave a gap before exercising and after eating. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. If you want to buy a pedigree puppy, we recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they have to do extra health tests and meet higher standards. Set-up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. PDSA Pet Insurance Fun facts As they were bred to fetch game, they have a naturally gentle grip, called a 'soft mouth', so they don't damage the birds they carry back in their mouths. Golden Retrievers have an amazing sense of smell and are often used as search and rescue dogs in other parts of the world. They absolutely love water well, most of them do. Most Retrievers will take any opportunity to have a swim. Luckily, their coats are thick to keep out water and keep them warm. Golden Retrievers make really good assistance dogs and are often a top choice for training to be Guide Dogs for the Blind. Make sure you have the knowledge and dedication to give to these sweet natured dogs to keep them happy and the time and space to exercise them. While they make great family pets, make sure you are absolutely ready to take on the commitment of getting a dog first. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a Golden Retriever. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in Golden Retrievers are out there too. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy a Golden Retriever puppy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. Not sure if the Golden Retriever is the right pet for you? Based in the Los Angeles, California metro area, Sheri has over 20 years of dog training experience and also runs a general dog training practice specializing in rehabilitating dogs through positive reinforcement training techniques. There are 15 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed , times. One of the most popular dog breeds, Golden Retrievers are known for their positive temperament and athleticism. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source and are commonly used for jobs such as guide dogs. This wikiHow will help you recognize key traits to determine whether or not a dog is a Golden Retriever. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Golden Retrievers are medium-sized dogs. Males are 23—24 inches 58—61 cm tall, weighing 65—75 pounds 29—34 kg , while females are .Golden Retrievers have rather short ears. The front edges are attached behind and just above the eyes. Go to source The tips fall close to the dog's cheeks and, if pulled over, should cover the eyes. A Golden Retriever's eyes are medium-large, and they can be either medium or dark brown with dark eye rims. Go to source They give the dog an intelligent, friendly expression. The tail of a Golden Retriever is thick and muscular at the base. It is carried level or moderately curved upward, though never curled or between the legs. Golden Retrievers have a muscular build with a strong back and straight legs. Go to source Their bodies are described as being symmetrical and well balanced, and they have a smooth, free gait. Golden Retrievers have firm and resilient outer coats and good undercoats. Go to source Their glossy coats can be either straight or wavy. Golden Retrievers are named for their golden coats. Their coats are a "rich, lustrous golden of various shades", [11] X Trustworthy Source American Kennel Club Expert knowledge, resources and advice for all things dog-related. Go to source which can range from a light cream color to a deep reddish gold. Like some other breeds, Golden Retrievers are seen with feathering. Feathering is defined as a "longer fringe of hair on ears, legs, tail, or body". Go to source This feathering, which appears on a Golden Retriever's legs, tail, neck, and underbody, may be lighter than the rest of the coat. Golden Retrievers have high energy levels and are active and athletic. These retrievers need regular exercise to stay satisfied. Golden Retrievers can develop deep bonds with their owners. Did you know? Golden Retrievers are a common breed employed to be therapy dogs. Their kind-hearted, loving, empathetic personalities are known for being able to calm people of all ages. If they're not occupied, Golden Retrievers can easily become bored. It is important that they have things to do to prevent this. Golden Retrievers are reliable dogs. With proper socialization, this trait allows them to make great family pets, and they can be trusted around children with supervision. Some breeds don't do well with other pets, but Golden Retrievers are typically adaptable. Many Golden Retrievers can live peacefully with other animals, such as cats. Go to source It can be difficult to tell Goldens apart from these other retrievers, but if you familiarize yourself with the differences between them, it can be easier to tell whether or not a dog is a Golden Retriever. Go to source One noticeable difference between the breeds is that Chessies have wavy fur that is dense, thick, and short. Go to source A Chessie's coat is brown, resembling nature to blend in, though one may have minimal white markings on the feet or stomach. Go to source They are brave, love water, and are willing to work. The Nova Scotia Duck Tolling Retriever, also called a Toller, is a retriever of unknown breeding origin, but it was bred to hunt ducks. Go to source Tollers are smaller than Goldens, being the smallest of the retriever breeds. Go to source They have mostly straight, red coats that range from golden red to a deep coppery red, with white markings on the tail tip, feet, chest, or blaze. Go to source Tollers are quick, alert, and determined, and they may even have a slightly worried or sad expression when they aren't working. Flat-Coated Retrievers are also called Flat-Coats and were bred in the mids. Go to source They are fairly similar in size to Goldens but have long, flat muzzles. Go to source Flat-Coats have straight, flat-lying coats that can be either solid black or solid liver. Go to source They are sensible, alert, and cheerful. Curly-Coated Retrievers, or Curlies, are among the oldest of the retrievers. Go to source Curlies are larger than Goldens, weighing as much as 60—95 pounds 27—43 kg. Go to source They have unique wedge-shaped heads, and, as their name suggests, coats consisting of short, tight curls, which come in solid black and solid liver. Go to source Curlies are gentle, affectionate, and more independent than Goldens. The Labrador Retriever, or Lab, is another popular retrieving breed. Labs are roughly the same size as Goldens, though they have a larger scale height- and weight-wise. Go to source Labs can be seen in colors other than gold - their coats can be solid yellow, brown, or black. Go to source Golden Retrievers are typically calmer than Labs. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills down the road. On the other hand, when you buy the animal from a licensed Golden Retriever breeder, you can pick out your future puppy with confidence. Not only will proof of his pedigree show that your breeder is certified, but it will also verify that your puppy is a true Golden Retriever. The best puppy breeders take pride in providing healthy dogs through careful genetic research. They should be so confident in their work that they offer you a health guarantee , which will tell you what to do if your puppy faces any unforeseen health issues. Since breeders are there from the day the puppies and their parents! And picking the right pet for your family starts with finding a breeder you can trust. No matter how nice they seem or how attractive their website looks, you should always do a little bit of research before choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. Here are important points that all breeders should address: Image Source Does the breeder give back to the breed? Breed preservation should be the primary goal of Golden Retriever breeders. They should participate in keeping the species alive through membership at a Golden Retriever breed dog club, a performance club, or an obedience club. What type of experience does the breeder have? Do they stay true to the pure genetic traits of the breed? Do they provide health screenings and health guarantees? Can you meet the puppies and parents in person? How many litters do the females have each year? Female Golden Retrievers can have up to two litters per year. However, breeders who follow ethical practices will only allow the females to have four to six litters in their lifetime. A female can breed between the ages of two and eight. Once you choose a breeder that seems like a good fit for you and your family, you should write up some questions to ask them. And in return, expect some questions about you, your lifestyle, and your home! One of the first things any breeder you inquire about should provide is a list of former buyers. Reviews posted online are one thing, but being able to talk with customers directly speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the breeder. When you speak with their former customers, ask questions about their buying experience and how their dog is doing years after purchase. Puppies should receive some level of preventative care that is appropriate for their age. Newborn puppies up to eight weeks old should stay with their mothers, but they will also receive their first round of core vaccines during these few weeks. They should have a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian that will perform vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as general health checkups. A reputable, passionate breeder will be more than happy to receive updates and questions about their puppies well into adulthood. With that being said, the breeder should also provide a health guarantee. A health guarantee states that you are not financially liable for any genetic issues in the puppy, as long as the health condition is verified by a certified veterinarian. This is an essential point that you might not think twice about. A good Golden Retriever breeder will ask questions to determine if your household is a good fit for their puppy. Image Source 1 Why do you want a dog? This is a simple yet important question that you should have an answer to. Golden Retriever breeders that dedicate their livelihood to continuing the pure genetic bloodline will want to know what appeals to you about these energetic companions. Additionally, the breeder might ask who will be walking, feeding, and playing with the dog. Golden Retriever puppies require tons of attention, especially during the first two years of their lives. If the breeder asks this, they want to know how your children will be participating in the handling of the puppy. They also want to understand how you plan to introduce the puppy to other pets so they can coexist safely within the same home. No matter how nice a breeder may seem, you want to avoid accidentally contributing to backyard breeders or a puppy mill disguised as a reputable breeder. Doing so can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and years of potential heartbreak. Here are some of the most critical and obvious warning signs of an untrustworthy breeder. Less experienced breeders will charge on the lower end, and more experienced breeders usually with generations of pure genetic proof! Additionally, some of the best breeders will only sell trained puppies to ensure their pooches are family- and forever-home ready. Therefore, you should receive standard documentation upon adopting your new Golden Retriever puppies, such as care instructions, registration papers, vaccination records, and necessary contracts. The contract may also state that you agree to surrender the puppy instead of adopting him out to a shelter or the pound. Some warranties will say that the breeder should have the right to reclaim the puppy in an unexpected situation like this. If you do ask for references, and they give you a list of written reviews instead of contact information for former clients, this is a red flag. A refusal for a tour means that the breeder knows potential clients may be turned away by the environment. If you are invited to tour a facility, learn about what a professional kennel should look and smell like first. The bottom line is, you need to do plenty of research. Buying A Golden Retriever From A Respectable, Professional Breeder Purchasing a Golden retriever Puppy from a respected, responsible professional breeder is by far the best option when it comes to getting yourself a good quality, healthy puppy given the best start in life. A responsible professional breeder: Cares greatly about the overall quality and welfare of the breed and selectively breeds for the betterment of the Golden Retriever population as a whole. Screen sire and dam for health issues in trying to breed puppies with the lowest possible chance of inherited disease. Will help you to select the right puppy for you from the many different personalities in their litter. Not all dogs are created equal! Some are more energetic, more headstrong, more confident, others