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golden labrador puppy for sale near me - Why do you think the police force and military are using the German Shepherd so much? Sure, a Doberman can do the job just fine and there are definitely dog breeds that have stronger olfactory senses or stronger bites but they may not be willing to obey every command in every situation. They are too intelligent to outright obey everything which can sometimes be perceived as stubborn. Does that mean the German Shepherd is not smart? Absolutely not. In fact, the German Shepherd is often cited as one of the smartest dog breeds, right after their cousin the Belgian Shepherd, also known as Malinois. Their will to please outranks. How trainable is the German Shepherd Husky mix? Well, the Husky is known to be quite independent by design. So even though pairing these two very smart dog breeds makes sense at first glance, a Shepherd Husky mix might not be as easy to train as imagined. That being said, pairing a German Shepherd with a more agreeable Husky can certainly help. Genetics and temperament of the parents always play a pretty big role. This is not always the case and even a purebred may struggle with protection without proper direction and training. Always consult a professional to avoid teaching your dog negative behavior patterns barking at strangers on walks, lunging at dogs, and so on. Huskies are incredibly enduring. How could they not, they were bred to run hundreds of miles in very cold climates. But their original working purpose was quite specific and they may need to have an outlet for this desire to run. Training your dog early on will prevent behavioral issues in the future and gets your dog used to brain training. Since both breeds are relatively high energy, you need to walk your Shepsky at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes each. The German Shepherd is known to be a formidable family dog while the Husky can be quite reserved. Huskies are used to living and working in a pack and can be very sociable animals while Shepherds develop a deep bond with their owners. Although pairing these two breeds can produce great family dogs, there are other large dog breeds that are even suitable for apartment living out there that are very patient with children and also perfect for guarding property. Expect to have a very smart dog that will challenge you throughout the day. He will probably grow into a medium to large-sized dog with a weight of about 40 to 80 pounds. Both dogs are working breeds so you can expect a Shepsky to have high exercise needs. A task or daily job would keep them the happiest. Grooming Both dog breeds can have relatively similar coat types. Huskies have a thick double coat, meaning an undercoat plus guard hair. While the undercoat is soft and dense, the guard hairs are straight and somewhat smooth. Depending on the specific pairing, the coat can be a toin coss. Be ready for shedding seasons with both of these dogs. You can expect your male German Shepherd Husky mix to be in cm with a weight of lbs kg. Female German Shepherd Husky mixes range from in cm , weighing in at lbs kg. Apartment Living Can you live in an apartment with a high-energy dog like the German Shepherd Husky mix? It depends. If you provide your dog with an outlet for his exercise needs which means lots of walks, play, and training then there should be absolutely no problem. However, their tendency for high-pitched barks or howling may cause problems with your neighbors. Proper training will help and entails teaching your dog the quiet command. Would I advise you to buy a mixed breed from a breeder? Definitely not. There are far too many mixed breeds sitting in shelters and waiting to be chosen. As long as there are no health issues present in their ancestry, you could argue that mixed breeds might be healthier than purebreds from backyard breeders. Beware of backyard breeders mixing in a third breed without stating so. Make sure to check out my breeder questions before you fall victim to scammers or backyard breeders. Make sure to talk to a veterinarian or nutritionist first. Do you have a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share with us your experiences in the comments below! The resulting dog is a genetic gamble in terms of health and temperament and offers no advantage to a health-tested dog or rescuing. Disclaimer: This blog post does not substitute veterinary attention and does not intend to do so. I am not a veterinarian or pet nutritionist. If your dog shows any sign of illness, call your vet. Post navigation. Each litter typically produces adorably fluffy puppies, each of which may look different. Some will inherit heterochromia — or different colored eyes — from their Husky parent, while others will receive the longer snout of their German Shepherd parent. History: Emergence of the Gerberian Shepsky To understand this active and loving mixed breed, we must first understand purebred Huskys and German Shepherds. As we mentioned, the German Shepherd is known as a herding dog. They were developed in for herding and guarding sheep in Germany. The Husky is a working dog, first bred over years ago in Siberia. They arrived in Alaska in where they ran hard as sledding dogs and stole the hearts of locals with their goofy personalities. No formal records document the first hybrid litter of Gerberian Huskys. In general, the German Shepherd Husky Mix has an ideal temperament. They get their friendly, silly, and gentle qualities from the Husky side, while they receive loyalty and bravery from their Shepherd side. While Huskies never meet a stranger, shepherds are standoffish. The combination leads to a perfect balance. Once grown, your Gerberian Shepky will protect you, and guard your family from anything- all while providing love, cuddles and plenty of adorable moments to last a lifetime! They are great around children, and when socialized from a young age, can live well with other animals. The German Shepherd Husky mixed breed is incredibly intelligent will learn quickly when trained appropriately. Huskies can be stubborn and become bored easily, while the German Shepherd loves to learn new things and have a job to do. If your puppy is more Husky, he may prefer hours of running, rather than mental stimulation. For example, hold out a toy or treat and let your pup catch a whiff. Then, hide the object and let your pup sniff it out. Get creative with your training and bond with your puppy to find what works for you! Be sure to keep your Gerberian Shepsky well exercised and mentally stimulated to avoid developing unwanted negative behaviors like barking, howling a husky favorite , and chewing. Calorie requirements differ based on age, weight, activity level, and sex. For example, a quickly growing puppy requires more calories than an adult Shepsky and should eat food specifically formulated for puppies. In contrast, active adult German Shepherd Husky mixes require about calories, while less active and senior dogs only require calories per day. A high quality food, formulated for large breeds is best. Remember to account for special treats in daily caloric needs! Get the whole family together for a walk or run. Continuously switch up the route so your Shepsky never gets bored. Other recommendations include providing at least 2 hours a day of moderate to vigorous physical activity. German Shepherd Husky mixes do best in an environment where they can play, run, and roam. Your new pet will be most content when able to participate in interactive activities like obstacle courses and challenging puzzles. With lots of love and attention, your Gerberian Shepsky will settle into a nice routine of work and play. Be sure to snuggle up for plenty of cuddles at the end of a long day! Shepsky Health Considerations Like their purebred parents, German Shepherd Husky mixes may suffer from certain health issues due to their genes. When you purchase a puppy, your breeder should be happy to provide a detailed health screening of the parents. Joint Dysplasia causes the elbows and hips to develop abnormally, leading to pain and eventual loss of movement if left untreated. If caught early, the condition can be treated successfully with medication or corrective surgery. Cataracts, inherited from the Husky parent, are issues with the lens of the eye that will lead to decreased vision over time. If left untreated, your Gerberian Shepsky may become disoriented, confused, and even aggressive as he loses his ability to process his surroundings. Again, if caught early, this disease can be treated with medication or surgery. This condition causes the stomach to swell and twist around it self. The risk is passed on to your Shepsky and great care must be taken to avoid it! Simply remain attentive to how much and how often your pup is eating and you should be safe. And, much like a wolf, the Shepsky mix possesses a strong snout and piercing eyes. They may even have two different colored eyes! Puppies with heterochromia are highly coveted and will cost more. But they are worth it — so gorgeous and unique! Just like the eyes, Gerberian Shepsky coats may be a variety of colors based on which parent they most closely resemble. Common colors include white, gray, silver, tan, red, and the classic German Shepherd coat color — Sable! Because the Husky originated as a sled dog, their coats are adapted for the cold climates of Siberia and Alaska. However, they are double coated and may shed one coat to accommodate warm temperatures. Your Shepsky will also have a double coat that requires twice weekly brushing sessions to promote proper shedding and skin health. Additionally, frequent full bathes are harmful to your German Sherpherd Husky mixes natural oils. This can lead to irritation and dry, itchy skin. Instead, only bath them when necessary with a gentle shampoo. Simply spot clean in between with a damp cloth, and use a non-toxic deodorizing spray if necessary! We've included some summary facts and stats below to help you make your decision. Do you think this gorgeous, regal looking dog is right for your family? Yet, cuddly, friendly, and adorable! So what do you think? The German Shepherd Husky mix is a relatively new designer dog breed. Very little is known about where and when it originated. Many dog experts claim that the first of this kind was bred intentionally sometime in the late s. Originally, a German Shepherd and a Siberian Husky parents were mated to produce a first-rate working dog, since both the parents are excellent working dogs. Soon, because of their sheer strength and quick intellect, they were used to assist with search-and-rescue operations and took military and police roles. It would help to get a glimpse of the origin of the parent breeds to have a better understanding of German Shepherd Husky mix. The German Shepherd , which originated in in Germany, were used to herd sheep and pull heavy loads under tough conditions. They were imported and used as sled dogs during the Alaskan Gold Rush. The breed eventually became popular throughout Canada and the United States as great pets. The Siberian Husky is believed to have originated over two millennia ago from the Siberian Arctic. Nomadic Indian tribes used these dogs to help with pulling sleds and heavy loads. The Siberian Huskies made their way to North America in the