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I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Free Bulldog Puppy Starter Kit! Me What exactly is a Brindle French Bulldog? You can recognize a brindle French Bulldog by light irregular streaks all over their dark base coat. The color of the brindle pattern is usually a light shade of fawn, while the base coat may vary: the standard is black but other colors like blue, chocolate and lilac are also possible. Depending on the mixture of the dark and fawn hairs, Brindle Frenchies can be very dark or very light. They usually have a black nose and dark colored eyes. Brindle is by far the oldest and most common pattern in French Bulldogs. To this day, it is one of the few accepted colors and patterns by kennel clubs along with fawn, white and pied as opposed to blue, chocolate and lilac colors. The first one has to be their funny and lovable personality! Frenchies are without the doubt one of the most social and friendliest dog breeds, who are also very smart and easy to train. Not to mention their cuddles are the best! Black brindle Frenchie puppies may also have a white chest or other small areas of white. Depending on the amount of fawn hairs, these streaks may appear either all over their bodies or on certain areas only. Blue brindle Frenchies are much more common than solid blue Frenchies, in fact the brindle patterns may appear on a blue puppy later on as they age. Blue brindle Frenchies also tend to have a white chest or other small areas of white. Pied Brindle Frenchies look the same except for the light fawn brindle patterns in the colored patches, mostly on their back. The way the patches are distributed and the proportion of the white and the other color on the coat can be quite variable from Frenchie to Frenchie. Chocolate brindle French Bulldog Chocolate brindle French Bulldogs have a chocolate brown base coat with light fawn streaks all over their bodies. The chocolate gene is considered rare in the Frenchie world so these puppies are quite unique. Reverse brindle Frenchies are much harder to come by than brindle Frenchies. Tiger brindle French Bulldog As the name suggests, tiger brindle French Bulldogs have a heavy pattern of light fawn streaks all over their dark-colored bodies, resembling the coat of a tiger. Lilac brindle French Bulldog Lilac Frenchies usually have a solid light grey coat, but sometimes light streaks may appear on them producing a lilac brindle French Bulldog. These Frenchies are very unique as their parents have to be blue and chocolate, or at least a carrier of the rare chocolate gene. Do Brindle French Bulldogs Shed? Brindle French Bulldogs, like any other Frenchie tend to shed throughout the year, more so in the spring and fall. During this period, they change their coat almost completely, replacing it with shinier, brighter and nicer fur. It's important to brush your puppy's hair at least two or three times a week using a Furminator. That will remove the undercoat that has fallen out but is still in the hair. When looking for a brindle Frenchie, you will most likely come across cheaper offers than the prices detailed above. Make sure to do your research and get your brindle Frenchie from a reputable breeder, and you will have a happy and healthy furry family member for at least a decade. At BigBullDogs. We offer the best service for purchasing the perfect bulldog puppies, and we have quality studs that have set us apart as the top breeders for bulldogs. Whatever it is that you need regarding these beautiful bullies, this is the right place for you. Here are the varieties we have; What You Need to Know About English Bulldogs English Bulldogs are very distinct from the other breeds of bulldogs and are the more prevalent breed. These sturdy, muscular dogs have a cute waddle walk that directly results from their short, stubby legs. The English bulldog also has a flat-looking face, dark and low set eyes, massive and broad jaws, and fleshy cheeks and lips that give it that signature pouty and droopy look. Its short neck, thick shoulders, and barrelled chest, slightly arched back make it one breed that you can easily identify anywhere. Our standard Male English bulldogs are inches and weigh an average of 50 pounds, while the Female English bulldogs weigh about 40 pounds. All our English bulldogs have the finest textured coats and healthiest skin with a variety of colour patterns. Whether you pick a male English bulldog or female English bulldog from us, you can be assured of their wonderful demeanor and gentle disposition. The AKC recognizes over dog breeds and rated the Bulldog as 2 for the best family dog breed. They are incredible family dogs but not the best watch dogs these days. The last nine decades of domestication has turned them into couch potatoes, considerably different from their original genetic breeding that made them perfect for Bull Baiting. Nevertheless they are fantastic at lying on the couch and giving you the stink eye when you disturb their rest. Quick Guide to French Bulldogs French bulldogs were named for their origin story, which says that they were a breed of English toy bulldogs and several unidentified dog breeds. They have distinct features that make them stand out against their English counterparts, such as their pointy, bat ears. French bulldogs are small, cute dogs that are very playful and perfect for being a home pet. Regardless of whether you pick the male french bulldogs or the female French bulldogs , you get a pet that is calm, attentive, attention-loving, and a partner to you and your kids. The male french bulldog is an estimated 12 inches in height and 25 pounds in weight. On the other hand, the female french bulldog is about 11 inches and 20 pounds. The male french bulldogs are usually a bit more muscular than females and have larger heads. However both are equally affectionate and super family oriented. Not to be outdone by their British Bulldog cousin, the female french bulldogs also made the Top 10 Best Family Dog breeds list in .Looking to Adopt Bulldogs?

This price can be even higher if it is a champion bloodline Labrador. Also, the color of the Labrador dictates its price. Thus, yellow Labradors are more expensive than black and chocolate Labradors. Besides buying a dog, you always have the option of adopting one. So, while adopting is a cheaper option, it actually comes with an additional price tag. We want to remind you that today, there are numerous Labrador mixes that are also truly beautiful and worthy of attention! Maybe a mix of a Labrador with another, equally powerful, dog breed is the right option for you. Summary Since the Labrador is one of the most famous and beloved dog breeds in every part of the world, these puppies are not difficult to find. However, this does not mean that each of these dogs is raised in good conditions, socialized, and in good health. These characteristics are the characteristics of responsible breeders who do not breed dogs for their own benefit, but in accordance with the breed standard and with the desire that other people should feel the love and friendship of this wonderful type of dog. All of the Labrador breeders in Texas on our list are reliable and reputable breeders who will be ready to answer any questions that you may have. Just as their Labradors will complete the life of you and your family, they will expect you to continue to raise their puppies with the same love and care as they did! Related Content. Teaching Puppie to Sit Excellent Companion Perfect Hunting Dog The Labrador Retriever is a strongly built, medium-sized, short-couple dog that possesses a sound, athletic, well-balanced conformation that enables it to function as a retrieving gun dog. It has both the substance and soundness to hunt waterfowl or upland game for long hours under difficult conditions. We believe the 10 lab puppies inherited these traits also. Obviously, Labrador Retrievers are the most popular breed in America. Because of their even temperament and trainability, millions of Americans own Labrador Retrievers as pets. In addition, Labradors are well-suited as disability-assistants in many countries; for example, Labradors are frequently trained to aid the blind and those who have autism. They also work as therapy dogs, as well as perform screening and detection work for law enforcement and other official agencies. Additionally, they are prized as sporting and hunting dogs. The Lab is such a versatile and family-friendly breed. From hunters to sportsmen, pet owners, and event competitors, Labradors are the dog of choice for the best of reasons. Labradors are a loving breed that make excellent furry family members, are wonderful with children, adults, and animals alike, and offer years of unconditional love and support to the right owner and caretaker. I purchased my lab puppy from them in .Grover is a wonderful pet. We are very pleased, and would purchase another lab pup from them again. Larry called me to ask for a recommendation, and I said I would gladly give him one. Zeva my yellow female lab is 12 years old now, and she is getting up there in age. If the time came, and I wanted another dog, I would call Larry for certain. We have been very pleased with Zeva through the years. She is a wonderful companion!! Laura Bein Larry, and Tracey are my next door neighbors. We purchased Lacy combo of Larry, and Tracey in .We know what kind of dogs they had, and how they cared for their dogs. It was an easy decision to purchase Lacy from them. She passed away this year, and we dearly miss her. My sister is getting a black female from Larry when the puppies are available. I will also purchase my next lab from Peoples Choice Labs when I am ready for another lab. I am just not quite ready to pull the trigger yet. Contact info. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Fortunately, you have plenty of options for finding the right puppy for you in Texas. The state hosts many breeders, most with impressive credentials and years of experience. Many show their dogs and have a keen eye for the best in conformation and performance. Molly Bogan Check oasislabradors. She specializes in yellow and black Labs for hunting, conformation, and therapy animals. Her pups are adorable, with full faces and stocky bodies well-suited to their tasks. She offers a written guarantee with breeding stock that is well-screened for health issues. LaRena Phillips Check phillipsfarm. Phillips is no stranger to the show ring, entering her pups in performance, obedience, and conformation competitions. The Lab puppies get plenty of exercise on the Phillips farm, where the family also raises and shows horses. Her dogs include pups from championship lines. Stacey Green Check greenstonelabradors. They have 40 champion dogs to their credit. The Greens go the extra mile to get the recommended health screenings done on their puppies. The pups are also socialized and go to their new homes with the necessary vaccinations and deworming. Fernando Somoza Check watercrosskennels. He breeds both conformation quality and hunting dogs. He also shows both horses and cattle. His tagline says everything you need to know about his puppies. Susan Malone Check bearpaw labradors. Her emphasis is on show and performance quality dogs. Many of her pups are also certified through Therapy Dogs International. Malone raises both yellow and black Labs. All pups have received the recommended health screenings. Maria Anderson Check kevmarlabs. Anderson competes in the show circuit for conformation, performance, and obedience of her dogs. Puppies are home-raised and socialized. Susan Yates Check rebellandlabradors. Worth Labrador Retriever Club. Yates shows her dogs, too. Gina Roidopoulos Check saddlecreeklabs. Her specialty is yellow Labs. All pups receive the necessary certifications and health screenings. Roidopoulos shows her dogs for conformation. Stacey Hall Check swanmountainlabs. Her dogs also participate in field training in hunting. Hall breeds yellow, chocolate, and black Retrievers. Puppies come with their first series of vaccinations and deworming. They also have a health guarantee. Angela McElroy Check southtexaslabs. All dogs receive DNA testing and the recommended health screenings. Puppies are also microchipped. Read more Advertisement. Just like any other color of Labrador, the average Black lab has an amazing, outstanding temperament. They were also the first and only Labrador color accepted. Black Labradors are descended from the St. Johns dog of Newfoundland. There is no doubt that the St. Johns dog or the St. The name Water Dog comes from the role that the St. Johns dog played in the fishing communities where they were found. Historical documents tell of dogs that were as at home in the water as they were on land. They specialized in retrieving nets, lines, ropes, and even dived underwater to retrieve fish that had slipped from their hooks. They worked alongside their human companions in a co-operative way and were very valued. When yellow or chocolate puppies were born , they were unwanted or disposed of. They certainly were not allowed to breed. During these times, the St. Johns water dog was bred with other sporting dogs like the Chesapeake Bay Retriever to create the perfect sport dog we know today as the Labrador Retriever. He is loving and lovable, and will never get tired of your company. They answer any and all questions you might have in a timely manner, before and after you leave with your puppy. The right breeder is everything and Angie will exceed your expectations when it comes to Labradors. We are absolutely in love with our yellow lab and will never go anywhere else!! We love Pilot!!! Jackie Klinski Longo We adore our pup Ruby! She has an amazing temperament and with three kiddos that was so important to us. She is a true companion. My parents have their puppy Finley from Alder Creek as well and we adore him so much too! Amy Forks I am beyond excited to meet my new yellow lab puppy this weekend! I already have a beautiful chocolate lab from AlderCreek, and I know that I will be getting the best in quality, beauty, and disposition with my 2nd lab from AlderCreek. Angie does a wonderful job of matching puppies to their new human families. I have no… Sallie Broaddus Angie is the best at what she does. Her preparation and organization for that change was a game changer for me as a new pup parent as well as for the young lab…. Matthew Dueser Where to begin?! Our family now has two incredible labs from Angie Brown. We began with Angie in December of .I have recommended her to people every chance I get! Angie is extraordinarily thorough. She has a vast array of experience in the world of Labradors. Angie loves hearing from us and seeing all of our many lab… Elizabeth Kuper Make A Puppy Inquiry We know finding a genetically sound puppy with the right temperament takes a lot of time and research.