less so. They will match you to the perfect puppy for your hopes and lifestyle. They handle, care for, and socialize puppies in such an expert way that the puppies have had the best possible start in life and the greatest chance of growing up a confident, happy dog of good temperament. They provide some of the best advice and support that can be given about how you should care for your new family member, from the moment you make the decision right through your Goldens entire life. So as you can see, there are many benefits to buying from a professional breeder. But surely there must be some cons you may be thinking? Well it depends how you look at it, but: A professional breeder will ask you many questions to be sure you are a good fit and have the right lifestyle that fits in with owning a Golden Retriever. You could have a long wait. Good breeders are popular and do not breed excessively, so you may have to wait a year or more before a puppy becomes available. But a benefit to this is that it weeds out the impulse buyers which cuts down on puppies that are given up after rushed decisions. Compared to some other options, you will pay quite a high price. I say a high price but what I mean is a fair price really. A fair price for a good quality, healthy puppy. But mostly backyard breeders are the unscrupulous types. You usually will not be able to see the premises on which the puppies are bred, they will not ask any questions of prospective owners and there will be no commitment or offer of help and advice for the future of the puppies they breed. This results in a poorer quality of life for the animals, and expensive vet bills for the owners. One positive of backyard breeders though is the price. Yes, they are considerably cheaper than professional breeders. And the savings you make up front are more than lost for extra vet bills down the road. So the risk is your puppy has a higher chance of inherited disease and behavior problems than the general population. There will be no true guarantee of pedigree. But if your friend has taken steps to get veterinary advice and care for the puppies, has looked after and socialized them well, maybe even knows the father of the puppies and can prove he is of good health and pedigree then this option may not be so bad. However they got into the situation, there are way too many homeless dogs in the world. Lack of space and insufficient funding inevitably means that many dogs each year are euthanized. Maybe you could give a second chance at life to such a dog? But you should also be aware that some rescued dogs will have behavioral issues, though the center staff will inform you of this. They may also have suffered some level of abuse and have psychological issues, phobias or anxieties that may not be evident until a certain situation arises. So there is some due diligence and this greatly increases the success rate of finding happy homes for dogs that suit their new human family. This is obviously a good thing for both the dogs and hopeful owners too! Buying From A Pet Store Or A Puppy Mill A large number of dogs bought from pet stores originate from puppy farms, also known as puppy mills, which are profit driven businesses that mass-produce dogs and sell through pet stores and classifieds. In puppy mills, dogs are bred in appalling conditions, kept in overcrowded small wire cages, given little exercise or socialization, enjoy no human contact and receive nothing in the way of veterinary care. The puppies are usually taken away from their mothers and litter-mates at such a young age that behavioral issues in the adult dog are extremely common. The dogs in puppy mills are no more than a commodity, a cash crop to be produced and harvested while spending as little as possible to maximize profits as far as possible. Yes, many people have been lucky enough to have purchased the most glorious of family pets from a pet store, but for each one a lot of suffering has occurred for countless more. I strongly advise that you do not support the puppy mill industry and never buy a dog from a puppy mill or pet store. The risks of not getting a quality, healthy dog are too high, and the ethics of the industry are shocking with many dogs suffering at their hands. Everybody should work to eradicate the entire industry and the first step is by not supporting them financially. There are many places and options available to get a Golden Retriever puppy, some good, some bad, and puppy mills and pet stores just an appalling option to be avoided. In my opinion your 2 best options are to source a puppy from a professional breeder or to adopt from a rescue center. But there are other options available and I hope this article has given you some information to help you in your decision. Please let us know about your experiences of getting a GR from any of the sources above, or even one I may have forgotten. Thank you.

Many things that we call behavior problems are just Labradors following their natural tendencies. Most bad behaviors are caused by ignorance or lack of training. When we start seeing bad habits in our Lab we need to work on redirecting him toward more acceptable behavior. Fortunately, Labradors are eager to please and are easily trained, but it does take time and consistency. Natural vs. Abnormal Behavior Natural Behavior Many behaviors that become problems are just natural tendencies for your Lab. Barking, digging, and chewing are just a few of the things that Labradors naturally do but when they become a nuisance or destructive these behaviors need to be corrected. Owners need to keep in mind the natural tendencies of the breed of dog they have chosen. Many people choose Labs because of their intelligence. You need to keep in mind that with intelligence comes a tendency to get bored if not properly stimulated mentally and physically. They also choose Labradors because they are loyal and great companions. Since they are loyal they are also protective which means they will bark at any intrusion they think may be a threat. They love your companionship, so when left alone they may get anxious and chew on things. Part of being a good owner is to teach your Labrador acceptable behaviors that still help to meet the needs of his natural tendencies. Abnormal Behavior Abnormal behaviors tend to be more psychological. Many Labs can suffer from anxiety, excessive fear, and aggression issues. These behaviors are not part of their natural inclinations. Usually, for these types of issues, you will need professional help from a dog behaviorist or your vet. You will need someone who is trained to find the root of the problem and help treat your dog. Correction Methods There are several different methods that you can use to help keep your Labrador from destructive behavior. Redirection When your Lab misbehaves he is usually bored or looking for attention. If you yell at him to correct him he still perceives this as a form of attention and this only reinforces the behavior. Remember most of these behaviors are just natural Labrador tendencies. You need to calmly stop him from the behavior and redirect him to a similar activity that is acceptable. Once he is engaged with the acceptable toy, reward him for that behavior. You will see some more examples of redirection listed in the Common Behavior Issues section below. This just means removing the objects that tempt your Lab into bad behavior. It may mean keeping items off of lower levels where he can easily reach them and chew them up, or perhaps putting up a small wire-mesh fence to protect your garden. However, basic commands give your Labrador a foundation of structure. These commands start to teach him to listen to you and obey. If he learns to follow these verbal directions you can use them to redirect his attention and guide him toward better behaviors. Keep a Schedule Labs like structure. They like to know what to expect throughout their day. If you stick to a fairly firm schedule for eating, walking, play time, and bedtime your dog will know what to expect throughout his day and will be less likely to misbehave. Exercise Labradors often partake in destructive behavior out of boredom or to burn off excess energy. A good way to deal with this is to make sure he gets plenty of exercise. Take him for walks, play fetch, or go for a jog. A tired Lab is a well-behaved Lab. Mental Exercise This one goes along with the one above. Labradors are intelligent and need to be mentally exercised as well as physically exercised. Play a game of hide-and-seek or find-the-toy with your Lab. Teach him some new tricks or let him play with some type of puzzle toy. All of these things will help him use up energy and not act out because of boredom. Keep Them Indoors Labradors are social animals and love to be near people. If you tend to leave him outside a lot he will become lonely. This can lead to issues like excessive barking, howling, and digging. It is best for Labs to be kept indoors. Nipping and Rough Play Puppies tend to nip all the time. Their mouth is what they use to explore their world. If you allow them to continue with this behavior it can become a biting issue as they get older. Puppies who stay with their litters until they are 8 or 9 weeks old tend to learn the consequences of nipping from their littermates. They learn that if they nip too hard their playmate tends to yelp and run away. This teaches them that when they nip it can lead to the end of playtime. It is important for you to reinforce this information. When your puppy nips you, yelp like a dog and walk away. Let him know that this behavior puts an end to playtime. The same training can be used for rough play. When you rough play with your puppy you are teaching him that this is an acceptable behavior. That may be fine when he is a puppy but think about a pound Labrador wanting to play rough. When your Lab starts to play too rough then end the play time. Walk away and let him know that this is not acceptable. Once your puppy learns that certain behaviors end his playtime he will stop doing them. It is your job to teach your puppy to play correctly. Chewing Your Labrador loves chewing. You need to teach him. Once you have taken the object away give him a toy that he is allowed to chew on and reward him for chewing on that. Puppies usually chew to explore or expend energy. Older dogs usually chew out of natural habit but sometimes they chew out of anxiety, boredom, or fear. If your dog is chewing when you are around this is probably a regular behavior. However, if he only chews when you are away it may be stress-related. You will need to deal with the root of the problem and find ways to relieve his anxiety before you can resolve the chewing issue. Digging Digging comes naturally to dogs. They like to dig to bury things, to create a cool place to lay, and to hunt for critters in the ground. Unfortunately, when they are doing this they are often digging up your garden or lawn. A good redirection for this is to create a digging box for your dog. All you need is a sandbox filled with soft, diggable dirt. You may want to bury some toys to encourage him to dig in this area. When he digs in the box reward him for his good behavior. Excessive Barking All dogs bark. This is a normal behavior for them. They bark to let you know that someone is outside, that they are hungry, that they want to play… and the list goes on. Constant barking is not normal and it can be quite annoying for you and your neighbors. If your Labrador is barking excessively try to figure out why. Is he lonely? Is he bored? Labs that are left outside a lot tend to bark a lot, especially at night. They are bored and lonely and missing interaction. They want your attention and are making noise to get it. The best way to end this type of barking is to bring your Labrador inside. Some other ways to curb unwanted barking are to make sure your Lab has plenty of exercise and block out things that can cause him to bark. Play soft, calming music to keep him from being anxious. When he is barking excessively redirect him to another activity. It is usually a good idea to get him to sit first and calm down. Once he is calm give him something else to do. An occasional cheese or peanut butter filled toy is a great redirection. It is hard to bark when your mouth is full of peanut butter. Jumping Up When your Labrador is a puppy you probably encouraged him to jump up on you. It was so cute to watch him do that. Labs get so excited when they see you or any other human that they can befriend. They want to jump up and meet everyone face-to-face. One way to redirect this behavior is to start when your Labrador is little. Teach him to sit when he hears someone at the door and to stay until you allow him to get up. Quietly and calmly introduce him to the new person and reward him with lots of petting. If he does jump up, politely ask the person not to pet him but to turn away. He will learn that jumping up does not get him the attention that he is looking for. Occasionally you may have to remove the dog from the situation until