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Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway.

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. Cute Baby Pug Puppies for Sale When you reach our store in the quest of adorable pug infants, then you will find one of the most beautiful Pug puppies you'll ever see is one of ours. If you have any questions before or after buying a Pug for sale nearby, we urge you to email us anytime. We adore our adorable Pug Puppies and will only give them to families who understand the breed's needs and value its unique characteristics. They occasionally challenge or verbally threaten larger dogs, giving the impression that they could care less about their little stature. For these restless little dogs, which require continual movement regardless of size, even a quick walk around the block will do. Although they have a little independent bent, they are highly intelligent and do well in obedience trials. As they get older, they are more equipped to play the actual lap dog. Even though adorable Pug puppies for sale make excellent alert and alarm dogs, they are frequently prone to excessive barking. These dogs typically behave nicely around kids, but it's important to let kids know they're small dogs and not as strong as larger breeds. We are experts in offering inexpensive Pug pups for sale in the USA. Therefore, anyone searching for "Pug pups for sale cheap" can go to our website or even email us to purchase a fantastic Pug for sale nearby! When you live with a Pug Although some Pug puppies may be picky eaters, they are generally simple to care for. They are physically active, which is most likely why they are not predisposed and not to be groomed once or twice a week to look their best, with daily treatments necessary during the shedding season. Despite their diminutive stature, these adorable Pug puppies benefit from training and need regular exercise. They are extremely intelligent, enjoy acquiring new skills and enjoy performing. The majority of the time, poms get along well with other dogs, but additional care should be used when pairing any toy breed with a large breed because a large breed may unintentionally harm a toy dog. They function well if they are reared around children; otherwise, they could be reticent. Children should be warned that these small canines might not be as strong or resilient as larger dogs and that their interactions should be under adult supervision. With their alert nature and propensity to bark, pugs make ideal watchdogs. Due to their attentiveness and diminutive size, they are the perfect companions for elderly people who live alone. Specific Details about a Pug infant The Pug grows to 8 to 11 inches and weighs between 3 and 7 pounds when it is at its ideal weight and height one to three kilograms. By seven to ten months, they often reach adult size. Pug puppies' floppy ears and foxy faces set them apart from other breeds, in addition to their rich double coats of fluffy hair and alert, prick ears. Its fluffy tail sweeps up and over its back despite its relatively square body form. This Pug for sale close to me is well-suited to the chilly winters of northern Germany, as evidenced by his thick collar and ruff around his neck. Having a distinct side snout, the head is slightly rounded. The Pug breed doesn't have a wide range of colours in puppies. Although off-white is the most often associated with the breed, it is acceptable for other variations of colours, from hints of black on white to sable and around this shade in between. Why rely on us?

He is fully vaccinated, microchipped and has a 1 year health g… more. Adorable Toy and Miniature Poodle Puppies. This deposit lets us know that you want the puppy and that it will not be sold to someone else. He is all up to date on shots and deworming and comes with the health guarantee. Windy City Majestic Toy Poodles. If an adopter cannot, for any reason, take care of their dog anymore, the dog must be returned to Red Door. About Poodles. Toy Poodle puppies for sale. Male and Female apricot red weeks old. Expected to be lbs fully grown and he is AKC registered. Illinois Poodle Classifieds Hoobly. Please call for even more info at Pets and Animals Elgin View pictures Cute toy poodle puppy, 8 weeks old. History: While the Toy Poodle's origins are a bit unclear, it is believed that the breed originated in Germany, where they worked as water retrievers. Elegant but goofy, proud but friendly, and refined but playful, Poodles seem to have it all—including an allergy-friendly coat! Yes, you can purchase a newborn toy poodle puppy! Country Acres Puppies is a small family dog breeder located in Fairbury, Illinois. Jake is our last brown and white parti male available for his home. They require a loving home who wants to. Of the three sizes of Poodle, the Toy was. As a Illinois breeder we specialize in small dog breeds. He is red, and adorable! He sired his first puppies in August He will be health tested hips and patellas when old enough. What colors do Toy or Tea Cup Poodles come in? Poodles come in many colors, among them white, black, gray, apricot, red, brindle, sable, silver, and parti. When you are looking for a great family pet or show dog, Windair Toy Poodles is here for you. Toy Poodle Puppies for Sale in Illinois. The Toy and Mini Poodle puppies at Premier Pups are raised in a warm and loving environment by dedicated. Their front and back legs are proportional to the size of the dog. They're great family dogs! Toy or Tea Cup Poodles are small dogs. This handsome little 12 week old standard poodle loves his people and other dogs. Teacup and Tiny toy poodle puppies are for sale in a range of colors including Black Toy Poodles, white, cream, phantom silver, red, and C hocolate Toy Poodle puppies. Former Pups. My Aprocot Male Toy Poodle 3 months ol. Ophelia, AKC black miniature poodle. He loves to play and sit on your lap. Coat: Curly, dense, and harsh-textured. Toy Poodles thrive on being involved in family activities, and they do not tolerate being alone too often. My adult male sires dads have been genetically tested for heart, eye, hip, elbow and knee patell… Toy Poodle [puppies .Parents are Embark DNA tested and both under 5 pounds and under 9 inches tall. You are welcome to e-mail or call me concerning my toy poodle puppies for sale. We promise to do our best to match you with the perfect puppy! Toy Poodle Puppies for Sale. Hello and welcome to Little Darling Toy Poodles on the web! I am a toy poodle breeder located in southern Illinois. Male s and Female s Age: 9 Weeks Old. Michele Spriggs Hi there Poodle Lovers. We are one of Illinois favorite and trusted Toy Poodle breeders. Our Puppy Agents and Poodle breeders interact with the puppies daily to ensure their transition to your home is smooth. Toy Poodle The Poodle, though often equated to the beauty with no brains, is exceptionally smart, active and excels in obedience training. I have a cute little puppy toy poodle and she's a girl. Petland Bolingbrook, IL has Poodle puppies for sale! Interested in finding out more about the Poodle? Check out our breed information page! Poodles for Sale in Rockford, IL. Find a Toy Poodle for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Illinois. You are welcome to e-mail or call me concerning my toy. Our breeders are true dog lovers and professionals of the highest standards. They come to you with the very first round of puppy shots and deworming, dewclaws have been removed and the tail docked. As a dedicated breeder in Hinckley, Or E-mail mommykelley babypoodles. This female pup will come with full AKC papers and a health more. He's just discovered toys and loves to play. Poodle For Sale in Illinois .She is up to date on vaccinations and dewormer. Give me an overview of Poodle puppies for sale in Chicago IL. Address: 16th St, Moline. She is a miniature Australian Shepard and weighs sixteen pounds. Toy Poodles Puppies For Sale have a long and straight muzzle with dark and oval-shaped eyes in black and brown in color. The puppies and their parents also go through regular genetics health tests to ensure they are healthy and happy. All parents are genetic health tested. Of the three sizes of Poodle, the Toy is the most companion-like. Apricot toy poodle. My puppies have a three year health guarantee and life time support for your new puppy! Joy is guaranteed with a Poodle puppy around as these beauties thrive in any household. Temperament: Toy Poodles are intelligent, trainable, and faithful companions that make great family dogs. We promise to do our best to match you with the perfect puppy! Would you. She is health tested and lives in my home as a pet, no kennel. Poodle breeder Teacup Poodles, Merle Poodle puppies for sale. We also Have the gorgeous and exotic Merle patterns! Merle Toy Poodles for sale. With over 20 years of experience in raising puppies, we have beautiful, happy, and healthy puppies. Illinois poodle breeder, teacup,tiny toy,toy poodles. Poodles for Sale in Chicago. She should get around seven to eight pounds. Tiny-Toy Poodles for sale. A lifetime genetic health guarantee. Our Mini and Toy Poodle puppies for sale receive a start in early socialization. Standard Poodle Puppies for sale. She is socialized with people and other dogs. Poodle Puppies for Sale in Illinois by Uptown Puppies About Poodles Poodles have long been one of the most popular breeds on the planet, and it's easy to see why. Comes with food vet check up papers shot record and CKC papers. They really care about the future lives of their Poodle puppies in Illinois. He does have OFA eyes, and heart. Quality Toy Poodles for Show and Pets. Prices vary according to many very different things like size and color, as well as how experienced the breeder is. Our I Love Lucy is a color bred red. Kiki is a blue merle with… View Details. Toy or Teacup Poodle Puppies for Sale. Toy Poodle Puppies in Illinois. Queenie is a cute little girl ready for her new home. Have dewclaws removed and tails docked. Definitely expected to keep his color as he ages. Best Poodle Breeders in Illinois! He sired his first puppies in August He. Let us help you with our experience and knowledge with any questions or concerns you might have about adopting a Baby poodle puppy. Pups are expected to be between lbs fully grown and will go home with their AKC. Puppy is a beige to apricot color parti pattern. Tea Cup Poodles weigh pounds and stand around inches tall, and Toy Poodles weigh pounds and stand around inches tall. Their tail is set and highly carried. Let us help you with our experience and knowledge with any questions or concerns you might have about. I am happy to answer any questions you may have about standard poodles so feel free to contact me. As a dedicated breeder in Hinckley, Illinois, we specialize in offering AKC toy poodles that exhibit excellent poodle conformation and temperament. Of course, payment in full must be made before placement. Their ears hang close to the head and have long and flat ears. No two Poodle puppies cost the same and there is good reason for that. Their front and back legs are. Would you like to purchase a puppy? At Country Acres Puppies we have a unique first come- first serve reservation and purchasing process. Romeo, 4 months old Romeo, 12 weeks old Romeo, 4 months old Romeo, 12 weeks old. Breeder of Poodle Puppies for Sale in Illinois Welcome to the most well respected breeder of red and apricot poodles in Illinois! Poodle Pups with Principal is family-owned and run. Our poodles are the results of careful selective breeding. I produce and show quality standard poodles. About This Breed. Written health Gorgeous tiny toy poodle puppies in a variety of colors. Meet our wonderful Mini Poodle parents! Eddi Meet Eddi, our Mini Poodle sire. Poodle Puppies for Sale in Illinois. With Uptown you will find a prince or a princess of a Poodle at a price you can afford! Puppy that is up- to- date on vaccines and dewormers appropriate to their age. Fritz is our darkest cherry red male toy poodle. At Quality Toy Poodle Home, we provide healthy puppies at affordable prices. We specialize in breeding and selling red, apricot, cream, and black poodle puppies, varying in size from toy, miniature and moyen. Please call for even more info at .He's working on his potty training and super smart. She is the smallest from her litter as well Pups are expected to be between lbs fully grown and will go home with their AKC registration, vaccine … more. Vet check up shots and wormed by vet. In contrast, buying Toy Poodles from breeders can be prohibitively expensive. Shipping is no longer available. This female pup will come with full AKC papers and a health … more. Wb poodle home Teacup Poodles. Females: pounds. Height Males: inches. Females: inches. Germany was not only the origin of the breed, but also of the two coat types found in the Poodle breed: the wooly coat and the corded coat. In France they became known as the Caniche, with cane being the French word for female duck , or duck dog. The breed continued to grow as a symbol of status during the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. The fantastical and extreme pom-poms seen on the Poodle today are strictly superficial. However, some areas were left for insulation, particularly the areas of the thorax and leg joints. Breed Characteristics Head: Somewhat dolichocephalic skull-type that is long, narrow, moderate in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. From the front, the skull appears slightly rounded and the width is less than the width from stop to occiput. The head is well-chiseled, never