We are a northern California breeder near Sacramento that prides itself on choosing our breeding dogs for top health, temperament, and beauty that conforms to the breed standard. Our dogs are selected from champion lines with health clearances. We will only breed dogs that pass all of these tests, so we can continue reaching to improve the breed through imposing high standards for our dogs. We breed dogs from these lines to continue a heritage of excellence in the breed. This standard is different from the AKC standard for golden retrievers, but both are accepted and licensed. The English type should have a blockier and fuller head, shorter muzzle, lower ear set, rounder eyes, stouter body structure, as well as a lighter color than the American type see comparison figure below. As an adult, it has been a pleasure to now show and selectively breed these beautiful English Golden Retrievers. Raising our English Golden Retrievers is a family endeavor that includes everyone from the youngest to the oldest. It is wonderful to make family memories with our dogs and children together. Our English Goldens are first and foremost pets who live and play among our family. Our children are involved from showing our dogs to whelping the puppies. Our puppies go home to their new families very loved and well socialized. In Northern California, we are located in Newcastle which is at the base of the Sierra Mountain foothills; close to Sacramento, and about miles from San Francisco or about miles from San Jose other cities near us are Roseville, Loomis, Folsom, Orangevale, Auburn, Lake Tahoe about an hour , and Reno about 2 hours. We can deliver our puppies to you if you are out of state, and personally travel with the puppy to bring your puppy to you. We cordially invite you to visit us and meet our beloved puppies and amazing dogs. We're located in the California Gold County just 25 miles east of Sacramento. Surrounded by golden foothills, we offer the perfect place to meet and enjoy the dogs. Expect to be greeted with wagging tails and wet noses during your visit, as our dogs are always excited to meet new people. Please let us know when you would like to visit by booking an appointment. The care and love you, Heather, and all at Classic Heritage devote to these pups is remarkable. The efforts taken to ensure pups are matched with their new happy forever home are excellent. Everyone I met was equally professional, educated, loving, kind, and a lot of fun. All of the dogs are beautiful and happy.We have had the best experience and have the most loving pup so anything we can do to help Classic Heritage we would. We have recommended you to everyone who has asked. Life Span Did You Know? The English Cream Golden Retriever is not a separate dog breed from the Golden Retriever ; it is simply a rarer coat color variation. These Golden Retrievers tend to have light white or cream-colored coats instead of honey, golden-brown, or reddish coats. As they are still standard Golden Retrievers, they are recognized by the AKC and other canine organizations and can be registered. An English Cream Golden Retriever has all the same traits as any other Golden Retriever; they are one of the most popular dog breeds and tend to be open, friendly, and make great family pets. One of the facts about Golden Retrievers is that they are considered one of the friendliest dog breeds. As long as they are socialized and trained, Goldens tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. They are even known for being open and friendly with strangers. As one of the kid-friendly dog breeds , Golden Retrievers love attention. These dogs tend to be energetic, full of personality, and are devoted to their families. They also tend to be excitable, which means they can be prone to barking. Training your dog to stop barking early on can help curb this habit and help prevent it from becoming a nuisance. Due to their friendly, gentle nature and intelligence, Goldens can often be found working as service, therapy, or search and rescue dogs. English Cream Golden Retrievers are highly adaptable dogs. Their high energy and exuberance make them better suited for homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living, but you will need to dedicate a lot of time every day to ensure they get enough attention, mental stimulation, and exercise. Goldens fare well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and extreme cold. Because they bond so closely with their families and are one of the most affectionate dog breeds , they do not like to spend long periods of time alone. Some potential health concerns to be aware of in an English Cream Golden Retriever can include canine cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy, hip dysplasia, and elbow dysplasia. Good breeding practices reduce the risk of these health issues and make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. The national breed club recommends hip and elbow evaluations, an NCL DNA test, an ophthalmologist evaluation, and a cardiac exam at a minimum. English Cream Golden Retrievers are intelligent and eager to please. This makes them highly trainable dogs that are a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Not only are they one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners , but they also tend to excel at obedience competitions and other dog sports. As one of the smartest dog breeds , Golden Retrievers can get bored easily. Because they pick up things quickly, they can get bored with too much repetition in training. If your dog has mastered basic commands , move on to other activities or more advanced commands. Anything you learn will help and will only strengthen the bond you are building with your puppy. Plus, there are several other benefits of puppy training classes including socialization. English Cream Goldens may have a lighter-colored coat, but they still have the classic longer Golden Retriever coat that will shed a big year-round and heavier as the seasons change. You will want to bathe them as needed and get your Golden professionally groomed a few times a year, especially as the seasons change. Trimming nails once or twice a month keeps them from growing too long. Weekly ear checks, along with careful cleanings as needed, can help prevent ear infections. Daily tooth brushing is ideal to keep tartar buildup at bay. This, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is good dental care for dogs and can help prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Golden Retrievers are known for being high-energy dogs. Like Labrador Retrievers , they also tend to have an extended puppyhood. They do tend to calm down a little as they grow into adulthood, but will still have a lot of energy. Daily walks plus some playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. Goldens tend to be athletic and versatile dogs. So, once they are done growing and the vet has cleared them for higher-impact activities, you can take them running with you, play frisbee, go hiking, train for dog sports, and more. As one of the most active dog breeds , you will likely run out of energy before they do and they will likely be up for even more activity if you are. An English Cream Golden Retriever generally lives for years on average. Golden Retrievers are one of the dog breeds of famous dogs. Why Wisteria Goldens? Here is what one family had to say about why they chose us. We look forward to getting our puppy and we are now trying to figure out what his name will be. It is a huge responsibility to ensure their physical needs, but their developmental ones, too, which requires creating a foundational program that focuses on health and includes socialization and introduction to training. Our goal is to raise and have confident secure puppies that can adjust quickly to new environments, things, people, places, etc. We use a process developed by Puppy Culture — a socialization and training program from whelping to going to their new homes, and also include our own experience for what works best for our breed and puppies. Our routine is instrumental in giving each of our English Cream Golden puppies a great foundational start to becoming the best possible member of your family. Click here to learn more about our Foundational Start Program. They are friendly, affectionate, intelligent, and have lovely, calm, mellow personalities. Our English Cream puppies come in various sizes, build, and color — something for everyone. We believe in finding that perfect puppy for you! If you have additional questions, check out our Frequently Asked Question page. Wisteria Goldens : English Cream Golden Retrievers Our puppies are raised as part of our family, until they become part of yours! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. We are a small, hobby breeder that raises highly socialized, health tested, in-home quality puppies. We are retired and live on a beautiful hobby farm in Pennsylvania. We use the ENS Super-Dog socialization program with our puppies, along with the highest quality food. We often sell to New York buyers. We've become a trusted breeder for nearby states like NY. We are located near Pittsburgh, PA. We only offer our puppies for sale to homes where we can screen the buyers ahead of time and make sure it's a great forever match. We often have a wait list. You can wait until litters are born, or place a deposit to hold a picking spot. Often families place a deposit and then come and get their puppy at 8 weeks. Picks are made at 6 weeks via live video, videos and pictures. We temperament test our puppies and observe them since birth. We are professionals at matching puppies with families lifestyles, but the choice is ultimately yours, which puppy you get. Golden Retrievers Forever We know that your puppy will be your family member for life. The greatest part of our job is the magical moments that you first get to hold your puppy. It often brings tears to everyone's eyes. If you are interested in one of our beautiful puppies, please fill out our application form at no obligation. We will be in touch with you within a few days and will have your preferences saved. We are diligent to follow up with every inquiry. Message sent. All rights reserved.

Pat yourself on the back, as you chose a tremendous breed! While adding a puppy to your family is an exciting time, raising a young puppy also requires pet owners to undertake a series of responsibilities. Puppies will require regular feeding , potty training, some toys to play with , love and attention, and, last but certainly not least, vaccinations. However, during their puppy period, they will require a series of vaccinations that are essential to their ability to fight off bacteria and diseases. Booster Vaccinations for Labrador Retrievers The first vaccinations that your labrador retriever will need are called boosters. Why call them boosters? Super creative, we agree! The first booster vaccination is recommended to be done between weeks old and is done to combat canine distemper. In many states, giving your pets a rabies shot is required by law. DHPP Vaccine and Beyond The third vaccination that your labrador retriever is scheduled to receive takes place between 16 and 20 weeks old. This very efficient shot contains four vaccines all in one that fight against distemper, adenovirus, parvovirus, and parainfluenza. Depending on the where you and your new puppy live, your labrador retriever might also need to be vaccinated against diseases such as lyme, leptospirosis, and coronavirus. The name kennel cough derives from the likelihood that dogs that are boarded contract it. The vaccine DHPP is used to prevent kennel cough. Hepatitis in dogs is a viral disease that attacks a their liver and eyes. It can lead to reproductive issues and causes significant discomfort. Though humans can also contract forms of hepatitis, this form can not be transmitted to humans. It can be transmitted to humans. DHPP is used to prevent it. Parvovirus is a serious and highly contagious disease that is especially dangerous for puppies. It is often fatal. The cost of vaccinations will vary slightly depending on the provider. We recommend that you call a few of your local veterinarians or clinics to ask for price quotes for of each vaccination you are preparing to give your puppy. Another option for pet owners is to consider acquiring pet insurance for their labrador retriever. Pet insurance provides pet owners with the freedom to make veterinary decisions without stressing the financial implications. Learn why most vets recommend pet insurance to pet owners. Looking to learn more about your labrador retriever? PetPlace is a wonderful resource for pet owners who want to discover more about their pet, and others. We have thousands of vet-approved articles that will quench your thirst for pet-related info. Specific to labrador retrievers, you can discover 5 attributes about labs that make them great or tips for house training your new puppy. What vaccinations does my puppy need? Discover which diseases your puppy will need to be protected against. Getting your new pup vaccinated will protect them from common infectious diseases. Without this protection, your dog could develop serious illnesses which could have lasting effects, and even be life-threatening. Core vaccinations are those recommended for all dogs. Your vet may suggest extras, depending on your lifestyle and plans. When should my puppy be vaccinated? These antibodies will fall, so pups need to develop their own immunity through vaccination. Most puppies should get the first of their core vaccinations from six weeks of age. Speak to your vet about best timings for your pup. Usually, they'll need to return to us for their second set. If you arrange for this to happen at your own vet, please show them the puppy's paperwork. This is so they can check that they stock a compatible vaccine. Vaccinations can take days or weeks to be fully effective — your vet will be able to tell you more. This is also a good time to put in place a flea, tick and worming regime for your pup. You should also keep them away from lakes, rivers and stagnant water. What do puppy vaccinations protect against? More about core and additional vaccinations. Core vaccinations Vaccinations against the diseases listed below are generally recommended for all dogs. Canine parvovirus A highly-contagious and often-fatal virus that causes severe illness with signs such as vomiting and bloody diarrhoea. Canine distemper A viral disease which can cause severe, and often fatal, pneumonia lung inflammation and encephalitis brain inflammation. Canine adenovirus type 1 and 2 These viruses can cause severe and fatal hepatitis liver inflammation as well as upper airway inflammation. Leptospirosis This infection can cause liver and kidney failure. The bacteria live in stagnant and standing water such as lakes, rivers and ponds. Additional vaccinations Bordetella bronchiseptica and parainfluenza for kennel cough Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacteria and parainfluenza is a virus. Both are highly infectious and can contribute to a respiratory condition commonly known as kennel cough. While rarely serious, kennel cough can be unpleasant for your dog and may cause more serious problems, especially if they have a compromised immune system. Talk to your vet about whether it'd be advisable for your dog to have a kennel cough vaccination. Many boarding kennels will only accept dogs who have had one. Rabies A severe and fatal viral disease. If you want to take your dog abroad, you may need to get them protected against rabies and should speak to your vet well in advance of your trip. Booster and top-up vaccinations for your dog As well as their initial set, your dog will need booster vaccinations every year. As well as a first-year booster, your pup will typically need: a top-up dose of leptospirosis vaccine every year top-up doses of canine adenovirus, canine parvovirus and canine distemper vaccines every three years. Checking the cost of puppy vaccinations To help you budget, you can check the costs of puppy vaccinations and other routine vet care with your local vet before starting your search for a dog. Your vet practice may offer care plans pay monthly or yearly to spread the cost of essential pet care such as flea and worming treatment, vaccinations and neutering. These plans may also include check with your vet - a yearly booster vaccination, health checks, dental and neutering procedures, and a sample bag of pet food. Some might also send preventative treatment by post. If you already have a pup, but are struggling to cover costs, charities such as PDSA and Blue Cross may be able to help. This depends on your circumstances and your location. Our vet visit pages are full of tips to make things more pleasant for you and your pup. And our Dog School video below is all about getting your pooch used to being handled. Share with someone else. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Vaccinations can protect your dog against a variety of life-threatening illnesses. Not to mention, some vaccinations are required by law. Why Do Puppies Need Vaccinations? Puppies need vaccinations to help prevent the catching of various dangerous diseases. If your dog ever comes in contact with a disease they have been vaccinated against, his immune system will know how to destroy it. There are vaccines available to protect your puppy against more than 11 different diseases. However, depending on your circumstances and where you live, your puppy might not need them all. Your vet will be able to recommend those they think your really needs, with others being up to your choice. There are four core vaccines for diseases all puppies should be vaccinated against and seven non-core vaccines that the American Animal Hospital Association and the American Veterinary Medicine Association recommend. The non-core vaccines may or may not be recommended by your vet, depending on different variables, mostly the prevalence or absence of a disease in your area. The Core Vaccinations Rabies. This is a potentially fatal and highly contagious disease. Depending on which state or country you live in, your dog will need to have a booster once every one to three years. This common virus is hard to treat and has an 80 percent fatality rate, which is why inoculating against it is so important. Canine viral hepatitis is also known as adenovirus. Canine distemper. Before vaccination, this was a big killer of dogs. Vaccinating against this disease will protect your puppy if he comes in contact with the virus while out and about. The Non-Core Vaccinations Lyme disease. The vast majority of cases have occurred in the eastern American coastal states between Massachusetts and Virginia. Parainfluenza and Bordetella. The parainfluenza virus and the bordetella bacterium are both major causes of kennel cough. Inoculation is generally only necessary if your puppy is going to be exposed to many other dogs. For instance, at boarding kennels, doggy daycare or dog shows. This infectious disease is a common cause of stomach upset. This bacteria can infect dogs and their human companions. In serious cases it can cause organ failure and death in dogs. In certain high-risk parts of the country, your dog might need a booster every six months. Giardia are parasites that commonly live in the digestive tracts of dogs. Many dogs have them, but they rarely cause problems. How Are Vaccines Given? Most vaccines are given as injections. These are given either under the skin or into the muscle. Most combination injections protect against distemper, leptospirosis, hepatitis, parainfluenza, coronavirus and parvovirus. This allows their body time to develop a good immune response. Recommended and Most Common Schedule of Vaccinations: 6 to 7 weeks old: This is when your puppy should get his first combination injection. He needs his second combination vaccine. Make sure you have a record of his first injection to show your new vet. If necessary, he will also have a Lyme disease vaccine. At this point, your vet will advise you when your puppy can go out for his first walk. Are There Any Risks Involved? Unfortunately, there are potential risks to having your puppy vaccinated. That said, the risks are far outweighed by the benefits. However, you should monitor your dog closely after a vaccination and contact your vet right away if you notice any of the following symptoms: Hives. Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a viral infection caused by a virus secreted in the saliva. According to the Humane Society , because the infection affects the nervous system, most rabid animals behave abnormally. When should puppies get rabies shots? Generally speaking, puppies should get their first rabies shot around 16 weeks of age and again between years old. Rabies Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every 3 years Non-core Vaccines Non-core vaccines are important, but they are considered optional for dogs with less risk of infection. Non-core vaccines are recommended based on lifestyle and where you live or travel. Bordetella Bordetella bronchiseptica is a bacterium associated with respiratory disease in dogs and is known to cause the most severe form of kennel cough. Symptoms of an upper respiratory infection include nasal discharge, sneezing, coughing, congestion, etc. Some veterinarians may recommend Bordetella as a core vaccine for puppies based on their living environment, especially for social dogs who spend time in areas where they might come into contact with the bacteria like the dog park, boarding facilities, or doggy daycare. The vaccination can be given orally, intranasally, or by injection. Bordetella Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks Booster: every year Leptospira Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease caused by infection of the genus Leptospira, which are found in water and soil. The zoonotic disease spreads easily from animals to humans and is more common in warm climate areas with high annual rainfall; the Leptospira vaccine may be considered core in these areas. Signs of leptospirosis may include shivering, fever, muscle tenderness, increased thirst, dehydration, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, jaundice, kidney failure, liver failure, etc. Leptospira Vaccine Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 3rd shot: 1 year Booster: every year There is also a 5-way vaccine known as DHLPP, which is a combination vaccine of distemper, hepatitis, leptospirosis, parainfluenza, and parvo. Lyme disease Lyme disease is caused by infection with the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi which is transmitted through the bite of infected ticks. The most common symptoms in dogs include loss of appetite, lameness, joint swelling, swollen lymph nodes, and fatigue. More serious cases can also develop kidney complications. The Lyme disease vaccine is highly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas known for Lyme disease, as well as those living in areas with a high risk of tick exposure. Lyme Vaccination Schedule for Puppies 1st shot: weeks 2nd shot: weeks later Booster: every year Canine Influenza Canine influenza, or dog flu, is a contagious viral infection affecting dogs. The virus is spread through aerosols or droplets containing respiratory secretions from barking, sneezing, and coughing. Dogs in close contact with infected dogs in places like daycare facilities, groomers, and kennels are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. CIV causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs, with the most common clinical sign being a cough that persists for up to 21 days. Vaccines are available for both H3N2 and H3N8 canine influenza. A bivalent vaccine offering protection against both strains is available as well. Dogs become infected when they swallow the parasite that may be present in water or other substances that have been soiled with feces leading to the disease Giardiasis. Giardia in dogs usually causes diarrhea, weight loss, or even death. Giardia is an available vaccine for puppies 8 weeks of age and older for 6 months of immunity against giardiasis. Most common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. Young dogs are at a high risk of contracting the disease, so the vaccine is highly recommended for puppies under eight weeks. Rattlesnake vaccine A rattlesnake vaccine can help dogs build antibodies to rattlesnake venom from bites that are often deadly and severely painful to dogs. The antibodies work to neutralize the venom, thereby significantly extending the window of time you have to take your dog to the emergency room , increasing their odds of survival. Protect yourself from heartbreak without breaking the bank. Compare quotes to find the best deal for your budget. After that, puppies should receive a series of vaccines every two to four weeks until actual protein can be achieved between the ages of 6 and 20 weeks old. Your vet will determine a safe vaccine schedule for your puppy based on their weight, health, age, etc. Some pet parents prefer getting multiple puppy shots in one vet visit to minimize stress on their pet, whereas others prefer to spread the shots out to reduce possible side effects and soreness — talk to your vet to create a safe vaccine schedule that works for you and your puppy. Rabies depends on local laws but is usually given by the time your dog reaches 3 to 6 months old. When should puppies have all their shots by? Most vets prefer giving the final DHPP shot at 16 weeks or later; however, new recommendations suggest up to 20 weeks out. When do puppies need booster shots? Abstaining from booster shots can put your puppy at risk. However, not all vaccines require yearly boosters. DHPP vaccine booster: every two weeks for a total of three sets, then every three years Lepto, Canine influenza, and Lyme disease vaccine booster: one month after the initial series, then annually Bordetella booster: 1 year or every 6 months where there is a concern Rabies booster: every 1 to 3 years after the initial round, depending on state laws Puppy Vaccine Schedule There are several types of puppy shots your pet might get in their first year. In addition to a deworming schedule, your vet will suggest a vaccination schedule for puppies based on their age, environment, and medical history. Most vets recommend this general timeline for first-year puppy shots: weeks of age Between 6- and 8-weeks-old, puppies get their first shot of the DHPP distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus vaccine. They might also receive their first round of vaccinations for Bordetella and Lyme disease. Leptospira Lepto is a common puppy vaccination administered around this time frame. They'll also get their first rabies vaccine depending on state-mandated vaccine schedules for puppies, as well as a second shot of the Lepto vaccine if applicable. Boosters Every Years Puppies will need a booster shot for all vaccines at age 1. Dogs need booster vaccinations for Bordetella, Lepto, Lyme, and Giardia annually receiving their first immunization as an adult. The vaccination schedule for DHPP and rabies is every 3 years, but check your local laws and defer to your veterinarian's advice to ensure your pet stays free of disease. How much are puppy shots? Non-essential vaccines your vet may recommend will also increase the price. Note that puppy shots cost more or less depending on several different factors, including your location. For instance, vets in crowded urban areas tend to charge more than vets in smaller towns and rural areas. Also keep in mind that you'll need to budget for booster shots in one- or three-year intervals to ensure your pet stays protected from disease. Fortunately, vaccines for dogs are less expensive than first-year puppy shots because boosters are administered in one dose every few years, as opposed to multiple doses every few weeks. All puppies need to get the core vaccines, i. Your veterinarian will consider the risk factors and advise you on which vaccines are best for your puppy during the first vet visit. No, but both vaccines for puppies are often combined in one shot. Distemper and parvovirus are two different illnesses that are potentially fatal if not treated quickly. What is the 5-in-1 shot for puppies? Do puppies need 3 or 4 sets of shots? It depends on their age; vets may recommend a shorter puppy vaccination schedule for dogs over 16 weeks old and not yet fully vaccinated. How many shots do puppies need before going outside? A titer test is a blood test showing whether your puppy has antibodies for a particular illness. The test can be used to determine the effectiveness of a vaccine and help determine if or which booster vaccines your dog needs. Most doggy daycares and boarding facilities do not accept a titer test in lieu of a puppy vaccination record. When should puppies get dewormed? Because worms are very common in puppies, veterinarians recommend deworming them for the first time when they're two to three weeks old. Is there a heartworm vaccine for puppies? Preventatives can either be administered as monthly medication or every six months by injection. How can you save money on puppy shots? One way to save money on puppy vaccines is by visiting a low-cost vaccination clinic. These clinics typically offer packages that combine a bundle of vaccinations into a lower price point, but also offer individual options if your dog is due for a specific vaccine. Another way to save money on puppy shots is by purchasing a pet wellness plan through a pet insurance provider. 