german shepherd boxer mix puppy

We are located in Nottoway County just 45 miles west of Richmond, Virginia. We have been breeding quality English Labrador Retrievers since .Am Ch. Pointed Mtn Meadow Duck Naked Here at Piney Creek we are dedicated to producing quality Labrador Retrievers with strong bloodlines, calm disposition, sound health and great looks. All puppies produced at Piney Creek are very well socialized to people, sounds and sights. They are handled by us from the day of birth. All puppies are vet checked twice, given all required dewormings, first vaccination, dew-claws removed and are micro-chipped before being placed in their new homes. All puppies come with a hip and health guarantee. In the interest of preserving the integrity of the breed, all breeding stock is AKC registered with final OFA on hips and elbows at 2 years of age and eyes are cleared annually by CERF. Our puppies are placed on limited registration, unless otherwise discussed and agreed upon, to protect their quality of life when they leave our home. Limited registration confirms your pets lineage, it is a non-breeding registration. Any puppies produced by a dog on limited registration will not be able to obtain AKC registration. We will always take back a dog of our breeding at anytime in the dogs life if the owner for any reason can no longer care for the dog or puppy, it does not have to be the original owner. Of course the owner will not receive a replacement puppy. We are members of the National Labrador Retriever Club and support their standard and code of ethics as well as the American kennel Club. We welcome all visitors and hope you enjoy our dogs as much as we do. Feel free to contact us by phone or e-mail anytime. E-mail us at pineycreeklabradors gmail. The Labrador Retriever is the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Furthermore, telling a dog to sit, and then watching the dog do what he was told, provides children with tons of confidence. By giving children the confidence needed to consistently practice reading, they become better readers by virtue of the practice. Dog-owning children have fewer sick days off school, and children who own them often have better self esteem. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Richmond has been an official city since .Richmond became the confederate capital in .At this time the capital building housed both the state legislature and Confederate. The distance from Richmond to Washington DC is 98 miles. The distance to the Virginia state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. My husband is fourth generation on this land and we truly take pride in the beauty of where we call home. We are lovers and breeders of quality yellow, chocolate and black Labrador Retriever puppies. Genetic research and personality testing has been a must to make sure the puppies we raise will live long, healthy, and happy lives. They are an excellent companion with beauty and personality that compares to no other. They have an eagerness to please in addition to their smart nature which makes them perfect for therapy work, a hunting companion or a perfect family pet. Our puppies are home raised with the meticulous care that is needed to produce well rounded, happy and healthy puppies. We have 3 children ranging in ages from 5 to 12 who help us to socialize and raise the puppies. This ensures that they receive proper care, get a jumpstart on training and receive the socialization that they need. All puppies are closely monitored from the time they are born until they go to their new homes at 8 weeks. We monitor daily weights for the first few weeks and then weekly to ensure optimal growth is occurring. Puppies are dewormed every 2 weeks for parasite prevention. At weeks all puppies will receive a complete health check and receive first vaccinations by our veterinarian. They have been tested, and are free and clear from all genetic diseases completed on their Labrador Retriever breeders panel. Please contact us by phone or email for an appointment.

You can also visit your nearest rescue center and see if they have dogs for sale. If it has a short coat, you may brush your pet every other day. The maximum is around three times a week. If it has a longer coat, you should brush its fur more often to minimize tangling. You may also give it baths when needed. Use dog shampoo to keep its coat clean and fresh. This leads to several symptoms such as thinner than regular coats, weight gain but no appetite changes, and skin diseases. Your dog will also shed more excessively than usual. Upon detection of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet for proper treatment. Beagle Dwarfism: Beagle Poodles may inherit this from their Beagle parent. This is a condition wherein the dog is a lot smaller than usual. This causes serious issues, such as back and neck soreness, sensation concerns, decreased bowel control, and paralysis, at worst. When left unchecked, this will lead to arthritis and crippling lameness for your pet. Follow the recommended meal plan for your dog. Poodle Combined With Beagle Food Requirements Beagle Poodles are mildly energetic, meaning their tummies will be full, and their dietary needs met with any of the best dry dog food we found to best match the food requirements of most of the dogs. Invest in food specially formulated for small dogs so best dry dog food for small dogs would be a good start. Because of the size of your pooch, best large breed dry dog food may not be the best solution for a petite doggy. This is to avoid conditions such as hip dysplasia and obesity, which are precursors to more significant health problems. If you believe your dog has gained weight, you should consult the vet before trying to fix the problem using food supplements. It is made from natural ingredients, such as duck meat, natural carbohydrates, and vegetables. It provides your dog with enough nourishment without the use of grains, making this easier for your dogs to digest. Petcurean Go! It is also grain-free for better digestion. Purina Beneful IncrediBites: This is a special dog food formula made for small dogs. It contains real beef, healthy grains, and vegetables such as carrots and peas. Each bite is also appropriately sized for little mouths, making them easy to eat and chew. This gives them the energy they need for playtime, as well as 23 vitamins and minerals for a more nourished body and better digestion. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini: Since small dogs are at a higher risk for tartar build-up, we recommend giving them this brand of dog food. It also promotes a healthier coat and better nourishment for your dog by giving it the necessary levels of DHA and EPA. If your dog is a picky eater, this brand offers different flavors, such as beef, chicken, salmon, or lamb. It also contains probiotics and has no grains, which promote a healthier digestion system for your dogs. For small pups, these ingredients are found in best puppy food brands. Older furry pals should, on the other hand, switch to best senior dry dog food at a certain point in life. Doing so will better match their food requirements and help prevent obesity and other conditions that are triggered by it. Part of their playtime should be allowing them to run around and chase, due to their hunting traits. Aside from physical activity, Beagle Poodles also need mental stimulation to sharpen their innate intelligence. Thus, they need toys that will supply both of these needs. The toy is made of several chambers where dog treats can be placed. It has to figure out how to get the food in each container since not all can be opened the same way. Once the ball is thrown, the rubber material makes it bounce around more, allowing your dog to give chase. Also, it has a compartment where dog food can be placed, making your dog figure out how to get the treats from the inside. Poodle Beagle Mix Training Training the Beagle Poodle requires you to understand the intelligence and personality of both its parents. That way, you can better prepare yourself for the behavior of the mixed breed. Beagles may be loyal, but it still needs to be trained to recognize that it must follow commands from its owner. This is due to its tendency to become stubborn sometimes. It also gets easily distracted when something grabs its attention. It will run towards what it saw, completely ignoring you in the process. It must be trained to keep focused on the task at hand. Poodles are known to be one of the most intelligent breeds. Teaching a Poodle some tricks will come easy, provided that it is regularly exercised and mentally stimulated. They also bore easily, so constant activity and attention is needed. If everything goes well, a Poodle will be able to do tricks that not every dog can accomplish. You may follow the tips below: Learn how to keep their attention. When you want to begin training your dog, start by strengthening your bonds. Once you figure that out, you can quickly bring them back to you and make them focus on training. Reward their good behavior. Positive conditioning always helps a dog stay motivated. Once they learn to do a particular trick, give them rewards. You may use dog treats or give them more play time. The more they realize that their good behavior is met with rewards, the better they will perform during training and everyday life. Teach the dog to recognize you. Beagle Poodles need to be trained in obedience due to their highly distractable nature. Thus, you have to be able to establish that you are the alpha and they need to listen to you. Use dog clickers and whistles to grab their attention whenever they are straying so that you can focus more on honing their skills. Ensure regular exercise. An active dog is a more trainable dog. Allow your pet to roam around the place and make sure they get their daily dose of walks. They also love to socialize, so part of their exercise should be letting them play with other dogs and meet other people. Beagle Mixed With Poodle And Families Beagle Poodles are not only excellent pets for new owners, but they are also great companions for families. They exhibit the loyalty and serving attitudes of hunting breeds that your family will surely appreciate. They can watch over your household while you sleep and give your family love and affection during the daytime. After you and your wife get home from work, your dog will be there to relieve your stress. Their small size makes them good playmates for children as well. They love to run around and play, so if you have active kids, let them play with the dog. This allows you to give both your children and your dog their much-needed exercise. Once the dog is trained, kids can also give them commands, so that bonding times will be more fun between them and the dog. Taking care of your Beagle Poodle makes it happy, and a happy dog also means a happy household. Getting a pet that gives your family more joy is always a worthy investment. If all goes well, a Beagle Poodle will live out its lifespan not only as a loyal family dog but also as an everyday companion and best friend. Poogles are small to medium-sized dogs with the combined smarts and high trainability of the Beagle and the hypoallergenic Poodle. There is no doubt that the Poogle is going to be a very popular designer breed in the years to come. If you decide that a Poogle is a right choice for your home, then read on, we have all the information you need about this adorable breed! What is a Poogle? Also known as Beaglepoos, Beagledoodles, or Beapoos, Poogles are loving and loyal designer dogs that have a ton of confidence. To understand more about Poogles, let us take a brief look at their parent dog breeds. Beagles The Beagle dog breed needs no introduction. It is easily one of the most popular dog breeds in the world today. As hunting companions, their skills are par excellence. They are scent hounds gifted with an incredible sense of smell which helps them in tracking. As family dogs, Beagles are loyal, affectionate, and just the right size. Poodles The Poodle dog breed has consistently ranked No. Exceptionally smart and active, these dogs were bred to retrieve things from the water. The small-sized Poodles were used for truffle hunting. Origin of the Poogle Poodle mix breeds like Poogles are nothing new. From the dawn of canine history, intact males and females have met and created a new breed in the process. In the late s, a few dog breeders acted according to the needs of future dog owners. People wanted dogs but some had limitations due to pet allergies. The Poogle was one such creation. We cannot say for sure exactly when the first Poogle was created but assume it must have been around the s. Like all other designer dogs hybrid dogs , the Australian National Kennel Council does not recognize the Poogle breed. Exactly how big a Beagle-Doodle puppy will get depends on the size of the Poodle parent. Most dog breeders use standard or miniature-sized Poodles for mating with a Beagle. This is due to the comparable sizes of the two breeds. Most Beagle Doodles grow to a height of inches 28 to 38 cm and weigh between lb. Your Poogle puppy can be considered a fully-grown adult at 18 months. Since there is no standardisation for mixed breed dogs, you could have many variations in the appearance of the Poogle breed. For example, some Poogles inherit the curly low-shedding coat of the Poodle parent while others may have the short and thick coat of the Beagle parent. Are Poogles Hypoallergenic? This is one of the most frequently asked questions people have about Poogles. Unfortunately, there is no definite answer for it since it all depends on complex canine genetics. Therefore, your F1- Poogle could or could not be hypoallergenic. Most first-generation poodle mix breeds that have a short coated breed as one of their parents such as a Beagle, Dachshund, Labrador etc will inherit a wire texture coat, that is low shedding. In case you or a family member is allergic to dogs, you might want to ensure that your breeder gives you an F1-B Poogle puppy. Do Poogle Dogs Shed? All dogs shed — some more than others. However, Beagles shed a lot all year round and a Poogle that inherits the Beagle-like thick and short coat might shed as well. In any case, you can expect your Beagle-Poodle mix to be extremely smart and highly trainable. Before bringing home your Poogle, you need to be aware that these dogs tend to be highly excitable. You will need to train your puppy to enjoy spending periods of time in calmness by teaching it some obedience commands and providing passive calming activities like stuffed Kongs. While this nature may be great to have around children, it is very important to teach both — the kids and your Poogle — about the proper way to behave around each other. As such, very young babies or toddlers should not be allowed to interact with a fully-grown Poogle without supervision. In general, though, the Poogle makes an excellent family companion pet. With proper training, your Poogle will bring a lot of fun, laughter, and love into your household. Poogles are also ideal companions for active individuals, couples, and even elderly people. However, they do need plenty of daily activity and mental stimulation to prevent them from getting bored and destructive. Stuffed Kongs, licky mats, snuffle mats, food puzzles, long-lasting chews and raw meaty bones should all be on your puppy shopping list. Are Poogles Smart? Poogles are incredibly smart like their parent dog breeds. This makes them easy to train and also a good choice for first-time dog owners. These highly intelligent designer dogs use their sense of scent and can be great as hunting companions. They are also known for superior adaptive intelligence like both the parent dog breeds. How Do You Train a Poogle? The best way to train a Poogle is with consistency, patience, and love. Set aside minutes daily for the training. Begin and end every session with some playtime, praise, and cuddles. Keep the sessions short 5 minutes per session and use high-value treats to get your Poogle to do what you want it to do. Crate training is recommended for Poogle puppies and adults to prevent them from developing separation anxiety. Separation anxiety is a common behaviour problem among poodle mix designer dog breeds. Crate training is not cruel, in fact, getting your poodle mix breed comfortable with spending time alone in a crate is vital for their wellbeing. There will be times when your dog might need to be caged for brief periods of time such as for vet visits, interstate or overseas flights, boarding, to prevent jumping on guests etc. Furthermore, growing your beagle mixes skills of independence, confidence and optimism are important and necessary life skills. If needed, enrol your dog in puppy preschool, hire a private dog trainer, or send your puppy to a board-and-train facility. Do Beagle-Poodles Bark a Lot? Like their Beagle parent, Poogles do tend to bark. Not all kinds of barking are bad your Poogle might bark to warn you about danger! This is important if you live in an apartment or have neighbours close by. Poogles are relatively rare in the United States and Australia. Therefore, you might not find too many breeders having Poodle Beagle mix puppies on sale. Breeders will charge according to the effort they have put into their breeding program. For example, the best breeders conduct health checks and genetic tests on their breeding dogs. This costs money but ensures healthier puppies. What to Feed a Poogle? Later, your vet nutritionist can recommend the best food for your dog. Make any dietary changes very slowly to prevent gastric issues in your young dog. A diet that includes raw meaty bones is generally better for Poogles as it could help prevent tooth decay to some extent. As dogs grow older, they might prefer soft or wet food over kibble. Wet food is easier on their teeth and also can be more satisfying due to its higher moisture content. Always look for food having the first ingredient as meat. Some dog foods are packed with cereals or grains and vegetables instead of meat. It is best to avoid such foods since dogs, although omnivores, still need meat for protein. Poogles are usually healthy eaters. Sometimes, they might act as if every food is their favourite. Also, Poogles are prone to obesity, so you might want to avoid free-feeding. What are the Common Health Issues in Them? Some Poogles are known to inherit the health issues seen in the parent dog breeds: hip and elbow dysplasia, PRA or progressive retinal atrophy and other eye problems, epilepsy, dental disease, obesity, and back problems. Beagle-Poodle mixes purchased from reputable breeders are generally hardy dogs and, with proper care, could live for nearly years. Subscribe for comprehensive poodle mix breed information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this. Life Span Did You Know? The Poogle is a cross between a Beagle and a Miniature Poodle. These little dogs are affectionate and loyal with a friendly, playful, and energetic personality. They love nothing more than being with their families. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Poogle is recognized by other notable dog organizations. The Poogle is an affectionate companion dog that loves to be with their families and thrives on attention from them. They are smart dogs with a playful personality and a loving temperament. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs. A Poogle can have a high prey drive, so they may need some extra socialization with any smaller pets in the household. They do tend to bark to alert you of strangers and can be protective, especially of children. Although they can be protective of their family, they are generally open and friendly to meeting strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. Poogles are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in larger homes as well as apartments as long as they get enough exercise. They also adapt well to most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and may need to bundle up with some winter dog products when temperatures start dropping. Because they bond so closely with their families and thrive being around them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If they do not get enough exercise, attention, or mental stimulation, they can become destructive. Also, since they have a high prey drive and an urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. Although they can master basic commands , including recall, they will sometimes ignore it in favor of chasing something or following an interesting scent. Although the Poogle is a relatively healthy breed, there are still some potential health conditions that they could inherit from their parent breeds. Reputable breeding helps prevent a lot of these issues because reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable health issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. This makes the Poogle a highly trainable dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They respond best to consistent training focused on positive reward and praise. Not only do they reinforce training and strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, but they also often offer great opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Poogle tends to have a short to medium-length wavy coat that can be a variety of colors. If they have a shorter coat, they will just need a weekly brushing and the occasional bath. If they have a longer coat, they will need to be brushed a few times a week at least, if not daily, to make sure tangles are removed. Cutting nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. They should be clean, dry, and free of debris, pests, or irritation. And, if you see anything concerning, you can get to the vet early. Gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. As a small dog breed, your Poogle is even more prone to developing it later in life. Brushing or using an enzyme toothpaste daily in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal. A Poogle tends to sit in a high-energy range. They need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and some time to run are a good start. And, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. These dogs tend to be athletic and hardy. So, once puppies finishing growing and developing, you can try a bunch of different activities to see what they like to do. Most of the time, they will just be happy to be doing something with you. A fully-grown Poogle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Their size can range larger if they have a Standard Poodle parent instead of a Mini Poodle parent. Poogles generally live for years. Although this mixed breed is often called a Poogle, they are also sometimes called a Poogle Hound, Beaglepoo, Beagledoodle, Beagapoo, and Beapoo. Featured Poogle Article.