coarse or excessively fine. The occiput is well-pronounced. The face is well-chiseled with pronounced supraorbital regions and slightly pronounced zygomatic arches. The head is clean-cut without excess skin or wrinkle. Eyes: Moderate in size, oval to almond in shape, obliquely set, and as dark in color as possible. Darker eye colors are preferred, but lighter, amber-colored eyes are permissible in liver and liver varieties. The eye rims are well-fitted and well-pigmented. The eyes are never rounded or bulging. There should be sufficient bone in the surrounding orbital sockets to protect the eyes. Ears: Medium in size and set relatively low on the skull, with the top edge aligning with the corner of the eyes, or falling slightly below eye level. The leathers are long and wide. When extended forward, the tips should reach to the corner of the lips, or beyond. The ears are never long, overly large, or broken. Muzzle: The muzzle is long, full, and deep. Upper and lower jaws have good bone substance, appearing strong and well-developed, never appearing snipy or weak. The lower jaw and chin are strong, and equal in length to the upper jaw. They are never lacking, recessed, or appearing short in comparison to upper jaws. Nose: The nose is well-pigmented and black, or self-colored according to the coat. The nostrils are well-opened. Neck: Elegant, sufficiently long to allow for proud head carriage and strongly muscled with good arch. The neck tapers smoothly from the deeper and broader body toward the head. The neck is clean-cut, without excess skin, throatiness, or dewlap. Chest: Deep and broad, but never wider than deep. The brisket extends to the point of the elbows. Body: Balanced, agile, and athletic. The body is never heavy or bulky. Width at forequarters is approximately equal to the width at the hindquarters. Feet: Oval to round, compact, with well-arched toes and tough pads. Tail: Set high on the croup, thick at the base, and tapering toward the tip. Tail may be left natural preferred or docked. Natural tails are of a moderately long length, with the tip of the last vertebrae extending to the hock joints when held down. Natural tails may be straight or curved. Docked tails are cut from half to two-thirds the original length. The characteristics of healthy structure are evident: when moving away, the forelegs and rear pasterns should remain parallel to one another. When viewing movement from the front, the forelegs should remain parallel, with elbows and paws moving neither in nor out. From the rear, the back pads should be visible when the rear legs are extended. As speed increases, the forelimbs and hindlimbs will converge to the center line of gravity. From the side, the topline should remain firm and level. Good reach of movement in the front allows the forepaw to extend out in a line with the nose. The width between the forefeet when extended should be approximately equal to the width between the hindfeet when extended, indicating balance, good reach, and good drive. Dogs that exhibit any sign of breathing or locomotive difficulty shall be disqualified from the show ring. Temperament: The Poodle is known the world over for his keen, engaging, and good-natured temperament. They are devoted family companions, sociable playmates for both human and animal kind, and always the life of the party. Poodles are recognized as the second most intelligent dog breed, next to Border Collies. Any unprovoked aggressive or fearful behavior toward people is incorrect for this breed. The ideal length-to-height ratio is between and .Females may be slightly longer. The body is well-put together, with sturdy substance and medium bone. The overall proportions give way to an elegant, athletic, and agile dog. Head General Appearance: Somewhat dolichocephalic skull-type that is long, narrow, moderate in size, and in proportion to the rest of the body. Expression: The expression is confident, proud, lively, intelligent, and attentive. Stop: The stop is slight, or barely perceptible, but present nonetheless. Skull: The ideal muzzle-to-skull ratio is between and , with the topskull being equal to just longer than the muzzle. The ideal muzzle-to-skull axis is parallel; however, a slight divergence is tolerable. Lips or Flews: Lips are clean and fit tightly over the teeth and jaws. Cheeks: The cheeks may be smooth, or may exhibit slight padding to denote strength. The cheeks should not appear bulky or coarse. Dentition and Bite: Forty-two strong, clean, and white teeth. Bite may be level or scissor. Contact must be made between the top and bottom incisors. Missing or broken teeth as a result of routine work is not to be penalized. Body and Tail General Description: Balanced, agile, and athletic. Topline: Straight and level from withers to croup. The back is short, broad, strongly muscled, and straight, yet supple. The loin is taut, flat and level, or slightly arched, yet supportive. The back is never long, swayed, or roached. Croup: May be flat and level with the back, or gently sloped. Underline: Slight tuck-up present. The underline is taut and firm, without any indication of sagging or excess weight. Ribs: Long, well-sprung, well-laid-back, and oval-shaped, never barrel-chested or slab-sided. The forechest is well-developed, but not protrusive. Forequarters and Hindquarters Forequarters: Forequarters are always in balance with the hindquarters. Forequarters are well-angulated with long, well-laid-back shoulder blades. Shoulder blades are approximately equal in length to the upper arm and forearm. Elbows: Elbows are close to the body. The distance from the ground to the elbow may be equal to, or slightly greater than the distance from the withers to the brisket. Forelegs: Frontal View: Long, straight, of good muscle, moderate bone, and parallel to one another. Side View: The forelimbs appear straight with strong pasterns. Pasterns: Never weak or broken. Hindquarters: Upper thigh and lower thigh are long, equal in length, strong, sturdy, of moderate bone, and well-muscled. Rear View: When viewed from the rear, the rear pasterns are parallel to one another. Side View: Good angulation will allow the rear toes to align with the point of the rump or within one to two paw-lengths behind the point of the rump, with the rear pasterns remaining perpendicular to the ground and parallel to one another. Stifle Joint: Well-angulated with a good bend to well-let-down rear pasterns. Angulations: Angulation of hindquarters is always in balance with angulation of forequarters. Coat Skin: Well-fitted, yet supple. The skin should never obstruct the outline of the dog. Coat Type: The Poodle comes in two coat varieties: the curly coat and the corded coat. Curly coat variety: Well-furnished with abundance of tight, fine, frizzy curls of equal length and woolly in texture. When touched, the coat will spring back into place. Corded-coat variety: Dense, fine, woolly hair that forms cords of varying lengths. NOTE: Poodles may be shown in any clip with the exception of a complete close shave to the point where the coat texture cannot be determined. Coat Color or Pattern: CKC recognizes two color varieties of the Poodle breed: the standard color and nonstandard color variety. Nonstandard coat color variety: Phantom black, blue, silver, Isabella, liver, gray, or blue with tan points , brindle, tuxedo, pied, piebald, or party includes all of the above listed patterns and colors with or without white markings , white with the above listed coat colors and patterns. Temperament The Poodle is known the world over for his keen, engaging, and good-natured temperament. Faults All dogs should be in proper healthy condition, free from disease or defect. Any departure from this description is considered a fault. Unless altered, all male dogs should have two fully descended testicles. Find a Puppy.

Often occur with allergies and intolerances. Skin inflammations Can be hereditary in certain breeds. Heart disease Can occur frequently in dogs and can sometimes be treated with medication. Breathing problems Dogs with shortened muzzles can often experience respiratory problems. Amyloidosis Amyloidosis refers to a group of diseases that share a common feature: the pathological abnormal deposition of a fibrous protein called amyloid in various tissues of the body. Several organs are often involved. What does a mix of English Bulldog and Shar-Pei look like? A mix of English Bulldog and Shar-Pei can look different, but typically has the head and body shape of an English Bulldog with the wrinkles of a Shar-Pei. How big do English Bulldogs and Shar-Pei mixes grow? English Bulldogs and Shar-Pei mixes can grow small to medium in size, depending on the size of the parents. They usually weigh between kg. What is the temperament of an English Bulldog and a Shar-Pei mix? English Bulldog and Shar-Pei mixes are usually friendly and good-natured, but can sometimes be strong-willed and stubborn. They usually get along well with other dogs and children. Do English Bulldog and Shar-Pei mixes make good pets? Yes, English Bulldogs and Shar-Pei mixes generally make good pets. They are generally affectionate and easy to train. However, they can sometimes be very strong-willed and stubborn. Therefore, it is important to be consistent in training and discipline. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Chopped carrots or celery make great little healthy treats. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog living as long as possible. Make sure your dog is clean between the folds of their skin to keep them from getting infections. 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. One of the toughest jobs in caring for any dog will be maintaining their oral health. You should brush their teeth daily, as many dogs are prone to dental issues. You can do this yourself, or have a vet or groomer do it. 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. Look for a high quality dog food. Rarely solid, their coats typically have a blend of two or more colors. Luckily, their coats are very easy to groom. A good brushing per week will probably do, it helps spread the oil through their coat. Bathe approximately every twelve weeks. Frequent baths can irritate their skin. After bathing, they need to be thoroughly dried between all the folds of their skin to keep them from getting yeast infections. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, odor, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the ears, nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Ears should smell good, without too much wax or gunk inside, and eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. Bull-Peis could go either way. If they are raised from puppyhood, chances are they will be overly protective every member of their home. Bull-Peis may be more suitable for households with older kids who know how to behave and interact with animals. They can get along well with other dogs, if they are raised with them. Close supervision around other animals is strongly recommended. This mixed breed could be prone to chasing cats and other small animals. Learn more about this pup by reading about their parent breeds, the Chinese Shar-Pei and English Bulldog. However, you may want to try English Bulldog or Shar-Pei breed specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. She weighs about pounds and is still a puppy at heart. She is very much a 'social' dog and loves people and other dogs. She is still a great pet and is 'Queen' of our house! It is a cross between the English Bulldog and the Shar-Pei. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. She has spent the day protecting our house, chasing squirrels and lizards, and barking at passing dogs. Now she has eaten her belly full and retired for a nap! She plays hard and sleeps hard. It's not unusual for her to wake us up during the night snoring. What a face! She is a very friendly dog and loves people, dogs and even cats. She never meets a stranger and can be very entertaining. She drinks from a bird bath and loves to hang over the tub and watch it fill up with water. She was very easy to housebreak, but prefers the outside. She loves to go on walks. She has a very muscular body and a soft coat. Overall, she is a great pet and this seems to be a good combination of breeds. She has tons of wrinkles and a nice, short coat. She is one of the pups from my current litter. Yazmin the Bull-Pei puppy at 7 weeks old walking around in the grass. She is 8 weeks old in these pictures. Her mother was a purebred English Bulldog and father a purebred Shar Pei. Her coat is all black. Inside her mouth is a tint of blackish blue on her top pallet and some black spots under her tongue. I wanted an English Bulldog and my husband wanted a Shar Pei so we met in the middle hoping that she will not have any of the major health problems from either breed. Although when we go to welcome another new family member into our home I believe we will go with a breeder who is looking to better the breed itself and stick with purebred. After all the back and forth I've read on the internet of people bashing each other over the mix of the two breeds. Of course pure dedication and proper training with time will tell. We believe in giving her the best chance at life and in doing so she is on high quality food and has a vet just a few blocks down the road. I believe if its a mixed breed or a purebred you should always give them the best chance at life. Although if everyone thought that way there would be no dogs in shelters either. Also be careful what you are getting yourself into with the mix of these two breeds, you may end up with an alpha and one very stubborn little pup. With proper training and hopefully she will find her place in our home and enjoy her life. I have been watching a lot of Cesar Millan and I am using a lot of his techniques to help with training. We brought our babygirl home when she was 8 weeks old. She is amazing around children of all ages and loves playing with dogs of all sizes. Cats on the other hand not so much she cries for them and is very interested but they don't like how she snorts all over them lol. One thing is for sure, when ever I get up in the middle of the night you can be sure to find her in my spot once I return!!! She is always trying to steal my spot at night!!! They are solid build, with thick necks, muscular and triangular in shape and are energetic engaging loyal companions. They have lots of wrinkles and loose skin but not all the health issues of a purebred English Bulldog. They are stout, solid fun loving loyal pets. I love their wrinkles! This way you know that you are getting the right information from them. They are noisy. Bull-Peis will snore and bark. They require a lot of food. The majority of Bull-Peis will get along quite well with children because of their English Bulldog part of the breed. Every interaction with little children needs to be supervised as this breed is very powerful. They are also likely to chase smaller pets in the household rather than another dog. A Bull-Pei is often fairly simple to train, even though some are more difficult and stubborn. While training, be consistent, patient, and firm. Training your Bull-Pei using positivity, praise, and rewards will be very effective. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They will play with the children and be loving and affectionate with them. They are also protective and will act to keep children safe. Make sure that you are socializing your Bull-Pei early. Before you bring your new puppy home, we want to let you know what you should expect from your new four-legged pal. This will help the transition be a lot easier for you and for your new dog. This will all help them to make the right recommendation for your Bull-Pei. So, get this dog if your ultimate canine is a chill companion who appears quite distinguished. However, it is vital to do your homework about this pup before you take it home. You need to provide proper care and provide everything it needs. They are loyal and loving, and easy to train. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. If you want a dog but you are not so keen on exercise, then the Bull Pei may be for you as they do not require too much exercise. The only thing is that they are unpredictable as you never know which characteristic will be dominant. Generally, Bull Pei dogs are somewhat peaceful and not overly excitable. They can be playful and friendly like their Bulldog ancestors or tough, assured, and independent-minded like the Shar-Pei. These dogs are the happiest and content when they are around their family, so much so that they are never concerned about making friends outside the home. Bull Pei dogs are also reasonably easy to train except for some bit of stubbornness, as well as protective and highly adaptable thanks to their Shar-Pei strain. Are These Dogs Good for Families? A Bull Pei requires early socialization with owners, kids, strangers, and other pets to prevent aggressive tendencies and anxiety. An unsocialized Bull Pei is more likely to lash out towards strangers. It can also be a good companion and playmate for kids as long as you socialize them. The Bull Pei will be loving, affectionate, playful, protective, and quick to act to keep the children safe. However, their Chinese Shar-Pei parents have a dogfighting history, so your pup can instinctively challenge other dogs. Ensure you stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave its food out throughout the day. A Bull Pei is a heavy eater and requires 2 to 3 cups of dry dog food daily. Therefore, it would be best to split the food into two to three meals a day instead of one main meal. Offer your dog sufficient proteins and limit the treats. So your dog will appreciate a short exercise session every day if you want. Plus, this dog also has no issues staying alone for long. Plus, it is bright and works hard where there are rewards and praises. However, these dogs are somewhat independent-minded, a trait that can make them stubborn. You can prevent future training struggles by socializing and training your pup early. Be just be consistent and patient, and avoid scolding and punishments. As a result, they only need moderate maintenance to continue looking good and healthy. You may need to vacuum regularly, though, as these breeds shed moderately throughout the year and increase during the shedding season. Also, ensure that you give them monthly baths using dog shampoo and dry well, especially at wrinkly places. Be careful to ensure that no moisture or grime gets trapped in the wrinkles and folds on the skin, as it may irritate their skin and cause a foul odor. Also, clip long nails or ask a vet or groomer to help. But these dogs may inherit some conditions from either side of their heritage. Here are the most common health issues you may run into with your Bull Pei: Hypothyroidism This condition occurs when the thyroid glands fail to produce thyroxine hormones responsible for efficient cellular metabolism. As a result, you may notice signs like lethargy, temperature fluctuations, weight gain, low appetite, and fur loss. Demodectic Mange Demodectic or red mange is an inflammatory condition caused by the microscopic parasites known as Demodex mites. Reverse sneezing occurs in dogs with brachycephalic skulls, where the back of the head appears flattened. Other conditions that Bull Pei dog breeds experience include eye issues, patellar luxation , hip dysplasia, heat sensitivity, cancer, ear infections, and tartar buildup on the teeth. Minor Conditions.

Poppy could be seen peering over the wooden crate to check on the litter of puppies regularly. She even brought them toys at times, in the hope that they might be able to play with her. The excited big sister watched the puppies at "every chance she gets," and eventually Poppy was able to greet them with some gentle kisses. After several weeks of waiting, the puppies had finally grown strong enough to enjoy some playtime with Poppy, as their owner said it was the best day of Poppy's life. The adorable clip showing "the love of a big sister" was posted by TikTok user our. A litter of golden retriever puppies. A golden retriever has melted hearts after she was seen waiting several weeks until her brothers and sisters were big enough to play with her. Golden retrievers are undoubtedly a sought-after breed, and despite being a family-oriented dog, they still need plenty of training from a young age. It's recommended that training should start as young as 8 weeks old to establish a routine, rules, and boundaries, so the dog k now s what's acceptable. Puppies are constantly developing between 2 and 6 months, so helping them learn to communicate through barking or signals will cut out any unwanted behavior. Socializing the puppy will enhance its confidence in groups. The AKC refers to this early stage as their angel phase, before the teenage rebellion phase from the age of 6 to 18 months. The teenage phase is about building on the foundations that were set in their early weeks, but this can be a difficult task. Goldens love to carry things around in their mouths, so teaching them commands to drop and leave items they shouldn't take is fundamental, according to the AKC. Once goldens reach 18 months old, they will start to move towards the maturity phase, which means they understand the rules and have learned basic obedience. By this stage, the AKC says that dogs will show more signs of individuality and their emotional development is complete. Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog Experience the Joys of Owning a Dog If you've been considering dog ownership, why not find out what it's really like with us before making that big commitment. That's why we entrust them to resolve your fear of dogs within our specially controlled environment. Or know someone who has? Many people who are bereaving find it very therapeutic coming to The GRE because they are reminded of the joys of having had their pet and receive the healing love and attention they've been missing. We're based in the quiet countryside of Exmoor National Park, surrounded by rolling hills with a 10 minute walk to the beach. Makes a perfect Wedding Gift and we do Gift Certificates. You can book out our grounds dogs included of course for up to 6 hours of dog-filled fun. Enquire below. Additional Expertise and Accessibility Learning, Social and Behavioural Difficulties Additional Expertise and Accessibility We have experience working with the blind, elderly patients and children and adults with Down syndrome. The GRE is fully wheelchair accessible and we have ample parking for minibuses and coaches. We'd love to see all of you at The GRE but we don't accept walk-ins because we have a limited capacity, all bookings must be made in advance via the 'book now' button on our website. If you want to book, please press the 'book now' button on the bottom of your screen. Otherwise, fill out this form and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Please note that we are not offering 3-hour sessions for Summer but please get in touch if you still have a 3-hour gift certificate to use. Are you preparing to introduce your furry friend to other pets in your household? In this article, we will provide you with valuable insights on training your Golden Retriever to interact with other pets, ensuring their safety, and fostering harmonious relationships. Get ready to make new furry friends as we dive into this guide! As a pet owner, you play an important role in establishing a harmonious relationship between your pets. You can teach your pets to coexist and become best friends with patience and consistency! The introduction should go smoothly if your other pets are friendly to other animals. However, it may take more time and patience if your other pets are dominant or aggressive. It is vital to remain present during the introduction and correct aggressive behavior. Follow the simple steps below to help your furry friend feel calm and confident around other pets. Do they get excited and rush forward to greet you, or do they prefer to remain quiet and shy? For example, try walking your dog in areas with more dogs or taking them to popular trails or parks. This allows your dog to become accustomed to seeing and meeting other dogs without becoming overwhelmed or scared. Keep an eye on how your dog reacts to other dogs and only allow them to interact if they appear to be at ease. If the interaction becomes too much for your dog, be prepared to intervene and remove your dog from the situation. Do they have any particular habits or quirks that your dog should be aware of? Encourage your beloved pet to look into the eyes of their playmate during greetings to help them establish trust and a sense of equality. You can teach your dog to look at you or another human first, then back to their playmate for a few seconds to boost their confidence and make them feel safe. Most dogs, however, will do this naturally. If your dog has trouble making eye contact, use a sound to get their attention, and then reward them with treats for looking at you or another person for a short period. For Dogs: Meet On Neutral Territory When introducing dogs, you must choose a neutral territory where neither dog feels the need to protect their belongings. This helps to avoid any territorial disputes or defensive behavior. It is recommended that the cat is presented to the dog in a carrier to provide security. If both animals appear calm, you can let the cat out of the carrier but keep an eye on their interactions. Provide a safe and elevated location for the cat to retreat when they need some alone time away from the dog. Take a few deep breaths and try not to let your body tense up. Introducing your dog to a new pet can be stressful, but showing your dog you are nervous will make them more anxious. Instead, act as if everything is fine, and it most likely will be! It can be exciting to introduce your dog to new pets. Your dog can make new friends and play with other animals safely and enjoyably with some practice and careful planning. Keeping Your Golden Retriever Safe Around Other Pets If you own a lovable Golden Retriever , you already know they are social creatures who enjoy making new friends, whether with humans or other pets. However, remember that not all pets are the same, and some may not be as friendly towards your furry friend. This way, you can intervene quickly if any signs of aggression or discomfort arise. Introduce them gradually: Just as humans, it is critical to introduce your Golden Retriever to other pets gradually and carefully. Allow them to sniff and observe each other from afar before allowing them to interact more closely. Avoid forcing the interaction if another pet does not appear interested in socializing. Remember that your Golden Retriever is a friendly and social creature , so make sure they are safe and respectful around other pets. Following these tips, you can help ensure everyone has a happy and healthy interaction. However, if you have a Golden Retriever at home , you may wonder how to make the transition go as smoothly as possible. However, with some planning and consideration, you can ensure that the meeting of your furry family members