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. What Vaccines Do Puppies Need? Core Versus Non-Core Vaccines CORE vaccines: Some infectious diseases of dogs are so common, debilitating, easily spread, or can be spread to people zoonotic that vaccination against them is deemed of critical importance. The first three are often administered as the combination DA2P shot. NON-CORE vaccines: On the other hand, there are diseases and conditions for which there are vaccines, but either because of their limited geographic distribution meaning they don't affect all parts of the country equally , lesser severity, specific lifestyle risk factors, or other reasons, they are not automatically recommended for every dog. The Benefits of Vaccines The benefits of vaccines far outweigh any risks. Vaccines are very effective and safe. Their use has notably decreased the morbidity and mortality associated with many infectious diseases. Per a study, there were only .Adverse events were more typical among smaller dogs and those receiving multiple vaccinations at one visit. Vaccine Safety Before I jump into which vaccines your puppy may need, it's critical to know that where they get their vaccines is equally as important. This is because individuals and organizations that aren't regulated, like veterinarians are, buy vaccines from places that may not know how to handle them properly. They may allow the vaccines to get warm, and this inactivates them. Or people transport them and don't keep them temperature-controlled or leave them in a vehicle for too long. In both these cases, the vaccines are essentially useless. Where you get your vaccines matters, and your veterinarian is trained and regulated to administer them properly. Puppy Vaccines By Age 6—8 weeks of age In some cases, your puppy will already have received some of these vaccines before you pick them up. Check with the people or organization you're getting your puppy from to confirm which vaccines your pup received and when. See the safety note above. This information is important for your vet to have to know best how to structure your pup's initial vaccination series, as all these puppy vaccines need to be given in a series of initial shots followed by booster shots. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine to help protect against a highly contagious respiratory virus. If your puppy is only receiving its first vaccine or is a toy breed, your veterinarian may administer the Bordetella at the next appointment. The Bordetella vaccine comes in three different types, intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boosted in 2 to 4 weeks. This vaccine is often recommended for dogs who will go to dog daycare, puppy classes, dog parks, dog shows, be boarded, etc. Dog Flu There are two different canine flu vaccines available, each protecting against a different strain of dog flu. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are given, for the best protection. Again, this non-core vaccine is suitable for dogs who will go to puppy classes, grooming, dog parks, dog shows, travel, be boarded, etc. However, the facility needs to be clean, and all pups in attendance need to have also received their first veterinary-administered vaccines and deworming. Check with your vet and your puppy training facility of choice on timing, and see this position statement on puppy socialization timing from the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. Meet some not all other dogs: A puppy can usually also start to meet other KNOWN and healthy puppies and adult dogs at this point in locations that are safe and clean. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, doggie daycare, groomers, and other areas or settings frequented by other unknown dogs. Socialization of puppies is critically important for their emotional and behavioral development, and it isn't just about them being "social" with other dogs or even people. There are many "non-social" things that young puppies need to be properly exposed to early on. Check out our Pupstanding App with its fun, easy-to-use checklist to help socialize your pup. Either way, it's an important visit. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing, but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important but non-core vaccine. Kennel Cough The initial vaccine can be given at this age if necessary or desired, depending on the type of vaccine used intra-nasal, oral, or injectable. Depending on which type of vaccine your veterinarian uses will determine if it needs to be boostered in 2 to 4 weeks. If this is the first dose of this vaccine your pup is receiving, they will need another vaccination in 2—4 weeks, depending on which vaccine they are receiving, for the best protection. Avoid: Sidewalks, parks, pet stores, daycare, and other areas or settings used by other unknown dogs should be avoided. Shopping malls and home improvement stores can be great places to socialize your puppy without excessive risk of contagious dog diseases. However, keeping your pet in a stroller or backpack lessens your pup's chances of being exposed to diseases. Your goal is to remove any trace of fecal matter before your pup licks their paws or contaminates your care or home. Their booster shots at this visit are important to build their immunity and help protect them from these diseases. This vaccine may be administered as a DA2PP, which is the same thing but also includes protection against Parainfluenza an important non-core vaccine. State and local regulations determine the age at which all dogs must be vaccinated for rabies. See below for more detail on what this vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Note: Because Lepto can be devastating to both your dog and you it is zoonotic , and also because all dogs can be at risk including even indoor-only dogs and those that never leave their backyard , your veterinarian may highly recommend and consider this vaccine "core," and may recommend starting the initial series in the 9—12 week age range rather than 12— 16 weeks old. See below for more detail on what the Lepto vaccine covers against and why you or your vet might want to consider it. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 12—16 week vaccine visit: Play with unknown dogs: Following this visit, a puppy can usually begin to expand their circle of friends to include unknown dogs i. Still avoid: Daycare centers, fields, and parks including dedicated dog parks should still be avoided. Where your puppy can usually go and what they can usually do after this 15—17 week vaccine visit: Freedom! One week after this final puppy vaccine visit, most pups have enough vaccine protection against the common vaccinable conditions to be able to get a full groom and go to the dog park, doggie daycare, pet stores, and other places where large groups of unknown dogs frequent and congregate. Of course, it's still a good idea to keep an eye out and avoid any obviously sick dogs. Booster vaccinations will be needed throughout their life. The frequency and types of vaccine boosters your dog will need throughout their life are influenced by their lifestyle, where you live and travel to with them, how common certain diseases are in your area and at different times of the year, and a host of other factors. For some dogs and some conditions, titers blood tests measuring the level of antibodies in your dog's system may help to determine vaccination intervals and may be preferable. This is a discussion to have with your vet. Titer Testing for Dogs A titer is a test that is done using a sample of your dog's blood to measure the level of antibodies to a specific disease. Antibodies are proteins made by the body as a response to antigens. Antigens are foreign substances or stimuli to the body, such as viruses, bacteria, or vaccinations, that cause the body to mount an immune response. Vaccine titers are used as a screening tool to determine whether or not to revaccinate for a particular disease. If a vaccine titer comes back high, this indicates that your dog, if exposed to that disease, should be able to fight it off. The problem with titers Vaccines are given either yearly or every 3 years. With titers, there is no way to predict what the levels will be in three to six months, even if they tested high at the time of the titer testing. Many factors can affect the immune system and its level of resistance. Factors such as disease, stress, or medications can impact it, and therefore there is no consistency over time regarding what the antibody levels could be. This could put your dog at risk until you go in for another titer test. Rabies is a vaccine required by law in all states. There are only certain states that allow titers for medical exceptions. Every puppy is different. Similarly, some puppies are born with deficiencies in their immune system, or their immune system may develop more slowly because of dietary or other factors. Maternal immunity is protective but can interfere with a puppy's vaccinations. Over the first few weeks of life, maternal immunity begins to decline, and by about 12 weeks it is generally gone. However, some puppies are provided protection by maternal immunity as old as 20 weeks. The vaccines are given as a series to give the maternal immunity time to wane while their own immune system is fully developing in response to and in conjunction with their shots. Missing a Vaccine or Booster Shot Dog owners should be aware that missing or delaying a vaccine in a series for more than 4 weeks puts a puppy at risk of disease. During the initial series of a vaccine, if you delay a booster more than six weeks or miss one, an additional booster vaccine will be needed 3 weeks after resuming the series. For example, if you miss the third vaccine in the DA2P series, a vaccine will be given and then boosted again in 3 weeks. Note: You may need to restart a series two vaccine doses 3 to 4 weeks apart for yearly vaccines that are not boosted within 1 year and 6 weeks from the last vaccine given. Vaccine-Preventable Diseases in Dogs The core vs. Your veterinarian is your best resource for helping to determine which vaccines your new pup would benefit from and when. They are the only ones who have the medical training and understanding, as well as the first-hand knowledge of your dog and your environment necessary to best guide you. Note that some of the vaccinable conditions listed below can be zoonotic, meaning that they can also infect and cause disease in people. The bacteria is transmitted through the air or direct contact, especially when an infected dog coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread by contaminated clothing, bowls, beds, and other communal surfaces such as cages or kennels.

Puppy Tantrums: How To Deal With Them February 5, Picture this: you are at the park with your dog, and there are countless people and dogs around. Everything is an apparent frenzy of activity, and even you are having some trouble keeping up. If this is your experience, just imagine how your puppy might be feeling. After all, they were only just born in the past few months. They have much less experience with processing outside stimuli and regulating their emotions. As a result of this constant activity, you notice that your puppy is beginning to act a little strange. They are not listening, and perhaps they begin to growl and bark even when there is nothing threatening around at all. You can sense and watch the frustration coming off of them in droves. Luckily, we have tips on how you can handle them while also making them less likely to occur in the future. How could something as incredibly cute as a puppy be so upset over basically nothing? And, possibly even more importantly, what can you do to stop this from happening? After viewing your puppy seemingly flying off the handle at nothing at all, it is perfectly natural to wonder why puppies even experience temper tantrums at all. Much like how human children will feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or just be frustrated with a situation, puppies can do the exact same thing. What Causes a Puppy Temper Tantrum? This is certainly an annoyance, but it does not mean that you and your dog cannot still go about your day exactly as planned. Some other reasons that your puppy might feel especially frustrated include that they are overly tired, they are overstimulated, or they have previously learned that tantrums get them what they want. We will discuss all of these possibilities in more depth a bit later in this article. What Are the Signs of a Puppy Tantrum? In some cases, it might be completely crystal clear to a pet parent that their puppy is currently experiencing and throwing a temper tantrum. That being said, if you have never seen one before, you might be a bit confused at first regarding what you are seeing. Here are some of the most common signs that can help you identify when a puppy is throwing a tantrum. Refusal To Listen If your usually obedient and eager to please puppy is suddenly not listening to a word you say, it does not mean something is wrong with them. Well, other than the fact that they are in the midst of a tantrum. This is often one of the first indications that a dog is getting overstimulated and frustrated, but you might still be able to avoid a full meltdown at this stage. Barking or Growling A clearly identifiable sign of a puppy temper tantrum is when they begin to bark and growl. They do this to express some kind of displeasure over what they are currently experiencing. This behavior might strike you as especially strange considering that there is likely nothing in particular that you think they should be barking and growling at. Nipping or Biting When your dog is especially frustrated, they might show those unpleasant emotions by nipping or biting you and their surroundings. If this is an issue for your puppy, it is possible that this will go beyond just a nip, will actually become uncomfortable or destructive, and you may feel that you might need additional help. In that case, do not hesitate to reach out to a trained professional who regularly deals with this kind of misbehavior in dogs. The moment that you recognize the classic signs of a puppy temper tantrum, your immediate reaction is undoubtedly going to be to try and stop it. However, many people are surprised to find out that some of your first instincts might actually be harmful rather than helpful. It is important to do your research on how to react to a puppy tantrum ahead of time before they happen. This way, you can be completely prepared to deal with them appropriately rather than acting in a way that could make them worse going forward. Let Your Puppy Cry It Out This tip can be difficult to achieve for a number of reasons, but it is very important that you sometimes let the tantrum simply run its course. If you do not let your dog cry it out and instead try to cater to their needs in one way or another, you are showing them that this behavior gets them exactly what they want. If they interpret the situation that way, they will continue to throw temper tantrums often and freely in the future, because they know it works. It is never fun to see your puppy upset, even if you know full well that this overreaction is in no way justified. Although it is tempting to attempt to soothe your puppy in these times of stress, it is best to let them learn self-soothing mechanisms. Not only will this show them that throwing a tantrum gets them absolutely nowhere, but they will be much better at regulating their emotions in the future. If you are at the park or in another public place and your puppy starts to have a tantrum, this can be somewhat embarrassing. However, any other current or former puppy parents will know full well that this is just an unfortunate part of the process. It does not reflect poorly on the pet parent or the pet, this is just how puppies sometimes express their frustrations. Do Not Adjust Your Behavior While it might be tempting to change what you were doing and adjust your behavior, it is crucial that you do not do so. In most cases of a puppy temper tantrum, you were simply doing something or asking your dog to do something that they do not like. This could be going on a leash, going inside, or any number of other triggers. If this is something that your dog needs to do, they cannot learn that a tantrum will sufficiently stop it from happening. In this situation, make sure to remain completely calm, no matter how frustrated you may be. Even if you possibly feel like throwing a bit of a temper tantrum yourself, it is crucial that you resist that urge. Even when your dog is overwhelmed, they can still mimic and mirror your behavior. If they see and perceive you as being cool, calm, and collected, they are much more likely to do the same thing. Similarly, if they see you clearly uncomfortable or panicking, they will quite possibly do the same. Hold Them Steady It is possible that your puppy was experiencing a tantrum as a result of you holding them in the first place. However, this can still be a calming and distracting tactic to take while they are in the midst of an episode. Be sure to hold them firmly, but never harshly. They should be unable to move or wiggle too much, and certainly unable to escape your hold. However, this handling should never be painful or uncomfortable for your dog. After you have your puppy in an appropriate hold, it might take them a little while still to settle down. Let them whine and cry it out as you keep holding them. In a few seconds to a few minutes, they should reach a much more tranquil state. Give Your Puppy a Familiar Command To Distract Them When your puppy is deep in the throes of a temper tantrum, it is likely that they are so overwhelmed with feeling and stimulation that they are not thinking particularly rationally. Well, as much as a puppy will ever think rationally, that is. In order to snap them out of this spiral, giving them a well-known command is an excellent way to help them to focus. Simply clearly state the command and use any accompanying hand movements that your puppy has learned to go along with it. Once your dog registers this cue even through the fog of a tantrum currently in progress, they should still listen and perform the action. Once they have done what you asked, they will be in a clearer frame of mind, and more able to process incoming stimuli. As far as preventing puppy temper tantrums goes, it is possible to do to an extent. While it is never possible to eliminate the possibility of a tantrum occurring, there are some steps you can take to make this possibility much less likely. By following these tips, you will have to use the suggestions to stop a puppy tantrum much less often. Do Not Indulge Their Previous Tantrums As we mentioned previously, sometimes you just need to let your puppy cry it out. This is not an enjoyable process for either you or your puppy, but this teaches them that this behavior does not accomplish what they want. Once they learn this tough lesson, their incentive to act out in this way in the future will be greatly diminished. Eventually, once they learn better emotional regulation skills, they will likely stop having these kinds of episodes entirely. Make Sure That They Get Enough Sleep Similar to tantrums thrown by human children, being tired is a common cause of frustration in puppies. This reason might seem overly simple, but it is true. If your dog is feeling especially tired, they are going to be much more prone to bouts of frustration and being overwhelmed. The remedy for this particular issue is a fairly easy one: make sure that your dog is getting enough high-quality rest. Puppies often need between 18 and 20 hours of sleep per day, so they will need to be left undisturbed for prolonged periods of time. Resist the urge to cuddle, play with them, or generally bother them as they are sleeping. They are using that time to fuel their growth, which is a constant during puppyhood. Do not worry, there will absolutely be plenty of moments of boundless puppy energy soon after they wake up on their own. If your dog is having trouble getting this amount of sleep, or cannot find an area of the house that is quiet or where they feel comfortable enough to get some rest, you have options. It might be time to look into getting your puppy a cozy crate for them to call their own. You can make this space wonderfully comfortable for them by including a memory foam mattress pad where they can rest their weary head after a long day of playing. If that was not already enough to get your dog ready for bed, try tossing in some soft blankets and their favorite toys as well. If you do not think your puppy is getting enough sleep, then it might be time to call their veterinarian. Do Not Put Them in Unnecessary Over Stimulating Situations Many of the situations in which a puppy is experiencing a temper tantrum are necessary for you and them to go about the day. Some dogs have difficulty with leashes at first that could prompt a tantrum, or perhaps they do not like being held. This does not mean that their walk will suddenly stop, or you will no longer need to carry them from point A to point B. In those scenarios, it is best to let your dog just experience what they are feeling and eventually calm down. However, if you realize that your dog is regularly triggered into a tantrum in situations that they do not need to be in, it might be best to avoid those in the future. Make Sure That You Keep Calm As we referenced earlier, it is incredibly important that you keep calm around your dog whenever possible. In many ways, your puppy will determine how they should be acting based on your demeanor. If they regularly see you acting calmly, it is much more likely that they will do the same. All of this is to say that dogs are capable of picking up on so much more than we regularly realize. Rather than just acting calm, try your best to truly be calm. Keep Calm and Puppy On There are so many reasons that we all love our puppies. They are beyond adorable, their boundless energy is enviable, and they bring so much joy into our lives. While all of that is absolutely true, there are also some situations in which raising a puppy can be a bit less than perfect, to say the least. Yes, bathroom accidents are unpleasant to deal with, but puppy temper tantrums reign supreme when it comes to frustrations caused by our dogs. However, each one of us have different preferences. Some of us go for laidback pups like bulldogs, while some of us opt for bouncy breeds like boxers. Some of us like big dogs and some of us prefer small ones. Featured in the video below is a mix of two of the most incredible breeds ever. German Shepherds are loved all over the world for their protective and loyal side. Huskies are unbelievably beautiful. And their pup is the perfect blend of them both! All dogs are faithful, however, German Shepherds have a basic protective instinct that is untouchable. They are very defensive about their loved ones and they often jump in to save them from harm without caring for themselves. They love their owners with all their heart, and they expect the same in return. That is why dogs love spending time with you. They want to help you out with chores, even though they suck most of the times. Basically, because of their desire to please, they would do almost anything for you. And since she is part husky, she is very vocal about her opinions too. Wait till you see her complain! Watch this adorable video below! Did this bring a smile to your face? Feel free to share your thoughts about it in the comments section! You put on their lead Some dogs hate leads, harnesses or any form of restriction. As soon as you put one on them, the bad temper is unleashed — literally! They might throw themselves onto the floor, bite the lead, or in the worst cases, bite you. Your immediate reaction might be to let go of the lead. But, by doing so, your dog will start to think that throwing a tantrum will get them what they want. How to keep them calm: Keep the lead taught and wait for your dog to calm down. Repeat this every time your pet throws a tantrum to do with the lead. Some dogs love nothing more than throwing tantrums when you try to pick them up or hold them. They keep barking and barking and barking. Say the word only once. At this point, your dog will hopefully associate your command with being quiet and the treat that awaits them. They hate being bathed — or they love it Washing your dog can often turn into a complete mess if they hate bath time. How to keep them calm: Step 1: Keep everything nearby. Leaving the bathroom gives your dog the opportunity to make a dash for it. Step 2: Bribe them at bath time. Step 3: Make it comfy. Provide a non-slip bathmat to give your dog better footing. And keep the temperature lukewarm. Slowly acclimatise your dog to water with walkies in the rain, trips to the beach and washcloths. Want to learn more? Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know when it comes to bathing your dog. They want to stay on their walkies for longer When it comes to home time after a day at the park, your dog might be reluctant to leave. But how do you get them to listen to you? Try the following tips to combat this behaviour. How to keep them calm: Step 1: Do some surprise recall drills. And reward your dog with a treat, toy or attention when they come back to you. Think puzzle toys, chewies and Kongs. Issue a stern command This is perhaps the most effective way to snap your dog out of their temporary craziness. The second your dog starts to act out, give an authoritative, "sit", "stay" or whatever command you want. Your dog will be too focused on their distraction to pay attention to you. If this is the case, simply turn around and walk the other way. Keep them still Hold your dog with a firm grip until the frenzy ends. Note: This one only works with puppies and small dogs. Keep calm yourself Raising your voice or hovering over your dog will likely worsen the tantrum. Other advice you may have read online — like pinning your dog onto their back, tapping their nose, spraying them in the face or physical discipline — will only make things worse. Note: If your dog tries to bite you during a tantrum, stop or refrain from touching them. A qualified behaviourist is best placed to help in this situation. Does your dog often throw temper tantrums? Visit our Facebook and Instagram pages and let us know how you usually get them to calm down. Related posts. Here are all of the puppy biting equipment, collars, harnesses and pet products that we recommend Puppies are adorable, loving, and amazing but they can bite hard and have razor-sharp teeth. To get a puppy to stop biting we first must understand why a puppy bites in the first place. Once we understand why a puppy bites, then we can answer how to stop a puppy from biting. There are many reasons why puppies bite; here are some of the most common reasons. Causes Of Puppy Biting Socialization and play — Puppies communicate in many ways, some of which are with their body language, mouths, teeth, and vocalization. Overtired — Puppies that are overtired or conversely overstimulated may become mouthy and start to bite. Lack of enrichment — Under-exercised and under-enriched puppies will most likely start to bite. They are bored and need to be stimulated with a variety of life experiences, toys, foods, games, play sessions, exercise, and socialization. Learning and exploration — A puppy needs to learn about life and what their mouth does and how it functions. Puppies experience and sense the world through their mouths. Teething — All puppies go through the painful process of teething. Puppy teething typically finishes around 6-months old. Medical — A puppy might have a medical issue such as a tooth or gum infection or some other medical issue that is causing your puppy to be irritable. Always get a clean bill of health from a veterinarian before diagnosing a pet behavior problem. Anxiety, fear, and stress — When puppies and all dogs experience dog anxiety they exhibit displacement behaviors tongue flicking or excessive licking , yawning, pacing, gnawing, barking , jumping, pawing, etc. Also, displacement behaviors are self-rewarding and self-reinforcing providing puppies with coping mechanisms but potentially making a puppy bite more often. Protection and survival — A dog wants to survive. Their mouth is a primary way to protect themselves when they are fearful, stressed, or hungry. You may see this happen when a puppy is playing that has escalated to a frenzy or with a hyperactive level. Frustration — Closely associated with redirection and arousal above. Frustration is seen when a puppy is behind a fence, baby gate, X-pen, or in their dog crate and they want to get out. Puppy frustration can also be seen when a dog is behind a closed door, looking out the window at a stimulus or in any other environment where a dog might be frustrated. Temper tantrums — Temper tantrums are healthy and normal for a puppy. Your puppy needs to learn to be handled, through gentling and to cultivate healthy coping behaviors via learning how to self-regulate. However, a puppy may look to bite when they are having a temper tantrum, upset, or imbalanced emotionally, mentally, or physically. Poor genetics is a more rare occurrence. Typically a parent thinks a puppy is aggressive or aggressively biting when in actuality the puppy is simply teething, puppy biting, or playing. For more reasons why dogs bite and for information on dog aggression please see this article. Aggressive Puppy: Or Temper Tantrum? Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference between a full-blown puppy temper tantrum and aggressive puppy play. If your puppy is overly aroused or overtired, they might become irritable and cranky causing puppy tantrum biting. Sometimes providing a safe, quiet Zen area where your puppy loves, will soothe and calm your puppy down. Utilize canine classical music, lavender and chamomile essential oils, dog appeasing pheromone DAP , dog beds, crates, X-pens, and supplements associated with calm and relaxation. As mentioned earlier, puppies will start biting and become mouthy when they are too aroused, overtired, as well as under-exercised and under-enriched. So you have to try and find a daily balance for your puppy then learn about your puppy and his behavior to understand when he may be overtired as opposed to just under-enriched, bored or over-aroused. Every situation is different. Puppy management and training go hand in hand. We train puppies to bite and chew what we want them to through high-value food rewards and puppy toys. Kong toys, stuffed chew toys, food extracting toys, and all rewards are managed by you. We have to teach a dog how to play with toys. Always set a dog up for success. You should start training your puppy the day you get them. Some outdated veterinarians that recommend sequestering your puppy before they have had all of their shots are sadly providing decades-old harmful advice. It is dangerous to not bring your puppy out and socialize them before they have had all their shots. If your veterinarian recommends keeping your dog inside until they are fully vaccinated, please do yourself a big favor and find another veterinarian ASAP. Do not wait to socialize and train your puppy. It is natural for puppies and all dogs to bite, they are not being mean, aggressive, or spiteful. It is never too early to teach a puppy training and behavior. Do not delay or puppy biting may only get more engrained after your dog has taught themselves, practiced, and learned inappropriate behaviors. Is Puppy Biting OK? This is ridiculous and unreasonable. Veterinarian checkups and procedures. Puppy resting on you with their mouth open. Puppy taking treats or food from your hand. Puppy taking or giving you an object when in service dog training or any type of dog obedience training. Specialty dog training Los Angeles boot camp that requires hand-to-mouth contact. This is not an exhaustive list nor are they examples of dog biting. Luckily the overwhelming majority of puppies do not bite this way even if it feels as if they do sometimes. Puppies also have to learn that a person is delicate and that a hard puppy bite will injure a person and remove a reward. Social isolation is a powerful consequence of puppy biting because puppies are gregarious social beings. They rely on people to live and for everything, hence when we contingently remove ourselves from a puppy, as a consequence of a puppy biting too hard, it is a powerful punisher and learning experience. The puppy now understands that hard puppy biting removes a strong reward and reinforcer people. That is extremely outdated and harmful advice. Sadly this archaic advice is still provided by outdated veterinarians. Equally important, contemporary Certified Trainers, Behaviorists , and veterinarians understand the scientific evidence that far more dogs die from behavior problems than any other cause! Get your puppy to a puppy socialization and training class ASAP. When punished a puppy will become unpredictable, more fearful and distrustful of you and life. Follow these instructions to stop a puppy from biting. Interact with your puppy, play fetch with a ball, Frisbee, or play tug with different toys. Fill interactive stuffed chew toys Kongs, snuffle matte, etc. This will develop wonderful chew toy habits. If your puppy is hyperactive, expel some of their energy by going for extra dog walks, and exploring the neighborhood. Do not attempt to soothe or stroke a puppy while they are riled up, or you may get bit by your puppy. First, immediately remove yourself from the room as mentioned above and then after about 30 seconds call him or go to him and put his harness on, etc. If you yelp very loud and short, it may startle a puppy. This interrupter technique mimics what other litter mates would do if a puppy bit them too hard while playing. The yelping technique only works with some puppies. Adjust the environment, your body language, and posture to avoid a puppy bite. Play with your puppy. However, only use toys, not your hands. This is the single most important thing a parent can do. Make sure your puppy is well socialized both with people but also with other puppies, dogs, and animals. Make sure your puppy is adequately exercised. However, do make sure your puppy is allowed to run, adequately exercised and fulfilled energetically. Teach your puppy to take food and treats gently. When your puppy begins to paw at your hand and nibble at your fingers, keep or close your fist. The moment your puppy moves away from your hand, open your hand and feed your puppy slowly. If your puppy eats the food too fast or is too aroused, close your fist again and start the cycle again until they eat the food slower. Your puppy may be biting out of pain or a medical issue. Also, your puppy might simply be hungry, thirsty, or have to eliminate. Use timeouts effectively. To do so, you must immediately remove the puppy or yourself from the environment the moment a transgression occurs. Just a boring room for 30 seconds. Then let him out and do one of the activities mentioned above. For example, pick up a tree branch, leaf, palm frond, etc. Moving the stick or item away from your puppy making a clicking or high pitch noises while scraping the stick on the ground will surely get your puppy engaged. Make sure to animate the stick, palm frond, etc. Move it around, run with your puppy and play tug, etc. Always have a toy in your back pocket or with you. Anywhere your puppy is, you need to have a chew toy ready to go at all times. This is confusing to your puppy because erratic fast movement encourages a puppy to pounce, play, bite, chase, and pull. If you rile up your puppy make sure you can calm them down just as easily. Tugging or pulling an object quickly away from your puppy will encourage your puppy to lunge after it or want to pull back. Pro Tip 3: For most puppies, biting is simply a red flag that something needs to be addressed. Usually, it is something as simple as being overtired or bored. Puppies need lots of sleep and structured naps like any baby. Puppy Teething Toys How to get a puppy to stop biting? As mentioned above you may also stop puppy biting with puppy teething toys, appropriate dog bite toys and your active participation! The best way to keep a puppy from biting is to give them something they prefer and you want them to chew instead of biting you. Creating good chew toy habits early on will teach a puppy what is appropriate to chew and what is not. This may also help to stop dog barking, and with separation anxiety down the road. Also, make sure to read my article that will prepare you for a new puppy or dog. This outlines all of the essential items we use and recommend purchasing before getting a new puppy or dog. Additionally, if you notice your puppy is fearful, hyper-vigilant, or has general anxiety, it would be a great investment to hire a Certified Pet Professional to help ASAP. If you are having puppy biting issues or want professional help for any problems or questions you have about your pets please fill out this short form for an expert Certified Dog Behaviorist and Trainer to help you with your puppy training and behavior problems today! Before letting Kodi out of his kennel, I sat down with his owner to discuss his past and what she wanted to get out of the session. I learned that while his owner had attempted to provide some structure with a few basic rules, there were a number of small things that they were doing that had been giving the dog the impression that he was in a leadership position. One example is how she petted him. I often recommend my clients adopt the No Free Lunch method. This involves not petting the dog when it uses its nose to nudge under our arm, paw at us or bark for attention. Instead I recommend that people make their dog do something; follow some command and then pet it for doing so. Now there is an operative way of training a dog where you reward and repeat a command word within 15 seconds of a dog assuming a position like sit or lay down. He was giving her an order of sorts and the leaning was a way of attempting to dominate her somewhat. The key component when you apply the no free lunch method is that you must give the dog a command first, then reward it for following the command. Consistent repetition of this command and complying ritual is essential in redefining the leader follower dynamic. So instead of proving affection for the dog sitting in front of us and staring us down the staring and direct eye contact this way is not a very polite thing in the dog world , I told her owner to constantly ask the dog to come, sit or lay down and only after it does to provide the affection. I went over some new non verbal communication methods for her owner to use. We discussed how to react when Kodi throws a temper tantrum or is defiant. But I made sure to stress how important it is to practice repeating the actions and commands they want the dog to do. To remedy this I went over a recall exercise that his owner can practice inside to help condition Kodi to react to a specific hand movement. The next step is to practice calling Kodi to come to them when he is outside, but then allow him to go back to playing. Because his owners only called the dog when it was time to come in, that command was starting to represent the end of play time. By practicing the recall inside and calling him over then letting him go back to playing outside, his owners will quickly eliminate his resistance to the recall. Next I went to go meet Kodi. He reacted as soon as he saw me. His energy spiked and he started barking while lowering his head, baring his teeth and making some intense eye contact. I went over to his kennel and sat down with my back to it. As soon as I did this, he calmed down and stopped most of the barking, but only for as long as I remained sitting with my back to him. Each time I got up, his energy and intensity rose as well. While she is very sweet and loving, she is also very high energy and used to be excitable. His owner had adopted a harness to better control him after a failed attempt at a gentle leader. This leash collar use stops most dogs from pulling immediately. Because the leash position provides a different sensation, it pulls the dog a little off center. This usually settles a dog down and makes it more susceptible to following your lead. So you have an owner who now feels more confident as they have the dog doing what they want; walking beside them and not pulling. I am certain that this experience added an unconscious confidence to his owner and this confident energy remained with her after the walk. She reported that Kodi had kept nice boundaries around people and parts of the home. When they cooked dinner, Kodi moved away on his own and kept a respectable distance from the kitchen rather than lying at their feet per his usual. The new rules and exercises were already starting to change his perception of his place in the family. But combined with her projecting a more confident leader like energy, Kodi has already made big improvements in 24 hours. His owner will need to continue to practice these new rules, boundaries and exercises until they become second nature and the new calmer more responsive an respectful dog will be all that remains. Share this:. Complete temper tantrum in the crate Posted by Lee on February 10, at AM I have a 14 week old german shepherd who I have had for 3 days. She is generally very mellow and easy going. She starts out a bit whiny, then will progresses to bounding off the crate sides and howling like the hound of the baskervilles. She does the same thing in the crate in the car. Will she just get over this or is this building a fear of her crate? After his arrival and our integration period, it was time for him to go to the crate. Day 11 — gave the command and he went to the crate like a rockstar. Then day 12 arrived, gave the command for the crate and nothing. I knew I was not supposed to make it a negative experience and what was I to do? I was told that this was an easy fix and would be resolved as soon as we got off the phone. Long story short, it was an easy fix. By the time they got done telling me that going to his crate was not an option and that no matter what, when I gave the crate command — he was going in and that was that. Emboldened by this new found confidence after I got off the phone with them, I gave the command with the full knowledge that he was going in the crate…. The difference for me was, I knew it was a safe place, I knew he was going in, and therefore the confidence with which I directed him to the crate communicated to him this was not a negotiable — he went in like a rockstar, no problem. As to the whining and desire to be out with the rest of the pack, it is critical that whining does not precede getting out of the crate. The dog must be calm and quiet before exiting the crate and opening the door does not mean, run free. Opening the door means, the dog waits for the release command and then the dog exits. Getting there may be a challenge. You may have to work in short periods of time being consistent in not letting the dog out when it is whining. You have to wait for a quiet period and then praise and release the dog so there is no connection between whining and getting out of the crate. As you know the crate is a safe place, and assuming the dog is not sick or needing to relieve itself, there is no need for whining. For me, this was a mindset change. While in the crate I knew he was not sick or injured, should not need to relive himself, therefore I can ignore the whining. I did, it worked. Follow up when the dog calms — mark the desired behavior and you should see more of it and for longer periods of time until one day you forget it was ever an issue. Member March 28, at AM Curious on how this is going? We have a 9 week old Boston Terrier who goes into the crate willingly but we are having similar issues. Maybe I was just lucky? At night when she cries we wait for her to settle before we go to take her out for a potty break. Is there something more we can do?

Brushing is important for all dogs, but especially for poodles. Poodle hair can easily get matted together as the dog sheds, and for this reason, it is often recommended that poodles with long hair be brushed every day. Brushing once or twice every week is generally acceptable if the dog has shorter hair. Use a slicker brush to gently remove thick tangles and mats. It's important to remove mats whenever you find them, as they can pull at the skin, causing discomfort to your pet. Because of the way they shed their hair, poodles are prone to matting if they go for long periods without grooming. In extreme cases, matting can cause skin infections that are painful for your pet. Marie has over 10 years of pet grooming experience specializing in dogs and cats. Marie Lin Licensed Pet Groomer Expert Warning: If you have to cut out a thick mat, use scissors to cut through in the direction of the hair growth—not across! Also, be sure you can see the pointed tip of the scissors before you cut, to ensure you don't cut the dog's skin. Afterward, the mat should be loose enough to be combed out. You should be sure to bathe your dog before trimming him with clippers, as dirty or overly oily fur can prematurely dull your clipper blades. The ASPCA recommends bathing your dog every three months or so unless more frequent baths are required. Some dogs treasure bath time, while others dislike being bathed. If your dog does not enjoy bathing, you may want to get a helper to aid you in keeping the dog in the tub during the bath. Use a cup or a pitcher to flush water all over your poodle from head to tail. If you massage your poodle's back while rubbing in the shampoo, he may enjoy the bath a bit more. Use a shampoo specifically made for dogs. Continue rinsing with clean water until the water runs clear and no longer appears soapy. It's important to clean inside and under your dog's ears to prevent bacteria, yeast, and parasites from living there. Use a toothbrush to gently remove plaque buildup around the base of your poodle's teeth. Choose a toothpaste made specifically for dogs. Your poodle will inevitably swallow some of the toothpaste, and human toothpaste can upset your dog's stomach. Brush gently. Remember, your dog may not be used to having its gums rubbed. Brushing too hard or fast can cause pain to your poodle's sensitive gums. Be consistent with your poodle's dental care. Brushing your dog's teeth can help prevent tartar buildup, which causes periodontal disease and can lead to potentially-fatal bacterial infections. But you also want to avoid trimming them too short, as this can cause bleeding. This will be good practice for later on — for both of you! Yes, haircuts are essential for Poodles. Their thick, long, curly coats are prone to tangling and trapping debris. When will my Poodle puppy need haircuts? Then, at around four months old, they will shed their puppy coats and start to grow out their rougher adult coats. Frequency As a general rule, Poodles should have their coats clipped every weeks once their adult coats grow out, whatever your desired length. This is because they grow so quickly and can become matted just as fast! What equipment should I use? There are three main types of dog grooming scissors; straight scissors, curved scissors, and thinning shears, and they all perform slightly differently. Straight grooming scissors are a multi-task tool, they have straight blades for general, basic grooming, creating straight lines in the coat, and adding the finishing touches to haircuts. Curved dog grooming shear has a curved blade that can be used to fine-tune and shape specific areas of the coat, such as the paws and hindquarters. Thinning shears have a cutting edge on one blade and teeth on the other, and there are also double thinners that have teeth on both blades. They are designed to remove lots of hair in even sections for a natural finish, and they can also be used to blend out the harsh lines from clippers and texturize the coat. Or, if you just need something for the occasional touch-up between visits to the groomer, a simple pair of electrical motor clippers will do just fine. Electric motor clippers are also good for keeping short coats short. You should also be aware of the types of blades that come with clippers. The higher the number of the blade, the more hair that it will remove. Or, you can get guards that fit a single blade to customize the length, which is a lot more convenient. Start by showing them the equipment and getting them used to the sight and sound of it before you cut any hair. Reward them just for being around it and then try cutting a small section of hair. If they react well, reward them again, and then do another section. Keep rewarding them as you go and again after the haircut is finished. Do it in a well-lit, comfortable part of the home that your pup can stand up in. Once you get them into a routine — keep it up! Work your way down the legs first, then from the neck to the hindquarters, or vice versa, and then the tail. Take care with the feet, underside, and head, shielding their eyes from falling fur. Use long strokes and go from the neck down to the back legs. How to deal with grooming anxiety If your pup is afraid of the scissors or clippers, take it really slowly and try to make it an enjoyable experience. You can do this by breaking up the haircut into smaller sessions to make it less stressful and taking breaks in between each one. Give your dog lots of praise and a reward every time you take a break and ask another family member to comfort them during the haircut. You can start brushing your Poodle from any age. To brush them, simply go in the direction of hair growth using short strokes. Hold the fur at the base with your free hand to remove knots, and use a mat remover for any stubborn mats. Bathing a Poodle puppy As for bathing, you should give your Poodle pup their first proper bath at months old to help them shed their puppy coat, unless they get seriously dirty before that. However, you can give your pup a bath any time after weeks of age to get them used to the sensation, but avoid overbathing them, as this will strip the fur of its natural oils and make it dry and brittle. Once they have their adult coats, your Poodle pup will need a bath once a month. You can even buy shampoo that is designed especially for Poodle coats. To give your Poodle a bath, lather up their wet fur with the shampoo, massage it in, leave it for as long as directed on the bottle, and rinse thoroughly. Follow up with conditioner if necessary. Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.

It all started when we became empty-nesters and purchased our first lab, since then our Lab family has continued to grow. We strive to breed for great all around family Labradors that are healthy, calm, intelligent, and are of the beautiful English type Labs stocky bodies, square, blocky heads. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks for visiting! Healthy Parents We welcome litters a year with the goal of producing healthy family dogs, all purpose Labradors placed in loving homes. We strive for good temperament, structurally sound, intelligence and to improve the breed. Our Labs are sweet, intelligent, easily trained, and so eager to please. Our Labrador Retrievers have superior pedigrees with champion bloodlines from traditional English lines. We do recommended Genetic health testing. The puppies are also dewormed at recommended times. We keep puppies until 8 weeks of age. Labs take 2 to 3 years to develop mentally and physically, training is an important part of the development of your Lab. We strongly recommend you locate a Beginner puppy class, enroll and take several classes. Labs are very intelligent and require socializing, training and exercise. Labs do not socialize themselves. Commitment to the welfare of your dog is extremely important. This puppy will be with you the next years. It's important our puppies are placed in homes where they receive the type of care Lab puppies need. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular dogs in the United States and many other countries, too. Rather than wondering if you can find any breeder, you might be interested in discovering how you can find a solid, reputable one. If you want quality puppies with tremendous temperaments, see what they have to offer and learn how to contact them about future litters. The 7 Breeders in Ohio 1. Since their humble beginnings, they have taken on the task of placing Labs as family companions into forever homes. The puppies are raised among the family, making them ideal for family roles, show dogs, and even for work. These dogs possess a strong champion lineage and all puppies come with applicable health checks before placement. This family has a very personal connection with this breed, falling in love initially with a rescue Lab and then choosing to continue the breed after her passing. Also, they specifically breed the English-style Labradors rather than American. These pups are bred for show, field, and companionship. They provide American Kennel Club Labradors from strong bloodlines that come with paperwork, health certificates, and the first few weeks of housebreaking done before you even bring yours home! Plus, they show lots of interactive photos and videos so you can get to know the dogs and pups. If you have any questions, there is a list of contact information on the site. Simply email the breeder for further instruction on how to bring one of these cuties home. This breeder has only English-style Labs, which are the blockier variation of the two. This breeder sells puppies with a limited AKC registration, meaning they can be fully registered but come without breeding rights. If you want breeding rights, you must go through the process of approval beforehand. The primary focus of this breeding is to create the highest quality gun dogs around, so these pups are bred for work. This breeder has yellow, chocolate, and black labs for placement. You must contact them directly for potential upcoming puppies. If you are interested in breeding rights, you must apply for approval and follow the rules laid out. Originally, Avon Kennels began breeding Rottweilers but expanded to Labs in .They also breed Himalayan cats. Puppies come with all applicable health checks and microchipping, which is an expense relief for some buyers. They specialize in the colors of Labs on the silver spectrum—such as charcoal, champagne, and traditional silver. So, you definitely get a unique spin on the breed. All Labs are health tested and microchipped prior to new home placement. Each Lab they possess is registered with the AKC. These rare pups are part of the family and all whelping areas are located indoors. Featured Image Credit: Piqsels Ashley Bates Author Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too — Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs.Read more Advertisement.

Town and country cut Short cut You will also have to bear in mind that some of these cuts will be much shorter. If you live in a cold climate or a hot climate, ensure you have the right protection for your dog. Our article on dressing dogs for winter shows you how to do this in an appropriate way. Lion cut The lion cut is probably the best known and most extravagant of all the poodle haircuts. The dog's limbs are hairless, with only a pompom around the front and back paws. The tail should be rounded off and the chest, stomach and head should be left with hair. It is the most widely used haircut in competitions and dog shows where is is also known as the Continental cut. The lion cut's elaborate style makes it impressive, but also takes a lot of time and effort not to mention experience to get right. There are other cuts on dogs called the lion cut, such as one for the Shih Tzu , but they will look different according to the specific breed. Image: National Geographic 2. English saddle cut The English cut is very similar to the lion cut. The difference lies in an additional pompom on the hind legs, and the pelvic area being left at the same length as the chest. It still shares the long ears and tightly wound curls on the body. Both are considered some of the most popular Poodle haircuts among groomers. Image: poodleforum 3. Dutch cut The Dutch cut is one of the most popular in dog contests and expositions. Unlike previous styles, this one is for those who are looking for a uniform style with no differences in length of the dog's coat. It's notable above all for the tail ending in a cute pompom. Image: poodleforum 4. Modern cut The modern cut for poodles is probably the most suitable for owners who love following recent trends and enjoy watching canine beauty competitions. This is also known as the Scandinavian cut or European cut in some sectors, especially in the United States of America. It seeks to achieve a careful and professional finish, without being as exaggerated as the aforementioned styles. It is an aesthetic cut, yet at the same time it is very natural. It follows the shape of the body, emphasizing the ears and tail as much as the head. This is a very trendy cut for Miniature Poodles, and it isn't difficult to work out why. This haircut really makes your poodle look like a puppy. This style doesn't aim to achieve a defined or sharp-looking finish. On the contrary, the fur should look natural and fresh. The American Kennel Club claims there should be a pompom on the end of the tail. It is another of the most popular Poodle haircuts. Image: temporary-secretary 6. Summer cut Many dog owners wonder if it's bad to give their dogs a haircut during the summer. Not all dogs should follow the example of the Poodle, which is a breed that adapts perfectly to different haircuts and styles. Summer is a hot period that makes your beloved poodle get dirtier than usual - especially if you take it to the beach or go for a walk in the woods. Therefore, giving it a summer cut is a good idea: You will help to keep it cool while achieving some interesting aesthetic finishes, as shown below. Winter Poodle cuts tend to leave more hair on the dog to help insulate them from the cold. Image: poodleforum. Cupcake cut This haircut is not very well known, possibly because some people think it provides a strange look once it is done. The cupcake cut is notable for leaving the ears absolutely rounded as a result of being thoroughly styled. Not all styles will involve Poodle face cuts to be so dramatic, but we think it is quite stylish. This Poodle cut is also notable for the shape of its head - which ends in a point - which bears a clear resemblance to a delicious muffin. Image: huxtablethepoodle. Teddy bear cut The teddy bear cut is increasingly popular among long-haired dog breeds. This finish must be done with scissors, and it requires hands with experience in styling poodles. The hair should be left mid-length so that the poodle's curls can be seen clearly. This gives a sweet and rounded finish which makes it look like a bear, as the name suggests. Make sure you know how often to bathe a poodle in order for their fur to look gorgeous at all times. Image: yiral 9. This style can work for any type of Poodle, but is particularly common with Standard or Miniature Poodles. Its defining feature is that it leaves the legs hairy and cylinder-shaped. The body hair, on the other hand, is cut shorter, which accentuates the density of the leg hairs. The head and ears have a rounded finish. Image: najupets .Short cut While it's not very common to see a short-haired poodle, it remains an aesthetic option that will avoid knots, tangles and dirt building up in its coat. This Poodle cut may be a good option in warmer countries. It is also a good option for those who can't go to the dog stylist as often as they would like to. This style can work just as well on a Toy Poodle as it will a Standard Poodle. However, you will need to bear in mind that it may cause the dog to become cold. Either avoid this cut in cold climates or winter months. If you still prefer a shorter cut, ensure you have a doggie jacket for them to stay protected. Image: notastandardpoodle-gregg. The problem is there is no standardized style guide for cutting a Poodle's hair. In different countries, regions and even individual dog groomers , there is debate over the correct name for some of the terms. This can understandably cause confusion for groomers. Clients may come in with a specific idea of how they want their Poodle cut, but are unable to explain the style to the groomer. The best thing for you to do is to decide on what you want before hand and locate a picture of the Poodle cut you want. You can even take this article with you and decide which type of haircut will best work for your dog. Relying on the name of a certain Poodle cut may cause confusion or frustration, so it is best to be on the safe side. Send us a photo of your dog! Do not forget to share your poodle's haircut in the comments so that others can get inspired. Thank you for visiting AnimalWised! If you want to read similar articles to 10 Haircuts for Poodles, we recommend you visit our Beauty tips category. By Yvonne Villasenor Yvonne Villasenor is a freelance writer and animal lover who just so happens to be allergic to cats and dogs. That doesn't stop her from cuddling with them! When Yvonne's not working, you can find her lounging with her charming Chihuahuas, weightlifting, or wandering around Halloween stores. Having such unique and versatile fur means there are countless poodle haircuts for you to choose from, and a professional groomer can give your poodle a makeover with a hairstyle that best matches her personality and lifestyle. With so many options available, learn how your poodle can look like anything from a plush toy to elegant royalty! Teddy Bear Cut The teddy bear cut is a popular trim for poodles and other long-haired breeds. With this look, your poodle has longer hair on her face for a soft, rounded "teddy bear" appearance, and the rest of the fur on her body is cut at a shorter, uniform length throughout. Talk about cuddly cuteness! Summer Cut Because poodles have a single coat, they can enjoy the luxury that comes with it: the summer cut. Known as one of the most low-maintenance poodle haircuts, the summer cut is a practical haircut option that keeps your poodle's fur short so she stays comfortable in hot weather. So if you're looking to cut your hair to beat the heat in the summer, you and your poodle can rock shorter hairdos together! Puppy Cut No matter your poodle's age, you can seemingly turn back time with the puppy cut. Also a popular choice among poodle parents, the puppy cut is a simple, natural-looking trim that leaves your dog with an evenly cut length, typically 1 to 2 inches, all over. This is a highly modifiable look, so consult your groomer for a length that best fits your and your dog's preference and lifestyle. Continental Cut The continental cut is a glamorous and traditional hairstyle often worn by poodle show dogs. With this look, your poodle's face, throat, feet, and part of the tail are shaved. This look is characterized by full hair on the rib cage and chest, pom poms of fur on the tail, ankles, and hips, as well as a banded topknot on the head. German Trim Looking for a haircut that looks fancy but not too fancy? The German trim uses the power of angles to give your poodle a sharp profile. The hair on your furry friend's legs is left long, while the hair on the body and ears is cut short. This is a great option not only if your poodle is more active but also if your pup is prone to ear infections or ear matting. Modern Cut The modern cut is an elegant hairstyle that combines aesthetics with your poodle's natural features. This cut keeps the hair on the body short, accentuating your poodle's shape. The fur on the head, ears, and tail is left longer to create a fluffy appearance. When your dog has such curly, coarse locks, you may wonder how many trips to the groomer you and your poodle may be making. Poodles and poodle-crosses also go through a coat change in the first year of life, so they need to be groomed more often," says Danna Alexander, owner of Prestige Dog Grooming School. To keep mats and tangles at bay, it's best to brush your poodle at least two to three times a week. Toy poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and standard poodles, just as standard poodle haircuts aren't off limits for miniature and toy poodles. While any poodle can sport any style, there may be common options you'd like to choose from. Because there are various names for different types of poodle haircuts, make sure to bring your groomer a photo of the haircut you'd love your pooch to have. Was this page helpful?

German Shepherd training can feel overwhelming at the beginning, especially if this is your first dog. The truth is… Training your German Shepherd is a big project, especially for an absolute beginner! Even better? German Shepherd Training for Beginners German Shepherd puppies do best when you start training them early. Are you ready to start training your German Shepherd and want to get it right from the very beginning? Here is some beginner training information to get you started: Prepare for Owning a German Shepherd : Owning a German Shepherd means knowing what to expect from this gorgeous, high-energy breed. Stay ahead of their training by understanding the basics of ownership. Enjoy Bonding With Your German Shepherd : When you spend the time to bond with your German Shepherd your training will go even faster in the beginning. Plus, bonding activities create a dog that is a joy to have around and gives both of you confidence. Welcome to all the joys of picking the best breed in the world! I know that sometimes training a German Shepherd, especially a new puppy, can feel like banging your head against a wall. House Training and Crate Training In the beginning, training your German Shepherd to use a crate can help with housetraining. Most German Shepherd owners plan to let their dogs live indoors with them. This essential beginner skill is one of the first things you need to work on with your German Shepherd as part of their foundation training. Using a crate, called crate training, is generally a very helpful part of house training. Find out the basics of choosing the right size for your dog and picking the best options on the market. Not only does using a crate help with potty training, but it gives your German Shepherd a quiet, comfortable place they can call their own. These 3 concepts are key to the housebreaking process and will help you achieve results faster. Learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy to walk nicely on a leash so that you can enjoy more places to go with your dog. Having your German Shepherd trained to walk politely is a lifesaver for your hands, shoulders, and back as she continues to mature and get bigger. This means that your dog has new experiences that give her confidence, not make her fearful. Socialized German Shepherds are less likely to develop behavior problems down the road and are generally more welcomed by other people and pets. Proper, positive socialization can help prevent the development of fears, phobias, and negative associations with certain objects, places, or people. The bottom line? Socializing your German Shepherd dog or puppy will make her a happier, more enjoyable, well-rounded dog. Basic German Shepherd Training Commands for Beginners Another foundation skill of German Shepherd training for beginners is teaching the basic commands. Learn how to provide a basic foundation for obedience commands to make things simpler for both of you by following this guide on how to train your German Shepherd to basic cues and commands at home. Teaching a German Shepherd to Come When Called : Having your German Shepherd come back to you when called is one of the most important commands for a beginner to learn. German Shepherd Commands List for Training : You can help plan your own German Shepherd training in the beginning by knowing what commands you want your dog to know. Use this list of commands to check off what you want to train and what your dog or puppy already understands to keep you on track with your training plan. Most healthy, fit, adult German Shepherds have limitless energy. Even my year-old German Shepherd can out-walk me! There are plenty of puzzle toys for dogs on the market to choose from. Which puzzles will your puppy enjoy playing with you? Boredom-Busting Activities for German Shepherds : Every owner will eventually wonder if their dog is bored. So what does all this mean? German Shepherd puppies are known to get a streak of the zoomies and need ways to turn that whirlwind into constructive movement. For the first time, it dawns on you. Instead, have your kids learn simple games they can play to calm down your dog, keep the kids busy, and let you get a moment to yourself. Follow these tips to keep calm in the middle of the storm: How to Keep a German Shepherd Entertained : Oh, yes, there will come a time when you need to know ways to keep your German Shepherd from boredom and find ways to entertain themselves that spells trouble. Keep these ideas handy. If not, read this to find out what size to get for them and how to stuff a Kong with their food to give them a taste of the wild — hunting and working for their meal. This guide also covers dozens of ways to use Kong toys to reduce behavior problems. Jobs for German Shepherds at Home : Teaching your German Shepherd a job they can enjoy at home with you gives them a purpose. Once your dog knows what her job is you can put her to work for you! Games are also a wonderful way to sneak in some training while having fun. And that starts with the right foods and diet for them. Instead of wondering what your athletically-driven dog needs, follow the scientifically-backed advice found in the following articles: Food for German Shepherds with Sensitive Stomachs : Puppies and dogs that are under stress when coming to a new home may benefit from sensitive dog food. This helps them avoid loose stools, diarrhea, and may keep stomach trouble at bay. The Right Diet for German Shepherds with Allergies : Do you have a puppy or an adult that has itchy skin, red patches, or is losing too much fur? Then they might have allergies and require a special diet that soothes their skin and improves their coats. Food is a powerful motivator for dogs during your initial training with them. Look for healthy treats for German Shepherds to keep their weight in check and avoid problems related to overweight issues. But, sometimes even in the beginning of training your German Shepherd, you might find a few problems crop up. These useful guides will help you through some common behavior problems when training German Shepherds: How to Prevent a German Shepherd from Barking at Strangers : German Shepherds have a tendency to bark as they are great watchdogs. Understand Why Your German Shepherd Destroys Things : Not only does boredom contribute to a destructive dog, but many other factors do as well. Do you know why your German Shepherd has started destroying everything? Find out now. German Shepherd training for beginners is a challenge, but these guides and tips can make the experience less daunting for you. Because you cared about training your German Shepherd, even as a beginner, to read about how to do it right. So, those walks might take a bit longer. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. To train a German Shepherd puppy dog you must be consistent, kind and clear. German Shepherd dog puppies are divinely cute and for a reason! Just like babies are cute, puppies will win your heart even after destroying your favorite pair of shoes or that expensive carpet! Making sure you use them will start you on the right side of training and pave the road for you to get an obedient dog. The good news is that you do not need any special equipment to have an obedient GSD puppy. All you need is love and treats. The most important German Shepherd puppy training tip is socialization. Some vets will tell you to keep the pooch inside until the full set of vaccines is completed. Unfortunately, if you do keep your pooch safe inside until he is months of age, his socialization period will have closed forever and your chance to raise a friendly and confident dog drops significantly! That said, it is ultimately your decision whether you want to take the risk to take him outside or not. Most large US cities do not have too many disease problems and taking your puppy to a class where the trainer checks that every puppy has had the first set of shots is mostly safe. However, if you leave in a rural area, make sure there is not an outbreak of a disease that can affect your pooch. Of all the German Shepherd puppy training tips, I suggest you really think this one through. As a dog trainer, I recommend you find a safe puppy socialization class because this developmental period is critical to prevent behavior problems in the future. Apart from that, you also need to socialize your puppy daily on your own, this link will explain the process and give you a list of things to check as you go! Tip 2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. You may have noticed that your German Shepherd puppy likes to chew on your shoes, toys, boxes, carpets, pillows, your hands…well, pretty much everything! Before you loose your mind and all your precious possessions let me tell you that this is normal puppy behavior. At this age dogs explore everything with their mouths and even though annoying, it is a great time to teach your pet what is appropriate for his mouth as well as how to soften the bite. The reason German Shepherd dog puppies have sharp teeth is because they are capable of learning how much or how little pressure to apply when biting different things. This is good news! To train a German Shepherd puppy to do this follow this link! Tip 3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Right around now you are also probably dealing with potty training, the best German Shepherd puppy training tips for potty training are outlined below. You should know how many times, and when to take you puppy out. I am sure you have heard all sorts of things against the use of food for training. To do this, you need to find the things that your dog likes most and use them as rewards. Food will be one of them, so use it. But also use anything else, like walks, petting, play time, toys, etc. So, of all the German shepherd puppy training tips here, I don't want to hear any excuses for this one! Done the right way, your pooch will respond to your command even when empty handed. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. This is a hard concept to understand for us, clever human beings. When we learn something new, we can very easily generalize the concept to any situation, that is what makes us creative creatures. Fortunately, you have a German Shepherd puppy, they are clever and chances are they will need less repetitions than the average breed. To help you out on this matter, this link will take you to a step-by-step guide to train a reliable command. Tip 6: Train your German Shepherd puppy to ask for permission. Dog commands and fun and useful and you can probably find hundreds to teach your GSD. This one though - Ask for permission - is technically not a command, because you will not ask your canine to do it every time, instead you want to teach him to do it on his own every time the occasion requires it. Take time to do this with your puppy, it will be worth it! This is another one of the most important German Shepherd puppy training tips because a dog that asks for permission is an obedient and safe dog. To prevent a dog from jumping on people it is imperative to teach that same dog not to jump when he is a puppy. If he jumps again, then ignore again. When I say ignore, I mean it! No eye contact, no pushing or kneeing…nothing. Keep turning around if you have to. Pulling on the leash is another of those dog behaviors that people think come out of the blue, but actually they happen because there was never formal training done. To prevent pulling on the leash all you have to do is make sure your puppy understands that he gets rewarded food, petting, attention, verbal praise, keep on walking, etc. Pay close attention to what he does during those first few walks together and make sure you reward him for staying close to you! Got any German Shepherd puppy training tips to share with us? Tell us about them here! Those ideas came from research done in wolfs in captivity and have now been debunked by new research done in wolfs in the wild. The new research says that you need to be a good leader, kind of like a parent. Alphas are most often the parents of the group. Provide shelter, food, safety and limits. This article tells you more about it! Tip The best German Shepherd puppy training tip is… Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This rule is amazing and will work wonders, besides it is really easy to apply, all you have to do is pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy and reward the good things he does. You need to figure out what the reward is and remove it. For example, when a dog is laying down, it is harder to bark. This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields labelled below in red have been filled in What is your DOG's name? Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in.