he calms down. Begging Labs love food! He is also an optimist. He hopes that if you have food and he keeps begging eventually a tidbit will come his way. Redirect by teaching him to sit or lay by your feet during meal times. NEVER give him anything from the table. You will only be fueling his optimism. If you want to reward him with some scraps do it at the end of the meal in his regular dinner bowl away from the dining table. House Soiling If your Labrador has been house-trained for a considerable time, but then suddenly starts having accidents, he may have a medical issue. Sometimes these issues are caused by bladder problems, diabetes, or several other medical issues. If your Lab has arthritis it may be painful for him to go outside as often as he needs to. If you think it may be a medical issue take him to the vet and have him checked over. Sometimes this is a stress issue. Has something changed in the house? Did you get a new pet? If there is a reason for his stress try to work through that and see if it ends the soiling issue. If your dog is still young he may just be regressing a little. Go through the potty training steps with him again. Take him out frequently and reward him when he goes outside. Separation Anxiety As I have said before, Labradors are highly social animals. They do not like being left alone. That said, you will inevitably have to leave the house at some point. If your dog becomes overly anxious when you leave this could lead to other destructive behaviors like chewing, barking, etc. Try to desensitize him to being left alone. Start out by leaving him alone for short periods of time, then gradually lengthen the duration. You may also want to leave the TV or music on for your dog. Crating you Lab is also an option. It helps him feel more secure and less fearful. Dogs are pack animals and having another playmate in the house can help keep him occupied. Another option is to find someone who can stop by and take him for a walk every day. If your Lab remains extremely anxious then there are medications that can help. Talk to your vet and see what she recommends. Aggression Dog aggression seems to be on the rise. About 4. Roughly 10 people are killed by dogs every year. Most people-directed aggression is caused by stress. Sometimes it is also caused by pain. If your Labrador is in pain because of arthritis or another issue he can be quite snappish. Also, if your dog is losing his sight or hearing then he can be easily startled and snap at the person who startled him. If your Lab is acting out aggressively you need to look for professional help. Talk to your vet or find a good behaviorist. If you keep him entertained, well-exercised and give him lots of attention then chances are the behavior issues will decrease. Teach him alternate, acceptable behaviors and reward him when he behaves. If you see signs of major stress or aggression then seek out professional help. Taking care of your Lab and teaching him proper behavior takes time but in my opinion, the love and affection you receive make it all worth it! Featured Photo courtesy smerikal Did you find this article helpful? Click on one of the Share Links below to share it with a friend. Related articles:. Aggression towards people, other animals Hyperactivity Sadness, depression and being withdrawn Counter-surfing Digging …to name just the most common few! As previously stated, many of these are perfectly normal behaviors but unwanted when living with a human family. But some are real psychological or pathological problems that need to be properly researched and skillfully addressed, most likely by a vet or professional behaviorist. If the behavior problem is just one of normal canine behavior such as digging, barking, chasing small animals or pulling on the leash, natural behaviors but that are unacceptable or unwanted by an owner, then training alternative and acceptable behaviors in their place is the answer. This still takes knowledge of the particular cause and motivation of the behavior, knowledge and skill to choose and train an alternative behavior and patience and dedication to see the solution through. But these types of problems are solvable by the average owner and solutions for these problems will soon be appearing on this site. The sort of advice that can only really be given and be correct if offered by a qualified and knowledgeable professional. The first step is to see a vet to either identify or rule out any physical or pathological problems, and then be referred to a certified and reputable behavioral specialist. Many cases require a unique approach for which the only advice that can really be given is to seek professional help. We have to remember that Labradors were bred for a particular job and come with hard-wired instinctive and driven behaviors that we developed in them through many generations of selective breeding. Labs have needs and desires that have to be satisfied. They have traits and behaviors so deeply genetically ingrained that you simply cannot eliminate them. Although in most cases you can train alternative more acceptable behaviors. There are of course also more severe and worrying behavior problems, stemming from either pathological or deep-seated psychological issues. With understanding, patience, dedication, a caring attitude and a carefully planned scientific approach, almost all problems can be overcome or at least successfully managed. 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. Some may have seen i wrote a post about my muppet the other days in regards to his appalling behavior when coming inside the house. .We have tried suggestions on there and he's still mental as ever but we're trying to remain positive and patient with him. .My other issue is this behaviour is now becoming more apparent than before both inside and outside the house.He was normally quiet calm, hypo at times like any lab but was content with his surroundings and listening to us. At the moment he is completely different, he's destroying beds just lost number 4 , he's pulling washing off the line while i'm standing there hanging it out which he's never done we have it guarded off normally , he gnawing on my arms, legs, feet and even his toys are copping it surely he can't be teething at 10 months , he's jumping way more than normal, won't listen to commands which he always has listened too and feels that every time we open the door to go inside he will ignore us and come rushing in and run away so we can't put him outside. The only way we have managed to put him outside is with a treat and slowly walk with him to the door and gentle push him outside, which i feel is praising bad behaviour. Nothing different has changed in our routine, we have breafast, he gets a bone, we go for a walk in early afternoon, have a game later than afternoon then dinner around 5. He also repeated all this bad behaviour at my parents house yesterday when he too pulled washing off there line, nearly knock my father over from jumping up at him and wouldn't listen even to a deep mans voice. .He is desexed, and is getting a good decent walk everyday, only thing i can put it down to is slight separation anxiety, yet there is no whinging or crying like he has when he was a small pup, or his brain is on holidays. .Any help would be greatly appreciated. Let's Wrap This Up! Labradors mouth due to their ancestry and genetics. Having been bred to retrieve game for hunters, they naturally enjoy having things in their mouths. Dogs also mouth during instinctive play, when exploring, or relieve teething discomfort. Mouthing and play biting are not aggressive — and there is a significant difference between typical play biting and aggressive behavior. Adopt an immediate preventive training approach to prevent innate mouthing and play biting from becoming an aggression problem. But how? To stop a Labrador from mouthing, teach him his bite inhibition. This is where he learns to control the force of his mouthing. You should initiate bite inhibition when bringing your puppy home, typically around 8 weeks old. They soon realize if they bite their littermates too hard, the fun and play stop! The dam teaches good canine manners and disciplines her puppies when they bite too hard or misbehave. So how exactly do you do this? When teaching your Labrador puppy bite inhibition, make a sharp cry when he mouths or bites you and continue until he lets go. Quickly redirect the behavior using a chew toy, and reward him with a treat and lots of verbal praise. Continue to do this until your pup stops biting or learns to bite without hurting. You are undoubtedly on the right path when you first notice your Lab licking your hand instead of biting. Puppies chew to explore their new environment using their mouths, even before using their visual, auditory, and olfactory senses. They also chew to relieve pain and discomfort when teething, clean teeth, and strengthen jaws. But sometimes, chewing becomes abnormal or destructive, resulting in your Labrador destroying your couch, cushions, furniture, possessions, clothing, and shoes. Labradors engage in destructive chewing due to inadequate obedience training as a puppy, seeking attention, habit, easing hunger, boredom, lack of exercise, and insufficient mental stimulation. They also chew due to loneliness, fear, separation anxiety, malnutrition, or OCD. You will only cause your Lab to fear and resent you and cause confusion and aggression. As with the causes, the solutions for excessive-destructive chewing in your Labrador can be varied. To stop a Labrador from chewing everything, train him from an early age by redirecting his chewing to alternatives such as chew toys, treats, or bones. Fix incomplete training, or seek the help of a professional trainer. Essentially, you need to provide your Labrador with alternative chew toys that can also serve as bites. Consider these two from Amazon: KONG Puppy Toy is made from soft rubber designed for growing teeth and gums but durable enough to withstand the natural desire to chew. This multi-functional toy can be used as a fetch toy or treat-dispensing toy to stuff with delicious treats or peanut butter. It allows a good grip from the wishbone shape and lasts for weeks. You also have various sizes to choose from as your puppy grows. Here are some other helpful suggestions to stop your Labrador from chewing: Puppy-proof your home. You can use a playpen or baby gates to section off part of the house or use a long leash and keep him tied to your waist. Retrain your dog. If you think basic training was poorly done or incomplete during puppyhood, you may need to retrain your Labrador. Consider the help of a professional trainer. Give your Lab a bone to chew. Always supervise your dog when giving a bone. Feed frozen treats or ice cubes. These help your dog to find some relief from sore and painful gums. Try frozen strawberries or raspberries as an alternative healthy treat. Lots of daily exercise. Ensure your Lab has the recommended 2-hour exercise daily for an adult, which could consist of morning and evening walks or runs, and play and fun games at other times. Puppies should receive 5 minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day. Consider health issues. Labrador puppies will generally stop chewing, due to teething, around six months of age once the discomfort has gone. Older puppies may also go through a chewing stage up to 12 months old. As long as you keep normal chewing behavior from becoming destructive, your puppy should outgrow this chewing. They are easy to train due to their intelligence, but also their desire for food or treats during training sessions makes training easy. Many owners find it tricky to keep their Lab at a healthy weight. Labradors eat so much and are highly motivated by food due to genetics, illness, lack of nutrients, boredom, or anxiety. Many are obsessed with food due to a specific mutated gene, the POMC. This gene, responsible for appetite, body fat, and weight, is commonplace in the obesity-prone Labrador. The only other breed to have this mutation is the Flat-Coated Retriever. Your Lab may also be eating so much food to relieve boredom, stress, anxiety, or due to a diet deficient in nutrients. You can learn more about separation anxiety in the next section. Furthermore, specific health issues can cause increased appetite and cause your dog to gain weight. Labradors are prone to hypothyroidism and may become obese despite normal or increased hunger. Pica is a disorder where dogs eat inedible objects such as rocks, dirt, wood, socks, toys, or even poop! It can is caused by nutritional shortcomings, starvation, or psychological issues such as anxiety, stress, attention-seeking, or OCD. If your Labrador is snacking on rocks and dirt, he may be suffering from pica. There are many ways to stop your Labrador from overeating. However, your priority is to find out why he is overeating or munching everything in sight, maybe with the help of your vet. You can then formulate a plan together. Here are some suggestions. To stop a Labrador