s. Despite having relatively short history, German Shepherd Husky mixes have already become fashionable and increasingly common. German Shepherd Husky Mix Puppies! For the most part, when two different thoroughbred canines mate, the puppies will most often inherit traits from their parents. This will vary from litter to litter, of course. But rest assured that German Shepherd Husky mix puppies look a lot like their parents in terms of how they look as well as their personality or temperament. This striking creature has a medium to long head and a strong, somewhat pointy muzzle. A German Shepherd Husky has pointy triangular ears and a set of alert almond-shaped eyes. The puppies of these parent breeds are well-built, energetic, and athletic. German Shepherd Husky mixes are super fluffy and their beautiful coat contributes to their attractive appearance. Like German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies, this designer dog has a double coat. It has a tough top coat and an insulating layer of undercoat that is made up of short hair. The undercoat protects and keeps the dogs warm in cold regions. Some of their undercoat will shed during the months of summer, keeping them nice and cool during the hotter weather. All in all, the coat of German Shepherd Husky mixes is not only beautiful, but functional as well. Husky German Shepherd Size. What is the size of a typical Husky German Shepherd Mix? Expect the size to be from the smallest Siberian Husky to the biggest German Shepherd. A Siberian Husky is a medium-sized dog that usually grow up to around 20 to 23 inches in height. On the other hand, a German Shepherd is categorized as a large breed and can grow up to around 22 to 26 inches tall. So expect your Husky German Shepherd Mix to be between 20 and 26 inches tall. When talking about weight, Siberian Huskies weigh between 35 and 60 pounds, while German Shepherds are much heavier at around 49 to 88 pounds. So perhaps the weight of a Husky German Shepherd Mix will be from 35 to 88 pounds. This can also be due the gender of the dog. The most common color combinations are brown-black and white-black. The color of you German Shepherd and Husky Mix is simply a product of genetics. These dogs are: Good guard dogs. They inherited this characteristic from their parents. But they can be excessive barkers. Compared to some other breeds, they learn things quickly because of their higher cognitive abilities. They will always put you first before themselves. They are well-loved because they are affectionate. Be prepared to pet them all day long. These dogs mix well with other pets and with people. They are trusting. These dogs may be naughty at times, but they are very dignified. Active and powerful. They are energetic and need regular training and exercise. They need at least one walk every day. They are the ultimate dogs! They are known for their energy. They get bored and sometimes mischievous when they lack physical and mental stimulation. As mentioned before, this hybrid is also intelligent, loyal, playful, and very trainable. A Husky German Shepherd Mix is an alpha dog and may get somewhat aggressive or do naughty things if its owner is not firm. On the other hand, your dog may inherit the calm and gentle behavior of the Siberian Husky. A Husky German Shepherd Mix with this demeanor can be clingy with their owner. This hybrid loves to take part in various activities with you. Some owners let their friends engage in fieldwork, herding, and the likes, but these dogs will also have fun playing outdoors, jogging, walking, and hiking. While the Husky German Shepherd mix is friendly, warming up to other dogs and strangers may take time. And since the coat is super fluffy, it mats and tangles easily. So, regular grooming of your dog is necessary to prevent matting. Brush your German Shepherd Husky mix several times a week. On top of this, take your dog to a qualified groomer every two months. Remember, start grooming your pups from an early age so they get used to the process. Bathe your dog when needed. Ear check Wax may build up in the ears of German Shepherd Husky mixes fairly often. You should clean their ears carefully using a dog-friendly cleaning solution and cotton balls or cotton buds. This will keep the ear canal clean and reduce ear odors. Remove these parasites in their entirety to reduce discomfort and risk of infection. Dental hygiene The dental hygiene of your German Shepherd Husky mix is also an important part of their grooming process. Also, this dog needs high-quality dry food to keep its gums healthy and strong. Nail grooming In addition to the abovementioned grooming requirements, also make sure that the nails of your German Shepherd Husky mix are trimmed or groomed regularly. This activities is often stressful for the dog. This is because new genes are introduced to the existing pool, strengthening and widening it. However, even a hybrid dog like a German Shepherd mixed with Husky can inherit health conditions from one or both of their parents. This hybrid lives between 10 to 13 years, and during this lifespan, they can develop different health issues. These include: Elbow and hip dysplasia. Problem in the formation of the joints, which usually results into painful arthritis. Juvenile cataracts. The opacity of the lens of the eyes of the dog, which often causes blindness. Corneal dystrophy The accumulation of abnormal materials in the cornea, causing visual impairment. Progressive retinal atrophy PRA. This happens in the twilight years, with symptoms including night blindness, dilated pupils, inability to see in bright light. Bloating of the stomach, which results in the stomach twisting around itself. Failure to produce enough enzymes necessary for digesting meals. Excessive bleeding caused by a defective platelet functioning. Cancer is prevalent in this hybrid. Anal furunculosis. This is an inflammatory bone disease. German Shepherd Huskies are particularly at risk of airborne, contact, and food allergies. A neurological disorder causing uncontrolled seizures and loss of consciousness. This is perhaps the most frightening thing that can happen to this dog. Impaired thyroid function, dwarfism, footpad disorders, nasal cavity tumors, and eczema German Shepherd Mix With Husky Food Recommendations In terms of its dietary needs, the strong and athletic Husky German Shepherd Mix requires a high-protein diet. Provide a diet that is rich in essential vitamins and minerals. Be careful with foods that contain common allergens such as lamb and egg Give your dog supplements depending on the age of the mix. German Shepherd Mixes are picky eaters, so look for a brand that matches the needs of your dog and try to stick with it. These dogs have a high risk for digestive diseases. So, you must ask your vet for recommendations. The first step is to provide them with balanced nutrition by making sure you opt for best dry dog food, which you can also find in Wellness Core Dog Food , Dog For Dog Food , or Nutra Thrive dog food supplement. Prior to making any change in their diet plan, consult with your vet. If your buddy is older, try to get any formula from the best senior dry dog food list that will help extend their lifespan. Puppy pups have a bit different diet requirements and you can find the top-quality food for your little companions in the best puppy food brands list. Their parents are working dogs, so they have unparalleled energy and can engage in physical activities without getting tired. What they need is a regular exercise to maintain and improve their strength and endurance. Your dog needs some off-leash time. Dog parks and fenced yards are great places for this. A Husky mixed with German Shepherd that is free to play stays happy. Playing also mentally stimulates the dog. They will increasingly become frustrated and use their intelligence to do naughty things around your house: digging up, chewing on furniture and other things, non-stop howling, and trying to escape. What stimulation or exercise your dogs need depends upon their motivation and temperament. German Shepherd and Husky Mix Training Suggestions A fairly intelligent breed interested in learning and in caring for their owner, a German Shepherd and Husky Mix is relatively easy to train. Not properly trained, these dogs can acquire habits that make the owners clench their teeth pull their hair out. From howling too much to knocking things over to chewing on shoes, there are many things you must keep your dog from doing. A German Shepherd and Husky Mix is very sensitive to vocal commands, making the training process more efficient and much easier. Start obedience training at an early age to prevent annoying habits from developing, and so that you and your pup both can live a happy life together. However, it has a predatory nature, and without proper socialization or training, it might get inro trouble with rodent-type pets or even cats. They can also be extremely overprotective of children and other members of the family. If they feel that the humans they love are in danger, they may attack strangers, so watch them for this kind of behavior. We all know that every dog is unique, so you must socialize them correctly to prevent any untoward incidents. Known to be intelligent and extremely loyal, the German Shepherd Husky Mix is a fun loving, sweet, and pleasant dog. It is great service or companion dog for the family. Getting a dog with a Siberian Husky or a German Shepherd descent can break the bank for many first-time owners. Lucky for them, the Siberian Husky German Shepherd is a relatively affordable dog. Be warned, though. Proper breeding costs a lot of money when it comes to veterinary care, health screening, vaccinations, flea treatments, deworming, and many other procedures to ensure that the puppy is healthy. But some of the larger dogs are also being cross-bred. The Gerberian Shepsky is one of those new mixes, Lilly, 46lbs at 18 months. The result is often striking, a large, thick-coated dog with piercing blue or brown or one of each eyes. Personality traits of Shepherd-Husky mixes can be difficult to predict, as these dogs can have any percentage of the best or worst of either breed. For this reason, training mixed breeds can be a challenge, especially in the case of the Shepherd-Husky , which blends two very dominant and assertive breeds. Zeus, A Husky-Shepherd Mix Puppy Socializing the Shepard-Husky Mix Because both German Shepherds and Huskies have very high prey-drives, you will need to socialize your mix at a young age to ensure that other animals—or people—are not seen as prey to them. Socializing essentially means teaching your puppy to play well with others—friendly to people and other animals, without displaying any signs of aggression or fear. If possible, this process should begin prior to 12 weeks of age. Shepherd-Husky puppies should meet as many people and animals as possible before this time. Take your puppy to supervised play dates with other puppies, adult dogs, and friendly cats. Respond to any inappropriate behavior, such as growling or biting , by immediately removing your puppy from the area and the other animal. Reward good, gentle play behavior with positive reinforcement -a friendly voice and a pat on the head. If possible, feed your puppy together with other dogs or cats so that they do not become food