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German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Blankets, pillows, and towels. The mother GSD and her litter need a quiet place to stay. It should be spacious, clean, and comfortable. If money is not an issue, you may purchase a commercial whelping box and a washable vet bed. But if you want to be thrifty, you can just make use of a clean cardboard box. Just make sure that the box is big enough for your GSD to stretch out comfortably. You may also buy a heat pad. It will provide warmth to the litter. Instead, put the heat pad under the whelping box, with one end on top of the box. Cover it with a towel to avoid overheating. The whelping box should be close enough to an electrical outlet so you can easily plug in the heat pad once you need more warmth for your Litter. Make sure they stay warm by providing a heating pad and lamp. You may add blankets, pillows, towels, or even old newspapers and a warm water bottle wrapped in a towel. Be careful though because puppies might get entangled and suffocate if the blanket, pillows, and towels are not taut. Puppy milk replacer, baby bottle, or feeding syringe If the litter is abandoned or orphaned, ask your vet to prescribe milk formulated for German shepherd puppies. Purchase a baby bottle or syringe for feeding. If you leave newborn German shepherd puppies with their mother, give her the first two days to bond with her litter and feed them. Once you see that your GSD has accepted her litter and is feeding them, you can put the puppies in a box beside their mother. She will take care of cleaning and nurturing her pups while continuing to feed them with her milk. But if she still refuses to take care of her pups, you must take matters into your own hands. To do this, place a clean towel or a washable vet bed inside a cardboard box. Keep the box beside your GSD but make sure that she cannot get in touch with her pups. Plug the pad into an electrical outlet and adjust the heat to maintain its temperature at 95 degrees Fahrenheit. The pups can get hypothermia if their body heat drops below 94 degrees Fahrenheit. See also How long should a puppy chew on a bully stick and when to take the bully stick away? Now, put your German shepherd puppies under the warmth of the heating pad at 95 degrees F and wait for them to feed. Only put three puppies per towel or one puppy per section of the vet bed for ease in feeding and monitoring. A mother GSD can produce about 4 to 5 cc of milk every hour. This means that she will need someone to feed her pups every 2 or 3 hours. To correctly use the eyedropper, put your puppy on its stomach and tickle its throat to induce swallowing. Repeat this process until you see that the pup has emptied the eyedropper. Pups will probably fall asleep after feeding. To avoid suffocation, place rolled-up newspapers in their box the pups can use them as pillows when they sleep. These are only temporary until the mother GSD starts to take care of them by licking them clean and keeping them warm with her presence. Weighing scale To make sure if the German shepherd puppies are gaining enough weight, monitor their weight by using a weighing scale at least 4 times a week. If the puppies are not gaining enough weight, they may not be getting enough milk or nourishment so consult your vet right away. Use a wet cotton ball or washcloth to massage or rub gently the anal region. A mother GSD can give birth to 4 to 9 puppies in one litter, 6 as the average. Newborn German Shepherd Puppies Newborns especially 1 to 3-day old German shepherd puppies are vulnerable so before you do anything, consult with your vet especially if you are inexperienced. Right after your GSD gives birth, check the 1-day old German shepherd puppies if they are breathing. If you notice a puppy having breathing difficulties, use a suction bulb syringe to suck out the blockage and clear its airways. Most of the time, they just sleep or eat. They usually eat every two hours during their first week of life. If the puppies are orphaned, you may wash them gently using a warm and moist cloth. Avoid over-bathing the pups because it can cause dehydration. You will notice some of them wagging their tails as well which is adorable to look at. The puppies will gradually open their eyes for the first time in 2 weeks. They will be curious so expect them to move around to inspect their surroundings. Instead of crawling, they attempt to use their legs even though their legs may shake. Check their weight to see if they are gaining well and continue keeping them warm and clean. Their ears will open so they can hear the sounds around them. Though their legs still shake when they attempt to walk, they can finally stand on their own. They will begin to socialize and explore their surroundings more so you should not separate the puppies from each other. They will start teething so they tend to bite everything. They will also be interested in eating solid food. The puppies can walk well at 4 weeks so they will continue socializing with their siblings, their mother, and their handler through playing. They can begin eating solid foods for the first time now that their teeth are fully developed. The puppies can be fully weaned when they reach 6 weeks because they become independent of their mother. They also improve their social skills by playing not only with each other but also with people. Not to worry because this is just a normal phase. This is a good time to expose the puppies to various sounds, places, and people. Teach them basic commands but focus on socialization and bite inhibition. If the puppies are not fully potty trained , train them now. At 9 weeks, the weight of male German shepherd puppies normally ranges from 9 to 10 kg while the females would be from 7 to 9 kg. Their height ranges from 12 to 15 inches. See also How to Crate Train a German Shepherd Puppy When the German shepherd puppies reach 10 weeks, their ears will become pointy but sometimes the ears are floppy. Their height and weight will continue to grow as long as they are adequately fed. By this time, your puppies should already know how to gently use their mouth in dealing with humans so you can enhance their training by teaching other basic commands. When they are done, let them play so that they learn how to do this on their own. Be patient because it takes time before they get the hang of it. If after 24 hours it still refuses to eat, use a baby bottle or feeding syringe to feed the puppy. Prepare a milk replacement formula using evaporated milk mixed with egg yolk, using two egg yolks for every half cup of milk. To avoid bacteria growth, boil the water first before mixing everything and store any leftover formula in the fridge. Gradually increase the proportion of milk replacement formula and decrease the proportion of puppy chow until you wean them off milk replacement completely. Your GSD puppy may have parasites because stools may look like pebbles or tan-colored, small balls which can be a sign that they have swallowed something in their litter box. This is particularly common when they are still with their mother because they tend to eat the feces of the other pups. Diarrhea can also be caused by stress, which is common for a newborn GSD puppy that has been removed from its mom. If this happens, make sure you give them enough attention and place your hand gently on their body to calm them down. Conclusion German shepherd puppies are truly a sight to behold from birth to adulthood. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. They cannot see or hear yet, or regulate their body temperature, and they require a lot of tender care from their mom. The new mom is usually very excited and concerned about each newborn, and sometimes overly enthusiastic about chewing off the umbilical cord, which may later result in an umbilical hernia that will take a little longer to close, but is no danger to the puppy. We record the ribbon color and weight of each puppy so that, when we weigh the pups throughout the next days and weeks, we can make sure that each one is gaining weight. Normal weight for a newborn German Shepherd puppy ranges from g to g 0. We take great care to ensure that our newborn German Shepherd puppies have the best chance for a healthy start. A German Shepherd female can be in active labor for 6 to 18 hours, sometimes even longer if she takes a break while having a large litter, and we of course do not leave her side during this time. I stay up making sure that the whelping box which is always in my office or bedroom is clean and dry after each puppy is born, and that the temperature stays constant 86 - 88 F in the room. We keep the temperature at this level for about 2 weeks, gradually reducing it down to normal F by the end of the third week. Someone is always present with the puppies during the first 5 days. I handle the puppies several times a day, as well as weigh them every other day during this period, to make sure that everyone looks and acts healthy, nurses well, and is gaining weight. I usually buy a dozen fluffy cotton towels, and use two at a time as bedding for the whelping box. I change these towels twice daily at this stage to make sure the puppies are always clean and dry. Starting from day 3, and until day 16, I follow The "Super Dog" Program for our puppies - an early neurological stimulation program described by Dr. Carmen Battaglia. It has numerous benefits later in life for puppies. Often, puppies that were born the smallest overtake the bigger ones. Even at this tender age strong individual differences can be noted among German Shepherd puppies. Also, there is difference in their color and markings, and long-hair German Shepherd puppies can often be identified at this age. The new mom is very attached to her puppies at this age and is very reluctant to leave them even for the shortest time. She spends a lot of time sleeping with the puppies nursing peacefully, and is also very happy to be busy cleaning each puppy several times a day and flipping them around gently with her nose. At about 2 weeks of age German Shepherd puppies actually start looking more like puppies, and not just fat black sausages with feet attached. We use undiluted evaporated goats milk from a can, warmed up to be pleasant to the touch. Most puppies readily accept the bottle, and we consider this to be very important bonding and social time as well. Three weeks of age is my favorite age of all. The puppies now can be recognized as German Shepherd puppies. They are alert, playful, and there is a lot of wrestling, tail-wagging, and even barking going on as they explore their surroundings and interact with each other and their mom, all of which is extremely cute. I will often just sit in the whelping box with them, letting them play with my clothes, climb up on my lap, and generally just enjoying their carefree company. We also provide them with various toys starting at this age, and make sure that they listen to loud music, banging on the door, vacuum cleaner, etc. They weigh around 1. At first, they may not have a lot of success with it, as some of them try to suckle on the meat, but in a few days they master this new type of eating very well. We also continue giving them goats milk, but in a shallow saucer pan now, and with some rice baby cereal added, so that they can practice lapping. At this age, the mom is no longer so keen on constantly staying with her puppies, and only visits them to feed them and for a clean up. We continue changing the bedding twice a day now, knowing very well that in about a week it will become times a day, as the mom will not be able to keep up with her cleaning duties any more. We wash soiled towels with a little bit of bleach and a little bit of perfume-free detergent. Four weeks of age is even more fun as the puppies keep developing, but the amount of cleaning starts to increase in geometrical progression, and it becomes a full time job to keep the puppies well fed and clean. The mom is only visiting now and then at this point, and enjoys spending her time in the office, so that she can hear and see the puppies, but not necessarily be with them. With mom visiting for a few brief feedings each day, we feed them three times a day with the following diet: 1. Cottage cheese 2 tbsp per puppy , mixed with plain yogurt 1 tsp per puppy , evaporated goats milk, rice baby cereal 1 tsp. Raw tripe, or beef liver cooked with all kinds of vegetables At about 5 weeks of age the duty of keeping the whelping box clean becomes nightmarish, and this is a good time to introduce German Shepherd puppies to the outdoors. This is a room that is a part of the house, but has free access to the outside world. This room is equipped with a wooden resting platform so that puppies do not lay on concrete, with a heating lamp above it, and the floor is completely covered with a layer of pine woodchips. The outside area is about 6 x 6 ft and the floor is made of paving stones. There is another wooden laying platform here. This is a very important period when we introduce our German Shepherd puppies to more noises, show them the way in and out of the house, introduce them to the other dogs, play tug-of-war, etc. Also, we introduce raw frozen sardines and "The Honest Kitchen" products to their diet, and will occasionally feed kibble, soaked well in warm water and mixed with green tripe from a can At 3, 5, and 7 weeks of age our German Shepherd puppies get dewormed with a high quality wormer, to be certain that they are free of intestinal parasites. At about 6 weeks of age the puppies get their first combination 5-way vaccine including Parvo and Distemper , and at 7 weeks of age we start welcoming visitors who are interested to come and look at the puppies. Often during weekends we have several groups of visitors of all ages coming to interact with the puppies, which is such a great socialization opportunity for them. Copyright .All rights reserved. Baby German Shepherds growing up! German Shepherd Dogs are one of the most popular dog breeds out there at the moment, with many devoted fans. They can be large and imposing as adults. But, like every breed, they have a cute puppy phase that many fall in love with. However, since most puppies are bought at weeks old, most of us miss out on this magical period of their lives. So what happens during those first important weeks? A typical German Shepherd litter consists of around puppies. The mean average, according to a study performed in , is 6. When they are first born, they will still have an umbilical cord attached and may be covered in amniotic fluid. Their mother should chew off the umbilical cord and spend the first few hours cleaning their pups. Then mom will focus on keeping her newborn pups warm while allowing them to nurse. At this stage, German Shepherd puppies will just sleep and avoid expending energy. They will frequently nurse from their mother. Newborn German Shepherds When baby German Shepherd puppies are first born, they are completely dependent on their mother. Their ears and eyes will be closed and they will be unable to regulate their own body temperature efficiently. A coat should be present, and the color will depend on the genes they have inherited from their parents. Black with tan markings is the most common for this breed. Additionally, they will be relatively immobile. They will be unable to properly support their own weight. Therefore, they will commonly crawl on their stomach to move about. They will also be unable to urinate or defecate on their own. Stimulation from their mother will be required to help them go to the toilet. One Week Old Baby German Shepherd In the first week, the puppies should bulk up significantly and double their birth weight. However, there will not be much change in their behavior. They will still primarily be focused on nursing and sleeping. To help themselves stay warm, the puppies will normally cuddle close to each other, except for when they are in a hot environment. At this stage, they will still be blind and deaf. While they are still unable to see very well, this is a big step. Eyes should open for the first time at around days of age. They will appear blue in color, but this will change into brown as they develop. They may become a little more inquisitive about their surroundings with their new-found eyesight, and may begin to crawl around a little more. We can expect to see them make some big steps at this stage. Firstly, at around days old, their ears should begin to open for the first time. They should now be able to both see and hear, though not too clearly. Their senses will continue to develop over the coming weeks. They will begin to be able to stand and support their own weight. Walking may still be tough, though! They will likely be pretty wobbly. You can also expect to see their baby teeth come in at around this time. While they still get the majority of their nutrition from their mother, they will begin to show interest in solid food. They will begin to become more independent at this age, being able to urinate and defecate on their own. Beginning Of Socialization With their sight and hearing, they are likely to show a little bit of adventure and courage for the first time, exploring their surroundings as much as their unsteady gait will allow them. This milestone also marks the beginning of the socialization period, a critical phase of their development. Things learned now can shape their personality and behavior for the rest of their lives. They may engage the other puppies in clumsy play and show body language such as tail wagging for the first time. They will form relationships with their den mates, their mother, and humans. This stage is critical in getting the puppies used to humans. This can be achieved by gently exposing the puppies to human presence and contact so that they can see that they are no threat. While their brains are still very much in development, they are still able to learn some simple concepts at this stage. Crate and potty training can begin at this age. They should now be able to walk pretty well. This mobility will allow them to further play with their family and be even more curious about their surroundings. On top of this, their baby teeth should now be fully formed and the weaning process should be fully underway. They should be offered soft but solid food. They may begin to show signs of more complex social behaviors towards their other den mates, and they should learn important skills like bite inhibition. The socialization process should continue, with the puppies gently being exposed to new people, sights, and sounds. The German Shepherd babies will also be further weaned off the mother at this time, slowly moving onto a fully solid diet. Six Week Old Baby German Shepherd At this age, you will begin to see the puppies become even more independent of their mother. Six week old puppies are gaining social skills rapidly, and love to play with people and each other. Seven Week Old Baby German Shepherd When we move into the seventh week of their life, a new significant phase of development starts to begin: the fear period. While this sounds disconcerting, it merely means that this is the time that many puppies begin to show fear towards new things, rather than curiosity. Things that the puppy may find scary or uncertain during this time can make for big changes in their personality throughout life. For example, if a puppy has a bad experience with a human at this stage, it may lead them to becoming fearful and distrustful towards people for the rest of their life. This is why gently exposing the puppies to humans and common sights and sounds beforehand is important. By preemptively socializing the puppies with humans, we can help this period run smoother. The puppies will have reached weights of around pounds and should be around inches tall. Their ears will lie flat but should begin to become erect and upright over the coming weeks. They will be fully independent of their mother at this age. They should be completely weaned, with some basic training and socialization. From here, new owners are expected to continue to train and socialize them, as they are still within a critical period of development. New owners will also need to continue to ensure the German Shepherd puppy is fed a good, nutritionally balanced diet. For more information, you can check out our full puppy development guide here. And make sure you also take a look at this guide to bathing a puppy!