A combination of two of the above Any of the above with brindle markings As for other physical characteristics such as head shape and body type — those can go either way. Fortunately, it should be relatively clear early on whether the dog has a flatter brachycephalic muzzle or not. So, a Mastador can either be more social or more aloof around strangers. Proper obedience training is also a must, especially with such large dogs. Fortunately, both parent breeds respond well to training even if bullmastiffs are a bit more stubborn than labs. The good news is that this crossbreed is always good with kids. That is, as long as you keep in mind that large dog breeds have bad special awareness and can knock a baby accidentally. So, adequate supervision is still recommended. Another good thing is that the bullmastiff in your Mastador can be less prone to separation anxiety than a standard Labrador. While Labradors are highly energetic outdoorsy animals, bullmastiffs tend to be more chill and prefer to spend their days indoors. So, a Mastador can go either way here too. If your crossbreed pup takes from its lab parent it will need a couple of hours of active outdoor exercise each day. After that, it will also need some outside time in a well-fenced yard. However, if your pup is more mastiff-like, it will still need hours of outdoor time but it will be more chill about it. Either way, proper exercise is a must if you want your dog to grow up healthy and happy. As a crossbreed, the Mastador can either inherit all the healthy and beneficial physical traits of both its parent breeds or all the negative health predispositions of both. Or, usually — a bit of both. You want to always work with reputable breeders who go the extra mile to breed only healthy dogs. You should always ask for health certificates too. The biggest Bullmasadors weighing in at pounds need more food than most fully-grown men. At pounds, your Bullmasador will need approximately calories each day. This will reduce the total amount of food your dog eats, saving you money in the long run. Because of this, they need plenty of exercise. If you skimp out on the physical activity, you can expect your dog to become destructive, which can be seriously detrimental with a dog this size. This is also a great way to improve your bond with your dog. Remember, these are family-oriented animals and they want to spend as much time with you as possible. Aside from structured exercise like walks and playtime, your Bullmasador needs some space to run around and expel energy on their own. Instead, these dogs should be kept in houses with plenty of space and big yards for them to run around in. On the other hand, these are very large dogs that require a firm hand for training. They also need bathing more than most breeds; about once a week. Another thing to note with Bullmasadors is their ears. Once you finish cleaning them, make sure to dry them out thoroughly with a dry cloth to ensure that no moisture is left behind to become an ear infection. But on the other hand, mixed dogs are often healthier than their purebred parents. Such is the case for the Bullmasador. This breed is quite hardy and not at risk for quite as many health problems as its purebred parents. Minor Conditions Arthritis : Basically, arthritis is when the joints begin to degenerate, causing them to become inflamed. Like with dysplasia, arthritis is most common in larger breeds. Bullmasadors are less likely to develop arthritis than their Labrador Retriever parents who develop it commonly. The warning signs include panting, drooling, rapid heart rate, dry nose, blood from mouth, bloody stools, muscle tremors, and being warm to the touch. Ear Infections : Ear infections are one of the most common health problems that affect dogs. The stomach can then flip , further restricting blood flow to vital organs, even going so far as to stop the heart. Dilated Cardiomyopathy: In basic terms, cardiomyopathy is when the muscle of the heart degenerates and thins out. Once the walls of the heart are thin, the blood pressure causes them to expand and stretch, which results in the heart becoming larger. In some dogs, congestive heart failure may follow rapidly. Signs include weakness, collapse, coughing, decreased appetite, and weight loss. As a result, they rub on each other, causing the cartilage to break down. This causes pain, reduced movement, arthritis, and eventually lameness. Studies have also shown that overweight dogs are more likely to develop hip dysplasia. This can cause weight to be distributed abnormally across the joint, resulting in pain, arthritis, and lameness if left untreated. Male vs. Female The first notable difference between males and females is their physical size. Bullmasadors of any sex can be as small as 70 pounds, but only a male will reach impressive sizes of pounds. Females top out around pounds. Likewise, males can be a full 29 inches at the withers while females rarely crest 25 inches. Males are actually more likely to develop dilated cardiomyopathy. These dogs are incredibly loyal, family-oriented dogs. They are gentle and loving with their family members, but watchful and reserved with strangers. Despite their large size, these dogs are great with children, taking care to be extra gentle with them. But keep in mind, you need a large yard and plenty of space to keep one of these massive canines, plus an extra 30 minutes to devote to their exercise each day. Perfect as watchdogs or family companions, the Bullmasador is the epitome of a gentle giant. Their intelligence makes them easy to train and their friendly demeanor endears everyone to them. Once you add one to your family, your life will never be complete without one again. Mastodor or the Mastador Labmaraner mix dog. The appearance of this crossbreed dog depends on how much it inherits from each parent breed. The Mastador will normally have a solid and muscular body like the Mastiff, a broad head like the Labrador Retriever, and a short-length, shiny double coat. The Mastador dog is energetic and muscular therefore early behavioral and socialization training is strongly recommended, for this Mastiff mix, to enable it to show its protective nature, in a positive way. A Mastador puppy is a stunning example of a crossbreed dog. A brief history of this mixed-breed dog A Mastiff Lab mix is a cross between a purebred mastiff dog and a purebred Labrador Retriever dog. There are at least 18 different types of mastiff dogs. Did you know that the Great Dane dog is actually a German mastiff? While in England he was so impressed with the strength and protective ability of the English Mastiff that he took some back to Rome and began breeding them as guard dogs and fighting dogs for blood sports. They were even used to fight Gladiators. After several generations, the Bullmastiff was officially recognized as a purebred in the s, in the UK, as a dog breed in its own right, and then in , by the American Kennel Club AKC in the United States. It is gaining in popularity as a purebred and currently is ranked the 51st most popular dog in the United States by the AKC. These two different Mastiffs are similar but with a few noticeable differences: The Bullmastiff is slightly smaller than the English Mastiff, although both are still huge dogs. The Bullmastiff is more independent, not as needy as and more stubborn than the English Mastiff. This Mastiff purebred dog is a massive, heavy-boned dog with a symmetrical build and a short, double coat. It is patient and loyal and will make a great companion or family dog, but it will be wary of strangers. With its big sad-looking eyes and wrinkled face you will just want to give it a big hug, and probably get a big lick in return! Mastiffs typically have a coat color of apricot, fawn, or brindle with a black mask, and big feet! It has a solid double coat in one of 3 colors; pure black, chocolate brown, or yellow. The Lab is a loveable dog breed for any experience of dog owners. The Labrador Retriever dog breed is from Newfoundland, Canada, and was used by fishermen to retrieve their fish from nets and catch any that escaped back into the sea. They are good swimmers and have a gentle mouth grip that will not further destroy any prey they are ordered to retrieve. This dog breed came to Great Britain around , to be used as gun dogs for retrieving waterfowl from land and water, in Scotland and England. The lab is a gentle, fun-loving, and loyal family dog with an easy-going temperament. A Labrador Retriever Puppy is just adorable, and when trained and socialized it can be trusted around anyone. Meet the offspring: The Mastiff Lab mix The designer dog offspring of these two purebred dogs is a Mastiff Labrador mix — the Mastador puppy. Designer breeds gained popularity in the United States during the s and this increased demand and popularity for cross-breed dogs such as the Mastiff Lab mix. The Mastador puppy is a hybrid, and as a mixed-breed dog it is not recognized as a breed in its own right, by the American Kennel Club; nor can it be awarded pedigree papers. The Mastiff Lab mix — Colors and pattern As the Mastadoris a cross-breed dog, its appearance will be more difficult to predict than a purebred dog. However, considering the parent breeds there are only a few likely coat colors including Brown, Black, Yellow from the Labrador and Fawn, Red, or Brindle from the Mastiff mix. Occasionally, but rare the coat color can be Silver or Charcoal Gray. The coat of the Mastador breed is likely to have one solid coat color, but if light-colored or brindle it may have the classic black mask and it can have a white chest and white paws. The Mastador dog is not hypoallergenic and will shed moderately. What are the main characteristics of a Mastador? Any crossbreed dog, like the Mastiff Lab mix, could inherit the characteristics and the health problems and health concerns of either parent breed; or perhaps the best of both and be stronger and inherit fewer health problems than their parent breeds. With any mixed-breed dog, you just have to wait and see how it turns out, however you know that this pooch will be a big one! Mastador puppies are likely to inherit the kind Labrador face and the solid body of the Mastiff, and big floppy ears. This large dog is courageous, confident, and smart, and also loving and affectionate. It will show great loyalty to their dog owner and family member. It will be a physically active dog and just want to play or hang out with you. Reputation: Any Mastiff mix dog has an image of a fierce guard dog, but proper behavior training and socialization will control its protective nature. The Mastador will act as a family watchdog. Trainability: Mastiff mix puppies need to be trained and socialized early. Mastiff Lab mix puppies will be strong and protective so they must learn control and discipline. The Mastador Breed is smart and tolerant so training should be fairly easy, providing you keep it interesting. They can be stubborn so training needs to be varied and fun. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are recommended for this large dog breed as is very confident, and strong-willed. Mastiff breed mix puppies should be trained slowly and never negatively punished, challenged directly, hit, or locked up for misbehavior. Always reinforce change gradually and praise good behavior and learning. The Mastador is an active dog, so the puppy will need one hour of daily exercise and playtime, building up hours a day in adulthood. Remember, this is likely to grow into a very large dog, so they should not be over-exercised as a puppy while their bones are still growing, as this can damage their developing bones and joints. Power and intelligence: Labrador Retriever mixes are intelligent, curious, and energetic. The Mastador will be a fast learner but could be stubborn and aloof, so they will need to be trained and handled properly to be able to socialize and behave to command in public places. Mastadors love activity and challenging playtime with their family; Fetch the ball or Frisbee, puzzles, or interactive chewable toys. This pooch will grow into a powerful and heavy dog so its exercise needs and strength should not be underestimated by any potential dog owner. Socialization: Early socialization dog training and discipline are strongly recommended for Mastiff mix dogs. The Mastador has two high energy parents and one is a powerful guard dog. Labradors have a soft delicate bite but the Mastiff has a powerful jaw and less delicate, so the Mastador will need to learn to control its protective nature and muscular strength. Gently discipline and obedience training should start early to help this huge puppy to become well—behaved and gentle with other dogs and children. Purpose: Mastadors are sensitive and can be quite shy. Behavior: A Mastiff Lab mix generally inherits the best of both. Young children should be careful when playing with this big dog, and not allowed to treat it roughly. It could turn aggressive if mishandled so play must be supervised and respect shown to the dog. A Mastador is quite docile and not a barker but it will be wary of strangers and therefore makes a good guard-dog. Physical Characteristics of the Mastador The Mastador has a deep chest, strong legs big brown expressive eyes, a medium muzzle, with a long tail. A Mastador will live on average, between years, and a litter size is usually between puppies. Coat: A short, dense but silky, double coat, moderate shedder; not hypoallergenic. Temperament: Mastadors learn easily and try to please. They are generally friendly with a gentle nature but bore easily and may refuse to cooperate. They are born protectors and will guard their territory, so they must be trained and socialized early. How should you train a Mastiff Labrador Retriever mix? This breed should be trained gently, slowly, and with consistency. The boundaries need to be set early for this powerful mixed-breed dog. Fun and positive reinforcement and reward-based training, especially small food treats work best. Never hit or raise your voice to this breed during training as it may challenge or rebel and refuse to cooperate further. Types of training required: obedience, discipline, agility, and socialization. So, if you are not going to use a professional dog trainer: 1 Develop basic command words: Stop, Sit, Down, etc. This huge dog will try to dominate and this must be controlled early in training. This will eventually become its nest and it will sleep there. Eventually, the puppy with your help will learn where and where not to go. They will eventually become creatures of habit and regulate their need and place to use. Health problems and health issues What health problems can a Mastiff Lab mix suffer from? Hip Dysplasia and elbow dysplasia — common in many large breeds. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint, where the ball at the top of the leg does not fit properly into the socket and the ligaments attaching it are weak. This allows excess movement of the fitting which can eventually lead to stiffness and pain for the dog. Bloat — any large dog that eats quickly or drinks a lot before exercising can suffer from bloat. This dangerous excessive gas build-up can cause the stomach to twist and damage other organs. Cataract eye disease — is a clouding over of the vision. Brachycephalic syndrome — breathing difficulties, due to the shape of its nose and restricted airways; Pugs and Boxer dogs have similar problems. Other health issues include ear infections, bone cancer, and heart problems How do you care for a Mastador dog? Exercise needs A Mastador is outgoing, but not overly energetic so its exercise needs are low. They will enjoy walks and freedom to play. One hour a day of exercise is enough for an adult. Feeding Feed as a large-sized dog, around 3 cups of Kibble dry formulated food per day, fed twice a day and slowly to prevent bloat. Grooming needs The Mastador has a short but dense double coat and only sheds moderately, so you can be the groomer and brush every days. Bathing This large dog does not need regular bathing, only when required. Certain dog formulated shampoos have a double effect of cleaning the coat and protecting it against fleas and insect bites. Cleaning teeth, nails, and ears As with all dogs, their teeth need to be cleaned regularly to prevent a build-up of plaque. Chewing breaks down plaque, so use doggie chew-toys, bare-bones and soft toothbrushes, and toothpaste. Nails grow quickly and need trimming regularly, say monthly, and their floppy ears need to be checked for debris that could cause infection. Lifestyle This breed is affectionate and loves company. It is a great family dog and will be happy living in an apartment or house with a big yard as long as it is with you They can be stubborn and aggressive until trained. They will chew things if bored or left alone for long periods of time, so keep stimulated and busy. Chew toys can help with boredom. This breed is a natural watchdog that will act on instinct to be very protective of its family. Positives and Negatives of ownership Positives. The Lab crossed with Mastiff has a natural smooth coat that is low maintenance and will only need moderate brushing. Brushing helps spread natural oil to their coat and removes loose hairs to promote new hair growth. However, they are not hypoallergenic which is why vacuuming your home once in a while is a must. Bathing them can also be challenging due to their large size. Imagine, having to wash a to a pound dog! The shower should be done in your backyard using a water hose. If possible, you may take them to a professional groomer instead that has a designated facility for bathing larger breeds. Their oily skin coat makes it easier for them to remove dirt and water. You may take your dog out for a swim instead or splash in the water. Ideally, a monthly bath is good enough for this hybrid. Make sure to clean their ears regularly to avoid infections. They love playing in the water, and their long droopy ears make them more vulnerable to wax build-up and infections in the auditory canal. Their ears must be checked and cleaned through at regular times to avoid major issues. Brush their teeth at least twice per week to improve oral hygiene. Due to their active personality, their paws should also be cleaned regularly. Their nails must be trimmed if needed. Generally, this hybrid is vulnerable to ear infections due to their ear structure. Gum infections may also kick in and can also impact their oral health. Both of these can be prevented by regular cleaning. Remember that all breeds are prone to developing more severe and specific health problems. Thus, results in the rubbing of the joint and prevents it from sliding naturally. Progressive Retinal Atrophy: This is an eye disease that happens when the retina malfunctions and fails to reflect, absorb, and perceive light which can, later on, cause blindness. Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus Bloating : This is a life-threatening condition that affects large dogs. The stomach then puts pressure on other organs may cause dangerous problems such as a tear in the wall of his stomach, difficulty in breathing or reduced blood flow in the heart. It is essential to split their total food intake into multiple smaller meals throughout the day rather than letting them eat it at once. Other common diseases are: Osteoporosis Heart Disease It is advisable to have your mixed breed undergo regular check-ups to rule out any condition the soonest time possible. Offer them either the best puppy food brands or the best dry dog food for small dogs to meet their calorie requirements. Once full-grown, you may need to provide them up to 3. Try to avoid feeding them with the worst dry dog food at all cost, as it can trigger allergies or severe digestive issues, including poisoning! Be sure to control the servings to prevent overfeeding. This hybrid also has an appetite for raw food. You can provide them fresh food rich with calcium and phosphates to strengthen their bones. Avoid feeding them food with high calorie or fat as this can make them sloppy and unhealthy. Make sure to provide this mixed breed only the best dry dog food that can help them reach their daily protein needs. Its fat and protein content has been well-calculated to maintain mass and lean muscle. Flaxseed, barley and brown rice are used as a carbohydrate source. It contains MOs and L-carnitine that helps in the building of antibodies. It is made from deboned turkey, turkey meal, and chicken meat. It is also rich in antioxidants, omega fatty acids, and probiotics. Taste of the Wild Pacific Stream Grain-Free Dry Dog Food: This dog food gets all its protein content from fish, making it rich in omega acids that help skin and fur healthy. Your dog will surely enjoy its distinct flavors from salmon, legumes, vegetables, and fruits. Mastiff crossed with Lab Exercise Requirements This hybrid is large and robust. Regular exercise is needed to use up their excess energy and for keeping them in the right health. The lack of exercise would not make them aggressive and make them go back to their docile status. Their big body structure must be adequately maintained to keep it healthy. However, strenuous activities, like jumping or leaping, should be moderated to avoid issues like bone stress or worst, fractures. This mixed breed is also not demanding when it comes to finding the right place for playing. Your Mastiff crossed with Lab will enjoy different activities both indoors and outdoors. Should you decide to go outside when weather is favorable, might as well challenge this hybrid by using equipment or toys. Here a list of durable toys that will surely make your dog have a fun time playing: Jolly Romp and Roll Ball: This very durable dog toy is ideal if you want to play fetch. It is easy to grip and throw, and easy to retrieve or carry for your hybrid. This ball will not deflate and is firm to withstand strong bite pressure from bigger breeds like the Lab Mastiff mix. KONG Extreme Dog Toy: Coming from one of the most trusted brands when it comes to dogs toys, your dog will surely love this sturdy rubber contraption. You can use this to play fetch or fill it with a treat and make your dog busy munching it down for hours. It is made of natural black rubber and intended for use only by the strongest of power chewers. Perfect for your Lab Mastiff mixed breed. Labrador Mastiff Mix Training This mixed breed is generally smart and training them should a piece of cake if you know how to execute it properly. At an early age, the training should be easy and fun for both of you. This is the time where you should focus on socializing your dog with your kids, environment, other dogs, pets or animals you want your dog to be familiarized with. This mixed breed always wants to please their owners, and their smartness allows them to learn tricks faster. They respond significantly with obedience training and can absorb all house rules in no time. However, be reminded that this mixed breed possesses great physical and mental strength coming from its Mastiff lineage. You should be cautious and be firm. Through proper training and socialization, you develop this mixed breed into an affectionate, friendly and well-behaved dog. Mastiff Labrador Mix and Families If you have the energy, time and space, then, you should consider having a Mastiff Lab Mix in your family. They may be large, but through proper training and socialization, they tend to go well with kids, pets or other animals. They can also be a great family pet for you. Health and lifespan The Mastador dog hopes to bring together aspects of the brave, affectionate and loyal Bullmastiff, and the active, friendly and outgoing Labrador. And it must be said, those large, doleful eyes and floppy jowls are hard to resist. These dogs helped the local fishermen, pulling in nets and carts laden with fish. They soon gained popularity in England for their hunting ability. The Bullmastiff was originally developed in England, around the year .The breed is the result of a cross between the Bulldog and the old English Mastiff. The purpose of this cross was to produce a breed that would act as a guard dog for gamekeepers against poachers. The impressive size and courage displayed by this cross breed made them perfect for their role as guard dogs. The Mastador mix will often use a Bullmastiff parent. Typical Appearances A Bull Mastiff will typically weigh anywhere between 90 and pounds, depending on gender. They can be anywhere between 24 and 27 inches at the shoulder in height. They are also a heavy set dog. A Labrador is a somewhat smaller dog than the bullmastiff and will typically be around 22 inches at the withers. They usually weigh somewhere between 55 and 90 pounds. Whichever side of the family your Lab Mastiff pup takes after, the fact remains that both parents are large dogs. A Bull Mastiff Labrador mix is going to be a big dog. Bullmastiffs also have a distinctive droopy face and floppy jowls. Some Mastadors will inherit this trait. Colors and Coat Type Bullmastiffs have six colors, including fawn, brindle, red and combinations of the three. They all have a dark face mask. The Labrador comes in three recognized colors; yellow , black and chocolate. They are also known for their kind, friendly eyes. Some Mastadors look decidedly like a Bullmastiff, and others like a Labrador with slightly looser jowls. Often, a Lab Mastiff cross results in a rather distinguished and stately looking pooch. Grooming and Shedding The Bullmastiff has a short coat and does not require heavy grooming. Labradors have a double coat, so they will shed. They need regular grooming and baths to keep them looking their best. But, as such a large breed, even a small amount of shedding can result in a lot of loose fur around your home. Neither of these parent breeds have a very long coat. But, the Mastador mix is a very large dog, so grooming can be quite time consuming. And, if your puppy takes after the Labrador parent, you may need to spend a little time keeping their coat groomed. Particularly in the case of black Lab Mastiff, the short, shiny mastiff coat teamed with the jet black color of the Labrador makes for an impressive shiny black coat. Keep an eye on the nails of your dog and trim them when necessary. Labrador nails grow quickly, so they could become excessively long if not kept in check. Teeth should be brushed regularly. Mastiff Lab Mix Temperament Bullmastiffs are not overly active dogs, so spending time lazing around inside is not a big issue for them. But, like all dogs, they still need regular exercise. They are also known to be loyal dogs, protective of their family. The Labrador is known for its friendly, outgoing personality and laid back personality. They are very active dogs and will thrive if they get lots of opportunities to play. A Bullmastiff Lab mix could take after either side of the family or fall somewhere in between. Whichever parent your lab mastiff cross takes after, they are likely to have a relaxed and friendly temperament. As long as they are socialized well. Are Mastadors Aggressive? Mastiff breeds and Labs are known for their friendly and relaxed natures. But, the Bullmastiff is a natural guard dog and is an independent thinker. As such, they need thorough socialization from a young age. You must meet the Mastiff parent and feel confident that their guarding nature is not to the detriment of their friendliness around strangers. Socialization Make sure your Mastador feels comfortable around other dogs, small animals like cats, young and older children, elderly people, and strangers. Even when bringing home a Mastiff Lab mix, socialization is still essential. Make sure you have visitors to the home every day from 8 to 14 weeks old, then regularly from that point. Take them somewhere new and busy every day, where they will meet lots of friendly faces of various ages. These are very big dogs, so they can easily hurt someone without meaning to. Especially elderly people or very young children. You must be prepared to properly socialize and train a Mastador dog to avoid this. Training Your Dog Training, leadership and regular time spent playing with your Mastiff cross Labrador puppy will mean it grows up to be a happy and well-adjusted companion. Keep in mind that despite their size, Bullmastiffs are quite sensitive deep down. Positive reinforcement training is essential with potentially aggressive breeds, and those prone to stubbornness. It makes training motivating, rewarding, and an enjoyable experience for you both. On the other hand, Labradors are sociable, outgoing dogs that are eager to please. They have high energy levels and love to be kept busy. Whether your lab mastiff puppy takes after the bullmastiff or the Labrador, training and strong leadership is going to be highly beneficial for your puppy. Particularly given the size this dog will grow to be. Exercise Needs While Bullmastiffs are known to be happy spending time indoors relaxing, Labradors crave a little more action. After you bring your lab mastiff puppy home, it will take some time before you know which side of the family he or she will take after. It is important that you have somewhere outside you can take your Lab Mastiff cross for some playtime. But, be wary of overexercising this breed, or exercising them strenuously whilst they are young. This can lead to joint damage. Both parent breeds are prone to hip dysplasia, so watch out for signs of this whilst exercising your Mastiff Lab mix. Mastiff and Labrador Health Just because Mastiff Lab mix pups are a cross breed, this does not mean they are immune to the health issues that the parent dogs may experience. It is still vitally important to check that the parents of your Labrador x Mastiff puppy enjoyed good health. Labrador Health. Bullmassador Description The Bullmasador is not a purebred dog. It is a cross between the Bullmastiff and the Labrador Retriever. 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 any of the breeds in the hybrid. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. His bark started out as a little squeak but has gotten very deep lately. I know he is going to be very protective of us because when he is not in the crate he lies in the way of our front door. He's our little man. He is a very loving dog and adores playing fetch with his Kong. His favorite thing to do is cuddle up in your lap—he tips the scale at 82 pounds! He has a great personality and wants to play constantly. He is extremely protective of our home—he will definitely let you know when someone is approaching. I could not have imagined a sweeter, happier dog and we have even learned to overlook the drooling. My hubby watches Cesar religiously—he thinks the "CHHHH" is great for getting the dogs to stop doing something they shouldn't be doing.

