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Things to do with your English Bulldog Texas is a great place to live with an English bulldog. With its beautiful scenery, endless activities, and friendly people, Texas is the perfect place to create lasting memories with your furry friend. The park is home to a variety of landscapes, including mountains, canyons, and deserts. Your English bulldog will love exploring the park and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love exploring the woods and getting some exercise. Your English bulldog will love spending time outdoors and making new friends. The park is home to the Guadalupe Peak, which is the highest point in Texas. The garden is home to a variety of plants and flowers from all over the world. Your English bulldog will love exploring the garden and meeting new friends. Your English bulldog will love getting some fresh air and seeing the sights from a different perspective. Texas is a great place to live with an English bulldog. How do you breed for a healthier English Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other breeders from improving the health of the English Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes the unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities. What are the steps of your adoption process if I am located in Texas? Check out our available English Bulldog Puppies page. At times, we have available puppies but almost always have a waiting list as well. A quick look at our available puppies is the starting point to begin the process. Send us an email or give us call .If approved to adopt one of our puppies you are welcome to place a deposit to hold until your puppy is ready to go home. Greetings from the Wysongs! Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water. We have answers. Our mission is to make your puppy search not only easy, but fun! All you need to do is head over to our pages full of sweet El Paso French Bulldogs for sale. When you see your dream puppy, just connect with the business who posted the advert and find out what you need to do to make your Frenchie dreams a reality! What kind of dogs are Frenchies? Their huge upright ears, wrinkly little noses and top-heavy bodies means a Frenchie can never be mistaken. Why are French Bulldogs more expensive than other breeds? The breeding process for French Bulldog breeders in El Paso is a lot more complicated, time-consuming and expensive than for most other dog breeds. Frenchies have a very narrow pelvis, which means not only do females have to be artificially inseminated, their pups have to be born by C-section as well. All this extra care adds up French Bulldog breeders El Paso must charge a higher price. Can I collect my Frenchie pup in person? You sure can. If your dream French Bulldog happens to come from El Paso French Bulldog breeders then you can always request to pick your pup up in person. How do you view transparency of businesses with French Bulldogs for sale in El Paso? We know you want to buy French Bulldogs for sale El Paso from a company you can trust. This includes signing our Breeder Pledge to agree to uphold our ethics when it comes to the puppy breeding business. How can I know that my puppy will arrive healthy? All French Bulldog puppies will get a complete vet exam before traveling to their new home. You can request copies of these exams, and we recommend booking a puppy check with your local veterinarian as soon as your puppy arrives home with you as well. Do you recommend a specific type of food for French Bulldogs? Your veterinarian will be able to help devise a nutritional plan for your puppy, taking into account that French Bulldogs can be prone to obesity. Do you sell cheap puppies? The price of puppies is often a reflection of the amount of time and dedication that goes into their breeding. The companies with El Paso French Bulldog for sale that we partner with are more concerned about breeding the healthiest puppies with the best temperaments. Choosing to buy a pup from a reputable and trustworthy breeder is always a wise decision. How many walks does a French Bulldog need per day? French Bulldog puppies in El Paso are pretty easy-going when it comes to walks. A 20 minute stroll is enough for these little guys! Take extra care not to over-exert your Frenchie in those hot and humid summer days, as their flat-faces mean they can find it difficult to breathe. Hanging out in the cool AC is going to keep them much more comfortable. Are French Bulldogs good for families? Frenchie puppies love nothing more than all the attention, from all the people! From babies to grandparents, these pups crave affection from everyone. That even includes other pets. If you decide to add a French Bulldog for sale El Paso into your family you might soon wonder what you ever did without them!

Despite the fact that play biting, or mouthing, is normal dog behavior and may be cute at 8 weeks, if not curbed, as the dog grows, it can become downright painful and a nuisance to get under control. The correction is very simple-the puppy on the receiving end of the painful bite will yelp and stop paying with the offending puppy. After a beat or two, the play resumes but this lesson eventually teaches the pups how to control the intensity of their bites on each other. Controlling mouthing, along with house training, is usually one of the first lessons puppies learn and it takes time, consistency, and patience to get past this phase of life. There are usually two types of dog owners, those that allow some play biting and those that allow none. Teaching a dog not to bite human skin is the purpose of this article and has many benefits to the dog and owner. How to teach your dog to stop mouthing: Very young puppies explore their worlds with their mouths and will need continuous training and reminders. When a young puppy bites hard, let out a loud yelp and allow your hand to go limp. That sends the message that the game is over for the moment. You can expect your puppy to resume play and each time he bites too hard, you will repeat the yelp to get his attention and praise the moment he stops biting. If this is not effective for the young puppy, when the puppy bites hard, yelp and when he lets go remove your hand for 15 seconds. This will teach the puppy that rough play ends the fun but gentle play continues it. As the puppy grows, training him to stop biting skin can begin. How to teach a puppy to stop biting skin: Substitute a chew toy when the puppy gets too rough or bites fingers and toes. When the puppies is overexcited and play bites when being handled or petted, feed treats or distract with a toy while you handle him. Encourage age appropriate play, chase the ball or tug rather than biting your hands. If the puppy bites your pant legs, shoes, ankles, and feet, offer a tug as an alternative. Carry the tug with you during puppy training or play times. Provide a variety of toys and textures for the puppy to explore. If possible, allow the puppy to play with other puppies or friendly dogs. As the puppy grows, if he bites our skin, continue to yelp and stop the play. As he matures, you can also turn your back on the puppy to stop play. Never entice your puppy to bite by smacking his face or waving your fingers in front of him. Never use your hand as a tug toy or allow him to pull on your body parts. Your goal is to startle your dog so he stops playing and mouthing for 10 to 20 seconds. Once your dog has learned to control his bite pressure the next step is to teach him to stop mouthing completely. When your dog gently mouths you, begin yelping and redirecting him to a chew toy whenever he touches your skin. If he continues to put his mouth on your skin then yelp and walk away from him for 30 to 60 seconds. Continue playing games and redirecting him with toys until he stops mouthing. If your dog is still mouthing you after you've tried all of these training options then you may want to try redirecting him by putting dog repellent sprays or bad tasting mouth wash on your hands. The last thing you want to happen is to frustrate your dog and have him become aggressive or fearful of you. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Knowing how to discipline a German Shepherd for biting and nipping will not only help save your hands and legs from tiny razor-sharp teeth… But teaching your GSD puppy to stop biting can also help you with valuable training skills! How do you discipline a German Shepherd for biting and nipping? Follow these steps to discipline your German Shepherd for biting or nipping you. If they still continue to bite and nip, calmly get up and walk away to let them calm down. You can also get your puppy to stop biting by working on their impulse control. Never use physical punishment, yell at your dog, or cause them to fear you. Instead, use reward-based training to teach your GSD what behavior you want them to do instead. There is also extra information you need to know about disciplining your German Shepherd for biting, such as: Why your puppy bites and nips you How to avoid biting and nipping in the first place And what not to do! You might find it cute that your fuzzy little German Shepherd puppy biting your hand or ankles is cute but… Think again! Imagine your dog all grown up as a nearly 90 to pound athletic powerhouse — full of large, adult-size teeth. Some people incorrectly assume that discipline means punishment. This is your essential guide to learn how to discipline your German Shepherd for biting and nipping. Why is my German Shepherd puppy biting and nipping? Is your sweet puppy biting and nipping you all of a sudden? Read below to find out why. When my adorable German Shepherd puppy came home to me her antics were so much fun! I loved to move the toys to play her favorite games and keep her entertained. But, my hands looked like I had accidentally adopted a baby tiger after our playtimes! There were scratches, puncture wounds, and she could even draw blood! German Shepherd puppies love to play and do so by barking, play growling, and nipping their little brothers and sisters. But now, you and your family are the littermates! Puppies quickly learn that if they bite too hard their littermates stop the play, and the fun ends. This is a valuable life lesson for living with people and families. And even studies show that removing a German Shepherd puppy before they are 8-weeks-old could negatively affect their behavior as adults source. Your new German Shepherd must continue to learn bite inhibition skills when you first bring them home. Is yours? German Shepherds get their razor-sharp baby teeth around 2-weeks-old. The baby teeth have usually all grown in by 6 to 7 weeks of age. So, when your pup comes home, around 8-weeks of age to live with you, all 28 of their baby teeth are ready for nipping and biting. When the adult teeth grow in they can irritate the gums and cause your dog discomfort. This leads to your pup looking for things to chew to help soothe their teething pains. You might find tiny teeth on your carpet or on the ground, but most of the baby teeth are swallowed by your pup. Chewing is a natural way to help the pain go away and is very normal. During these times a frozen Kong filled with a mix of treats helps to cool the inflamed gums and soothe their aches. Keep a few frozen Kongs on hand during the teething stage to offer your German Shepherd puppy to stop them from chewing and biting everything in sight! Your German Shepherd comes from a long line of working dogs that were originally bred to herd sheep. These instincts still remain with your dog to this day. German Shepherds bite and nip your ankles due to this natural herding ability and powerful prey drive. This need to herd is in their genes and, unfortunately, your ankles will have to do when there are no sheep to round up! Absence or Lack of Mental Stimulation A bored, mentally understimulated German Shepherd might act out and need brain games. German Shepherds, even puppies, are highly intelligent dogs with a never-ending supply of stamina. Mental stimulation exhausts their minds and bodies! A pup that lacks proper mental stimulation finds themselves looking for ways to keep their brains busy, which generally means getting into trouble. Too Tired or Lack of Sleep A wild German Shepherd probably needs a long nap to help them become their sweet self again. Did you know that puppies sleep 18 to 20 hours a day source? A German Shepherd puppy who is nipping and biting a lot might just be cranky from lack of sleep, and not willfully acting out. Begin teaching them by using body language, hand signals, voice commands, and showing them the right behaviors you want from them. If they continue aggressively biting you, place them in a short time out. Always use positive training and avoid harsh punishment and corrections. You can practice these techniques by following the steps below for disciplining your German Shepherd for biting. Teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition during play. You can teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition to help deter their nipping! There might come a time when your dog is in fear, pain, or discomfort and they put their mouth on you. If your German Shepherd has learned bite inhibition during their play, then they understand to not bite down hard and avoid injuring your skin. You can play these fun games with your German Shepherd while teaching them to not bite you. Slowly move your hand or leg away from them. Try to relax your hand and body so that your puppy is less interested in holding on with their teeth. Stop all play and interaction for five seconds. Then resume activity, but remember no interaction means no talking, no eye contact, and no petting. Sometimes, those sharp puppy teeth are too painful or break the skin! Show your puppy that biting or nipping ends the play. If your German Shepherd is aggressively biting you, show them that this behavior ends the play. But hard bites that draw blood or break your skin mean no more playtime. How to show your German Shepherd that biting and nipping ends play If your dog hurts you painfully during play, quietly and calmly turn away and stand up. Walk away from your puppy, preferably into another room of the house. Leaving play when your GSD becomes too rough is a way to calm them by withdrawing your attention from their rough behavior. Place them in a short time out for continued biting. Sometimes, a short time-out is required for hard nipping and biting. There will be times when your puppy is acting out so badly you might need to place