Pugs are lap dogs originally bred for companionship. They require a lot of attention and, therefore, love to cuddle and are happy following you everywhere or sitting on your lap when you are home. Since they love being around you, Pugs will suffer when left home alone. This is one reason they will tend to whine and cry a lot. But your Pug crying could also communicate anxiety, frustration, or pain. Their need for attention also makes them prone to boredom and separation anxiety when left alone. Pugs are tiny and easy to bring around. Besides, they will follow you faithfully. Consider A Substitute Companion If you have to go to work daily and your Pug will be home alone, consider hiring someone to be with your dog when you are away. Ensure that a connection has been created between your Pug and the substitute before proceeding to leave your puppy with them. You can also consider using technology that allows you to monitor, give treats, and stay connected with your Pug when you are away. The Furbo Dog Camera is a perfect option for the job. Other Ways Avoid ritualizing departures and re-entries and make separation part of socialization training when your Pug is still a puppy. The Pug is also known to be stubborn, and this could make training more difficult and require plenty of patience. Consider training your dog in the morning hours when his energy is still high and focus is obtained more easily. As friendly companions, Pugs can be overly sensitive to punitive treatment. So, never shout at your Pug during training as this will make them frightened of you and no learning will be achieved. Giving in to their whim will only make them more difficult to train and heed commands. Involve persons who interact with your Pug in the training process so your dog learns to also take commands from them. This could be family members or a substitute caregiver. Besides, they are heavy shedders and require consistent grooming. Focus on these aspects when grooming your Pug. Monthly Baths A bath a month is a good schedule for your Pugs heavy coat. Baths will control shedding and get rid of loose fur. This may be caused by sweat or dirt in their skin folds or yeast between their paws , so a bath is a good care routine. Since your Pug has sensitive skin, use a mild shampoo with a pH of 6. This should also check body odor. Also, clean their eyes off the salty fluids and their face folds daily with safe medicated grooming wipes. Your Pug is an adult by the age of 1 but may still show puppy tendencies at this age. Its growth can still occur between 1. This may also be accentuated by their need to keep warm, which they are not always able to achieve naturally by themselves. Whether letting your Pug sleep with you is right or not is all up to your decision. Down syndrome is a congenital defect caused by partial or complete duplication of chromosome 21 in humans. Dogs have different chromosomal makeup. Your dog may have a canine-chromosomal defect with symptoms similar to Down syndrome in humans. Like many small dog breeds, Pugs reach their full size faster than medium to large-sized dogs. Pugs reach their adult size around nine months of age but may continue to put on a small amount of muscle until they are a year old. Image Source: Pexels How big should a 6-month-old Pug be? A six-month-old Pug will weigh between 7 and 12 pounds on average and will be close to their full adult height, which is typically around 10 to 13 inches tall. Pugs are highly prone to putting on excess weight and their food intake needs to be monitored closely. Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on health, puppy-proofing practices, training, winter and summer safety, and more! How much bigger will my Pug get? Pugs reach their full size around nine months of age but may continue filling out until they are a year old. If your Pug is younger than nine months old, they are definitely still growing! If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, they are likely still growing. This is a classic puppy feature that indicates that more growth is needed. A puppy will rarely grow to be larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you an idea of their maximum size. What is the size of a full-grown Pug? According to the American Kennel Club Official Pug Standards , you can expect a full-grown Pug to weigh between 14 and 18 pounds and stand 10 to 13 inches tall. A full-grown Pug will appear compact and solid, rather than lean and leggy. If your Pug continues to put on weight past 18 pounds, reach out to your veterinarian to assess whether your Pug is putting on excessive weight. If your Pug weighs more than 18 pounds, consult with your veterinary professional to ensure that they are at their healthiest weight. Pugs are especially prone to heatstroke due to their compromised breathing. Maintaining a healthy weight is crucial to lessening the side effects of brachycephalic syndrome. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to correct narrow nostrils or elongated soft palettes. Many veterinary treatments and procedures cost thousands of dollars. When surveyed, Only .This is a crucial factor in why pet insurance is so valuable to pet parents. Pet insurance reimburses you a percentage of your out of pocket expenditure for veterinary bills. Not only can pet insurance provide you peace of mind should surgery or treatments be needed, but available wellness plans can significantly reduce the cost of routine veterinary exams or maintenance, like dog teeth cleaning or x-rays. Your veterinarian is your greatest resource in keeping your pup happy and healthy. Continue making healthy lifestyle choices, like daily exercise and a nutritious diet, for your Pug to keep them active and living their best life! Unfortunately, Pugs are prone to a larger number of health issues due to their brachycephalic syndrome and other genetic predispositions. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Overview When you have a dog from the age of a young pup, this gives you a wonderful opportunity. It offers you a chance to bond with your dog from the very beginning. This also gives you an advantage because you will be able to train and teach your pup what they need to know before they learn any bad behavior from elsewhere. This section will discuss how to care for a Pug puppy, starting at 8 weeks old and up until he or she is an adult, at the age of 1 year. Transition to a New Home Things will run much smoother if you plan ahead and have most, if not all, of your puppy care items already in your home. Here are the most important items to have: A crate — One with an adjustable size is best to fit the needs of a growing Pug puppy. Crating is a good night time method to use until a pup is housebroken. Gates or a playpen — Choosing an area to gate off or using a canine playpen are good options for when you must leave your Pug puppy home alone or for when you cannot be right at his side. This keeps the pup in a controlled space which helps in regard to bathroom needs and keeping a puppy in one area when he or she has strong chewing urges. Puppy food — This should be obtained before the puppy is brought home. Owners will not always agree with the food that a puppy has been being fed, however any change should be done gradually. Have the food that the Pug has been used to eating on hand, as well as your new choice. Details regarding making this change can be found here: Feeding a Pug. You'll also want them to be sized appropriately and at floor level. Honey — Puppies are prone to the condition of hypoglycemia, which is a rapid and dangerous drop in blood sugar levels. Stress, among other things, can bring this on and while going to a new home is a happy event, it can also be stressful for a little pup that is leaving all that he knew and no longer has the companionship and friendship of his litter-mates. Treatment can be provided at home as plans are being made to bring the puppy to the closest animal hospital or veterinarian. A small dab of honey is rubbed onto the gums and then the puppy should receive professional treatment, sometimes an IV to restore sugar levels back to normal. Leash, collar and harness — Pugs are prone to conditions that involve breathing problems. The body structure of this breed confines breathing passages into a small space and Pugs can have smaller than normal nasal passages and openings stenotic nares. For this reason, using a harness can help a Pug breathe easier when on leash. A short 6 foot leash works best for both potty training and heeling. Read more : Choosing the Best Collar and Harness for a Pug Grooming supplies — The thick coat of a Pug sheds heavily and brushing it well and offering baths on a regular basis can help control shedding. Starting dental care at a young age can help a puppy become used to this grooming element and set up a foundation for a life time of good dental hygiene practices. Keeping the wrinkles, eyes and ears clean are important part of caring for a Pug puppy. Read more: Shedding - Expect your Pug to shed a lot and be prepared by having the right tools. Dental care - Taking care of your Pug's teeth should be high on your priority list. Ears - Expected shapes and proper care. Wrinkles - Keeping the wrinkles dry and clean. Sleeping supplies - Some owners prefer to have their puppy sleep in the bed with them and while this is not always a bad thing, an owner should think about how that will play out as the pup matures into a much larger adult dog. Having a pup get used to his own canine bed from the beginning, set up in a quiet corner of a room, may work out best. Do keep in mind that Pugs crave human companionship and do not like to feel isolated. Setting up the bed in a quiet corner of a well-used room allows a Pug to have a nice area to retreat to for rest and sleep while allowing him to be close to his human family. It will be normal for a little one to sleep anywhere from 16 to 18 hours a day.This included both night time sleep and naps that will be taken throughout the day. Chew Toys — Teething will begin around the age of 3 or 4 months old and can last up until a Pug puppy is 8 months old. Having a good supply of toys on hand for a puppy to chew on is important. Puppy Proofing Before bringing a puppy home and on a regular basis at least weekly owners are encouraged to go over all floors to remove any small objects that could be accidentally swallowed. All items that could be chewed on such as pocket books and shoes should be placed up high until the Pug has matured. Whining It is normal for very young puppies to cry when first brought to a new home, this usually only lasts for a week or so as the pup becomes used to his new family and environment. This can also be a sign of needing to go to the bathroom, so following house training guidelines, be sure to take your Pug puppy outside on a regular basis. Vaccinations for the Pug Puppy An important part of caring for your puppy will be to make sure he or she is up-to-date for all needed vaccinations. An 8-week-old should already have received his shots, as well as a de-worming. Veterinarians will have varying schedules, however this is a general guideline: 5 weeks Parvovirus: For puppies at high risk of exposure to parvo, some veterinarians recommend vaccinating at 5 weeks. Dogs at high risk are those that live in areas where wild life raccoon, skunk, deer, etc. The inclusion of either canine adenovirus-1 or adenovirus-2 in a vaccine will protect against both adenovirus cough and hepatitis; adenovirus-2 is highly preferred. You will want to talk to your veterinarian about this. Reactions to Vaccines Immunizations are intended to stimulate the immune system to then protect a dog against a specific infectious disease. It is very important to have your Pug receive all needed vaccinations. Your Pug may react to immunizations in ways that range from soreness at the site of injection to mild fever to allergic reactions. The allergic reactions can range from mild to severe. Mild- Mild reactions include fever, sluggishness, and loss of appetite. Mild reactions usually resolve without any treatment needed. This is called Urticaria. This happens when there is a reaction of the skin and shows as hives or bumps. It is usually extremely itchy. Urticaria may progress to anaphylaxis, which is considered life-threatening. However, Urticaria is the most common reaction in dogs if a reaction is to happen. Severe - The most severe reaction is anaphylaxis. This is a very fast, sudden, severe allergic response that causes breathing difficulties, collapse and possible death. This is very rare. Urticaria the moderate and most common reaction, if one is to occur happens soon after vaccination, often even before the puppy is brought home. It can happen in the car while you are driving back to your house. Your veterinarian will recommend immediate return to the hospital for treatment. Urticaria is usually treated successfully with injectable corticosteroids like dexamethasone or prednisone. Antihistamines do little to help with acute allergic reactions but may be given by injection to help prevent recurrence of symptoms after steroids wear off. Mild vaccination reactions usually require no treatment. However, if the symptoms persist for more than 24 hours, call your veterinarian. Growth Rate A Pug puppy grows quickly and this can happen gradually or with spurts and stops. Many Pug puppies have a growth spurt near the 3 to 5 month mark. As the pup nears the 1 year mark, growth will slow down. Once a Pug reaches his or her full height, there may still be some growth in the width of the Pug, as the chest widens and fills out. How a Pug ages and his growth is rapid, yet can be staggered during the first year. Getting Your Puppy Comfortable One of the most important parts of bringing a puppy home is allowing him or her to become used to their new surroundings. Allow your pup to roam around and check out his new environment. Be sure to keep a puppy's water in one designed spot so that the pup can know that it can always be found. The drinking and feeding area should be in a quite corner of a room, without much foot traffic or noise, since small puppies can feel vulnerable while eating. The absolute longest that a 2 month old pup can hold their needs is 2 hours. The bladder and bowel muscles are not yet fully developed. As they grow older, this time will increase as they have more control over their body. Usually it will increase by 1 hour for each month that goes by. Therefore, a 3 month old can hold on for about 3 hours, a 4 month old for about 4 hours and so on.With 8 hours being the maximum time for any age. Informational Note: When your 2 month old needs to go outside at least every 2 hours, be sure to not get stuck into that habit.It is important to slowly increase the time intervals. Your 3 month old can wait about 3 hours, but only if you allow the pup to use his bowel and bladder muscles to work and grow stronger. If an owner always brought their Pug outside every 2 hours, the dog would never learn to hold their needs for a longer period of time. Keep reading about the best way to house train a Pug puppy. All puppy vaccinations should be given before you take him or her out to the park, to pet supply stores or any other area in which there may have been or could be other animals. Many new owners already have another dog in the household. As your puppy grows older and is receiving the needed vaccinations, you can slowly begin introducing your new puppy to other dogs and allow normal socialization to begin. The Necessities of Care To have a healthy and happy puppy that will grow into a happy and healthy adult dog, make sure to always provide the essentials: A proper diet. You will need to decide if you want to offer manufacture food, home cooked food or a combination of both. Pugs are very sensitive to their human's emotions. A hug goes a long way! All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. As newborns they are deaf, bind, and largely immobile. They rely on their mom, or their breeder for food, warmth, and care. A Pug is Born! Unfortunately, the birthing process of Pugs is a difficult one. Flat-faced breeds, such as the Pug, are more likely to experience complications when giving birth. The Pug is also more likely to experience Dystocia, which is simply a term that means difficult or abnormal birth. Such situations put both the mother and her pups at risk. More often than not, the mother will require her pups to be delivered by a C-section. This is due to the fact that unborn Pugs have large and broad heads, whilst their mom has a very narrow pelvis. This awkward combination makes natural birth difficult. If the birth is successful, Pugs commonly have litters containing puppies, with 4 pups being the average. If your baby Pug is born naturally, their mother will next turn to chewing off the umbilical cord and cleaning them up. This is an important part of the bonding experience for mother dogs. The newborn Pugs will often nurse from their mother. When they are not nursing, they will spend the majority of their time sleeping. Newborn Pugs Pug pups begin their life fully reliant on their mother. They are born blind, deaf, and without teeth. A coat should be present, with the color being commonly either fawn or black. Fawn pups may experience their coat color lightening or darkening in shade as they mature. Their eyes and ears will be closed at birth and will remain this way for a while yet. Unable to support their own body weight, they will crawl on their stomach to get around. Baby Pugs are also not able to regulate their temperature, meaning that it is very important to stay warm. They will commonly clump together in piles, sharing body heat. Finally, the mother will also have to help her pups urinate and defecate as they are unable to do so by themselves. She does this by licking the anal and genital areas. One Week Old Baby Pug During the first week of life, baby Pug pups will either be nursing off their mother or sleeping. As they are still blind and deaf at this stage, they will not bother exploring or moving around more than necessary, spending most of their time lying close to their littermates and mother. Their weight should steadily increase every day. At the end of their first week of life, they should have doubled their birth weight, or at least come close. The owners of the pups will need to keep an eye on their breathing as brachycephalic breeds, such as the Pug, commonly have breathing issues. Two Week Old Baby Pug As we hit two weeks of age, we see a key development in the puppies growth; their eyes will open for the very first time! To begin with, their eye color will be blue, but will likely transition into a dark brown as they mature. Owners need to check over their eyes to ensure there are no issues, as this breed can be susceptible to ocular problems. At this stage, they may be a little more curious about their surroundings due to their newfound eyesight. However, they will still primarily be focused on sleeping and nursing. Their weight should continue to rise steadily over the coming weeks. By this time, the ears of the baby Pug pups will have opened. They will be able to hear for the first time and will begin reacting to more sounds. Their eyesight will also have developed significantly, with them being able to recognize their mother, littermates, and objects placed in their den. Along with their newfound perception of the world, they should now be able to support their own body weight and stand up. They may be able to walk, albeit with an unsteady gait. With all the interesting sights and sounds around them, they will likely be a lot more inquisitive of their surroundings. They may explore the den as much as their wobbly legs will carry them. The Pug puppies will also start teething, with their baby teeth coming through for the first time. This may start a passing interest in solid food. Gaining Independence On top of all this, they should now be able to urinate and defecate on their own, without any stimulation from their mother. We can also expect to see the start of the early socialization period. The puppies will begin developing behaviors and social skills for the first time, taking part in play with their littermates. Owners of the puppies should take advantage of this period to help them get used to human touch and presence. They will be establishing relationships with their mother, den mates, and people. Training can begin at this early stage. Despite the fact that their brains still have a lot of developing to do, a start can still be made on teaching them basic crate and potty training. They will also likely be much more mobile on their feet. Little adventures will be common and the puppies will play together often. Soft, easy to eat puppy food can be given. They will continue to rise in weight and keep learning social skills, with more complex behaviors being shown. While they seem a lot more independent at this stage, they will still require plenty of time with their mother and den mates before they are ready to be moved to a new home. Six Week Old Baby Pug At six weeks old, the Pug puppies are fast approaching the age where they reach full independence. By now, they should be fully weaned off their mother and placed onto solid food only. This is a big step. There is still much to learn. Up until now, the Pug puppies have been very curious and interested in completely new things. But they have always been safe under the watchful eye of their mom, too. Now, as they finally gain independence, the puppies learn to be cautious and careful; traits that keep them alive in the wild. Eight Week Old Baby Pug At eight weeks old, the Pug pups are developed enough to be able to leave their mother and littermates behind. They can be sold and moved into a new loving home. They should weigh around pounds. Training and Raising a Pug Resources Keep in mind that they still have a lot of developing to do; both physically and mentally! Remember, they are still within their fear period! Things learned here will make a big impact.

It was founded in when both of its founders were still in college. The duo takes breeding very seriously, which is why they only have a few litters every year. Their priorities are to ensure the health of all dames and sires , and they try hard not to overbreed them. They specialize in producing both family dogs as well as working dogs and show dogs. They carefully plan all of their litters, and they take into consideration all aspects that the ideal Boxer has to have, including temperament, conformation, and health. All of their parent dogs are AKC registered, with amazing temperaments and superb health. In fact, they have listed all the health results publicly on their website, so you can know exactly what qualities they have. They have a contact form that all aspiring Boxer owners can fill out, and a representative from the kennel will get in touch with them. Lastly, Soleil Boxers have an open-door policy. They produce show-quality Boxer puppies that are entirely up to AKC standards. When breeding, they focus on health, temperament, and longevity. They are located on a 5-acre plot of land, giving their Boxers enough space to run around. All of their puppies are crate-trained and obedience-trained. They do all they can to ensure you get the best quality dog possible. This dog breeder also conducts all the necessary health testing on their dogs, ensuring you get a healthy Boxer pup, free of genetic disorders. The application process is straightforward, which makes everything a lot easier and more approachable. They have an application form on their website that you can fill out. Once you do, someone will contact you and put you on a waiting list. Otherwise, the dog will be put up for further sale. The only thing that could make the adoption process challenging is if you want your Boxer puppy to be of a specific color — for example, brindle. Here are some of the best Boxer breeders in Southern California: Telstar Boxers This might easily be one of the most reputable Boxer breeders in California. This includes 2 Dams of Merit and even 8 Sires of Merit! Telstar Boxers are located in San Diego, and they were founded by Jennifer and Gene, who have more than 35 years of breeding experience. In fact, this is one of the oldest Boxer kennels we could find! They have a unique Boxer program that focuses on producing Boxer puppies that will become amazing show dogs. They are structurally sound, healthy, and with an ideal temperament. This is where you can also find information on their pricing and policies. Email: [email protected] Anden Boxers This is a small but professional Boxer breeder in California that specializes in breeding family companions and working dogs. They have all the information about their dogs listed publicly, including the health testing records and lineage. Their puppies are bred and raised in the center of the family home, so they are provided with a loving and caring environment that can help them develop the best temperaments possible. They also expose all of their puppies to all sorts of sounds and sights, so they can easily adjust to new environments. All of their dogs are fed with a natural, raw dog food diet, as they believe this will keep these dogs close to their ancestors and make them grow strong. Encore Boxers Photo from: theboxerworld Encore Boxers is a kennel that has been operating since the s. They have been raising select Boxer puppies according to a breeding program that they developed for years. Because of this, their dogs have wonderful temperaments and are perfectly socialized. This helps reduce the stress and anxiety that comes with finding a great forever home. The kennel is owned by Cheryl Cates, who ensures all of their dams and sires receive excellent veterinary care. All of their puppies are dewormed and have received the necessary vaccinations and genetic health testing. In other words, they have great bloodlines that are destined for success if you decide to participate in dog shows. Their dogs come with AKC registration papers, a health guarantee, and even their favorite chew toy! The breeder offers lifetime support for all of their dogs, and they will be there for you if you need any help with raising your dog. They breed top-quality Boxer puppies that have excellent health and temperament as well as show conformation. Their goal is to produce ideal Boxers that can excel as both show dogs and companion dogs. At the same time, this is one of the many active Boxer breeders in California. They are well-known in the show dog community and have won many awards not just in the US but also in Canada! All of their puppies are AKC registered and clear of any health and genetic conditions before they are allowed to participate in their breeding program. Their puppies have been raised with love and care to ensure they are well-socialized and properly taken care of. All of the available puppies can be found on their website. Each of their puppies comes with a health guarantee, as well as lifetime support. They are home to more than 35 AKC Boxer champions! Only if all the test results are fine can these dogs enter their breeding program. Their puppies begin the socialization process when they are between 3 and 14 days old. During this time, the breeder conducts neurological stimulation exercises that help boost their confidence. All of their puppies come with their first vaccination shots, veterinary checks, a microchip, chip registration, and AKC registration papers. Shipping options are a possibility, but this has to be discussed with the breeder. Expect to wait at least 6 months before you get your new puppy. There are a few more places you might want to check out. Chances are you will find your new buddy there. On its marketplace, you can find puppies for sale listed by AKC-approved breeders. Some of them might be in the California area. Granted, this is the most ethical way to get a pet. So, is this a good way to become a Boxer owner? Not just that, but most breeders will ensure these canines have undergone some basic dog training, so they can easily adjust to new homes without displaying any bad behavior. Some people might think that the best Boxer breeders in California sell their dogs at too high a price. They might even try to find a more affordable place to purchase their dog from. Backyard breeders are some of the people you might run into. These individuals sell their dogs at a much lower price than reputable breeders. However, this is because, most of the time, they are inexperienced in raising puppies. These are simply dog owners who have ended up with an unplanned litter of puppies that they now want to sell. This is why they are not the best option. Other places to find Boxer puppies for sale are pet stores and puppy mills — however, we would strongly advise against this. Because of this, most puppies that come from pet stores and puppy mills have behavioral issues. Many will also have underlying health conditions. As you can see, there are many advantages to purchasing a Boxer from a reputable breeder. Either way, all dogs are good dogs, and Boxers make amazing family companions, as long as you know how to properly train and socialize them. Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. A note to all those on the waiting list. We are so sorry the website was temporarily shut down. We were having technical difficulties, So happy its back on. But we were always here to continue breeding for your fur baby. Thankyou for being patient, always look forward to helping you. We are Sublime Boxers, a family orientated breeder. We love placing our boxers with loving homes. Show quality dog, or family pet, we got them! We do a lot for our dogs. Our adult dogs get wormed every three months and updated on their shots. Momma dogs get extra worming before and during their litters to ensure the pups get less-to-none of those nasty worms that are certain in every puppy dog or cat. Then, pups get their regiment of worming before they go home, as well as their 1st puppy shot. All adult dogs are on NuVet, which is a vitamin with antioxidants to ensure the puppies are at their best before they go home. We also give you a puppy pack to get you started with your new puppy. Contents include a bag of food to lessen the stress of a new environment. All our dogs are loved, have large pens, and run around our 1-acre yard. We spray throughout the year to keep the fleas and flys at bay, as everything can affect the dogs and puppies. We have had nothing but excellent comments from owners, telling us how fantastic their puppy is in looks, smarts, temperament, and loving nature. That is why we take great pride in our dogs. Through selective breeding, we have kept an excellent line of boxers with a lovable temperament that has been consistent throughout the years, including even out most recent litters of puppies. We also give a one-year health guarantee, that you can extend to 2 years if you keep your puppy on NuVet, which is a supplement that helps your puppy with the stress of growing up by building its immune system. We hope that we can help you with finding your next loved pet.

Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases. Shedding is a must in German shepherd lab mix puppies so brushing is extremely important during the shed season. You may also bathe them once in 2 months keeping in mind the weather condition in your hometown. Cutting nails can be good but you can choose to trim them as it would not be a good idea to cut nails thoroughly. These include the type of food that your dog is used to eating, the ingredients in the food, and the size of the dog. German Shepherds are bred as working dogs, so they are typically used to eating food that is high in protein and low in carbs so does labrador. A diet that is high in protein and low in carbs is a good fit for a German Shepherd lab mix as well. One thing to keep in mind is the size of the food. The German Shepherd lab mix is a large dog, so a diet that is too small or too heavy might not work for them. Small meals can make your dog lazy and heavy meals can lead to bloating. A balanced diet is a key to keeping your dog happy and healthy. You can also make proportions of a heavy meal that can be given multiple times a day. Experts consider feeding your dog a fresh meal is way healthier than giving them a processed meal. If you are still confused then you can consult your vet because he will prescribe food according to the size and health of your dog. Fun Facts: This dog is extremely energetic and active. He will not let you rest once you start playing with them. If he takes after the Labrador side, he will chew everything that comes his way So better keep your favorite stuff hidden from him. Constant dominance-based training does not work with GSD lab mix dogs. While training them you must think out of the box and present some creative methods of training. This dog can be your best guard dog, the reason is that both the parents are excellent guard dogs and loyal to their homes. In the United States, Labrador is the number one favorite and famous dog while the German shepherd is the second number. Breeders decided to take advantage of it and crossed these two breeds. Both German Shepherd and Labrador shed heavily due to their double coat, Therefore their pup will also have heavy shedding during the season. However, there are some things that should be considered before getting one. Knowledge is power and it will be a good time for you to get the best dog to have the best time in life. The German shepherd lab mix is the ultimate family dog, so before adopting one, make sure you have time to spend with this energetic breed. Because Labrador loves to be around its human, so does its mixed puppy. They will be at their best if you keep them happy by showing love and affection and keeping close. They might go bananas if you do not spend enough time with them, and they may also show destructive behavior such as starting to dig or chewing things around. This can also increase anxiety levels and make your dog depressed. They love kids and are great companions. They are good with other pets in the house if you introduce them in the right way. Keep other pets away from this dog. If you see their aggressive behavior, They might not like them sometimes. They get bored too easily due to which they need constant mental stimulation. Keeping the German shepherd lab mix clean, and timely walks and activities can improve the overall health of the dog. Brush them often as their shedding is high. German Shepherd Lab Mix Exercise: As mentioned above this breed is restless and super active for which it is important to keep this dog tired. Exercising this dog is one of the vital factors. The German Shepherd is a super active dog with full energy. On the other hand, Labrador is also an energetic dog so we can predict their mixed pup will also have these traits. Regular walks to the park are essential. They can be your great companions for hiking, swimming or running. Most people are confused if a German Shepherd Labrador mix can swim? Of course, they can swim because of their Labrador lineage. There is one thing that you should keep in mind that you have to train them for swimming and introduce them to pools. Because they are easily bored, try to play different games. Games that have purpose and are effective for physical and mental stimulation. Before adopting a dog, always make sure you are doing justice to them in terms of weather. There are some dogs who are a good fit for summer and who do well in winter but if we talk about German shepherds and Labradors they both are not good for hot weather. As a matter of fact, they both love winter. You may notice German shepherds are super happy during the winter season and lazy during hot weather. The same goes for Labrador. German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coat dog who would love to open up during cold times of the year. They are extra playful and joyful under the snow. New owners have this confusion they might feel cold in the snow while in reality, it is the opposite, They enjoy the snow more than humans. This time is the best time when you can play with your dog and train different activities. They may also show you a high energy level and excitement while training and exercising. As we all know positive energy emits positivity, you will also feel fresh and energetic if you spend some playtime with your German Shepherd lab mix. Did you know they may get heat stroke if they are kept outside during the daytime in hot weather? There are cases where the owner kept the German Shepherd outside during hot weather and the heat results in heart failure in the dog. There are extreme cases as well. This is because the German Shepherd is a large dog with a double coat and cannot tolerate heat for a long time, and so does the German Shepherd lab mix. If you are in a country where the temperature goes high then better not to adopt a dog who has a double coat. Also, if there is mild Summer Heat in your hometown, You may take care of a German Shepherd lab mix pup by providing them with enough water all the time so they can stay hydrated. Do not leave them outside and keep them under the shade. This way you can protect your mixed breed from many problems caused by heat. German Shepherd Mixed with Labrador Puppies for Sale: Crossbreeding was not popular back then, this practice started in the last decade only, and people are still not familiar with designer breeds. If we see the graph we will see how fast this trend has grown and people are owning these hybrids to enjoy new experiences. Although it is a little difficult to find mixed breed dogs. German Shepherd and lab mix is one of the popular and well-known designer breeds. You might be wondering where to get a german shepherd lab mix puppy as this is not usual to get a mixed dog. First of all we would like to suggest you visit your nearest shelter house and see if you can get one from there. If you cannot get a dog from a shelter house you can visit different breeders in your area. It completely depends on how the dog was raised, the quality of living, and the quality of food he had been given. Conclusion: Finally, we have given you all the quality information about the German shepherd mixed with the lab. German Shepherd lab mix is a loving and protective dog, who may eat up anything to death if they love you. They make amazing family pets as well as prove to be the best guard for your family. They are energetic and love to play all the time. They can keep a sad person happy and active. They are best friends to those who show them some affection. However, it is a crossbreed dog of German shepherd and Labrador Retriever. They have sweetness like Labrador and Intelligence like a German shepherd, you will fall in love with this crossbreed if you are a fan of both German shepherd and Labrador. Post navigation.

We have answers. The only thing you have to do is browse some of the pre-selected breeders below to find a litter or individual Fresno German Shepherd for sale that you are interested in. The last step when you work with Uptown is introducing your new companion to your home. There is a high likelihood that you will! Backyard breeders are everywhere and they can be hard to recognize if all you have to judge them by is a well-made website. A puppy mill is a factory like breeding facility where popular breeds are forced to reproduce more often than they naturally would which can cause stress and eventually health issues down the line. Do German Shepherd puppies in Fresno require a lot of exercise? Fresno German Shepherd puppies for sale will not require a lot of exercise at first, but as they grow older these dogs will start to build up more and more energy and also grow to be quite large. Before you schedule a meeting with one of the many vetted breeders below through Uptown Puppies you should be prepared to play and run around outside with your new dog. What can I expect when I own a new German Shepherd puppy? You should be fully prepared to awake next to a friendly, energetic and loving puppy each and every morning. Will Uptown Puppies recommend a specific type of food for my puppy? We will always recommend that if you notice potential food allergies or symptoms that could be related to your pups food that you contact a vet immediately. There are a lot of dangers that come with purchasing a new dog from a puppy mill or backyard breeder which is why at Uptown we steer our customers clear of the danger and potential costly health risks! Instead our vetting team likes to focus on standardized puppy treatment, sanitary facilities and breeders who offer a more boutique experience for the end consumer. Which kinds of breeds are best for families? German Shepherds can be loving, playful and protective when they need to be, which is perfect for a couple with a growing family of kids, pets and relatives! What is a backyard breeder? A backyard breeder is a term that is commonly used in the canine breeding world to describe a business that has created a breeding facility in their residence or even a spare corner of a backyard. They are now ready to go to their forev. We are a c 3 non-profit rescue based in Northern California and the Sacramento Valley. Below are our newest added German Pinschers available for adoption in Fresno, California. Seller's profile All seller items 1 Be careful! Never pay down a deposit in a bank account until you have met the seller, seen signed a purchase agreement. Adopt a rescue dog through PetCurious. Plott Hound Puppies for Sale. Why buy a German Pinscher puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of German Pinscher puppies who need a home. I have 3 German Shepherd mix dogs. To see more adoptable Bedlington Terriers in Fresno, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! We ensure each dog is highly socialized, family-raised, and genetically tested. Old English Sheepdog Puppies for Sale. There are often many great Gordon Setters for adoption at local animal shelters or rescues. We are a family owned and operated, Colorado state licensed, AKC registered, home kennel in beautiful Conifer, Colorado. Golden State German Shepherd Rescue is a c 3 non-profit based in the Central Valley of Northern California Our mission is to find loving new homes for German Shepherd Dogs in need of a second chance and to educate the public about this highly intelligent and versatile breed. Fresno, California, United States xxxx xxxx. Say hello to these darling F1B Mini Goldendoodle puppies that can't wait to spoil you with love and attention. Both parents pure bred German s. When you purchase from us you can be assured of the highest quality and good temperament. Meet Azami! Azami A is a 2 year old, female, brown and black, German Shepherd blend. Call my parents to schedule a play date today! Female Black German Shepherd. She checked out just fine on her first vet visit. German Shepherd Puppy for Sale. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale. I'll arrive up to date on all shots and dewormers, vet checked, microchipped, and with a 1 year genetic health guarantee for an easy and happy adoption. To see more adoptable German Pinschers in Fresno, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. These curly cuties are full of life and will make the perfect addition to any family. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Fresno, CA from trusted …. Our Shepherds are raised in a mountain setting where they are exposed to weather, wildlife and terrain like no other place on earth. Learn more 1, puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation Location Color. Azami is a big girl with a loving heart, she is a bit shy in the kennels. German Pinscher puppies and dogs in Fresno, California. Female 8 Month Black German Shepherd. Page 6: German Shepherds for Sale in Fresno. Search for an Old English Sheepdog puppy or dog. German Shepherd california, fresno. ZIP or Canadian postal code in. These pups are in Fresno, California too! Below are our newest added Bluetick Coonhounds available for adoption in Fresno, California. Below are our newest added Bedlington Terriers available for adoption in Fresno, California. Browse photos and descriptions of of California German Shepherd Dog puppies of many breeds available right now! Tools 1 week ago on Adopt-a-Pet. Find your puppy for sale in Fresno, CA. German Shepherd puppies for sell. German Shepherds for Sale in Fresno. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Healthy with shots and dewormer record up to date. We provide a gal bag of food that she is used to and also probiotics for a better transition to her new home. Located high in the Rockies at over ft. German Shepherd Puppies for sale in Fresno, California. Rocky Mountain German Shepherds. Our dogs are from the highest quality imported German bloodlines and are bred for superior temperament, beautiful conformation, excellent health, and high levels of trainability. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since .Mom is 17 inches tall and 40lbs, black bi with beautiful blue eyes and a very calm sweet temperament. White German Shepherd Puppies california, fresno. If you take your new German Shepherd on walks and trips to the grocery store as puppies you'll be ahead of the exercise curve! Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Search for german shepherd dog rescue dogs for adoption near Fresno, California. Transportation to Fresno, CA available. Bedlington Terrier Puppies for Sale. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Americanlisted has classifieds in Fresno, California for dogs and cats. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Fresno, CA from trusted breeders. All of our pups are socialized and family raised in our home. Page 2: German Shepherds for Sale in Fresno. Find a German Shepherd Dog for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Fresno. Fresno German Shepherd puppies for sale will not require a lot of exercise at first, but as they grow older these dogs will start to build up more and more energy and also grow to. We believe that it is not just nature but nurture as well that brings out the best in the German Shepherd working lines. Our kennels are located in sunny Southern California. Lahna is A beautiful an adorable little girl. Azami is a big girl with a loving heart, she is a bit shy in the kennels and once you first meet her but she warms up quickly. She will also have her first vaccination. I currently have 5 male German shepherd puppies available for sale. German Shepherd Dog puppies and dogs in Fresno, California. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. German Pinscher Puppies for Sale. Here are some of our current and recently adopted dogs in our program:. Needs love and plenty of area to roam. Because all breeding programs are different, you may find dogs for sale outside that price range. Rocky Mountain German Shepherds We provide German Shepherd puppies, young adults, trained adults, import service, and all breed dog training. German Shepherd For Sale in Fresno .German Shepherd puppies for sale in Fresno, CA from trusted. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. As a Hobby Breeder we selectively breed litters of German Shepherds per year and maintain a wait list for our puppies. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Pets and Animals Fresno. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale. Fresno German Shepherd puppies for sale will not require a lot of exercise at first, but as they grow older these dogs will start to build up more and more energy and also grow to be quite large. German Pinscher. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale Near Visalia, CA German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Find your puppy for sale in Fresno, CA Puppies. German Shepherds for Sale in Omaha. These spacious kennels provide a great environment for our dogs. Click below to find a shelter or rescue in your area! Find an Animal Shelter. German Shepherd Puppies for Sale near me. They will be dewormed and will have their first parvo shot at 8 weeks. To see more adoptable Bluetick Coonhounds in Fresno, California, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! German shepherd!!! One of the biggest reasons that you will want to consider getting German shepherd puppies Fresno Ca is because the city is a popular place for adoptions. The young puppy will receive a bath in its eyes, is very afraid of every drop of water dumped on him, and often tries to climb out of the tub. Life is very easy for this little puppy as there are really no other dogs living here. You just need to make sure that you find a good breeder. He should be able to show you pictures of his dog. This breed originated in Germany and is now used all over Europe. It was considered a rare species and was killed off many years ago. There are numerous websites with lists of local breeders. German Shepherd puppies can be found at various dog shows and through German Shepherd Rescue. Breeders of German Shepherds can be contacted via e-mail or phone. Breeders will gladly offer to ship their puppies nationwide. The German Shepherd puppy you choose must have a good temperament. They are very energetic dogs. They are very affectionate, loyal, and playful and need lots of attention and exercise. You need to make sure that your German Shepherd puppy comes from a healthy family, that it has been socialized well and it should have good genes. Online websites sometimes list puppies in the family group or the breed group that is preferred by the judge. Most German Shepherd breeders that sell puppies online also provide details about their breeding facilities. Including the amount of space they offer and whether they have a vet on site. German Shepherd Puppies: The German Shepherd puppies you choose should have solid parents, otherwise they will develop health problems. You can often find puppies for sale from breeders in the network. Breeders often have puppies coming from a breeder near you. You may want to join a group for your German Shepherd puppy, if possible. German Shepherd Puppies are great pets for the right person. German Shepherd Puppies Fresno Ca. If you are near an animal shelter, you might want to consider adopting a puppy from them. There are many animal shelters in all areas of the United States. Some cities have more German Shepherd Puppies than others. The largest dog shelter in the city of Fresno has plenty of German Shepherd Puppies for adoption. German Shepherd Puppies: The German Shepherd puppy that you choose should have a good temperament and be a healthy, happy puppy. The German Shepherd puppy you choose should have a long coat since they do get very dirty. Grooming is very important. There are many quality German Shepherd breeders in and around the metro area of Texas. Contact them and ask for advice and information. German Shepherd Puppies: If you love dogs and barbecue, then you definitely want to consider purchasing a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder near you. Lauderdale area is one of the best places to purchase a puppy. The puppy will come from a reputable family line and will have been socialized from a young age. He will fit right in with his new family. They have classes for children and adults on caring for the animals and running a show in Idaho. This will give the child a hands-on experience and also show them how responsible pet ownership can be. They may decide to buy a German Shepherd later on and show off their talents at the amateur level. German Shepherd Puppies: Owning a German Shepherd will give you many great memories, and they make wonderful family pets. Even though they are not as big as some of the other breeds of dogs, they still have the same stamina as any other dog. They are very intelligent and make great pets and companions. They are great for families with children as they are very gentle with small children. German Shepherd Puppies: There is a large amount of spaying and neutering facilities in Texas, so if you live in an apartment, this is not a problem. Most veterinarians in the county of orange offer free spaying and neutering if you meet their requirements. There are also veterinarians in the Hollywood area that have private dog apartments for sale. You should contact the vet to find out more information about them. With the area being so dry and heat is very much a factor here, most breeders will advertise in newspapers and over the Internet. Adopting a German Shepherd puppy in Fresno is not at all difficult. You can adopt a puppy as small as three weeks old if you so desire. Or you can adopt an older dog that is fully grown and has been trained to do what comes naturally. Some dogs will be pedigreed to show at dog shows while some dogs may only be fully housebroken. The German Shepherd puppies available in Fresno are usually purebred. That means breeding them to be purebred German Shepherd is what their dam was bred to do and not what their owners were raised to do. German Shepherd puppies are very intelligent dogs with a very pleasant temperament. They are very loyal and make wonderful pets and even great companions for elderly people. The only thing that you have to worry about when it comes to adopting a German shepherd puppy in Fresno is the cost of the vet bills if they occur. There is a minimal cost for vaccinations but you can only have two dogs at a time. So if you are going to adopt one, make sure you are going to adopt both. If you are going to get a puppy from a professional breeder, you can be fairly certain that the puppy you are getting is purebred. You will want to make sure that the dam has gotten all of her shots and that the sire has also had all of his necessary shots. If she has been good with the dogs in her last litter then you will want to avoid her dogs and go with someone who has not been as good. Many new puppy owners prefer to get their dogs from German shepherds because they are easier to train and more manageable. The German shepherd puppies that you find at the puppy mills are typically there because they were bred for a purpose and do not simply look pretty. You will have to pay careful attention to the parents of your puppy to make sure that they are in good health otherwise they will not be able to give you any good health problems later down the road. Also, look for puppies that are not scarred or covered in fleas. Sometimes the puppies will be covered in fleas but after they have been spayed or neutered they will no longer be able to come back and bite you. When you begin looking for German shepherd puppies for sale in Fresno, CA you should also keep in mind that they are going to cost a little bit more than another breed of puppies. There is no reason to think that you cannot afford a puppy when you know that you can pay a little bit more for one. Most professional breeders will try to help you find a puppy at the best price possible. They are not trying to make money from you, they are just doing what is best for the dog. Make sure that you take all of this into consideration when you are looking for the right puppy for you. A lot of people are looking to get these dogs and most professional breeders have their dogs live at the facility when they are doing all of their adoptions. The more dogs that your professional breeder has available the more likely it is that they will be able to help you find a puppy. This is a great way to get a puppy without all of the typical expenses that come along with getting a new dog. It is a good idea to check out all of the different professional breeders that are available to you so that you can choose the best match for you. The most important thing is that you make sure that you are getting a German shepherd puppy that is healthy. A lot of times the breeders that are offering German Shepherds for sale in Fresno are just as concerned with the health of the dogs as you are. This is a great way to go if you are looking to get a healthy dog. You can also ask professional breeders for advice on finding a dog that is the right size for you. This is something that can only happen if you spend some time talking to the breeders that are selling the German Shepherds for sale in Fresno. Share this:.

Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Wish your golden retriever puppy would stop biting so much? Puppy nipping is one of the most frustrating things about raising a new puppy—their teeth are razor-sharp, it hurts when they bite, and they can ruin your clothes! But why do puppies bite so much? Puppies bite to learn acquired bite inhibition, or ABI. What exactly is ABI? He might leap up and bite you because you hurt him and scared him. But the important thing is this: how hard will they bite? This is where ABI comes in. So ABI is really important. Now the question is, how do they learn it? The only way for puppies to learn ABI is to bite, and bite often. The best teachers are other dogs. Next time they bite a little less hard and playtime continues. This is how they learn ABI. Obviously, it takes a lot of repetition of this scenario to happen for a puppy to learn not to bite so hard, but this is essentially how it works out. Yes, you will need to help teach your puppy ABI. You can do this two ways: Set up puppy playdates and take them to puppy kindergarten so other puppies can teach them ABI. You actually want them to bite a little bit and learn to control how hard they bite. That being said, letting them go on a biting rampage is not helping the situation, so here are five tips to help you stop your puppy from biting so much: 1. Socialize your puppy Other dogs are the best teachers of ABI so make sure to get your puppy in kindergarten and set up playdates with dogs that you know are vaccinated. Remove yourself from the situation Puppies can often be over-stimulated or over-tired. One thing we did with our puppy, Oliver, when he got in these moods was to go sit at our high-top table in the kitchen and ignore him until he calmed down or distracted himself with a chew toy. Exercise your puppy A tired puppy is a good puppy. Young puppies have weak jaws, so if they had dull teeth, a bite from them would be no big deal. Most adult golden retrievers bite out of fear and a professional can help you properly handle it. Puppy Biting vs. Chewing Puppy biting or nipping is when a dog purposefully bites you. As we already talked about, they need to do this to learn ABI. Puppy chewing, on the other hand, is when puppies chew on things to relieve the pressure in their mouths from their adult teeth coming in. Since puppies bite and chew for different reasons, you need to handle these problems differently. Mentally wear them by out by training them, going for long walks and letting them sniff around, and giving them puzzle toys or frozen kongs. Remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy. A: It can take up to six weeks or more for your puppy to learn ABI and what is appropriate to bite or not. If it takes longer than six weeks, just remember to be consistent with the steps to stop it and have faith that it will slow down soon. Q: Is puppy biting an act of aggression? A: Most puppy biting is a form of play. It helps them learn ABI. If you think your puppy is biting out of aggression, then you should talk to a professional. Q: Why are puppy teeth so sharp? Q: What is ABI? A: ABI is acquired bite inhibition, or the natural ability for a dog to not bite so hard. Q: Do all puppies bite? A: Yes! Instead, they need to learn to control their bite force, then learn to bite less. Have any questions about puppy biting? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. You are bound to want to know when your biting puppy will grow out of this phase and how you can speed that process up. Biting, as you will have discovered is usually accompanied by lots of noise! Why do puppies bite? So why do puppies bite? My puppy is biting hard Puppies do bite hard and it does hurt. But I want to reassure you that even at 8 weeks old, your puppy has learned to moderate his bite in play. Puppies have powerful jaws designed to tear through flesh and crush bones. Those of you who feed your puppy a raw diet will know that even an 8 week old puppy from a medium sized breed can crush bones the size of your little finger. He is deliberately attempting to be gentle. Puppy Biting — Bite inhibition This ability, that your puppy has, to moderate the power of his jaws in play, is called bite inhibition. It is something that his mother started to teach him when he was just a few weeks old. And now it is your turn to take over and complete the training process. Growling and Puppy biting One thing that often worries people who have a new puppy in the family, is the growling that accompanies puppy biting. It sounds horrific. Great snarls and snaps accompany the biting and the puppy can appear quite demonic as he grabs onto your skin, or clothes. Tugging away with all the strength he can muster. Ninety nine times out of a hundred this is completely normal play biting. Is my puppy biting aggressive? You cannot determine whether or not a puppy is biting aggressively by how hard he bites or by the volume of the noise he makes. Play biting puppies bite hard and growl fiercely. Some puppies do occasionally draw blood. But these are not normally savage or crushing bites and the puppy is clearly enjoying himself. Fierce but fun! The play biting puppy will launch himself at the target of his bite. Whether it is your slippers or your fingers, with equal tail-wagging enthusiasm, hanging on grimly and grabbing repeatedly when the item is removed from him. All this, shocking though it may seem, is normal, and is not a sign that your puppy is going to be an aggressive dog! In fact some of the gentlest and most amiable breeds the labrador for example are the worst and fiercest play biters. The puppy that is a cause for concern is the puppy that is frightened. Because although puppies rarely bite through aggression, the nervous puppy may become aggressive as he matures Is my puppy afraid? A scared puppy may bite and scared puppies can grow into scared adult dogs so this is something you need to address quickly. You will know that your puppy is scared because he will try to avoid whatever it is he is scared of. A really frightened puppy will sometimes give off a distinctive musky smell. This hiding, and retreating, and the scared smell are warning signs that you have scared your puppy badly, or purchased a poorly socialised puppy. In this situation you need to get specialist help right away. Your vet should be able to advise you. For the vast majority of puppy owners then, biting is normal puppy behavior. Will my puppy biting stop naturally? To some extent biting is a phase caused by natural puppy playfulness and teething. Some puppies do stop biting with very little input from their family. Which is great. You may feel he should have grown out of it by now. We can physically prevent puppies from biting and we can train puppies not to bite. Both of these are good strategies. Or when children are getting upset, or visitors are winding your puppy up. Prevention usually involves interrupting the biting behavior, then redirecting the puppy into an alternative and more acceptable behavior, such as chewing on a toy. Or, it may involve temporarily separating him from his playmates. Interrupting the puppy biting In mild cases you may simply be able to put a toy in your biting puppy's mouth and get him tugging on that instead of on your fingers. If you are on the floor with the puppy stand up. And if you are standing up, turn and walk away from the puppy. This is where dog gates come in very handy with small puppies. A standard baby gate works fine for most breeds of dog. Managing the puppy You may have to pick up your biting puppy to remove him from the scene if he is biting your children for example, rather than you If he bites your hands and clothes as you try to restrain him, put him on the other side of a barrier or in his crate or puppy playpen for a short while. Although the puppy does learn from them, these are useful management techniques to enable you to control the situation. They help you to keep your puppy calm, and prevent the biting escalating through over excitement. Over-excited puppies Puppy play biting is directly linked to excitement. The more excited your puppy gets, the more and the harder he will bite. And the harder it will be to interrupt and distract him. Rough play excites puppies and noisy play does too. Children tend to squeal when they play and get very physical with puppies. One of the first rules they need to learn when playing with dogs, especially big dogs, is to stand up and stand still when the game gets too much. Limit such play and call a halt to it if your puppy is biting. With medium to large breed dogs, physical rough and tumble play is not a great idea. It can lead to dogs bowling people over or humping them, neither of which is very pleasant. Stopping play when it gets rough is a good management strategy and it is a form of training too. Over time, your puppy learns that biting and rough play loses him his playmates and that people simply leave if he is being mean. When do puppies stop biting? Many puppies have stopped biting completely by six months of age and biting is usually subsiding by the time that the puppy is heading towards five months old. This is if the puppy has been managed appropriately If people have been exciting him, or rewarding him for attention seeking behavior then biting can persist And it can be much more of a problem in bigger stronger puppies than in little ones. Training Puppies Not To Bite The idea of this exercise is to teach a puppy to accept being stroked and handled in any way, without touching us with his teeth. The event marker is a distinctive sound. Even around his mouth, without him making any attempt to bite you. You can also make it easier for him by starting this training when he is calm and not distracted. But for now, keep things simple. It can be a good way of getting the training started so that you have chance to say YES and give the puppy the opportunity to learn what you want him to do. Over the next few sessions, you can work on getting your hand closer and closer to the puppy. Until you are brushing the sides of his face without him making any attempt to mouth or bite at you Progress to touching and holding his collar, stroking his ears, grooming him, examining his paws and so on, all the time rewarding him for the correct behavior. Anytime the mouthing returns, back up to a point where he can succeed and move forward more slowly again Bite Inhibition Training Some experts feel that puppies should be allowed to mouth and even bite gently for a week or two before being prevented from biting altogether. Simply follow the instructions for managing your puppy above when he bites hard. But allow him to mouth you when he bites gently without much pressure. This is a great way to teach a dog excellent control over his mouth. After a couple of weeks of this, you can progress to the training exercise I outlined in the previous section. Older puppies that bite in play have often learned that this gets them a lot of attention. They have discovered that people squeal and shout and get quite cross. Sometimes these people push and shove the dog around which young dogs quite enjoy when they are playing. For these dogs it is important that you stop all physical play, with all family members If a puppy is biting hard at your hands when you try to interrupt his game. Or an older puppy is getting out of hand biting at clothing, you need to put your puppy on a harness and house-line a short trailing leash. This will enable you to control your puppy, and take him to a calming place, without handling him. You can just pick up the end of the line and lead him away. Older biting puppies are often bright and bored. And the best approach to avoiding future episodes of bad behavior is a structured programme of training and interesting activities. A professional dog trainer using modern positive training methods will be able to help you with these. Summary So now you know some tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. The first few weeks can be tough with a determined biter in the house, but you will get through this and come out the other side. A few months from now, this difficult period will be a distant memory In the meantime, focus on keeping your biting puppy calm, avoiding too much rough play, and redirecting his biting onto appropriate toys and activities. Spend some time on the training exercise set out above. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You envisioned that your new puppy, Max, would walk calmly next to you in heel position. So you wonder what you should do to preserve your wardrobe and how to stop a puppy from tugging on clothing. Why Puppies Tug on Clothing Puppies explore the world with their mouths. Anything is fair game. Pulling on our clothing is very enticing to them and fun. And it may be cute in the beginning. And, as a puppy grows stronger and has adult teeth, this behavior can become dangerous. It can turn into biting as he gets his adult teeth. And he may even knock or pull someone down when he tugs. The following are some reasons why your puppy may be pulling on your clothes: 1. They are little land sharks with needle-like teeth. So the cloth on your new jeans is fair game as far as your puppy is concerned. He may chew on the furniture, have potty accidents, and even see you as a living chew toy and tug on your clothing. And he will probably pull on your clothes. Your puppy may be bored Your puppy may just be looking for something to do. Unfortunately, you and your clothes can be what he literally latches onto. Shelties, Aussies, and corgis will engage in these behaviors. They want to control your motion just as they would a flock of sheep. This is especially true when someone walks by quickly or noisily. When my many shelties were puppies, they would try to grab the bottom of my pants leg and tug. So I worked with the issue using some of the techniques I describe below. A retriever sometimes has a need to have something in his mouth. And that something could be the clothes you wear if nothing else is handy. My rescued golden retriever Spencer always had to have something in his mouth. So, instead of it being the shirt on my arm or my pant leg, I made sure that he had an assortment of toys he liked to carry around with him. Your puppy may want to play It may be as simple as your puppy needs to play. Puppies are usually very playful and will grab whatever—or whoever—is nearby. Play biting is a common puppy behavior. So the pup turns tugging on our clothing into a fun for him game. Your puppy may want attention You may be busy working on your computer. All of a sudden, you feel a tug on your clothes. So he explores the world with his mouth. And your clothing is easy to reach. This can also occur while on walks, where a puppy may see many things that excite him such as squirrels, dogs passing by, or someone mowing the lawn. You may have unintentionally encouraged him to tug on clothes You may have inadvertently rewarded the behavior. Your puppy may have the zoomies Sometimes puppies tug our clothing because they need to release energy. And you can also use certain methods to break the pattern. Play biting is a normal puppy behavior. Luckily, most puppies outgrow it. But, in the meantime, you need to work through the issue. He starts ferociously tugging with all his might instead of grabbing the rope toy in your hand. Afterward, redirect him to another activity or obedience cue. Then, use some of the other techniques below. Make sure that your puppy has enough physical and mental exercise The amount of physical exercise your puppy needs for his physical and mental well-being will vary depending on his age and breed s. Generally, working, herding, and sporting breeds and terriers require more exercise than toy breeds do. And young puppies often require more naps than older puppies and adult dogs do. So have puzzle toys ready. A flirt pole can exercise and redirect your pup to another activity. And teach your puppy obedience commands and tricks. Teach obedience commands Certain training cues are especially important to help stop a puppy from tugging at your clothes. Of course, teach your puppy to pay attention and look up at your face when you say his name. Then, you can tell him to leave anything and not pick it up or put it in his mouth—including you and your clothing. Teach your puppy to heel alongside you. Of course your puppy should also learn to come to you and sit and lay down on cue. Teach impulse control exercises The more that your puppy can control his own behaviors, all of his actions will be better regulated. Teach him to go a place and settle there. But by the time a pup reaches five or six months old, he should be able to sit and down on your verbal cue and hand signal. This training lesson teaches a puppy to control his natural impulses and drives. Place a small treat in your hand, palm up, and close your fist. Have another reward treat ready in your other hand. If your pup mouths or paws at your hand, ignore it. Do this exercise a few times. End on a successful note. Put your fist behind your back and walk away. Next time you train him, set him up to succeed. You can give a small tidbit of a treat. Or you can give him a safe chew or frozen stuffed Kong so that he will remain lying down and calm. Licking the stuffing out of a Kong is actually calming to a dog. Use an interrupter This can help teach your puppy to remove his teeth from your clothes. Or, if he knows how to sit on cue, have him sit, then release him and reward with a favorite toy. Have a favorite toy of his ready and have him fetch it. Or have a safe chew or stuffed frozen Kong ready. Give him a nap If your puppy is overly tired, he may act out much as a small toddler would. So what he needs is a nap. So you can first have him perform an obedience cue and reward him. Then have him enter his crate with a safe reward such as an appropriately-sized stuffed frozen Kong. Give your puppy a time-out Sometimes when a puppy is overstimulated, he needs a place to chill out. So when I give a puppy a short minute maximum time-out, I use a different, safe, puppy-proofed area. It can be a laundry room or bathroom. If this method is to work, you must just leave the puppy for a short time until he calms down minutes at most. Then, release him from the place and have him perform an obedience cue or redirect him to an acceptable game. Puppies and children can be a great combination. But all interactions should be monitored and directed. And teach your puppy to ignore such distractions and redirect him to other acceptable activities. But also instruct children and rambunctious adults to be calm around the pup. No rough-housing or wrestling with the pup. Clothing, especially those with our scent, are very inviting to most puppies. Place a chew deterrent on your clothes If your puppy goes after the bottom of your pants leg, you can spray a chew deterrent such as Bitter Yuck there before your pup approaches. You can then spray the bottoms with Bitter Yuck immediately prior to wearing them. Use calming aids If you need additional help calming your puppy down, there are many things that you can use. You can get your puppy used to wearing a ThunderShirt. It comes in a plug-in, collar, and spray. Get professional help if needed If all else fails, get professional help if you need it. A positive reinforcement trainer who has experience with puppy behaviors can set you and your puppy on the right track. And save your wardrobe. I know that this is easier said than done. But try the above-listed methods instead. And they can be abusive. Doing so may even teach him to fear you and become hand shy. And he may even become aggressive when you attempt to handle him. But, if you get too excited and scream at him, your puppy will probably become over-stimulated and his behavior of yanking on your clothes will escalate. Or some puppies will even become afraid of you. And you may even create other behavior problems. This includes no wrestling games or waving arms round. And no tug of war for now. So use other safe toys made for dogs instead. FAQs My puppy tugs on my clothes and has already ruined a few pairs of pants. Should I push him away? And teach him obedience commands such as paying attention, leave it, sit, heel, and down. And have something ready such as a favorite to or chew to redirect him before his teeth are on your clothes. My family gives my puppy old socks as toys and now he always wants to pull the socks off my feet. What should I do? First of all, stop giving your puppy clothing as toys. Instead, have safe toys and chews available for him to play with. My puppy gets very excited when my two toddlers are playing. He grabs their clothes and pulls them over, which scares them. And he gets even more excited when they cry. Never leave your puppy alone with your children. Accidents can happen. Have them interact only when supervised and after your puppy has a sufficient amount of exercise for his age and breed. Teach your toddlers to be calm around your puppy. Reward them for being calm. Positive reinforcement works for people too! And teach your puppy obedience commands and impulse control exercises. Final Thoughts Puppies explore the world with their mouths. There are many reasons why they love to tug at our clothes. Then you can take the measures necessary to avoid and correct that behavior. Have you had a puppy who tugs on your clothes? What have you done about it? Did it work? Please tell us about it in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation.