Because one look at the sweet faces of these crossbreeds and poof! Immediately smitten with all of them. By Tracey L. Kelley After loving 19 cats, 11 dogs, and a canary, Tracey married someone allergic to all those creatures. Thankfully, she receives oodles of animal goodness sharing stories on Daily Paws! When not traveling, teaching yoga, or doing voiceover projects, she's an editorial strategist and developer for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. Published on March 7, Photo: Courtesy of little. That said, American cocker spaniels and English cocker spaniels are some of the most loving and bright cutie patooties around! These heritage sporting dogs were so named because of their ability to flush out woodcock and other game birds, but also know how to strut their stuff well in international shows and competitions. If you're interested in cocker spaniel mixes as four-pawed family members, keep in mind the genetics roulette wheel offers many chances for a good dog in temperament, intelligence, appearance, and total huggability. He recommends talking with breeders in-depth about their program to gain a better understanding of your potential pooch's longevity and possible medical issues. Knowing these intricacies is important because of inbreeding. One of the numerous problems with puppy mills is inbreeding, with little regard for the overall health of the offspring. A reputable breeding program tests for known health issues in both dog parents, and works with veterinarians and animal geneticists to mitigate the risks so each hybrid puppy lives a full and happy life—in fact, cockers alone can be your BFF best fluffy friend! Since there are so many choices for cocker spaniel mixes, and we could look at photos of them all day long and we often do! Smart miniature poodles are as hypoallergenic as dogs can be never percent and don't shed much : valuable traits for a sensitive, family-lovin' pup who wants nothing more than to follow you around for play and stake a claim to all available lap space. Friendly, bright, and quick with face licks, a frolicsome golden simply never met a stranger, so it's likely your golden cocker will be the consummate host and invite all the neighbors over for a rousing game of fetch and maybe a nice fruit plate afterward. This is also a dedicated doggo kiddos can't wait to share toys and games with every day. Chihuahuas , whose ancestors once pitter-patted across Mexican temple stone floors, are natural performers and love dazzling their audience with new tricks! A Chi-spaniel adores her fans … but isn't necessarily an automatic people pleaser, so consistent positive reinforcement training helps her star shine bright. Add in the endearing temperament of a cocker spaniel, and you have an adorable bocker. Want a pooch to explore national parks with? Your bocker is eager to tag along. The dog park down the street suits him fine, too, or simply a fenced backyard , where he can sniff to his inherited hound heart's content. Naturally affectionate and entertaining, dockers fully blossom with early socialization. Since one branch of their family tree is badger hunters, barking is in their job description. But dockers are mighty intelligent, too, and respond well to cues about when to alert you "Squirrel! He even likes cats! Also called cockadors or cockerdors, active families can't go wrong with spanadors. These pups keep the pace on hikes , walks, and other outings. As long as this easily-trainable pooch can enjoy the outdoors with you, there will be many memorable moments. She might experience separation anxiety if away from you for too long, so plan together time with at least 30 minutes daily of mental enrichment and exercise. After all, just because a cock-a-tzu is a small dog doesn't mean she'll laze around looking pretty all the time. Their border collie parent, considered one of the smartest dog breeds around, almost ensures you'll have a whizbang wonder at solving puzzles and maybe even talking with buttons. Extra treats please! A cocker collie, no matter how mellow by nature, still needs much more exercise than the average pup, so outfit him with a proper harness and make every day together an adventure. She'll be ready for ample cuddles and pats once she gets the job—whatever you assign to her—done. A coltralian is an intelligent companion for experienced pet parents , always eager for adventure and new activities, so if this describes you to a T, your new pup pal awaits! A spritely mix of Pomeranian sass and spaniel charm, the cockeranian is tiny but mighty. Clever with the right dash of mischief, this mix doesn't need really long walks but is a lively soul, happy taking life one playdate at a time. While grooming is never a chore with such a handsome pooch, he might inherit a double coat that requires more attention than most. Was this page helpful? The same holds if you are considering bringing a hybrid mix dog into your family. In this section, we take a brief look at the history and lineage of the German Shepherd dog and the Cocker Spaniel dog. German Shepherd history The German Shepherd is the second most popular out of American Kennel Club registered dog breeds purebred dog breed in America today. This dog was first developed in German in the s by a man named Captain Max von Stephanitz. He achieved his goal and the German Shepherd went on to become one of the most popular military, police, security, service, therapy, and pet dogs as well. Cocker Spaniel history The Cocker Spaniel is the 30th most popular out of American Kennel Club registered dog breeds purebred dog breed in America today. This dog breed looks like a plush lap dog and they do love laps but was bred to be a sporting dog to hunt birds. There are two distinct breed lines and both are registered: the American Cocker Spaniel and the English Cocker Spaniel. German Shepherds are known to be highly people-focused and want to please their owners. They are very people-centric dogs who want to be with their people as much as possible. German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel personality and temperament In this area, the German Shepherd and Cocker Spaniel have a lot more in common than their wildly differing outer appearances might suggest. Both dogs are intensely devoted to their families and are very driven to please their owners. So here it is hard to predict what temperament traits your puppy may inherit. An adult German Shepherd dog can easily weigh 50 to 90 pounds and stand anywhere from 22 to 26 inches tall paw pads to shoulders. The Cocker Spaniel as an adult typically weighs between 20 and 30 pounds and stands .From this, you can see how the size of your adult German Shepherd Cocker Spaniel mix puppy may vary quite a bit! Working with a later-stage hybrid breeder F1, F2 or later can help control for any size issues imposed by your living situation. In general, you can expect your GSD Cocker pup to stand between 14 and 24 inches tall and weigh between 30 and 70 pounds. However, Cocker Spaniels can also be surprisingly energetic, given their sporting dog heritage. German Shepherd training and exercise needs These dogs are working dogs to their core and their focus on tasks is unparalleled. While GSDs are now extremely popular as companion canines, they still need a lot of activity and exercise and do best when involved in work or agility of some sort. Training the German Shepherd becomes easier once you realize just how people-centric these dogs are. However, because the GSD is so smart, only positive training and reinforcement methods work well. Treats, pats, praise, and play are the best rewards. Cocker Spaniel training and exercise needs Cocker Spaniels are more all-around companion canine dogs and so as long as they have plenty of daily playtime and regular walks, they will typically be quite content as pet dogs. Cocker Spaniels are very smart and extremely sensitive emotionally. Only positive training and reinforcement methods should be used, as Cockers can get their feelings hurt very easily. Praise treats, and pats are great training incentives and rewards. But just how high that energy and drive to stay active is will depend on the influence your puppy gets from either parent dog. The German Shepherd coat is a thick, double-layer coat of a medium-length, thick, coarse, water-resistant outer layer and a thick, soft insulating under layer. Since maintaining coat function is of the utmost priority to keep the working GSD warm and dry, the coat sheds continuously year-round. The coat also sheds visibly and profusely at the changing of the seasons. You will want to keep your brush, lint roller, and vacuum cleaner handy during these times. You will need to commit to daily brushing and detangling sessions and regular bathing. Professional grooming may also be desirable, especially if your time is limited. The fine, thin hair can easily tangle and this can cause damage to the skin. Careful combing is essential — pulling on any mats or tangles can tear the skin. The coat should always be detangled before bathing or the tangles may become unmanageable. If the tangles are not groomed out daily, they may become so matted that there is no other choice but to shaving. This means you only want to choose a Cocker Spaniel if you have enough time to do at least one brushing and grooming session daily. If your puppy takes more after the GSD side, your time will be spent vacuuming, lint rolling and brushing. If your puppy takes more after the Cocker Spaniel side, your time will be spent brushing, detangling, bathing, trimming and perhaps making trips to the groomer. Here again, when you choose to work with a later-stage hybrid breeder F1b, F2 or later this can help you guesstimate the adult coat type of your GSD Cocker puppy with more accuracy. This can often strengthen breed health as well as contribute to other desirable traits. His personality is sure to be lively. A Springer Spaniel coat is an important indicator of its personality. A long-coat breed will need to stay logged in with deep water at least twice per week while a type such as the German Shepherd may only need medium sudsing sessions because his fur is short enough not to require much coverage or attention. Make sure your pet understands where he fits into this family by showing appreciation on either side. Weight, Size, and Lifespan: The Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd Mix , is a proud dog with an easygoing personality that makes it one of the most popular breeds. They have friendly eyes and their quick wagging tails give them high spirits. The females weigh 45 — 55 pounds while males can range from 40 up to 60 pounds but usually average around 52 lbs. You will need toys for him so he can keep his teeth clean and still have something interesting like furniture or shoes, but the best part about this breed is their interactions with people! He needs at least ninety minutes of playtime each day to stay happy and healthy. This way both parties know what may or may not happen in the future down the road if any issue arises during childhood which can oftentimes lead us into adulthood without realizing how much our lifestyle choices affect these outcomes. The English Springer Spaniel is often mixed with the German Shepherd Dog, and these two breeds share many common health problems. For example, they can be prone to joint dysplasia or hypothyroidism as well as other Raynaud disease-related issues such as dog tears on their paws from working in wet conditions all day long. Diet Requirements: It is important to know that overfeeding Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd Mix can lead to health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia getting worse. A good diet for your pup would be a Raw Food Diet which will make them healthier than ever before. Post navigation. Coat German Shepherds have dense undercoats combined with medium-to-long, rough guard hairs. In contrast, Cocker Spaniels are known for their luxuriously long, silky coats. A cross of these two breeds could inherit any of these two types of coats or even a combination of both. However, other color combinations, as well as markings, can be inherited, especially from the Cocker Spaniel side. On the other hand, the GSD double-coat sheds quite heavily but requires brushing only once or twice a week. Make sure you keep it dry especially after every bath to reduce the risk of ear infections. All other grooming requirements i. Strength German Shepherds have impressive strength but the opposite is true of Cocker Spaniels. Nevertheless, Cockers are hardy dogs and can be quite athletic thanks to their hunting and sporting heritage. German Shepherd — Cocker Spaniel crosses are generally quite strong. However, they are not expected to compete in strength with purebred GSDs as they are smaller and less muscular. This should be unsurprising as the ability to run fast is an important trait among game dogs. Nevertheless, they could still be expected to reach top speeds of 30 miles per hour. However, they will still need regular exercise to maintain the muscle tone their bodies are built for. Generally, these sporting dogs will thrive with 30 minutes to 1 hour of exercise per day. Playing fetch or going on long walks are good options. Additionally, romping around with other canine companions would count as exercise. Trainability According to the dog intelligence ranking developed by canine psychologist Stanley Coren, German Shepherds belong to the top tier of dogs. Their intelligence enables them to master a command in fewer than 5 exposures. Mixing Cocker Spaniels with GSDs is likely to result in a less intelligent, although still a remarkably bright dog. Purebred Cocker Spaniels belong to the second tier of dogs, which means they can master a command within 15 exposures. Even if the two parent breeds differ in intelligence, any German Shepherd — Cocker Spaniel mix is still expected to be highly trainable. Apart from intelligence, they are eager to please and have a strong work drive. They are affectionate, patient with young children, and tolerant of other pets. Additionally, they are protective but less vigilant and more accepting of strangers compared to purebred German Shepherds. They also tend to be gentle and even-tempered. Health GSD — Cocker Spaniel mixes tend to be of good health but could develop severe health conditions that stem from the size difference of their parents. Or, they could develop organs that are disproportionate to their bodies. Regular veterinary check-ups are essential to ensure proper development, monitor their overall condition, and address possible health risks early on. Additionally, GSD — Cocker Spaniel crosses that inherit floppy ears might be prone to ear infections. Much care has to be taken to keep the ear canals clean and the flaps dry. Lifespan Although some health issues might stem from the significant size difference of the two breeds, healthy Cocker Spaniel — German Shepherd crosses actually tend to live long and happy lives. In fact, they have a life expectancy of 10 to 14 years. To improve longevity, it helps to give your dog a high-quality, well-balanced diet as soon as you get them. This program was specifically developed so that mixed breeds can participate in various AKC events, including title recognition programs like Flyball and Diving Dogs. Finding a German Shepherd— Cocker Spaniel cross would be difficult because they are not very common. Enthusiasts of each breed prefer to keep their breeding stocks pure, typically to conform to AKC standards. If they are mated the male is usually the Cocker Spaniel as the potential size of the puppies could be too large for the smaller Cocker Spaniel to carry. Nevertheless, you might be able to find one caused by mismating or accidental breeding. And, they might experience some health challenges due to the size difference of their parents. Nevertheless, their more timid nature is a delight for households looking for loyal yet calm and affectionate companions. About Cocker Spaniel German Shepherd Mix The cocker spaniel mix with german shepherd is known for its gigantic sweet eyes and enchanting looks. Initially reared as a hunting canine in the 14th century. It has some expertise in hunting birds and woodcocks. Because of its hunting ancestry, this breed is splendid and teachable. Due to their blend of qualities, they are little to medium-sized ideal for athletic exercises, travel and remaining at home. According to AKC , this breed has now been cross-reproduced with other canine varieties. Every one of these blends has an exceptional disposition and character, so how would you pick a canine companion for your home? See also German Shepherd Husky Mix Information Here is a point-by-point guide on a portion of the well-known crossbreeds prior to picking a variety. You can also check out blue heeler German Shepherd mix Cocker spaniel German Shepherd mix appearance Characteristics and coat shading will differ from contingent eyes upon this dog. The cockatoo blend is an after effect of a crossbreed between a thoroughbred German Shepherd and a thoroughbred cocker spaniel. As a planner canine, it arrives in a wide assortment of tones consolidating the enthusiastic qualities from the cocker spaniel DNA and being reachable from the German Shepherd side. Nonetheless, their appearance shifts generally and they draw a few highlights from the spaniel and others from the German Shepherd parent; the tallness and weight will likewise differ contingent upon the parent. Your pet could either have long messy waves or tight twists. You really want to prep your dog more than once per week to keep the coat from matting as pets. This dog make incredible partners, they are fiery hints, need a functioning family, they are likewise well disposed and carefree making them ideal for your whole family. This breed is a velcro canine that follows its attendance constantly and loves his owner to pet him. Cocker spaniel German Shepherd mix breed is a blend of a cocker spaniel and a German Shepherd. The cocker spaniel German Shepherd mix is a little buddy canine known for its sweet and carefree nature acquiring great characteristics from the two guardians. As little to medium-sized canines, they will develop to around 12 inches tall and weigh roughly 10 to 12 pounds. Their fur garments are interestingly lengthy, smooth and stream like the layer of the dog. The coat required normal preparation and managing in light of its little size, the corky is appropriate for families with more seasoned children to assist with the socialization cycle. Likewise, this canine may be an astounding choice for individuals inclined to sensitivities since it comes from a line of hypoallergenic cocker spaniel German Shepherd guardians. This mix additionally brings about a variety alluded to as cockatoo. These canines are ordinarily enormous canines which is an attribute from the labrador parent. Getting the dog in your house is a great choice. In the event that you and your family are dynamic, this blend joins experience and energy from the two guardians. Along these lines, they need to take part in heaps of activities and exercises. As the canine develops, they measure somewhere in the range of 15 and 22 inches and weigh around 40 and 60 pounds. As far as actual appearance, the ears will be longer. They likewise have a delicate velvety fur garment that is water safe. Can a German Shepherd mate with a Cocker Spaniel? Few people intentionally mix German Shepherds with Cocker Spaniels since the size difference could lead to health problems down the road. Despite this, there are numerous advantages to crossing these two breeds. The result will bring out a cocker spaniel German Shepherd mix. A small to medium-sized dog breed weighing 20 to 50 pounds, the Cocker Spaniel Lab mix is a small to medium-sized dog breed. Their attitude is a loving, friendly, caring, playful, enthusiastic, and easily taught dog breed, that has another name which is Spanider. Its health info Because some breeds are more susceptible to some things than others, all dogs have the potential to develop genetic health problems. Getting a puppy, on the other hand, has the advantage of allowing you to avoid this as much as possible. Puppies should always come with a health guarantee from the breeder. To discover your new mixed breed, we strongly advise you to look for a reputable animal rescue in your region. Health clearances demonstrate that a dog has been checked for and cleared of a certain disease. A cocker spaniel German Shepherd mix is usually 15 and 22 inches big and weighs around 40 and 60 pounds. Thanks for reading. If you have any questions about a cocker spaniel German Shepherd mix, please drop it in the comment section below. Sponsored Links Tags.