from eating so much, feed a highly nutritious and balanced diet, keep a feeding schedule, monitor portions and weight, and feed alternative healthy treats. Dogs are creatures of habit and love routine. Stick to daily feeding times and monitor portion sizes and calories. Do not allow free feeding, and have your Lab regularly weighed. Ensure your dog is eating highly nutritious food. Ensure your dog has a good-quality nutritious diet. Check out my article on the best diet for Labradors for a ton of nutrition information, type of diet, and more. Alleviate boredom. Not only does he need lots of physical exercise, but lots of cognitive stimulation too. Lots of chew toys and interactive toys will keep your dog entertained. Feed alternative healthy treats. Many store-bought dog treats are full of calories and additives and offer little nutritional value. You can choose some good healthy treats, but fruits and vegetables are better options. Dog-proof your home. Muzzle your dog. If your Labrador tends to eat anything he finds while out on a walk, consider using a muzzle. Separation Anxiety Canine separation anxiety purely means the dog cannot cope with being apart from his owner or family. But are Labradors prone to separation anxiety? Labradors are prone to separation anxiety due to their temperament. They are social, affectionate, friendly, good-natured, and high-energy, and soon get bored. They love to be around their pack, which means you! If they are left alone for too long, they will suffer from separation anxiety. Dogs with separation anxiety will find something to relieve their fear, worry, and stress, so they often resort to destructive behavior. General symptoms are destructive chewing, house soiling, digging, escaping, destroying furniture, barking, and howling. Repetitive behavior, pacing, and self-harm may also occur. Keep departures and arrivals low-key to stop separation anxiety in your Labrador. Leave your dog in a relaxing and comfortable spot with his favorite interactive toys and chew toys. Train him using behavior modification methods such as desensitization and counter-conditioning. You should never leave your Labrador alone for longer than four hours, even less for young puppies. Consider alternatives to prevent or treat separation anxiety. Reduce the time that your Lab spends at home alone by hiring a dog sitter, walker, or professional trainer. Have friends and family call around, use local doggie-day care, and work from home if possible. This toy will keep your dog entertained and is great fun, especially when he finds the treats! Stay connected with your Lab. How cool is that? Use behavior modification techniques. Counter-condition your Lab by training him not to associate departure cues, such as the sound of your keys jingling. The aim is to teach him not to worry about your exit by associating the sound of your keys with getting a treat. Hold back on the doggie kisses and leave! Use desensitization techniques. Gradually teach your dog to cope with being alone by carefully exposing him to being alone in small steps. For example, start by making progressive departures of minutes when you leave your Labrador and progressively increase. Train your dog to be alone from an early age. I would leave my girl in her crate for a few minutes at a time at eight weeks old and gradually increase. Treat with medication. Both anti-anxiety medicine and natural supplements can help treat separation anxiety in dogs. Your vet can advise you of the best treatment plan for your dog. Labrador Urine Marking Behavior Does your Labrador stop on every street corner to pee a small amount? Spraying is instinctive dog behavior, but why do Labradors mark their territory? Dogs will leave their scent on new smells or near where other dogs have urinated. Urine communicates the reproductive status and status rank of the dog. So, why do Labradors mark their territory inside? Labradors mark their territory inside when sexually active, especially in unneutered dogs, or claim ownership of you, e. To stop your Labrador from urine marking inside, neuter while young, keep new and unfamiliar items out of reach, supervise your dog or use a crate. Increase bonding with new pets or family, eliminate anxiety, rule out other medical reasons, fully clean up the mess, and consult a canine behaviorist if needed. Thoroughly clean the areas your dog has marked using an enzymatic cleaner to eliminate the smell and prevent further scenting. Myths vs. Barking at Other Dogs Barking is a typical communication behavior in dogs, and Labradors are known to be naturally vocal. Nonetheless, when your Lab has developed an unfortunate habit of barking at other dogs, this may cause you to wonder why? Labradors bark at other dogs due to a lack of socialization and becoming fearful or anxious. Other reasons are insufficient or incomplete training, being protective or territorial of you, or generally being social or excited and wanting to greet or play, especially if under-exercised or stimulated. How to Stop Barking. Work on obedience training and positive reinforcement, allowing time, patience, and consistency. If your Labrador also lunges when barking at other dogs, use a comfortable front clip harness. It is reasonably priced, easy to fit, and comes in different colors and options. Avoid gimmicks such as bark collars and sprays designed to teach your Labrador not to bark, as these only tackle the symptom and not the cause of the problem. Rolling in Fox Poo Bathing your dog can be a challenging task. Their ancestors would disguise their scent to confuse their prey. Dogs also mark their territory by leaving their scent behind and communicating their rank or dominance to other dogs. They also enjoy leaving their smell around. Sometimes, prevention can be your best tactic! To stop a Labrador rolling in fox poo, try to prevent it by keeping him away from known areas frequented by foxes. If your dog suddenly puts his nose to the ground, anticipate he may have picked up on the strong scent of fox poo and quickly distract him away. Resource Guarding Resource guarding is when your Lab displays certain behaviors such as snarling, growling, biting, and lunging over food, favorite toys, or space, e. It is also known as c a n i n e possessive aggression , and your dog might growl at you if you go near their treasured possessions or run away with the item. Although resource guarding is natural canine behavior, it is not desirable. Some owners prefer to try and change the behavior in addition to the usual precautions of keeping people safe, especially children. Early and frequent training can help prevent resource guarding before it becomes a significant problem. Nonetheless, here are some steps to stop your Labrador from resource guarding: Consult a certified trainer or dog behaviorist. Use desensitization and counter-conditioning techniques. Instead, we try to redirect the behavior. Like all other breeds, Labradors have innate behavioral tendencies that are unique. Think of their overwhelming friendliness and easy-going nature. They are a good first dog but make a hopeless guard dog! Your Labrador will develop into the dog that you train him to be. So when socialization and training are not done correctly, behavior problems will inevitably occur. And as you saw in the video, the first one is a lack of structured exercise! Insufficient Exercise and Stimulation The Labrador Retriever is a high-energy dog requiring at least two hours of daily exercise. Leash walking alone will be insufficient. Incorporate a combination of swimming, agility, frisbee, hiking, fetch, and off-leash running in a safe area. Your dog will also need lots of cognitive stimulation and interactive play. Research has confirmed that less active dogs will demonstrate behavior problems than well-exercised canines. Genetic Disposition to Certain Behaviors It has been scientifically proven that dog behavior has both genetic and environmental key factors. This is documented in a study on the genetic examination of behavior traits in dogs whereby the German Shepherd breed was utilized. The research confirmed the theory that dog behaviors are complex traits influenced by multiple genetic and non-genetic factors. In simple terms, your dog may inherit genes that urge him to retrieve. Your Lab may inherit genes urging him to find and recover, just like his ancestors, who retrieved ducks from the hunt. He has a natural desire to bring you back things. Unfortunately, this can sometimes include dead birds or squirrels! However, this does not mean that you cannot subdue the behavior through training. Field-bred Labradors are typically higher energy and more boisterous. Another inherited attribute of the Labrador is their strong pack drive. Extremely social dogs with high pack drives tend to follow their owners everywhere, even to the bathroom! One drawback to this trait is that they may find it difficult when left in kennels for vacations. Poor Puppy Socialization Poorly socialized puppies grow into badly behaved Labradors. This is when the puppy acquires nearly all of his adult sensory, motor, and learning abilities. If a puppy is not socialized well, he will become a problematic and untrainable adult. This makes him more confident and calm than anxious and aggressive in unsocialized and poorly trained dogs. Incomplete Obedience Training Obedience training is crucial in helping your Labrador understand what you expect of him. Then, he can progress to more advanced training, such as sit-stay, wait, speak, roll-over, and other tricks. Many new dog owners believe a week or two of training after bringing their puppy home is enough. Not so! Consistency also means using the exact words to command specific behavior from your Labrador. Aversive Training Methods Punishing your Labrador to make him learn good behavior will only result in the opposite. Your best friend will be so confused and only grow to resent and fear you. They can also cause aggression and escaping behavior. Positive reinforcement, also known as reward-based training, creates the best behavior in dogs because you encourage your pet to repeat good conduct by consistently rewarding him. It simply means giving a reward to increase the frequency of response. Hormonal Effects and Neutering Testosterone is often associated with aggression in male dogs, but studies have proved mainly inconclusive. Neutering is the surgical removal of the male testes or female ovaries. Research results from a large sample of over 13, dogs show that neutering does not necessarily reduce aggression. This interesting study showed no significant increase in aggression in sterilized dogs , except for those between 7 and 12 months of age. Scientists can still not explain this. Additionally, this study discovered that other hormones cause aggression in dogs. Oxytocin a hormone associated with social bonding and sexual reproduction and Vasopressin which maintains the concentration of salts and glucose in the blood plasma and the volume of water in the fluid surrounding cells can negatively impact dog behavior. Letting Your Labrador Run The Show What if you heard a Labrador owner say his dog never badly behaves, only to discover that the owner allows the dog to have the upper hand? Would you call that a well-behaved dog? Failing to set boundaries can be another reason your Labrador has behavioral issues. Dominance aggression is when the dog will try to be the alpha or single out one particular member to dominate. I can certainly relate to this, as my dog tried for months to boss me. Although I was as firm as the male family members, she never wanted to dominate them! Spoiling your dog is one of the major factors leading to dominance aggression in dogs. Medical Conditions or Malnutrition Your Labrador may show behavior problems due to medical issues, either physical, psychological, or both. For example, dogs with obsessive-compulsive disorder OCD may show tail chasing, circling behavior, vocalization, pica, self-directed aggression, and self-mutilation through biting. In this study , the most common clinical features of OCD in dogs were self-mutilation or grooming. Other medical conditions include injury and post-operative pain, which can trigger aggressive behavior. A hungry or malnourished Labrador can also cause behavior problems such as destructive chewing. Sometimes a history of starvation experienced by rescue dogs may leave them with an eating disorder in which they seek nourishment from non-food items known as pica. Owning a Labrador Retriever is exciting and rewarding for most owners. However, behavior problems associated with the breed can sometimes make it a challenge. What is most encouraging is knowing that you can manage these behavior problems. Exercise, training, eliminating triggers, and seeking a canine behaviorist are helpful and constructive ways to help your Labrador overcome his behavior shortcomings. You must practice patience and consistency every day and work at it. Good luck! Behavior Article Links Some of these problems might seem