aggressive. In addition to learning to play correctly with other animals, your Shepherd-Husky mix should also learn to play nicely with adults and children. While your puppy is going through socialization training you should have guests of all ages over to your home as often as possible. Encourage your visitors to pet your puppy, pick them up, play with them, and talk to them, just as you would. Give visitors high-value treats to distribute so that new people are associated with good things. If done on a regular basis, your Shepherd-Husky puppy should grow up to be a friendly, well-adjusted adult dog. This does not mean inflicting corporal punishment on your dog—you should take the alpha role in a non-threatening, non-aggressive way. Let them know that they can trust you to manage situations. Never leave them to eat freely. Food should be set down for meal times, and removed once your dog is finished eating. If there are other humans in your home, each one should take turns feeding so that your Shepherd-Husky understands that everyone has access to his food. Never force this! Another idea is to gently place your hand on the back of his knees to help guide them forward, allowing his slowly go into a sit. Repeat this each time your dog responds to your command. Leash-free dog parks are not recommended for this breed, no matter how well-trained and well-behaved your Sheperd-Husky is. Accidents happen, and breed-profiling is prevalent, so chances are that your dog will not be given the benefit of the doubt in cases of bites or nips. Keeping your pup on a leash will keep playmate dogs, your dog and other humans safe. If your pooch is not allowed on the furniture, this means all the time. Any lull in enforcing this will result in your Shepherd-Husky testing the boundaries even further. Your dog should understand that you are his leader, and that all good things come from you, but will also be taken away by you if proper behavior is not shown. Un-doing — bad habits or some aggressive behaviors if left for too long can be extremely difficult, so taking the time to get professional training for your dog may be the best option. Whether you pick up on dog training techniques easily or require the assistance of a professional, socialization and obedience training are important parts of responsible Shepherd-Husky ownership. If done early and properly, your dog will be a well-behaved, friendly, and trust-worthy companion. We recommend this amazingly durable toy for your Husky-Shep, and feeding them a balanced healthy diet! While herding dogs were being bred in Germany throughout the 19th century, the first formally recognized German Shepherd was registered by Max von Stephanitz in .The dog, named Horand von Grafrath, was the result of several generations of selective breeding to create a working dog ideal for herding sheep. The German Shepherd has a very forceful bite, and they are often mischaracterized as aggressive and likely to harm humans. However, while German Shepherds are responsible for a large number of canine attacks on humans, this is largely due to their popularity as pets and how abundant they are rather than any natural, breed-specific aggression. German Shepherds are actually considered great family pets, and they are known to be very good with children, though they can also be somewhat overprotective. .The Siberian Husky, in contrast, comes from Northeastern Asia where they were bred by the Chukchi people of Siberia to pull sleds. The result is an active breed with a lot of endurance that just loves to run. These dogs do very well in cold climates, and they were introduced to Alaska around as part of the Alaskan Nome Gold Rush. While you will still find these dogs working in some frozen terrains, they are now popular household pets. While they are energetic, friendly, and excellent with children, they are also troublemakers if not trained and socialized properly. They enjoy digging, chewing, jumping, and generally escaping any kind of confined space. Both dogs are of a similar size and have a wolf-like appearance, which is part of what made them prime candidates for crossbreeding. What Are Crossbred Dogs? It is worth noting that crossbred dogs, sometimes called designer dogs, are dogs that have been intentionally bred by mixing two or more recognized breeds. It is not a term for dogs bred accidentally or without purebred ancestors. However, crossbred dogs are not recognized as separate breeds in their own right, so their behavior and characteristics are not as predictable as purebred dogs. One of the advantages of purebred dogs is that it is relatively easy to predict their size, appearance, and temperament. Gerberian Shepsky Appearance As both German Shepherds and Siberian Huskies are medium-sized dogs with a wolf-like appearance, you can expect similar traits from their offspring. German Shepherds tend to be considered medium-to-large-sized dogs. Males typically measure 24 to 26 inches in height at the withers, and the females are usually a bit smaller at 22 to 24 inches. However, both sexes tend to look bigger than other dogs of a similar height, as they have very long necks. Siberian Huskies are a bit smaller, measuring between 19 and 24 inches and weighing between 35 and 60 pounds on average. The females are at the smaller end of the spectrum, and the males are at the larger end. As a result, you can expect Shepskies to be around the smaller range for German Shepherds, with males ranging from 22 to 25 inches and females ranging from 20 to 24 inches in height. When it comes to their weight, males tend to be between 50 to 80 pounds, while females weigh a bit less at 40 to 70 pounds. Shepsky puppies tend to have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, with pointed ears and long noses inherited from both parents. Their eyes will either be brown or blue, and some individuals might have the distinctive dual eye color often associated with huskies. Both parent breeds have a coat ideal for colder climates, so this is something that can be expected from their offspring. They typically have a dual coat with a dense, soft undercoat and another layer of more durable guard hairs on top. As German Shepherds can have either medium-to-long outer coats, the same is true of their Gerberian Shepsky offspring. They are almost never one solid color and will almost always be a mix of at least two different colors. One thing you can expect from all Shepsky coats is that they will be high shedding. Anyone with an allergy to dog hair should be wary about adopting a Shepsky! Gerberian Shepsky Temperament German Shepherds are highly intelligent dogs, and they are also highly motivated to please, which makes them one of the most trainable dog breeds out there. This quality is also why they are such good working dogs. Siberian Huskies are also very intelligent, but they are far more independent. They have been bred to make challenging decisions while running across dangerous arctic territories, so problem-solving is a necessary skill. As a result, while your Shepsky will almost certainly be a very intelligent dog, they might be a bit more troublesome to train than a German Shepherd. Alternatively, they might choose to entertain themselves by digging or chewing. Both breeds were created to spend a lot of time with humans, with Huskies often staying indoors with their families for warmth. This means they tend to bond quickly with their people and are very good with smaller family members though very small children should never be left unsupervised with any dog. While German Shepherds tend to have guard dog-like protective instincts, Huskies are pack animals and enjoy the company of other dogs. So, it is difficult to predict whether your Shepsky crossbreed will display more alpha-like behavior or be more submissive and play well with other pets. Remember, proper socialization training can go a long way when it comes to ensuring that they play well with others regardless of their temperament. Neither parent breed tends to bark excessively, but your Shepsky will get vocal if they want to alert you to a threat. Huskies tend to howl rather than bark, so keep in mind you might end up with a Shepsky with an adorable howl that may disturb the neighbors. If you do find yourself with a barker, read our guide on dealing with excessive or nuisance barking. Overall, expect your dog to be high energy, combining the herding instinct of a German Shepherd with the running mandate of a Siberian Husky. Caring For A German Shepherd Husky Mix Shepskies tend to be highly trainable, so an experienced dog owner should be able to train them at home using basic positive reinforcement training. Shepskies do best when they have a large backyard where they can spend their energy. Remember, they can be escape artists, which means they need a space that is securely fenced. Fences at least six feet tall are recommended. In addition to having plenty of space, Shepskies need a lot of exercise. They should be taken outside at least twice a day for a minimum of minutes at a time. Dog parks where they can run around off-leash are ideal, as it lets them stretch their legs and burn off excess energy. Just make sure they have been properly socialized before letting them loose. They are not ideal pets for people who spend most of the week in the office or traveling for work. Expect your Shepsky to engage in destructive behavior when they are feeling the stress of abandonment. Shepskies tend to have fairly dry coats. Huskies do not have oily coats, and they will often pass this trait down to their crossbred children. Avoid excessive washing to prevent drying them out further. Regular brushing is advisable to remove shedding hair, since these dogs tend to shed a lot. This is both for their comfort and to make cleanup around the home a little more manageable for you. Shepsky Health Concerns Shepskies have a relatively long lifespan for dogs of their size, and you can expect them to live for around 10 to 14 years. Shepskies can develop joint conditions, particularly in their elbows and hips, which can lead to pain and discomfort moving as they age. Adequate exercise and an orthopedic bed that allows them to take the pressure off their joints are both useful tools in preventing these issues. This unique crossbreed can also be prone to developing eye conditions such as canine glaucoma, corneal dystrophy, juvenile cataracts, and progressive retinal atrophy. Losing at least some of their eyesight in later life is a common concern. German Shepherd Husky mixes are also slightly more susceptible to developing epilepsy than most other breeds, though the condition is still relatively rare. Medications exist to help manage this condition. This can be prevented with regular cleaning and maintenance. You might be able to find a Gerberian Shepsky in a local shelter to adopt for a small fee, or you can opt to find a dedicated Shepsky breeder. Do Gerberian Shepskies shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherd Husky mixes shed a lot, and there is no getting around it. Both parent breeds have a thick winter coat that is prone to shedding, so this is a common characteristic in their offspring. If you are looking for a medium-sized low shedding dog, consider something with the Poodle breed in the mix, such as a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle. Poodles