During this time, they have learned that good breeding is not seldom. This is why they conduct DNA genetic testing on the mating Labs, research pedigrees, and perform x-rays. At other times, they fly in semen from other states to guarantee the best quality future Labs. They have produced family dogs, show dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. If you want to reserve a puppy from Humehill, they will send you a questionnaire and a deposit contract. The puppies leave the facility after they are eight weeks old. Prior to this, the puppies are taken to the vet for a checkup, dewormed, microchipped, and receive their first vaccine. They consider themselves knowledgeable breeders because they have degrees in Animal Science and Agricultural Engineering. They focus on producing and raising genetically quality dogs, a reason why the parents undergo Embark tests. In addition, they raise the puppies in an acre home with fenced-in yards instead of kennels. The dogs also have a large pond to swim or play in. All Hidden Pond puppies have veterinarian health certification, a one-year written health guarantee, have their first shots, and are microchipped. They also give a lifetime placement warranty and offer stud service. They aim to breed championship Labs that can go to the show program. The pups that do not qualify for show programs are trained for companionship, hunting, therapy, or response dogs. The breeder is dedicated to guaranteeing that future Labs have the best genetics to live a long, happy life. They also receive year-long preventative health care. Stoneleigh Labrador puppies are hand-raised with abundant affection then socialized before they leave the facility. Even though the breeder does not always have available puppies all year round, they will be happy to have you on a waiting list. Legacy puppies receive the same socialization programs as service and guide dogs. They are paper trained, crate trained, taken for car rides, and receive daily playtime. They are also microchipped and AKC registered. Unlike other Labrador breeders, Legacy accepts applications only when there is a litter available. This means you must be on the lookout since they do not keep a waiting list for potential buyers. Occasionally, they have older dogs available after they have finished their show careers. These dogs are suitable for children of all ages because they are socialized at a young age. All pups receive their first shots and worming before they leave. To purchase one, contact the breeder via email or the website. She has a passion for Labradors and loves their sweet temperament. This is proof that not only are the Labs well-bred, but they are healthy and with easy to live temperaments. To find and purchase a pup , visit the website, or contact the breeder via email. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler. For nearly 50 years we have produced English Labradors in the true style of the all-around dog they were meant to be. Our ultimate goal has been a beautiful dog conforming to breed standards with soundness of temperament and body. Our Labradors retain the hunting ability that has made them the supreme hunting retriever. This intelligent, well-tempered dog is a perfect family companion and service dog. We are pleased to not only have many of our On The Bluff Labradors in pet, show and hunting homes, but also used as guide dogs for the disabled and specialist for airscent detection. Our breeding program strives for perfection in every litter. We use the highest quality stud dogs with a background of multiple Grand Champions. We combine their linage with the outstanding genetics of our females. The result are not just cute, adorable puppies, but dogs that can be well trained, healthy companions for a lifetime. We have never lost sight of our initial goal to produce the perfect Labrador- in mind and body. Feel free to email us for additional information or to get on a waiting list for one of our puppies. Staffed by professional trainers- each puppy receives several weeks and hundreds of hours of individual lessons- Obedience Training, House Living Training, Group Socialization, and Outside Etiquette. We believe our unique training methods and individualized programs sets us apart from any other breeder. Here you will find many adorable pictures of our current puppies.

Breeding rights with a male or having a male around. Who gets to first greet the owner or someone else. Fights over toys, food, or attention. Rights to privileged areas such as beds, lounging areas, doorways, food bowls, etc. Females closer in age can have even more problems with aggression than females of different ages. This is because they are similar in rank to each other. However, older females can still show hostility towards younger ones, so you must be careful. Contrary to many claims, getting female German Shepherds spayed has not been proven to help reduce aggressive behavior. One of the most extensive studies of almost 11, dogs proved that spayed and neutered dogs actually show considerably more aggression. You can find the full study here. The best thing to do when you have two female German Shepherds who will not get along is to contact a canine behaviorist to resolve the problem. A dog behaviorist is a qualified professional with expert knowledge of dog behavior and communication and will formulate a plan to work with you. If all else fails, you can consider rehoming one of them; however, this will be a heartbreaking decision and probably the last thing you want to do. If you do not want to part with either of the dogs, you will need to keep them separated, especially when unattended. Making The Introduction If you are set on having two female German Shepherds living together, there are a few things you can do to try to help them get along. Here are a few steps to follow: Evaluate your current dog — If you are still considering adding a second female German Shepherd to your home, you will want to evaluate your current female German Shepherd. Think how she might handle having a second dog in the family. If she already shows signs of aggression, has difficulty following commands, or with training, it might not be a good idea to bring another dog into her life. Picking the dog — If you feel your female German Shepherd will do well with another female companion, the next step is selecting your second dog. Try to find a socialized German Shepherd with a similar personality to your current female. If you have an outgoing, energetic dog, look for a puppy that is also outgoing and energetic. Location for introducing the dogs — When you introduce your dogs, do not do it at home. If you try to introduce them at home, your current dog may feel the need to protect her property and show her dominance. Select a neutral location, so they are less likely to view each other as intruders. How to introduce the dogs — Once you have selected a location for them to meet, ensure each dog is wearing a sturdy collar and leash. You also want each dog to be accompanied by a human they respect and listen to. Use Positive Reinforcement — You want the meeting experience for each dog to be as positive as possible right from the start. When the dogs first come in contact, let them sniff and greet each other as they usually would. During this time, calmly and positively encourage each dog verbally. After a few minutes, give them each a command to sit or lay down. This will provide them with a break from each other. After the short break, allow them to explore one another once again. As things progress positively, you can start to walk them or do other controlled activities together that still allow them to become familiar with each other. Look for negative body posture — If either dog shows signs of negative body posture while interacting, divert their attention back to you by giving some commands. Use positive reinforcement to keep your dog calm and know everything is safe. Once the mood has changed, let the dogs interact once again. Bringing them home — As soon as the dogs are comfortable with each other in a neutral location, you can bring them home. Keep them in a separate car when bringing them home unless you feel they are ready to share a car. Once you arrive, allow the newer dog to enter the house first. This will minimize any territorial issues that your older dog may have. Feeding and treats — Dogs can become very protective of their food, so ensure you always give each dog her own bowl of food to eat. The same thing goes for treats and bones. Make sure each dog is given a treat or has her bone to chew on. Never let the dogs eat near each other unsupervised. It is never a good idea to leave them alone, unattended, at any age. Female German Shepherds, as mentioned earlier, can become aggressive toward one another later in life. Of course, you can leave them in their own crates for a while. To learn more about how long you can leave a German Shepherd in a crate , this post gives a ton of detail, including the best crate size to use and other helpful tips. Introducing two female German Shepherds to each other is easier than maintaining them in the long run, thereby controlling aggression and ensuring harmony. Allow them to understand each other and take as much time as required. Intervening in the middle and worrying about aggression can only discourage them from getting along. Training needs a longer duration than usual. Spend time with them together. Spending time with one female GSD over the other can also provoke the other one to turn aggressive. Cuddling and playing with them simultaneously will promote positives in them. Be patient throughout the process and you can eventually get there. What is the Best Combination to Have? If you want to have two same-sexed German Shepherds, consider having two males over two females. Although male German Shepherds can also show aggression towards each other, it tends to be less severe than female aggression. When two males are together, they often fight over domestic dominance. They will typically try to prove their dominance by marking territory, making noise, showing off, etc. Often, an older male German Shepherd will express dominance, and the younger one will submit and accept that dominance. If this is the case, there tends to be little aggression. Females, on the other hand, will fight over breathing rights. Female fights are much more severe and tense than male dog fights and can often end up with one of the dogs badly hurt or even killed. Female on female aggression tends to be more dangerous than male on male. The best thing to do if you want to have two German Shepherds get along is to have one male and one female. With a dog of each gender, you are less likely to run into aggression and behavioral issues caused by dominance or territorial issues. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Until I met Forest and River. Forest was first. I happened to be living with them at the time, and I really did not care for the furry child who had entered the home. Forest peed and pooped everywhere, and then there was all the biting and the chewing and the howling. I swear, dog care books conveniently downplay the actual reality of daily puppy life, which is mostly that they chew on everything. Photo courtesy Jessica Pineda That all changed when I went with my brother-in-law and niece when they took Forest to a trainer. Watching Forest learn things and seeing how smart he was changed my entire outlook on dogs. I never truly realized what they were capable of and how eager they were to learn. I never realized how easy it is to teach them, and what kind of bond it built between you and your pet. I devoured books and YouTube videos on behavior, training and breed history. I quickly taught Forest a variety of tricks and trained certain behaviors, like not pulling me down the street when we went for walks. I was obsessed. So I yearned for the day I could get my own. Not soon after, I met River. I was well into my dog obsession when I met River. All I know is that she was found wandering the streets with a shattered femur and was between 9 and 11 months old. While River recovered, I knew I needed to find a place that would let me have a big dog like her. And again, with luck, I found a little guest house on a 5-acre property. It was the perfect place to have a dog, and the moment River was recovered enough that I could adopt her, I did. Then, almost a week after I moved into my new place and brought River home, I got a text from my niece. She asked if I would be interested in taking Forest too, since she was concerned about his quality of life. Without me, Forest was kind of neglected, everyone too busy to play or walk him. Without hesitation, I agreed. One German Shepherd puppy is a handful, but two? I know, I know. I feel you. I had no idea what I was getting into, even in just introducing the two. Also, walking two dogs at once is a sure-fire way to die when you trip over their leashes. Unless you want to watch your house and yard destroyed by a bored dog, you have to put in the time or you will be in over your head fast. And even though I did it, I would not recommend that anyone adopt two German Shepherds at once unless they have experience with the breed. All dogs deserve that, of course, but I feel for these super-smart, active breeds — they really need it. If I had known what joy Forest and River would bring me, I would have become a dog owner much sooner. However, one advantage this breed offers is how eager even puppies are to learn. When you start training early and are consistent, your puppies will understand what they are supposed to do very easily. Puppies raised together are likely to bond quickly. As puppies that show the promise of becoming large dogs very quickly, getting both puppies used to going on walks or other activities is essential for them to get used to interacting with new people. Better socialization makes all the difference. If you live in a setting where your puppies will have easy access to the outdoors, it will be that much easier to help them meet their exercise needs. Because young GSDs are high-energy , exercise always helps keep them calm and focused. Having two puppies who grow up together will help them get along better. Many of the conflicts that might otherwise arise between dogs are less of a problem with two German Shepherd puppies who have grown up together. Dogs that learn to share resources easily will be less possessive. Being able to train both dogs at the same time, as is often the case with puppies, is another significant advantage. Being able to teach both dogs at once makes it easier to train them in less time. The sooner your puppies are trained, the better for them. Shepherds raised in the same household from an early age could have fewer problems than you would find from adding another dog later. After all, an adult dog introduced into a home could have acquired bothersome behavior that is hard to cope with. However, buying or adopting two puppies may not be the best solution for every household. There are advantages to adding an adult dog as well. Owners will do well to consider the advantages or disadvantages of both situations. One common concern that German Shepherd owners have is whether a second dog might eliminate dog aggression issues. A second GSD should seldom become a problem. Your main concerns should involve the feasibility of an additional pet in general. All of these are vital factors in any new dog. One of the most severe mistakes for anyone who gets a new dog to make is giving the new dog a lot of attention while spending less attention on the first dog. It will be very important to find a healthy balance in how you provide attention to your dogs. Each dog will