them in a short time out. Time outs are not meant to be punishment, but a moment of calm. Do NOT let them become worked up or stressed if your separation is too much for them. Give your German Shepherd the right things to chew. Help your German Shepherd stop biting you by giving them something else to chew on. You already know your German Shepherd is biting you, so anticipate the biting behavior and substitute a toy for your hand or ankles. Even better… Keep a few small toys in your pocket to offer them as they race around the house. What toys do German Shepherds like to bite and chew? The key to using this toy is to roll it away from yourself when your puppy is aggressively nipping and biting you. Read this hand-picked content… just for you! Instead of letting your dog chew on whatever they want, find appropriate toys to reduce their boredom and give them a place to put their teeth. Redirect biting ankles and legs by using a food lure. A tasty treat comes in handy when your GSD bites at your legs and ankles. Your legs and feet are also enticing since they move and change directions frequently. When your German Shepherd bites your ankles or feet, calmly take a treat out of your pocket and hold the treat near the side of your leg. This disciplining technique also has the added benefit of teaching your dog the first steps of walking nicely on a leash with you. Train a gentle mouth when taking food from your hand. Teach your dog that only a gentle mouth gets its reward. Training your German Shepherd to take treats or kibble with a gentle mouth is extremely easy. Teaching your GSD puppy what is acceptable pressure with their mouth helps to avoid their sharp teeth from damaging your skin or tearing your clothes accidentally. Training a soft mouth with your German Shepherd When feeding your dog a treat, keep the treat pinches between your fingers slightly. This is so your puppy has to lick or nibble at the treat to get it. Instead, pull your hand back slowly. Now, offer your puppy the treat again. When he switches to just licking or using a soft mouth to nibble the treat out release the treat. Withdraw your hand. Wait a few seconds before offering your hand with the treat again. Practice teaching a gentle mouth at least 3 to 5 times daily in short sessions only about 2 to 3 minutes long. Pay attention to the types of items your German Shepherd prefers to pick up and chew. Is it something hard? Then, replace it with a hard, tough chew toy. Is the item soft? Try replacing the item with a furry toy instead. If you want a rock-solid leave it, then use this guide to train your German Shepherd the leave it command. Enroll them in a training class. A structured training class helps your German Shepherd learn to listen to you. But, think about this… Using an online program helps give you confidence in your skills as a trainer and will help train your little play biter to offer more polite responses in the future. Check Price on Amazon 4. Use Positive Reinforcement Positive reinforcement means giving something pleasant to your German Shepherd when they perform what you want them to do so that they learn to associate the correct behavior with the reward. The more this is repeated, they will remember and do it more often. The reward is a reinforcing motivation. In the above example of redirecting your GSDs biting to a chew toy, once he accepts the toy and starts to chew or play with it, you then offer lots of enthusiastic verbal praise and reward with a treat. Again, timing is important, and this must be done instantly so that your German Shepherd will recognize or associate his behavior with the correct action. You can give other rewards, but these may be more suited to older pups, adolescent dogs, or adults. Alternatives could be giving them a special toy, playing their favorite game, such as fetch, or taking them on their favorite walk. Always use lots of verbal praise in parallel to the reward you choose. You will, no doubt, soon get to learn where your dog prefers to be pet. Go here for more guidance on where to pet your German Shepherd. This is also useful when your German Shepherd starts to put his mouth around your possessions or furniture, ready to have a good gnaw! Using a time-out can effectively discipline a German Shepherd for biting and other undesirable behaviors. A great way to do this is to grab their collar, push their bum down, and make them sit. The idea is that your German Shepherd will quickly learn to associate that the fun stops when his nipping starts! As always, timing is critical, so your pup learns what he has done wrong at the precise moment. For very young puppies, you should only put them in time-out for a few seconds, between 7 and 10, and no longer than 30 seconds. At the end of the time-out, redirect your pup back to play and use lots of verbal praise or offer a training treat for good onward behavior. You must time the click at the exact moment your pet is doing what you want to reinforce. If you quickly reward your dog with a positive experience such as a treat, he will soon learn to associate the noise of the click with great things. The idea is that you condition your German Shepherd so that when he hears the sound of the clicker, he knows he has done something to please you. In the case of puppy biting, we are simply rewarding the puppy for choosing not to bite. You can achieve this by using the distraction technique described above. When the puppy makes the right choice and starts to bite on his chew toy, he hears the click and gets his treat. Look out for other symptoms such as drooling more than usual, bad breath, loss of appetite, or sneezing. If you are consistent and patient with your methods, you will achieve great results. Be firm but fair, which also helps to strengthen the loving bond between you and your dog. It leads to fear, avoidance, hurt feelings, guilt, stress, anxiety, and lack of trust. Owners should use positive reinforcement methods as much as possible. In another year-long study by the University of Pennsylvania, researchers found that using confrontational or aversive methods to teach aggressive dogs did not work. The dogs continued to be aggressive until the training methods were changed. The same study found that punishing techniques and dominance-based training, such as hitting or kicking, growling, or yelling at your dog, can cause aggression, as stated by Meghan E. An even more recent study in companion dogs suggests that using even mild punishments like yelling and leash-jerking can stress dogs out more than dogs taught using reward-based training. This stress causes negative consequences and poorer welfare. Alpha rolling is a controversial and outdated technique that physically puts your dog on his back or side in a submissive position to show that you are dominant or the Alpha. This old-fashioned technique is a form of positive punishment and was often used to house-train pups. Many people will have used this method decades ago without success, but at the time, they believed it was the right thing to do. For a positive punishment to work, the problem is that it has to be administered during or immediately after the act within 2 -3 seconds ; otherwise, the dog will not make the connection. Sometimes puppies naturally get over-excited and overtired. When this happens, instead of using the crate as a punishment, lure him into the crate with a treat offering lots of praise and letting him go down for a nap. If you feel sorry for your German Shepherd after disciplining him, you must never reward him out of guilt. Again, this only confuses your dog. Remember to be firm but fair. While a muzzle can prevent your dog from biting, it is not a solution to the underlying behavior issue. Muzzling your German Shepherd without addressing the root cause of their biting can lead to further behavioral problems and may even make the situation worse. Is it ever too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting? It is never too late to discipline a German Shepherd for biting, but it may take more time and effort to modify their behavior if the biting has become a habit. Start with identifying the root cause and then take the guidance of an expert to set boundaries and train better to eradicate unwanted behavior. Final Thoughts Puppy biting is natural in all dogs. However, you now know the importance of disciplining your German Shepherd as soon as he starts to exhibit biting, nipping, and chewing behavior and how to do it. This is especially important with the German Shepherd breed as they quickly grow into big strong dogs. That could end in disaster for all concerned. No matter what you are teaching your German Shepherd, try to train him when young; 8 weeks old is a great time to start. Make sure you properly socialize him and give him lots of exercise and training will be much easier. Related Posts You May Like:. German Shepherd puppies , like all puppies, go through a teething phase, and their biting behavior can continue until they are around 4 to 6 months old when their adult teeth have fully grown in. But how do you get German Shepherd puppies to stop biting, and when should you seek out more help? We dive into everything that you need to know here. German Shepherds are herding dogs, and as such, they love to go after anything that moves. This could be cats, kids, hands, fingers, or just about anything else. The more they get away with it, the more acceptable the behavior seems in the future. Addressing the problem early and consistently is vital. Just like babies need something to chew on when their new teeth are coming in, your German Shepherd needs something too! First, it stops when they get their adult teeth. Second, if you try to redirect them to something that they can chew on, most German Shepherd puppies are receptive. At this time, they should have all their adult teeth, which means no more teething to worry about. But at least you know the root of the problem and can start implementing the necessary strategies to address it. Instead, get them a few chew toys, bones, and other acceptable things to chew on as they teethe. You can also throw a few of these toys in the fridge or freezer to cool them down, and this will offer even more relief for your pup when they need it! While there are plenty of techniques to try, we recommend redirection and positive reinforcement. The method is simple. If and when they start chewing on the toy or other appropriate object, give them praise. German Shepherds love to please their owners, so this is typically an effective way to train your puppy. Therefore, you should have levels of concern. If they are still chewing and nipping at the 9-month mark, you should seek obedience training or talk to a vet to see what you can do. So, get on it early and often, and stick with it! Because with just a little work and dedication you can get your German Shepherd puppy to stop biting in no time. Puppies Have you ever reached down to play with a German Shepherd puppy, only to have that adorable little fur-ball pierce your skin with its razor-sharp puppy teeth? When I brought Allie into the family, she was fully in the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — so that first month was tough! Unfortunately, biting is an inevitable phase of puppyhood — it comes with the territory when you decide to be a puppy parent. My goal with this guide is to get you through the biting stage with as few battle scars as possible. Why do German Shepherd Puppies Bite? Up until this time, your puppy was with its littermates, and playtime meant lots of mouthy, nipping fun. Accordingly, this is the only way your GSD knows how to play! A German Shepherd puppy also uses their mouths to explore different things like toys — or hands, ankles, furniture… pretty much anything they can get their mouth around. Your puppy could also be teething, which can increase their mouthy behavior. Just be patient as you work through the German Shepherd puppy biting phase — give your pup time to learn to be gentle when playing or seeking your attention. Nothing is worse than an ankle-biter! I was very lucky not to have this problem with Allie. Why does your German Shepherd puppy target the ankles? Because your GSD is a working dog trying to do its job — herd you around the house like livestock. German Shepherds were originally bred for herding flocks of sheep. Your furry pal may also think heel nipping is just a really fun game. Using a toy as a distraction and keeping your pup active will help nip ankle nipping in the bud! Because she was too busy biting hands! There are lots of reasons why a pup may decide to start biting your hands. For one, good things treats, toys, love, attention come from hands. Also, hands are almost like swinging toys from the perspective of a playful pup — too enticing to pass up! How to Discourage Biting Behavior While the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is a rite of passage, there are some ways you can discourage bad biting behavior without harsh discipline. This is one of the most effective ways to teach your German Shepherd bite inhibition — or how to be gentle with her teeth. Think about when your pup was rolling and playing with their brothers and sisters — if your GSD was too rough, their sibling would let out a yelp. This trick worked great with Allie! Just make sure to be consistent until your pup gets the idea and learns to master the power of her jaws. Puppies will be puppies! Redirect the biting to an appropriate toy. For example, when your fuzzy friend latches onto your ankles, give a little puppy-like yelp, and then whip out a toy and encourage your dog to chew on that instead. Tug-of-war is the perfect game for the puppy biting phase. Socialize your puppy as much as possible. Other dogs are great at teaching your puppy that they playing too rough and biting too hard. Try a deterrent to prevent your dog from chewing or biting. If all else fails, there are lots of products designed to deter your dog from bad biting behavior. How do they work? Well, they taste awful. But if used correctly, they can definitely work. This is still attention — your puppy bites, your puppy gets attention. Otherwise, your pup may see this as a fun new game, kind of like tug-of-war but with your hands or feet as the toy. You want your furball to love playing with you! The goal here is to encourage your German Shepherd to play as much as ever but to play gently. As a pup, Allie thought she should greet everyone by jumping in their face and nipping — kind of like a kiss hello, but with teeth. And as she got bigger, it was harder to