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. While most people associate training with puppies, the reality is that you can learn how to train a 1 year old German Shepherd using the proper techniques. And, you might even find that an adult German Shepherd is easier to train than a young puppy because they have more attention span and self-control. A 1-year-old German Shepherd may still show many puppylike behaviors, but also have behavior you find troubling in other ways. He might test his independence and show undesirable behaviors, or has never been given proper training to understand how to live in a home. These tips are useful for owners that have recently adopted an adult dog, or they can be used to train an older dog that needs to gain new skills. This could prove more challenging than socializing a puppy because your 1-year-old German Shepherd may have developed some reactivity or fears around certain triggers. You must take things slowly when socializing. Keep your dog at a safe distance from new animals or people and reward him as he pays attention to you rather than the other people or pets. Step back and go to a place your dog feels safe. Remember to be patient, give plenty of extra rewards, and understand that setbacks might happen. You might not have the most social companion in the world, but you can definitely help your pet learn to become friendlier and less scared source. Keeping your dog safe is a priority. So, teach him to come on command, and practice this essential command until your dog returns to you… Every time. Teach this on a short or long leash first to prevent them from making mistakes and hindering their training to the command. Follow the German Shepherd Training at Home essentials for teaching them their basic commands. Stay Consistent When training your 1-year-old German Shepherd, there are some basic steps you can take to improve your success rate. Your one-year-old dog needs consistency. If you occasionally reward unwanted behaviors, such as jumping, those behaviors will continue. Only reward behaviors you like, such as sitting by the door to greet guests. You must respond the same to the unwanted behavior in order for your dog to learn the expectations you have. Instead, use unique commands for each action. If you need ideas of what to call your commands, then search for the word in this List of German Shepherd Commands. Burn those massive energy reserves that seem to be built into every young German Shepherd. Walk your dog at least 45 minutes to 1 hour twice a day. But know that even this amount of exercise is generally too little for a German Shepherd. You could also start to train your pet for nose work and tracking for fun and competition. One-year-old German Shepherds have a lot of energy. Your one year old dog also needs time to chew on appropriate toys to help release their stress and provide them with an outlet for their energy. Provide a tough German Shepherd chew toy that helps keep them calm. Reward based training works on the principle of rewarding good behaviors so that your dog wants to repeat them in order to get a treat, or the reward some owners use special toys during training for dogs not motivated by food. But, remember to keep the treat as a reward that is used for special occasions, like your training. If you have the treat in your hand all the time to reward them they will begin to listen to you only when he sees a treat. Using healthy, tasty treats and lots of verbal praise are highly effective training methods for a one-year-old dog. Enroll in a supportive online brain training and obedience class to practice your training at home and to keep things fun and upbeat. Instead of the same old training routine every day, incorporate interesting German Shepherd games to help teach your dogs the basics. Games are useful training for a 1-year-old German Shepherd because they take advantage of the energy and youthfulness that your dog still has. They also help get your dog excited about learning and create a stronger connection between you and your German Shepherd. Take a time off, a mini-vacation day, to give him a break. For example, give him an extra special treat just for looking at the nail clipper or being in the same room with it. Then, give him a treat when he sniffs it or walks over to it. Counter-conditioning, when done correctly, will result in a more confident companion and a more resilient pet. This could include unwanted behaviors, such as jumping on guests or pulling on the leash. They could have developed bad habits that need to be extinguished so that you can live comfortably with them. Training your dog is a life-long process. It should be ongoing no matter what the age of your German Shepherd. And, training helps avoid an out-of-control German Shepherd. Special Considerations While your new dog may arrive with some problem behaviors your breed is highly trainable and wants to please you. These tips will help you teach your German Shepherd the appropriate behaviors you want in your home. Start teaching your one-year-old dog the rules for your home as soon as they arrive and are comfortable. Be sure everyone in your family is on the same page for training. It will be easier to train your German Shepherd when everyone agrees on appropriate behaviors and uses the same commands and rewards. They will learn faster and retain their training longer. Take the time to know the unique personality of your dog to help them excel at training and living with you. Take into account any health issues you might be unaware of. Get your dog checked by your veterinarian. They may have problems with obedience due to underlying health issues, like painful hips. They come with their own background history that can make them nervous about their new surroundings and even their new owners. It may take months for your dog to become comfortable in their new home. Training is an excellent way to bond with your German Shepherd and understand him more. A new German Shepherd can be a challenge without the right help. And a one-year-old GSD needs all the help you can give tem to become a well-mannered companion. Can you really afford to not help your new German Shepherd learn all they can to live with you? References and Resources Nicholas, Jason. Buzhardt, Lynn. Bender, Amy. Gibeault, Stephanie. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts When your 1 year old German Shepherd looks or behaves differently from the common descriptions you may find on the Net, you start worrying. You want to go to the vet immediately and spend a lot of time asking questions. Most often, your veterinarian does not find anything bad, but in a while, the situation repeats. However, there are some vital things that you need to know about your pet to feel calm and relaxed. Your pup is almost full-sized now, but it needs some more time to mature and develop emotionally. Reinforcing good habits and giving proper care can help much. We have prepared a set of helpful tips to help you ensure that everything is OK, no matter whether it was born in your household or you adopted it later. Now, it is about its adult size and weight. You should know that there are differences between male and female dogs. Your boy Shepherd weighs lbs kg , and the girl doggy can weigh lbs kg. Some dogs can be lighter or heavier at this age, but you need to measure their weight just once a week to ensure that they are not overweight or underweight because many health problems may start here. However, if you do weigh your pup regularly, you may notice that gaining weight has already slowed down. Female Shepherds almost reach their full adult weight while males continue growing muscles. Even if you notice the slow-down in your male doggy, it is a pause, not a stop. They continue to become heavier until they are two. The height of your pup at one year of age also varies between males and females. The boy is usually inches cm tall, while the girl is shorter at its withers — inches cm. However, in some dogs, the ears may stand upright at the age of eight months or even later. However, at one year, floppy ears in your dog may mean either damage to the cartilage and its poor development or doubtful purity of the breed. Anyway, you have to consult your vet about what to do next. Hormonal changes and seasonal reasons may cause immense loss of fur. That is why these dogs are often called German Shedders. Your pup had stopped teething by the time it reached 6 months. However, you must not be surprised if it lasts until one year. Every doggy is different, and their dental development stages may vary. In general, at the age of one year, you may expect a total of 42 white, shiny, and sharp adult teeth in your dog. In fact, it can vary for different animals, too. Even if you managed to establish close bonds with your doggy by this time, you may occasionally encounter misbehavior, aggression, and testing its independence and your leadership. It only means that you need to engage your four-pawed friend as much as possible and continue its basic training. Be aware of possible casts of aggression toward strangers. It can happen when your pup is bored, excited, or poorly socialized. Another issue is chewing up the furniture and clothes or biting and nipping. Even if your doggy is not teething now anymore, there may be such problems. Your Shepherd tries to attract your attention inappropriately, so you need to be patient and stop such attempts as soon as you see them. If you feel that your GS will continue with such behavior, contact an experienced dog trainer. However, the trend for your puppy is to calm down around the age of one year. So, you will see grown-up behavior very soon. The aim of all German Shepherds is to herd and guard, and the guardian breeds reach full maturity later than other breeds. Shepherds are working dogs , so it takes more time for them to set close social bonds with their counterparts and pack members because they are aimed at defending flocks from large predators. Your pup may not seem too confident. Confidence develops between 1 and 3 years of age. Nurturing is equally important. Even if your doggy has individual characteristics relevant to its breed and age, such as being friendly, reserved, stubborn or cooperative, shy or bold, you can develop its personality and build up the desired behavioral patterns with other people, changing places, or animals around. Make your training and cooperation rewarding. The opportunities for your doggy to become a happy and loyal companion are unlimited. Other behavioral patterns include exercising, sleeping, and walking. Your German Shepherd is very strong and energetic at this age, so it needs at least two hours of exercise per day. They can include an hour of walking 5 minutes per every month of age and off-lead exercises in a safe area. Your pup may get bored very fast, so play and train it in turn to make a variety. Your pup does not require as much sleeping time as before because it is curious, active, and investigating. The number of hours it may need per day reduces to instead of as before. However, even if your doggy sleeps more than 18 hours, it can be a norm because the sleeping patterns and needs can differ between dogs, and other factors may influence sleep time. However, you need a veterinarian check-up just once a year to ensure everything is going on properly. You must also watch out for unusual signs that may indicate health problems. They include weight loss, personality changes, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, sneezing and coughing, gagging, excessive urination, thirst, itchy skin, urination difficulties, swollen gums, runny nose and eyes, spelling disorders, and anything that your doggy unexpectedly starts displaying. Functional disorders can appear later, at 5 or 6 years old. However, you need to know that your pup at this age can experience ear infection, kennel cough, Lyme disease, heartworm, influenza, and fleas or ticks invasions. Some of these issues can be severe and even life-threatening. Regular checkups can prevent most health disorders. Apply heartworm treats and collars against ticks and fleas if your vet prescribed it. This time also requires booster shots of the main vaccines, such as rabies, distemper, and parvovirus. Your vet may tell you about the specific law regulations against rabies in your area that you need to observe. Your vet can also recommend titer testing to understand whether your dog has acquired enough immunity from puppy vaccinations. You may also need to renew the pet insurance for cases when your dog needs expensive treatment or faces life-threatening conditions. For example, you must be aware of gastric dilatation volvulus or bloat threat. Your pup may also suffer from hip dysplasia later; this insurance can cover medical symptom management. Your insurance policy should also relate to public liability if your doggy bites somebody or causes damage to their belongings. The age of one year is also crucial for deciding to spay or neuter your dog. However, consider all pros and cons of this procedure at this age. Since your pup continues growing, any procedures that can cause hormonal changes can lead to joint disorders. So, many vets recommend male neutering after the dog becomes completely mature. Anyway, talk to experts and get advice from them. As for females, your vet can recommend spaying your girl after its first heat cycle without letting it enter the next one. Feeding Your 1 year old GSD is a strong and highly energetic animal. It needs an appropriate diet to grow and stay healthy. Talk to your vet and choose the best variant of adult food for your doggy. Overfeeding can lead to health problems, so try to schedule meals properly. Your dog needs feeding two or three times per day. The common amount per day is cups. You have to spread it equally between the meals. To spread the meals in time, feed your pup at 10 a. Feeding can provide a new milestone at this age. It is a transition to adult food. While your German Shepherd is a puppy, it needs high-caloric food to grow. Though now, it does not grow so quickly and intensively. It means they need fewer calories than puppies to avoid overweighting. However, if your pup is still growing too rapidly, you need to reduce the amount of food to avoid joint problems. The transition to a new diet can be gradual if possible. It can be implemented for several days. Start with giving your dog 1 part of the new food and 3 parts of the old food for several days. Then, transit to equal parts of old and new food in the next two days. At last, your doggy can eat 1 part of the old and 3 parts of the new food without any digestion problems. Now, you can end up rejecting the old food altogether. When you decide how much food to offer your doggy, consider its levels of physical activity. Less active pups should eat less to avoid overweighting. Provide your doggy with enough water. Generally, a young German Shepherd needs 0. So, if your pup weighs about 70 pounds 32 kg , it will need ounces 1. Training Your 1 year old German Shepherd is still emotionally unstable and immature, so you have to continue training to promote proper behavior and reduce nervousness. You must focus on two types of training now — obedience training and building up working habits. When you continue obedience training, reinforce rewarding behavior by treating your pup positively. Remember that your Shepherd can get bored and restless without engagement. When your pup displays bad behavioral patterns, use distractions and redirect its attention to something more desirable. While training, reward its positive behavior with praise, patting, and treats. Never overdo training and make calming pauses. Ignore demanding behavior, such as pawing, jumping, or barking. Do not apply physical punishment, and never yell at your pup. If your dog has had an accident, never rub its nose in it. Your encouragement should be continuous but do not laugh or giggle when your doggy does something inappropriate. Stop the unwanted behavior immediately, but never punish your pet after the fact. Remember that teaching your German Shepherd new tricks and advanced commands is never too late. Of course, it should have acquired the simplest skills and obedience habits by this time. Though you may even find it easier to work with your doggy at this age because it has a longer attention span and more self-control now. In fact, dogs can learn something new at any age. That is why it is important to continue training your pup on its way to maturity. Your doggy needs a lot of exercise at this age — not less than two hours per day. Walking can take about one hour 5 minutes for every month of its life. You may divide this time into two walking sessions during the day. Other exercises must include playing and training. Mental stimulation and socialization are also important parts of exercising. How much should a 1 year old German Shepherd eat? Your dog is still growing, but this process slows down. The overall amount of food your pet needs per day is cups divided between 2 or 3 meals. Never feed your dog once a day — it may have digestion problems. It has to be funny, alert, and loyal. It is individual. So, follow the tips presented in this article and recommendations from your vet and dog trainer. This age is not the easiest for a dog owner. You have to be patient and consistent. However, if you are persistent, you will soon get an intelligent, obedient, and loyal companion. 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. Should I be booking spay or neuter surgery? A one year old German Shepherd is nearly full-sized physically, but emotionally they still have a lot of maturing to do. How much should a 1 year old German Shepherd weigh? A male German Shepherd typically weighs between 60 and 84 pounds on his first birthday. And a one year old female German Shepherd usually weighs between 46 and 68 pounds. Since females mature faster than males, her weight on her first birthday is closer to her final adult weight than her brothers are. When do German Shepherds stop growing? In fact, females may only gain a couple more pounds after her first birthday — the ideal weight range for adult female GSDs is 50 to 70 pounds. Male German Shepherds also stop gaining weight as rapidly after they turn one. But, in common with other large and giant dog breeds, this tends to be a pause, rather than an end to growing. Fully grown male GSDs weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. German Shepherd puppies need a diet which is specific to their age, and predicted adult weight. And the smallest females are likely to be fully grown. This article can help you choose an adult diet for your year-old German Shepherd. If possible, transition your dog onto their new diet gradually over a period of several days. Give them 3 parts old food to 1 part new food on days 1 and 2. Then equal parts old and new food on days 3 and 4. And finally, 1 part old food to 3 parts new food on days 5 and 6, before ditching the old food altogether. Your puppy is now eating like an adult! German Shepherds were originally developed as the ultimate herding and guardian breed, and guardian breeds tend to reach emotional maturity later than other dogs. As working dogs, this results in a longer window to form a close social bond with their flock — which gives them the emotional motivation to defend it against large predators. Their temperament is going to continue developing for many months yet. One study of German Shepherd behavioral development found that confidence continues to increase significantly between their 1st and 3rd birthdays. There is also a corresponding decline in nervousness and jumpy reactions. There are some traits we think of as being innately German Shepherd, but nurture is just as important as nature in determining how friendly or reserved, cooperative or stubborn, bold or shy, your GSD is. Keep building up a pattern of positive experiences with places, people and other animals. And use training to build their confidence and make cooperation with you rewarding. Training a 1 year old German Shepherd Your year old German Shepherd Dog may look fully grown, but emotionally they are still immature, and their confidence is still under developed. There are two important kinds of training for a 1 year old German Shepherd: 1. Keep rewarding good behavior and good decisions, to get more of both in the future and turn them into established habits. These articles will help you train a 1 year old German Shepherd with confidence:. Your German Shepherd Puppy: 8 Weeks To 1 Year Old Apr 08, If you're interested in what the progression of your puppy from 8 weeks to 1 year should look like, and how to achieve it; you've come to the right place. If you're expecting a timeline of what achievements you should hit at specific times, this isn't it. All puppies and dogs learn at different rates based on everything from the drive level, interests in reward, your level of training skill etc. Instead of focusing on what tricks and obedience positions your puppy learns, focus on building a relationship with your puppy. Millions of people have adult dogs who won't let them cut their nails or bathe them and must go to a professional groomer. There's nothing wrong with using a groomer's services, but if you must because your dog won't allow you to, it's because you didn't bond with the dog and condition it as a puppy. To begin building a foundation takes a lot of treats, time, socialization, conditioning, and focus training to get engagement. Let's start with socialization. Socialization doesn't mean you let your puppy play with random dogs and strangers. It's quite the opposite. Socialization means you desensitize your puppy to the presence of other dogs and people to the point it doesn't acknowledge them. Other dogs and people become background noise that they're uninterested in. If you view socialization as getting a puppy to love everything, everyone, and every dog they see, you won't have their engagement. If you don't have their engagement on you, they aren't going to listen to you. You'll be the owner who gets drug down the street every time your dog wants to say "hi" to a stranger or new dog. Not only that, but not every stranger is friendly, nor is every dog. It's better to train your puppy to completely ignore everything except you on your walks. Since we've brushed up on what socialization should be and why, let's get into engagement. Engagement means that your dog looks to you. When you say their name, you have their undivided attention. They are looking at you, waiting for instruction. If you've ever had a dog, not come when called, 9 times out of 10 it was doing something it deemed more engaging than looking to you. That means to your dog, that other thing they were doing was more important than anything you had to say or wanted them to do. That becomes life threatening if a dog deems that engaging with the dog across the street is more important than coming when called. So how do you build engagement? Well, thankfully, it's easy! Start from day one by saying your pup's name. If they look at you, click your clicker or say "yes" and give them a treat. If they come to you, even better, give them a treat for looking at you, and another for coming. Your job is to court their attention and reward every time you get it. Before long, your puppy will look to you for everything. Once that happens, training can begin. If you skip this step, you will notice that during training your puppy may sit for you, take the treat, then decide to run around or sniff the ground etc. Those things means that training will take longer because you don't have engagement. Now that you've gotten the engagement you need, start training by making everything a learning experience and a game. You should be upbeat and excited. When you teach your dog to sit, mark the behavior with a click or a yes and reward with a treat excitedly. This only serves to increase engagement. You're not only a treat machine, you're also a fun friend. The more fun you are, the less fun distractions are. You can even begin to blend this into socialization. For example, your puppy sees another dog being walked across the street and starts to focus on them. You call their name, they look at you because you give treats for engagement, and you're way more fun than playing with another dog they don't even know across the street. This is the corner stone of having a dog who obeys commands every time, and not just when there's no distractions around or when they feel it's convenient. We've all either said, or have heard people say "Well, he usually does it when it's just us! Remember, while you're building this bond, trust, and engagement, you also need to start conditioning your puppy. Lift all 4 paws. Open the mouth. Check their ears. Touch their undersides. Open their eyes.This is the time to condition your puppy to being examined, medicated, temperature checked, bathed, nails clipped or dremeled etc. Lastly, during this time, you should be trying your hardest to build drive to play tug with a ball on a rope or tug. Food is great, but many dogs have more prey drive than food drive. If you have such a dog, a ball on a rope or tug is a powerful training agent. It also helps build a bond because puppies love food, but puppies also love to play. Later in life, you'll find it easier to stuff a ball in your pocket than a full pouch of treats as well. All of this sounds like an informal amalgamation of building trust, building a bond, training, desensitization, conditioning, building engagement and drive etc. But that's because this is exactly what raising a puppy in the most efficient and most reliable way possible is. Taking your time and blending all these aspects together until they're one and the same. Trying to create a schedule of when a puppy should know this, or that will not nearly be as fun for you or the puppy. It'll only make you both frustrated and feel like you're failing. But if you take your time, by 12 months, your puppy will know everything you would've put on that schedule, have bonded with you, think training and learning new things is fun, and be a pleasure to groom and vet! If you enjoyed this article, please leave a like and share. Thank you.