require individual attention to make sure they receive the right amount of interaction. However, one dog should not receive a large amount of attention in front of the other. Doing so will probably encourage a rivalry between the two. Another consideration besides time and attention that you will need to keep in mind if acquiring a second dog is what resources you have for additional food, exercise, and veterinary care. The decision to take a second German Shepherd is important. German Shepherd Dogs can have special feeding needs, including eating foods that protect joint health. Food sensitivities and allergies may require one dog to have special food. Daily walks can be helpful but are better if someone else in your household can assist. Supervised play in a fenced-in yard might be the best option. The higher veterinary costs are also an important consideration. German Shepherds are susceptible to health issues that range from bone and joint problems to gastric torsion. When you have two of these dogs, being able to afford care is vital. Adding a second Shepherd to your home when you already have one can be a good choice. In most cases, the dogs should get along well, with minimal fuss, as long as you supervise both of them. However, making sure that you are in a position to handle both dogs is ideal. If you have plans to deal with any of these circumstances, adding another German Shepherd might be a good choice for you. Your current dog will probably adjust well to the second dog, with a similar size, temperament, and activity level. One of the things you might need to think about if you decide to have two German Shepherds is whether you want to have two dogs of the same or opposite gender. There are advantages and disadvantages that are important for GSD owners to consider. Contrary to popular belief, neither gender is more or less likely to have aggression issues. Some dogs of the same gender get along perfectly well, while others do better with another dog of the opposite sex. A dog that is reactive toward dogs of the same sex would probably do better with a dog of the opposite sex. The good thing is that taking steps like having both dogs altered when possible and practical, as well as making sure the introductions are done correctly, will help ensure that both dogs get along as well as possible. Taking some steps to ensure that the introduction goes as smoothly as possible is a good idea. This video demonstrates how smoothly an introduction can go when done properly. Meeting in a neutral setting works best for these dogs. Both dogs should be leashed for the best results. In fact, taking a walk together is one of the best ways to start the introduction. The dogs should be kept at a healthy distance from each other during their walk to avoid any possible problems. After the dogs have had a chance to rest for a moment after the walk. The dogs should be allowed to smell each other for a couple of minutes. After they do this, it should be safe to allow them to interact with the leashes still attached. Watch the behavior of the German Shepherd Dogs very carefully. If you see behavior that indicates a willingness to play, like bowing or tail-wagging, encourage the dogs to play together gently to help them get better acquainted. When both dogs are going to be in the house together, it is an excellent idea to let the new dog in first. Let your first dog in next. Make sure you keep an eye on the dogs so you can separate them if there are signs of aggression or tension that could escalate. If the dogs show any signs of hostility, separate them, and only allow them to interact again after they have calmed down. For at least the first few days, you should make sure the German Shepherds are not left alone unattended. Making sure each dog has a training crate or other dedicated area to sleep will help the dogs maintain proper space. Dogs who have had proper introductions are not usually as likely to fight. Ensuring the dogs have separate areas to rest and sleep helps to make a difference. Even though these methods are not entirely fool-proof, they are helpful. In some cases, aggression has its roots in two intact dogs of the same gender having problems. These types of disputes have their origins in sexual frustration. However, there is a remedy in the form of having one or both dogs spayed or neutered. Neutering can help eliminate aggression, especially in the case of two males. Aggression between two German Shepherds can be terrifying, considering the size that most of these dogs reach. Even though steps like trying and having the dogs altered can make a difference, aggression between the two could occur at some point. Dogs this size who start fighting can inflict injury on each other or anyone who tries to stop the fight. Knowing how to stop a row in a way that reduces the threat of harm is essential. When your dogs have difficulty getting along, it is vital that you know how to deal with the situation. Any number of circumstances can lead to dogs fighting, from quarrels over food to fights over toys. If your dogs have a disagreement, you need to know how to eliminate the problem in a positive way that reduces the possibility of injury. Having taken steps to introduce your dogs properly will reduce the likelihood of the fight being drawn-out. Remove whatever is triggering their hostility, such as food or a toy. Separate the two dogs to give them time to calm down. Once the dogs have had a chance to settle down, allow them back into the same area, with proper supervision. Reward both dogs with praise and treats or pats for behaving themselves. Rewards for good behavior will accomplish more than negativity. Two German Shepherds can be a perfect addition to any household, regardless of whether they have been raised together or if one of the dogs is a later addition. Being adequately prepared and making proper introductions makes a world of difference. So, two German Shepherd Dogs would be even better, right? German Shepherds that are of similar size, temperament, and energy levels get along the best. Are you wondering if having two German Shepherds means twice the goodness or double the trouble? Keep reading to understand the potential risks and best conditions for raising two puppies together. The short answer is yes, you sure can! German Shepherd Dogs GSD are fiercely loyal and develop bonds quickly, even in as little as a few weeks. They are also exceptionally intelligent which makes training them much quicker than with other breeds. This is great if you train one puppy first and then the second. However, they must trust and respect you before you train them together. If their bond is stronger with each other instead of with you, the training will be poor. Raising them simultaneously too early may create an inseparable bond that inhibits them from socializing with other dogs and humans. On the other hand, they might develop the exact opposite relationship with each other and end up fighting one another instead. Because they can easily view the second dog as intruding on their territory, and they might not want to share the house or you. There is also the risk of littermate syndrome, a situation where two German Shepherds start fighting so severely that it leads to having to relocate one of the dogs to a new home. This will allow you to focus your attention on training the first puppy who can then help you train the next. While they are still puppies, they can teach each other to share resources and your attention. Your first puppy will adjust better because both will be more willing to play, will be less likely to fight, and neither of them will be able to dominate the other. However, some GSDs will get along better with a puppy of the same sex. The results of their relationship vary from case to case, but it is something you still have to consider. What is much more important to consider is how well your current puppy gets along with other dogs right now. All of that to say: you can have two German Shepherds of either gender so long as the age gap is small and the first puppy you have has been properly socialized. Introduction Have the two puppies meet in a neutral area, such as a park, rather than in the house several days before you bring the new puppy home. Keep them leashed. Stop the session if one of the dogs gets nervous. Each puppy should have their own space in a quiet area around the house, especially when they want to get away from its new sibling. Be sure to encourage the new puppy to recognize their bed by teaching them to sit in it, and if they do, give them a treat. It helps if you do your best to show both dogs the same affection and give them the same attention with exercise, treats, etc. The pros of having two German Shepherds Double the love and fun Your first dog already brought a lot of fun and love, adding another dog will undoubtedly bring twice the joy and love into the family. Making training easier If you have a well-trained dog at home to set a good example, then it will be easier to train the new puppy you bring home. The old dog will be able to teach the new dog some tricks as it will look upon it for guidance. For example, a second dog in your home may give your dog company and reduce destructive behavior due to boredom or separation anxiety. Having one more companion for your family Having another dog can give your family one more furry companion: While you may want to have a good run with one dog, and your son may want to play fetch in the backyard with the other. The cons of having two German Shepherds More time and efforts Obviously enough, one and one is two. Make sure you have enough time for one dog before considering a second dog. They shed all year round and if you introduce one more GSD to your home. You may need to put up with doubling the fur — which means more time for picking up the furballs on the floor or a more powerful vacuum. And you have heard of littermate syndrome or two female GSDs getting into serious fights in the same household. In extreme cases, it may lead to re-homing of either of the dog or keeping them in separate rooms for good. Should you get two males, two females, or two opposite-sex German Shepherds? To make our points more relevant, we spent some time researching the internet and social media to get the best possible answer for this specific question. Here are what the current German Shepherd owners have to say about having two German Shepherds when it comes to choosing the sex: Thinking that both ladies may work it out together is not a good choice. Very likely, fights may escalate, and one dog may severely injure or kill the other. This seems to happen most often when the two dogs are close in age or when one dog is older and a newer dog is introduced to the pack. You are playing with fire with two males. My advice is to definitely get a female if you already have a male. They played together fine for months. Then they stopped play-fighting and fought for real, and part of an ear was bitten off in the process. We have to keep them separated now. Tiffany N. With a female, there will be no problem because a male dog is never aggressive to a female dog. Schweizer V. Regardless of the breed, while many dogs of the same sex do get along peacefully, having two dogs of the same sex may pose a higher risk than the opposite sex. Do you want to know how to find a purebred German Shepherd puppy? What are the pros and cons of purebred dogs? What questions should you ask a breeder before you buy a puppy? How to make sure your puppy is purebred? You will find answers to all these questions in this page guide. Get the guide Enter your email to receive a download link. Send me a download link Loading… Check your inbox for the download link. This can be explained by the sex hierarchies for dogs. Within a pack, there are separate hierarchies for males and females. Key takeaway: Get two GSDs of opposite sex In a nutshell, it seems that getting the second dog of the opposite sex is a wiser choice. So, if you already have a male dog, choose a female, and vice-versa. In most cases, fixing your dogs can reduce their aggressive behavior. Neutering can help to calm aggressive dogs and can stop them from roaming. In fact, neutering has been proven to create a much happier and calmer male dog over time. When a female dog enters heat, the hormones in her body change. Unspayed females sometimes compete for the attention of a male dog by fighting. Spaying your female dog can also be a significant improvement in her behavior. How to stop two German Shepherds from a fight? Same-sex aggression can be common with this breed. If you try to separate them in the wrong way, you may also get injured or things could get worse. If your dogs just started the fight, do not yell and try your best to stay calm. Do NOT grab them at the collar or else they might think you want to join the fight. If you have access to a water hose, spray on them before things get worse. Once the dogs are apart and you try to move them in a circle. So they cannot turn and bite you. Pull them away to another room or to the yard. At the end of the day. They need to learn to leave each other alone. But yes find a trainer in your area and ask them what they think and try to work with them. Is it a good idea to get two dogs from the same litter? Many dog behaviorists, trainers, breeders, and shelters discourage adopting siblings from the same litter. It is because the two puppies are deeply bonded. It impedes their individual ability to socialize with humans and other dogs. As a breeder, I would never sell two puppies to a home, or one to a home that just got or is planning to get a second puppy. They need individual attention, training and to bond with you, not the other pup. Signs of littermate syndrome include fearfulness of strangers, dogs and any moving objects they saw, such as runners or bikers. They may develop intense anxiety when separated and have difficulty learning basic obedience skills. In extreme cases, the two dogs will fight incessantly. Littermate syndrome can affect dogs of any breed, and it may also affect unrelated puppies who are adopted at the same time and raised together. The good news is: not all puppy pairs develop littermate syndrome and pet parents can prevent significant issues with specialized training methods. How to prevent sibling syndrome in dogs? The key is to give the puppies periodic time apart every single day. That means they should be regularly walked separately, played with separately, and trained separately. Do not allow the pups to share a crate. Feed meals separately, and out of two separate bowls. Conclusion While many male dogs, as well as female dogs, do get along peacefully, getting two dogs of the opposite sex seems to be less risky for the first time. Your worst nightmare is to have one of them re-homed simply because they do not get along. Ideally, the two dogs should have 1. At the end of the day, dogs can only be dogs, and a lot depends on your level of commitment. Further questions Should you get a young or older dog as a second dog? If you have an old dog, he may not be physically able to play with or tolerate a pup. What is the best age gap between dogs? The ideal age gap between dogs is that once your first dog has received all its basic training, it has matured to set a good example for your second dog. For many owners, this is around two years of age. Will my dog get jealous if I get another dog? Your dog is used to being your companion, and if there are other dogs that are taking you away, they may get upset, jealous, and even angry. This new puppy is also on their territory, and they may feel like their life is in jeopardy. Further readings.

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