is a success. Here are some tips when introducing your new puppy to your Golden Retriever. Before The Introduction Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for the entire family, including your older dog! There are a few things you can do to prepare for the introduction. This will help to prevent any potential conflicts over prized possessions. Create separate areas in your home where both dogs can relax and get away from each other. This will give them a sense of security and allow them to have their own space when necessary. Consider purchasing separate food dishes for each dog to avoid possessive aggression. This will help them understand that they each have their eating area and will reduce competition. Finally, ensure both dogs are up to date on their vaccinations before introducing them. This will ensure the health and safety of both of your furry friends. During The Introduction Your older dog loves your home and wishes to protect it, but we want to ensure they get along well with the new puppy. Introducing them in a neutral area is best to avoid territorial behavior. Remember, the first introduction should be short and sweet. Most importantly, remain calm! Your dog can sense your emotions and will follow you wherever you go. They look to you for advice on how to react in an unfamiliar situation. Your older dog and the new puppy will be best friends in no time with a bit of patience and positive reinforcement! Look for raised fur on the back of the neck or back, prolonged staring, growling, snarling, teeth display, or a hunched back. If you notice any of these symptoms, it is best to intervene and separate them for a short time until they calm down. Keep your energy and emotions in check by remaining calm and positive throughout the process. Prepare your dog by reinforcing basic commands and adjusting their routine. Use positive reinforcement to reward calm behavior around baby items. Begin with supervised interactions at a safe distance, allowing your Golden Retriever to observe the baby. Gradually decrease the distance and increase exposure over time. Supervise all interactions and never leave them alone together, even if your dog has shown positive behavior. Continue to provide regular exercise , attention, and affection to your Golden Retriever. Seek professional guidance if needed. With patience, preparation, and supervision, you can foster a positive and safe bond between your Golden Retriever and your baby. Conclusion Congratulations on taking the first step toward introducing your Golden Retriever to other dogs! Golden Retrievers can make new friends and play with other animals safely and enjoyably with some practice and careful planning. Remember to stay calm and have fun with your pet throughout the process. Enjoy this new chapter in your life as a pet parent, and treasure the moments you spend with your loyal companion. Make sure to monitor their interactions closely and that they feel safe and comfortable. What to do If your other pets are dominant? If you have dominant pets, you must establish yourself as the pack leader and provide plenty of instruction and boundaries for all pets. Keep a close eye on their interactions and be ready to intervene to prevent conflicts. How long should I wait to introduce my golden retriever to other pets? The timing for introducing your dog to other pets varies based on factors such as age, health, behavior, and socialization level. Puppies should typically wait until they have completed their vaccinations before interacting with other dogs. You can follow the tips we have above to ensure a smooth introduction. Will my golden retriever accept a new puppy? It can also help you because they keep each other entertained. Most older dogs will welcome a younger puppy with open paws! Are Golden retrievers happier with another dog? Many Golden Retriever owners recommend getting two! The primary reason is that Goldens are very social dogs, and having a furry friend around can provide excellent companionship for your pup. In addition, Goldens get along well with other Goldens , so it could be a perfect match! Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Do further research into these local German Shepherd breed clubs in your area. Whether you get information from their websites or contact them directly for help, local breed clubs are a great way to get the names of reputable breeders in your area. Veterinarians come into contact with a lot of different types of animal care-givers, from breeders to shelters to individual owners. Because they know so much about animal issues in the community, it's a good idea to talk to a few vets in your area for ethical breeder recommendations. Also consider speaking to other German Shepherd owners, dog groomers, or dog trainers. If you visit a breed show, talk to owners and trainers about who they've had good or bad experiences with. A good breeder won't have a variety of breeds available for adoption. Look for a breeder who specializes only in German Shepherds. Your best option is to find a breeder who has years of experience with the German Shepherd breed. They should be able to answer your questions about development, temperament, and training easily and without hesitation. A key marker of a good breeder is the amount of effort they put into early socialization. Puppies need to be taught from an early age to live harmoniously with humans. If a breeder keeps litters isolated away from the home, the puppies will not be used to the sights and sounds of a normal household, and won't be used to human interaction. This can become a problem by the time they are old enough to be adopted. Make sure the puppies spend at least some time in the breeders' home with them. The more time they spend with humans, the more you can trust the breeder. An ethical breeder will never try to breed a female who hasn't reached sexual maturity — about 2 years of age. Mothers should also be given enough time to recover from pregnancies and being separated from their litters as they get adopted. Females should be healthy and alert. Never adopt a puppy from a breeder who breeds a young or unhealthy female, or who doesn't give mothers time to recover before breeding them again. Puppies should never be sold or separated from their mothers before 8 weeks of age. The breeder should have begun the puppies' vaccination and deworming processes before adopting them out. Make sure that's happened, and ask about any health problems the vet may have reported in these early checkups. Ask if the breeders have their dogs tested for the Degenerative Myelopathy DM gene. This can determine whether a common inherited disease in German Shepherds is present in the litter's bloodline. Dogs with DM suffer from progressive paralysis, particularly in the hind legs. Note that being AKC-registered does not mean that you are getting a healthy animal. It means that the owner paid money to the AKC to register the dog. While experts recommend against breeding animals with known genetic problems, an OFA certification will give you proof. Be aware, though, that there's no guarantee of health in any animal. There's always a chance that two dogs free of known genetic diseases can still produce a puppy with genetic problems. The breeder should be evaluating you as a potential owner, just as you're evaluating him or her as a breeder. No good breeder will just hand over a puppy without being sure that the new owners will be able to provide it with a good, healthy life. Ask the breeder what they look for in a good owner, and whether they've ever turned potential owners away. The breeder should be able to answer these questions without even having to think about it. You might also ask the breeder for references so you can contact other families who have dogs from previous litters. A reputable breeder should ask questions about your dog background and experience, your lifestyle, and your family to guide you in making the best decision. As difficult as it may be, a good breeder will be willing to turn you away if they think you're a bad fit for their particular puppies. For example, if the litter has particularly inactive parents, the puppies may not be a good fit for your highly active lifestyle. If you get turned away, ask if the breeder can point you to other options and litters so you can expand your search. Also ask if they have any unborn litters coming up that may be a better fit for you. Be patient and don't get discouraged. With enough patience and legwork, you'll find the right puppy. Don't lie to a breeder just to get a puppy, though. Trust the breeder's decision-making process. You don't want to end up with a dog who doesn't fit your needs. Avoid any breeder who offers to cut you a "deal," who has unclean or smelly kennels, or who acts suspiciously in any way. Trust your instincts. A breeder who's in it just for the money has the wrong motivation, and likely isn't interested in the welfare of their dogs. Make sure the dogs are not crowded into cages. They should have plenty of room to stumble around and explore their surroundings. Part of the time, puppies should be kept in the home to expose them to household environments. There should be adequate food and water for all animals on the premises. Kennels should be cleaned daily. Although it may be that a dog had an accident just before you arrived, be suspicious of a kennel that looks like it hasn't been cleaned recently. If a breeder doesn't have a return policy, it suggests they don't really care what happens to their dogs once they leave their property. That's not a good sign! Also find out what kind of documentation you would get with your puppy. Would you get registration papers and pedigree papers? Negotiate for what you want if it's not included in the contract. Be very wary of a breeder who will not discuss the chance that a puppy may need to be returned. Does the contract require you to take the puppy for a vet visit within a set time? Does it cover hereditary issues for life? For only a certain period of time? What does the breeder agree to offer? Trade for another puppy when one is available? Are there restrictions on the activities you can do with your dog that will invalidate the contract or guarantee? Are you purchasing a show prospect puppy or a pet quality animal? Does the breeder have strong feelings or even bans about the vaccinations, foods or supplements for your puppy? Are these opinions based on solid science? Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. Below I'll list a few tips to help you choose your own GSD puppy by considering the following things, in no particular order: 1 Carefully look at the puppy's parents, all the littermates and any other relatives onsite - It's really important to make sure that both parents are friendly, healthy and active. One important thing to keep in mind, many nursing bitches can be a little "down" and maybe even undernourished when feeding a large litter of puppies, however she should still be friendly and curious about you. Another important tip: make sure both parents have been OFA certified. Chances are very high that you may regret bringing home a sickly puppy later. Overall, young German shepherd puppies should be playful, clean and odor-free, full bodied but not too chunky and have bright clear eyes, a clean nose, clean anus and a full hair coat no mats or bald patches. All puppies of any kind need their mothers very early on. They need them to nurse and they also need them as teachers to model behaviors for the puppy that they will need to know later on in life. It is also important to make sure that the puppies have gotten all their first vaccinations and wormings. Overall, the best time to get a German Shepherd puppy is basically sometime between eight to twelve weeks of age. If you find a GSD puppy that you want and is older than twelve to fourteen weeks just make sure that it has been received a lot of socialization with people and other "critters". The overall setup of the kennel area should be that of a well kept area for all the dogs and puppies. Never buy a puppy from a breeder that keeps their animals in dirty, filthy or nasty conditions. If you sincerely feel as if something is not right with the breeder, the breeders objective in selling the puppies, the surroundings or the puppy itself, step back. Give yourself time to really think about the entire situation. You never want to get a puppy of any kind on impulse! When you bring that new GSD puppy home, you want to be confident in the fact that the entire process of choosing a German Shepherd Puppy has been as stress free as possible and that you have just made the best choice for both you and your new GSD puppy because this is a new relationship that can last, easily, eight years or more. They had little pictures of cats on them. Then I took one out and he ran around in circles. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