trivial to others. But when it is you that is losing sleep, dealing with complaints from neighbours or repairing destroyed furniture, it is not trivial at all. In this section we take a look at common Labrador behavior problems. We will begin by giving you some general behavioural information and taking you through an FAQ of common Labrador behaviour problems and their solutions. We will then give you links to our most popular Labrador Behaviour articles where you will find detailed answers to your behavior questions. Bad Behaviour or Bad Training? Others are more complex and require deeper investigation. Knowing why a dog behaves as it does, and what caused the problem in the first place is not always helpful. Sometimes it is simpler to just treat the symptoms in front of you. For example, some labrador puppies will become quite aggressive around food at an early age. Others will let anyone take their dinner. At other times, a good understanding of what causes a behavioural problem, and steps may need to be taken to manage the dog, perhaps avoiding the fear trigger. Resolving behavioral problems Treating Labrador behavior issues is normally tackled in one of two ways Training Management Problems such as jumping up, running away, night-waking, dragging you along on the lead, and food guarding, are all best resolved by training. At other times a management approach may be more appropriate. For example, a rescue dog that has developed a deep seated fear of children may simply need to be kept away from kids. The trauma to the dog of trying to desensitise it, and the time factor required to do so may be too great. It may be simpler to keep the dog muzzled in public and rehomed away from small children. Analysing Labrador behavior Our understanding of dog psychology has improved greatly in recent years, but perhaps there is sometimes a tendency to take an analysis of individual dog behaviour too far. If a problem with Labrador behaviour is disrupting your family life, it needs fixing, no matter what the root cause. Not only for the benefit of the dog, but also, in order that peace and harmony can be restored. Dogs do not fare well in households where everyone is stressed and upset. Not a problem dog? Whilst we cannot help loving our dogs, if we can avoid labelling them as having this problem or that problem, and just deal with any behavior that arises in a practical and appropriate way, I suspect their lives might be easier. Behavioral problems in Labradors can normally be successfully resolved. How do I stop my dog jumping up? Jumping up is quite cute in puppies, and of course many of us allow them to do this until they start knocking people over. Curing jumping up is not too difficult, but it requires patience and persistence. My dog is nipping my arms and it hurts! There is a lot of information on biting in small puppies on this website. But it can be very worrying when this behaviour persists, or reappears in an older dog. This is a common problem in families with a young dog aged between 6 and 18 months. At this age, your dog is still mentally a puppy, but he is now a very big puppy, and the biting really hurts. Most biting in older puppies is associated with over-excitement and inappropriate play rough housing with the dog. Check out these two articles for further information as well as the biting information link above. How to play safely with a Labrador How can I stop my dog whining? Dogs often learn to whine when they are crated or left. Happily, there is quite a straightforward training programme to teach your dog to be quiet in his crate. You can find the instructions here: click for quiet. Labradors love to carry things around in their mouths. This is partly because they are natural retrievers, but also partly because they soon learn that picking up your stuff gets them a whole load of attention! Avoid chasing your dog whilst he is carrying something as dogs love being chased, and this will only encourage him to run faster. So keep a little pot of yummy left overs in the fridge for this purpose. You may find your dog is less inclined to pick up your cushions etc, if you give him some soft cuddly toys of his own. Or you may need to pop a baby gate across the sitting room, to keep him away from the sofa and chairs until you are there to supervise. Help us stop our Labrador raiding the trash can! Some behaviours are so common as to be normal, and bin raiding is a universal problem for Labrador owners. And of course, he has all day to figure out how to get in there, whilst you do not have all day to figure out how to stop him. And punishing the dog when you return home and find the contents strewn across the kitchen floor, will only serve to make the dog fearful of you on your return. The best solution for bin raiding is therefore to place the can where the dog cannot get at it, or purchase a Labrador proof bin. How can I stop my Labrador running after other dogs? Most Labradors are very friendly indeed. And one of the biggest problems for many young Labrador owners, is getting them to come back when there are other people around, or other dogs to be played with. Teaching a dog to recall in the real world, where there are lots of temptations, is a skill. And it is one that you can teach to any dog provided you do so in a structured way. Check out our recall training centre for lots more information on recall in general, and this article: Proofing your recall which will help you teach your labrador to recall away from other people and other dogs. You might also find it helpful to read: Why has my recall broken down? My Labrador wakes up too early Early morning waking, or night waking is another annoying problem behaviour that may start in spring or summer as the lighter mornings set in. Sometimes there is a clear trigger for night waking to begin, but the waking carries on after the trigger is removed. In other cases, the early waking puppy just carries on early waking, with the addition of some increasingly demanding barking to hurry you downstairs. We look at night waking in some detail in this article. Night waking — how to restore the peace How can I stop my dog eating poo? This horrible habit is surprisingly common. We have devoted an entire article to what you can do to prevent or cure it. You can check it out here: Why dogs eat poop and what you can do about it. Eating poo is not the only horrible habit that Labradors may indulge in. Take a look at this article: Why do Labradors eat rubbish for more information and help. My dog is over a year old and still chewing up our home! We all know that puppies chew stuff. Especially when they are teething. But many people do not realise that Labradors can be particularly destructive towards the end of their first year, long after they are firmly in possession of a full set of adult teeth. This article: How to stop your Labrador chewing things takes a close look at chewing and other destructive behaviours, and what you can do to resolve them. My dog is so naughty… We all like a well-behaved dog. The answer to that is with a structured training programme. Behind every well behaved Labrador, lie many hours of training. Getting your dog trained may seem like an effort at times, but training brings huge rewards. A trained dog responds to your commands or signals without hesitation, not just at home, but when you are out and about, or visiting friends too. Getting to this point takes time, information and some effort. Check out How to cope with a naughty Labrador before you start. Then skip over to our training section. Once you make a plan and get going, training is actually a lot of fun. For you and for your dog. Getting started with Labrador training The pleasure of a well-trained and obedient dog are immeasurable. So do join the forum where you can chat with other labrador owners all at different stages of the training process. It is great to start training whilst your dog is young, but remember that a dog of any age can be trained. It is never too late to begin. There are many hundreds of articles on this site about Labrador behavior, why not check out the comprehensive list below for further help:. All in all What causes common Labrador behavior problems? The causes of Labrador behavior problems often depend on what kind of behavior problems your Lab displays, their personality, genetics, as well as experiences in life. This is especially true when you consider that there may be differing Labrador behavior by age. However, there are a handful of common causes of behavioral issues in Labradors. Boredom, for example, is a very common cause. Labradors have lots of energy and are very smart. If they feel like they have nothing to do, they may start chewing up pillows, being where they should not be, or digging holes in your backyard, among other things. These instances may be so problematic for you that you may end up wondering how to discipline your Lab puppy. Another huge reason why your Labrador is acting differently may also be because of a lack of exercise. Labradors are big, energetic dogs that need to burn their energy. Otherwise, you may find yourself asking at what age do Labradors calm down. When your Lab does not get enough exercise, they will be more likely to break things or disobey you. It may also result in a Labrador biting problem. Stress can also make your Labrador have a sudden change of behavior. They may start to look scared, shake, hide, or display other Labrador behavior problems that they normally do not show. Another reason behind your Labrador Common Behavior Problems May also be a traumatic or scary experience that your Labrador Retriever has had. This experience may have led to them having depression , post-traumatic stress disorder, separation anxiety, and the like. For instance, your Lab may have been involved in an accident that would cause them to be scared of and react violently to loud, sudden, or high-pitched noises. These may include sudden dietary changes that they may not be comfortable with, lack of sleep, feeling pain, or an underlying illness. Additionally, one other possible reason for your Labrador behavior problems may be that your you have too high expectations for your dog. It may only be that their general sense of fun gets them into trouble that they may mean common Labrador behavior problems for you. What type of Labrador common behavior problems may your dog develop? Scavenging It would not be unusual if your dog sniffs the kitchen floor to look for fallen pieces of food while you cook. However, it can be a problem if your Lab starts to dig through the trash and make a mess to look for food. However, you can curb this habit and decrease it. First, you have to make sure that you never let your dog eat off of the floor. Whenever you feed them, make sure their food is in their bowl. When you hand them food like treats, do not drop it onto the floor. Instead, hand it directly to their mouths. Additionally, you will want to try preparing some preventative measures. For example, if your Labrador always goes through the trash, you can get a trash can that has a cover that you can clip shut. You can also hide your trash can in a cupboard so they cannot reach it. Aggression While Labs normally have sweet personalities, it is possible for them to show symptoms of aggressive behavior. Common symptoms of aggression include growling , barking , biting, and showing their teeth. Typically, it comes from abuse , trauma, and past experiences. How you deal with it will normally depend on the severity of their symptoms and what caused it. Positive reinforcement and establishing dominance is an excellent way to help treat mild symptoms. However, you may need to see a specialist if your Lab shows severely aggressive behavior. Chewing Chewing will be a very common Labrador behavior for nearly all dogs, especially when they are puppies. Sometimes, it may only be that they are teething , as they often stop this habit when they have their adult teeth or when you train them. However, uncontrollable chewing that wrecks your furniture and other belongings is going to be a common Labrador behavior problem that you will have to learn how to deal with. You can control their chewing by showing them what are the acceptable things they can chew, such as their toys. Whenever they chew the right things like toys, you can give them treats to reward them. You can also make sure they get enough exercise. If your dog has too much extra energy, they will find other ways to release it, like chewing your stuff. Getting them enough exercise every day can help get rid of the temptation to chew. Excessive barking Dogs bark to communicate. However, excessive barking can be an issue for you, your family, your neighbors, and more. Your Lab may bark whenever they want your attention. Therefore, they might bark excessively if they lack attention. A simple way to help them feel more loved is by keeping them inside more often. Dogs that are outside the house and alone often feel lonely and will bark to grab your attention. You can also close