It gives an estimate of the risk for painful osteoarthritis OA of canine hip dysplasia CHD later in life. With this information, preventive and palliative strategies can be recommended by the PennHIP-trained veterinarian. It has been extremely helpful to me as a breeder to OFA-certify my dogs. If the breeders have been breeding a long time you should see lots of names.You are supporting puppy mills if you buy a dog with these registries as they are mainly for puppy mill breeders, You know what you get with AKC because of record inspections and DNA. All Buyers should beware! Both are breeding females that are not German Shepherds they looked like husky crosses but are registering them as German Shepherds and the registry does not care. I have personally seen it and so have many others. Are you looking for size? Here are some pointers! Most breeders of large german shepherds exaggerate by 50 lbs and several inches or more! Vet certified weight means nothing if you can't call the vet! Size means little if temper , health and longevity are not there! I have a great love and passion for German Shepherds, due to their intelligence and loyalty. I have a large, close family that are helping me raise, train, show and breed the dogs I love. Tiltonhaus kennel is attached to our home so that our German Shepherds can live primarily in our home enjoying family life with us. Rotating the dogs this way gives each dog lots of quality time with us. We strive to give our dogs the environment and attention that best enhances their well being and health. We live on 10 acres of land where our dogs can run and explore, along with several secure yards and runs for outdoor activity. Tiltonhaus German Shepherd dogs enjoy family outings, such as hikes, bike rides, picnics, camping, vacations, etc. All of our German Shepherds are purebred, AKC Registered, and come from top West German champion bloodlines known for producing dogs that are not only beautiful, but have balanced temperaments and strong work ethics. Degenerative Myelopathy. Our breeding dogs have had their hips and elbows certified with either the German SV a-stamp program or through OFA, which gives us the confidence to have all of our Tiltonhaus puppies guaranteed for hips and health in writing. Our puppies are handled and socialized from birth. So we become very attached to these little pups and care about their well being. Potential buyers should be prepared to answer questions about why they want to purchase a puppy and their plans for their puppy. We recommend that your new puppy get basic obedience training to be a happy, well-adjusted dog. Tiltonhaus is family owned and operated, fully licensed business located in Deer Park, Washington 15 minutes north of Spokane, WA. My name is Mitzi Michelle Brooks. I have had dogs all my life and German Shepherds most of that time. I have tried different breeds, but always come back to what I know and love. The German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for me. I breed large, old-fashioned, straight-backed, German Shepherds with a special focus on health and temperament. I am a very small breeder, all my dogs live with me, in the house. They are first, and foremost, my beloved pets. In my litters, I concentrate on the things that matter most to me: Health and Temperament. My dogs are all larger than the breed standard but with no compromise to their health. All my dogs are medium to low energy, making them easy to train and ideally suited for families. I do not breed: dogs that are hyper, dogs that show any signs of aggression, working dogs, high drive dogs, or dogs with excessive angulation. Puppies are born and raised in my home! That means your puppy goes home with you already socialized with other dogs, with cats, and familiar with all the sights and sounds of a normal home. All puppies are also current on vaccinations and on a set deworming schedule. The puppies bred here are sold as companions and pets. Just as working dogs are bred to work, my puppies are bred to live in and be a part of a family. With their low to low-medium drive, my pups are very easy for their new parents to train and still possess that famous German Shepherd instinct to protect their home and their family. These soft temperaments mean that my dogs are happy to go out and play, but just as happy to come in, lay at your feet, and interact with their family. Please check out our Litters page to know about our current and future breeding plans. We are German Shepherd breeders in Virginia and have bred, raised and competed around the world with excellent results. Our breeding program's main focus lies on good health, and temperament as we believe the dogs are family members and companions first and anything else after. Our days are dedicated to socializing and training each and everyone of our german shepherds dogs, as we strongly believe that positive interaction enhances their personality and general well-being. We occasionally have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Virginia. We are located on 10 picturesque acres in the picturesque Northern Virginia countryside, outside Washington D. Our puppies come dewormed, with their first set of shots and with a written health guarantee. We focus on bringing the best available genetics in the German Shepherd breed and carefully incorporate them into our bloodlines, forming a physically and mentally sound mother-line, which has produced excellent results from each breeding. With our German Shepherds, we like to keep our focus on just a few breedings a year giving us ample time to raise and train the next generation of healthy, happy dogs. Our Breeding program is currently in its 6th generation with older dogs exhibiting excellent longevity, living active lives into their mid teens. Learn more about our Motherline. Everything, for the supplies and preparation steps, to the car ride home ; the first few days how to introduce him to your family and more. We have competed very successfully in the United States and globally. Our dogs have excelled at all levels of competition. Our German Shepherds have not only won numerous awards for their excellent structure but are also noted internationally in competitions Germany, Austria, Canada, India, and South-East Asia for their outstanding temperament and performances. Nummer-Eins German Shepherds: Virginia. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Our large, black and red puppies are born into a loving family environment, and they are socialized around creatures of all sizes. Therefore, your puppy will have experience being exposed to cats, children and horses, for example. If you would like to bring home a World Sieger German Shepherd today, or if you have any questions about our breeding program or our puppies, please contact us at your convenience. Any puppy is considered available and can be sold at any time, unless we have a deposit in hand or agreed to wait the necessary amount of time for the deposit or full payment to arrive. Nobleheim German Shepherds has the right to refuse the sale of a puppy to any customer, at any time, at our sole discretion. All puppies are chosen by their new owners in the order deposits are received. Once selected, the final price of the puppy is that which the breeder and new owner agree upon. Nobleheim puppy prices are based on various factors. These beautiful Purebred German Shepherd Puppies are watched over closely being sold to their rightful owners. From a young age, German Shepherds are raised to respect and love. As puppies, the dogs are keen to training, while remaining adorable and perfect for any home. With Nobleheim German Shepherds, you can see this for yourself with our current litters below. For the past 30 years, we have matched countless numbers of German Shepherd pups with their soon-to-be best friends, and look to do the same with you. Check out the upcoming litters page for new upcoming litters! Have a Question? Male deposit 1- ES Female deposit 1-CM Male deposit 2- Female deposit 2-VP Male deposit 3- Female deposit 3- Male deposit 4- Female deposit 4- If you would like to know litters coming later than this please give us a call Before you place a deposit, Please download or print our guarantee and contract. Fill it out and return to us either by texting it, scanning and emailing or through regular mail. Remember that regular mail is slower and cause you to not get the spot you want if I get other deposits and contracts before yours. Once I receive your signed contract and your deposit, I will sign one and send one back. New-contract-June 15 We distribute the best dry food available for dogs and cats! Most people want to feed the best and LA is just that! Or if you will be taking home a puppy soon, make sure you buy a puppy start pack. The start up pack is on the same page as the food. Performance shows what the dog IS. If you wanted to ship your puppy, you would need to first come to our kennels and then ship the puppy out yourself. Or you can use a ground transportation company. By placing a deposit on a litter not yet born, please keep this in mind and be willing to move your deposit onto another litter at a later date. This allows us to offer puppies to pet homes at a more affordable price. You will still get AKC papers except they will say limited. If you bred a dog that was registered limited, then you would not be able to register the offspring. This limit however, can be lifted by the breeder. That said, while it can be done, I strongly urge anyone who lives in an apartment to think carefully about how much time and work it can be to keep a large, working dog in an apartment. I will not sell a puppy to anyone who lives in an apartment and leaves the dog home alone all day. At least one person needs to be home during the day. The dog needs to be taken outside to play at least once a day and taken for potty breaks many times EVERY day. Also, please check with your apartments rules on German Shepherds; some complexes do not allow them. New strains of the Parvo Virus are abundant and it is my job to keep puppies safe. I use a high titer Parvo Vaccine at 4 weeks but this may not protect all puppies. So please understand as much as you would like to visit with your puppies as they grow I can no longer allow this until they are 7 weeks. I will send out emails with pictures or videos weekly. No outside dogs are allowed at anytime. Thank you for understanding how important it is for me to keep the puppies safe. If you do visit other breeders, please do so on a different day that you visit. Von Ward Kennels will take back any puppy at any time in their lives if their owners can no longer care for them. Please never take a Von Wards dog to a shelter if you can no longer keep them. While most of our dogs are larger than the standard, we do have a couple of breeding females that are within standard.

Our passion for what we do is evident in the quality puppies we raise - we love what we do and the dogs we work with. You may have noticed that many guide dogs are Labradoodles, which speaks volumes about their ability to remember commands and learn obedience. Since Poodles and Labradors are both considered extremely intelligent breeds, Labradoodles are also likely to be clever. If you are looking for a family pet, our Labradoodle puppies for sale in QLD are ideal. They are playful and enjoy spending time with family members of all ages. Labradoodles are incredibly sociable dogs and are not likely to exhibit aggressive behaviour. While they are great pets to have as playmates and running buddies, they will not make the most alert guard dogs. These dogs are outgoing and friendly, as well as exceedingly friendly. It would be best if you took time to ensure that you socialise your Labradoodle as soon as possible so that they become familiar with other animals and people. In your search for a Labradoodle for sale in NSW , you may already have learned that Labradoodles first made an appearance in the mid-twentieth century. The main objective of this match was to breed a dog that did not shed, that was also suited to be a service dog. A Labrador retriever and Poodle were bred, and the result was the Labradoodle. We breed Labradoodle puppies that are highly intelligent and easy to train. These dogs often have various types of coats, ranging from the springier poodle coat to the longer Labrador coat, which is more prone to shedding. As time passed, both American and English Cocker Spaniel breeds were included in this mix, which has become the Labradoodle breed that you will know and recognise today. It is worth buying slightly cheaper bowls at first and then upgrading once your puppy has outgrown their chewing phase. In addition, your puppy will need good-quality dog food, chews, dog toys, as well as a collar and leash. You could even invest in some puppy shampoo when you first get your Labradoodle for sale in Victoria. As a responsible pet owner, you must ensure that your new puppy receives all their vaccinations as required. If you live in an urban area, it is also wise to microchip them so that it will be easier for a vet to identify you as their owner if they do get lost. Toilet training is essential. Try to take your puppy outside as often as possible so that they learn the habit of going out when they need to use the toilet. You should be prepared for accidents, though — they are still learning to control their bladders and may take a little while to become accustomed to this toilet routine. Our puppies are carefully bred to produce strong, healthy, and brilliant dogs who will make an excellent addition to any home. You can also purchase purebred French Bulldog puppies from us. About Toy Puppies Are Us We have been breeding puppies for three decades, and our passion for animals and what we do has not diminished. Our breeding is ethical, and we adhere to rules and regulations regarding breeding so that our puppies are healthy and happy. The puppies spend the first few weeks of their lives on our large property, cared for by our dedicated team. We are fortunate to have highly experienced veterinarian nurses on call who regularly check up on our dogs. Labradoodle: Services. Their incredible versatility of an easily trainable and adoring temperament as well as their social nature make them a perfect family pet. These beautiful, miniature versions are also commonly referred to as Australian Labradoodles, Mini Labradoos, and Mini Labrapoodles. The Mini Labradoodle is the smaller version of the equally amazing Standard Labradoodle that is a cross between a Standard Poodle and a Labrador, both purebred dogs. The standard-sized versions were bred to be guide dogs, and this trait is dominant in Mini Labradoodles as well. This designer breed is a dog of many talents. Mini Labradoodles are highly intelligent, affectionate, and as loving as can be. They can be trained for a myriad of dog jobs, and are quite the athletes when it comes to dog sports. Appearance and Grooming With two very different parent breeds, it can be difficult to know what each puppy will look like. Some litter pups take on more characteristics of the Poodle parent and others take after the Labrador more. Their low-shedding coat may resemble that of a Poodle : long, curly, and thick, or they may have fur that resembles that of a Labrador: short, straight, and dense with color variations of black, brown, chocolate, cream, golden, silver and white. This breed has a double coat which may require daily brushing depending on the thickness. They will also need regularly scheduled professional grooming appointments every 4 to 6 weeks. The size of Mini Labradoodles can vary quite a bit as well since they are a crossbreed of different-sized dogs. They may be smaller or larger depending on who they take after more. The typical size for these cuties is 14 to 16 inches tall with a weight of 16 to 25 pounds for a full-grown Mini Labradoodle. With both parent breeds being family-friendly, happy-go-lucky breeds, it is no surprise that this puppy will have the same fun-loving nature. Family and Companionship Perfect for families with children of all ages, the Mini Labradoodle is certain to fit in anywhere. This sweet dog will need plenty of love and attention, so staying away for long periods of time is not ideal for the overall emotional health of this breed. Because of their smaller size, they can thrive in all environments, be it a city apartment or in a rural setting with lots of lands. Keep in mind that your puppy will need lots of exercise and play so make sure you have plenty of places to let them run and sniff. Exercise Taking on the energetic tendencies of both parents, the mini Labradoodles are extremely active dogs who enjoy going for walks, running, and even swimming much like the Poodle. Like the Retriever, they love to play and retrieve things. Be prepared to keep them busy and spend at least an hour of active playtime with them each day. They can be pretty active chewers and seekers of mischief, so giving them something to play with is imperative. Training and Socialization Inheriting the intelligence of the Poodle parent will not only make this dog super trainable but also a wonderful option for a service or therapy dog. Its natural intuition makes it easily adaptable to people and places. However, it is very important to begin training the moment you bring your mini Labradoodle puppy home. You should start exposing it to new places, people, and other dogs as early as possible. Early socialization is paramount in the overall wellness of this unique breed. They are happy and healthy dogs that have amazing personalities. Our Mini Labradoodle breeders as well as our Puppy Agents interact with these pups daily to ensure they are socialized early and ready for their transition to your home. How big will my Miniature Labradoodle get? They will grow to a height between 21 to 23 inches and weigh between 55 to 80 lbs. What is the life expectancy of a Miniature Labradoodle? The average life expectancy is 10 to 12 years. What is the appearance of a Miniature Labradoodle? What is the temperament of a Miniature Labradoodle? They are spirited animals with a zest for adventure. They are full of love and affection and devoted to their humans. They have a playful and sometimes rambunctious side so creating boundaries and providing proper exercise will be important to keep these little ones in shape and out of mischief. Is the Miniature Labradoodle a good choice for first time dog owners? In fact, they are a perfect match for first time dog owners as they are super intelligent and easily trainable. They start learning at a very young age. Should I socialize my Miniature Labradoodle puppy? Though it is always important to socialize your puppy, please do so in safe places until the puppy has received all of its vaccinations. These little ones love people, but can exhibit a protective nature. Proper socialization will bring out the best of their sociable, easy-going temperament. How much exercise will my Miniature Labradoodle require? These are lively little pups with energy to spare they will need to have 30 to 60 minutes of vigorous activity per day, including walks and active play. Playtime and mental stimulation such as training exercises and interactive toys are recommended as well. How much food will my Miniature Labradoodle require? This breed is prone to obesity and bloating so proper nutrition must be shown from puppy and throughout adulthood. Because the sizes of these dogs vary so widely so will the amount of food they should get. Talk with your veterinary care provider about getting your little one on the right track. What type of coat does the Miniature Labradoodle have? Miniature Labradoodle coats come in many different colors and textures. They could have a shorter, double Labrador coat or a long, curly Poodle coat. Most of the time they fall somewhere in between while still showcasing those distinctive Poodle curls. What colors are the Miniature Labradoodles? They come in several solid colors including yellow, golden, chocolate, black, blue, brown, gray, and white. How often will my Miniature Labradoodle need to be groomed? This is a fairly high maintenance breed that requires frequent, brushing and regular trimming. They are excellent family pets, especially for active families. They are full of love and devotion and are always up for a new adventure. They do great with children. Is the Miniature Labradoodle hypoallergenic? Though not a fully hypoallergenic, they are a great choice for anyone that suffers from allergens. The AKC does not recognize mixed breeds. Mini Labradoodle Reviews.