Without something to occupy them, your Dood is likely to quickly get bored. These toys present your pal with a task to carry out in order to receive a reward — this can either be access to a fun toy or tasty treat. Some toys, such as puzzle balls, also work well for rationing kibble with scoffers. Rope Toys Another popular and inexpensive option is the rope toy. Long, colorful fibers are woven together and knotted to create the perfect toy for chewing, tug-of-war games, and fetch. A word of caution, poorly made rope toys can do your pet more harm than good — especially if they are exceptionally energetic chewers. Loose strands can also get tangled around the base of the tongue, which can cause a strangulation-type injury to the tongue itself. Fetch toys Most dogs love playing games with their owner. For the bouncy, boisterous Labradoodle fetch toys such as balls and frisbees are a great way of killing two birds with one stone. Not only do they get to spend quality time with the person they love best in the world, but they also get plenty of much-needed exercise. A further benefit of these excellent toys is the more you can tire your pup out through long walks and energetic games, the easier they will be to handle through the day and into the evening. Burning down their energy this way also helps keep dogs calm during bathing and grooming sessions and trips to the vet. Plush toys Great for anxious dogs and keeping young puppies calm, plush toys make excellent snuggle pals for your four-legged friend. Generally, these are better for light to non-chewers as fabric is more easily ripped and shredded by determined teeth and claws. Always opt for a non-toxic product with reinforced seams, though, just in case. They could cause them health problems if your pup decides to swallow any materials, small parts, or stuffing. In particular, pay attention to: Design While many dog toys have relatively straightforward designs — especially fetch and tug toys, you need to ask yourself whether it will actually appeal to your dog. After all, if your dog loses interest within a couple of minutes, all you have left is a pointless, potential trip hazard. Opt for easy-grip toys with entertaining features if you are looking for something that will keep your pup entertained during solo play. These may include squeakers, added flavors, or a place where you can stash a treat for them to find. Construction This is probably the most crucial aspect of any toy. After all, how many times have you bought what you thought was an excellent toy for your dog, only for them to rip it to shreds in literal seconds? Novice pet parents, be warned! Choose quality toys that are not going to instantly be destroyed the minute you remove the tag. Natural rubber, latex, and nylon are all good robust materials. Kong Classic Dog Toy. Adjustable treat dispensing toy Large chamber fits whole meals Weighted bottom wobbles. With a curved, wobbling bottom and a thinner cylinder-like top, this toy is shaped specifically for the mouth of a Labradoodle, making it easier to pick up and walk around with. Goughnuts tough dog toys are long lasting and will keep your dog busy.Our super durable dog toys are nearly indestructible, but if your dog manages to damage them, We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Made in California, this dog toy is shaped like a ring and can float, bounce, flex, and stand up, making it perfect for playing a long game of fetch. With 4 sizes and 6 colors to choose from, this 21 dollar toy is a great investment for your money. With a long-lasting guarantee, Goughnuts also has a replacement policy that says it will send you a new Ring Toy if your dog ever destroys the one you have. Made of a natural compounded rubber in the United States, this toy is great for dental hygiene and is filled with treats to encourage chewing while gradually feeding snacks to your Labradoodle. Labradoodles in particular love this toy because it challenges their intellect. They tend to get bored easily and love the smell of their treats hiding inside this FDA-approved puzzle. Perfect for solo play or playtime with the family, it comes in 2 sizes and 2 colors including red and green. Bring it on. Benebones are tougher than real bones and last for weeks. Trust us, dogs can tell the difference. Want to chat? This toy comes in 3 delicious flavors that will encourage your dog to play and chew it enthusiastically. For meat-loving dogs, chicken and bacon flavors are available. A Labradoodle sits on a couch next to a Pomeranian. Great for.Swivel to hide treats under the.Easy to.Do not leave toys with unsupervised pets. Remove and replace toy if damaged. This toy is considered somewhat eco-friendly because it is made from a wood-plastic composite instead of all rubber or plastic. This dog puzzle is a good stimulation tool for Labradoodles, especially when playing alone because it takes both interest and concentration. To operate and solve this game, your dog must interact by pushing levers and swiveling flippers to reach hidden treats and goodies. By following a series of steps, they will push blocks into holes to release their treats. It also features handles that.Multi-Use Toy: The two-in-one ball toy offers twice the fun, excitement, mental stimulation, and worthwhile interactive play. Its tough exterior makes it super durable and ideal for routine fetch.Hours of fun and bonding are guaranteed between you and your dog. Assorted Colors: Choose from an assortment of fun colors and pick from one of two shape choices: Ball or Football. Available in 2 Sizes: Medium and Large. Available in both medium and large sizes, this toy weighs roughly 1 pound and is great for Labradoodles of all ages. Your Labradoodle will be entertained and occupied for hours trying to figure out how to reach the tennis ball inside of the jumbler itself. Different Types of Toys Available There are millions of dog toys on the market these days, but not all dog toys are right for every dog. Some toys are specifically made for smaller breeds while others are made for more aggressive chewers. Others are made with organic materials while others are designed from plastic and include dyes. Most quality dog toys will display the type of dog they are targeting on their packaging. Make sure you heed these instructions, as getting a toy that is not designed for your Labradoodle in his particular life stage could be dangerous. Labradoodles are large dogs that need durable toys. Both parent breeds have a history as retrieving dogs, so may enjoy a toy that you can throw for them. But, you know your Labradoodle best. Ultimately, you are best placed to decide which toys they will enjoy the most. These toys are tough, durable teething toys with nubs and edges designed for those sharp little puppy teeth. They can even aid in overall dental health. This adds a bit more comforting relief when your puppy chews. These toys are softer and made for younger puppies, so they are not ideal for young adult or grown Labradoodle dogs. They come in two different, interesting shapes that will be easy for your Labradoodle to hold whilst they chew. The two toys have different textures, one with ridges, and the other more smooth. So, your puppy has a bit of choice. Chews like this are great for teething puppies to relieve a little of their discomfort, and to save your own skin from painful bites! Nina Ottosson Puzzle Toy Puzzle toys can help with chewing, because a lot of chewing behavior is triggered by boredom. Every Labradoodle has their quiet moments. This is a toy designed to be used with treats and encourages your dog to think, in order to get to the tasty treasures. As Labradoodles get older, they become increasingly more intelligent and are more prone to experiencing boredom and anxiety. You can help alleviate this by investing in the best Labradoodle toys you can find. This puzzle toy is made of plastic, so is washable with soap and warm water. But, be aware that this is not a toy to leave with your dog to play with alone. These dog toys include a variety of toys like interactive balls, squeaky toys, treat balls, and puzzles to keep your clever Labradoodle engaged with or without you at his side. The Medium-Large size pack is best for adult Labradoodles, who are large breed dogs when fully grown. These balls are each slightly different from one another, with different textures, shapes, and sizes. So, your Labradoodle has a lot of choice when playing. The Kong is a brilliant invention and comes in a range of different strengths and sizes. The large red variety is perfect for most adult labradoodles to chew on. There is an even tougher black version if you Labradoodle is a power chewer! You can also freeze these toys with food inside, making it a little harder for your dog to get the food out, and encouraging some relaxed playtime. This KONG toy is designed to bounce in unpredictable directions when thrown. Your Labradoodle will love to chase it as it bounces around your house or yard! This toy is specifically designed for large dog breeds. Some Labradoodles are more aggressive chewers than others. If your Labradoodle is part shark, a rope toy like this is a great durable choice. It is knotted with frayed ends, so your dog will love gnawing on the different bumps and textures. On top of this, chewing on rope toys can be a great way for your Labradoodle to clean their teeth. And, it is machine washable, so you can keep your dog healthy and your house smelling fresh. BarkBox Plush Squeak Toy Labradoodle puppies may well enjoy cuddling up with a few soft toys in the first few weeks. Remember, these toys are not suitable for heavy or destructive chewers. But are better suited to very young puppies. You may need to remove them once your puppy reaches three to four months of age This one is a large, plush toy in the shape of a sloth! This toy option has a number of different fabrics that your dog will love the feel of. Plus, inside is a wonderful squeaker, that will make chewing fun and rewarding. Whether your Labradoodle loves cuddling up with their toys or just making as much noise as possible, this is a great option. But, remember to remove any pieces that your dog does chew off. Even fabric can be problematic if swallowed. This is an extremely good toy for puppies as it has a soft surface but the puppy can bite down on the tough knotted rope inside. It has realistic flexibility in its sides, and contains a squeaker. Your Labradoodle will find chewing on this raccoon toy very rewarding. Even if your Labradoodle does manage to completely destroy the outer layer, they can just continue playing with the rope toy hidden inside! Just be sure to discard any loose pieces. This chew toy is covered with interesting textures. You can also hide treats inside to encourage your Labradoodle. Like any other toy, make sure to remove any pieces that get chewed off — although it will be a challenge for your dog with this option! A Classic Tennis Ball! But, in reality, any tennis ball will be great too! And, you can find them in pretty much any pet store. Choose standard sized tennis balls rather than small versions so your Labradoodle cannot swallow or choke on them. Both parents of the Labradoodle the Labrador and the Poodle love to retrieve. So, your Labradoodle is bound to love chasing one of these tennis balls across a field and bringing it back to you. Just remember to remove tennis balls that break open so your doodle dog cannot swallow any pieces. Labradoodles are mixed breeds, meaning they are the offspring of the purebred Poodle and purebred Labrador Retriever. Both of these dog breeds are bred working dogs with lots of energy to burn. Dogs with lots of intelligence and energy to burn can be wonderful companies to the right family. But they can also be more prone to problematic and destructive behaviors if their exercise and mental stimulation needs are not met. These toys can also help soothe anxiety, reduce destructive behaviors, and even keep your Labradoodle entertained and happy while you are away. Is your Labradoodle a chewer? Or does he prefer learning new tricks and exploring? Does your Labradoodle like to cuddle with toys. Or does he enjoy playing tug of war or more destructive games with his plushies? Knowing your Labradoodle will help you be able to better pick out the best Labradoodle toy for him. Puppies, for example, will do well with teething toys and smaller, softer KONGS to help keep them occupied and happy. Adult Labradoodles will likely appreciate toys that help aid in exercise like balls, interactive and puzzle toys. They also love strong chews they can distract themselves with when you are busy or away. If you are choosing toys for your puppy before they arrive, you might want to get a selection — perhaps one toy from each category that we looked at right at the start of this guide. This way, you can see which type your Labradoodle responds best to before investing lots of money into more toys. Other Ways to Entertain Your Labradoodle with Toys Along with investing in the best Labradoodle toys for your Labradoodle, you might also consider a storage container to keep these toys in. Because Labradoodles are so intelligent, only give your Labradoodle a few toys at a time. Then you can switch them out with new ones now and again to keep things interesting. You can also help encourage your Labradoodle to build healthy, independent habits using toys. Keeping your Labradoodle on a schedule and allowing him to have time to himself with a favorite toy can help reduce anxiety and stress, and help your Labradoodle see that being on his own from time to time is actually a good thing. These will last many months, even years. All young dogs like to chew on softer toys too, and the Kong Knots range is perfect for this purpose. Soft toys can work for very small puppies but tend to have a short life. You may also find that puzzle toys and training games, help reduce any destructive behavior around your home. We hope this article has been a helpful guide on the best Labradoodle toys for your playful pup. Now we want to hear from you. What do you think is the best Labradoodle toy on our list? Have you tried any out on your pup? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below! However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own. References and Resources Paterson, S.

UKC Classification: Companion Dog Prevalence: Common Poodles come in three sizes or varieties: the standard over 15 inches and 45 to 70 pounds [20 to 32 kilograms] , the miniature 10 or 11 inches to 15 inches and 12 to 20 pounds [5 to 9 kilograms] and the toy less than 10 inches and about five to seven pounds [2 to 3 kilograms]. All the Poodles share a square outline, with a long, elegant neck and a straight back. The tail is docked, but not short, so it can wave gaily. Poodles tend to have a leggy appearance and a long muzzle combined with dropped ears. They move with a springy, lively gait. The coat of the poodle is its crowning glory. Dogs competing in the breed ring must have a specific clip, with areas of extravagant hair coupled with skin tight clipping. These clips actually developed for a reason: they provided thick coat over the joints and chest to keep the dog warm while working in cold water. Many guardians elect to keep their dogs in a kennel or working clip, with the coat clipped fairly short and pompoms left on the head and tail. A few poodles are seen with a corded coat, in which the tight curls form long bands like dreadlocks. The poodle coat should be tight and curly unless brushed out vigorously. Poodles are known as good dogs for people with allergies because the hair does not routinely shed out; instead, it mat to itself. This is why poodles need clipping or frequent grooming because the mats can be painful. The commonly seen colors of poodles are silver, black, white, apricot and chocolate. Reds do appear as well as creams and blues. Parti-colors such black and white are not considered acceptable in the show ring. Personality: Poodles are notorious for their intelligence and ease of training. They are lively, active, fun-loving dogs with a sense of the ridiculous. Poodles thrive on attention and can develop bad habits such as nuisance barking if ignored or left alone. The smaller poodles can be aggressive to people outside their families or to other dogs. They should have early socialization to other people and pets and a firm hand in training. Poodles can be protective of their families and homes. It should be remembered that poodles are basically hunting dogs in elegant attire and do require exercise and training to be at their best as companion dogs. Living With: Poodles are "easy keepers," and guardians should not indulge them with treats too much. They can easily become overweight. Many poodles live a comparatively long life, with the smaller poodles reaching as much as 17 years of age, while the standards tend to live for 12 to 14 years. Grooming is a fact of life with a poodle. With the tendency of the coat to mat, poodles should have a close clip or be groomed almost daily. Show coats require frequent baths, the tying up of topknots and ear fringes and oiling of the coat to keep it from getting brittle. A steady hand on the scissors is also important. Poodles are good family dogs — fun, energetic, smart and easy to train. They do best with plenty of exercise for both mind and body and prefer to be with people most of the time. They are not good kennel dogs. Socialization should begin early and include other people, other pets and the grooming routine. These dogs are exceptional jumpers, so be careful with your yard fencing! History: While commonly associated with France, the poodle actually is of German origin, possibly descending from the barbet. The breed became "set" in type in the s, although earlier examples of poodle-like dogs are known. The word poodle comes from the German "pudel" meaning puddle or splash. Poodles started out as hunting dogs, especially good at water retrieving. With their quick intelligence and desire to please, they branched out into performing dogs with traveling troupes and circuses. Aristocracy, particularly in France, discovered the breed and delighted in both the personality and the incredible hair coat, which could be shaped in myriad ways. Despite the new image of the poodle as an elegant, somewhat spoilt aristocrat, we should remember that they are still called "caniches" in France, meaning duck dog. The three varieties constitute one of the most popular breeds in the world. Poodles shine in the glamour of the show ring, but they also work as guide dogs for the blind and police dogs. They compete in all dog sports, from running the Iditarod and herding sheep to obedience and agility. Related Pet Care Articles. 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. Although it hardly seems possible when you look at a primped-up Poodle in the show ring, the breed was originally a water retriever, a job that requires jumping in the water to fetch waterfowl for hunters. In fact, the English name poodle is derived from the German word pudel, or pudelin, which means to splash in the water. And in France, Poodles are called Caniche, a name derived from chien canard, meaning duck dog. There are three sizes of Poodle, all considered part of the same breed: going from smallest to largest, these are the Toy, the Miniature, and the Standard. The Standard is probably the oldest of the three varieties, and some still carry on the Poodle tradition of working as a water retriever. No matter the size, Poodles are renowned for a playful but dignified personality and keen intelligence. Despite his regal air, the Poodle is no snob. These are people-friendly dogs who want to stay close to their families — they get lonely when left by themselves for long periods — and are always up for a good game. This is especially common among the smaller varieties — Miniature and Toy Poodles — who are more likely to be coddled and untrained. The Poodle coat needs a lot of upkeep to stay beautiful and healthy. Most Poodle owners take their dogs to a professional groomer every three to six weeks. If you want to save money on grooming expenses, you can learn to do it yourself, but it takes time and effort. Poodles have weepy eyes that can stain the surrounding hair. To cut down on stains, gently wipe down the face daily with an alcohol-free pet wipe or washcloth dipped in warm water. To get a healthy dog, never buy a puppy from an irresponsible breeder, puppy mill, or pet store. Poodle History The Poodle is one of the oldest breeds developed especially for hunting waterfowl. Most historians agree that the Poodle originated in Germany, but developed into his own distinct breed in France. Many believe that the breed is the result of crosses between several European water dogs, including Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hungarian, and Russian water dogs. After that, the breed arrived in Gaul where it was used for his hunting abilities. Yet another theory is that the Poodle descended from dogs that were brought out of the Asian steppes by the conquering North African Berbers and eventually found his way into Portugal in the 8th Century with the Moors. Whatever its ancestry, this is a very old breed. Illustrations of Poodle-like dogs adorn Egyptian and Roman artifacts and tombs dating from the first centuries B. The drawings and statues show dogs that look very much like modern-day Poodles, bringing in game nets, herding animals, and retrieving game from marshes. The Toy and Miniature varieties were created by breeding small Poodles to each other, not by breeding Poodles to smaller breeds. The French used the larger Standard Poodle for duck hunting, and the mid-sized Miniature Poodle to sniff out truffles in the woods. They trained Poodles to perform tricks, dressing them in costumes and sculpting their coats into fanciful shapes to add to their stage appeal. Wealthy patrons took note and started clipping, decorating, and even dying their own Poodle companions. The Kennel Club in England registered their first Poodle in , with the first British club for Poodle fanciers arriving on the scene two years later. The Poodle Club of America was founded in , but disbanded shortly thereafter. Poodle enthusiasts reestablished the club in .Poodles were fairly rare in the U. By the mids, however, the Poodle had become the most popular breed in the country, a position he held for more than 20 years. Poodle Size There are three sizes of Poodle: toy, miniature, and standard. The Toy Poodle stands up to 10 inches tall, and weighs about six to nine pounds. The Miniature Poodle stands 11 to 15 inches tall and weighs 15 to 17 pounds. The Standard Poodle stands 15 inches and taller usually 22 inches ; males weigh 45 to 70 pounds and females weigh 45 to 60 pounds. Some owners and breeders think the smaller Toy and Miniature Poodles are a bit more high-strung than the Standard; however, other breeders and owners disagree with this theory. An outstanding trait of the Poodle is his intelligence. He is often said to have human-like intelligence, an amazing cleverness that astounds his owners. Of course, smart dogs can be difficult to live with. They learn fast — good habits and bad — and they remember everything. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. More severe signs occur when a dog is stressed or when potassium levels get high enough to interfere with heart function, causing severe shock and death. Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus: Commonly called bloat, this is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dogs like Poodles, especially if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink large volumes of water after eating, and exercise vigorously after eating. Bloat occurs when the stomach is distended with gas or air and then twists. The dog is unable to belch or vomit to rid itself of the excess air in its stomach, and the normal return of blood to the heart is impeded. Blood pressure drops and the dog goes into shock. Without immediate medical attention, the dog can die. Suspect bloat if your dog has a distended abdomen, is salivating excessively and retching without throwing up. He also may be restless, depressed, lethargic, and weak with a rapid heart rate. Cushings Disease Hyperadrenocorticism : This condition occurs when the body produces too much cortisol. It can be due to an imbalance of the pituitary or adrenal gland, or it can occur when a dog has too much cortisol resulting from other conditions. Common signs are excessive drinking and urination. If your Poodle exhibits these two symptoms, take it to the veterinarian. There are treatments to help with this disease, including surgery and medication. Epilepsy: A common cause of seizures in all varieties of Poodles is idiopathic epilepsy. It often is inherited and can cause mild or severe seizures. Seizures may be exhibited by unusual behavior, such as running frantically as if being chased, staggering, or hiding. Seizures are frightening to watch, but the long-term prognosis for dogs with idiopathic epilepsy is generally very good. Canine hip dysplasia is inherited, with environmental factors sometimes playing a large part in its development. Over time, there is degeneration of the joint that can cause arthritis and pain, even lameness. Excess weight, excessive or prolonged exercise before maturity, a fast growth rate, and high-calorie or supplemented diets can contribute to the development of canine hip dysplasia. Veterinary care includes nutritional supplements, medication and, in some cases, surgery. Hypothyroidism: Hypothyroidism is caused by is an under active thyroid gland. Legg-Perthes Disease: This is another disease involving the hip joint. Many toy breeds are prone to this condition. When your Poodle has Legg-perthes, the blood supply to the head of the femur the large rear leg bone is decreased, and the head of the femur that connects to the pelvis begins to disintegrate. Usually, the first signs of Legg-Perthes, limping and atrophy of the leg muscle, occur when puppies are 4 to 6 months old. The scar tissue that results from the surgery creates a false joint and the puppy is usually pain free. Patellar Luxation: The patella is the kneecap. Luxation means dislocation of an anatomical part as a bone at a joint. Patellar luxation is when the knee joint often of a hind leg slides in and out of place, causing pain. This can be crippling, but many dogs lead relatively normal lives with this condition. Early in the disease, affected dogs become night-blind. As the disease progresses, they lose sight during the day. Many affected dogs adapt to their limited or loss of vision very well, as long as the surroundings remain the same. Optic Nerve Hypoplasia: This condition is a congenital failure if development of the optic nerve. It causes blindness and abnormal pupil response in the affected eye. This genetic condition is difficult to diagnose and often is mistaken for hypothyroidism, allergies, or other conditions. When a dog has SA, the sebaceous glands in the skin become inflamed for unknown reasons, and are eventually destroyed. These glands typically produce sebum, a fatty secretion that aids in preventing drying of the skin. Affected dogs typically have dry, scaly skin with hair loss on top of the head, neck, and back. Severely affected dogs can have thickened skin and an unpleasant odor, along with secondary skin infections. Although the problem is primarily cosmetic, it can be uncomfortable for the dog. Your vet will perform a biopsy of the skin if SA is suspected. Treatment options vary. The main symptom is excessive bleeding after an injury or surgery. Other symptoms include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, or bleeding in the stomach or intestines. There is no cure, and a blood transfusion from the blood of normal dogs is currently the only treatment. Research is underway for new treatments, including medication. A vet can test your dog for the condition. Dogs with this condition should not be bred. Poodle Care Poodles do just fine in any type of home, from apartments to estates, so long as they have regular exercise and plenty of human companionship. They prefer to live indoors with the family, particularly the smaller Toy and Miniature Poodles, since they have no trouble getting their ya-yas out in the house. That goes for Toy and Miniature Poodles as well. Many owners of small dogs skip training, and wind up with a badly behaved dog. Poodle Feeding Recommended daily amount: Standards, 1. Note: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. Limit treats, keep him active, and feed in meals rather than leaving food available at all times. Keep your Poodle in good shape by measuring his food and