your curtains if your dog barks at people walking down the street. Begging Labradors are hungry dogs that love food. However, that makes them more likely to beg for food every time you try to eat, which can be bothersome. To stop them, you should never give them food that you are eating. If you give them bites to eat while you are at the table, they will always come back for more. You should also redirect them when they beg to sit near you or lay down next to your feet. Digging Remember how Labs are smart? Well, they get bored quickly and will find a way to keep themselves entertained. Luckily, keeping them indoors with lots of toys can easily stop them from wanting to dig in your yard. Jumping up You may have found it extremely cute before when your Lab puppy would jump on your legs to get your attention and bite or nip your hand. However, it may be a lot more painful and bothersome now that they are fully grown adults. First, you should make sure to stay calm and not get mad at your Lab when you tell them to stop. Otherwise, they may think that you do not appreciate their greetings. What you can do instead is to redirect their behavior. This method is especially good to start teaching them when they are young. When they see you enter a room, tell them to sit and stay until you let them get up. Once they get up, you can pet them and hug them. If they try to do this to other people, tell the person to turn away and to discourage their behavior. It will help your Lab learn that they do not need to jump on people to say hello. Your Lab may just be acting the way they do because they do not know what is right or wrong until you teach them. For instance, scavenging and digging are natural instincts for dogs. So, if they start to do that, you have to teach them that it is wrong. Otherwise, they will not realize that they should not do it. More importantly, it is your job to teach them what they can and cannot do. Labrador Retrievers are generally very easy to train, so you can easily rectify any common Labrador behavior problem. All you need is a little patience. We have suggested some tips above that you can take note of to know how to stop common Labrador behavior problems when they arise. If you need these behavior problems in your Lab changed, you have to make sure that you train them out of it. Post navigation. Your dog is special! Chances are that you chose her because you like Labs and you expected her to have certain traits that would fit your lifestyle: Bouncy, cheerful, loyal, and enthusiastic Good with kids and other pets Above average intelligence and trainability when positive reinforcement training methods are used Loves to play games, especially fetch People-oriented and eager to please Even temper and gentle disposition However, no dog is perfect! Of course! Loyal and lively, these water-loving dogs make exceptional family members and hunting partners. They were valued by fisherman for their trainability, trustworthiness, and work ethic. Fulfilling their retriever name, they would dive into icy cold waters to help pull in fishing nets and occasionally catch stray fish that had escaped. Today the Labrador comes in two varieties: the American tall and lanky or English short and stocky. Whether American or English ancestry, there are three color versions — black, blonde, and brown. When given plenty of vigorous exercise and attention, these sweethearts are gentle and well-behaved in the home. All you need is a ball to throw and your Lab will love you for life! The Labrador Retriever is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Labrador. By knowing about health concerns specific to Labrador Retrievers, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in Labrador Retrievers to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for Labrador Retrievers. At the end of the booklet, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your Lab looking and feeling her best. And unfortunately, your Lab is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. It starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections Labrador Retrievers are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination, which we will recommend based on the diseases we see in our area, her age, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in Labrador Retrievers. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Roundworm egg as seen under the microscope. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms, and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Labrador is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. For example, if your pet needs hip X-rays or a puppy tooth extracted, this would be a good time. This is convenient for you and easy for your friend. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions for common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Labrador is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off blood supply to the stomach, and sometimes the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as 30 minutes. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes out , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Some of the blood supply that should go to the liver goes around it instead, depriving the liver of the blood flow it needs to grow and function properly. If your friend has PSS, his liver cannot remove toxins from his bloodstream effectively. Surgery may be needed, but in some cases, we can treat with a special diet and medication. Your Labrador Retriever is prone to a chronic liver disease, called hepatitis, starting when he is middle aged. We usually diagnose it with blood testing and liver biopsy, and we treat it with medication and special diets. Signs of liver disease do not usually occur until most of the liver is already damaged or destroyed. Early detection and intervention with routine blood screening allows us to detect this problem at an earlier, more treatable stage. Bleeding Disorders Your Labrador Retriever is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Hemolytic Anemia and Thrombocytopenia Labradors are particularly prone to some relatively rare diseases of the blood. If the immune system destroys red blood cells, your dog quickly becomes anemic, weak, and lethargic. His gums will look whitish or yellow instead of the normal bright pink color. Sometimes an emergency transfusion of red blood cells or platelets is needed. Bone and Joint Problems A number of different musculoskeletal problems have been reported in Labrador Retrievers. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. Keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Illustration showing a tear in the cranial cruciate ligament of the knee joint. The cranial cruciate ligament is one of the four tough bands of tissue that hold each knee together. A torn cranial cruciate ligament is a common injury in active dogs, which includes your Lab. Usually surgical correction is done to stabilize the knee and help prevent crippling arthritis. Physical therapy and multimodal pain management are necessary to get the best outcome. Keeping him at the right weight, feeding a high-quality diet, and avoiding too much twisting of the knees like playing Frisbee are key in avoiding this painful injury. When Labrador puppies are allowed to grow too quickly, the cartilage in their joints may not attach to the bone properly. This problem is known as osteochondritis dissecans or OCD. If this occurs, surgery may be required to fix the problem. Feed a large-breed puppy diet rather than an adult or a regular puppy diet. Weigh your puppy every three to four weeks. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition that could occur in your Labrador Retriever causes a wobbly, drunken gait. This condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, happens because there is a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck, which pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. If the nerves do not send signals to the brain the way they are supposed to, your dog cannot feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery are treatment options. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but Labs have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars and require daily insulin injections. It is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Allergies In humans, an allergy to pollen, mold, or dust makes people sneeze and their eyes itch. In dogs, rather than sneeze, allergies make their skin itchy. Commonly, the feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for this condition. Bleeding Tumor Hemangiosarcoma is a type of bleeding tumor that affects Labrador Retrievers at greater than average incidence. These tumors commonly form in the spleen, but can form in other organs as well. Unbeknownst to a pet owner, the tumor breaks open and internal bleeding occurs. Some tumors can be volleyball-sized or larger before signs of sickness show. We often find clues that one of these tumors is present during senior wellness testing, so have his blood tested and an ultrasound performed at least yearly. Abnormal lymphocytes, as seen under the microscope, confirming a diagnosis of lymphoma. Lymphoma Lymphoma or lymphosarcoma is a type of cancer that afflicts Labrador Retrievers more than other breeds. This disease makes the body form abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell. Because white blood cells can be found throughout the body, this cancer can show up almost anywhere. Lymphoma is a very treatable form of cancer, with an excellent success rate in dogs receiving chemotherapy. Treatment can be costly, however, and is a lifelong commitment. Luckily, lymphoma is one of the few types of cancer that can often be found with a blood test, so we may recommend a complete blood count twice yearly. Unfortunately, Labrador Retrievers can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs of concern. The adrenal glands are situated along the vena cava the large vein in the abdominal cavity near each kidney. These small glands release many important hormones in the body. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Lab is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite and reduced activity level. Later, a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss are characteristic. Treatment usually includes oral medications, and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary, or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, with Labrador Retrievers commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, they will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control, with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and effectiveness. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease Some breeds like your Labrador can be born with a variety of heart defects. They can also cause problems with the electrical signals that control the heartbeat or with heart valve function. Special testing will be recommended if we hear a heart murmur or you notice any unusual symptoms such as tiring easily, coughing, a swollen belly, or fainting. Exercise Induced Collapse Exercise Induced Collapse, or EIC, is just what it sounds like — a young, apparently healthy Labrador collapses to the ground suddenly while exercising. In a few minutes, the weakness passes and he can get up again. Affected dogs cannot run for too long, especially in hot weather, so a day of hunting or strenuous hiking is probably not a good idea. Heat stroke can occur along with EIC. Limiting exercise is the only treatment and pet parents should be vigilant to avoid overheating. Genetic testing can be done to diagnose the disease and to screen dogs before breeding. Muscle Disease Labrador Retrievers may develop a disease of the muscles, called myopathy, somewhere between three and seven months old. Physical signs include bunny hopping, loss of muscle tone in the limbs, a stiff gait, or carrying the head low. Most dogs with myopathy are stabilized by twelve months of age, have a normal life span, and are suitable as house companions: no hunting or working! Taking Care of Your Labrador Retriever at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your Lab live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. Brush her coat as needed, at least weekly. Labrador Retrievers generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. Always walk your Lab on a leash, she has a tendency to run off after interesting smells and people. She has a passion for water and swimming is a perfect form of exercise for this water retriever. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease, or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help, and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your Labrador Retriever needs help. For the most up-to-date information on DNA and other screening tests available for your pal, visit www. Your Labrador counts on you to take good care of her, and we look forward to working with you to ensure that she lives a long and healthy life. Please contact us when you have questions or concerns. References: Ackerman L. Second edition. AAHA Press; .Veterinary medical guide to dog and cat breeds. Jackson, Wyoming. Teton New Media; .Gough A, Thomas A. Breed Predispositions to Disease in Dogs and Cats. Wiley-Blackwell; .Canine Inherited Disorders Database [Internet]. University of Prince Edward Island.