Our dogs have mellow, affectionate, and playful temperaments, love water, and especially children. They are living as trustworthy family members, as emotional support dogs, service dogs, and medical alert dogs around the world! Content Link Block Polarbear is our Name. Or perhaps just looking for the total package in a dog? Health and longevity remains the foundation of all we do. Take for example, the standard German Shepherd dog as seen in this photo: View fullsize …Dogs bred with these traits often end up with crippling disabilities and premature death. This is so inhumane. The focus of our kennel, on the other hand, is to produce dogs with straight backs, broad heads, and short coats, as in the photo of Polarbear's foundation sire, Shack Von Hammer below. Aside from their magnificent appearance, Polarbear White Shepherds are calm, sociable, and affectionate. They are gifted empaths and comedians at heart. Their goofy personalities and love of children make them perfect nannies for even the youngest child. They love water, retrieving frisbees, and diving into the occasional swimming pool. What kind of dogs do all that? And they are living fulfilled lives, as medical detection dogs, service dogs, and family and companion dogs in nearly every state in the United States! World Map of our Clients Before leaving, you might like to click on some of our pages. Our "Words of Warning" for those purchasing a purebred dog for the first time on the internet is a favorite. Just remember this quote…. No amount of training or special food will fix a problem dog. If you want to view videos of our dogs, check out our Youtube Channel page. If you appreciate our breeding philosophy and love what we do, do let us know by becoming a fan! Raising dogs for you and your family. Call or text .Every breed has different requirements, whether the space they must have or the amount of exercise they need. If you are not certain yet, check out our essential White German Shepherd breed info to find out everything about the White German Shepherd. How to find White German Shepherd puppies for sale? When buying a puppy, it is important to consider not only the pet but also the breeder. Because a responsible breeder will ensure their dogs come from the strongest bloodlines and have the best start to life. Ask about the health and temperament of their White German Shepherd pups as well as their living environment. But also find out about the breeder's practices and commitments. A good breeder will be happy to answer everything before you decide. After all, they will want to ensure that their dog goes to a good home. When you have done your research and got all the info you need, you can then choose the right breeder with confidence. To help ensure you choose a responsible breeder, all the White German Shepherd kennels you see listed here are verified by Pets4You. You will also find that the best breeders will provide a guarantee with their dog. This information, and more, is available on the breeder's website within Pets4You. Browse through our dog breeder directory with complete breeder profiles and current puppies for sale to find your dream dog. Disclaimer It is the duty of every person that is considering buying a puppy or dog to confirm all the information provided to them by the breeder is accurate. Pets4You makes no warranties, expressed or implied, as to the condition of any dogs offered for sale, the standards or practices of any breeder, the quality of their canines, or the accuracy of any information contained within our site. Pets4You does not endorse, recommend, or guarantee a particular kennel, breeder or dogs listed on the Pets4You website. For Buyers. Please leave this field empty. Got our girl home to Minnesota. Little freaked out by the snow and the zero temps. She is doing great. She is a lovable sweetheart. Also fairly adventuresome. In and out of tight spaces outside and crawling over a pretty sizable and messy rock pile. Anyway, thank you. Tom Ziggy is awesome! My 3 yr old hugs and lays with him and he sleeps at the door of her room at night. Sara Thanks so much Doug. Proud to be the guardian of such joy. Thank you so very much, trust me when I say he will be loved and cherished. Take care. Sharon The puppy I received, 8 week old female Legacy was beyond my expectations, she was everything I was promised and more! Everyone who meets her loves her, she is the sweetest smartest thing. She is excelling in her obedience and her service dog training, I am very blessed for that. Thank you Doug! John B. Wells — former Coast to Coast talk show host, now at Caravan to Midnight. Our dog Luna is all you said she would be and more,beautiful,intelligent,we love her so much! Thank you, Heidi P. She is fantastic! We got him from you back in July .Ghost is the most amazing dog. He is the most loyal, the most loving, protective, and smartest dog I have ever known. Have a great day! The puppy has been started on its vaccination series, dewormed, vet checked, and given lots of T. First you must find your foundation. I started thinking about how nice it would be to have a German Shepherd Dog like when I was young. I remember how pretty they were so I told Jeffrey, "I want a German shepherd". He immediately went on the hunt. He loves that stuff. When Jeff started showing me the dogs he was finding I couldn't believe what I was seeing. It is so hard to find a old fashion discerning yet calm, straight back shepherd these days. We found out the show dog people, changed the appearance of the Shepherd. It all looks legit so we bought a couple. I didn't care how much money or time I had in them or how great their paperwork said they were I had enough. I couldn't take it anymore. It was not what I wanted. Next Shepherd dog we found was the working line. We got a beautiful pup we called Titus. When we went look at him as a pup I mean he shined. He was like his owners shadow. He never got tripped on and moved like the wind. I knew that this dog had a high prey drive but I didn't know he didn't have an off button. We loved him but at a year old we placed with a man who lived on an 80 acre farm. Lord Jesus, what happened to the big beautiful straight back family farm German Shepherd Dog? I mean who would have thought? How hard could it be? But nowadays, what we were wanting was the minority. Most shepherds now either have the curved back that they swear is healthier, tested and winning everything. That is how they separate them now. They need a job, a serious job. They to hyper and to prey driven for what I wanted. Thanks to The Good Lord Jeff had ask me several times if I would be interested in the white shepherd. I said, "That is exactly what I want. We bought off different litters. These dogs are mentally smart. They are like a human with fur. They will understand your language and they learn everything very very fast. You should just be able to tell them once or twice and they get it. They potty train very fast! They are clean dogs. Most GSD tend to be wary of strangers or aloof, but not ours. Their drive to retrieve things makes them a companion for entertainment. They love kids. Who better to trust watching over the kiddos than the trusted loyal White Shepherd. I know my own and my own know me. According to an article in USA Today, 1, sheep fell off a cliff to their deaths in Turkey in .One sheep fell, so the others followed suit and jumped. In the end, sheep died. The ones that survived only lived because they were cushioned by landing on top of their fellow herd members. As a child growing up in church, I remember seeing a picture of Jesus with a lamb wrapped around his neck. As I grew older and visited more churches, I remember seeing similar pictures at a lot of places. I never questioned the image. The Bible is clear that God is our shepherd, and we are the sheep of his pasture, so I assumed the image demonstrated that biblical truth. However, several years ago while I was attending seminary, the image of the lamb wrapped around the neck of Jesus was explained to me. Because sheep tend to stray and will also follow wherever they are led, shepherds often had to discipline lambs that would stray from their shepherd. The shepherd would use his rod to break the leg of a wandering lamb. After binding the break, the shepherd would carry the lamb on his shoulders while the wound healed. If the lamb struggled and fought, it would quickly realize that the broken leg wouldn't allow it to flee. The lamb learned during the healing process that the shepherd could be trusted. The lamb needed the shepherd to provide food, transportation and protection. Once the wound was completely healed, the lamb was fiercely loyal to the shepherd and wouldn't stray from the shepherd's leading. A few years ago a news story broke about Shrek the sheep. Shrek was a Merino sheep who lived in New Zealand. Shrek became famous because he managed to avoid being captured and shorn for six years. His wool continued to grow and thicken, and his eyes were eventually hidden behind the thick coat. Shrek dodged the sheering by hiding in caves and running from his master. Once Shrek was finally captured and shorn, he carried 60 pounds of wool on his body, nearly six times the average amount. The wool on Shrek's body was enough to produce 20 men's dress suits. It's easy to see why the Bible compares us to sheep. We often follow the crowd, even when it leads to our own demise. We stray from the shepherd who loves us and seeks to protect us. We don't appreciate when God disciplines us. But if we surrender to him we learn through the discipline that God can be trusted. We are often like Shrek the sheep as well. We hide from God, clinging to the things that need to be shorn from us. We become weighed down with the burdens God could easily remove from us. The Bible also shares with us that God anointed his people with oil just as the shepherds anointed the heads of their sheep with oil. This wasn't just a symbolic ritual. Sheep are easy targets for flies, lice and ticks. A sheep that was not covered in oil on his head could easily become the victim of infestations of these pests. However, it wasn't just a nuisance. Bugs would crawl through the ear canal of the unoiled sheep and nest in its brain, eating away at it. The pain from the bugs would be so severe on the sheep that the sheep would bang his skull on rocks and against trees to ease his suffering. The sheep could break his own skull seeking relief from the brain-eating parasites. When God offers to anoint us with his oil, it means he offers us protection from the parasites of this world that seek to eat away at us. If we hide in caves, or jump off the proverbial cliffs of this world, dodging his anointing and protection, we may become victims of this world. We may become so filled with pain that we hit our heads against rocks to ease our suffering. God seeks to shepherd us through this life. Oftentimes that is through discipline, sheering or anointing. But it is always with love, and it is always with our best interest at heart. He is our shepherd. He can be trusted when we surrender to his leading. Jamye Lanning Duncan is a curriculum writer and has served as a minister and teacher throughout North Carolina. She holds an Master of Divinity in Christian education and a Bachelor of Science in elementary education. She is married to Dr. Hunter Duncan, and they have two children, Katherine and Cameron. For six television seasons Bullet played in episodes of the Roy Rogers show called Bullet the Wonder dog. Bullet was fast enough to keep up with the camera shots of Roy Rogers galloping on trigger in pursuit of something. Bullet was an exceptionally smart dog. He did everything a good dog would do. Rin Tin Tin Rin tin Tin is a story of a dog who went from rags to riches. He was an orphan from world War 1 and was found by Mr. Lee Duncan. Mr Lee trained Rinty to do tricks and to do silent picture work for dogs. Rin Tin Tin immediately was a big success. He was responsible greatly for the increasing popularity of the German Shepherd breed as family pets.