feeding him twice a day rather than leaving food out all the time. First, look down at him. You should be able to see a waist. Then place your hands on his back, thumbs along the spine, with the fingers spread downward. You should be able to feel but not see his ribs without having to press hard. For more on feeding your Poodle, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. Many allergic people are able to keep a Poodle with no reaction. The hair is curly, wiry, and dense, and this unique texture can be trimmed, clipped, groomed, shaved, and otherwise manipulated into all kinds of fanciful shapes. Poodles are high-maintenance dogs. He requires regular grooming, every three to six weeks, sometimes more often, to keep the coat in good condition. If you are considering a Poodle, consider the upkeep of the coat and expense of grooming. There are many ways to style the coat for easier care. In fact, many owners simply shave it off. Even when clipped short, your Poodle will need to be brushed , bathed , and trimmed every three to six weeks, sometimes more often, to keep the coat clean, short, and tangle free. Even if you let a professional handle the complicated stuff, your Poodle needs daily brushing. Many Poodles have weepy eyes that stain the hair under their eyes. To cut down on staining, wipe around the eyes and face every day with an alcohol-free pet wipe or washcloth dampened with warm water. Breeds with drop-down ears are prone to ear infections because the ear canal stays dark and moist. Sometimes, this hair needs to be plucked. Daily brushing is even better if you want to prevent gum disease and bad breath. Short, neatly trimmed nails keep the feet in good condition and prevent your legs from getting scratched when your Poodle enthusiastically jumps up to greet you. Handle his paws frequently — dogs are touchy about their feet — and look inside his mouth. As you groom, check for sores, rashes, or signs of infection such as redness, tenderness, or inflammation on the skin, in the nose, mouth, and eyes, and on the feet. Eyes should be clear, with no redness or discharge. Your careful weekly exam will help you spot potential health problems early. 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. Poodles who grow up with other dogs or pets in the house — or who have plenty of opportunities to interact with them in group training classes, dog parks, and the like — will enjoy their company. If your Poodle is used to being the only pet in the household, however, he may need some time and special training to help him accept a newcomer. Poodle Rescue Groups Poodles are often purchased without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one. There are many Poodles in need of adoption and or fostering. There are a number of rescues that we have not listed. Low History of the Poodle Despite being associated with France, poodles can actually trace their origin back to Germany. The standard poodle is the oldest form of the breed. Hunters used this dog to retrieve waterfowl as well as to be a loving and loyal companion. They gave the poodle its trademark haircut, shaving parts for better range of motion but keeping the hair long around the chest and joints for protection and insulation. In the early 20th century, the breed was downsized to the toy poodle and then the miniature, as more people wanted the poodle as a companion and not for hunting. The American Kennel Club recognized the breed in , and it is still one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. They also need consistent training and are typically adept at picking up new skills. Plus, their curly coat needs a fair amount of grooming attention. Exercise All sizes of poodle have a high energy level, along with high mental stimulation needs. They need at least an hour of exercise per day. Brisk walks , jogging, hiking, and swimming all are great options to give them exercise. And as retrievers, they love a game of fetch. Plus, they excel in dog sports, such as agility, which also can challenge them mentally. In addition, classes for service dogs, therapy dogs, and similar activities are a great way to challenge them mentally and physically. Grooming The coarse, curly, low-shedding, single-layer coat of a poodle grows continuously. It needs regular haircuts to keep it looking its best. Most owners keep the coat short for easier maintenance. You can either learn how to trim it at home or take your poodle to a groomer roughly every four to six weeks. Regular brushing also is essential, as the hair is retained in the coat rather than being shed. Baths and nail trims will be required about every four to six weeks. Finally, aim to brush your dog's teeth every day. Training Like all dogs, poodles require proper training and socialization to be happy and well-adjusted. Because poodles are extremely smart and eager to please, they can easily be trained to perform a variety of commands and tricks. But they also can learn that they can get away with bad habits if you aren't consistent in your training. So aim to start training when your dog is still a puppy with a basic obedience class. Also, start socialization as early as possible by exposing your dog to different people, other dogs, and various settings. Most poodles love people and can even be good in multi-pet households when raised with the other pets. Plus, poodles are generally good around children. But they are prone to some hereditary health issues, including:. The poodle's bright demeanor and people-pleasing nature make him an excellent pal for humans and peacekeeper among other pets. Standard poodles are the most athletic and agile of all the poodle types , and they take quickly to training. Poodles also have the privilege of being low odor and among the least-shedding of all coated dogs. So they're pretty much perfect, right? Not so fast. The timid poodle can border on neurotic at times, and he's easily stressed out by noise and any amount of chaos or conflict. Poodles can also be time-consuming and expensive to groom. But if you can deal with these quirks, you'll be rewarded with a loyal, lively pet who loves to make you happy. Appearance Poodles are known for their curly coat, long pointed nose, and small dark eyes. They're also famously associated with one of the most ornate dog grooming styles ever—the topiary continental clip, which leaves curly pom-poms of hair carefully shaped around the joints and chest. Those unfamiliar with poodles might be surprised to find that the flamboyant continental clip is largely seen only on show dog poodles—family pet poodles usually go with the more subtle sporting clip, which is a short and fuss-free style. You'll most often find poodles with white, black, or brown coats, but they exist in a wide range of shades from apricot to silver. Miniature poodles are between 10—15 inches, and toy poodles are under 10 inches. Standard poodles can weigh between 50—70 pounds, with female dogs tending to weigh less than the male ones. The standard is the largest and strongest of all the three poodle types. Temperament Poodles are loyal, smart, and playful. And while they're friendly pups, they will bark to alert you to any noises or visitors. The breed's response to unfamiliar faces can range from friendly and engaging to shy and reserved. These highly intelligent dogs also seem to have a sense for reading their owners' body language and expressions, making them intuitive companions. Their sensitivity doesn't stop there; they're also prone to getting pretty emotional themselves. Poodles are hypersensitive pooches who can be easily startled by touch or sound, so watch out for bouts of anxiety. These happy, high-strung animals love to romp around, bounce, run, and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. But their activity levels do change with maturity, and you can expect them to calm down a bit between 18 months and 2 years of age. Standard poodles are also generally more calm than miniature and toy poodles. Living Needs Poodles need tons of exercise and opportunity for movement, so access to a spacious fenced-in yard is ideal. If you don't have a big backyard to offer your pup, make sure you make plenty of time for walks and visits to the dog park or another pet-safe open area for them to run and play. If you're a nature-lover, a poodle is a great pick. They're naturally adventurous and love the water , so they make excellent outdoor companions. Try not to spend too much time away; this curly companion thrives on time spent with his people and poodles can develop separation anxiety issues if he doesn't get enough attention. They're gentle and polite with kids , but because of their hypersensitive nature they can be easily overwhelmed by small, loud children and will need time to decompress. Poodles are better suited for families with older or no children. Similarly, if your home is often chaotic, noisy, or conflict-prone, your peaceful poodle may develop some anxiety issues. Poodles much prefer and appreciate a calm, quiet living arrangement. Care The poodle is the original "hypoallergenic" dog breed thanks to his single-layer coat that doesn't shed much though remember that no dog is percent hypoallergenic. If you or someone in your family suffers from dog allergies, a poodle could be the pup for you! But heads up: His coat, low-shedding as it may be, requires a lot of attention. And, even if they are taking the dog to a groomer, they will still need to keep up with daily needs, including brushing. Most owners have their poodle's coat cut to one short length, in a grooming style known as the sporting clip. Poodles who are left with their manes to grow need meticulous daily brushing —once their curly coats become matted, the only solution is to shave them down and start over. Unless you're taking up the clippers and teaching yourself to groom your poodle, you'll need frequent grooming appointments. It's an expense you'll want to keep in mind when considering adding a poodle to the family. Poodles are extremely active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and love long walks. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Most poodles love to swim, and swimming can be an excellent workout for your curly cutie. They also love playing fetch and can get some of that abundant energy out chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. Thanks to their high intelligence and people-pleasing nature, poodles are fairly easy to train and enjoy making their humans happy. Keep training upbeat and encouraging, with lots of praise and consistency to get your eager-to-please poodle in his groove. Relative to other breeds, the poodle is easy to potty train. It also often leads to a dog who enjoys learning and wants to participate in other activities," Hunter Mayer says. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate recommendations for dog food brands and ingredients, how much and how often to feed your dog , and other dietary concerns. Health Poodles have a lifespan of 12—15 years and are generally healthy dogs. Additionally, reputable breeders routinely test breeding stock for health issues, so if you're taking care to research the breeder you're working with when picking a purebred dog, you should know the dog's lineage and what health problems if any run in the family. Standard poodles are also prone to contracting Addison's disease , an issue with the adrenal glands, as well as a life-threatening condition called bloat , which is an accumulation of gas or fluid in the dog's stomach. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your pup's health and well being. History The name "poodle" most likely comes from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, according to the AKC. The breed originated in Germany as duck-hunting, water retrieval dogs. The flamboyant continental clip haircut style that most associate with the poodle has functional origins. Because the dogs were jumping into freezing water to retrieve their owners' hunt prey and too much heavy hair would weigh down the dog, owners would strategically clip the fur on their limbs to give them freedom of movement while swimming, leaving longer hair near the dog's organs and joints to protect them in the cold water. Courtesy of Presidential Pet Museum The poodle's friendly temperament and lovable looks eventually caught the attention of members of French nobility, and the breed soon became popular throughout Europe. Poodles' natural elegance and trainability also made them the stars of many European circus acts. The standard poodle was eventually bred down to the miniature and toy poodles we also know and love today. In fact, the poodle is the only breed with three size classifications. Fun Facts The poodle is the national dog of France despite the breed originating in Germany. The French call the breed caniche, which means "duck dog. Was this page helpful? Learn more about temperament and personality of Poodles here so you can make an informed decision about bringing one into your home. A Poodle mix often crosses with another pure breed to produce a Yorkie Poo , Labradoodle , Goldendoodle , Maltipoo as well as several others breeds. Poodles have been around since the 15th century and appear to have been first bred in Germany. However, the dog breed quickly gained popularity in France and Spain, before ultimately becoming most popular in England. They are very smart dogs and can learn commands and tricks very quickly. Poodles are known to be quite loyal and typically bond quickly with family members. They tend to be shy around strangers and rarely act in an aggressive manner, apart from some sporadic barking. The temperaments vary slightly among the different sizes. Standard Poodles are very energetic, but they tend to be slightly more reserved than Miniature and Toy Poodles. Miniature Poodles follow their owners around and are typically the most active of the three. Miniatures are better suited for small children than Toy Poodles since they are slightly larger. Additionally, Miniatures and Toys tend to have slightly more mischievous personalities than Standard Poodles. Toy Poodles are the smallest of the three and make excellent companions. Poodles thrive on positive reinforcement, praise, and physical attention. However, they are very sensitive dogs and should not be spoken to in a mean or aggressive tone. Poodles are quite smart and can easily pick up on the mood of their owners. If you are having