control. But trust me, it got old quickly. Be proactive. If I knew someone was coming over, I would put Allie in another room or in her crate. Once our visitor was in the house and the initial excitement had passed, I would let her out. By keeping her from greeting people right when they walked through the door, I could minimize her overzealous behavior. This is a simple command that teaches your dog to stay in her place until you give a release command. This is another way to allow the initial excitement to pass and your German Shepherd to calm down a bit before greeting anyone. Redirect attention to a toy like I talked about earlier. Fold your arms and turn away. Keep turning until your GSD stops jumping, then praise them and use a treat as a reward. What to Do If Biting Becomes Aggressive Although puppy mouthing is normal, there can be cases where biting can signal problems and possibly even aggression. Look for physical differences in your pup. If your puppy is having a moment of aggression, their body may stiffen when snarling, and bites will typically be more painful than during regular play. Also, if your GSD puppy is biting out of fear or frustration, you may need to take action. These types of behavior are not something your pup will just grow out of. While the biting phase will inevitably end, you may find yourself asking the infamous question — when do German Shepherds calm down!? I asked myself and our vet this question more than once! It honestly just depends. Sure, she had her calm moments thanks in part to her training , but she was still very hyper especially in more excitable moments. The type of German Shepherd dog is yet another variable that plays a role in its energy levels. So when do German Shepherds calm down? It really depends on your individual German Shepherd. Final Thoughts Unfortunately, the German Shepherd puppy biting phase is something all GSD puppy owners will go through, but it will pass. Try the tips above to help keep your sanity during this phase. Or any tips to help the rest of us? Please share! An aggressive pound dog pouncing on you can get quite ugly fast. Think broken bones, damaged muscles, deep lacerations, bruises, scars, and expensive medical bills. German Shepherds have a bite force of PSI pound-force per square inch, or the measure of strength that a bite inflicts on the victim , compared to humans with a bite force of PSI. In fact, the American Animal Hospital Association lists the German Shepherd as one of the six breeds with the most dangerous bites, based on a US study. Therefore, training your GSD to inhibit her bite is mandatory as it not only rewards you with a well-behaved dog, but also ensures your safety as well as the safety of the people around you. A crucial step towards correcting this nasty behavior is to first understand why German Shepherd puppies bite. Nipping or biting stems from various reasons. Understanding the root of the behavior will equip you with the proper corresponding countermeasures to correct it. German Shepherds Have a High Prey Drive One of the primary and distinct characteristics thatmake a German Shepherd a popular choice for police and military work is their high prey drive, coupled with their intelligence and high trainability. Take a look at the video below showing what GSDs were originally bred for. GSDs also have a natural inclination to chase almost everything that moves in their surroundings. They Are Teething As early as two weeks old, the baby teeth of pups start to come out. Puppies use their mouth to explore their environment, so nipping is to be expected. This behavior, called teething, can last until the puppy is six months old when all her adult teeth have started showing. Teething is very uncomfortable for puppies and can lead to sore gums, so puppies turn to anything to chew to soothe the discomfort. Unfortunately, this can include biting you! They May Be Taken From the Litter Too Early Young puppies learn to naturally inhibit their biting through socialization with their mother and their siblings. A puppy does not quite understand yet the force of her own bite unless she bites too hard and the recipient reacts by yelping out of pain. Taking a puppy away from her mother prematurely will therefore deprive her the chance to learn important socialization skills. As a rule of thumb, the American Kennel Club AKC recommends that you take home a puppy that is no less than eight weeks old. By this time, the puppy should have had ample time to interact with her playmates and learn bite inhibition. We concur that you should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in the U. This does not mean, however, that your puppy will completely stop nipping. As the new parent, it is your job to continue training the dog so that any subsequent bites should be gentler. For more on selecting the right German Shepherd puppy from a litter, including additional information on the proper age, what to look for in a puppy, and what to expect from ethical breeders, be sure to check out the 2 articles linked below: How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy: A Step-by-Step Guide The Puppy Might Be Overstimulated, Fearful, or Anxious Sometimes puppies lose control of their bite because of overstimulation. Overstimulation can happen during playtime, or when your puppy has become cranky due to teasing. Your GSD puppy may also bite out of fear. Your puppy has but 2 defenses — to run away or to bite. If your puppy feels cornered, then biting is the defense that she will most often resort to. Because biting is normal canine behavior and GSDs are a breed that is more prone to it, the goal here is to inhibit the bite, not completely stop it. Do Start Training Early We keep mentioning throughout this site that training and socializing your GSD as soon as you get her home is crucial. Although training older dogs is not impossible, it is true that it is easier to train younger puppies, when habits are still new and can be easily corrected. If left untrained, adult German Shepherds can be prone to aggression towards other animals and humans, which can result in tragic situations. To get a better understanding of what is involved with these necessary steps, be sure to read these 2 excellent articles: German Shepherd Training Guide: All You Need to Know Do Use Toys as Alternative Items to Chew Puppies will nib on your hands or your feet especially during the teething stage. Train this behavior away by offering the puppy a toy whenever she starts biting your hand or your ankles. This teaches her what is acceptable to bite and which is not. It is good practice to always keep a chew toy nearby in anticipation of the biting behavior. She needs to understand that biting ends playtime and that it does not give her anything in return. In the Alpha Roll , the human pins down the dog on the floor on his side or back and holds that position to exert dominance. Besides, it has also been proven in many studies that dogs have very different behavior from wolves. Pinning your dog will cause him to freeze out of fear, which can also turn into aggression. It also teaches your dog that physical touch is something to be feared. Nobody wants to be punished by hand, not humans and certainly not dogs either. Do Reward Good Behavior Dog trainers and experts agree that positive reinforcement using rewards are highly effective in forming and keeping desirable behaviors as a puppy matures into an adult dog. If her nose touches your fingers without biting them, give her a treat and praise generously. Hold off the treat if she bites. Do this repeatedly until she associates the treat the reward with not biting your hand the good behavior. In fact, most dog bite cases in children occurred because of teasing! Instead, teach your child to be gentle with your pet , as even unintentional rough play can result in unwanted events. Dogs get cranky too, especially when they get hurt or feel that their privacy is being invaded. Never leave your child alone with your puppy unattended. Supervise their interactions at all times. Studies show that parents trust their dog around their kids too much that they overlook the signs that the dog is in distress. For tug games, keep in mind, however, that your dog must be calm and not overstimulated before playing. Otherwise, your puppy may get too serious and hold on to the rope too much. The AKC recommends that for breeds that are prone to aggression such as German Shepherds, tug-of-war can be safely carried out if the puppy knows you are in control and follows your commands. Once this has been established, a game of tugging can be used both as an exercise and as a reward for your dog. When playing, always remember to be gentle with tugging as your puppy still has baby teeth! By doing this, you are also socializing your puppy with other animals — an essential skill to learn for a well-rounded behavior. That being said, do not completely write off playing with your puppy! Playtime is still an excellent opportunity to bond with your dog, but make sure to keep it safe and fun by establishing boundaries. This method, however, is a matter of trial and error. Some puppies respond to this positively. On the other hand, many puppies get aroused by this and become even more aggressive. If you yelp and she stops biting without expressing any signs of aggression, the method has perhaps worked. You are then free to continue doing so until the puppy learns to stop biting hard. On the other hand, temper tantrums, according to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals , are characterized by a stiff body, lips pulled back to show teeth, and growling. Biting will be more forceful and painful, since the behavior is typically caused by fear or anger. A German Shepherd puppy may be more prone to displaying this behavior, especially around unruly children. Bite inhibition is crucial especially among German Shepherds, a breed that is widely reported to be the culprit of many dog bites in America. Bite inhibition is simply one of the many important skills that your GSD must learn during her training. It can spell the difference between gentle playing and aggressive biting that leads to serious injuries. Always remember that dogs have feelings, too. They are not perfect little angels that never get angry. Even the most well-mannered dog in the world will snap out of irritation.

These two breeds are very entertaining and love to please their owners. Both breeds are such clowns and are very comical. Very small in size but with the heart of any big dog. Both breeds are very loving and will have you laughing for days. They are such clowns and love the attention. We occasionally will produce other colors such as brindles, creams, whites and other colors also. Most of our frenchies are of Russian and Hungarian decent. We love these babies as if they were our own kids so producing a healthy sound pup is our main goal. All pups will be checked by a certified vet before being transported to its new loving home. They are all AKC registered coming from some of the best bloodlines sought after today. We strive to pair our clients with their perfect doggie sole mate. By owning and caring for our own babies we know the connection and joy that frenchies give to their new parents. All pups come with a 1 year health guarantee against any life threatening illness. We have a very strict breeding program and all breedings are strategically planed with genotype and phenotype in mind. We mainly produce dilutes blues dd, but we also produce on occasion chocolates bb pups also. Financing Finance Your Pet Today! Financing is available for our valued puppy parents! We partnered up with Lending USA to provide this incredible financing option available to just about everyone! The secure application is provided by Lending USA and your decision is emailed in less than business days. This can be a great way to buy your new bulldog puppy today and spread the payments out over time! Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in Atlanta GA? Atlanta Bulldog breeders will choose what price to charge for each pup by taking into account a few factors. The markings and coat color of each pup will play a part, as will their eye color. Rarer combinations will cost more. The price of any Bulldog for sale in Dallas will also depend on the reputation, location, and experience of their breeder. What if there are no Bulldog breeders in Atlanta right now? Once you find your dream pup, you can start making travel arrangements - so before you know it you could be meeting your new doggo at your local major airport! How do you screen Bulldog breeders Atlanta? What makes Uptown Puppies different to other networks with Bulldog puppies Atlanta? We know that not every business puts the health of their pups and parent dogs above their profit. We refuse to work with businesses like that. Our goal at Uptown was to create a network that showcases the most reputable companies with the best Atlanta Bulldog puppies for sale - making it easy for you to find your dream pup. What are puppy mills, exactly? These are horrible places that often place more importance on money than the welfare of their dogs. The result is often sickly puppies who are at high risk of developing serious health conditions as they grow up. Their lack of proper socialization often also results in behavioral issues too. Are there any Bulldog puppies for sale Atlanta now? Thanks to the fact that Bulldogs consistently rank as one of the most popular breeds in the US, you shouldn't have any trouble finding Atlanta Bulldogs for sale at Uptown. Start your search now and prepare to be blown away by the sheer wrinkly cuteness of the Bulldogs for sale Atlanta from the recommended businesses on Uptown. What sort of dogs are Bulldogs? Bulldogs were first bred to both drive cattle and take part in a bloody sport known as bull-baiting which is thankfully now banned. These stocky dogs were tough and hard working. Nowadays, a Bulldog is more likely to choose a nap on the couch over physical activity! While they still maintain a streak of bravery, these days an Atlanta Bulldog for sale is better known for their kind natures and loyal hearts. This breed absolutely loves people, and is never happier than when spending plenty of time with their humans. How big do Bulldogs get? Height-wise, a Bulldog Atlanta will be considered a medium sized breed. They mature to stand around inches high at the shoulder. Weight-wise though, they are pretty chunky! These pups can end up weighing up to 50 pounds. Are Bulldogs easy to train? They definitely are!