No comments Is your French Bulldog biting? Many pets bite from anxiety and fear rather than aggression. With this in mind, French Bulldogs are prone to separation anxiety due to their loyal disposition. Separation anxiety oftentimes stems from changes in the regular household schedule. Working longer hours than usual or traveling more often than your dog is accustomed to may trigger separation anxiety and other strange behavior. Sometimes pets begin acting aggressively due to illness or physical pain. Biting is not a regular characteristic when we think of the French Bulldog. If this a behavior that has just begun out of the blue, then you most certainly want to be cautious, proactive, and responsive. Biting is never a behavior you want to ignore. Luckily, however, there are many ways to find positive solutions. So, try not to worry too much. Whether it is the environment or an emotional trigger, the first thing you want to do is eliminate the source of the problem as much as possible. In the meantime, it is best to create a plan of action, as well. The best thing you can do to eliminate the biting once and for all is to train your Frenchie accordingly. Depending on the circumstances causing the behavior, you will need to find the right training technique for you and your dog. Some strategies to reduce separation anxiety, for example, involve introducing a new treat or toy every time you plan on leaving for an extended period. If you are uncertain, it is best to consult an expert professional. Wrapping up Although it may seem like your French Bulldog has a behavioral problem, try to remember that this biting is just a bad patch that will turn around. Addressing the behavior, finding solutions, and training your Frenchie will have your buddy back into your lap, loving and making you laugh like the dog you know and love! As a breed they have a great temperament. However, it can still happen, and French Bulldog puppy biting problems are one of the most challenging issues I am asked about on social media. Speaking from real-life experience, our Frenchie Claude has never bitten anybody aggressively. However, he was very nippy as a puppy, and in truth, a lot of that was my fault due to the way I would play with him. I soon learned fast that I was going to get nipped! Our next door neighbour also has a French Bulldog puppy who was constantly biting. I worked with them to try and stop the biting problem and had great success. It was particularly important as they have young kids to consider. Please read down and take everything in. I believe this is the most comprehensive guide to stopping a French Bulldog biting that you will find anywhere online. Make a drink, sit back, and I will teach you how to stop the keep biting problem, starting off with why it happens. Why French Bulldog Bite? But this can start off with something as normalised as barking. If you decide to not heed the warning, the barking can then progress to a growling and showing of the teeth. If you continue to approach and invade their space, the bite is the next natural step. However, with a more aggressive Frenchie this bite can be very painful as they have very strong jaws. For parents this will be of particular concern if a French Bulldog bites your child. Do French Bulldogs bite a lot? As puppies, yes, Frenchies can bite and nip as part of teething and play. As a general rule of thumb, they will get over this behaviour. Generally speaking though, Frenchies are a non-aggressive breed. Most of it will be down to how the owner has trained and raised the dog. Why French Bulldog puppies bite Sometimes the puppies will start to bite for fun, others will bite during the teething phase read more about teething here. Frenchies use their mouths to explore, and small nips here and there can be explained away by their age. Other will bite and act aggressive out of fear, and others will bite too enthusiastically during play. Another reason why Frenchie puppies bite can also be to try to show that they are the ones who are in charge of your relationship. If this is the case with your puppy, it must be stopped immediately as if you have a puppy that believes it is dominant, its nibbling will be just the beginning of your troubles. Whichever scenario you face, biting is a behavior that needs to be nipped no pun intended in the bud as soon as possible when the dog is younger. This will help to prevent bigger problems as the Frenchie gets older. But there is a fine line between biting and playing. Our own Frenchie Claude is a classic example. As a puppy I would play with him probably a little too enthusiastically, and he would go for my hands as a result — thankfully he grew out of it, and yours probably will too. Adult Frenchies that bite are a problem However, French Bulldogs that bite into adulthood are problematic, especially if the biting suddenly starts with no previous form. In this case, please take the dog to the vet immediately to rule out any illness or injury that could be causing the biting problems. In cases such as this, vets will often recommend a dog behaviour specialist. How to stop your French Bulldog puppy from biting If your Frenchie puppy starts to show aggressive behaviour and biting it does need to be stopped as soon as it can. Otherwise it could continue into adulthood and become a bigger problem that is behavioural rather than playful. Squeal like a puppy bite inhibition When puppies play together, they will squeal when bitten by another pup. In the litter you will see this happening, and the squeal results in the biting puppy backing away. As humans we can mimic this behaviour. This is a hugely popular method used by dog trainers as it makes your puppy believe that he hurts you every time he gives you a bite. You might find that your puppy takes this telling off to heart. When we tried it with our puppy he would get all submissive and run to my wife for reassurance. The key is to not comfort them at this point, as this could lead to more biting. By shunning the puppy momentarily, you will get the best results. It sounds harsh, but if you really do want your French Bulldog to stop biting, you need to stick firm. The sooner you start doing this, the sooner your puppy will learn that biting is not ok. It really does work very well. By doing so, you are encouraging the bad behaviour. This is one of the most important tips, and to not do so will only prolong the period you have to try to stop the bad attitude. Then place another finger under the chin. Hold this position for 10 seconds, but not too hard. Your puppy will feel uncomfortable it will train him to not keep biting you. A dog trainer gave me this tip and swears by it. It involves wearing a pair of gloves with something on it that tastes bad. My trainer recommended a bitter spray see it on Amazon. After a few bites, your Frenchie will soon learn that if it bites you, it will not taste good! If you see the puppy starting to come towards your hands or fingers, move them out the way and use a chew toy instead. By focusing on the toy instead, the puppy will learn that hands are not for biting and will associate a chew toy with biting instead. The toys we found worked best for biting and chewing were the Kong on Amazon view prices. You can also see some other recommendations in my chew toy page. Frenchie puppies love to chase feet and bite at shoes, and yes, it is fun, but curb it sooner rather than later. Puppies love biting feet, shoes, and shoelaces as part of play. Use the same preventative methods listed in points 1 and 2 to discourage feet nipping. From talking to animal behaviouralists and vets, they say that a physical punishment will only exacerbate the biting problem and create more fear and aggression in your French Bulldog. Fear is the root of so many biting problems and will only make your puppy feel scared of you and be more inclined to deliver a nasty nip. But you still need to teach your Frenchie puppy to be accepting when your hands do go near the mouth. As puppies, you will need to fish things out of their mouth, and into adulthood check their teeth and administer medicines. You need to train them to not bite your hands when your fingers need to go into the mouth area. Do this by giving them a small treat and then quickly taking it out of their mouth. Train your Frenchie puppy to not bite over food Another flashpoint will be food. Puppies are very protective of their food bowl and will wolf it down in seconds to stop anybody else from eating it. But this behaviour that was learned from a young age, will also result in biting problems around their food dish. Food aggression is a problem even with the most well-behaved Frenchie so your aim here is to train the puppy that you can take food away from it with no aggressive response. Keep repeating the lesson until your French Bulldog puppy learns that you, the master, have control over food and can give or take it away at will. If you have kids, then also get them to practice this as the dog should never have dominance over any member of your household. If you can stop your French Bulldog puppy biting over food, then your almost there with having a perfectly well adjusted and non-aggressive pet. However, you might still experience it in other scenarios such as them being jealous of another pet, child, or visitor. It can also occur when you try to get your dog to get down off a couch or bed to make way for you. This is there way of exerting dominance over you so nip it in the bud by reinforcing good behaviour. Socialise your puppy with other dogs Make sure that your puppy has opportunities to play with other dogs. Puppies learn from each other and particularly older dogs. You can help stop a French bulldog puppy biting by wearing them out and learning from adult dogs. Not only do they learn from each other, but they will also wear each other out. Expose your puppy to loud noises and fearful situations Now obviously I am not suggesting that you go out of your way to scare your young dog, but it is important to expose them to situations that could spark fear, aggression,and biting. Think of things such as loud noises from traffic passing by, children shouting, or noisy public environments. The sooner you can get your Frenchie trained to be calm in these situations, the more chance you stand of them not reacting badly and reacting with a fearful or aggressive bite. Always supervise young children with a puppy A French Bulldog that bites a child is a hugely serious issue. Supervise your dog at all times when around young children to avoid bites and aggression. Whilst French Bulldogs are great with children , you should never leave them alone. When to seek professional help If even after using all these training methods, you still have a French Bulldog that bites, then please talk to your vet immediately. An expert will be able to tell you whether the mouthing of your puppy is normal behaviour or something that requires a treatment plan. There are also specialist animal behaviourists who can help with biting and fear aggression in French Bulldogs. The dangers of a dog bite Adult dogs that bite can be serious problem. People die every year from bites, and more frequently can develop serious infections when a wound goes septic. The result is an open, jagged wound. If the wound becomes infected, it is often severe. The No. You may need hospitalization and require intravenous antibiotics. Compress the wound gently by pressing on it. This will squeeze some blood out which can help to flush out as much of the bacteria as possible. Clean the bite wound with clean water and a mild soap. Press a clean cloth onto the bite to slow the bleeding down. Apply antibiotic cream to the bite wound. Dress the bite wound with a sterile bandage. Consult with a medical professional as soon as you can. Conclusion The general rule to stopping a French Bulldog from biting is to always encourage acceptable behavior and to discourage unacceptable behavior. This rule is fundamental in the training of any dog. Use chew toys and games and not your hands. This means that you or any other person who comes into contact with your puppy must keep in mind the strategy chosen each time your puppy begins to chew. If you have visitors and other family members, communicate with them to adopt the same strategy as you. The bottom line is this; if you do not communicate clearly with your French Bulldog, he will not understand that what he is doing is not good. Do not just expect the puppy to know it for himself. You need to take the role of the pack leader. You might also be interested in: If you enjoyed this guide on how to stop your French Bulldog puppy biting, you might also like these related