How old must a puppy be to leave its mother? Also, understanding the consequences of adopting a puppy before it is ready to leave its mother. The best age to get a Labrador puppy is 8 weeks old. Let me cut straight to the chase and mention that you should never adopt a Labrador puppy until it is at least 8 weeks old. Even experts recommend adopting a puppy in the 8th week, not even in the 7th. Now, you might be wondering why 8 weeks is so important. Can you take a puppy home at 6 weeks even when you are willing to provide the proper care? Labrador is a very popular and friendly dog in the United States, everybody wants to own a Lab. When can you take a puppy home The best age to take a puppy home is 8 weeks or older. It is not suggested to take a puppy home any earlier than 8 weeks. Taking away a puppy from its mother at an early age will cause apparent issues in development. No matter the level of your care and love for a puppy. Labrador puppies learn from their mother You may wonder why you should adopt a Labrador puppy at some specific age. There are some clear-cut reasons why dog breeders never allow people to adopt Labrador before the 8 weeks. As owners, we should respect this learning period and wait to bring home a puppy at 8 weeks old instead of an early age. Discipline Puppies learn from their mothers. Labrador puppies learn to behave well and get disciplined by their mother even before they are 8 weeks old. At a young age, Labrador puppies throw tantrums that a stern dog mother can handle. Nutrients Not just the behaviors, but Labrador puppies learn to live in every kind of environment from their mother. Therefore it is highly recommended to adopt Labrador after the eighth week. Understanding how to be a dog A dog will learn about new behaviors when it is well aware of its hierarchy and languages. Labrador puppies learn from their mother to communicate and relate with other dogs. Playing correctly, chasing, and having safe interactions is what they learn at the age of 6 to 7th weeks. Adopting a Labrador puppy before the proper age of 8 weeks will be a bad decision. At what age is a dog no longer a puppy? After knowing the right age for adoption, the next point is to know what age is a dog no longer a puppy. So, as a dog parent, you will be able to provide proper food and training for your dog. While adopting a Labrador puppy, keep in mind that this puppy period will last 2 years. It means Labradors are considered mature dogs between the ages of 2 to 2. Noticing new habits and behavior in a 2-year-old Labrador is quite typical. Start training your dog according to its age and maturity to make it a well-behaved Labrador. Furthermore, some points are crucial to discuss when you are about to adopt a Labrador. Photo by Shane Guymon on Unsplash How old should a puppy be to take home? The time of adopting a puppy may vary for some breeds, such as for a Labrador 8 to 12 weeks is the right age. While others 11 to 12 weeks is an excellent age to adopt some puppies. Unfortunately, even at 8 weeks old the puppy is still getting important training from their mothers. We know that puppies are highly active even in the 8 weeks, but they still have some fear and anxiety issues. If you bring home a puppy that is 8 weeks or younger, your puppy might interpret their new transition as traumatic and may get aggressive when you bring it home. Bringing your puppy home If you bring an 8 to 12 weeks old puppy home, it is recommended you follow the steps below. Vaccination Regular vaccination is highly recommended to protect your puppy from viruses. Toilet training Soon after bringing your puppy home, you should start its potty training. Also, teaching your puppy about the basic commands is highly recommended for developing a well-managed puppy. Crate training Along with potty training, crate training is required when you adopt a puppy. In this way, your puppy will sleep in its place without destroying your home. Have food and toys Make sure you have puppy food ready and some puppy-appropriate toys for your new puppy to play with. Consider having some training treats too. Training Classes No matter what is the breed of your puppy, training sessions are highly recommended. Teach your puppy basic commands like no barking, sit, stay, come, etc. Hire a dog trainer or teach your puppy by yourself. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But why is this? Many studies performed have shown a resulting increase in aggression, over-reactivity, learning problems, fearfulness and anxiety in puppies removed too early. The puppy may throw a tantrum and feel hard done by, but the mother will be stern…although they always follow the discipline with a little nuzzling and some love :- This early and regular dishing out of discipline teaches the puppy about right and wrong, that actions have consequences and bad behavior is punished. If this learning is taken away, the puppy may develop behavioral issues and not accept direction and commands from its owner later in life. This can making training harder and ultimately lead to a less controllable dog. Also, the puppy will itself be the victim of too hard biting, so it gets some first hand experience of how painful it can be. This teaches the puppy that biting too hard hurts and results in bad consequences, so they slowly learn to control their bite. If taken away before these lessons are learnt, the puppy will bite too hard not knowing any better and this can be very dangerous as the puppy matures into a larger and stronger dog. You would have to go through the process of teaching bite inhibition yourself and this can be difficult and even painful work! They learn about hierarchy, canine body language, posturing and vocalizations barking, growling etc. They also learn about things like chasing and how to play correctly with other dogs, also how to interact fairly and safely with other dogs. By removing a puppy too soon, it will miss out on this vital education, will be under-socialized to other dogs and this can easily result in the puppy being fearful of other dogs or just plain not liking other dogs later in life. They Learn Tolerance To Touch A dog needs to be tolerant to touch for health and hygiene reasons and the safety of those around it. And a vet will need to touch a dog all over during a medical examination. So you really need your Labrador to be tolerant of humans touching it all over. A puppy will constantly be bumped, nudged, pawed and climbed all over during its time spent with its litter-mates. This teaches the puppy not to be afraid of touch, to get used to it and be more tolerant. But if a puppy is taken too young it misses out on all this touch and could grow up disliking touch in certain areas of its body. This can result in behavioral issues and even aggression when being touched which for obvious reasons is very undesirable. The things a puppy is socialized to during its first 12 weeks have a profound effect on its level of confidence and levels of fear later in its life. From about 7 weeks onwards, the puppy is very inquisitive and its willingness to approach unknown things and people is at its peak. This period declines at about 12 weeks of age and almost completely ends at 14 weeks where fear begins to creep in as a natural trait essential to survival if it lived in the wild. This is also the time when a Labrador puppy will form their strongest bonds with the humans they spends their time with. Bringing a puppy home at 8 weeks gives you just 4 weeks to do this, bringing one home at 10 weeks gives you only 2! A lack of decent socialization can result in the puppy being fearful of things, places and of human contact. This will put the puppy at greatest ease with the people and places where it will spend its future life. You may wish to bring your puppy home earlier than 8 weeks, but for all the reasons above, you should avoid this entirely. So be very suspicious of the breeder if this is their wish. This is so they themselves can provide a further week of socialization during this critical time and for the puppy to spend more time with their mother and littermates. So for the benefit of you and your Labrador, leave them with their mother and litter-mates until 8 weeks of age. Most dogs will happily bond with and love a new family if given the chance and can be valuable and loving companions. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. 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. You should take your puppy outdoors and let him exercise his socialization potential at a young age. Visiting friends and family is one way to go about it. You can also spot a dog park and carry him there. Remember that your pet is still learning to follow directions and walk with you. You cannot expect him to cover long distances. The best way to avoid this is to take them far enough from the house and ensure they have a positive outside experience. It is worth noting that you should do this as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training It would be best to start potty training your Lab puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. A good idea is to cordon off a small area and add some bark chippings. Next, you need a potty training schedule such as first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, and hourly for young pups. Many owners use dog crates to help with house training. I have a step-by-step guide on Labrador puppy crate training where you can learn tons more. Discourage Biting If you follow my blog, you know I am against punishment-oriented training. If you train your dog young enough to avoid harsh bites, you will not need punishment-driven discipline strategies. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can cause aggression in your dog. You can also check out my article, How to Discipline a Labrador , for greater insight into this topic. Instead, you can wait until your Labrador bites during a positive activity and then discontinue it. It will anchor the consequence better. Follow up using positive reinforcement by rewarding the correct behavior with a treat. Your Labrador will quickly learn that displaying good behavior reaps nice things. Puppies need to learn their bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the excellent work their mother and siblings taught them. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You must use your best judgment when training your dog to be patient. Generally speaking, your Labrador will be mature enough to learn self-control by the tenth week. You can use a clicker or a whistle to teach your puppy to assume the natural heel position. Chances are, at first, your Labrador will try to change his pace to be behind you because of the force of habit. Walking in areas familiar to your dog will eliminate this problem. While you previously trained him to assume a heel position, you can also teach him these techniques. You may notice that your puppy can tell your words apart by the thirteenth week. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included whistling, clapping, or saying a specific word to indicate that your Labrador is doing a good job, typically followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! Where you previously whistled when your Lab ran towards you, now you must whistle, so he begins his run. This is the start of his Labrador recall training. Teaching good recall is an ongoing process. My dog was around 12 months old before seeing a noticeable improvement in her recall. Please avoid forcing the dog, as that only introduces confusion. Build Comfort With Crowds — Work on Socialization You have trained your Labrador to acknowledge close friends and family in the past few weeks. While this enables the puppy to be more social when you have visitors, a grown dog must learn to walk outdoors without acting out. This transition must be gradual, and try to keep experiences positive. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training , for example, to touch a target with a specific part of his body. Remember that your Lab may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. Here, I recommend teaching your Labrador to touch your hand with his nose. Ultimately, this is an excellent replacement for bites! Hand targeting is fun to teach, helps your pup build trust, and gets him using his brain! You have laid a strong foundation of discipline and positive reinforcement, making it easier to train your dog to follow more complex commands. In these weeks, you will introduce him to assuming different positions, obeying your commands as he moves away from you, and reacting to more nuanced anchors. Remember, 4-month-old Labrador puppies have a short attention span, so avoid long training sessions. Teach the Sit and Stay Teaching your Lab to sit and stay is a useful command for him to learn. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your Labrador to public parks and he has seen other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your Labrador may not bring the toy back to you for a second round, but he will soon get the idea of retrieving it. You can gradually turn it into a game of fetch over the next few weeks and reward your doggo with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of Labrador training, you will continue potty training with a degree of independence. Continue with a good schedule and sync your walks with his natural cycle to align with the times he needs to go. You can use it to control your Labrador and later to test his ability to execute a command off-leash. A harness is also a good idea and is used for outdoor training and walks. Many owners will opt for a rear-attaching harness. Related: Harness vs. Collar for Lab Puppy: Which is Best? How to Train a 5-Month-Old Lab Puppy A five-month-old Labrador puppy is ready to be tested for his general obedience and the ability to deal with distractions, whether other dogs, people, or other animals such as squirrels or birds. Earlier, I mentioned that you could not expect an eight-week-old puppy to delay gratification. Your puppy can deal with distractions at five months old if you introduce them slowly. You must be prepared for your dog to run ahead of you now! However, suppose you have developed a solid relationship with your pup and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay within a reasonable distance, remaining by your side and showing loyalty. Once your Lab puppy has reached his 6-month milestone, it also marks the point where you introduce him to advanced obedience training. The good news is that all the training you have previously given will make it easier for your dog to follow your lead. Conclude Potty Training Your dog has had months to learn how to communicate his need to go potty. He has also likely refined the patience to hold it instead of relieving himself on the floor. Therefore, you can communicate your disappointment with your body language if your dog makes a mess. Avoid physical punishment and even verbal chastising as it impacts your dog negatively. All dogs can still have the odd accident up to 12 months old. Moreover, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened, known as either excitement or submissive urination. Increase Exercise Now that your Lab puppy is six months old, you can increase his exercise to thirty minutes twice daily. Energy levels, especially for larger breed dogs, escalate during this time. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old Labrador can be out for one hour if you split his walks into thirty minutes a day. To train your 6-month-old Lab puppy, start with two commands with the most practical use. From six months onwards, until your Labrador is a well-trained adult, you can teach the following commands or tricks in any order. How to Train a 7-Month-Old Labrador As your Lab progresses to seven months old, a lot of the previous training needs to be kept consistent as you gradually teach him to comprehend more commands. Maybe there is a trespasser, and you want your dog to scare them away. You will need to continue training your dog to hold things or release them on command, but you can also proceed to add distance and even more background distractions. Ironically, you need to teach him to bark on command before learning to be silent on cue. Over this month, he will learn to associate the respective commands with barking and silence. This is quite tricky, but your Lab will eventually get there if you practice and stay consistent. The eighth month is ideal for training your Lab to go to different places upon hearing the command word. Either way, do not overload him with place commands, and stick to no more than two per month. Or you can use the ninth month to teach a cool party trick! After a week, you can remove the treat and teach your Lab to follow your finger. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he follows the command. By the third week, you can cue your doggo to spin and see if he does so without your finger guiding him in a circular motion. It might take an extra week or two, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your pet to learn previous commands better. You can teach him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now progress this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your 1-year-old Labrador only learns to comprehend more at the same pace as he has since the 6-month mark. You should also audit previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. How to Train an Month-Old Labrador You will not have to alter your training regimen dramatically if you have trained your Labrador properly from eight weeks onward. If anything, this is the period where you customize his training to your convenience. Now is when your dog must learn to be compatible with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your dog to be harmonious with modern adult life within reason. It is sad to see dog owners having to give away their pets because of behavior issues. Such things are avoidable if you train your dog correctly and sufficiently exercise him. It would be best if you simply established authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your dog acknowledges your authority and sees you as a guide, you can merely treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. Your job becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule and stick to your routine. This month-by-month Labrador puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and turn him into the beloved companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. What is the best age to start training a Lab puppy to work? This guide will answer all of your questions regarding when to start training a Lab puppy. It will combine my personal experience with that of other experts in the field, along with information from behavioral research, to guide you with your decision of when to start training a Labrador puppy of your own. Congratulations on your fluffy new bundle of joy. Labs gained their well-deserved place among favorite breeds for so many reasons. Enthusiastic companions, fast learners, loyal and brave, Labrador Retrievers are fantastic pets. How Puppies Learn In the natural canine world, mother dogs teach their pups everything they need to know about their world, survival and living together happily in various stages of development. Most professional trainers try to mimic the natural canine learning process in their puppy training phases. In fact, we only recommend positive training techniques. Rewards can include food, special treats, praise and petting, playing with a favorite toy, etc. Basic Training Concepts Every Puppy Should Learn The first two components of your puppy training should be thorough socialization and potty training. Here are a few tips with each of those early behaviors. Socialization actually refers to exposure to a wide range of situations and individuals. This goes for being around lots of different people, including children. While your pup is still impressionable and inquisitive, introduce her to friends, neighbors and strangers. Introduce her to children with careful instructions to stay quiet, move slowly and pet gently. They could end up grabbing her tightly, and scaring or hurting her. Being handled by other people will be very key in socializing your puppy. Your dog should be properly socialized to gentle and careful handling, teeth brushing, touching ears and paws and tail. This will make trips to the vet and groomer easier. Make sure to also check out our guide to taking puppies outside for more help with socialization. Crate Training for Dogs Crate training is the process of teaching your dog to love spending time secure in their cosy den. Some puppies basically crate train themselves, loving their crate from day one. Others need a more gradual introduction to this safe space. The trick is to not turn crating into a punishment , but instead make it a wonderful place to have a short undisturbed rest. Most puppies will go through a play biting phase, so if you need help training your lab not to nip, you can follow this guide. It will be important for your dog to sit quietly in the field or duck stand. Self-control should be incorporated throughout daily routines and all training phases. Finally, learning how to walk politely on a leash in public is important. In addition to the behaviors listed above, there are a few extra considerations for training a gundog. As early as 8 weeks old, professional gundog trainers begin introducing lab puppies to various scenarios. The core behavioral requirements for a gundog that can be started in puppies this young are: Thorough socialization and desensitization to various environments and sounds. Be sure to start with quieter sounds and build to louder sounds, especially when introducing the sound of gunfire, to avoid creating a frantic dog. Calmness and steadiness amidst distraction. The earliest introduction to this is teaching your pup to sit for his meals, which can be captured as early as six weeks. There are, however, two important considerations to your Lab puppy training. Before their leg bones are fully developed, Labs can develop joint issues if they run too hard and long. Second, resist the urge to play fetch and retrieve every day with your Lab puppy. They overdo it with tossing a ball or dummy to try to encourage the pup to retrieve. The retrieving instinct typically kicks in quite strong around puberty between five to 10 months. Instead, we suggest focusing on sit, stay and waiting quietly with self control. Those are the more difficult behaviors for a lab to learn once adolescent hormones kick in. Start with socialization and household manners as early as 8 weeks old. Then move to sit, stay, steadiness training, and walking on a leash between 12 and 18 weeks. Training is an ongoing life skill, rather than something you do once and consider done. For a hunting Lab, adding various distractions and practicing perfect recall in different environments will be the two biggest training techniques to work on throughout life. Enjoy your training! Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.