a tough day, your Poodle may mimic your mood and end up having a bad day as well. Because of their traditionally noticeable haircuts and distinct canine grooming routine , some people assume that Poodles are fragile, indoor creatures. However, they are actually active, outgoing, friendly dogs who love to run, romp, and play. Furthermore, Poodles were originally used to help hunt waterfowl so they make excellent watchdogs. This breed is alert and curious and will alarm their owners when a person or animal is approaching. Poodles make an excellent choice for families of all sizes and ages and are great breed for first time dog owners. They are true family dogs who can play hard with children all afternoon, then curl up in the living room for an evening of relaxation. The intelligence of Poodles can sometimes result in stubborn dog behaviors. Despite this, they can still make wonderful pets and therapy dogs. Their empathetic personalities and natural ability to engage with people make them great dogs for visiting with people in schools, nursing homes, and hospitals. Poodles at Home Since Toy Poodles are smaller, they are able to live in apartments. However, larger Poodle breeds usually require more space and are better suited to live in houses or homes with a yard. Standard Poodles are large dogs and need lots of room to move both indoors and outside. They are typically well-behaved indoors, but unless their owners can commit to exercising their Poodle outdoors on a regular basis, an apartment or condominium will not be the best environment for this breed. Poodles require a lot of attention and want to be around their owners quite a bit. Because of this, they are not typically suited for the elderly or people with very busy schedules. Some breeds of dogs, such as Pugs or Bulldogs, can get by with less physical activity, but a Poodle will typically demand much more of your time and energy. Poodles are also known to get along with other animals in the household, as long as they have been properly socialized with these pets. Since Poodles are very sensitive to noise, they also make great watchdogs who alert their owners if there is a stranger nearby. Most Poodles are extraverts and thrive in large, active, households. They love being the center of attention while performing tricks. Additionally, Poodles like to live in peaceful environments. If your home is chaotic, it can cause your Poodle unnecessary stress. Activity Requirements Poodles of all sizes love to play. Without an outlet to release their energy, a Poodle will become bored and restless and will be more prone to getting into trouble. Poodles are very intelligent and need to use their minds as much as their bodies. When Poodles are not occupied with interesting activities or toys, they may decide to leave a surprise in your shoe or even chew up something else in your home! The temperament of a Poodle usually is very lively and playful. Daily walks and runs can keep your Standard Poodle happy and healthy. Additionally, you may want to consider enrolling your Poodle in agility classes where he will be challenged to use his mind and body at the same time. Although Poodles are very active creatures, the smaller breeds need less space and less daily exercise. Toy and Miniature Poodles make great pets for people with less active lifestyles as long as there are enough toys or activities to keep them occupied indoors. One of the biggest mistakes Standard Poodle owners can make is not exercising them enough. If you notice that your Poodle is showing destructive behaviors, one of the first actions to take is to give him more of your time. They are natural learners making for rewarding canine training sessions for both themselves and their owners. Compared to many other dog breeds, housetraining is typically a breeze for Poodles. Once basic obedience is achieved, a Poodle is ready to graduate to advanced obedience, trick training, or agility courses. Poodles are known for their intelligence and excel naturally in agility competitions. They love to learn and want to please their owners. You can teach your pup to pick up the newspaper and bring you your slippers. They appreciate any opportunity to learn. The retriever instincts of Poodles also makes them respond to animals they perceive as prey, like birds or squirrels. This results in them being quick to respond to approaching strangers or anything else within their perceived territory. People-pleasing Poodles are friendly, happy dogs who love to socialize. They are most content when they are the center of attention and have the unique ability to learn behaviors and tricks involving intelligence and agility. Poodles are dignified animals, and as long as they around people they love in a healthy home environment, they will exhibit a cheerful temperament. The personality and temperament of your Poodle will ultimately depend on what kind of owner you are, the type of home he lives in, and how much activity your pup gets. When Poodles needs are met, they make great companions. Cornelius, Sadie. Greenberg, Aurora.

Liver and kidney infection Bowel, gallbladder, and pancreas issues The best way to avoid having an unhealthy pet is to feed them healthy food. A nutritious meal to keep them healthy while being too skinny is a must. You should also consider making your pet fit in the physical sense despite being skinny. It also helps when you check their stool and bowel movement. This is to track if they have been eating well and digesting the food with no complications. In case you find out your boxer suffers from one of the listed health conditions, contact or visit the vet. The transition phase is normal, and you only have to wait it out until the muscles and fat forms within the body. Do not serve cheap and unhealthy food to your dog. Many owners fall victim to giving their pets food that they eat. Remember that not all human food is good for dogs. Letting your pets eat cheap and unhealthy food will only make them skinnier. Try making healthy homemade snacks for your dog. Even for people, too much processed food is not good. If you want your boxers to gain weight , then make them a blend of healthy snacks that are high in fat and calories. Snacks are different than meals, which is why you need to give it to them in moderation. Something homemade will always be good for the health. You can also check out some DIY ideas for your pets that will help them eat better. If you want your dog to look bigger, forcing food upon him is not the answer. It is better if you offer food in the same amount all the time. Make sure that the food you give is healthy and high in calories. Fat and calories are what your dog needs right now and not health complications. I was born into a dog-loving family and have been a proud doggy mommy ever since I can remember. I love sharing my dog knowledge and love being an active part of the dog-loving community. Related Posts. As a side note, be sure to use a proper toy cleaner to scrub out the gook and gunk that will accumulate inside Kongs and other treat-release toys. Homemade Snack to Help Boxer Dog Gain Weight: Since this involves routinely giving a mix of calorie dense food that is higher in fat than recommended for canines, run this by your vet first. Please note that these are not for meals. Feeding this for full meals could lead to upset stomach, diarrhea and very fast, unhealthy weight gain. Mix very well. Form into teaspoon sized balls. Please on a cookie sheet and freeze. Once frozen, store in airtight containers like Tupperware. Give thawed balls as snacks. When he was quickly growing in height, he was eating a lot. Now, in this 'skinny limbo' the Boxer has a stall of growth and his body doesn't need as much food. His appetite may not increase again until the body breaks free from the skinny phase and starts to grow in width and thicken up. Again, you don't want to force a Boxer to eat. With that said, adding a drizzle of warm low-salt chicken or beef broth can make a meal a bit more tempting. Alternatively, serving the entire meal warmed up can make it more appealing. Using the microwave is just fine; but be sure to mix it up well and test it with your inner wrist to make sure it's not too hot before scooping it into your Boxer's food bowl. While daily walks are an important part of care, allowing your Boxer a space to run is great for the body. Taking a weekly walk in the sand beach shoreline or lakeside is a great way to help the Boxer dog find his power. In conjunction with the food that you feed your Boxer, this can be just the boost that dog needs. You can learn more in the Boxer Dog Supplement section. The End of the Boxer Dog Skinny Phase If you have had health issues ruled out and you are feeding your Boxer well and providing enough exercise opportunities, all you will need now is some patience. Your adolescent Boxer is a slimmed version of the adult he or she is soon to become. Keep in mind that this breed is a lean dog and Boxers will vary; some will have wider chest than others. Some will have thicker legs and thicker necks than others. With most adults, the ribs will not show, however they may be slightly visible when the dog turns or positions himself a certain way. At a healthy, adult weight, you will be able to feel the ribs, but not clearly see them. With good food and care, that will be maintained until the senior years at which time there will be a gradual muscle loss which makes a Boxer's body look less well-defined and a just a bit softer. Black Boxer Dogs Is there such a thing as a Boxer with a solid black coat or a black coat with flash? There are some dogs that appear to be purebred Boxers with this coat color. Let's take a look at what this is. Sorting through the facts and myths that surround the solid or parti white Boxer. Stats on health issues, deafness and more. Large Males can weigh up to 75lbs Boxers will typically have reached their full height by months but will continue to slowly fill out in until around 16 months of age. Those weight averages are just that, averages! Underlying health issues can go unnoticed for some time! Unfortunately, a loss of appetite is a common symptom of a wide range of health problems. Ruling out health problems with a trained veterinarian is always the best thing to do first. The 5 Best Tips To Help Your Boxer Dog Gain Weight Assuming health issues have been ruled out with your veterinarian the following 5 tips will help your boxer gain weight by either increasing calories or making his current food more palatable. The best ways to increase weight on your boxer include mixing in wet dog food with their kibble, adding unsalted chicken broth to their food, using dog food seasonings to tackle fussy eating, adding peanut butter, or increasing their portion sizes. Mix in wet dog food with his kibble Add unsalted chicken or beef broth Use dog food seasonings Add peanut butter to his kibble Increase portion sizes 1. Wet dog food is higher in protein, higher in natural fats, fewer carbohydrates, fewer preservatives, and chemicals, and will act as a meaty gravy to the dry kibble. The addition of wet dog food nearly always works to stop fussy eating. Just ensure you mix the wet dog food into the kibble thoroughly otherwise your boxer may eat the wet and leave the dry! If you have some leftover broth from your own dinner be sure to save it for your Boxers meal time. Be careful with broth from stock cubes, as they usually have a lot of salt, additives, or preservatives in them. Broth from real, cooked meat is the ideal option. Use dog food seasonings There are a range of brands that make food toppers and seasonings for our canine friends. They are a fun and healthy way to quickly add flavor to your Boxers kibble. The company that we recommend is called Shake it Pup. One bottle provides up to 60 servings so if your boxer is currently fed twice a day, one bottle will last an entire month. Not bad for the price. You can check out the full range of flavors and seasonings by Shake it Pup here on Amazon. Source PetMD Peanut butter is high in healthy fats and therefore contains a lot of calories per tablespoon. Always test a tiny amount of peanut butter with your Boxer first before giving him a full tablespoon with his meal. Test first. To keep it interesting you could alternate days between using chicken broth with his kibble, then peanut butter, then dog food seasonings. It could be that the particular dog food you are using is low in calories per cup , or that your boxer is more active than usual. Never the less, if you think the food your boxer is consuming is high quality and digesting well, then simply add half a cup extra to meal times. If you choose to do this method then do not do other things like adding peanut butter or wet dog food, as that would be a huge increase in calories. Watch over the course of 2 weeks to see if his weight progresses. But what if your boxer IS already eating his full meal, and is still underweight? Rule out health issues: Just like before, ruling out health issues should ideally be done before trying any tips and tricks. Give your veterinarian a call to explain the situation and you may be required to schedule an appointment. This type of food will have more protein, fat, and calories compared to other regular adult dog food. Check the portion sizes: It could be that his portion sizes that are too small. Refer to the packaging to double-check the portions. Change the brand to a premium dog food brand: Not all dog food is made equal. To get the best nutrients and ingredients you need to opt for a premium brand like Orijen, Taste of The Wild, Wellness, or Acana. These brands are expensive, but you can rest assured that your Boxer is receiving real nutrition through real ingredients. Cheap brands use a lot of fillers that provide little nutritional value. So take an honest look at how much exercise you give your Boxer and be prepared to increase it. Exercise is so important to this breed that their overall health really depends on it. There may be nothing wrong with your Boxer or his food, he may just need more exercise to get his appetite to the correct level. Final Thoughts So there you have it, you now have a good idea of what weight your Boxer should be at depending upon his age, how to rule out health conditions, what you can do to help him eat his food and gain weight, and how exercise plays an important role in keeping his appetite healthy. Recommended Reading.