posts:. Technique No. It is important to understand why they result into biting so that you can better train them to control their urge. This is why owners should just control what their Frenchie chews on rather than completely preventing them from biting or chewing. It is in the Frenchie puppies nature to bite or chew as they also try to protect themselves. Frenchies also bite as a way to defend themselves against people or things that they think put them in danger. Biting As A Form Of Play French bulldog puppies are naturally playful and one way to show their playfulness is through biting. It is a form of socialization and a bit of rough play. A Frenchie puppy learns to control the intensity of its bite when it plays with other puppies. When it bites too hard and causes pain on another Frenchie, the other puppy will cry loudly to let the Frenchie know. This is a natural way on how Frenchies learn to control their bite. Some may consider them as just a phase that they can outgrow as they mature into adults. Biting usually occurs when Frenchies are puppies because they are still in their teething stage. Like babies who like to chew on different things while they are teething, Frenchie puppies also like to bite and chew on things while they are teething. The process of chewing relieves their gums of the discomfort that they may be feeling because of their erupting teeth. Giving them items that they can chew will help them feel more comfortable as they pass through this stage of their lives. After teething, it is possible for Frenchies to lessen their frequency in biting or chewing. You should establish that you have authority over your Frenchie so that it follows you. With whatever you are training your puppy for, you should be consistent. Make sure the rules are always followed and no exceptions so that your Frenchie learns faster. By yelping out loud and startling your Frenchie puppy every time they bite you, your cute Frenchie will learn that biting is hurtful to you and should not be done. Frenchies also bite as a form of defense. When they feel that they are in danger because of your violence, they are more likely to be aggressive and react with violence too. It helps them with the discomfort that they feel in their gums. To prevent your Frenchie from biting you, you can provide them with alternative chew toys or chew items instead. Giving them iced treats or rags soaked in cold water will help numb their gums and make them feel more comfortable. It is possible that your Frenchie is suffering from anxiety and using biting as an outlet. Finding a way to overcome their anxiety will eventually lead them to stop biting. Our boutique About Us The exclusive destination for all your luxury accessory needs. Inspired by French Bulldogs, made for all pups.

As a curly haired breed, the Poodle may pass this characteristic fully on to the Whipoodle. However, more often than not Whippet Poodle mixes have a slightly curly or a wavy coat. Commonly Whippet Poodle coats will have 2 to 3 colours, but the colouration can vary enormously depending upon the parents or recessive genes. Whippet Poodle Mix Temperament At home Whippets are generally calm and gentle dogs and they have a reputation as lazy since a well exercised Whippet will be happy sleeping on the couch for most of the day. At play, Whippets have bundles of energy and love nothing more than sprinting with other dogs or chasing a ball. Don't Miss My Latest Posts! Join over others who've subscribed to my newsletter! No spam guarantee - I only send 1 newsletter each week. Poodles are considered alert, loyal and loving and they too make great family pets. Like Whippets, Poodles also have bags of energy and a strong prey drive Whippets come in a wide variety of gorgeous cross breeds. Find out more about Whippet mixes in my super detailed guide! Buy this now on Amazon Poodles are also an intelligent breed. This makes for a highly trainable and instinctive dog, but at the same time they may also be stubborn. A Whippet Poodle mix may then result in an intelligent, loving and playful dog that enjoys the outdoors and craves human companionship. This is as true for Whipoodles as it is for any other cross bred dog. As such, the following is a list of some of the health problems associated with both Whippets and Poodles Whippets. Final Thoughts What is a Whipoodle? A Whipoodle, in simple words, is a dog breed resulting from breeding a Whippet and a Poodle. They are also called Whipoos or Whipadoodles. Most Whipoodles are bred from standard Poodles, which makes them a medium to large-sized Doodle breed. They are descendants of Greyhounds, which is why Whippets nowadays closely resemble small Greyhounds. However, unlike the Whippet, a Greyhound is more of a racing or hunting dog. On the other hand, the standard Poodle is a medium-sized water dog. They are very intelligent and love to stay active with their owners. It helps to learn more about the Whippet-Poodle mix by looking at the history of both parent breeds. History of the Parent Breeds Whipoodles are a new and unique Doodle breed. Their origin may have happened on accident, or possibly a breeder decided to mix a Poodle with a Whippet deliberately. We do know quite a lot about the parent breeds. Learning about their history gives us a better understanding of the traits and characteristics of the Whipoodle. Whippets Painted portrait of a Whippet. For centuries, many small Sighthounds have been seen in oil paintings, either playing with other dogs or walking with a human. Every century has its own definition of the Whippets. But in the 19th century, Whippets were described as a cross between a Greyhound and a Spaniel. Glancing at history, many dogs looked like Whippets hundreds of years ago. Solid evidence of Whippets goes back to the 17th century when they were eventually given the name. In the mids, the pure breed concept first emerged, and in , the first dog show was held, which gave birth to the American Kennel Club in , and the most famous dog show that is now held every year. After the 19th century, Whippets were recognized as a mix of terriers and small English Greyhounds. However, the initial appearance was not sleek. So, Italian Greyhounds were introduced for breeding, making the Whippets look better. The history states that Whippets were brought to America by English mill operatives in Massachusetts. In Victorian England, coal miners used to take their dogs for racing competitions and rabbit hunting expeditions in their off time. So the idea of creating a smaller Greyhound breed came. There is no detailed and documented evidence about which specific breed was behind the Whippet that resulted from the need to create a smaller dog. Nevertheless, as the coal miners shifted their work, the breed followed them and came to New England and America. While these dogs became popular in the 19th century, they began their rise to popularity in the 18th century. At first, these dogs were used to catching any prey in sight, and their speed and agility enabled them to catch prey relatively easily. Whippet standing in the field. At the end of the 18th and the start of the 19th centuries, small Whippet-like dogs were typical among those who could not afford a Greyhound. The rabbit skin was also used in lure coursing, and the racing Whippets gained nationwide popularity. In , Whippets were the official breed of the American Kennel Club. Whippets have historically been great dogs for watchkeeping. While cheerful and playful, they might hesitate to meet a new person. So, avoid directly petting them. Instead, gently approach them and see their reaction. Hunters used these dogs to retrieve game from the water. Their iconic continental clip is not just for looks. It was used to keep their bodies warm while they plunged into the cold waters of European rivers and lakes to retrieve game. The standard Poodle became popular all across Europe. They were even used as circus performers in some regions. Their intelligence, good looks, and overall demeanor made them the favorite of the French nobles. Eventually, France adopted the Poodle as their national dog. The standard Poodle was bred down in size to create the Miniature Poodle. After Poodles were introduced to America, they were bred down even further to make the Toy Poodle. Poodles of all sizes are a popular dog breed today. If you want to learn more about this beautiful breed, check out my in-depth guide to standard Poodles. Appearance A Whipoodle features a long, sleek body with lots of fur. On average, this dog is moderately sized but can often get noticeably large or small, depending on different factors. Ultimately, their parents will have the most profound effect on their appearance. This will depend on which breed was used as the father or mother. A Whippet looks like a Greyhound with long and slender legs. In fact, at first sight, people often mistake it for a Greyhound, but Whippets are relatively peaceful and friendly. Their entire bodies are lean and muscular, with an abdomen neatly tucked up. They have a fairly long tail but usually keep it low and have big, lustrous eyes. Unlike Whippets, Poodles have lots of hair across their bodies. Among other peculiar features are a square outline, a straight back, and an elegant long neck. Like many other dogs, they have floppy ears. They shed little to no hair, which is why they are popular with people allergic to animal hair. You can groom or wash them once a week to keep them clean. However, make sure not to wear a coat or jacket when petting them, as they shed hair quickly, and getting that out of certain clothes can be a hassle. Poodles have curled hair and a single dense coat. Most Whipoodles have black, brown, and white spots on their faces, but some can have other colors on their paws, faces, and chest. Based on the standard colors of the Whippet and the Poodle, below are the possible coat colors your Whipoodle may have: Black. Jolene Davis and was blessed with the most loving and beautiful companion for more than thirteen years. When Emmitt passed away after a full and joyous life I reached back out to her, primarily just to thank her for allowing me to take home such a special dog. It just so happened that she had whelped another litter recently and, to make a long story short, last week we brought home Judd - a remarkable black and white parti male - who has the same beauty, grace and goofiness of his predecessor. After meeting Jolene in person I understand why she breeds such wonderful dogs as her excitement, love and knowledge of whippets is undeniable. I would strongly recommend her and her kennel to anyone looking for a whippet. Now I just need to convince my wife to let me get another one.Jeff Lim by Jeff Lim Amazing Breeder, Jolene with Whisperun I am writing to express my sincere appreciation for Jolene's help in finding the perfect whippet puppy for me. I had been searching for a whippet for several months, and I was starting to get discouraged. I had visited several breeders, but I had not found a puppy that was a good fit for me and my family. When I came to your kennel, I was immediately impressed by the way you cared for your dogs. Your whippets were all healthy, happy and well-socialized. I could tell that you took great pride in your breeding program. When I met Billi, I knew right away that he was the one for me. Billi has been a joy to have in our family. He is the perfect combination of playful and cuddly. He loves to go for walks, play fetch and cuddle up on the couch. He is also very well-behaved. I am so grateful to you for helping me find Billi. He is a wonderful addition to our family, and I know that we will have many happy years together. Thank you again for everything, Jolene. My grandmother always told me how fabulous Whippets were, so I decided to finally get one. My fabulous boy has been the most loyal, loving companion one could ever want. We go out at 5 AM for a run on the golf course every day, never missing a day. My vet tells me he has the healthiest heart she has ever heard. I am constantly being stopped on walks or in Home Depot because people want to admire his gorgeous coloration or rave about his amazing demeanor. My entire family adore him and know that Grandma is protected on early walks, whether in the city or on the ranch. He has been incredibly easy to train and understands many commands, far more than I would expect him to. I agree. Andrew Engel by Andrew Engel Best. My family fell in love with "Scout" the first time we saw her puppy pics on the website. Our Blue-Brindle Irish female is now nearly 13 weeks old and has exploded in growth from when we picked her up at 8 weeks right at 13lbs at the moment. Sooo pretty. .She has been the easiest pup too.Her personality is off the charts!! We simply could not be more pleased with her!! From our first inquiry to Take-Home day, Jolene was amazing to work with. She's very knowledgeable and always politely answered all of our questions. If you're considering a whippet, Whisperun is the place to be looking! Page 1 of