Allergies Bloat Reputable breeders will screen potential Labradoodle parents to ensure they do not have any of these health issues. Many Labradoodles are considered hypoallergenic. But, this mixed breed is likely to shed less than other breeds. Just bear in mind Labradoodles that inherit the Lab coat could still shed a lot. Grooming Labradoodle coats can grow quite long. This can lead to mats and tangles, especially if your doodle has a wavy coat. Brush your red Labradoodle a few times a week to reduce the chances of skin or coat issues. Labradoodles can be prone to ear infections, so cleaning their ears often is important. Brush their teeth daily using a dog safe toothbrush and toothpaste. Finding a Red Labradoodle Puppy Red is still not the most popular Labradoodle color, but it is on the rise. So, you might struggle to find a puppy straight away. On top of this, red coloring is recessive. Although, you may have to wait on a waiting list for a puppy to come up. Choose a reputable breeder to minimise the risk of inherited health issues in your dog. The best breeders will be able to show you certificates of health proving their puppies have been screened and cleared of any of the health issues we mentioned earlier. If color is the most important thing to you, you should also consider looking for a red Labradoodle in rescue centers. Rescuing an older dog is often cheaper, and will offer a dog a second chance at a loving home. These dogs are devoted mixes who can vary slightly in their overall appearance and temperament. And, they get along well with children and other pets, as long as they are properly socialized. Do you have a red Labradoodle at home? Or are you hoping to welcome one into your family soon? References and Resources. Apricot vs Red Labradoodle The main difference between an Apricot Labradoodle and a Red Labradoodle is the intensity of the red color of their coat. Apricot Labradoodles often have peachy undertones in their coat and sometimes they are so light that they are nearly cream in color. Wavy and curly coats are the most common while straight coats are usually seen in reverse Labradoodle generations where the Labradoodle has been bred back to a Labrador Retriever instead of a Poodle. Their coats feature light, loose waves and give Labradoodles a teddy bear appearance. You usually find Red Labradoodles with wavy coats in first generation litters. Red Labradoodle Curly Coat Curly coats are the next most common coat type. They are much denser and thicker than wavy coats and more closely resemble the coat of a Poodle. Red Labradoodles with curly coats are usually seen in back-cross generations where the Labradoodle has been bred back to a Poodle e. F1b, F1bb and F2b Labradoodles. Curly coats are usually more hypoallergenic than other coat types. They are usually not as hypoallergenic as wavy or curly coat Labradoodles as they usually are from a generation that has a higher percentage of Labrador Retriever genes than Poodle genes. Hardly any straight hair Labradoodles have red hair but it is possible.

Puppy Breeds The German Shepherd Dog is hailed as the worlds leading police, guard and military dog, however, this dependable breed is more than its 9-to-5 job. Consistently one of the United States most popular breeds according toAKC Registration Statistics, the German Shepherd Dog is also a loving family companion, herder and show competitor. The breed is approachable, direct and fearless, with a strong, muscular body. Derived from the old breeds of herding and farm dogs, the first German Shepherd Dog exhibited in America was in .The fame associated with Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart, two members of the breed whose movies played on variations of the boy and his dog theme, shot the popularity of the breed sky-high. Temperament Energetic and fun-loving, the breed is very fond of children once a relationship is established. He is a loyal family pet and a good guard dog, the ideal choice for many families. He requires regular exercise and grooming. The German Shepherd Dog is extremely intelligent. They are very easy to train with a firm hand and keep that training well. Herding Group; AKC recognized in .Ranging in size from 22 to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Herding, police work. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article. Raising your German shepherd puppies for sale in Pittsburgh PA is not without its challenges. If you are interested in adopting a puppy, there are many avenues for finding the right pet for you and your family. Do you want a purebred German Shepherd or a mix? Maybe you are simply looking to add a new puppy to your family and want to find the right place to adopt one. Regardless of why you are choosing to adopt, finding puppy homes for sale can be a hassle. Before you adopt a German shepherd puppy in Pittsburgh PA, make sure you have all of the necessary information on the breed you wish to adopt before heading to the breeder. Go ahead, your new dog needs German German shepherd puppies Pittsburgh pa. The only purpose of obedience training GERD puppy Brookhaven is to train your German shepherd to obey and follow your commands. As much as possible, introduce them to people as young as possible and try to get them socialized early to minimize the chances of any problems later on. After checking out the breeders in Pittsburgh PA, you can visit the animal shelter network website to see if they have any available German shepherd puppies or dogs for sale. You may also be able to find a local rescue group that will help you with training costs and advice on vet bills. Or, head to the classifieds and try to find a good deal. The newspaper in PA is full of ads of German shepherds for sale, but you may be better served by speaking to an actual breeder or professional dog trainer who can let you know which options are best for your particular German shepherd. Keep in mind that despite the cost of getting a German shepherd puppy in PA, the long-term care and health costs are much less than you would pay for a much bigger dog. Many people buy dogs simply because they are cute or they are fun to play around with, but without proper German shepherd training, you may find these cute little dogs bored, aggressive, distracted, or nervous as in with GSD dogs that have been neglected. Bored and dogs that wander around in a yard may also be a potential health hazard. So make sure you get your puppy from a reputable breeder or trainer who can show you how to properly handle and care for your new best friend. German shepherd puppies in the Pittsburgh area can be found at many shelters, but there are also private German shepherd breeders that will take good German shepherd puppies, like your puppy, if you are willing to make an adoption deposit. These breeders will not charge upfront for the puppy, but usually require some sort of a nonrefundable fee as a deposit. Just make sure you are clear on what kind of paperwork and other obligations you will need when bringing your dog home with you before making an adoption deposit guarantee. Before bringing your puppy home with you, make sure you have done your homework on German shepherd care and how to go about training your dog and establishing yourself as the pack leader. Most importantly, you must begin obedience training as soon as possible. German Shepherd puppies in the Pittsburgh area are among one of the most well-balanced and intelligent dogs breeds there is, so you will have little difficulty training your puppy to obey your commands. German shepherd dogs are highly energetic dogs that need a daily vigorous workout. German shepherd puppies for adoption in the Pittsburgh area are usually very healthy dogs that are very alert and eager to please. They love to please their owners and work wonderfully in most environments. The last thing you should do before bringing your puppy home is to check with your local pet shop or humane society for recommendations on German shepherd puppy training schools. Some of the highest quality kennels are available through breeders or dog trainers. These individuals are trained to guide you through any obedience training process you may encounter. Most reputable breeders have been carefully selected by the American Kennel Club and also undergo rigorous training that assures the highest level of pet care. German shepherd puppies for adoption in the Pittsburgh area can be a wonderful addition to your family. If this sounds like the ideal situation, you need to know what it will take to find that special someone that special pet who is searching for a new family member. The first thing to consider is what the ongoing care costs will cost. German Shepherds tend to cost a bit more than some other breeds, but they have a longer life expectancy. So depending upon the long-term cost of owning the dog, as well as your budget constraints, you must decide if the ongoing cost is something you can afford. You also should decide if you can commit to ongoing care for the puppy long-term. Many dogs live for ten to twelve years after their owner has adopted them, but others can go as long as twenty or thirty years. One consideration to take into account is the socializing, or training, of the German Shepherd puppies for sale in Pittsburgh PA. These dogs need to be exposed to other dogs and people to be properly trained. You cannot adopt one of these dogs and then expect them to quickly become a pet with little interaction. Your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Pittsburgh should spend time with other dogs, whether they be other German Shepherds or members of other breeds. They should learn to play, roll in the hay, and be used to being around people and other animals. German Shepherds are very dominant dogs that can display aggression when necessary. This should all be part of your training for your new puppy. You will want to avoid raising your German Shepherd puppies for sale in the city of Pittsburgh if possible. It is much safer and more pleasant for the dog to live where they were born, in the mountains, for example. When raising your puppy from puppies, you should also be certain that you fully comply with all city, county, and state laws regarding owning this breed. There are strict laws regarding these dogs in many areas. Also, if you plan on breeding your dog, the laws regarding those specific breeds are often more restrictive. Always consult with your local law enforcement agencies before breeding any German Shepherd puppies for sale in Pittsburgh PA. The cost of purchasing and caring for your German shepherd puppy will vary according to the German Shepherd breed and sex. Because the male German Shepherd puppies for sale in Pittsburgh are much larger than female dogs, the cost of care and grooming can be substantially more. Male German Shepherds need to be taken out regularly to help manage the behavior problems that can arise. They also need special diets and exercise programs. These programs can cost quite a bit of money. Visit your local humane society, talk to the people at the local dog pound and talk to the people at the local German Shepherd rescue. If you find that the local humane society or local pound does not offer the kind of information you need, talk to the people at the local puppy mill. German Shepherds are one of the most lovable dogs there is. You will feel a real connection with your new puppy as soon as you take it home. They are great companions for the entire family. When considering German Shepherd puppies for sale in Pittsburgh, PA, remember that these dogs are very fragile and must be treated with care. The more you know about your puppy, the better decisions you will be able to make about this amazing pet. Share this:. Welcome to the Pennsylvania state page on TrustedPuppies. Situated in the Northeastern and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States, Pennsylvania offers a rich history, diverse landscape, and plenty of dog-friendly activities, making it a fantastic place for German Shepherd enthusiasts. PA sits 6th among the other states, with a hefty dog population of around 2. Our site features reputable PA breeders who specialize in raising healthy and happy puppies. Our breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new furry friend. Pennsylvania is a paradise for dog lovers, featuring an array of dog-friendly restaurants, parks, and events to enjoy with your canine companion. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our trusted German Shepherd breeders offer safe and affordable flight delivery, with a devoted flight nanny accompanying your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring a secure and comfortable trip as they make their way to their new home in the Keystone State. In addition to flight delivery, most breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option guarantees your German Shepherd puppy is safely transported to your doorstep by a professional who understands the unique needs of pet travel. Begin your search for the perfect German Shepherd puppy today on TrustedPuppies.

You will need to reward your dog when he shakes. Bite-sized treats are good for training because you can give your dog more of them without feeding them too many extra calories. Also consider what your dog likes and what will motivate them: does your dog like soft treats or hard treats? Is there a certain flavor that your dog seems to respond to more? Figure out which treat works best for your particular dog and have them on-hand for training. These could be small pieces of cooked meat or even some fruits and vegetables. Don't overfeed your dog. Keep treat sizes as small as you can. Do not feed your dog the following food items, as they can cause poisoning or illness: avocado, chocolate, bread dough, grapes, raisins, hops, ethanol, moldy foods, macadamia nuts, xylitol, onions, garlic. The only way a dog can shake hands is if they are sitting. If your dog doesn't know how the command for sit, you will need to teach them to sit first. You won't be giving the treat to your dog just yet. For now, simply keep the treat in your left hand. Bring the treat in front of your dogs nose, showing it to him. Once you have his attention, close your fist around the treat. Don't let the dog grab the treat from you yet. Hold the treat between your thumb and your palm. Say this as you hold the fist with the treat in front of your dog. Once your dog realizes you have a treat in your closed hand, they will try to get it from you. When they make a move toward the behavior you want — such as lifting a paw to try and get the treat from your fist — say "Yes! When your dog makes a move toward the behavior you want, immediately reward them with the treat. Ignore any other attempts your dog may make, such as sniffing or mouthing your hand. Practice this way a few times until the dog is reliably lifting their paw when you say "Paw. Once your dog is lifting their paw on command, you will want to take it to the next step. You should begin reward the dog only as they do something closer to your goal of shaking. For instance, if your dog lifts their paw higher than before, that gets a "Yes! Continue in this way until the dog is offering their paw. Use this additional step only if your dog doesn't seem to paw at the treat in your hand. By picking up your dogs paw, and praising them during and after, you start to show your dog that pawing at your hand is rewarded. Be gentle and move slowly. Amy Bender is a dog training expert and writer with over a decade of experience working professionally with dogs. She owns a dog training business and is a member of the Association of Professional Dog Trainers. Shake is a fun dog trick that's fairly easy to teach dogs, and most can learn it quickly. After just a few short training sessions your dog will be offering its paw for a shake every time they meet someone new. If you are clicker training , you will need your clicker as well. This trick relies on the dog sitting calmly and giving you its undivided attention. If it doesn't know how to sit reliably, go back and practice that command before moving on. Hold a treat in one hand and show it to your dog. Close your fist over the treat so the dog can't get it. Give your dog the command "shake," and wave your closed fist under its nose to keep it interested in the treat. Wait for your dog to start digging in your hand for the treat. Usually, dogs sniff around, and when that doesn't work they begin to paw at your hand. The moment your dog touches your hand with its paw, say "good" or click your clicker. Open your hand and allow the dog to have the treat. Practice Practice "shake" for five minutes, two or three times a day. Your dog will be offering you its paw the moment you give the command before you know it. Phase out the Treat Once your dog is offering its paw on command, you can begin phasing out the need to hold the treat in your closed hand. Start with your hand closed over the treat, and give your dog the command "shake. Repeat this several times. Switch Treat Hands Next, put out your hand without holding the treat inside and give the command "shake. Practice this step over several training sessions. If your dog seems confused at any point, go back a step or two in your training. Eliminate the Treat Now you are ready to phase out the treat almost entirely. Begin by offering a treat less frequently, first by giving your dog a treat after every other time it offers a paw on command. Slowly decrease the number of times your dog gets a treat. Soon your dog will be offering the paw on command, and you will only need to give an occasional dog treat to reinforce the behavior. Problems and Proofing Behavior One common problem is the dog who doesn't put its paw on your hand, no matter how long you try to entice it with the treat. In this instance, move the hand holding the treat closer to your dog's paw. You can even give the leg or paw a little nudge. As soon as the dog raises its paw to your hand, give it the treat and say "good" or click. If your dog still doesn't understand what is expected of it after you nudge the paw, you can try lifting the paw into your hand yourself. Give the command "shake," reach down and pick up the paw, and then tell the dog "good" or click your clicker and offer the treat. Repeat this quickly several times in a row, giving the dog a treat each time, and then go back and start from the first step above. Most dogs will now understand what is expected and begin to offer their paw. Remember to be patient and keep training sessions short. If your dog becomes frustrated or bored, it's time to finish up the session. Always try to end on a positive note, even if it means asking your dog to do something simple, like sit. When your dog is regularly shaking with you, it's time to proof the behavior. The best way to do this is to have another person ask your dog to shake. The more familiar your dog is with the person, the easier it will be. Demonstrate your approach with your dog first, so the person can mimic you as closely as possible. Then, let that person sit the dog down and ask for a shake. Try this with a few people and your dog will understand that people love to shake paws! Then, after your dog has mastered shaking, you can move on to teaching your dog to wave. More from The Spruce Pets.