have a low-shedding coat that they typically pass on to their crossbred offspring. Do German Shepherd Husky mixes smell? Many Huskies pass on their low-oil coat to their crossbred offspring. If you do adopt a Shepsky, remember not to bathe your dog too regularly. The lack of oil can make them prone to having dry skin, and excessive washing can exacerbate this problem. Do Shepskies get cold? Siberian Huskies were bred to deal with extreme cold, and German Shepherds also have a thick coat to deal with colder temperatures. This means their offspring are very well insulated against the cold, and you will almost never have to worry about them being uncomfortable in colder temperatures. Overheating, however, can be an issue, so always carry water when you go out. You will probably find that your Shepsky prefers to relax in cool, shady areas. What is an Alusky? This is a very popular designer breed, as they often have distinctive black and white patterning as well as an overall wolf-like appearance. What dog breeds are commonly mixed with Huskies? As well as German Shepherds, you will find a number of other dog breeds that make a good mix with a Husky. The Verdict On Shepskies If you are looking for a fun and energetic dog that will make a great addition to a boisterous and adventurous family, then a German Shepherd Husky mix can be a great choice. Shepskies are very family-friendly pets that are loyal and highly trainable, but they also need lots of love and attention to keep them healthy and happy. They have a distinctive wolf-like appearance, but are far from aggressive and are generally very good with children. However, they are known for their delightful wolf-like howl. Remember that crossbreed dogs are always somewhat unpredictable in their appearance and temperament, so ensure that you meet the dog you plan on adopting first before deciding whether to add them to your family. Shepskies are best for people who have quite a bit of space for their dog to play and usually have someone to keep them company at home. You will enjoy training your Shepsky yourself if you have a bit of experience with dogs, but steer clear if you have allergies, as they are big shedders! Do you have any experience raising a German Shepherd Husky mix? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.

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golden labrador puppy for sale near me - Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. Print We recently brought home Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to train her and raise her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. That means Bubba will be with for almost a year and a half. We train one or two of these puppies each year, and over the years we have gotten pretty good at it. We also train adult dogs for hunting and competition, so we see a lot of dogs come into our program. Dogs that have each been raised differently. There are some definite training tips that can help you help your lab grow up to be the best version of himself. Training and socialization for very young Labrador puppies — week one The first week of a puppy being away from its litter is very stressful for the puppy. Most often, the first two days, the puppy will sleep a lot! The pup is adjusting to all the changes, and they need time to do that. After the first couple days you may notice a spike of energy. This is your sign that the puppy is adjusting well and is ready to be exposed to a few more things. Labrador puppy training that first week home Here are the things we work on during week one. A nylon adjustable one is usually best since puppies grow quickly. It often takes the puppy a few days to adjust to having a collar on. Intro crate We introduce our puppies to a crate on day one. Literally the day we bring them home. Most puppies will cry, bark or howl while in the crate the first few or many times. Ignore it, it does not hurt the puppy at all. Always wait until the puppy settles down and is quiet, even if that quiet only lasts for just a minute or two. Learn more about crate training. Intro to housebreaking Another day one lesson and one that will last for a few weeks or months. We introduce housebreaking day one by allowing the puppy to run around an enclosed area under close supervision. If your puppy then goes potty outside, great! The thing to remember about housebreaking, is that your puppy should never be allowed to roam the house or a room without supervision. The only way to housebreak a dog is for them to get caught in the middle of an accident. That is how they learn that what they are doing is not right. Learn more about housebreaking. Intro leash We introduce a leash to our puppies around day three of being home. But once they start getting more energy and get more inquisitive, we use a Flexi-lead attached to the nylon collar to take the puppy outside. This accomplishes two goals. The gentle tugs on the leash and pressure when the puppy strains against the leash are great training for handling pressure as they get older. Intro to pressure and correction The last thing we introduce to our new puppy during the first week home is pressure and correction. This is an often-missing element to training that can severely handicap a dog that you want to be a hunting companion or competition dog. The kind of pressure I am talking about is very mild such as saying NO to the puppy when they are chewing up your shoes or scratching through the carpet. This is the way mama dogs carry their puppies and it does not hurt them at all. This does not hurt the puppy; it is exactly what a mama dog does to teach her puppies. Learn more about introducing pressure and correction. Commands to start using that first week home The first week there are some commands we start using so that the puppy will associate the words we use with actions. Puppies play and explore with their mouths, and often they will think it is great fun to bite your hands and feet. If this does not curb the behavior, I grab her lower jaw, wrapping her gums around her teeth and squeeze. I have found this to be very effective, especially if you start this the first week you have the puppy home. The longer you wait to start, the harder it becomes to stop this behavior. It takes very little pressure to stop a 7-week-old puppy from biting. Learn more about how to stop your Lab puppy from biting you. Off command The OFF command is also started day one. The OFF command is used to stop a puppy or dog from jumping on you. It can also be used to keep a dog off a sofa or other furniture. Starting day one, I gently use my knee to push down the puppy each time they jump on me. I say OFF when I do this. Usually, a gentle push with the knee is all it takes with a very small puppy. They learn this command very quickly. If your puppy is a bit more energetic or stubborn and tries to jump on you despite your gentle pushes, then you may need to use a little more force. Even if you were to knock your puppy backwards onto her back, that is not going to hurt her seriously. But it will likely make a good impression and cause her to think twice before jumping on you again. With jumping, consistency is important. You must knock your puppy off every time she jumps on you. Learn more about how to stop your Lab from jumping on you. We use this as a que when we are taking the puppy outside to go potty. We use this while the puppy is on a leash, and we are pulling them toward us. I only use this command for very young dogs. Your goal is to get the puppy to rest in your arms and not move. But if you keep at it, you will see your dog settle for longer and longer periods of time. Introduction to retrieving Lastly, since all our puppies are retrievers, we start introducing the puppy to retrieving. The first few times are simply throwing a toy a few feet and if the puppy runs out and gets it and comes back to you, great. Then take the item and throw it again. If the puppy does not come back or does not even run out to get the item, then stop for the day. Just let the retrieving develop naturally. Next week we will start more formal retrieving training. Final thoughts on what you should do that first week with your new Labrador puppy As you can see, there is a lot of training that you can do with your seven- or eight-week-old puppy. And while you can wait for training, your puppy is ready and able to learn quickly right now. I will be posting weekly on the training we are doing with Bubba, so you can get a week-by-week snapshot of how we raise and train a puppy up to be a excellent, responsive hunting or competition dog as well as a well-mannered family dog. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Quiet nights and crate training. This article will take you through everything you need to know, from what to buy, to how to help your pup settle in on his first day and night. Bringing a Puppy Home Bringing home a new 8 or 9 week old puppy is a potentially stressful experience for you and the pup. Of course, it will be better if you have been able to visit your puppy regularly before collecting him. But for most people, time and distance make this an unlikely option. Everything he sees, smells and hears, in your home will seem very strange to him at first. Fortunately, most puppies leave their mother and siblings at an age when they will readily accept their new friends and family. In a few days time, he will have settled in and accepted your home as his, and your family as his own. Holding Your Puppy The first thing to master when bringing home a new puppy is holding them the right way. This is the most comfortable position for puppies. But if you have had a long car journey, the first thing your puppy will need is to pee! Carry him in your arms to the area you want him to use for toilet purposes, and put him down there. Your first steps in potty training have begun. Maintaining Regular Bathroom Breaks Puppies vary widely in how often they need to empty their bladder. Some may last an hour or more from day one, whilst others seem to need to go every 15 minutes or so. During the course of the day, take the puppy to the toilet area at regular intervals half hourly at least to begin with. In addition, take him there every time he finishes a meal or wakes from a sleep. Set an alarm on your cell phone to remind you. Many Labrador puppies are very greedy and will eat astonishing quantities of food. New puppies are especially prone to upset tummies. The new environment and the stress of leaving home all add to the risk. You can reduce that risk by feeding little and often. If you want to change diets, do this gradually once the puppy has settled in. How often to feed Four times a day is the minimum number of feeds for an 8 week old puppy. Five or even six portions are better for a puppy with an upset tummy. Remember that the daily quantity is the same. More portions means smaller portions. If you get this right, there will be little or nothing left to put in the bowl when mealtimes come around You can find out more about using puppy food in training games by joining our Puppy Parenting course Meeting the Kids Bringing home a new puppy is an exciting time for all the family. For much of the first day, your puppy will probably be cuddled and admired. Kids should also be aware of safety precautions, such as learning to let the pup be if he seems uncomfortable. Some older dogs will play too roughly with a puppy. Others will growl and appear to reject the puppy at first. These are normal reactions but they do indicate that you are going to need to keep a close eye on things for a while. A baby gate or other barrier is a perfect way to keep a puppy from annoying the resident dog or cat while they adjust to the newcomer. As the day draws to a close, your thoughts will turn to night time, and getting your puppy to sleep! Or he howls the house down either constantly or intermittently throughout the night. There are two approaches to choosing where a puppy sleeps for those first few nights. One is to get him used to his permanent sleeping quarters right from the start. The other is to have him next to your bed until he has got over his homesickness usually three or four days. And if you keep going back, the howling may well increase. Leaving a puppy to cry alone in a strange house is also probably very distressing for the puppy and not a great way to start their new life. But we recommend having the puppy next to your bed for the first three nights. This reduces the risk of getting into an increasing spiral of night howling or having your puppy miserable for the first week. Just pop his blankets in there and put the box right next to where you sleep. Night waking Most 8 week old puppies wake in the night to pee for the first week or so. But the first few days is a time for settling your puppy in, building their confidence and avoiding bad habits such as whining or howling, getting started The best way to meet all those goals, is to keep your puppy very close to you until their homesickness has passed. Bonding with your puppy Your main objective now is to bond with your puppy. Spend lots of time with your puppy. Make him feel at home. Pay him a lot of attention when he is quiet, fuss and praise him when he pees outside. Once he has settled in, there will be plenty of time to think about crate training and learning manners, but for now just enjoy his Labrador puppy loveliness, and that scrummy new puppy smell. It will be gone all too soon, replaced by a bouncing, boisterous, and joyful friend who all too often smells of pond water. What you are doing is establishing good habits, which will last a lifetime. What About Crate Training? A quality dog crate is an excellent source of help with potty-training. But a puppy should not be left inside a crate for longer than his immature bladder can hold its contents. For some puppies, this is not very long at all. Socialization is a big part of bringing home a new puppy. This is the process we take puppies through, to make sure they are comfortable with all aspects of living in human society. For instance, dogs need to be confident around things like vehicles and machines. They should be happy to meet people of all different shapes and sizes and to go boldly wherever people want to take them. A confident dog is not just a happy dog; he is a safe dog. Socializing also means taking your puppy out and about. Naturally, many worry about exposing a not-yet-fully vaccinated puppy to the risk of infection. Yes you can! If you use modern dog training methods, you can get going right after bringing home a new puppy! In the first week puppy training is based on a series of fun games. So that your puppy will be learning without even realising. The games you play should lay foundations for future good behavior, teaching your puppy not snatch, to say please, to focus on you, to love their crate, to wear a harness or collar and to run towards you rather than away from you. A lot of people worry about whether or not to take a puppy to classes, and some are unable to do so. But there is a great deal you can do at home by yourself. You can avoid this by getting off to a great start with recall training in the very first week. The video below will help you. And never chase after a puppy. Puppy recall training starts right after bringing home a new puppy. Build an association between the act of running towards you and the sound of the recall word or whistle. If you call the puppy and he does not come, you will have begun to teach him that the recall command is optional. Check out our puppy recall training video to give you an idea of how easy it is to build this a good association if you start off in the right way. You can find out more about building a great recall from the beginning in Total Recall. But for now, in these first few days at home together, make sure no one calls the puppy to them. When they want him, they can simply pick him up. If he runs away, all they need to do is run in the opposite direction and he will come chasing after them. For the first few days after bringing home a new puppy, focus on bonding and helping him to feel safe. Consider having your puppy next to your bed for the first few nights. This will comfort him while he is feeling homesick and missing his mom and playmates. Expect to get up in the night to take your puppy out to pee for at least the first couple of weeks. Set a reminder to avoid teaching your puppy to cry for your attention. During his daytime naps, dive into the feeding, potty training, and obedience training guides mentioned in this article, and head over to the forum for support from our other readers, many of whom have been where you are now, and come safely out the other side! If you want help choosing an adorable puppy name, make sure you take a look at this article too! However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Crate training , potty training , and learning to settle at night and will all begin in earnest at 8 weeks. Is your 8 week old puppy driving you crazy? Puppies, like babies, can be hard work. Not to mention annoying, and frustrating! But hang on in there. Chances are, you are sleep deprived, and your life has been turned upside down too. Many of the problems that arise with a new baby puppy, are easily resolved with just a little help. And looking after your puppy with diarrhea is no fun. Which he will, because Labrador puppies are always hungry! You have to ration out his food for him. You need to know how much your puppy needs to eat in a 24 hour period, and then divide that amount between at least 4 meals. First night with puppy Your 8 week old puppy should not sleep in or on your bed. Bed sharing with new puppies is too dangerous. He might fall off, and is likely to leave little puddles on your mattress and carpet. Later on you can bed share with your dog if you want to, but not right now, at least not unless you puppy proof the room and sleep on the floor. Your 8 week old puppy should not be free to roam the house at night. There is so much potential for harm. Even if you only sleep for six hours or so, there is a great deal of mischief your puppy can get up to in that time. So, the three main options that work well for 8 week old puppies are described next First night options for an 8 week old puppy Here are those three alternative sleeping arrangement for the first few nights Safe sleeping area Sturdy box or crate next to your bed 1 The puppy safe sleeping area Just before you go to bed and after taking your outside to empty himself, you can put the puppy to bed in a puppy proof room with a washable floor. Or you can put his bed inside a large puppy playpen. Put plenty of newspaper or puppy pads down to cover most of the floor. On the other hand you WILL have to get up in the night. Which option is best? It may also result in vomiting and diarrhea for your pup, and a lot of clearing up for you. It might seem irrational to you, but there are good reasons for your puppy to be scared. If asked to sleep alone on the first night in their new home, they usually cry. For a surprisingly long time. Unless you live in a mansion, you will be able to hear him. And so will your neighbors. The best way around this, is to have the puppy sleep next to you for the first few nights as described in Option 3 above. New puppies learn very quickly. Whilst initial crying is the result of fear or loneliness, puppies they soon discover that crying gets them attention. How much do puppies sleep? Your 8 week old puppy will spend around 18 to 20 hours asleep out of every .But dogs continue to sleep for long periods throughout their lives. Sleeping often and deeply is normal for an 8 week old puppy. This is nothing to worry about if your puppy is energetic and playful when awake, eating and growing well, and seems healthy in every other respect Potty training your 8 week old puppy. Potty training your 8 week old Labrador puppy can start on the very first day. A few new puppies can last six or seven hours at night without a wee. But many cannot do this until they are around ten weeks old. If you crate your puppy at night, expect to get up in the middle night and take your puppy outside for a wee, for up to two weeks. If you opt to leave your puppy at night with puppy pads or newspaper, expect it to take a little longer than this before you come down to a nice clean floor each morning. Getting up earlier for a while is a given with an 8 week old puppy. Puppies pee much more frequently often the day. Some new puppies can last an hour or so between wees, but again, many cannot. If you are going back to work, or want to leave your puppy for three to four hours before he is five or six months old, and you want to crate train, you need to arrange for someone else to take care of him during the day. Even for this short period of time. An 8 week old puppy should not be left in a crate for hours at a time during the day. The secret to success in crate training a new puppy lies in getting good habits established from the start. And this means getting that puppy outside to his toilet area, whenever his little bladder is getting full. Your puppy will quickly become comfortable with you disappearing for a few minutes if you reliably return. But too much isolation is a common cause of noisy or destructive behavior. Puppies need company. Older puppies may cope happily with being left for up to four hours, but even an adult Labrador may become distressed or destructive if left alone for a full working day on a regular basis. Labradors are very sociable dogs and they need to have people around them. No matter how many walks he gets at the weekend. Puppies biting Most people know that puppies nip when teething. Despite learning early bite inhibition from their mother and littermates, puppies continue this spikey behavior when you bring them home. Destructive puppy behavior Your 8 week old puppy will chew, gnaw and dig around the home. It can be quite a shock to discover just how destructive a Labrador can be, both indoors and out, especially if left unsupervised for long periods of time. Expect your puppy to destroy anything he can get in his mouth. Indoors and out. Some even chew the skirting boards, rip plaster from the walls, and tear up carpets in their homes. Supervision, playpens and puppy crates will help keep your home in tact during the destructive phase. Puppies running off 8 week old puppies need time off leash. Tiny puppies have an automatic response with means that they follow people around. This response disappears by the time the puppy is around four or five months old. Labradors are retrieving dogs. They love to hunt and follow scent trails. Expect that an older puppy will want to explore away from you and get that off lead recall established well before he is six months old. Expect that an older puppy will stray further and further away on walks if you are too predictable and just traipse along behind him. Teach him to follow you and not the other way around. What we expect from an 8 week old puppy We expect an awful lot from our tiny puppies. Both when they are still very small, and then as they grow bigger. Some of our expectations are simply not in line with the way puppies think and behave. Cuddles We expect that puppies will enjoy being cuddled. Sometimes they do, mostly they are just being polite. TIP: Wait for your puppy to stop wriggling before you place him on the floor or he will wriggle harder next time! A fun friend for children We expect that our children will be able to play with a new puppy, but small puppies often bite and wriggle too much for little ones to enjoy them. Those pleasures tend to come later TIP: Use baby gates to give toddlers and puppies space apart from one another Success and quick results We expect that the efforts we put in to housetraining will be rewarded, that the puppy will listen to what we say. But potty training and obedience training take time. Your 8 week old puppy will have accidents in the house to begin with and needs your help to understand what you want him to do next. As he grows, we expect our puppy to return our love and affection, to respect us, be loyal, and obedient. And he will be, in time. Nor had we anticipated just how depressing it would be to clear up puppy pee and poop every time we get up in the morning, or return home from a quick shopping trip. But they are common reasons for people to become disenchanted with their furry companion. One of our aims here on The Labrador Site is to help close this gap between expectations and reality. So that puppies go into their new homes, and stay there for the rest of their lives. And most of the problems described above can be avoided or passed through without too much pain, if you have the right information! And a little preparation. You can do this if you are ready. Much puppy naughtiness is linked to over-excitement. Focus on being calm around your puppy, and read up on how to train your puppy effectively. The considered and appropriate use of a crate and baby gates, is a great way to prevent conflict between puppies and their families. Confinement is not a substitute for companionship and training though, and of course it is very important to be sure you have enough time in your life for a Labrador, before going ahead and getting that lovely puppy. Do check out our article: are you ready for a Labrador , before you take the plunge.

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golden labrador puppy for sale near me - Amazon, amazon. Promising review: "I've used these poop bags for years. We have a pug and have fostered pugs. It's the only brand we use. Pet odor and stain remover for pets to clean up after your pug. This cleaner helps get rid of stains, odors and residue left behind accidents your pet may have around the house. It's safe to use around pets and children. She hasn't 'sneaky tinkled' anywhere since using this product. Pleasant scent as well. Will re-order. A Barkbox two-in-one toy that'll stand up to even the most destructive doggos. After your pup is tired of playing with the outer pineapple, they'll find a smaller one inside of it for even more play time. Amazon Promising review: "This immediately became one of my pug's favorites. He can be a destructive little beast and loves to eviscerate his toys but has hardly made a dent in this one despite his best efforts. Wrinkle paste to keep your pug's wrinkles feeling itch-free and cute as can be. Use this paste for tear stains and tail pockets, too. We have bathed, used medicated wipes and honestly, nothing lasted for more than 12 hours and then the stink was back. I work at a veterinary office so I tried pretty much every appropriate option. I saw this product while browsing and thought the name was cute and then I saw the great reviews and thought maybe we should try it out. This stuff is a miracle! I have applied a small amount daily to her face folds and the stank is gone. She also appreciates that the product is not scented. I am so happy! Glad for Pets carbon training pads that'll absorb moisture from accidents and eliminate odor while you work on house training your smush-faced cutie. Use these in your pug's crate or around the house. Promising review: Great absorption, easy cleanup. For some reason, the dogs tend to use this brand much more reliably than any other puppy pads. I have two pugs and these pads can hold a lot of liquid before leaking. Milk-Bone beef-flavored dog treats made with real bone marrow so good, even the pickiest pugs will enjoy them. Promising review: "Perfect size for my pug, and he loves these little treats! A medicated shampoo to help sooth your pug's itchy skin and get them squeaky clean. This shampoo will help get rid of rashes, greasy skin, or bacterial infections on your dog's skin. His diet had not changed and he had not gotten into anything that would have caused a skin irritation. After our older dog passed away, he started having these itchy spots a few weeks later so it may be stressed related, if that's even possible! He seemed to be miserable so I found this and decided to try it instead of spending a bunch of money at the vet's office. After two washes, his itchy spots were gone. It's now four months later and the itchy spots have not returned. I'm so glad I tried this product before going to the vet. It's great and it really works. Greenies treats for when your pug's breath needs to be freshened up. Just give them a Greenie to chew on and they'll have fresh breath and clean teeth by the time they finish it. My new puppy did not care for them at first, but has since come around and followed in her sister's footsteps and runs into her crate to get one. A super quiet professional nail grinder to use when it starts sounding like your pug is tap dancing on the floor with their long nails. This one has two speeds and three ports so it'll work on any size dog. The stay at home order had me faced with trimming nails by myself. I decided to try a grinder. The research led me to this one. Not too loud. Easy to handle and clean. Strong enough motor. I started out slow and would just do no longer than five seconds of pressure on the grinder at a time. The grinding also leaves the nail smoother than a clip. Saving money and now that the nail is the correct length I just need to maintain the nail. A really great purchase. A life jacket for when your pug decides to go for a dip. It's waterproof and has a neck float to make sure your furry friend keeps their head above water when swimming. The chin rest is the best part- neither of them had been swimming before and neither of them had too much trouble. The handles on the back make it very easy to put them into and out of the water as well as guide them as they swim. An adjustable gate to keep your pug from going where they shouldn't. Just use this gate to block off the areas of your home where you don't them to venture! Promising review: "I bought three of these gates and they are perfect for keeping my pug on the balcony, out of the kitchen, and out of my mom's room. It is very sturdy, easy to install, and easy to open. I wish the door went both ways and had a larger opening but the low price makes up for the small inconvenience. I definitely recommend for pets. A maximum strength joint supplement in chewable tablet form, because it'll help your pug get their groove back. Promising review: "I've had my 8-year-old pug on this brand for about five months now, what with her beginning to show a few warning signs for arthritis setting in, and I can absolutely say she's done terrific with them. She's nimble, capable of leaping up and down places I'd prefer she NOT sometimes she gets so excited, she forgets to use her stairs , and has always loved the flavor. And to date, she's certainly suffered no ill side effects. Blue Buffalo dog food that'll give your dog all the proteins and carbs it's a chicken and brown rice recipe! Promising review: "I decided to do a taste test with my dog. I put a little bit of her Iams dog food on one plate and then on another plate I put Blue Buffalo food, which she had never tried before She sat about 3 feet away waiting for my signal. She proceeded to eat the Blue Buffalo dog food first. This indicates a clear preference for Blue Buffalo. So we are now switching to a better quality premium dog food. It costs more, but our dog is family. Greenies Pill Pockets for when you need to trick your pug into taking their medication. Simply pop a pill into the pocket, squeeze it to seal, and that's it! My pug has figured out how to remove pills from peanut butter, bacon, yogurt, wet dog food, and other treats. Wellness puppy training treats flavored with lamb and salmon to help get your pug trained in no time. Thanks to the bite size and softness, I can break into smaller pieces for training purposes. My pug Rex has been able to use the pad for potty training because he knows he will get a small treat. Zesty Paws allergy immune supplement to help if your poor little pug has itchy skin, hot spots, or seasonal allergies. Give them one of these daily to support their immune and digestive issues. One jar includes 90 supplements. Promising review:. Leashes There are two types of leashes to have: 1 - Short, soft-handled leash. This is perfect for when you are housebreaking your Pug, as a method to tether your pup to you. The short 4 or 6 foot length keeps your Pug very close, and the soft handle allows you to slip this over your wrist or slip in through your belt loop. For every day use. With this, you are able to adjust the length depending on what the situation. For walks, keep it short. When taking your Pug out to the bathroom, allow more length. Recommended leashes are below. Please note that if you are using a blocker, images may not show. And if you are on a mobile phone, you may need to turn your screen horizontal to see all 4 items in the grouping. A collar puts pressure on the neck; a harness displaces pressure across the stronger chest, shoulders, and back. You may wish to have a collar for ID purposes; if so, be sure it is a break-away collar. Read more about why a harness is best for a Pug or look below for recommended harnesses and a break-away collar. Beds One of the biggest reasons to get your Pug his own bed is to help create the right set up for when your puppy or dog is home alone. Separation anxiety is a very common issue with this breed since there is such a tight bond between Pug and human. A big part of helping a Pug deal with isolation is to offer what will be perceived as a safe den. Dogs that are left to roam full rooms or the entire house often struggle more with loneliness. When a Pug is in a canine playpen see also: Playpens and within that has his own bed, this offers a secure feeling of having a den, which is an innate, basic canine instinct that automatically makes a dog feel safer. In addition, there are other important benefits including proper support ;this is vital for this breed since the Pug is prone to hip and back issues. You'll want beds to be made with quality memory foam. The right bed can also help with breathing problems, as it allows a Pug to position his body and head to keep breathing passages open. Body Care Items General Upkeep There are certain grooming tasks that need to be done regularly on your Pug; if not, all sorts of issues can occur: Wipe the wrinkles - Pugs easily develop yeast infections in their wrinkles if they are not cleaned on a regular basis. We recommend wiping the wrinkles every day with a hypo-allergenic grooming wipe. Paw wax - Apply a paw wax once a week. This will help protect against hot walking surfaces in the summer, slippery frozen surfaces in the winter as well as prevent 'snowballing' which is when snow freezes between a dog's toes, and to keep the paws in good shape. Nose balm - A Pug's nose can get chapped in the winter, or suffer from sun exposure in the summer. A nose balm or butter can protect the nose, and also heal drying, peeling, chapping, or cracking. Body wipes - Grooming wipes for the body allows you a quick way to keep your Pug clean in between baths. If your Pug has allergies to pollen or airborne allergens, wipe your Pug each time he comes back inside. If your Pug tends to have urine splatter up, or tiny bits of feces that stick to the rear end, a canine tushie wipe can help quickly clean that area. Below are our recommended body care items. Medicated Body Care Products There may be times when your Pug has an issue that an over-the-counter medicated product can help with. It is always a good idea to check with the veterinarian if you are not sure of the diagnosis. Wrinkle infections - A wipe with chlorhexidine and ketoconazole can help cure both bacterial and yeast infections. Added aloe helps soothe sensitive skin. Ear infections - For Pugs that are prone to ear infections, the ears should be cleaned monthly, though a vet may recommend weekly. And to help cure ear infections, a liquid or powder ear cleanser can often remedy the issue. If the ears are super-itchy, a solution with hydrocortisone can bring relief. Below are our recommended wrinkle infection wipes, and ear cleansing solutions. Bowls Out of all of the supplies that you obtain for your Pug puppy or dog, you might think that choosing the bowl is one of the easiest tasks. However, not putting thought into this can bring about a host of issues. The wrong bowl can cause a Pug to have trouble eating, show the effects of contact reaction most often manifesting as discoloration to the nose , and even lead to dangerous bloat caused by eating or drinking too fast. The best bowls for a Pug are floor level, stainless steel, slow-feeder dishes, or alternatively, a floor level, stainless steel bowl with an added portion pacer ball. Read more about bowls for Pugs or look below for our top recommendations. Brushes Because Pugs have such thick coats, it's very important to use the right brushes that will reach down through all that fur. There are 3 times you'll be using a different sort of brush: 1 - For baths. The goal during baths is to remove debris, but also to remove accumulated body oils from the skin. Often, a bath brush is needed to reach through the fur to do this. If not, you'll just be skimming the surface of your puppy or dog. The goal with this high-shedding breed is to brush often, reach down to the skin to pull up dead hairs from way down deep, and with a brush hairs will cling to to pull them out of the coat. A grooming mitt is a great choice, since its super easy to use and most Pugs like how it feels. When your Pug is shedding like mad, it'll be time to get serious. For this, a de-shedding tool that is gentle yet completely wipes the coat of loose and dead hairs can save you and your home from becoming a shedding mess. Recommended bathing brushes, mitt, and de-shedding tools are below. Car Seat There are 2 extremely good reasons to have your Pug ride in a car seat, or use a canine safety belt: 1- To save your dog's life. And this is no exaggeration. There are over 16, car accidents every single day in the U. Most regular drivers will be involved in 3 accidents in their lifetime. If an accident occurs and a dog is not restrained, he will be thrown, it's just a matter of with how much force. In an accident at 35 MPH, a Pug that weighs 10 lbs. If the car is going 55 MPH, and a Pug weighs 20 lbs. Most likely. But, when a dog can see out of the windows and his body is secure and not swaying with every turn, acceleration, or deceleration, motion sickness is often prevented. The 1 recommended type of seat is a raised booster seat. A canine safety belt is another option, and while this will help keep a Pug in place to stop swaying, he won't be raised any higher. Note: For either type, the inner harness of the seat or the connector of the safety belt must be connected to a dog's harness , not a collar. This is vital to prevent serious neck injury. Read more about the importance of a car seat for a Pug or see below for recommendations. Cleaning Supplies There are a few things that fall under the category of cleaning supplies that you'll want to consider having: 1. Enzyme cleanser for pee or poo. Urine contains enzymes that will not be removed with regular soap and water. Though humans cannot pick up on these enzyme odors, dogs can. So, if a Pug pees in the house, and it is not cleaned in the right way, enzymes will be sending out a very strong signal that essentially says 'This is the bathroom area! And, not suprisingly, a dog will pee there again. So, an important step in cleaning any accidents, and to help stop territorial marking, is to use the right cleaner. In addition, this sort of product is fantastic with swiping away lingering odors of both urine and bowel movements. Even if you regularly brush your Pug, some hairs are bound to end up on your flooring, your furniture, and especially on your Pug's bed. Hairs get trapped in the weaves of fabric and can be hard to pull up. Poo bags. Most likely, you walk your Pug in an area that expects owners to clean up after their dogs. And if not, doing so is just plain good manners. One method of keeping poo bags with you is to use a nifty holder that clips to the leash. This way, there's nothing extra to carry. Our recommended enzyme cleaners, fur remover tools, and poo bag clip are below. Of course, a dog's fur helps keep him warm, but canines are not invincible; they get chilled just like we do. In fact, intolerance to the cold is one of the top reasons dogs are not exercised enough in the winter. Super-cold days can also interfere with a Pug being cooperative in going outside for bathroom needs. When a dog's core body back, flanks, belly is warm, this can help regulate all-over body temperature. For this reason, a vest or coat during harsh weather conditions can really help. For times that your Pug just needs a little something, a shirt or hoodie is the way to go. Read more about how clothing can help a Pug stay comfortable, or look below for recommendations for clothing that fits Pug puppies and dogs. Dental Care Items Why dental supplies? Far too many dogs suffer the terrible consequences of what happens if oral hygiene is ignored by owners. Yet, when you have just a few of the right items, it takes very little time to take care of this. What can happen: All around the clock, plaque is being produced. It is a very sticky substance that clings to teeth. Within just 3 days it starts to harden into tartar. At that point, it is much more difficult to remove. The plaque and tartar eats away at the enamel of the teeth, clawing its way below the gum line, and causing teeth to rot. This can lead to quite painful dental infections and will eventually cause a dog's teeth to loosen and then fall out. What to do: Chewing on toys helps to some degree; however, this by no means removes all of the plaque. You will want your Pug's vet to perform a yearly dental exam to check for any issues and to do a professional cleaning, if needed. At home, you can do your part by: Brushing your Pug's teeth once per day with a quality toothbrush and an effective paste. Since dogs swallow the paste, be sure to never use human products, and instead opt for a canine brand that has a flavor dogs love like chicken or vanilla. Please note that these do not have a foaming agent since it can cause dogs to choke. Use a spray. For dogs that strongly resist having their teeth brushed, another alternative is to use an effective dental spray. Use a water additive. This does NOT take the place of brushing or using a spray, but is a complementary method to help prevent issues. This is a flavorless supplement that is added to a dog's water and helps kill bacteria both in the bowl and in the mouth. Offer a daily dental treat. These are really fantastic tools to help your Pug's teeth stay clean and strong. Be sure to choose the variety that is right for your particular Pug. The 'Teenies' are for dogs 5 to 15 pounds. The 'Petites' are for dogs 15 to 25 pounds. Below are our recommended dental care items. Flea, Tick, and Mosquito Repellent It is very common for owners to be unsure of what is needed in this regard, or to be unaware of the consequences of not offering protection. These vary quite a bit. For example, Heartguard Plus does not do either of these. However, Revolution works to repel both fleas and American Dog Ticks. So, you will want to check the packaging on the heartworm meds that you are using on your Pug to see what it works for. Fleas are a top concern and even dogs living in very clean homes can easily catch these. Fleas can jump several feet from one dog to another, and also can be found living outside in various places that a dog may be walking through. Just one bite can cause a severe reaction with intense itching. And a full-out flea infestation can really take a toll on a dog. Also, if a dog has fleas, they are in the house as well; they like to burrow deep into carpeting, beds, and furniture. Ticks are a concern in just about every state in the U. While many go dormant in the winter, all it takes is a day or so without any snow, and they can wake up. Mosquitoes are another often overlooked concern. In the summer, dogs can get quite swarmed, and a few bites can cause irritating itching. It's best to steer clear of chemicals when you can. Many dogs have adverse reactions to pesticides and some even have fatal reactions. If your area does not have a severe tick threat, you may find that an all-natural product works very well. Food and Snacks The food that you choose to give to your Pug for both meals and snacks will have a huge effect on your dog; both short term and long term. You'll want to choose all natural, wholesome foods that do NOT contain artificial flavoring, coloring dyes, or synthetic preservatives. While these sorts of things are bad for all dogs, the Pug breed in particular is sensitive to these chemicals. You'll also want to avoid high grain content, corn, and soy, since dogs can be allergic to these. Wheat - but very rarely rice, also is a top concern. Steer clear of by-products and generic meats or oils. When you feed your Pug the right food, he'll look healthy and feel healthy; this has a major effect on how he'll feel each day and his health well into the future. Read more about Pug feeding guidelines that includes timing, common issues, and more, or check out the details regarding which snacks are best for a Pug , or look below for our top 2 recommended kibbles and top 2 treats. Note that the Wellness has two recipes, for puppies and for adults. Once your Pug reaches 1 year old, make the switch to adult food. For treats, choose dry treats for snacks given in between meals, and moist treats for giving rewards. Also please note that if you are using a blocker, images may not show. Fur Loss Help When there is a thinning coat or bald patches, it is vital to have this diagnosed by the veterinarian. Causes can range from severe allergies to mites to hormonal imbalance. Only once the underlying cause has been determined and treated, it may be time to move forward in helping a Pug's coat to grow back in. So, again, these remedies should not be used on a Pug that has not yet been diagnosed. Some of the reasons for hair loss with dogs are quite serious and must be addressed. This all said, there are a few things that can help a Pug grow his coat, if the dog is in good health. For best results, we recommend using all 4 remedies. Lotions - Certain lotions work on two fronts at the same time. The act of massaging lotion into balding areas stimulates blood flow and hair follicles; this alone can prompt some growth. Concurrently, the ingredients in the lotion can work to improve both skin and coat health. We recommend DerMagic rescue lotion see below ; this should be massaged onto the areas 2 times per day for 1 week, then 1 time per day for all following weeks. When used in conjunction with other products such as specialty shampoos see next , fur may fully grow back within 2 to 3 months. Specialty shampoo - A shampoo rich with emollients such as tea tree oil can help boost the benefits of the lotion. DerMagic offers such a shampoo. This can be used every 2 weeks or so; once your Pug is lathered up, leave this on for 10 minutes. Be sure to pat, not rub, when you dry your dog. Melatonin - You will want to consult with the veterinarian before giving this to your Pug, since it can cause some drowsiness, can interfere with some other medications, and should not be given to dogs with certain health conditions including canine diabetes. This OTC medication that is actually a naturally occurring hormone in both people and canines has shown some promising results in treating alopecia in dogs. It can take 2 to 3 months to see results, which is the same time frame as the lotion. Dosing is typically 1 mg per day for dogs under 10 lbs. Omega 3 fatty acid - This essential oil cannot be produced by the body, so dogs must recieve it via their diet. While high-quality dog food will contain omega 3, extra supplementation can help improve skin health and boost fur growth. We recommend a liquid omega 3 fish oil that is derived from wild fish, not farmed fish. Our recommended products to help a Pug's fur grow back in are below. Playpens If there was just one supply item that drastically changed pet ownership, it would be a playpen. It's amazing just how beneficial these are. A majority of problems that owners face can be solved with the right enclosure. And do keep in mind that we are talking about a larger large area in which a Pug has plenty of room to play, sleep, eat, and feel comfortable as opposed to a crate which can be terribly confining. An indoor portable dog pen can help with: Destructive chewing. Toothbrush and dental chews 1. Pug Eggs Although other dog owners may never have heard of this term, but most pug owners are familiar with pug eggs. A pug egg is a plush squeaky egg toy that pugs love to play with. For some reason, pugs love them! Get your pug some pug eggs here. The Fluff Trough The Fluff Trough is a an elevated dog feeder that was especially designed for flat faced breeds. This helps promote better digestion, as well as a more comfortable eating experience. Get your Fluff Trough here. A dog bed — with chin rest! Pugs are experts when it comes to relaxation and sleeping. For some reason, chin rests are very important to pugs. Your hand, an arm rest, a pillow, a coffee table, pretty much any elevated surface will do. Nose Butter Flat faced dogs, like pugs, have sensitive noses. They are far more susceptible to dry noses than dogs with longer snouts. Their coat is very tightly-packed — it holds roughly hairs per square inch! Compare that to a Yorkshire Terrier, who has only to hairs per square inch. Some pugs even have double coats, both an undercoat and topcoat of fur, meaning they shed even more. They make removing fur from clothing, couches and cars a breeze. Get yours here. Pulling a dog on a collar can cause neck injuries, or worse; it can raise the amount of pressure in the eyes, or damage the thyroid gland. Since pugs have sensitive eyes and breathing issues to begin with, this is especially important to avoid. Harnesses provide more control over your pug, discourage pulling and jumping, and are especially great for dogs with respiratory issues and neck injuries, like pugs. Get your pug a great harness that is comfortable, durable and safe. We made a list of the best harnesses for pugs here. Cooling Mat Never had I ever heard of a cooling mat before I got a pug. A cooling mat is a mat with a cool gel interior that is activated when touched. It gets — you guessed it — cool when you apply pressure, and relaxes and soothes your pet. My pug uses his cooling mat in the summer months, and I put it in his travel carrier when we fly or go on a road trip. Get your own cooling mat here. Cooling Vest A cooling vest, like a cooling mat, is great way to keep your pug comfortable during the summer months, and is especially great for a pug on the go. My pug wears his cooling vest on walks, hikes and especially hot days. Cooling vests use shading and evaporative cooling technology to keep your pug from overheating. All you have to do is soak the vest in water, wring it out, and zip it on to your pug. We recommend this Ruffwear Jet Stream Vest. That way you can scrub them clean, and not have to worry about rashes, itching or bumps later. A pet ramp Older pugs can develop issues with mobility or weakened back legs. This ramp is adjustable to many different heights, making it compatible with most of the furniture in your house. The material is thin, so Boogie can feel the ground and feels secure. Boogie is a size small the red ones. Salmon Oil Your pug should have a healthy diet that includes important nutrients like omega fatty acids. Zesty Paws and Grizzly both sell wild caught salmon oil that come in easy to use bottles with hand pumps. No hide rawhide Rawhides give your dog hours of chewing pleasure and entertainment, but they also pose a huge risk. This can cause your dog to choke, or create a blockage. Earth Animal no-hide rawhides are a healthy alternative. Plus, they help maintain healthy teeth and gums, while being nutritious. Your dog will stay busy for hours, but with no added risks. ID Tag While a naked pug is cute, a safe pug is even cuter. Better safe than sorry! We like these simple tags that look good and last forever. Wrinkle paste If you own a pug, then you know that all of those wrinkles and folds can get pretty funky. Boogie used to get frequent yeast infections in his folds before we changed his diet and started using wrinkle paste. The wrinkle paste cleans and protects wrinkles by forming a water repellent barrier that helps keep moisture, fungus and bacteria at bay. We like the Squishface brand , which also sells wrinkle wipes and tear stain paste. Ear cleaning solution Besides wrinkle and fold maintenance, pugs need their ears cleaned regularly too. Have I mentioned that pugs are sensitive? Boogie was plagued with frequent ear infections when we adopted him, and this solution seemed to do the trick. Regular cleanings when we noticed him itching or rubbing his ear helped stop the awful cycle, and saved him a trip to the vet. Avoid this stuffed animal massacre scene and get your pug no-stuffing dog toys. We buy these. Kong Enrichment toys are a great way to keep your pug busy, their mind sharp and their life enjoyable. Our favorites are Kong toys. You can fill them with tasty treats, use them to mentally and physically stimulate your pup, and even bust one out during a training session. Learn about how to stuff your Kong and get over Kong filler ideas. You can get your very own Kong here. The good news is, weekly brushings will help remove loose hair and keep the indoor shedding to a minimum. You can read more about how to deal with a shedding pug here. If you live in colder climates, or are traveling to one, make sure your pug stays snug with a sweater or jacket. I especially like to use them on winter walks. These sweaters are stylish and warm, and they fit round pugs! Check the sizing before ordering. Toothbrush and dental chews Ooph. The dreaded dental. Pugs, like other brachycephalic breeds, have breathing issues. Their flat faces make things like going under anesthesia risky, especially if your pug is overweight or older. Prevent the need for dentals with good oral care. What items are a must for the pug in your household? Share with us in the comments! Pin for later! The last thing you want is for it to malfunction near a busy street. And to do that, a lot of trainers recommend a shorter leash to keep your pug behind you. But good ones are pretty pricey, there are two other options: Pug Harness — We know that pugs are one of few brachycephalic breeds ie. There are many advocates of harnesses within the pug community. However, one drawback is that it can teach your pug to pull on the leash, and for that reason many trainers recommend using a standard collar… Collar — Just because I want Benji to look like a little badass, he has this spiky collar. Young pugs should be outfitted with small-size collars, although they will quickly grow out of it over time. Crate Most pug owners opt to purchase a dog crate with a divider. As your pup grows, then you can remove the divider. For more details, checkout our guide on How to Fly with a Pug. So my advice? Start with a small bed with a removable cover. A dog waterproof seat cover will also save you in repair or cleaning costs. I have an SUV, and when it comes to long road trips, I have Benji in the cargo area, where I have a weather resistant and washable removable mat. With that being said, for your pug puppy, I recommend a low calorie snack, with supplements to support your puppies development. Benji would actually vomit every now and then when he was younger — and I just chalked it up as normal. If you feel like you want to make some changes, just make sure to choose a food meant for small breed puppies. A lot of this is attributed to nutrition. But truth be told, I messed up with Benji as a pup, now he hates getting his nails cut. Dogs have blood vessels called a kwik that grow within the nail and if you cut to short, your dogs gonna hate ya. Just be consistent with nail trimmings, this prevents the kwik from growing too much. Just make sure to get a nail cutter that has a stopper that can help stop you but not completely prevent you from hitting the kwik. I like this one on Amazon. But some pug owners swear by it. Puppy shampoo Since Benji has allergies , I use a few speciality formulations for him. I like this one with the scrubber built-in. I would highly advise in getting a carpet cleaning washing machine. I had to clean the carpet multiple times to get the water even looking remotely translucent.