We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near North Portland Oregon and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Pine Lodge T-Shirts are here! We have been seen around the globe wearing various iterations of our iconic Pine.Axie Luna Lime boy just turned one year and he is doing great. We enjoyed your blog on the flying.Deeply in Love with Sasha We are deeply in love with this girl. Thank you for joining our family with Sasha. They have done an excellent.More Adventures with Jones Hi Heidi and family! We hope you all started this new year good! And in the snow! We just wanted.Hailey is All Settled in We wanted to say thanks to you and Roy and of course all the supporting people around. Little Willow the Graduate Willow is a whopping .Jones went on a little holiday to Ameland, one of our.Ricky, Our Friend for Life! Hello Heidi, Roy and family, After so many years of considering on getting a dog, Lucy is Incredible Lucy is growing fast and an incredible dog who is loving and super smart. We have.Max at One [Max] received two pet pun pillows from relatives in CA and it looked like he was.They are still having so.We are totally in love with our furever love! What a cutie.Nova the Graduate Pine Lodge Charity, also known as Nova, has completed 3 levels of training, before.Pine Lodge Labradoodles is located in a Level 3 mandatory evacuation zone so we have had to temporarily relocate. All of our efforts must currently go toward keeping our dogs and puppies healthy and safe. If you have already submitted an application please be patient while we work through these and get them answered. Our goal is to have applications opened back up at the end of the month. Thank you for your patience. Current Litters.

What Is A Miniature Boxer? A Mini Boxer is often achieved using specific breeding practices. Relatively new to the canine scene, the Miniature Boxer is making waves for his family friendly nature, adorable appearance and devoted temperament. And this brings us to the origin of the Miniature Boxer and what you should know about controversial breeding practices. Keep reading. On paper, the Miniature Boxer sounds like the perfect companion. This is especially true if you already have an affinity for Boxers and all their endearing qualities. The Boxer was inspired by ancient war dogs dating as far back as 2, BC. Traditionally, Boxers were bred to be versatile working dogs. They served as guard dogs, cattle dogs, war dogs, and even guide dogs and service dogs. And this brings us to the Miniature Boxer. Miniature Boxers are still relatively new, which is one of the reasons they have yet to be considered an official size variety of purebred Boxer. They are also somewhat controversial, as the practices for breeding Miniature Boxers come with some amount of risk. According to most experts, there are three methods a breeder could use tocome up with a Miniature Boxer. These methods include the following: Breeding Dwarfism: Breeding dwarfism is a very controversial method some breeders use when attempting to create Miniature Boxer dogs. While this method does keep a Miniature Boxer litter purebred, it also puts the puppies at a much higher risk of serious health issues like spinal problems, breathing difficulties and muscle development. Purposefully breeding dwarfism into dogs like Boxers can cause other issues as well down the road, which may lead to devastating and costly problems for owners. For this reason, most reputable breeders will refrain from purposefully breeding dwarfism into their dogs. Breeding Runts: The other common way some might go about breeding smaller than average Boxer dogs is to breed runts. When puppies are born runts, they are also usually born with other underlying health issues. Breeding runts to create a Miniature Boxer means that these dogs have a much higher risk of being born unhealthy and going on to live unhealthy lives. Again, because of the health risks and moral implications of breeding runts, most reputable breeders will stay away from this method for how to create a Mini Boxer dog. Crossbreeding: The last way, and perhaps safest way, of creating a Miniature Boxer dog would be through crossbreeding. If combined correctly, the resulting puppies would be smaller than the traditional Boxer while still maintaining that unique Boxer-like appearance and temperament. While crossbreeding is the safest and healthiest way to go about breeding smaller Boxer dogs, there are still some cons to this method. For example, many traits of early generation crossbreed dogs will be unpredictable, including traits like health, appearance and temperament. And while crossbreed dogs may be viewed as healthier than purebred dogs thanks to what is known as hybrid vigor the idea that they have a wider genepool than their purebred counterparts and are thus less susceptible to genetic disease , they also have a longer list of health issues to contend with. That said, if you are keen on getting a Miniature Boxer to call your own, we would recommend looking for a crossbreed Mini Boxer as opposed to one of the other types listed above. The Miniature Boxer — Temperament and Personality Traits For the most part, Miniature Boxers have many of the same characteristics as their average sized Boxer counterparts. Regardless of how your Miniature Boxer was created, the truth is that the majority of his temperamental traits should be the same as his standard Boxer counterpart. As a breed in general, Boxers are known to be intelligent, affectionate, playful and family oriented. They can be high energy dogs and do well in active families and in homes with large, securely fenced yards where they can run and play freely. When properly socialized, the Miniature Boxer can get along well with other dogs and children. In fact, the Miniature Boxer may be a better option for those with younger children, as full sized Boxers can be a bit overwhelming for small kids. Still, Miniature Boxers are not pocket pups. They are considered medium sized dogs, which means they may not be the best suited for apartment living, especially if all of their exercise and mental stimulation needs are not met. That aside, when in the hands of the right owner and when trained, socialized, and exercised properly, the Miniature Boxer can do well with active families, novice dog owners, singles, couples, and active retirees. How To Train and Socialize a Miniature Boxer Training should be done utilizing positive reinforcement techniques and consistency. For the most part, Miniature Boxers are sweet and affectionate dogs, but without proper training and socialization they can develop serious behavioral issues down the road. How To Socialize A Miniature Boxer Socialization should begin as early as you get your Mini Boxer and will continue on with your dog throughout his lifetime. Making sure you properly socialize a dog means that you should try and introduce that dog to as many new people, places, sights, sounds and experiences as possible as young as possible. Ensuring these first impressions are positive for your Miniature Boxer are also important, so refrain from forcing your Boxer into a situation that he is clearly frightened of or this could lead to fear-based behavioral issues down the road. They are eager to please and quick to learn, especially when training is kept light, fun and game-like. Just as with socialization, you can begin training your Miniature Boxer as soon as you bring him home. Use treats and praise as opposed to punishments and scolding , as positive reinforcement training techniques have been shown consistently to work better than aversive training methods. Worse still, negative reinforcement training techniques can lead to a breakdown in your bond with your dog, and even hinder his learning progress. Just like their larger counterparts, Miniature Boxers are energetic dogs who require routine exercise each and every day. The best exercise for a Miniature Boxer will be a routine walk for 40 minutes to an hour each day. Mini Boxers might also enjoy light hikes or trips to the dog park. Most importantly, this harness is safe for your dog and will not cause choking. It also helps to teach him good walking manners, especially when paired with treats, praise and consistency. Boxers are intelligent dogs, and the Miniature Boxer is no exception. If not kept properly exercised and mentally stimulated, the Miniature Boxer may be prone to some serious destructive behavioral issues including barking, marking and chewing, as well as some dangerous behavioral issues like anxiety, which can lead to aggressive behaviors. Investing in puzzle toys, KONGS, and keeping up with routine training can help ensure your Mini Boxer is happy and healthy both metnally and physically. The good news is that grooming a Miniature Boxer is relatively easy. Brushing them once or twice a week can help combat any loose hair, as can ensuring you keep your Miniature eBoxer on a quality dog food. This will help keep ear infections at bay and reduce odor. Your Miniature Boxer should also have his teeth brushed at least once a day using a dog safe toothpaste to help keep dental disease at bay. We also recommend you invest in a quality dog shampoo. Wahl Dry Skin and Itch Relief Dog Shampoo Sale Buy on Amazon Some Boxers can be prone to allergies and skin issues, so we would recommend a soothing dog shampoo made with quality ingredients and specified for dogs. The above dog shampoo by Wahl is made with all natural ingredients like coconut oil and oatmeal. It is also free of any dyes, parabens, and alcohols that could exasperate already sensitive skin. However, keep in mind that irresponsible breeding practices can lead not only to shorter lifespan, but also a lesser quality of life that can be devastating and costly. Welcome Thine, O Lord , is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord , and thou art exalted as head above all. What are the crossed with? I want a Boxer Boston cross is that what these are? It all started with my love for animals, ALL animals, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I studied and even spent my senior year riding with a vet and assisting with surgeries and doctoring animals. I have always loved the boxer, and I started studying genetics and how everything works, from horses and their colors and coat patterns to dogs and where they all came from. I studied different dog breed and where they originated and what dogs were used to create those breeds, I found breeds that were already closely related and had some of the same history as the Boxer. Our first two litters were out of small standard healthy boxer females. Roxie and Valentine. Val was bred to a Boston terrier, and Roxie was bred to a pocket puggle. Overtime and endless searching we found another small standard boxer, then we added a couple more, a new Boston male. We were now crossing the lines and breeding back in the boxer blood and have .That's why you can end up with perfect puppies and not so perfect puppies within one litter. One thing that I will say. Without His help and guidance and HIM making the genes works and the crosses turning out, Mini boxers and Myself would not be where we are today. It was culled off as it wasn't preferred in the boxer breed when being created. Because it is a recessive gene meaning BOTH parents must carry it to produce it every now and then a standard boxer will pop up that is Black and Tan, same with long haired boxers! Or "Blue" So I have also added that gene to my lines which was fairly easy with a blue Boston. We have lines that started with Pocket puggle, Boston, bulldog, Frenchy etc. With the occasional first generation cross when we need to start a new line that's unrelated. Due to the fact that we are the only ones doing what we are doing to make the miniature boxer a recognized breed, we can't just go out and get a new stud dog when we need unrelated lines. Is nearly the same as the standard Boxer, with a few exceptions to color and size. We also have a percentage guideline of what dogs can be registered as Miniature Boxers. Many ask us, are they AKC registered? The short answer is NO. The long answer is, It use to be my goal, then I realized, that AKC does not care if the dogs are actually pure bred or not, and only if you have a club of people and have bred a huge number of these dogs to get them recognized. Standard sized boxer Standard. Lifespan Sociability If you are considering purchasing a Miniature Boxer puppy, there are a few things to keep in mind before you make a decision. Like most puppies, they have a fair amount of energy, which will most likely last throughout their life. Mini Boxers have a decent lifespan and can live from 12 to 15 years, especially if you care for their physical and mental health, beginning when they are puppies and continuing throughout their life. Even though they are playful, Mini Boxers need a strong leader and early socialization to become the ideal pet. We will dive deeper into specific health issues a little later in the article. There has been a misconception that Boxers are an aggressive breed, so this can be a myth that is carried to the Miniature Boxer. The Mini Boxer is muscular and stocky and may have an aggressive appearance, but once you get to know them, you realize that they are loving and friendly. Unfortunately, only purebred dogs are allowed to be registered through the AKC. They make great guard dogs. The Miniature Boxer is serious about their devotion to their family, so they will alert you if they sense that you or someone they love is in danger. They are social and like to be part of the action, but they can be wary of strangers. Giving them attention is important, and they will show you love in return. If you want a lap dog, then the Mini Boxer is ideal because they would rather snuggle on your lap than anywhere else. As long as they receive attention and can interact with everyone in the household, they will be happy. Mini Boxers are intelligent and learn quickly; providing socialization and training from an early age will ensure that they live up to their full potential. They are alert yet feature a calm and gentle disposition. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They form deep bonds with their family and love children. They are patient with children, and since they have a high energy level, they make ideal playmates. Sometimes their need for chasing the cat may arise, but they are doing it out of playfulness more than being mean. When they are around other animals in the household, they can become friends and include them as part of the family unit. A post shared by Miso the Miniature Boxer lilboxermiso Things to Know When Owning a Miniature Boxer Owning a dog requires you to know how to properly care for them so they can have a happy and healthy life. This section provides further detail about the breed so you are comfortable with their needs and requirements. High-quality dog food that is formulated for medium breeds is ideal, and you can find brands that offer medium-breed puppy food and even senior food that allows you to provide optimal nutrition for all life stages. They are prone to obesity if they consume more calories than required, so make sure you are adjusting their food intake in relation to their activity level. Puppies will have a higher amount of energy, and as your Mini Boxer ages, the level will decrease. However, this breed requires a fair amount of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored and overweight. Playing fetch and other games are ideal for providing one-on-one attention and releasing some energy. Mental stimulation is important too, so teach your Mini Boxer tricks, create an obstacle course, or get a puzzle toy for them to play with. They can be stubborn, but if you remain consistent and patient, they will learn to listen to you. Positive reinforcement with firm rules will teach your Mini Boxer that you are the leader but are also fair and will treat them with respect. The earlier you start, the better results you will receive because there is less chance of bad habits forming. After a hard day of training, your pup will be looking for a comfy spot to lounge. Regular baths will keep them smelling fresh, and cleaning their ears regularly will prevent infections that can affect floppy-eared dogs. However, you need to be proactive and provide the best care, which includes having your hybrid visit the veterinarian as recommended for regular checkups. Minor Conditions. Intelligent Pug Characteristics Pugs are extremely playful and love to interact with their owners. They also get along well with other animals, especially cats and other dogs. They're most known for: Friendly Easy going Health Issues Because these dogs have only been bred for a few years, there has been no study on whether there are any specific health issues being produced from these crosses. In order to get a better idea of which health problems a puppy might face, you must research the parent breeds involved, and take a look at health issues that are common to them. The average reported lifespan of these dogs is between 12 to 15 years. Boxers can be prone to cardiomyopathy , bloat, hip dysplasia , and hypothyroidism , among other possible health threats. Pugs can be prone to obesity, breathing problems , eye problems, and skin problems. Boston Terriers are prone to eye problems , heart problems, epilepsy, and skin problems. Fox Terriers can be prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, congenital hypothyroidism with goiter, and primary lens luxation, among other health issues. Rat Terriers can be prone to allergies, dental problems, and patellar luxation. Corgis are prone to eye problems, glaucoma , and progressive retinal atrophy. Beagles are prone to epilepsy , intervertebral disk disease, and tumbling puppy syndrome. English Bulldogs are prone to a long list of health concerns, including obesity, heat stroke, elongated soft palate , heart disease, and more. Keep in mind that a particular pup might never face one of these health issues, but the possibility could be there in the gene pool, so it's good to be aware. Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. The breeding procedures used to create this mix are extremely controversial. Many " miniature " dogs have been heavily inbred, so it's not uncommon for them to develop genetic disorders or become ill at a young age, even from a reputable breeder. The miniature Boxer is also a high-energy breed that requires a hands-on owner. They aren't meant for owners with sedentary lifestyles or those who reside in apartments. Because the miniature Boxer sheds, it may not be suitable for those looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed. If you understand the cons, there are many pros to this breed. Since they are smaller than Boxers, they are less expensive to feed and easier to care for. They require slightly less exercise than the original breed and can do well in smaller spaces, even if they aren't ideal apartment dogs. This mix is family-friendly, intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. Also, they're relatively affordable to purchase as puppies. Finding Miniature Boxer Puppies for Sale When looking for a breeder of miniature Boxers, make sure you do your due diligence. Before you decide to do business, take the time to investigate the breeder fully to make sure you'll receive exactly what you're paying for. There are many unscrupulous breeders producing designer dogs, and you want to make sure the breeder can provide a health guarantee. The breeder should demonstrate that they are breeding to create dogs with excellent health and temperament. Because these dogs are not recognized by the top registry organizations and are not bred in large numbers, you may have to search for them online as well as locally through sites such as Craigslist to see if you can locate a breeder. Cost of a Miniature Boxer Puppy Because these dogs are not popular yet, they can be relatively expensive. Dog Clubs The miniature Boxer is not a recognized breed, but it may become one as some point in the future. If you'd like to register your pet with a dog club, both the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Certified Pet Registry take registrations for various crosses that produce this type of dog. Spend Time With These Dogs Before you bring one of these pups home, spend some time at several breeders' kennels so you can get to know the dogs in person. This is the surest way to find out if a Miniature Boxer will fit your lifestyle, as well as which particular cross you prefer. Getting a puppy is a commitment for the life of the dog, so be sure about your choice. While many breeders have their own version of what goes into the genes of the dog, they all seem to have one goal in mind and that is for the dog to look like a smaller version of the purebred Boxer. Some have been more successful than others in their attempts. Some breeders are simply breeding the Boston Terrier mixed with the Boxer. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in any breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. There are even cases where the dog does not even have Boxer in it at all, for example some are crossing the Rat Terrier with a Pug and calling it a Mini Boxer. Others call this mix a Puggat. Another example is a cross of the Pug with a Toy Fox Terrier. Others call this mix a Toy Poxer. Still others are more seriously working on creating a new purebred, writing a breed standard and registering it. Other breeds may also be included in the future to broaden the gene pool.

Some dog breeds have higher risk of developing certain cancers and joint disorders if neutered or spayed within their first year of life. Until now, studies had only assessed that risk in a few breeds. A new, year study by researchers at the University of California, Davis, examined 35 dog breeds and found vulnerability from neutering varies greatly depending on the breed. The study was published in the journal Frontiers in Veterinary Science. Some may have developed joint disorders but not cancer or the other way around. The joint disorders examined include hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tears and elbow dysplasia. Cancers examined include lymphoma; hemangiosarcoma, or cancer of the blood vessel walls; mast cell tumors; and osteosarcoma, or bone cancer. In most breeds examined, the risk of developing problems was not affected by age of neutering. Breed differences by size and sex Researchers found that vulnerability to joint disorders was related to body size. One of the surprising exceptions to this was among the two giant breeds — great Danes and Irish wolfhounds — which showed no increased risk to joint disorders when neutered at any age. Researchers also found the occurrence of cancers in smaller dogs was low, whether neutered or kept intact. In two breeds of smaller dogs, the Boston terrier and the shih tzu, there was a significant increase in cancers with neutering. Another important finding was that the sex of the dog sometimes made a difference in health risks when neutered. Female Boston terriers neutered at the standard six months of age, for example, had no increased risk of joint disorders or cancers compared with intact dogs, but male Boston terriers neutered before a year of age had significantly increased risks. Previous studies have found that neutering or spaying female golden retrievers at any age increases the risk of one or more of the cancers from 5 percent to up to 15 percent. Discuss choices with veterinarians Dog owners in the United States are overwhelmingly choosing to neuter their dogs, in large part to prevent pet overpopulation, euthanasia or reduce shelter intake. In the U. This study suggests that dog owners should carefully consider when and if they should have their dog neutered. Read the full list here. As they got acquainted by e-mails, Hovan was impressed that Bultman wanted to be sure that Hovan would not require her to neuter or spay the dog at an early age. The possible health effects of early spaying and neutering is a topic Hovan, the research facilitator for the Golden Retriever Club of America, holds close to her heart. I'd look at them and wonder how they got so tall. Those sold to families as companion animals, or pets, were routinely neutered. Hovan, like most breeders, requires pet owners to spay and neuter dogs. She began noticing that the age at which dogs were spayed or neutered played a role in the way they looked as adults. Following the guidance of her mother, a board-certified canine and feline practitioner with a large number of Golden Retriever clients, Bultman presented her concerns to Hovan. The junior handler explained that early spay and neuter surgeries may contribute to cruciate ligament and other orthopedic injuries. Her mother, Terri Hartung, D. Then, people began neutering young puppies, and now most people seem to have settled on the age of 6 months for neutering or spaying. A balance needs to be established about what is best for an individual dog. However, recent findings give breeders reasons to think twice about the age recommendations they give puppy buyers for spaying and neutering pets. Among the concerns associated with spaying or neutering prior to sexual maturity are increased risks of hip dysplasia and torn cruciate ligaments, possibly decreased life span, some evidence for increased incidence of hypothyroidism, hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma. On the flip side is concern that intact bitches are at risk for mammary cancer. Beyond Behavioral Changes The health effects of neutering and spaying on Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers has been the focus of a recent study. Comparing data on disease incidence and a dog's reproductive status, the researchers have documented correlations that go beyond behavioral changes. The data analysis continues, with publication in a peer-reviewed journal expected in .Lead investigator Benjamin Hart, D. There is much misconception related to the impact neutering has on an animal and whether the age of neutering makes a difference. The veterinary database at the University of California-Davis Veterinary Teaching Hospital provided information about diagnoses and tests performed on Golden Retrievers and 2, Labrador Retrievers. The comprehensive questionnaire gathered information from club members via mailed surveys, with the results posted on the parent club website www. The database included information about 1, Golden Retrievers from respondents. A clinical animal behaviorist, Hart has devoted his career to studying the behavioral effects of castration on dogs, cats and horses. Only about 25 to 30 percent of the dogs we studied show a major change in behavior after neutering. She estimates that among her clients with large breeds, about 75 percent of male dogs are neutered after 1 year of age and 50 percent of bitches after their first heat. For these clients, I emphasize the important of practicing obesity prevention. In countries where most bitches are left unspayed, the statistics are clear that intact bitches are at increased risk for mammary cancer. The question is how does spaying at 12 months, which is very different from leaving a bitch intact throughout life, alter the risk? I advise people to wait. After researching the topic, Hovan wrote a reference-supported article, titled "Deciding Whether and When to Neuter a Golden Retriever," which she shares with puppy buyers and suggests that they share with their veterinarians. More research is needed to document the health effects of early spaying and neutering, Hartung says. If for some reason or another that wait is too long then please wait until your puppy is at least 12 months old if possible. It is very important keep the weight off your pup at any age but especially when they are young and still growing! When a dog gets fixed, especially early on in its life, it becomes easier for them to gain weight faster. Overweight dogs are a lot more prone to issues such as OCD, hip dysplasia, diabetes, cancer, lower immune system, etc. The study, which examined the health records of golden retrievers, found a surprising doubling of hip dysplasia among male dogs neutered before one year of age. This and other results were published Feb. While results of the new study are revealing, Hart said the relationship between neutering and disease-risk remains a complex issue. Dog owners in the United States are overwhelmingly choosing to neuter their dogs, in large part to prevent pet overpopulation or avoid unwanted behaviors. In the U. In Europe, however, neutering is generally avoided by owners and trainers and not promoted by animal health authorities, Hart said. During the past decade, some studies have indicated that neutering can have several adverse health effects for certain dog breeds. Those studies examined individual diseases using data drawn from one breed or pooled from several breeds. Against that backdrop, Hart and colleagues launched their study, using a single hospital database. The study was designed to examine the effects of neutering on the risks of several diseases in the same breed, distinguishing between males and females and between early or late neutering and non-neutering. The researchers chose to focus on the golden retriever because it is one of the most popular breeds in the U. The breed also is favored for work as a service dog. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital for two joint disorders and three cancers: hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear, lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma and mast cell tumor. The dogs were classified as intact not neutered , neutered early before 12 months age , or neutered late at or after 12 months age. The study revealed that, for all five diseases analyzed, the disease rates were significantly higher in both males and females that were neutered either early or late compared with intact non-neutered dogs. Specifically, early neutering was associated with an increase in the occurrence of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear and lymphosarcoma in males and of cranial cruciate ligament tear in females. Late neutering was associated with the subsequent occurrence of mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma in females. In most areas, the findings of this study were consistent with earlier studies, suggesting similar increases in disease risks. The new study, however, was the first to specifically report an increased risk of late neutering for mast cell tumors and hemangiosarcoma. Furthermore, the new study showed a surprising percent increase, or doubling, of the incidence of hip dysplasia among early-neutered males. Earlier studies had reported a 17 percent increase among all neutered dogs compared to all non-neutered dogs, indicating the importance of the new study in making gender and age-of-neutering comparisons. About UC Davis For more than years, UC Davis has been one place where people are bettering humanity and our natural world while seeking solutions to some of our most pressing challenges. The university offers interdisciplinary graduate study and more than undergraduate majors in four colleges — Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science. It seems that the more research I do, the more confused I become. It is VERY controversial. The biggest problem I run into is that most veterinarians are very strong on their stance and unwavering in their opinion. Because of this. I personally have a much stronger opinion on when to spay a female than when to neuter a male. From most veterinarians and multiple websites, I believe that a female should be spayed prior to having her first heat. Again, some veterinarians believe you should wait until the first heat, but the majority of theriogenologists reproductive veterinarians and practicing veterinarians agree that it should be done before the first heat. The reason for this is that studies have shown that females who are spayed prior to a heat have almost little to no chance of many types of reproductive cancers. For example, breast cancer Mammary neoplasia is very common in female Golden Retrievers. In fact, it is the most common tumor type in female dogs. Female dogs that are spayed prior to going into their first heat have a 0. Female English Golden Retrievers typically go into their first heat between months old. Our average English Golden Retriever goes into heat closer to months of age. Our recommendation is to have a female spayed between months of age. They are not themselves. They will do whatever they can do to get to the female, even if that means breaking out of their enclosure. If there is an intact female anywhere near where you live and she goes into full estrus, then beware because your male will do whatever he can to get to her. That could obviously be very dangerous, because he could get run over, stolen or produce a litter of pups. But most clients are actually quite surprised at how fast their dog recovers from the surgery. I am always amazed by how tough Golden Retrievers are. Usually they recover in a few short days. These procedures were typically performed before the dog reached six months of agethe accepted standard in the veterinary profession. The decision was never risk free, of course. By eliminating the dog's reproductive capacity you're also shutting down the production of hormones that affect metabolismthe reason spayed and neutered dogs are at higher risk for becoming obese. Still, the long-term health implications were believed to be overwhelmingly positive. In recent years, however, this picture has begun to change. Benjamin L. They tracked the histories of numerous other breeds as well. Specifically, they looked at the incidence of three joint disorders hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cruciate ligament injury and four cancers hemangiosarcoma, osteosarcoma, lymphoma, and mast cell tumors. They also looked at the incidence of mammary cancer in females. What they discovered was surprising. In males neutered before six months of age, however, the incidence of joint disorders jumps to 23 percent, and in males neutered between six months and one year to 11 percent. The percentage of joint disorders for female goldens spayed in those time frames is about the same. The risk increases to 13 percent for males neutered before six months and to 12 percent for males neutered between six months and their first birthday. Based on these findings, the suggested guideline for golden retriever males is to delay neutering until they're beyond one year of age. Given these findings, Hart strongly recommends leaving female goldens intact or, if that's not possible, delaying spaying until after the one-year threshold and, in his words, "remaining vigilant for cancers. This preserves the hormonal "factory" while eliminating the possibility of pregnancy and the discharge associated with estrus. However, fewer veterinarians are qualified to perform this procedure than are qualified to perform a traditional spay. For Labs, there is good news in one respect. Hart and his team found no correlation between spaying or neutering and increased risk of cancers, regardless of when the procedures are performed. But while intact Labs of either sex have a 6 percent risk for joint disorders, the risk for males neutered before six months jumps to 9 percent and for females spayed any time before their first birthday to 11 percent. The obvious conclusion is to delay neutering until after six months, and spaying until after one year. And what of the conventional wisdom that spaying sharply reduces the risk of mammary cancer? The incidence of mammary cancers in intact females of both breeds is only about 1 percent. The hope is that our research will help to extend the working lives of Labs and goldens and promote their basic comfort. Still, every owner should make the decision to spay or neuter not only in light of our findings but in consultation with his or her veterinarian. As pet owners, we want to make sure that our furry friends are healthy and happy! Key Takeaways Timing of spaying or neutering should be personalized based on factors like age, gender, and individual health. There are alternatives to traditional spaying and neutering, such as vasectomy and hysterectomy. What Are Spaying And Neutering? Spaying and neutering are common treatments that can help keep our furry friend healthy and happy and keeps them from reproducing! Spaying female dogs involves removing the ovaries and uterus while neutering male dogs involves removing the testicles. These operations are frequently performed by a veterinarian while the dog is anesthetized. The timing of when to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever is a decision that should be made carefully, taking into consideration various factors. While there is no one-size-fits-all answer, here are some general guidelines to help you determine when to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever: Consult with Your Veterinarian: Your veterinarian is your best source of guidance. Consider Age: Traditionally, many dogs were spayed or neutered at a very young age, often around six months old. However, recent research suggests that for larger breeds like Golden Retrievers, it may be beneficial to wait until they are older months to allow for proper growth and development. Gender Matters: The ideal timing can vary between males and females. Male Golden Retrievers can typically be neutered around six to nine months of age, but consult your vet for the best timing. Your vet can help you weigh the pros and cons. If you intend to breed, consult with a professional breeder for guidance on the best timing. Behavioral Considerations: Spaying or neutering can have an impact on certain behaviors like aggression or marking. Discuss these concerns with your vet. Local Regulations: In some areas, spaying or neutering may be required by law. Ensure you are aware of any local regulations. Benefits Of Spaying And Neutering Spaying and neutering our pets can provide numerous benefits, such as population control, improved behavior, cost savings, and the promotion of excellent health. Potential Health Benefits of Spaying for Female Golden Retrievers Prevention of unwanted pregnancies Elimination of the risk of uterine infections pyometra Reduced risk of mammary gland tumors Decreased likelihood of ovarian and cervical cancers Potential Health Benefits of Neutering for Male Golden Retrievers Prevention of unwanted pregnancies Reduced risk of testicular cancer Lower incidence of prostate problems Diminished chances of certain behavioral issues related to intact males However, each dog is unique, and the benefits of spaying or neutering may vary depending on the breed, age, and overall health of the particular dog, so it is vital to consult with a veterinarian. The costs of spaying and neutering your Golden Retriever can vary significantly based on factors like location and the age and size of your dog. Keep in mind that actual costs may differ depending on your specific circumstances and geographic region. The risk of problems is normally low, but as with any surgery, there is always the possibility of complications such as bleeding, infection, or severe responses to anesthesia. When it comes to spaying or neutering, there are a few potential risks to keep in mind, just as with any surgery. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Anesthetic risks: Your dog will be sedated throughout the procedure, and issues such as breathing difficulties, allergic responses, or unpleasant reactions to the anesthesia are possible. Infection: There is a small risk of infection at the incision site following surgery. Your veterinarian will use sterile techniques and, if necessary, prescribe antibiotics to reduce this danger. Bleeding: There is a small danger of bleeding with any procedure. During the surgery, your veterinarian will take efforts to reduce any bleeding and will follow your dog afterward. Pain: Some dogs may experience pain or discomfort following the operation. Your veterinarian will provide pain medication to alleviate any discomfort. Unpleasant reactions: Some dogs may have an adverse reaction to the surgery, such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or loss of appetite, in rare situations. Your veterinarian will take precautions to reduce dangers and will provide you with post-operative instructions to promote good healing and recovery. Tips After the Procedure Following a spay or neuter procedure, it is critical to provide your pet with extra TLC to aid in its recovery. Here are some things to remember: Allow your dog to relax and confine him to a small, quiet area for the time indicated by your veterinarian. This will keep them from getting overly enthusiastic and running around, which will slow down the healing process. Give it exactly as advised, and notify your vet if you discover your dog is still in pain. Keep their incision clean and dry, and keep an eye out for signs of infection, such as redness or discharge. Gradually increase their activity: During the healing phase, your dog should be restricted from strenuous activity, but you can gradually raise their activity level as directed by your veterinarian. Check-in with your veterinarian. Keep an eye out for them. Remember that each dog is unique, and healing times can vary. Most importantly, provide them with love and affection during their recuperation. There are a few spaying and neutering options, but they are not as extensively used or as effective as traditional spaying and neutering. Consider the following alternatives: 1. Vasectomy for males : Purpose: A vasectomy is a surgical procedure that prevents a male dog from fathering puppies without removing the testicles. Procedure: During a vasectomy, the vasa deferentia tubes that carry sperm from the testicles to the urethra are cut or blocked. This prevents the release of sperm during ejaculation but allows the male dog to maintain sexual behaviors and characteristics. Reversibility: Vasectomies are often considered reversible, but success rates may vary. Reversal surgery can attempt to restore fertility by reconnecting the vasa deferentia. Hysterectomy for females : Purpose: A hysterectomy is a surgical procedure that removes the uterus womb in female dogs while preserving the ovaries. This prevents pregnancy and eliminates the risk of uterine infections pyometra and certain reproductive cancers. Procedure: During a hysterectomy, the uterus is surgically removed, while the ovaries are left intact. This allows the female dog to maintain her hormonal balance and prevents pregnancy. Reversibility: Unlike spaying ovariohysterectomy , a hysterectomy is not reversible because the uterus is removed. However, the dog retains her ovaries and hormonal functions. Both vasectomy and hysterectomy offer alternatives to traditional spaying and neutering, allowing dogs to keep some of their natural hormone balance and behaviors while preventing reproduction. Conclusion Deciding whether to spay or neuter your Golden Retriever involves weighing the pros and cons carefully. Alternative options are also worth exploring. Neutering may help reduce some behaviors associated with mating instincts, but individual Golden Retrievers may still remain playful and energetic. Do female dogs behave better after being spayed? Spaying can potentially reduce certain behaviors related to the estrus cycle, but improvements in behavior vary among individual dogs. What to expect after spaying a golden retriever? After spaying, expect some mild discomfort and restlessness in your Golden Retriever for a few days, but recovery is generally smooth. How do I comfort my dog after being spayed? Are dogs still playful after being spayed? Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Shelters often perform the procedure to help reduce the number of homeless dogs. Some pet parents also do it to control aggressive or highly sexualized behavior, or to protect a dog from repeated and unwanted pregnancies. But while the procedure is common, it is not without risk. In particular, fixing your dog when they are too young can predispose them to a variety of serious health conditions in the future. Spaying is the process for female dogs and involves an operation that removes their reproductive organs. Neutering is the process for male dogs and involves removing their testicles. Dogs that have not been fixed are referred to as intact. When should I spay a female golden retriever and neuter a male golden retriever? Doing it earlier than this cuts off access to hormones that they need for healthy development and can lead to joint problems and hypothyroidism in both male and female golden retrievers, and a predisposition to various forms of cancer in female golden retrievers. Traditional advice has always been that dogs should be spayed or neutered before six months of age to diminish the chances of them developing uterine infections. But research now suggests that for at least some dog breeds, fixing operations should be delayed because doing it too soon can cause other health issues. Golden retrievers are one of the breeds that certainly should not be fixed before six months of age, and it is recommended to wait until they are at least a year old. Many vets are now also recommending not to spay female golden retrievers at all unless it is absolutely necessary. As we have already said, there are a variety of reasons you might choose to put your dog through this process. It protects against overpopulation in general and unwanted pregnancy on a specific level. It can help diminish behavior issues such as territorial behavior and humping. It can also help protect against certain health issues. For example, it significantly decreases the risk of testicular and pancreatic cancer in male dogs. You can learn more about the benefits of spaying and neutering here. You should always speak to your vet to decide whether spaying or neutering is the right choice for you and your dog. What are the risks of fixing your Golden Retriever too soon? Joint Issues Research suggests that fixing any dog before the age of six months can lead to serious joint issues. They are four to six times more likely to develop joint problems such as hip dysplasia and cranial cruciate ligament tears. Hip dysplasia is when the femur thigh bone does not fit together with the pelvis in the way that it should. It can cause both pain and difficulty when moving, which is likely to increase over time for your dog. Cranial cruciate ligaments are the main ligaments active in the knee joint, and these can be prone to tearing in dogs. The result is a lot of pain, and they may be unable to bear their weight on the affected leg. In the long term, this condition can increase the chances of arthritis in the knee. The theory is that sex hormones play a crucial role in the development of healthy joints, and therefore cutting off access too soon can undermine healthy development. This problem is a particular concern with certain breeds, such as golden retrievers and also Labrador retrievers, as they are already predisposed toward joint issues. So, spaying or neutering too soon significantly increases their risks. Hypothyroidism Another potential issue for all dogs when they are fixed too soon is the development of hypothyroidism. This is when the thyroid is underactive, and therefore, slows down bodily functions. It often manifests in unhealthy skin and coat, lethargy, and weight gain. If they develop this condition, they are likely to need an operation and ongoing medication to manage it. Fixing before one year of age increases the risk of hypothyroidism in all dogs. Cancer Neutering male dogs significantly reduces their risk of the most common cancers for them, which are testicular and pancreatic cancer. But spaying female dogs have the opposite effect. Spayed female dogs are three to four times more likely to develop a form of cancer. The most common types are lymphosarcoma, hemangiosarcoma, mast cell tumor, and mammary cancer. The risks are high no matter what age your female dog is fixed, which is why many vets are now recommending only spaying female dogs if necessary, especially since it is not as necessary for controlling highly sexualized behavior as it can be in some male dogs. If spaying is necessary, delaying the procedure for as long as possible can help to reduce the risks slightly. By the way, we have this great article about dog pregnancy you might be interested in! FAQs Is spaying or neutering surgery dangerous? While both spaying and neutering are common operations, they are considered major, and therefore, your dog is put under with a general anesthesia. An anesthetic always comes with the risk of serious complications that could result in the death of your dog. Modern medications and monitoring equipment mean that the risks are relatively low, but they certainly exist. How long will my dog be in pain after a fixing operation? That is except for the discomfort of wearing a cone and not being able to jump around. They should be prevented from damaging their stitches for at least two weeks after the operations. Do dogs get depressed after being spayed or neutered? You should expect changes in behavior when your dog returns home from fixing surgery, both resulting from the trauma of the surgery and the changes in their hormone levels. Exactly how their behavior will be different varies greatly. You can expect aggression, or anxiety and clinginess. But this should only last for a few weeks as they adjust. Do spayed and neutered dogs get fat? Spaying or neutering your dog does not mean they will get fat! How much does it cost to spay or neuter a dog? Exactly how much these operations cost depends on where you are and the type of surgery you go with. Neutering can help prevent excessive territorial behavior in male dogs and also reduce their risk for common cancers. But for female dogs, the benefits are far less clear, and the process can also significantly increase their chances of developing cancer, so you may choose not to spay at all. If you are neutering or spaying a golden retriever, you can significantly reduce the risks by making sure you do it at the right time. Wait at least a year before the operation so they have enough time to develop in a normal hormonal state. Of course, every dog is different, so always consult your vet. Do you have a fixed golden retriever? Do you have any advice for other golden parents? Share your thoughts with the community in the comments section below. Related Article. Deciding Whether and When to Neuter a Golden Retriever Faera Rhonda Hovan A focus on the serious issues of pet overpopulation and unwanted puppies has led to the common practice of neutering dogs prior to sexual maturity, often near the age of six months. While this clearly helps reduce unplanned breedings and thereby may serve the public interest, research is increasingly showing that it may not be in the best health interests of an individual dog with a responsible owner. Breeds of dogs vary considerably with regard to their rate of maturity and risk for specific diseases, and the interaction of these factors with natural hormones should properly be taken into consideration when deciding whether and when to neuter a dog. However, appropriately tailoring neutering recommendations to a breed requires awareness of the ways in which neutering and the age of neutering affect specific breeds, and it may be impossible for veterinarians to know this in detail for every breed. In some cases the findings have been substantiated across many breeds, but relative risk is also defined specifically for Goldens. Please note that there are both health benefits and detriments associated with neutering and various neutering ages, so decisions will need to balance these complex factors. It is relevant to consider what diseases are more and less common in the breed, and also what diseases have greater or lesser consequences to the dog, so that information is also provided. Health Consequences Associated with Neutering and the Age of Neutering Neutered dogs have a higher incidence of hypothyroidism than do intact dogs. Hypothyroidism is a common but treatable disease in the breed. Neutered dogs have a greater incidence of hip dysplasia and torn cruciate ligaments than intact dogs, and there is some evidence to suggest that this risk is most pronounced in dogs neutered prior to sexual maturity. Hip dysplasia is common in Goldens, and torn cruciate ligaments are less common but not rare. Both of these diseases can be treated surgically, but treatment is costly and success is variable depending on many factors. There is some evidence that the incidence of cardiac hemangiosarcoma is greatly increased times in neutered dogs, and that the risk of splenic hemangiosarcoma may also be increased in neutered dogs. Hemangiosarcoma is the most common cancer in the breed, causing the death of approximately 1 in 5 Goldens. Most of these tumors occur in the spleen, with fewer but still a substantial number in the heart. This is a rapidly progressing and incurable cancer. Several studies indicate that the incidence of osteosarcoma bone cancer is significantly higher in neutered dogs than in intact dogs, but there is some evidence that this increase is not as great when neutering occurs after sexual maturity. Dogs neutered prior to sexual maturity grow taller than their natural genetic potential, and their bone structure is altered toward a more narrow, lanky appearance. Taller Goldens have shorter life spans than shorter Goldens. Among male Goldens, the shortest males live 2. Neutered females have a greatly increased risk of urinary incontinence as compared to those not neutered, but there is some evidence that this increased risk is less significant for dogs neutered after sexual maturity. Urinary incontinence is neither common nor rare in Goldens, and can often but not always be treated successfully. If detected early through regular mammary exams, most but not all mammary cancers can be treated successfully with surgery and sometimes additional therapies. Males with one or more testicles located in the abdomen cryptorchidism are at high risk for testicular cancer and should be neutered prior to 15 months of age, which eliminates this risk. It is not necessary to neuter these dogs prior to sexually maturity to avoid testicular cancer. Females that remain intact are exposed to a significant risk for pyometra a life threatening uterine infection that rises with every heat cycle, particularly after the age of five years. Pyometra is a common and rapidly progressing disease in Goldens that must be diagnosed promptly to be successfully treated. Males that remain intact frequently develop an enlarged prostate gland benign prostatic hyperplasia as they age, particularly over the age of seven years. This is not a serious disease, and while it can sometimes be managed medically, neutering affected dogs is curative. This is not to be confused with prostate cancer which is uncommon in the breed, although more common in neutered males than intact males. Taking all of the above factors into consideration, there is good evidence to support that it is in the best overall health interests of the dog to neuter female Goldens after sexual maturity, at approximately one year of age. This typically allows a female to have one heat cycle but not two, which keeps the risk of mammary cancer low while still providing her with some important health benefits gained by maturing with natural hormones. Of course, the female must be kept on leash or securely fenced away from males for the full three weeks of her heat cycle to avoid unwanted pregnancy, so this should not be undertaken unless the owner is able to be certain that there is no possibility of an accidental breeding. If a male is going to be neutered, there is good evidence to support that it is in the overall best health interests of the dog to neuter male Goldens after sexual maturity, at approximately one year of age. Neutering a male after two years of age has less impact on behavior, so if behavioral considerations are important to the owner, neutering should be done prior to the age of two. References Arnold S. Urinary incontinence in castrated bitches. Part I. Significance, clinical aspects and etiopathogenesis. Schweiz Arch Tierheilkd ;.Development of canine benign prostatic hyperplasia with age. Pros ;.A population study of neutering status as a risk factor for canine prostate cancer. Endogenous gonadal hormone exposure and bone sarcoma risk. Canc Epidemiol Biomark Prev ;.Risk factors for excessive tibial plateau angle in large-breed dogs with cranial cruciate ligament disease. J Amer Vet Med Assoc ;.Breed risk of pyometra in insured dogs in Sweden. 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Canine mammary gland tumors. Vet Clin NA ;.Long-term risks and benefits of early-age gonadectomy in dogs. Canine prostate carcinoma: epidemiological evidence of an increased risk in castrated dogs. Mol Cell Endo ;.Incidence, risk factors, and heritability estimates of hind limb lameness cause by hip dysplasia in a birth cohort of boxers. Am J Vet Res. Verstegen J, Onclin K. Etiopathogeny, classification and prognosis of mammary tumors in the canine and feline species. Proceedings, Society for Theriogenology, .Cardiac tumors in dogs: