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Shadow the American Bulldog as a puppy at 10 weeks old Shadow the American Bulldog as a puppy at 6 months old sitting on the couch Shadow the American Bulldog at 10 months old looking over the back of the couch Jynx the XL American Bulldog at 5 years old—"My big boy. He's a gentle giant. Jynx shown here at 5 years old and pounds 56 kg " Tut the American Bulldog puppy at 8 weeks old—"This is Tut. I got him at 5 weeks of age. I never wanted a male dog, but now I won't trade him for anything! At 10 weeks old he weighed 22 pounds. She wasn't sure what to think about the noise the camera was making! She's a very smart girl, but awfully stubborn! We have started obedience training with her and although commands take a while to imprint, once she has it, she's golden! She now sits in her "spot" in the kitchen and waits quietly and patiently while we fill her food and water bowl. When her bowls are full she continues to wait patiently, all eyes on us, until we tell her "Good girl, you can have it! He has been a tremendous addition to our family!! We are a family of five and never before had a dog. He loves to fetch, play tug and when it is time to mellow out, he does!!! He simply picks a spot in the room and relaxes while we go about with our business!! We couldn't be happier with Cooper and can't wait for everything that is to come!!! Maggie is a three-year-old American Bulldog. Her mom is a Johnson type and her dad is a Scott type. We did not know anything about this breed before we got her but we quickly realized that we had to learn fast. She is very strong-willed and also just plain strong! This breed needs hours of exercise a day and a strong pack leader. By fulfilling her needs, we have been able to see her develop to her full potential. American Bulldogs are not for everyone so please choose this breed only after very careful thought. She is loving, fearless and protective. She is also exceptionally smart. She knows her toys by name and could play hide-and-seek for hours. When we tell her to go to her bed she does and does not get up until given permission so we can eat dinner without her begging for bits. She truly listens to her people and is eager to please. She does not like looking at herself in the mirror and she growls at animals on TV and in movies. We will never own a different breed. She has our hearts forever. We've had CeeCee about 5 months now and she has become a very much loved member of our family. Talk about personality! If it weren't for his instruction, CeeCee would be unmanageable. We didn't train her to do or not do anything; she just did her thing and usually agreed with us and followed us around. I started walking for my sanity's sake and she enjoyed tagging along.She was a little over a year old when she was given to us by friends who had to move across the country and couldn't take her along. So before she came to our house, we started reading everything we could find on American Bulldogs. I saw the info on the dogbreedinfo site about Cesar and devoured his book. We found the show and soon after I started ordering the DVD sets so I could watch the episodes over and over. As soon as she got here, we took her for a long walk together. She thinks any package left by the delivery man is her new chew toy, and still gets too excited occasionally, but she is learning to sit still and control her impulses. Our neighbors have wolf-dogs that occasionally get loose and it doesn't scare CeeCee a bit wish I could say the same for me. She holds her own and is gradually winning them over. CeeCee came to us during a time when I was grieving a very traumatic event. She was the catalyst for letting go of things I couldn't fix or change. At first, we were tempted to rename her Bessie. She had just had a litter of pups and the resemblance to your average Holstein was remarkable. Now, all trimmed up and dressed in her fancy black lipstick, she makes us all smile. He is my first dog and has been the best dog anyone could ever have asked for. After originally being chosen by another owner, Casey spent the first 2 months on his own crated nearly 23 hours a day, by himself without a toy in his crate. Since that time he has been the most loveable, affectionate dog anyone could ask for. He loves to play with other dogs, especially his new 3-month-old sister. He even tries to play with our 3-year-old cat. A true Johnson bully, he loves to be out doors running and training. His favorite things to do are play with his football, play tug, dig holes and eat freshly fallen snow. My husband has watched the Dog Whisperer gaining a lot of tips on how to get Carson to "calm" down. She loves people and thinks that everyone must love her. After using some of the techniques on the show, she has really changed into a calmer dog. Rose was a rather destructive puppy, but only when left alone. I had to crate her during periods when my wife and I would both be away to keep her from destroying our home or ingesting foreign objects. I thought we had taken on more than we could handle, but she learned commands and tricks faster than any dog I'd ever had. We began educate ourselves, and the first step was to walk her 2 miles a day, play fetch and Frisbee for marathon sessions, built her a "spring pole" of sorts, and even take long bike rides with her on leash. Her excitability at newcomers decreased right away, and her furniture-chewing habit ceased. Currently at almost 4 years old, she's the best dog I could ever hope for. I shudder to think that we considered giving her up for adoption, and now people ask us how we have such a well-trained dog! And Rose required being handled a bit more sternly than the Labs, Rottie, and mostly mixed breeds I'd owned previously. Only one harsh correction was usually needed; two thousand light vocal reprimands meant nothing. Today if we are playing fetch and the ball goes over the fence, she looks at me almost trembling and I can either tell her "get it" allowing her to hop the fence, retrieve, and hop back or give her a stay command. At 18 months of age, I never believed this dog could restrain herself from any impulse. I only have one dog of this breed to draw on, but I'd venture to say that the American Bulldog needs stimulation, love, play, but most of all exercise and an occasional heavy hand early on, so we could establish her place in our pack. She has made my wife and me far more physically active than we had been, and even that is life enhancing. They are incredibly powerful; playing tug with her has to be experienced to be believed. At only 78 pounds, Rose can jump, pull and bite like nothing else. She once jumped up and bit a tree limb and just hung and shook after I took her rope toy down from the limb. Their enthusiasm is a big part of their charm, but I would not recommend this breed to a busy person who can't devote the time. She is great around kids, cats, other dogs, and even just barks or whimpers when she encounters a snake or turtle while we're camping. But Rose was on the fast track to being given up, when we realized she simply needed more exercise and for us to be more firm with her. He requires a lot of exercise or he can get himself into trouble he is very strong. The most important thing in raising him was being firm and consistent on everything. He is very smart and learns things quickly, even bad habits. He is somewhat protective of females and children around strangers, but if introduced loves everyone. Benelli is excellent with our 2 young children, ages 2 and 3. She's so calm and gentle that my 3-year-old can hold the leash while we go for walks. She absolutely loves our cats and she gets along very well with our other dog. This is our first American Bulldog and we couldn't ask for a better dog!! Her name is Wanda. I have learned so much about her from your website; it is very interesting and useful. I taught her how to sit and how to walk beside me , not in front of me by your instructions. We live in El Salvador in Central America. He's my first AB and I am impressed with the breed. His father is a Johnson type doggy and his mom a Scott type. Porky the American Bulldog puppy at 10 weeks, weighing 21 pounds Belle the American Bulldog at 3 years old—"We rescued Bella a year ago from a pen in a neighbor's garden. She weighed 34 pounds 17 kilos and had ten pups inside her. She was a very scared and seemed to be an aggressive dog. I broke through the fence when no one had been to her cage for 4 days. After a lot of shouting and abuse from my neighbor she eventually let me have her. She had 10 pups in my summerhouse and slowly each day she came to trust me a little more. She still growled and was scared of everyone else. We brought her into our house and had a cage for her. Cesar Millan was and is my hero. He gave me the belief in myself that I could cope with such a big scared dog. We have now had her for a year. She is like a different dog. She sleeps with the cats that she once so wanted to attack. She no longer needs the hated cage and loves visitors that used to scare her. I have never had a dog before and to be honest never really wanted one, but my Bella has filled a gap I never knew was there. So for anyone out there thinking about owning a rescued American Bulldog all you need is lots of patience, a strong will and a touch of Cesar Millan. Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article.
She is a loving, affectionate dog. She loves attention and is house broken. Location: Clinton, MD .American Bulldog puppies are ready to go!!!! Looking for their forever home, and a well welcome as a new addition to the family.American bulldog puppies are 5weeks old. We have all males only. He is 16 weeks with first set of shots. Male available 4 3x Black with White, 1x Brown ,1 of the boy been born with tail which make him special Female available 2 1x same colour as mother beautiful Champain with maybe blue eyes, 1x dark silver maybe blue eyes can't notice now really View Detail Bulldog puppies for sale asap six beautiful American bulldog puppies ready for home 7wks old first come first serve View Detail American Bulldog Lab Mix Puppy Female puppy for rehoming. She will come with records and starter supplies. He is a bulldog mix with lav. He got all his vaccines. Very friendly and loves to play. Text me for more info xxx-xxx-xxxx. Girl 6 months love able. House broken wit a big little heart. Can put hands in dog bowl. They have been dewormed. Female, 4 years. Had some separation anxiety. Would do better being the singer dog. Preferably no kids. She is sweet and affectionate. Lives with two other dogs right now and gets anxious when all the dogs are around. When she is by herself she is calm. She is not destructive, she loves tug-of-war. She is house broke. Our family will be moving soon and can not take 3 dogs. View Detail American bulldog I have a2 year old male good tempered bulldog. His name is buddy love and he's house broken he believes that he's a lap dog so if interested contact me I'm in suitland md and he's available now may make a great gitf for the kids during the holiday season. View Detail Bully puppy for sale to good home Calm, quiet, well mannered. Potty trained, crate trained. Not neutered. Not to mention, his shots are all up to date. I will provide food, leash , collar, doggie treats, dog bowls, and two cute little outfits for no extra money; he has a cage that is brand new for an extra 60 dollars. Hypoallergenic: No History Hailing from England and boasting lineage from the mighty Old English Bulldog, the American Bulldog journeyed across the seas with tenacious working-class immigrants seeking a fruitful life in North America. This dog's superhero-like agility and strength proved itself to be a powerful ally for herding cattle and combating the onslaught of wild pigs that had invaded the American South. However, swept up in the chaos of World War II, the valiant American Bulldog was nearly lost to the sands of time, but fate had other plans! Today, these resilient dogs have surged back from the brink of extinction, earning recognition from the United Kennel Club in and securing their place as a beloved and enduring breed. Temperament Meet the American Bulldog, a loyal and brave companion that's guaranteed to bring joy and energy to any household! With their outgoing and friendly nature, these gentle giants adore children and are sure to become the loving guardians of those they call their own. When trained from a young age, American Bulldogs become the ultimate family pets, thriving in social settings with both people and other dogs. Keep them active and engaged to prevent any mischievous behavior, and remember, they crave your company! So fight off their separation anxiety with lots of quality time, and you'll have the perfect sidekick for all of life's adventures! Our breeders see their American Bulldog puppies and parents as vital members of their families. At Homemade Puppies, we pride ourselves on giving responsible, in-home, family breeders a platform to get their furry American Bulldog friends found. Your American Bulldog puppy is just waiting to be welcomed into their forever home. American Bulldog Maryland If you are looking for a American Bulldog in Maryland for stud you have come to the right website as you can search by both breed and location here. If you can't find the stud you need be sure to check our breeder listings as they don't always advertise their individual stud dogs. If you are in need of American Bulldog stud services it will almost always require a contract. This will often require a fee or in some cases the 'pick of the litter'. There may also be time limits to your contract so be sure that the female is in heat and ready to mate and be sure to ask about the consequences of an unsuccessful breeding. We provide a free ad service for dog breeders to advertise their American Bulldog studs in Annapolis, Baltimore, Columbia, Germantown, Hagerstown and anywhere else in Maryland. Soufbiggs bully kennel Frederick, Maryland We just started our kennel soufbiggs bully kennel. Our male Draco he is Xl American bully, blue Tri 10 months old weights lbs , good with kids very loving loyal energetic and active protective goo.Proven stud. Makes beautiful pups! Text or email for more info. Very well behaved, silly, loving and an awesome guard dog. We've had him since he was 9 weeks old. Read More. The ones available in the state are far and few if they are from ethical breeders. You may have to travel or have one of the breeders responsibly ship your pup to you. If you find a breeder outside the list, ensure they follow the AKC-approved breeding standards. You could also try messaging the reviewers. If you want the dog to be shipped, also ask about how safe and humane their shipping practices are. Look for a breeder who is passionate about the breed and is committed to improving it. Puppies introduced to people and other animals are prone to be better tempered than those bred and raised in mills. Ask many questions about health testing practices. A responsible breeder will test their breeding dogs for common health issues and will provide you with the paperwork. Here are some fun facts about the breed: English Bulldogs are one of the oldest dog breeds, first bred in England in the s. Sadly, they were originally bred for the cruel bull-baiting sport, which was soon outlawed. Although they have a tough exterior, English Bulldogs are big softies! They are affectionate and gentle dogs. Other than their wrinkly face and short nose, they are also known for their distinctive underbite. English Bulldogs have a strong sense of loyalty and are known for their stubbornness. Sometimes, this means more work for training! English Bulldogs are often used as mascots! In fact, they are the mascot of the British Bulldog Breed Council. Because of their short snouts, they have breathing difficulties. Thus, they do not do well in hot climates and can often suffer from heatstroke. If you plan to take them to hot weather, keep them cool and well-hydrated. English Bulldogs are notorious for being couch potatoes. They just love napping! This is why you must ensure they exercise regularly to maintain their weight and health. Despite their sometimes comical appearance, English Bulldogs have a history of bravery and were used as war dogs during World War I. They were even used as mascots for military regiments. Frequently Asked Questions Are English bulldogs easy to potty train? English Bulldogs do well with patient, continuous training. They may not pick up on potty training as quickly as other breeds. How long can an English Bulldog hold its pee? Not very long. After six hours, they usually need to go. No, this does not work as well as positive reinforcement. But even though they are not many, you must be particular about picking a breeder with the best practice. English Bulldogs make a loveable companion, so give them a good shot at a fulfilling life. Make an informed choice and pick your future pup from an ethical breeder like the ones mentioned above. We specialize in Bully-type, also sometimes referred to as Johnson American Bulldogs. However on occasion we do produce fantastic standard- and hybrid-type American Bulldogs. We breed for functional and balanced temperament allowing for the American Bulldog to be a family member and a companion while having the drive and intelligence to perform desired functions. At Grand Future, we typically produce large American Bulldogs. Males range in lbs and females range in lbs. We have always bred to a significantly stricter breed standard than the current American Bulldog breed standards under U. Dogs with the following characteristics are not shown at conformation shows nor bred in our kennel: 1. Full black mask — this genetic trait is usually a result of another breed having been infused into the gene pool. Usually a dog with a kinked tail itself is not at risk of health complications as a result of the kinked tail. Teeth — dogs missing more than 3 teeth. Dogs lacking full pigmentation are more susceptible to various health problems. Lack of pigment is also responsible for deafness in dogs. We have never produced a deaf dog. Interested in a puppy? We have many repeat buyers — over 30 families have purchased 2,3,4, and even 5 dogs. Our dogs generally love children and have balanced temperament. Having produced over dogs in 7 generations, we have history and data that allows us to make some conclusions that we believe are significant. The very common problem of hip dysplasia that afflicts this breed is nearly non-existent in our kennel. Our dogs tend to have normal locomotion — good movement due to anatomically sound physical structure. Our dogs have never torn ligaments such as the Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL , which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never prematurely died from heart problems, which leads us to conclude that such problems are likely hereditary in nature. Our dogs have never been diagnosed with tracheal hypoplasia — a hereditary genetic defect common in bulldog breeds that leads to potential deadly obstruction of the airway. Our dogs tend to live long. Our foundation dog lived to the age of 15 years and 10 months old. Our dogs have never been afflicted with cancer at a young age. The earliest instance of cancer has been encountered at 8 years of age by one dog. The remainder of cases have been documented at over 10 years of age. The biggest tragedy for an owner is in having to care for a sick dog as a result of poor breeding, and be absolutely helpless as that dog passes in their arms. Exorbitant medical bills end up being paid to prolong the time together even by just a little with the beloved family member. As with any animal breeding program, our kennel is not immune from problems. This drives us to continually improve. We maintain contact and help our owners in any way we can; even at 4AM or during a vacation since we have owners all over the world in various timezones. Our breeding expertise enables us to deliver healthy, beautiful, strong, and intelligent American Bulldog puppies. We provide a contractual health guarantee against the following genetic health problems — hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, Canine Cruciate Ligament CCL ruptures, cataracts, entropion, ectropion, heart, kidneys, thyroid, ichthyosis, cryptorchidism, epilepsy, and any neurological disorders including NCL. Our conversation with a prospective owner always involves questions to understand the kind of dog the person would like — the more details the better. If so inclined, the prospective owner can request guidance in picking the puppy based on personality and activity level, temperament, phenotype, and more. We evaluate our puppies at 6 weeks of age on a variety of parameters. We provide lifetime unlimited advice and guidance by phone to owners concerning all subjects relating to dog ownership. You can be sure you will have the information you need to succeed even if this is going to be your first American Bulldog puppy. Because we stand by the quality of our work, we want our owners to participate in our breeding program and we are happy to provide the necessary guidance. Our dogs are also ideal candidates for service animal work. Training a service dog requires a significant investment of time and money, making the genetic health and temperament of the dog even more critical. A service dog needs to be healthy, hassle-free, intelligent and receptive to training, have stable temperament to handle any type of environment, and of course lead a long life disease-free. All of these selective requirements for service dog candidates make Grand Future American Bulldogs an ideal fit. Join us in our mission of producing the best American Bulldogs possible! Professional worry-free shipping worldwide Of course our preference is for you to come visit our home, get acquainted with us, and pick up your new American Bulldog puppy in person. However, we understand that it is not feasible for everyone. Even if you do not live anywhere near Nevada, do not be concerned — we are highly experienced at shipping our American Bulldog puppies worldwide, as even just the list of our Grand Champions and Champions spanning 9 nations attests. We can prepare all necessary export documentation. Search this website.
Coming in at number three this year is our fluffy friend, the Golden Retriever! Golden Retriever Breed Basics Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly dispositions. They were originally developed to retrieve waterfowl for hours on end, but they also make amazing companions. The Golden Retriever is eager to please and fun to train, which helps them excel at almost anything. They enjoy people of all ages and generally get along well with other dogs. Colors range from almost white to red-gold, and anything in between. They have long, feathery tails and floppy ears. Golden Retrievers stand anywhere from .Goldens have a soft, fluffy coat that needs daily care in order to minimize shedding and keep them looking their best. Pay special attention to any feathering around the hindquarters, tail, and ears because mats can easily develop in those areas. If dog hair is a problem for your household, this breed may not be a good fit. Golden Retrievers are beautiful dogs with many fine qualities, but the breed is prone to a number of health problems. At the top of the list is cancer. Goldens are susceptible to a number of different kinds, all of which can be difficult to treat and emotionally challenging to owners. No one really understands the reason for high cancer rates in the breed, but inheritance is suspected to play a role. As with almost all popular purebred dogs, Goldens can also be prone to hip or elbow dysplasia, so be sure your breeder screens their dogs for these disorders. This breed can gain weight easily, so be sure to monitor calory intake and keep table scraps to a minimum. Keeping your Golden at his ideal body weight can help keep him healthy and happy throughout his life. They get along with kids and do well with other dogs. These are happy, active dogs who are willing to try almost anything, which is part of their charm! These dogs do best in active households where someone is available to exercise them regularly. They bond strongly with their families, which makes them prone to separation anxiety if left alone too often. Crate-training your Golden will help prevent this from becoming a problem. Goldens are energetic, active dogs who love doing stuff and need daily exercise. Long walks are great, but Goldens really love games of fetch, and will often carry around toys for their humans to throw. They generally adore anything involving water, hiking, or jogging. Goldens are fun dogs that want to make their people happy. They love training and excel at almost every canine activity. They are often top competitors in obedience competitions, agility, and field trials. Also, their excellent temperament has made them very popular as service dogs for people with disabilities. The breed was developed by Scottish noblemen who wanted to create a versatile hunting dog for their upland estates. The AKC recognized the Golden in , and today, they are the 3rd most popular breed in the country! Today, Goldens are still used for hunting, but they have been trained for a number of other jobs as well. They serve as service and therapy dogs, search and rescue dogs, and even drug detection dogs! The Golden has also been popular for starring roles in a number of movies and TV shows, most notably the Homeward Bound films. British Christmas Traditions British people have a lot of the same Christmas traditions that we do here in the U. Stuffing, cranberry sauce, and bacon-wrapped sausages are typical side dishes. Picture a flakey biscuit-type pastry. Then, picture filling it with gravy. Sound delicious? Trifle is another popular, and delicious, dessert. Be sure to try one if you ever get the chance! Christmas trees are popular in England too, as are stockings, with a twist. Instead of hanging them over the fireplace, most British children hang their stockings at the foot of their beds. That would be boring. Instead, British children burn them in the fireplace, in hopes that the ashes will float up the chimney and reach Santa as quickly as possible! Please check back soon to learn about our runner-up, the German Shepherd! This entry was posted in TevraPet. Bookmark the permalink. Cody Tromler. Christmas Eve morning and my four-year-old daughter, Hailey, was in the hospital again, this time in a brand-new wing of Swedish Issaquah Medical Center. She was the only pediatric patient. The doctor was with Hailey, waiting to talk to my husband, Gary, and me, but I paused for a moment in the hallway, bracing myself. An artificial tree, festooned with lights and ornaments, stood in the corner. Carols played over the PA. The staff had tried to give the place a festive air, but it felt grim and sterile to me. Hailey had battled chronic lung disease and epilepsy since birth. Even when she was home, she was mostly bedridden. A surgically inserted feeding tube kept her alive. Her big brother, Logan, and sister, Harmony, were wonderful to her, but when they went off to school or to play with friends, Hailey was left on her own. What kind of lonely life is this for a child? I just wanted my little girl to enjoy the simple pleasures of childhood. Gary and I had scrimped for months and managed to save enough for our family to celebrate. Then Hailey caught some kind of respiratory virus. In the middle of the night on December 23, she had such trouble breathing that her lips turned blue. I called .The diagnosis was acute pneumonia. If she comes home, I thought. Hailey lay in bed, her face as pale as the sheets, the sparkle in her eyes dimmed. The doctor spoke in a low voice to Gary and me, telling us Hailey needed immediate surgery to move the feeding tube from her stomach to her small intestine because she was aspirating fluid into her lungs. Hailey had been incredibly brave through all of her treatments over the years. How could I encourage her to keep fighting? Suddenly it hit me. The perfect solution, the thing she wanted most. I brought it up with Gary that evening when we went to the cafeteria to grab a bite. When I throw the ball, he brings it back. Simply having him lie next to her comforted her. And it was just goldens she responded to. A golden retriever. Way beyond our budget. We were living paycheck to paycheck. And we lived in an apartment with no yard—not the kind of place for a big, active dog. Besides the initial cost, there would be food and vet bills. He wanted Hailey to be healthy and happy as much as I did. But he was practical. I already worked full-time taking care of a child with disabilities, an ideal job because I could watch Hailey at the same time. Hailey kept talking the whole time about her dog: what she would name it, how much she would love it. At one point, the anesthesiologist had to tell her to slow down and take a breath. The surgery went smoothly, and three days later Hailey came home. But the journey to get her dog was only just beginning. I picked up odd jobs. I walked dogs, cleaned houses, worked for an on-call nanny agency at night while Gary watched the kids. Every Sunday night, we would empty the jar and count the money so we could see our progress. It took eight months, but by the following August we finally had enough money saved. We found a golden retriever breeder and made plans to pick a puppy from his next litter. New worries sprang up in my mind: What if the dog was too rough for Hailey? We met the breeder in the parking lot of a grocery store on a Saturday morning. It was a chaotic scene, with other families clamoring to play with the 15 adorable puppies waiting for homes. But soon she was taking him on walks. The first time was just to our mailbox. Gary went with her, and they would add a block or so with every walk until Hailey could walk for 20 minutes without losing her breath. She took over the responsibility of feeding Hunter. By December, she was eating small portions. Most important, Hunter was her best friend, her constant companion. Hailey still spent much of the day resting in bed. Hunter lay right next to her. One day, Hailey overheard me sharing my biggest worry with Gary, that she would never be able to lead a normal life. If God can get Hunter for me, surely God can take care of me! We had Hunter trained to alert to her seizures, and her health and confidence grew. At age 9, she was eating so well, the doctors removed her feeding tube. Our lives have grown as well. Hailey now has three younger siblings. Our next dream is launching a center to train service dogs for other families. Like Hailey, I have faith that God will help us get there. For more inspiring stories, subscribe to Guideposts magazine. Share this story.
The chewing and gnawing behaviours associated with teething often become difficult for owners. No one wants to see their beloved pet in pain, nor do they want that pet to chew on everything in sight. There are several tricks that will help owners treat their English bulldog's teething behaviour. Teething behaviours last until adult teeth fully grow in, which is typically about 1 year of age. This can be dangerous, if they find toxic things, or damaging, if they chew on furniture, unless their owners give their puppies alternatives. They may also try to nip at hands and feet. English bulldogs, like other puppies, experience teething as they grow, and adult teeth begin to come in. During teething, these puppies are likely to gnaw and chew at anything. Sometimes bleeding may occur around the gums, but is not a problem unless bleeding doesn't stop or seems excessive. When it doubt, consult a veterinarian. Homemade frozen treats can include making chicken soup and freezing it into ice cubes, soaking carrots in water and freezing them and soaking a clean rag and freezing it. English bulldogs experience pain, especially in the gums, while they are teething. Giving puppies frozen treats helps direct chewing behaviours to something productive and the ice helps soothes gum pain. Give your English bulldog a Kong toy filled with peanut butter or cheese to allow him to gnaw safely in the crate. Teach puppies to recognise the command "toy" by saying toy every time you present the puppy with a chew toy. When nipping begins, tuck away hands and say, "Toy," which teaches puppies to go to their toys for chewing, nipping and playing. Our bulldog puppy started losing his baby teeth around the four-month mark. He would bite our hands a lot during this time seeking relief. The same signs they exhibited when their baby teeth came in will likely be exhibited now, including drooling, chewing, pawing at their muzzle and so forth. Occasionally yes. For example, the baby tooth could force the adult tooth to grow in out of alignment with the other teeth. A misaligned tooth can cause a lot of pain and discomfort for your bulldog as an adult, especially when eating, and so you should have it extracted as soon as possible by your vet. The easiest way to know this is simply to know exactly when they were born and then count forward week by week to approximate what teething phase they should be in. Also, keep in mind the symptoms and outward signs that we described above. Helpful Tips to Get your Bulldog Puppy Through All their Teething Phases To help bulldog puppies stay as comfortable as possible and help you sleep at night , here are a few tips that you can use to reduce their discomfort during teething. Make chicken or beef broth ice cubes. The flavor will attract them to eat and the cold will soothe their sore mouth Gently rub their gums with your finger while they sit on your lap. This is comforting and soothing at the same time, but beware; those baby teeth can be pretty sharp! A crate might be the answer also. See below. Just the same as with human babies there are plenty of products that you can purchase for your bulldog puppy that can help them get through their teething phases. Some are better than others so ask for recommendations from your veterinarian and read online reviews before purchasing so that you and your bulldog pup get the best, most soothing results. Also keep in mind that there are some things you can make yourself that we already mentioned, like flavored ice cubes, that will work just as well and save you the cost of whichever toy you might buy. The fact is that, during teething, your bulldog pup will want to chew on everything and that can cause problems for both you and your puppy. On the other hand, if you have the luxury of staying home with them through their teething phases then crating them might not be necessary. Some people like to crate their dogs however so the choice to crate or not to crate is strictly up to you and your particular feeling about crating. Within a few weeks, your bulldog will get through both baby teeth teething and adult teeth teething, most likely with only a few days where they are really in pain. If you do that, the memories of all that pain and anxiety will soon be forgotten. We hope you liked this article and that it answered all of your questions about bulldog puppy teething. If you have more questions or would like to leave a comment please do so in the space provided, and best of luck with your new bulldog puppy! Louie89 said: My louie is 9 weeks now and boy is he a handful! First of all I've never had a puppy before let alone a bulldog. .I've had labs before but they were already older. Louie is very playful loves to be outside and absolutely loves chewing on.X I bought him chew toys kongs I also give him ice cubs he chews them for awhile then he goes full speed for my fingers or toes! Its to the point that he growls for my fingers. .I constienlty tell him NO! But he is so stubborn very much a bully. I'm really hoping somebody can give me some advice as to what methods to use to get him to stop biting. .Click to expand.I also have this problem with my 7 WK old Chevy and his little teeth r like razors that hurt so bad I have tried time outs which I don't like doing at all I have tried trading my fingers arms toes for toys telling him no and I have tried yelping to let him know it hurts that I have tried praising him every sec when he is not biteing chewing on me nothing seems to work I have even tried treats and he does OK while they r out but once I put them up he goes right back to chewing on me I have even put treats in my pocket and carrying them around so he doest associate rewards with the treat bag I don't know what else to do any ideas. Such a loving, beautiful, majestic animal. They are friendly, trainable for various purposes, they keep us company when no one else is around, and they are more than excited to see us when we come back home. Out of the over breeds of dogs, the American Kennel Club acknowledges of them. One of those breeds is the English Bulldog. Do English Bulldog puppies lose their teeth? Yes, absolutely. Like all dogs, English Bulldog puppies will lose their baby teeth faster than they grow in. After five to six weeks, the baby teeth will be present. Only one month later do those same baby teeth fall out and allow for their adult teeth to start growing in. Like humans, teething can be a painful process for a dog as well. The most common sign that a puppy has begun teething is they will start chewing on whatever they can find. So, mind your shoes and socks, or your young pup may find a reason to give them a good gnawing while their teeth come in. This is a great time to teach your puppy about which items are appropriate to chew on and which are not. So, special toys for teething puppies are essential during this phase of their lives. Losing the Baby Teeth: A pup will lose his or her first set of teeth pretty quickly. When they are only three months old, a puppy will lose its first set of teeth. There are ways to correct this as long as your puppy gets their six-month checkup. A dog with crooked teeth can have a tough time eating as they get older, so any issues can be corrected if discovered early. Adult Teeth: When a puppy has finally lost all of his or her baby teeth and all of their adult teeth have grown in, they will have forty-two total teeth. After eight months at most, a puppy will have all of its adult teeth. If the opportunity to work with your pup was used during teething time, so they know what is okay to chew on, they should have no problem staying away from your stuff. After all the adult teeth come in, the painful part is over for your pooch and they can live an enjoy their life as your happy, healthy pal. To learn more about the teething stages, click here. Caring for your English Bulldog During Teething Time Like most puppies, English Bulldogs have the tendency to chew on anything in sight when the teething becomes painful. A bad behavior a young Bulldog can adopt is nipping or biting behavior. So, teach your puppy as young as possible not to bite at any toes or fingers. Another effective treatment to help your puppy deal with their pain is ice cubes. Bulldog puppies love ice cubes, and it will also give them something to occupy themselves with while having to endure the pressure in their gums. Now some people may not agree that crating is a good idea, but historically dogs are cave animals. A crate serves a similar purpose to the caves that dogs would make their homes in. Your dog will appreciate the crate over time if it takes them a little getting used to in the beginning. To help give them something productive that helps with the teething, a Kong with peanut butter or cheese in the center will keep your pup occupied. Four Bulldog Teeth Problems English Bulldogs may also have some dental problems that can be common in their breed. With regular care, these issues can be avoided so your dog can keep that smile healthy. Gingivitis: This is an issue that is caused by improper dental care. The bacteria builds up between the teeth and gums, which will eventually cause the teeth to pull away. This is especially common in bulldogs due to their teeth crowding. Similar to the causes of gingivitis, dental, and periodontal disease is also caused by bacteria in the mouth. Those yearly dental checkups are important because this particular diagnosis can cause your doggo to end up losing teeth. Always be sure to be on top of regular dental cleaning and upkeep for your pup so their mouths will stay in good shape. Loose or Misaligned Teeth: As a puppy, this is completely normal for dogs. Those baby teeth are destined to come out anyway. But as an adult, this can pose a serious problem, and English Bulldogs are not exempt from this possibility. Like humans, dogs can actually have braces affixed to their teeth to fix ones that may be misaligned. Sometimes capping or even removing the teeth having issues can be the solution for your dog. Dental Trauma: This one can be semi-common in English Bulldogs as well. If they get a hold of something that is super hard to chew on, it can cause trauma to their teeth. This can then push the teeth out of place and misalign them, or cause them to be loose. For more on dental issues related to English Bulldogs, click here. It is totally acceptable to want everything to be the best for your dog, and we want that for your dog too! Sometimes the best plan of action is the preventative actions that can be taken to avoid any issues that can potentially befall your puppy. Especially when they grow into a beautiful adult canine, you can be proud to have by your side. Your pooch will thank you for it by giving you all the love in the world. By: Author Jennifer Seegmiller If you have found yourself the proud new owner or a Bulldog puppy or you have had your pup for a while but are wanting to be sure you are caring for it properly you have come to the right place. Dental hygiene is a very important aspect of care for your spunky, energetic Bulldog! Do Bulldog Have Bad Teeth? Bulldogs generally have more dental problems than other breeds. A build-up of tartar and plaque can cause swollen gums gingivitis. If left untreated this will start to cause tooth decay and infection. It is important to employ proper dental care for your Bulldog starting at a young age. What are some common Bulldog Teeth Problems? If your dog has severe enough dental disease it can cause tooth decay, the gums to recede and the teeth to start falling out. Disclaimer: This post may contain affiliate links. We only recommend high-quality products that are used and recommended by real owners. If you use these links to buy something we earn a small commission. You need to take steps right away to fix the problem and get their teeth in healthy working order. Not only is this painful for your Bulldog it can also have an impact on his heart and other organs. We talk more about how to clean your Bulldog teeth below. Bulldog Teeth Falling Out If your Bulldog puppy is losing its teeth there is no need to worry, but if your Bulldog is older than 1 year and losing teeth this can be cause for major concern! If you have a Bulldog rescue that has been poorly taken care of chances are it may have a few missing teeth. That way you only have to put them under general anesthesia once. Another common cause for chattering teeth is periodontal disease. This is a painful condition where the gums become inflamed and bacteria eventually deteriorates the teeth, bones, and tissue. Some dogs may shake, or chatter their teeth when they are feeling anxiety or stress. This might be a coping mechanism for your dog when it is in a new situation or around new people. If your Bulldog is really high energy and gets over-excited whenever he knows there is a treat coming or they see you get out their favorite toy this could induce the teeth chattering or grinding. If your Bulldog is not normally anxious and this is the first time you have noticed chattering teeth then it may be time for a visit with your vet. This could be due to injury or a more serious dental problem. You will want to be very observant of when your dog is doing it. The context could give you some better clues as to why. Bulldog Broken Tooth Broken teeth can be a common occurrence and can be very uncomfortable for your Bulldog. If your Bulldog has had any kind of impact to their mouth, either from being hit by something or from running into something it could cause a broken or chipped tooth. They could also break a tooth by chewing on something too hard. This is why I always tell my student to be careful about what they allow their dogs to chew on. Signs your Bulldog has a chipped or cracked tooth. Eating on one side of his mouth. Not eating hard food. Not chewing on his favorite chew toys. Swelling in his face or gums. Excessive drooling. Pawing or itching as his face or mouth. Not wanting or letting you touch his face. Broken or chipped teeth can cause your Bulldog serious pain and problems with an infection later on. The severity of the broken or chipped tooth will dictate the course of treatment. Your vet will do an assessment and suggest a course of action. If it is a surface chip the tooth should be able to be repaired fairly easily. If the root is exposed then your Bulldog will likely need a root canal. Your vet will need to sedate your dog in order to do this safely. Be sure to watch out for nipping and biting that your Bulldog will surely want to do. Reward your dog with praise and a small treat when it lets you do this process with ease. Provide your Bulldog with lots of chew toys, affiliate link not only will this help you keep them from chewing on undesired things in your house, but it will also help them keep their teeth clean by the scraping motion that they do as they chew. Using a pet toothbrush like this as well as a good dog toothpaste is important. Use a dental powder cleanser like this one on Amazon affiliate link. You just add it to their water and you are done! Make a consistent effort. Taking care of oral hygiene once and a while will not be good enough for your lovable Bulldog companion. If the plaque and tartar have built up to a degree that you are not able to remove it yourself by brushing, you may need to take your dog to the vet for a professional cleaning. If professional cleaning is necessary, your vet will need to give your Bulldog general anesthesia for the procedure so that they can gain easy access to their mouth without the worry of being bitten or having your pup resist. This will also allow them to see if there are any teeth that are loose or rotting and may need to be removed. You will want to be sure to keep a good oral hygiene routine at home afterward to prevent the plaque from returning. If your Bulldog needs a dental cleaning, this article from the Spruce Pets can help you prepare for and understand what that process entails. Do Bulldogs Have Good Teeth? Bulldogs can have good and healthy teeth if they are well taken care of. Brushing them daily is important. Warning: If your Bulldog is prone to biting or is easily startled seek guidance from your vet or a professional dog trainer before following these steps. You will be looking to make sure that their teeth are white and if there is any brown, grey, or black buildup on their teeth how bad it is and where it is. When you look at their gums you are wanting to see light pink. If you see any darker pink coloring or red tint it can be an indication of gum disease and you will want to schedule a visit with your vet. Bulldog puppies are born with no teeth but gain 28 baby teeth deciduous teeth by weeks of age. Adult Bulldog will have a total of 42 teeth including twelve incisors for grasping , four canines for tearing , sixteen premolars, and 8 molars for grinding. Knowing more about their expected development can help ease some worries and concerns we might have. Just like their human counterparts around pre-school age, we start losing our baby teeth, our puppies are going to lose their teeth and grow adult ones as well. So to help you with this here is a detailed timeline of what you can expect while your puppy is teething. Please remember that every dog is different so even though this is a good estimate your dog may not follow it exactly. Newborn: Your puppy will be born with what looks like no teeth at all, but when he reaches 2 to 4 weeks old at the same time his eyes start to open his little baby teeth will start popping through. Around weeks old as you have recently brought your puppy home and are getting to know them better he will start to lose his baby teeth. It usually starts with the incisors and you will probably notice little rice-sized doggy teeth falling out everywhere. By 5 months old your puppy will have lost most of their baby teeth and by 6 months old they will have lost all their baby teeth and grown in all their adult teeth. As your puppy grows you should get your Bulldog used to you gently placing your hand around his mouth and gums. This is the start of socializing your dog and will be helpful to prepare them for getting their teeth brushed and clean. Even though it may be short it can be hard to make it through the puppy teething stage. Helping them focus their teething troubles on chewing and biting appropriate things rather than your furniture or fingers is part of their puppy training. You can tell your puppy might be having teething pain or discomfort if you notice them whining a lot see this article 7 Reasons Why Your Bulldog Whines What to Do to rule out other reasons for their whining , biting and chewing on everything, lots of drooling, and of course, the obvious losing teeth and swollen or tender gums. The best thing you can do is to offer your puppy a variety of puppy teething toys. Toys that offer different textures, different pressures, or different tastes will help your puppy have variety. An easy way to do this is to get a clean cloth a little wet and freeze it. A rope toy could also work well for this. Safety Tip: Puppy teeth are super sharp! Be sure to monitor your puppy when chewing and take away any toys or items that start to become shredded or break apart. It would be dangerous for your puppy to swallow any small pieces. Try putting a mixture of peanut butter and soft puppy food in the middle and freezing it. Your puppy will love it! This toy is great for teething. Puppies love the texture of the little rubber nubs against their gums. He really loves these!
What is Elbow Dysplasia? The condition eventually causes pain whenever the forelimb is moved and may eventually cause arthritis. Trauma to the elbow joint can also lead to changes within the elbow that mimic elbow dysplasia, but this disease results from genetic factors that cause abnormalities in joint formation, not trauma. Symptoms of Elbow Dysplasia: Dogs who have elbow dysplasia may show signs of the disease by suffering from mild to moderate pain and lameness in their forelimbs as early as four months old or they may not have any symptoms until later in their life. Even though the disease can manifest at any age, it is commonly diagnosed when dogs are around two years old. Dog owners frequently take the dog to the vet complaining of stiffness in the front legs but both elbow joints are usually affected. How soon a dog will show symptoms is related to how severe the abnormality in the joint is. Dogs eventually develop arthritis inflammation in the joint from years of the parts of the joint rubbing against each other. On physical examination the vet may find pain when the elbow is manipulated. There may also be swelling, crepitus a crunching noise and a decrease in the range of motion the dog has. There are different types of elbow dysplasia and the vet may order a CT scan to identify which type of elbow dysplasia the dog has. In addition, arthroscopy surgery or open joint surgery is considered the best way to determine the extent of the damage in the joint. If arthritis has already set in it is more difficult to know how beneficial this surgery will be. Arthroscopic surgery surgically inserting a scope -is considered the best option for cases that are good candidates for surgical intervention. Open joint surgery — may also be the best option for some cases. Board-certified veterinary surgeons are advisable for the surgical diagnosis and treatment of all forms of elbow dysplasia. Elbow replacement surgery — is currently being researched, but still unavailable. Non-Surgical Options: We can manage pain by treating dogs with pain relieving drugs and glucosamine and fatty acid supplements. However, due to the discomfort and debilitation a dog suffers from this disease, some dogs may have increased lameness and even a decreased lifespan. Prevention: The best way to prevent elbow dysplasia is to prevent it from occurring by not breeding dogs can pass it to future generations. Inherited genetic diseases are something that develops when the gene pool becomes small enough to be forced to breed dogs with less than exceptional health. A study has concluded that elbow dysplasia cases had a 0. While this is a low percentage of dogs affected compared to hip dysplasia, German shepherds were found to be a high-risk breed. Canine degenerative myelopathy is another progressive neurological disorder that GSDs are prone to. While thirty-five percent of German shepherds are carriers of the DM gene mutation, the percentage of dogs that are affected by the mutation is much lower. Unwelcome gene mutations can also have serious consequences on the muscle tone of a German shepherd, resulting in front leg problems. The two most common conditions are muscle dystrophy and atrophy. Yet another neurological disease that exhibits symptoms consistent with front leg problems is Cervical spondylomyelopathy, commonly known as Wobbler syndrome. Although German shepherds are not known for being susceptible to it, it can still occur in GSD puppies. Dog limbs can be affected by tumors as well. Progressive leg paralysis due to masses pressing on the peripheral spinal nerves can be asymptomatic for a while, and then suddenly cause complete loss of sensation and ability to walk once the tumor has done serious damage. Other possible causes of German shepherd front leg problems include injury to any part of the foot or leg, or insect bites. Since these are the most common conditions, we can start off with them. Here are some tips on how to treat a limping dog at home in case of mild injury. Trauma And Insect Bites Front legs problems can be caused by something as simple as a toenail injury. Running and slippery surfaces are often behind a broken nail, which can cause your German shepherd to limp or have an irregular gait due to the nail separating from the quick. It is not uncommon for dogs to step on an insect and get stung or bitten on the paw pads. This can be subsumed under the injury category, since the damage caused to soft tissue can become infected, and spread across the many structural parts of the front legs. Car accidents take up a large portion of trauma-caused front legs problems in GSDs. Broken bones, torn tendons or ligaments, and nerve damage can all have clinical signs that manifest themselves through limping, difficulty moving, chronic pain, or arthritis. Although osteoarthritis is usually a secondary condition that occurs due to bone tissue damage, a German shepherd will be in a lot of pain because of it. Muscular Problems Similar clinical signs affecting the front legs can also originate from a muscular problem, such as dystrophy or atrophy. While these are most frequently associated with defective genes on the X chromosome. Male German shepherds are more likely to have this mutation due to a singular copy of the X chromosome from the parents. A faulty version of the dystrophin protein that causes leakage of internal cell content does not allow proper development and function of muscles. Without enough muscle mass, a dog will not be able to move their joints properly. The condition gets progressively worse with a GSDs age, until the muscles become completely atrophic. This essentially means there are no muscle fibers to support normal body function, which makes the GSD look skinny. .Keeping the muscle mass at a good level can be hard with dystrophy, but we might have just the guide for you on how to build muscle on a German shepherd dog. Cervical Spondylomyelopathy Wobbler syndrome is caused by pressure on the nerves in the neck cervical section of the spine caused by spine compression. It generally affects large breeds like German shepherds, Doberman Pinschers, and giant dog breeds, such as Great Danes. The combination of these clinical signs often leads to toenail and feet injuries due to the lack of sensation in the limbs. Broken toenails, knuckling, and callous skin are all common secondary signs of Wobbler syndrome. Canine Degenerative Myelopathy One of the most debilitating diseases in dogs is degenerative myelopathy. The onset of symptoms usually occurs in German shepherds aged eight or older. It carries a bad prognosis, which means there is no treatment for the condition itself. German shepherds are a high risk group for CDM. Though it is mainly a congenital disease, environmental factors can increase the predisposition of a GSD to develop the genetic mutation. Incomplete diets that do not provide all the required nutrients can increase the chance of genetic disorders, so consider putting your German shepherd on a raw diet. If you think raw food diets are controversial, read this article and decide for yourself. Since it targets the spinal cord, the degeneration of the central and peripheral nervous system leads to incoordination of the hind limbs. The symptoms are very similar to hip dysplasia, but the progression of clinical signs onto the front limbs delineates it from HD. Other symptoms are irregular gait, loss of muscle mass, poor balance while standing, limb paralysis, and urinary and bowel incontinence in the later stages of the disease. Physical rehabilitation and a specific diet can slow down the progression, but there is no cure. Elbow Dysplasia Joint diseases, such as dysplasia, are most commonly congenital, but trauma can be the underlying cause, too. The congenital variant is characterized by abnormal anatomy of the elbow joint that causes bone tissue damage, and ultimately arthritis. The long bones of a German shepherds front legs need to perfectly fit into the adjacent structures tendons, ligaments, cartilage, and bones for full anatomical function. With developmental problems, some of those parts do not fully mature. An imperfect fit between those parts of the front leg will have odd ranges of motion that interfere with adjacent structures, causing tissue damage. Compromised and broken blood vessels lead to the development of arthritis, which can be extremely painful for a dog. Non-steroid anti-inflammatory drugs NSAIDs are regularly prescribed for alleviating arthritis pain, but there are some effective home remedies for dog joint pain you can try out. Clinical signs include trouble standing and moving, low exercise tolerance, irregular gait, inability to stand up, etc. Although there are surgical procedures that can treat elbow dysplasia to a degree, they are quite complex and expensive. Keep in mind that obesity increases the risk of elbow dysplasia. Keep your dog fit and healthy with a proper diet and regular exercise. If you are wondering how heavy your dog should be, we have the answer for you. Depending on the location of the tumor, either front or back limbs might become paralyzed. It is not uncommon for dogs to exhibit symptoms consistent with degenerative myelopathy, or elbow dysplasia, making early diagnosis difficult. Symptoms will often come and go, as the mass can shrink and expand. Sudden onset of symptoms typically happens when the tumor is positioned so that it puts the biggest amount of pressure on the nerves, but subside once the dog changes its body position. The most frequent clinical signs are limping, partial or full leg paralysis, irregular gait, feet dragging, etc. Taking immediate action after spotting any of these signs can save your dogs life, so do not delay that visit to the vet. Conclusion German shepherd front legs problems can point to something as simple as a bee sting, or as serious as degenerative myelopathy. While taking a stinger out and calling it a day is a simple fix, the proposition of being unable to help your dog with a debilitating disease can be devastating. Never assume it is nothing serious with such serious symptoms. I hope you and your GSD will never have to worry about any of these conditions. German Shepherds are not only excellent companion dogs, but also very competent working dogs. They excel in being guide dogs, police dogs, tracking dogs, to name just a few. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds in the U. Unfortunately, German Shepherds are susceptible to certain health problems, some of these problems are common among large breed dogs. German Shepherd Health Problems Related to the Joints As a large breed dog, the German Shepherd has several health problems that affect their joints, such as: Hip Dysplasia: A dog with hip dysplasia has a deformed hip joint. In many cases, the hip socket is too shallow to fully and firmly hold the ball-shaped thighbone. Sometimes, it also means that the muscles, ligament, and connective tissue surrounding the joint may not be strong enough to hold the "ball and socket" together. Hip dysplasia in dogs can cause a lot of pain and inflammation in the affected hip joint, and the dog will have problem walking and getting up with ease. Visit our article on Hip Dysplasia in Dogs for more information on this joint problem in dogs. Elbow Dysplasia: Osteochondritis of the elbow elbow dysplasia is a hereditary disease but may also be caused by poor nutrition or injury. This problem is characterized by the elbow joints of the front legs being malformed, due probably to different growth rates of the three bones making up the elbow. Dogs with this condition usually display an obvious limp - they may hold the leg out from the body while walking, or even attempt to carry the front leg completely, putting no weight on it at all. Signs may be noted as early as four months of age. Elbow dysplasia is a lifelong problem, although some dogs can be helped with surgery which, in some cases, can eliminate the problem totally. Panosteitis: Panosteitis also known as "long bone disease," or "pano" is a health condition that commonly affects German Shepherd dogs who are still growing. It causes sudden lameness which is a result of excessive bone production on the long bones of the front and hind legs, causing inflammation. It is most commonly seen in dogs between the ages of five to 12 months. Usually a dog affected by this condition will grow out of the problem by 18 months old, but it is painful. Puppies on a high-protein diet are prone to pano, because this kind of diet makes the puppy grow too fast. German Shepherd Health Problems Related to the Nervous System These two German Shepherd health problems are connected with the nervous system, and can cause a lot of hardship to the dog: Epilepsy: Epilepsy is a chronic condition characterized by recurrent seizures. Epilepsy is one of the most common German Shepherd health problems. The age at onset is 5 to 14 years. DM is an autoimmune disease in which the dog's own immune system attacks his central nervous system. As a result, the dog suffers from progressive neural tissue damage. At its early stage, the dog's hind limbs will be affected - the muscles will be weakened and you can notice a loss of coordination in the hind limbs. As the disease progresses, the dog may also display symptoms such as incontinence, has considerable difficulties with both balance and walking, and eventual paralysis. The treatment of DM involves exercise, dietary supplementation, medication, and other supportive measures. Bloating in dogs could be life-threatening and prone veterinary attention is needed. If your GSD is prone to this problem, be sure to read our article on dog bloating for more information. Perianal Fistulas: Perianal fistulas are chronic and progressive lesions that occur around the anus in dogs. Perianal fistulas most commonly occur in middle-aged years old male dogs, but can occur in dogs as young as 1 year and as old as 14 years. The exact cause of this condition is unclear. It is believed that inflammation of the sweat and sebaceous glands in and around the anus causes infection. As a result, abscesses form, open, and then drain. Dogs with tails that set low and carried close to the body e. German Shepherds are prone to these fistulas because air does not circulate under the tail, making it an excellent environment for bacteria to multiply. Symptoms of this condition include constant chewing or licking of the perianal area, and scooting across the floor. Other symptoms may include constipation, diarrhea, or bloodly stool. Ulcers and bleeding may be seen around the anal area, as well as foul-smelling discharge. Therefore, excessive bleeding is a hallmark symptom of this disease, which afflicts German Shepherds quite often. Dogs affected by this disease are more likely to have excessive bleeding episodes upon injury. The dog may also develop nosebleeds or bleeding from the gums. Some dogs may have internal organ bleeding e. FTC Disclosure: If you make a purchase via a link on this page, I may receive a small commission, at no added cost to you. It greatly helps dogs with epilepsy. Furminator De-shedding Tool German Shepherds have dense coats that shed throughout the year, with increased shedding once or twice a year. This excellent tool helps to control shedding by removing not cutting the loose and dead undercoat hair that is the underlying source of shedding. The stainless steel edge grabs and removes the loose undercoat hair without damaging the topcoat. Highly recommended! One thing he does that troubles me, actually gives me a weird feeling is.Because then he will go and try to bite my lower leg, feet. He's never growling or barking, so I'm assuming it's his form of play, but I must say I really don't like it. Especially since he is getting bigger, stronger and I'm a small statured female. It does seem to be worse when it is time for my monthly cycle, so in thinking this, I do plan on having him neutered next month. Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Also, how do I get him not go wild and unruly when he's around the kids in the family.Thank you for any assistance. Debbie Total German Shepherd: Hey Debbie, For one thing, your boy mounting your leg is based on hormones - and your 5 month old male is full of them right now. And for another thing is may be a dominance issue. So getting him fixed may help this - at least the hormone level issue - however it may not completely erase this behavior - if it has become a habit. So for this issue and the fact that he gets wound up when the kids are around, well, training is the main thing you both need. For him so he'll learn what to or not to do , and for you so you'll know how to teach him what to do or not. Do yourself a favor, and sign you both up for a puppy class if you absolutely can - it'll be the best money you ever spent. Plus, it's great for socialization too! But if you can't, then check out training videos online or on TV to learn to practice with your boy because now is the perfect time. So do yourself a favor and him too and get the training going asap to save your relationship. Bowed legs in dogs are an abnormality that is noticed when a leg grows curved or bowed instead of appearing straight as it normally should. This type of abnormality is most likely to be seen in young, growing due to problems in their development, but can also be seen as an aftermath to traumatic injuries sometimes even in older dogs. Canine leg deformities come in their shapes and sizes. One of the most common ones is bow legs—a condition that is common among French bulldogs, Corgis, and Dachshunds. In simple terms, bowing out is a leg deformity that causes the legs to appear curved or bowed out rather than straight. It is mostly a puppy problem but adult dogs can also suffer from it. Bow legs present in different ways. In the front legs, one limb can grow faster than the other compromising its shape. Other times, inverted growth of the leg bones leads to bow legs as well. Most bow-legged canines have curved front legs but you can also find some with bowed hind legs as well. Breeders tend to think that bowing of the legs is genetic, but except for the genetics built in these breeds to grow fast, genetics is seldom the cause. Fast-growing puppies, especially the heavy breeds, have considerable pressure on the long bones of the legs while they are growing. The scaffolding of protein and cartilage is laid down at the growth plate and that frame work is soft and will bow to pressure. Behind that frame, calcium and phosphorus with other minor minerals use vitamins to make solid bone. Vitamin D gets calcium and phosphorus from the gut into the body, and Vitamin C gets calcium and phosphorus into the bone. If the diet is short on any of these needed vitamins, minor minerals, calcium or phosphorus, the puppy is slow to calcify while the frame is still being built; soft bones are the result. Often the breeder reports that the legs look okay in the morning, but by the end of the day, they can see bowing on the front legs. The pressure of romping and jumping all day causes the long bone to bow. Early Detection and Prevention is Key The problem with bowed legs is that your baby is growing faster than your diet is allowing. Put on adult diet not puppy food and wean. Some large breeds are still nursing at this five to 12 week stage, and milk is all calcium! A maintenance diet or giant breed diet will not push growth. Limit the protein and slow the scaffolding growth slightly until we catch up. Limit exercise until bone is hardened as you want the bone to heal straight, not crooked. Pressure from romping and running bows the long bone while soft. Usually one week does it. Fast Growth A puppy is meant to grow gradually to give her bones and cartilage enough time to develop. When the process is hurried, the fast-growing body may exert too much pressure on the limbs causing leg deformities. This is especially true for heavy breeds. Essentially, the cartilage and protein of the bone are framed at the growth plate. This happens to be a very soft area that can succumb to pressure easily. As the young dog puts on weight in her body, it may exceed the limit of the growth plate resulting in curved or brandy legs. Nutrition Deficiencies Like in humans, bones rely on certain vitamins and minerals to develop optimally. These include calcium and phosphorous among others. A growing puppy needs a lot of vitamin C and vitamin D to create solid bone and teeth. His diet must have the vitamins and minerals in sufficient quantities. If it is lacking in any of them, soft bones are inevitable. Injury A growing puppy has until around 12 — 18 months before her growth plates close up. Right about this age, the soft cartilage that once formed the bone mineralizes and hardens into solid bone. In the sad event that she gets an injury before the plate matures and becomes hard, some of the cells may stop growing. In the end, the leg will appear uneven and bow-legged. Accidents can occur if the puppy is dropped from a high place or gets knocked by a moving car or bike. Genetics Although rare, genetics can be a cause for bowed legs among dogs. These genes can be passed down from generation to generation. Symptoms of Bow Legs Bow legs in dogs start presenting as early as 5 and as late as 12 weeks of age. This is the period most dogs go through the first growth stage. The symptoms can appear suddenly. The puppy can be okay in the morning just to see her with bowing later on in the day. Some of the symptoms of this condition include the following: Limited movement.
Breeds The link has been copied! When considering the addition of a Goldendoodle to your family, one of the first questions that come to mind is, "How much does a Goldendoodle cost? This comprehensive guide will delve into various aspects influencing a Goldendoodle's price. Additionally, we'll discuss the importance of choosing reputable breeders and provide valuable information on protecting your pup with innovative technology like Fi's GPS-tracking dog collar. By learning about these factors beforehand, prospective Goldendoodle owners can confidently navigate this process while ensuring they bring home a healthy and happy companion. How Much Does a Goldendoodle Cost? If you're considering adding a Goldendoodle to your family, it's essential to understand the costs associated with this popular and lovable breed. In addition to the upfront cost of purchasing or adopting a puppy, ongoing expenses like vet visits, vaccinations, grooming services, and pet food need to be considered. The cost of a Goldendoodle puppy can vary, depending on several elements, which will be discussed in further detail later. First, however, it's essential to focus on the purchase price and consider routine costs throughout your dog's life. These may include annual check-ups at the veterinarian's office including vaccinations , monthly heartworm prevention medication, grooming sessions every weeks, and high-quality pet food that meets their nutritional needs. How Much Is a Goldendoodle Puppy? The price of a Goldendoodle puppy can range widely depending on the breeder, its location, and any special features it may have. However, some breeders may charge even higher prices if their puppies come from an exceptional bloodline or have unique traits. Purchasing From Breeders Breeder reputation: Look for reviews online and ask around within local communities or social media groups dedicated to Goldendoodles. Health testing: Reputable breeders will conduct health tests on both parent dogs before breeding them together. Puppy contract: A responsible breeder should provide a written agreement outlining what they guarantee regarding your new pet's health status and other terms related to care after purchase. Finding Adoptable Dogs Through Rescues and Shelters Adopting a Goldendoodle from an animal rescue or refuge can be a great way to give a home to an abandoned pup while saving money. Many organizations specialize in rescuing specific breeds, like the IDOG Rescue , which focuses on finding homes for doodle dogs such as Goldendoodles. Keep in mind that adopting through shelters may require additional time and patience compared to purchasing from breeders since you might have to wait until your desired breed becomes available. However, this option is often more affordable than buying directly from breeders and helps support animal welfare efforts. Factors That Impact the Cost of a Goldendoodle When considering the purchase of a Goldendoodle, it's essential to understand that various factors can impact their cost. Colors The color of a Goldendoodle's coat can significantly influence its price. Rarer coat colors, such as reds and merle goldendoodles , are more expensive than common shades like cream or apricot. While this may not affect the dog's personality or health, many potential owners are willing to pay extra for unique appearances. Dogs with proven lineage from reputable breeders often come at higher prices due to their genetic quality assurance than those without documented ancestry. Breeder Reputation Reputable Breeders: Purchasing your puppy from reputable Goldendoodle breeders ensures you get a healthy dog raised in good conditions. Reputable breeders follow ethical breeding practices by testing parent dogs for genetic disorders and providing proper care during pregnancy and after birth. This level of care comes at a higher cost but provides peace of mind knowing your pup is coming from responsible hands. Puppy Mills and Pet Stores: It's crucial to avoid buying from puppy mills or pet stores, as these establishments prioritize profit over the welfare of their animals. Dogs bred in such conditions often suffer from health issues due to poor breeding practices and inadequate care. While puppies from these sources may have a lower initial cost, they can lead to higher expenses in vet bills later on. We do not recommend buying from a pet store or a puppy mill. Estimated Size The size of your Goldendoodle will also impact its price. Smaller Goldendoodles, like Mini Goldendoodle or Teacup varieties, typically cost more than Standard-sized dogs because they are in higher demand due to their convenient size for apartment living and easier handling by owners with limited space. On the other hand, larger adult Goldendoodles might be less expensive but could require more resources for grooming costs, food consumption, and exercise needs. The Prices of Different Size Goldendoodles Goldendoodles come in various sizes, which can significantly impact their cost. In this section, we will explore the prices of Mini, Teacup, and Standard Goldendoodles to help you understand how size affects the overall price. Mini Goldendoodle Price The Mini Goldendoodle is a popular choice for those who want a smaller dog with all the wonderful qualities of a standard-sized one. These dogs typically weigh between pounds and stand around inches tall at shoulder height. You may also find that some breeders charge more for rarer coat colors or patterns. Teacup Goldendoodle Price If you're looking for an even smaller version of the beloved doodle breed, then consider getting a Teacup Goldendoodle. Weighing only pounds and standing just under 12 inches tall at shoulder height when fully grown makes them perfect pets for people living in apartments or small homes. Keep in mind that caring for teacups might require extra attention compared to larger breeds, so be prepared for additional expenses in the long run. Standard Goldendoodle Price The Standard Goldendoodle is the largest of the three sizes, weighing between pounds and standing around inches tall at shoulder height. These dogs are known for their friendly personalities and low-shedding coats, making them great family pets. It's essential to choose a responsible breeder who prioritizes health testing and ethical breeding practices when purchasing your new furry friend. This innovative device allows you to keep tabs on your dog's location at all times, giving you peace of mind knowing that they are safe. The Fi Smart Collar offers several features that make it an excellent choice for Goldendoodle owners. These include: Real-time tracking: The collar uses advanced GPS technology to provide accurate location data so that you can find your pup quickly if they wander off or gets lost. Fence alerts: You can set up virtual fences around specific areas such as your home and receive notifications if your dog leaves these boundaries. This feature helps prevent them from venturing too far away or into dangerous situations. Durable design: The collar is built with high-quality materials designed to withstand rough play and harsh weather conditions, ensuring long-lasting protection for your pet. Battery life: Boasting a battery life of up to three months between charges, this collar ensures continuous monitoring without frequent interruptions for recharging. In addition to providing security and peace of mind, the Fi Smart Collar also tracks activity levels. It enables you to monitor how much exercise your Goldendoodle gets daily - crucial information, given their energetic nature. Now that you know the cost of owning one, let's look into what makes this breed so special with our next heading: Goldendoodle Breed Guide. Goldendoodle Breed Guide The Goldendoodle is a popular and versatile breed, known for its friendly personality, intelligence, and low-shedding coat. A blend of the Golden Retriever and Poodle breeds, this hybrid pooch presents a great mix of attributes that make it appropriate for various ways of life. Personality Goldendoodles are typically affectionate, social dogs with a gentle temperament. They get along well with children and other pets in the household. Their high level of intelligence makes them easy to train as they quickly pick up on commands and cues from their owners. Moreover, these dogs have an innate desire to please their humans, which further contributes to their trainability. Generally speaking: Miniature Goldendoodles: weigh between pounds kg and stand at about inches cm tall at shoulder height. Standard Goldendoodles: Standard Goldendoodles are larger, weighing between pounds kg and standing at inches cm. Average Lifespan The average lifespan of a healthy Goldendoodle ranges from around 10 to 15 years when provided proper care, including regular vet check-ups , vaccinations, exercise routines, grooming sessions, and a balanced diet. They enjoy activities such as walking, running, swimming, or playing fetch. Providing them with at least 30 minutes of daily exercise is essential for keeping your Goldendoodle happy and healthy. Additionally, engaging in mental stimulation exercises, like puzzle toys or obedience training sessions, can help keep their minds sharp. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The lifetime care costs of owning a Goldendoodle include expenses related to food, grooming, veterinary care including vaccinations , pet insurance if opted for , and accessories like collars and leashes Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar recommended , among others. How Can I Lower the Cost of a Goldendoodle Goldendoodles can be quite expensive, but there are ways to reduce the cost while still enjoying the companionship of this lovable breed. Adopting vs. Buying From a Breeder Pet adoption websites and local animal shelters often have Goldendoodles available for adoption at significantly lower costs compared to buying from breeders. By adopting, not only do you save money, but you also provide a loving home to an animal in need. Purchasing or Adopting an Older Dog Instead of a Puppy If your heart is set on owning a Goldendoodle, but the price tag seems too steep, consider adopting or purchasing an older dog instead of opting for puppies. Older dogs usually come with lower prices as they might not possess certain desirable traits like specific coat colors or pedigree lineage. Additionally, senior dogs tend to be calmer and require less training than their younger counterparts. Conclusion After considering all the factors that impact the cost of a Goldendoodle, it is safe to say that they can be quite expensive. The price of a Goldendoodle can vary significantly, depending on factors such as size, age, and the breeder's reputation. Additionally, grooming costs and potential health issues should also be taken into account when calculating the actual cost of owning a Goldendoodle. If you're interested in getting a Goldendoodle but want to lower the cost, consider adopting an adult dog or purchasing from reputable breeders with reasonable prices. Investing in pet insurance is essential to ensure that any unforeseen medical costs won't be a burden. If you're ready to welcome a new furry friend into your home and want peace of mind knowing their whereabouts at all times, try Fi's GPS-tracking dog collar today! Be sure to keep tabs on your pup with Fi's GPS collar, which gives you real-time location updates and activity tracking. The link has been copied! You might also like. Adding a Goldendoodle puppy to your family is a big commitment…and it can come with an equally big price tag! Knowing what the average Goldendoodle price is and the factors that influence the cost can help you budget appropriately. It can also protect you from vastly overpaying or being the victim of a scam. So, how much does a Goldendoodle cost? What Determines the Price of a Goldendoodle Puppy? There are six main factors that will help us determine how much you should expect to spend on your future Goldendoodle. Size There are five sizes of Goldendoodles —standard, medium, mini, toy, and teacup. That rule is, the smaller the size, the higher the price. First and foremost, you want to pick the Goldendoodle size that will work best in your family. All else being equal, however, you may save significant money by choosing a larger dog. Generations are what describe the genetic makeup of Goldendoodles and how close in DNA they are to their Poodle and Golden Retriever ancestors. Some Goldendoodles may even be hypoallergenic , though this can never be guaranteed. More Poodle DNA frequently results in a curlier coat. When it comes to Goldendoodle price, the closer in DNA your potential dog is to a Poodle, the higher the cost will usually be. This is because the demand for allergy-friendly and low-shedding dogs is very high. Location As the cost of living increases, so does the cost of a puppy. For example. Sometimes it can be helpful to drive a few hours to a Goldendoodle breeder further away. While less convenient, it could save you a little bit of money if you are from an area with a high cost of living. How did they seemingly get such a bargain? The answer is where they got their dog from. These owners likely adopted their Goldendoodle from a shelter or rescue organization. Quality, reputable breeders typically charge a premium for their puppies. On the other hand, puppy mills and backyard breeders will sometimes charge very low prices because their expenses are so much lower. Be careful, sometimes you get what you pay for. A cheap, unhealthy puppy will cost you more in the long-term than a more expensive, healthy dog. Click here to get an instant, online pet insurance quote from Healthy Paws! These stores thrive off of emotional, impulse purchases and receive strong criticism for obtaining their puppies from questionable breeders. Color There are so many colors of Goldendoodles, it may be impossible to choose your favorite! There is a wide spectrum of solid color options like cream, apricot, chocolate, or black. On top of that, there are unique, multi-color patterns like parti, merle, phantom , and sable. Many breeders base their pricing partially on color. Usually, the rule of thumb is that multi-color Goldendoodles, particularly those with rare or desirable patterns , are going to be significantly more expensive than their solid-color counterparts. For more budget-minded folks, a solid color Goldendoodle puppy will be just as cute for a fraction of the price. Usually, black. Black Goldendoodles are adorable, but are often overlooked and you can sometimes find them at a bit of a discount depending on the demand. The moral of the story when it comes to choosing a Goldendoodle color is to keep your options open. When there are lots of prospective buyers and not a lot of available puppies, prices will go up. When there are plenty of available puppies but not a lot of buyers, prices will go down. The best example of this when it comes to buying a puppy is around the holiday season. Goldendoodles, along with many other breeds, are often given as Christmas presents to children or spouses. For this reason, many breeders charge more for puppies that will be available to go home around the holidays. Why Are Goldendoodles So Expensive? Why are Goldendoodles so expensive? The simple answer is supply and demand. Poodle mixes are extremely popular due to their adorable, teddy-bear looks and also their likelihood to be allergy-friendly and low-shedding. On the other hand, reputable breeders struggle to keep up with demand and often have waitlists that extend months, or even years, down the road. All Goldendoodle puppies should come with at least their first round of vaccinations, deworming, up-to-date flea and tick prevention, and a vet check. Most reputable Goldendoodle breeders also offer a health guarantee on their puppies. This can range anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Usually, breeders will send your new puppy home with a few basic items like a blanket, toy, collar, and a small bag of food. In almost all cases, you will be required by a breeder to place a deposit to secure your selection from a particular litter. Be extremely careful sending money to any breeder who you have not personally visited. Do your due diligence to make sure they are legitimate. Many scammers are out there luring eager Goldendoodle buyers in with adorable, fake or stolen puppy pictures only to take their deposits and never be heard from again. Lifetime Cost of Owning a Goldendoodle If you thought the price of a Goldendoodle puppy was expensive, you might want to sit down for this. Here is the average lifetime cost of owning a dog according to a few, reliable sources which utilized major research studies to arrive at their conclusions:. Before buying or adopting any dog, it pays to do your homework. Knowing where to search for your next dog, what to look for in a reputable breeder, and what you should expect to pay can improve your odds of bringing home a healthy dog at a reasonable cost. Purebred dogs have national breed clubs that provide information about the breed. Though the goldendoodle is a crossbreed, a national organization called the Goldendoodle Association of North America supports responsible breeding and pet ownership. Cost of Adopting a Goldendoodle Goldendoodles occasionally find themselves in need of rescue when people buy puppies from unscrupulous breeders who make unrealistic guarantees, or when new pup parents find themselves unprepared for caring for their goldendoodle. For instance, reputable goldendoodle breeders should never guarantee that a puppy will be 'hypoallergenic' or will not shed. When those adorable goldendoodle puppies start shedding, or when their human has an allergic reaction, the doodle may be in need of a new home. Rescuing an adult goldendoodle is not only a great way to save some money on the purchase price of the dog, but also provides other benefits. Goldendoodle puppies may also end up in rescue occasionally. This adoption fee generally includes the costs of updated vaccines and a spay or neuter surgery, and helps to ensure the organization can continue its lifesaving work. Cost of Buying a Goldendoodle Buying a goldendoodle puppy from a breeder is the most expensive way to acquire a goldendoodle. However, the cost of a puppy varies wildly. Breeders from different states may charge more, and the cost of a larger size goldendoodle may be different than a smaller goldendoodle. Some breeders also charge more for more desirable colors or coat types. Responsible goldendoodle breeders put a lot of money into their breeding programs, which is why their puppies cost a lot. Such breeders purchase or keep high-quality dogs for their breeding programs, perform genetic health screenings on the parents before breeding them, maintain pedigrees and pair dogs thoughtfully to better the breed. Reputable breeders also pursue thorough veterinary care for their adult dogs and puppies, feed high-quality diets, register their litters with the proper organization, and never overbreed their females or breed more puppies than they can responsibly care for. Due to the efforts they put in to produce healthy, high-quality dogs, good breeders usually offer a health guarantee on their puppies. Such breeders may simply breed together any male and female they happen to own and sell the resulting puppies. When a goldendoodle breeder tells you the price of buying a puppy, ask about their breeding program, genetic screening and health guarantees to find out what you are paying for. Additionally, be aware that some pets stores sell goldendoodle puppies along with many other breeds of puppies. It is very difficult to obtain accurate information on breeders who supply to pet stores, and in many cases, animal welfare experts worry about these puppies coming from puppy mills. A puppy mill is often described as a commercial dog breeding operation where the goal is to produce as many puppies as possible without regard for their health and the welfare of the breeding dogs. Both the adult dogs and puppies often have poor health, are exposed to more infectious diseases, and tend to have ongoing health problems in additional to coming from inhumane living conditions. For this reason, it is best to avoid purchasing a puppy if it has a questionable origin. One significant cost to consider for goldendoodles is the cost of professional grooming. Almost all goldendoodles need to have their hair trimmed by a groomer. Some goldendoodles may need grooming once a month; others can go about eight weeks in between haircuts. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. You will need more toys for your dog during its puppy years, particularly for chewing and teething. As your dog ages, you may want to get more challenging toys for mental stimulation, such as interactive toys, robust chew toys, treat-dispensing toys, and more, all of which keep your dog entertained and well-adjusted. If you need professional services like dog walking, pet sitting, boarding, or training, your monthly costs will go up. Puppy obedience classes are recommended for your Goldendoodle puppy, but you can continue training into adulthood to teach your dog skills like advanced obedience, agility, or rally. The most important aspect of your pet budget is health care, including high-quality food. You may also need to treat a chronic health condition, which can add hundreds of dollars each month to your expenses. Other expenses may vary according to your lifestyle and schedule. Dog training is another possible expense if your dog develops behavioral problems that require professional help. You should also consider security deposits if you rent an apartment or home. As your dog ages, some of your expenses may change. Your dog may require special prescription diets, more frequent vet visits, and extra supplies like diapers, potty pads, or mobility aids like ramps. Preventative care is one of the best ways to avoid major expenses in the future. You can cut back on other areas, such as making your own toys instead of buying expensive toys and relying on friends or family to walk your dog during the day rather than a professional walker. Some pet insurance companies offer special coverage for preventative care, alternative treatments, pet boarding, behavioral training, and more. Conclusion Goldendoodles are a highly desirable dog breed, but they can be expensive. There are many optional expenses, such as pet sitting or boarding , training, and pet insurance , to consider before bringing your pup home. This blog explores why these Goldendoodle puppies fetch such a premium and the aspects contributing to their pricing. Goldendoodle Puppies and Their Worth Goldendoodle puppies are the delightful offspring of two popular breeds: the ever famous Golden Retriever and the Poodle. The combination of the attractive and hypoallergenic characteristics emblematic of Poodles with the loyal and loving temperament peculiar to Golden Retrievers mixes wonderfully in a hybrid that combines all the best parts of their ancestors into a strong Goldendoodle. The price of a Goldendoodle can vary based on several factors. Firstly, the amount of health testing completed on the parent dogs can significantly affect the cost. Breeders who do physical health testing will have passing certifications to share with customers. They should include results for hips, elbows, patellas, heart, and eyes. Breeders should only utilize dogs in their breeding program that pass all these physical tests. Removing a dog from the breeding pool who fails a test results in loss of the investment in that dog as a breeding prospect. DNA panels screening for diseases is also critical so that pairing of breeding dogs can avoid crossing two who carry the same disease mutations. When both parents carry the same disease genes, the puppies can inherit a gene from each parent resulting in the puppies being affected by that disease. Reputable breeders ensure proper DNA and health testing to rule out genetic disorders, ensuring the puppies have the best chance of a long, healthy life. As a result, costs could rise. Goldendoodles with rare colors may command a higher price than their counterparts. However, choosing a puppy solely based on its color is never a good practice, as temperament and appropriate size for your home is always the top priority. While it might seem initially high, the price of a Goldendoodle reflects the care, effort, and responsible breeding practices invested in raising a healthy and well-adjusted puppy. The Role of High Demand in Goldendoodle Costs Goldendoodles have gained significant popularity over the years, and the demand for these adorable puppies is sky-high. However, responsible and reputable breeders prioritize the health and welfare of their dogs over the volume of puppies they produce, ensuring each puppy receives the right amount of care and socialization. The high demand and the limited supply from reputable breeders naturally drive the price upwards. However, these breeders might not adhere to proper breeding practices, often skimping on health checks, failing to properly socialize puppies, and ignoring the genetic diversity necessary for a healthy pup. Quality breeders invest time, energy, and resources to ensure their puppies are healthy, well-socialized, and ready for their new homes. Avoiding puppy mills , which often prioritize quantity over quality, is paramount. Such places tend to breed more puppies without sufficient regard for their health and well-being. This can lead to puppies with health problems, poor socialization skills, and even behavioral issues. This ensures that the puppies they sell are genetically sound and free from preventable health problems. Breeders with a good reputation ensure good care for the mature dogs under their charge, furnishing them with a good life, regular examinations by a veterinarian, and plenty of affection and personal notice. How to Find a Reputable Goldendoodle Breeder Knowing how vital it is to select an ethical breeder, comprehending the hallmarks that distinguish reputable breeders is crucial when embarking on your quest to welcome your first furry companion into your family fold. So, how do you find a reputable breeder amidst the sea of Goldendoodle puppies for sale and mini Goldendoodles for sale ads? Next, note how the breeder talks about their adult dogs and puppies. A reputable breeder will be more than happy to answer any queries you have about the breed, health issues, or their breeding practices. Remember, a good breeder will never have an abundance of Goldendoodle puppies for sale. They focus on the quality of the litter, not the quantity. Owning a pet is a long-term commitment, and it goes beyond the initial purchase cost. The ongoing cost of feeding your pet a high-quality diet is critical for their overall health and well-being. Spay or neuter costs are other factors to consider. Although not immediately necessary for puppies, this procedure is required by contract by all responsible breeders once the puppy is old enough so as to prevent unwanted litters and specific health issues. Finally, investing in pet insurance can be a wise decision. While it adds to your monthly expenses, it can save you significantly in case of accidents or illnesses. The love, companionship, and joy that these furry friends bring into our lives make every penny spent worth it. Bringing a Goldendoodle puppy into your life is a decision that comes with both financial and emotional considerations. However, when you investigate those intelligent , adoring eyes and experience the unconditional love they offer, every dollar spent feels worthwhile. Reputable breeders, like those affiliated with the GANA, go to great lengths to ensure their Goldendoodle puppies are healthy, well-adjusted, and ready to bring joy to their new homes. They invest in health tests, provide high-quality care for their adult dogs, and take the time to socialize their puppies properly, all of which contribute to the cost of a Goldendoodle puppy. This could be in the quality of care, health testing, or breeding practices. Opting for a cheaper puppy could mean facing higher vet bills and potential heartache. By doing your homework prior to bringing home your new puppy, you will be assured you have a quality bred, healthy, well-socialized puppy. Your journey awaits. At their best, they are intelligent, friendly, and affectionate. They come in three sizes: miniature weighing 15 to 30 pounds , medium 30 to 45 pounds , and standard 45 to more than pounds. Because they are a cross breed, their traits are not fixed, so there is not a guarantee that the Goldendoodle puppy you purchase will fall into the desired weight range. The Goldendoodle is intelligent, friendly, and family oriented. It is a highly social dog. Goldendoodles tend to follow their nose wherever it leads, so a fenced-in yard is recommended. They are always ready for a game; most Goldendoodles retain the natural retrieving instincts of the Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles do not bark frequently. History Less - In the s, breeders in both North America and Australia began crossing golden retrievers with standard poodles. The original purpose of the cross was to attempt to develop guide dogs suitable for visually impaired individuals with allergies. The goldendoodle is sometimes called a designer dog. The Encyclopedia Britannica traces the term "designer dog" to the late 20th century, when breeders began to cross purebred poodles with other purebred breeds in order to obtain a dog with the poodle's non-shedding coat, along with various desirable characteristics from other breeds.
Reviewed by Monica Tarantino Dr. Monica Tarantino, DVM, is a small animal veterinarian and writer with five years of general practice, emergency medicine, and geriatric pet health experience. She is certified as a Fear Free doctor. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. These pups make a great addition to every home, as they are excellent with kids, love to cuddle, and will do anything to make their owners happy. They are medium-to-large sturdy dogs with excellent balance, obedience through the roof , and an adorable face. Keep scrolling to see the cutest photos yet and discover mind-boggling Labrador retriever trivia. Despite their name, Labrador retrievers originally came from Newfoundland, not Labrador. Continue to 2 of 16 below. Continue to 3 of 16 below. Continue to 4 of 16 below. Continue to 5 of 16 below. Continue to 6 of 16 below. A little training will go a long way. Continue to 7 of 16 below. It may require some training, but their instincts will know how to handle soft items. Labrador retrievers go crazy for plush toys and are often found napping with their favorite ones. Continue to 8 of 16 below. Studio photo of a baby labrador retriever, isolated over a white background Studio photo of a baby labrador retriever, isolated over a white background Studio photo of a baby labrador retriever, isolated over a white background Studio shot of a young labrador, isolated over white Labrador dog is sleeping Adorable baby labrador retriever laying down and looking to side, dreaming isolated on white background Studio photo of a baby labrador retriever, isolated over a white background Brown Adorable Labrador puppy dog smile with bokeh sunset light Cute Labrador dog with puppies in room Labrador dog is giving a toy Studio photo of a baby labrador retriever, isolated over a white background Close up of labrador dog Baby labrador, puppy lying on the lawn Friendship man child and dog pet. Baby boy crawling learns walk wooden floor decorated interior of house and best friend dog breed Labrador golden retriever. Cute little pet Labrador retriever puppy is going to sleep. Baby Labrador Retriever dog wrapped in a yellow warm knitted blanket. Comfort, warmth and pets care concept. Friendship man child and dog pet. Purebred dogs, puppies and cats on a white background Studio shot of a young labrador, isolated over white Little Labrador puppy isolated on white background Cute yellow labrador retriever puppy isolated on white Studio picture of a young golden retriever, isolated Small puppy labrador outdoor Little puppy with blue sky in the background Three month cute golden retriever puppy, on white background Adorable labrador retriever dog with yellow fur lying down and looking away penisve on white studio background Studio shot of an adorable Labrador Retriever puppy yawning on grey background. 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Pet friend of man Golden Retriever Portrait - Isolated over white background Portrait of cute dog puppy Labrador Retriever over summer background Little boy sits astride dog on walk in park. Copyspace Cute labrador retriever dog with yellow fur lying down and looking away on white studio background Studio shot of a young labrador, isolated over white Adorable labrador retriever dog wearing red bowtie and sitting on yellow background Portrait of a crouched dog puppy on a white background in calm attitude Puppy labrador isolated on white background Three-month puppy golden retriever ,shot in the studio on a white background Little puppy Golden retriever, Puppy lying on the grass in the park in the summer A small puppy Labrador lies on the floor. The dog is light brown in color. Pet Labrador. Beautiful golden retriever puppy on the blue background Beautiful puppy labrador retriever wearing a neck scarf, against a white background Puppy golden retriever on a white background isolated. It is fun. Beautiful purebred puppy golden retrivergulyaet near the flowers, the grass in the park in spring. Cute labrador puppy isolated on white background Labrador Retriever sitting on the ground morning time. Yellow lab puppy, three weeks old. Beautiful golden retriever puppy on the blue background Labrador retriever funny puppy yellow Cute labrador retriever sticking out tongue and looking to side on white background Girl holding cute Labrador Retriever puppy in park Mom and labrador puppies one month old suckling Cute little beige puppy sitting on wooden background Labrador Puppy walks in the park in the summer. Labrador puppies in the hands Team of two labradors retrievers sleeping and cuddling, laying down isolated on white background Beautiful Labrador Retriever Puppy on laminate wood background. Labrador Retriever Portrait playing in living room. Happy Labrador Retriever sitting in living room. Cute puppy dog resting at home. A young Labrador Retriever Dog is running through a river with a pretty face in autumn Walk a young woman with dog at sunset next to a paddock - Labrador puppy running with pretty face Labrador retriever funny puppy yellow Cute dog puppy Labrador Retriever sitting on grass Labrador puppy and hand on a white background Labrador puppy on a white background Labrador puppy portrait in the green Two cute young labrador dog puppies cuddling together on a balcony Labrador retriever puppy set. Two puppies with toys. Hand painted dogs watercolor illustration, isolated on white backgroun Orange orchids in nature Puppy golden retriever on a white background isolated. A young chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy laying down against a white background with a guilty look on his face A small puppy Labrador lies on the floor. Labrador puppy cute one month old Two cute young labrador dog puppies cuddling together on a balcony Cute labrador puppies sleeping on wooden deck - on green foliage background, close up Studio shot of an adorable Labrador Retriever puppy lying sadly on white background. Cute dog puppy Labrador Retriever is sitting on the green grass Close up of a cute labrador retriever dog with yellow fur lying down and sleeping tired on white studio background Closeup portrait of Golden retriever dog Puppy golden retriever on a white background isolated. Pet Project Updated May 25, 3. Are you in the mood to see some adorable photos of Yellow Labrador dogs? This is a list of some of the cutest Yellow Lab photos. You can add your own special Yellow Labrador Retriever photos to the list, and you can vote for your favorite pictures of Yellow Labrador Retrievers to get them ranked higher on the list. The English Labs are heavier, thicker and blockier. The American Labs are from American bred stock and are tall and lanky. Their double coat is smooth and comes in solid black, yellow or chocolate. Labs love to play in water, and are very good-natured and eager to please. They are large dogs, some reaching to over pounds in size. They are also very energetic and need regular mental and physical exercise to keep them stimulated or they can become high-strung. These large dogs excel at almost everything, and can be used for service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, search and rescue and sledding, among many other activities. Labrador Retrievers have a strong willingness to please and are highly intelligent. These beautiful animals make excellent service dogs and are a top choice for service dog work. The nose and eye rims are black on Yellow Labrador Retrievers, and their coloring is a pretty yellow. Enjoy these cute pictures of adult and baby Yellow Labrador Retrievers, and see what great dogs they can be! Over those years we have accumulated hundreds of cute Lab puppy pics. We even have pictures from one of our puppies who went to Panama and also Brazil. Long ago storage and organizing these puppy pics became a problem and I bet we have lost more cute puppy pics than we have kept. On this web page are some of the Labrador Retriever puppy pics and some older Lab pics as well. They are an example of the quality of dog we work as breeder to breed and fill the lives of their handlers with joy for years and years. Many of our Lab puppies have gone on to serve as service dogs, emotional support dogs and therapy dogs. There have also been working dogs who have been placed in homes of people with Autism and dogs who can alert a diabetic to low blood sugar. They really are amazing animals if you train them properly. And if you decide to adopt one of your Labradors you can visit the puppy page here. So, take your time, look around, and learn all there is to know about your breeder. We hope you enjoyed the cute lab puppy pics! If you are ready to apply for one of our lab puppies, try to pull yourself away from the cute puppy pics and click the button. Our extensive library of high-quality stock photos includes a wide variety of images featuring this beloved breed in various settings and in different stages of life. Whether you need a photo for a website, brochure, or any other marketing material, we have the perfect image to suit your needs. Types of Images Available We offer a wide range of images featuring Labrador Retrievers, including photos of puppies, adult dogs, and senior dogs. Our collection includes different colors of Labradors, including Chocolate, Black, and Yellow. You'll find images of Labradors in a variety of settings, such as playing in a park, resting at home, or working as service animals. These formats make it easy to use our images for different purposes, such as print and digital media. Our images can be used for a variety of projects, including websites, social media, brochures, posters, and banners. When choosing an image, keep in mind the intended purpose and the audience. For example, an image of a Labrador playing with a ball may be perfect for a brochure promoting dog toys, while an image of a Labrador as a service animal may be ideal for a website promoting disability services. Practical Advice on Choosing the Right Image When selecting an image, consider the message you want to convey and the emotion you want to evoke. A happy Labrador playing in a park may convey joy and playfulness, while an image of a Labrador comforting an owner may convey comfort and compassion. It's also important to consider the composition of the image. A well-composed image draws the viewer's attention to the subject, making it more effective in conveying the intended message. Choose images with a clear subject and a clean background to avoid distractions. Conclusion No matter what your project requires, we have the perfect Labrador Retriever image to meet your needs. Our extensive library of high-quality stock photos features a variety of Labradors in different settings and stages of life. Make your project stand out with our Labrador Retriever images.
They will want to be with you. Have a crate or bed next to your bed for at least the first few weeks while you get them into a Puppy night-time routine. Here is how to get a puppy to sleep through the night. Alone Training Teaching your Pug puppy that they can be totally fine being left alone can be done with stuffed chew toys, time and patience. Remember to do it slowly to avoid any stress! Toilet Training Training Practically every website you read may tell you that Toilet training your Pug puppy can be a challenge. As with alone training, start sooner rather than later. Of course, if they run into any birds, butterflies and hear planes flying over, it will be great for them to get acquainted already. Have fun gathering surfaces with different textures for them to explore, like synthetic grass, tiles, and soil. Use treats! Remember to use lots of treats and praise when training. They love making your tail wag! Repeat their name to them a lot in the first week, so it really starts to click. Recall — How to teach your Pug puppy to come back when called — This is important for safety. Pugs generally stay close, but they can be very friendly and want to run up to people and other dogs for a bit of a cuddle, so a good recall will always help. But they can enjoy fetch games on a smaller scale, get on the floor and interact and play with your Pug puppy to learn what they enjoy. This will help to avoid resource guarding. Husbandry Tasks Pugs love affection but should be handled with care. Be mindful to not treat them like toys. Not going to blame children to think they are toys though — the resemblance is uncanny. To do this we want to teach them that hands will do nice things to them so use plenty of treats when handling your puppy. Week 2 — Training your Pug puppy Week 2 already! Either way, this section will cover 10 fun things to do with your Pug that will be a blast for both of you. Some of these are perfect if you want to stay at home and others are ideal if you want to get out and about with your Pug. Did you know that the average adult dog can understand approximately words or short phrases? But, even more amazing is that canines are capable of knowing many more. A Border Collie named Chaser knew more than words! Just by speaking the name of objects, your Pug will catch onto some words. But, to speed up learning, have several teaching sessions per day. The only things you will need for this are the objects that you want your Pug to know by name and some training treats. Since Pugs are prone to weight gain, this is a great low-calorie option. For these fun teaching sessions, set out 3 objects onto the floor. Pick up each one, clearly enunciating the word for it. Then, ask your Pug to get one that you call out. This is a great way to increase the bond you have with your Pug while offering your canine family member the gift of self-confidence. And, if your Pug has those down pat, you can both have tons of fun by moving onto tricks. Pugs can learn all sorts of things including roll over, play dead, dancing, praying, hoops, and much more. A great book for this is Dog Tricks: Step by Step Activities , which has easy-to-follow instructions with helpful color photos of each step for both commands and tricks. Cuteness break! This is a great way to have fun with your Pug inside the home, and particularly on a rainy day when you want to prevent boredom for the both of you. Have a helper hold them. Or set up a gate or similar object across a doorway, leaving a small opening, then distract your Pug by tossing an item of interest toward the back end of the room. Your Pug may catch on to this method of distraction rather quickly and that's okay, many dogs will voluntarily be 'distracted' so that their human can hide. Here are some tips to keep this fun: 1 Always plan your hiding spot so that your dog doesn't catch you standing in a room while you wonder where to stash yourself. Behind a sofa or behind a door is a good choice. By the 5th or 6th time, you should be a couple of rooms away, completely out of view. Some good places? The bathtub with the curtain drawn, a closet with the door slightly open, or underneath blankets. This leads to wanting to play the next day. Puzzle games are a fantastic way to have fun with your Pug. There are many types of puzzle games for dogs. For example, the Trixie Flip Board is a flat floor-based puzzle where you hide treats behind compartments and teach your Pug how to nose or paw the various covers, flippers, sliders, and knobs. And, the Trixie Gambling Tower is a see-through tower on a sturdy base that holds treats that are released when your Pug learns to tug on the connector ropes. With these types of fun games, just remember that your Pug is not meant to play alone. It will be your job to show your Pug what to do and offer happy words to encourage them to keep trying or praise when they eventually catch on. Penny, at 5 months old, photo courtesy of Jamie 5: Have fun with bubbles. Many dogs find it thrilling to chase after bubbles and it can be a great way to get your Pug moving and meeting exercise requirements. If you manually blow bubbles for your Pug, this can be done either indoors or outdoors. Depending on the season, it can be a great time to go strawberry picking, apple picking or even explore a pumpkin patch. Often, apple orchards also have peach trees and other fruit trees to fill in between apple season. It can be a great way to do something new with your Pug and afterward or during , you can sample the fruit. Strawberries are safe for dogs to eat. Peach and apple can be given to dogs if you cut out pieces only the core, seeds and pits are toxic. Some dogs will chase after anything that is thrown; but, others need a bit more incentive. If you want to get your Pug to really enjoy a game of fetch, it helps to do this with something novel and exciting. This is a set of 3; All have flashing lights and make silly noises. Each has a different texture, soft rubber, hard rubber, and soft nubs which makes it easy to mouth. And, another terrific option is a Chuckit! Flying Squirrel Toy. These are perfect for Pugs, since they are designed for short-range flight and they spin in the air which helps trigger a chase response. With fetch, keep in mind that your level of enthusiasm plays a big role. Be involved and alert, and speak in an animated, happy tone. Just remember that fetch toys are designed specifically for throwing and retrieving and typically are not sturdy enough to be chew toys; so, reserve this just for when you are playing fetch with your Pug. There are lots of restaurants that allow dogs , either inside the eating establishment or outdoors on a patio. Some places even have menu items specifically for dogs. Pugs will be sedentary if allowed to be and it is true that overexertion is not a good thing for brachycephalic breeds. But, Pugs need daily exercise just like any other dog to manage weight, maintain muscle mass, and keep the heart strong. Going on hikes can be a fun way to get your Pug moving, all you need to do is choose the right route and prep your Pug for safety. These will be short usually 1 to 3 miles in total , have well-established trails mostly free of rocks, roots and other hazards, and have very little elevation gain. During those times, offer cool water. The container itself is stainless steel construction which makes it very durable. This has a neat design where a connected BPA-free section flips up and into a bowl. As you may know, brachycephalic breeds like the Pug should never be on leash and collar. A collar around the neck, especially when connected to a leash, can severely impede breathing. Harness are a much safer option. The neck is free and pressure from the leash is displaced over the shoulders, chest, and back. As added bonus, it is much easier to control and lead a dog when using a harness. This is lined for comfort and also made of a breathable air-mesh which helps keep a dog cool. These start at size extra-small for young pups and go up from there. And, this is available in 13 different colors so that your Pug will always look stylish. You'll want to pair the harness with a retractable leash so that you can let your Pug out and reel him in as needed without having to fumble with the cord. Most hiking spots close at sunset, so you will want to leave plenty of time to ensure that you and your guy or gal are done with time to spare. Miss Moo, at 12 years old, photo courtesy of Jerry, Shelly and Taylor Koltz Choose an activity to celebrate the season. Have fun with your Pug by making the most out of whichever season it happens to be. In the summer, take your Pug to a dog-friendly beach to walk along the shoreline. In the spring, head out for a picnic. In autumn, rake up a pile of colorful leaves and jump into it together. In the winter, bundle up your Pug and play in the snow for up to 20 minutes. You may also like: Pugs with Itchy Skin - The top leading causes of the frustrating problem, along with exact steps to resolve things. Top 10 Pug Eating Issues - It's not uncommon for this breed to have some sort of eating problem; see the top 10 along with exact steps to resolve them. Best Shampoos for Pugs - What you use during the bath will have lasting effects on skin and coat health, how long your Pug smells good, and more. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. You asked super valuable questions and really listened to our concerns. You helped us to make a conscious choice about what is right for us and take the steps to determine that we were doing the right thing. Ultimately we decided we weren't ready to be a 2 dog family, and we're so glad to gain this insight before taking on a commitment to a second dog. Thank you so much for your advice and support. She has a really flexible approach to training and finds what works for you and your dog. They sent weekly reminders about the classes and would even send us a text before the class started. Tara was amazing and soooo great with buckwheat. Would happily go to another class that she was teaching. They are both incredibly knowledgable and professional in their approach, and both went out of their way to provide additional help and support. Our great dane has benefited immensely from this training and we couldn't recommend this service more highly! No more pulling! She gave me some great strategies to help with reactive behaviours and some really simple tricks which just make life so much easier. The one in one session was a great investment. Such a refreshing change from the outdated, harsh methods and so much more effective, and fun! I have been struggling with barking with my 6yr old anxious staffy for years. We felt like we had tried everything and Cassie came and it felt like she gave us those last few missing puzzle pieces. As soon as we started enacting her advice we have had a massive improvement and have not looked back since. Not only this but she arrived right on time and was super friendly and compassionate with zero judgement. I've been to a lot of people with my little one and I can happily say Cassie is by far the best trainer we have been to. We would recommend the company to anyone experiencing the need for some professional support and advice. The ongoing support has also been most helpful! Google rating score: 4. They also create a foundation for future training. Are you tired of calling her to be completely ignored? How about when your friend comes over? Your Pug jumps all over her. You spend the next 30 minutes holding your Pug away from her until your Pug settles down. These dog tricks, once learned, will keep your Pug safe and create a relaxed environment for you. If you decide you and your Pug enjoy the training time together, you may want to move into more complex training. These five dog tricks are watch me, sit, stay, come, touch, and leave it. Pug — one, two, or an entire grumble, whatever you have available. At least one Pug is necessary for dog tricks. Clicker — you can buy one on Amazon or your local pet store. A more expensive clicker is not going to make your Pug anymore magnificent as a Pug student. Having a clicker will make training dog tricks much easier. Some are loud and may startle your Pug dog. Some have a wrist band or some clip to your belt loop. See what is most comfortable for you. Treats — most people will suggest high value treats when training dog tricks. If your Pug is not food motivated, you want to consider some chicken or expensive dog treats. My Pugs are food motivated, and I get concerned about them chunking up. I use kibbles from their regular meals. When I get up in the morning, I measure out their food separately in bowls. I take out what I will need for training that day and put it in their treat training pouch. Then I feed them what is left in their bowls for the daily meals. Training Pouch — I like a training pouch that clips around my waist. I found that treats in my pocket leave a smell, even after I have removed the treats. Then I spend the evening trying to get two pugs not to dig into my pocket. I like a large training pouch, so I can easily put my entire hand in it. That way, I am not fumbling around after I click to get a treat. Sometimes I leave the treat in my hand and sometimes in the training pouch. Training Basics for Dog Tricks Keep the sessions short. Train 5 to 10 minutes at a time throughout the day. Train regularly. But, your Pugs are still dreaming of you coming out of the kitchen with a tray of afternoon snacks. Find a quiet place to train. In the beginning, you do not want too many distractions. Avoid a space where people are coming through the room and family members going out the front door. Never Punish your Pug Dog Punishment causes fear, insecurity, and aggression. Training dog tricks is supposed to be fun for both you and your Pug dog. Your Pug dog will be reading your body language also with your verbal and physical cues. Are you asking your Pug dog to sit with a signal each time in the exact same manner? Teaching dog tricks is fun, but you also need some skill. Then remind yourself, Pugs are of a royal lineage. They are accustomed to you waiting on them. Reward your Pugs for being good. Do this all day long and not just with treats. Good girl. Teach a new trick after he learns the last one. Keep reinforcing the newly learned trick throughout the day, but introduce a new one. Part of the training process is to help our Pugs ease any boredom they may be feeling. Make sure you are enthusiastic. When they figure something out for the first time, pour on the praise and the treats. Clicker Training For all these five dog tricks for your Pug dog, we will be using clicker training. Clicker training is a tool to use with positive reinforcement training. Remember, positive training means to add something. Reinforcement means to increase a behavior. The click is simply a mark. It tells your Pug dog that when he hears that click, that is precisely the behavior you are training. But how does he know this click is a good thing? Pairing the click with a reward is easy. Click and then give your dog a reward, usually a yummy treat to begin. Do this 15 to 20 times, and they pick up the idea quickly. Now when he hears the click, he knows a treat will be coming his way. Although he has figured this out, it may take a while to figure out the click is coming from his behavior. If your clicks are random, it will take a lot longer for your Pug to figure out. It has to be precise when it touches the floor. The Five Dog Tricks 1. Requesting eye contact can be used rather than scolding. This morning Lulu was in the kitchen sitting on her back paws digging away at a kitchen cabinet. So rather than scold for the scratching, I requested she looks at me. She was distracted long enough not to go back to that same behavior. How to Train Watch Me Get your clicker and some tasty treats. When she looks your way, click, and treat. Continue until you see that light bulb go on. Then, continue this training daily. Show her the treat. Put the treat up to your face. When your Pug dog looks up at your face, click and treat. At this stage, your Pug will still be looking at the treat and not your eyes. You will be using shaping with many of the dog tricks. We eventually want our Pugs to look directly into our eyes without holding a treat there. To begin, take them looking at the treat held in front of our face. When you believe your Pug dog is catching on, hold the treat away from your face a few inches. Likely, your Pug will be staring at the treat. However, you will get a split second when her eyes dart and look at you. Click when your eyes are locked, not after she has gone back to look at the treat. Catching her quick glance toward you takes concentration on your part. Continue this exercise 15 to 20 times. When she catches on, she will realize the eye contact is getting the click. And of course, a treat follows the click each time. Once she consistently makes eye contact, have her hold her gaze with your eyes just a second longer. Then click and reward with a treat. You want to be sure your Pug is solid with the dog tricks. Over time, increase the amount of time she looks at you. Then generalize this skill to other areas and situations. To generalize, request eye contact while she has her leash on and off. Take her into your yard and different rooms. Slowly, increase the number of distractions that she has to deal with. Extra distractions are family members in the kitchen and people walking in or out of the front door. Another distraction is the dog park. Stand on the other side of the dog park fence and have her make eye contact with you there. Gradually, move closer to the fence where the other dogs and people are. Continue to ask for eye contact. He needs to be able to preform dog tricks in all situations. Sit Sit is an easy command for Pugs to learn. For one reason, it is a natural behavior, and they do it a lot. The first method of teaching your Pug dog to sit is capturing. Capturing is something you will use teaching some of the dog tricks. Get your clicker and treat ready. Stand in front of your Pug. You will probably have his attention as he knows that you have a treat. If you wait a few minutes, he will likely sit. As his bottom makes contact with the floor, click and treat. Do this a few times. Once he understands, start to say the word sit right when he lowers his bottom to go into a sit. Again, when his bottom touches the floor or ground, click, treat, and praise. Lift your hand upward. Generally, most Pugs will lower their bottoms when they reach their head up to try to get the treat. If your Pug dog lifts her head to bite the food, be patient. Eventually, your Pug will sit down. When her bottom touches the ground, click, give her a treat, and make a super big deal about it. Do these enough times until your Pug starts giving you sits quickly. Then you know she understands. Then, as usual, practice around 15 times. As you continue training her throughout the day, have her hold her sit a little longer before you give her a treat. Remember, Pugs can be stubborn. If you try to push their rumps down, and they push against your hand. Never try to force your Pug in any manner when teaching dog tricks. Continue to Practice Have your Pug sit throughout the day. Hold short training sessions in various locations, both indoors and outdoors. Sometimes when you start in a new place, it feels like you are beginning the training process all over again. One of the first dog tricks I taught Mimi and Lulu was sit. When I first taught Mimi and Lulu to sit, I trained them to sit on their training cots. Now every time I get those cots out, they both run over and give a proud sit. Lulu stretches her neck as high as she can; like a giraffe. I have to keep an eye on Mimi. She likes to cheat. She will sit down, but her bottom will sometimes be hovering over the cot or floor. If I wait, she will eventually relax and go into a real sit. It is easy to phase out the treat rewards for this trick. Soon you will find your Pugs sit every time you go into the pantry, go into the kitchen, come home, or just look at them. If they sit, but you have not asked them to, give them lots of praise. They are doing a good thing. Your Pug dog may pick up on your tension. Consider using more valuable treats; fresh meat, hot dog pieces, or cheese. Do not say the word sit repeatedly if your Pug dog does not understand what you want. You want to wait to pair the word sit with when she is sitting. This applies to all the dog tricks. Go back to trying to capture the behavior. The timing can be tricky. If your dog is standing and then you look over, and she is sitting, but you missed when she sat down, do not click. Keep watching, and you will see her sit. When you do, click when her bottom touches the ground and give her a treat. Our Pugs sit and lie down a lot. Sit is one of the easiest dog tricks to teach. The Usefulness of Sit Have your Pug dog sit to redirect your Pug from getting into trouble with other dogs. Redirect your Pug when he starts to jump on people. Your Pug dog can sit when someone knocks at the door. Have your Pug sit when friends and family come to visit. This is polite, and they will be impressed! Stay is a great one. If you plan to enroll your Pug in dog training, it is a necessary skill. Do not give her a treat. You want to provide the message that something more is expected from her before she gets her treat. Hold your open palm facing her. Each time she tries to stand up, request another sit. Take a step back. If she is still sitting, click, and treat. Continue to practice this daily, adding more time. Training a release word is one of the many dog tricks you can teach your Pug. Do these several times. When some Pugs learn that the treats keep coming from staying in one spot, they are hesitant to move. Add More Time and Distractions Continue this exercise for days adding time and distance each time. Eventually, you want to be able to walk away with your back turned to your Pug. Once you feel confident, your Pug dog knows what you want and can stay for 5 minutes, move to a different room. Increasing the challenge is something you want to do with all the dog tricks. Again, generalize to different settings with different distractions. If you really want to try the ultimate challenge, ask your dog to sit and stay near your front door. You are using two of the dog tricks with this exercise. After she has stayed in position for a couple of minutes, have them stay and go over to the front door and knock. My Pug dogs see me knocking on the door and start running and barking as if someone is trying to break into the house. This distraction is a big challenge! As always, keep your training sessions short when your Pug is learning dog tricks. Make sure your Pug training sessions are always fun for you and your Pug dog. Teach dog tricks throughout the day. Keep things spontaneous. I was completely wrong on this one. If your Pug dog does not come to you when called, it can be a safety issue. So, if your Pug comes when called, you will be able to provide them with greater independence. Begin to train your Pug dog in a quiet area and indoors. All you have to do is say the phrase and give a treat. All your Pug has to do is eat the treat! Have your Pug dog stay and walk a few feet away from him. If you see her chasing her, click and treat. Still, no luck? Move even closer to her when you start. Eventually, when she does start to chase you, click and treat. Over time, you want to reduce your movement. The goal is to stand still and call her from across the room. Then, add distractions. Get someone to open the refrigerator door, come into the room, or knock on the door. Your Pug needs to learn to come and all the dog tricks in many different areas. Or take her outside on a nylon cord attached to her leash. Once she reaches that goal, train her to sit when she arrives. It will reinforce that the word means nothing. It is better to use a squeaky toy or use a sweet voice when calling her. I started my Pug dogs out on their training cots and began a few feet from them. When I moved in closer and tried again, Mimi got it right. We continued to work until she learned the come command. Lulu did not want to budge. I realized my mistake was I started her on her training cot. Why would she want to leave the training cot? She did much better, but it took her a while to figure out she needed to leave her spot. Eventually, I had to do some treat luring in front of her nose to get her to move. As I stated before, luring may be needed when teaching some of the dog tricks. Both Mimi and Lulu finally learned to come. It took a few weeks before I felt reasonably confident that they would come to me. And still, I do not take them on off-leash walks. Not only is it one of the five necessary dog tricks, it prevents your Pug dog from picking up things. For example, once while at the park, I was walking Mimi and Lulu, Mimi had her nose on the ground smelling something. I looked down to see a piece of food that was covered with red ants. That could have been a complete disaster! Your Pug needs self-control. Or who wants to get sweet Pug kisses if that Pug has just eaten a piece of cat pooh? How to Teach Leave It 1. Take a handful of treats and show your Pug dog. Open your hand again and repeat until she stops trying to get the treat out of your hand. As soon as your Pug dog stops trying to get the treats, click, praise, and give her a treat. Give her a treat with your opposite hand. Take the treat from your treat bag or pocket. Close your hand. Because we humans are such verbal creatures, it is natural for us to say the cue word over and over again. Saying the word over and over again makes the term meaningless for our Pug dogs. We want to associate it with him using self-control, not approaching the food. If your Pug dog gets a treat out of your hand by accident, she will try even harder the next time. She has learned that she can sneak one in if she tries hard enough. Get ready. Our laid back Pugs can be quick when they want to be. Increase the wait time each interval before you click and give the reward. Eventually, you want to increase the wait time to a few minutes. Remember, each time you change the rules; you need to lower the criteria so your Pug dog can succeed. Once your Pug dog has success with this, step back a couple of steps from the treat. Be close enough that you can move in quickly with your foot if she lunges toward the treat. Go further away from the treat over several training sessions. Start placing the yummy treat closer to your Pug dog and further from you. This can be challenging but go slowly, and soon the treat will be under his nose. This is more realistic as your Pugs are really good at grabbing food off the floor that you may drop when cooking. Start out so you are close enough to the treat so you can put your foot over it. Then toss the treat a little further away from both of you. When she does not take the treat, click, and give her a different treat. Dog tricks are really great tricks when your Pug can perform it without you being right on top of him. This is a much more realistic scenario. Practice Using Other Items If you are using kibble or a low-value treat, spice things up. This is a little more tempting for your Pug dog but worthy of learning. You can also practice with her toys, your favorite pair of leather shoes, or slippers. Mix It Up Now, leave your Pug dog in the house and go into your yard. Place treats and favorite toys on the ground. You might add some real-world situations like a half of a sandwich. If he pulls on his leash toward the treat, you will have to slow down the exercise. Manage your Pug dog on the leash, so he does not get there before you do. This is a good way to keep it exciting and realistic for your Pug dog. The more areas you can find to practice in, the better. As always, when teaching dog tricks, keep the training sessions short, and end on a positive note. Work toward your goals slowly with all of your training of dog tricks. These are the things that will keep training fun! Conclusion Once you have taught your Pug dog to watch you, sit, come to you, stay, and leave it, you will find life so much easier. Teaching these dog tricks to your Pug is fun and keeps them mentally alert. These five dog tricks are the training foundation. They may all come in handy one day at the dog park, on a walk or when another dog comes over to visit. If your Pug can follow your requests of watch me, sit, stay, come, and leave it, it will help keep them safe. These are more than just dog tricks. This greeting is welcomed as the frenzy that used was not. Training pugs is fun. My Pugs have taken more time and persistence to train, but everyone is so proud when they learn dog tricks! Which of the dog tricks are you going to start training now?
Brindle 2. She needs plenty of exercise and lots of play! Given that both the Boxer and the Pitbull were bred for use as working dogs, these breeds are very energetic, so your Boxer Pitbull Mix requires a lot of exercise. This is what a well-exercised Boxer Pitbull Mix should look like: The Boxer Pitbull Mix is very playful and will need lots of toys at home. Careful, though! With her strong jaw and love of chewing, this dogs can destroy a chew toy within minutes. When you take her out, take a ball or a Frisbee to play fetch. She will love it! You should take her out for a brisk one-hour walktwice a day. If you are running, twenty minutes to half an hour should be enough. If your dog tires you will notice her slowing or beginning to pant excessively you should stop for a five-minute break and hydrate her. I recommend taking out a collapsible doggie bowl in which you can give her water. A note on exercising your Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy This advice on exercise applies to the adult dog only, as when large-breed puppies do too much running and ball-chasing this can cause long-term injuries. With your Pitbull Boxer Mix puppy, it is best to do lots of short walks and indoor play until she matures, at about 1 year — 16 months. Watch this 11 week old Pitbull Boxer Mix. She is curious, playful, active, and absolutely, jaw-droppingly gorgeous. Whatever the weather — not with this dog! In rainy weather, she will need a doggie coat to keep her warm. During summer months, it is best to take her out in the early morning or the evening when the sun is less intense. She may still need sunscreen, but make sure you purchase one without zinc oxide, as it is toxic for dogs. The Pitbull is also a very affectionate dog when well-socialized, who will lick you all over if you give her an inch. She was in fact bred for both work and companionship , and due to her gentle nature, is beginning to be used more and more as a therapy dog. Both Boxer and Pitbull are also great with children , which makes them excellent family dogs. The Boxer is very patient and protective, while the Pitbull is solid, a people-pleaser and highly trainable. So mix them together and what have you got? A companionable, affectionate dog who fits in perfectly with a family, wants a lot of attention and gives in return. It is, of course, worth noting that as puppies they are going to be more hyper, and so their contact with children must be supervised. Also, your dog must be well-exercised to be around children, as if not she will be incredibly excitable and could knock over a small child. Her guard dog instinct is strong, which can be useful if there is an intruder or attacker. These are courageous dogs who used to risk their lives baiting bulls, so have no doubt that she will defend you and yours if necessary. If this instinct gets out of hand, however, it can become a problem. You must make sure that you socialize your Boxer Pitbull Mix from a young age with as many people as you can. Invite friends and neighbors to your home and provide her with a positive association by having the person give her a treat when they arrive. As long as you train her well and stay consistent, this dog will be the friendliest dog around. She might be too hands-on for older pets Providing they are both socialized properly, both breeds can get on well with other animals, particularly Boxers. As for play style, Pitbulls can be rough and Boxers like to use their front paws when playing much like a boxer… oh, that makes sense! People are also beginning to look past the negative stigma around Pitbulls and realize their high intelligence and trainability, too. Director of Operations at Universal K9 claims that out of the hundreds of dogs he has trained for police work, the Pitbull, Kiah, is one of the top three he has ever placed. These dogs can be stubborn, though, meaning that you need to be firm and consistent with them. As long as you are in charge, your Boxer Pitbull Mix should pick up basic commands quickly. Make sure you do enough repetition and provide rewards and lots of praise. As puppies, they are boisterous and energetic little characters. You will need to be assertive in order to get their focus. She is a moderate shedder Though these dogs have a short coat, they are moderate shedders and will require a good grooming session once a week. They will probably lose more fur in the Spring, from April through May, so it may be a good idea to brush her twice a week during these periods. She will also need her ears checked monthly, either at the vet or with a reputable groomer. She is usually healthy but has some potential health concerns The Pitbull Boxer Mix is generally a healthy breed, as both pure breeds are as long as she gets sufficient exercise, of course and as I mentioned in the intro it can live for up to 13 years. Having said that, it is always worth being informed on any potential health issues this breed can develop, so here are the main ones your dog could be prone to: Cancer While the majority of Boxers are healthy , they are at risk of an aggressive form of cancer called hemangiosarcoma , which occurs in the blood vessel cells. It can be difficult to detect, but signs can include weakness, a distended abdomen, difficulty breathing and weight loss. If you notice any of these symptoms in your dog, talk to your veterinarian as soon as possible, as this cancer can spread rapidly. Hip dysplasia This condition consists of a malformation of the hip joint, where it is unstable or loose in the socket. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals shows that this condition occurs in both breeds , although Pitbulls are more susceptible. Severe cases can lead to arthritic joints and lameness. Signs can include walking or running with an altered gait and reluctance to fully extend their rear legs or jump. Weight control helps enormously with this condition; keep her slim, as any excess weight will put stress on her joints. Heart disease The Boxer is prone to a heart problem called aortic stenosis , which in most cases of the disease the dog is born with. This disease causes narrowing of the aortic valve, which puts pressure on the heart. Symptoms can include rapid breathing or difficulty breathing, sudden loss of consciousness, and congestive heart failure. If your vet picks up a heart murmur, the diagnosis can be confirmed with an X-ray and a cardiac ultrasound. Allergies Pitbulls can have various allergies , so your Pitbull Boxer Mix may be susceptible. They can be treated with antihistamines, and in the case of skin irritation, you should use shampoos specifically designed for sensitive skin. Conclusion Are you a family with children without any older pets? Are you ready to dedicate your days to plenty of exercise and play with your new lively companion? Can you give her the consistent training she needs? If the answer is yes to all of the above, you are more than ready to own a Pitbull Boxer Mix, and she will be more than happy to have you. Have you got a Pitbull Boxer Mix and a story to share? Comment below! About Alexandra Animalso I was raised to be a dog person. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. Had her posted on the local shelter site but no takers. We have a year-old Chihuahua and 8-year-old Yorkie so keeping the new dog inside is not possible. For a temporary measure we put a cardboard box with lots of pillows and blankets warmed in the dryer on the porch swing. It has since warmed up into the range. She appears to be happy running around outside and sleeping on the porch swing near the now chewed up box. We have ordered a dog house for her and are having her spayed tomorrow. We are a late middle-aged couple but I hope to be able to walk with her at least once a day. I hope you can wish us well for rescuing her. These large dogs are a loyal and energetic companion for any family and their intelligence makes them playful and fun to be around. They may look like their Pitbull parent or they make look like their Boxer parent. One thing we can be sure of though is that, with the right socialization, these dogs are an excellent family member. Breed Origin It can be difficult to know where the Pitbull Boxer Mix originated from, so we can take a look at the parent breeds in more detail to understand the origins of this dog. The Pitbull parent in the Pitbull Boxer mix can actually be any of four types of Pitbull. The Pitbull was created in early 19th-century England for the popular spectator sports of bull and bear baiting. They were thought of as aggressive fighting dogs but it was also known that they were very gentle with humans and made excellent family dogs. The Boxer was also originally a fighting dog and was used by the Germans to chase and hold down bear, bison and wild boar. However, as time went on, they began to diminish in size and therefore became much better suited to family life, thus becoming a family pet. Characteristics Of The Pitbull Boxer Mix As we have mentioned above, it can be difficult to know the exact characteristics of the Pitbull Boxer Mix because they may take after one parent more than the other. However, we can make assumptions based on past litters. You must make sure you are buying from a reputable breeder. Appearance Taking a look at the parent breeds will give a good indication as to what your Pitbull Boxer Mix may look like when fully grown. The size of the Pitbull Boxer Mix depends on which type of Pitbull was used to breed. The American Pitbull Terrier is the largest breed of Pitbull and will produce the largest dogs. Coat The Pitbull Boxer Mix has a smooth, short coat as this is the type of coat both their parent breeds have. Luckily, they do not require much grooming, but we will go into more detail about that later on. However, they can come in a wide range of colors, including black, red, white, grey, blue, brown and tan. Temperament The Boxer Pitbull Mix is a loyal and lovable dog that loves to be around people. Super playful, these pups just want to be outside with you, playing games and accompanying you on hikes. If you need to leave them for more than 3 hours at a time, then it is a good idea to employ a dog walker or sitter to look after your friendly pup! These dogs are very intelligent, which is one of the reasons they love to play. Also because of their intelligence, they can get bored very easily. They must be kept entertained otherwise they can get frustrated and begin to exhibit signs of unwanted behaviors. It is a common misconception that because both parent breeds were originally fighting dogs, that the Pitbull Boxer Mix is an aggressive breed. This is not true. You will need to train and socialize your Pitbull Boxer Mix, but they are certainly not violent and really just want to be loved by you! Often, these dogs can feel it is their duty to protect their owners and can make good watchdogs and guard dogs. They will bark when they feel something is out of place or if there is a threat, so this is something to watch out for! Lifespan The Bullboxer has an average life expectancy of between 10 to 14 years. Known Health Issues Unfortunately, as with any breed of dog, the Pit Boxer Mix is at risk of inheriting the same health problems that their parent breeds are predisposed to. Below we have laid out the main health concerns that this breed face. Some dogs show pain and lameness on one or both rear legs, but you may not notice any signs of discomfort in a dog with hip dysplasia. Aortic stenosis — this is a heart defect that is often found in large dog breeds. It can be treated with medication. Cardiomyopathy — this is an enlarged heart with poor function. It can be helped with medication. Degenerative myelopathy — this is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. There is no cure but there is treatment. It can be helped with intensive physical rehabilitation. Allergies — the Pitbull Boxer can be prone to allergies from a range of causes such as food and pollen. It can lead to scratching and other skin infections. Thyroid issues — this is common in Boxers, who can have either an overactive or underactive thyroid. Regular vet checkups and keeping an eye on your dog will ensure you can catch any of these issues before they become untreatable. Remember — buy from a reputable breeder and the chances your dog will suffer any health conditions will be greatly reduced. Trusted breeders will do health checks on both parent breeds and will not crossbreed if there is a chance of passing on any issues to offspring. Daily Life Now we know all about the traits and characteristics of the Bullboxer, it is time to take a look at what daily life with one of these dogs is really like. We will cover their food and diet, their exercise needs and their grooming needs. This means that the amount of food you will be feeding them will vary. You should always check the back of the food packet to see the exact amount you should be feeding them of a particular food based on their weight. On average, a dog of this size with the same activity level will need roughly calories a day, which is about 2 cups worth. This should be split into at least two meals a day. This food you feed your Pitbull Boxer Mix should be a high-quality kibble. It should contain a good source of protein so that they can stay active. Take a look at the dog food we recommend below. The recipe features real meat, garden veggies, and fruit plus whole grains and LifeSource Bits rich in antioxidants. It also features ingredients that support healthy growth and development for a growing pup. Natural sources of chondroitin and glucosamine are the building blocks of healthy joints and cartilages ideal for mobility. It is packed in vitamins and minerals with antioxidant benefits for lifelong health and happiness. This kibble made for large breed adult dogs also features Iams DHA Gold to promote mental sharpness and alertness and also to encourage healthy cognitive ability. It is crafted with prebiotics for healthy digestion and strong defenses. Puppies and adult pooches have diametrically different nutritional needs, and senior canines require kibble that is gentle on their aged teeth and stomachs. We suggest you pick one of our recommendations for the best puppy food brands and the best senior dry dog food and see how your pup responds. Who knows? Given that your Pitbull Boxer is neither big nor small, they may like the taste of the best dry dog food for small dogs and the best large breed dry dog food alike, so you might want to offer them both kinds! Pitbull Boxer Mix Exercise Requirements The general advice for most dogs would be to train them while they are young. But in the case of your Pitbull Boxer cross, you have to very cautious. Puppies of large-breed origin that exerts too much energy from running or playing can cause injuries that may last his lifetime. For puppies, activities may be limited to regular short walks or play until it has reached a certain maturity, around one year up to 16 months. As it gets old, the daily exercise requirement will also change. For an adult Pitbull boxer, minutes of exercise should be adequate to maintain good health. It is a very energetic hybrid so they will thrive in a lively environment. An ideal home would mean lots of space to move around, inside or in the backyard. Some states enforce restrictions with regards to Pitbull mixes like your pitbull boxer, so you have to keep it on a leash while out exercising. Using a leash will also prevent them from running into or jumping into everyone they encounter. They are most happy walking around in the city or the Dog Park or even trudging in the mountains. Another essential thing to consider is the weather. During the rainy season, your dog will need a raincoat to protect her from the rain and also to keep her warm. Sunscreen can be used but avoid products with zinc oxide, as it is a poisonous substance. The jacket provides full chest coverage, and the solid print is stylishly chic. The elastic leg straps and adjustable fastener guarantees a snug band comfortable fit. It also features reflectorized stitching so you can see your dog even at night. It is guaranteed durable — it features a galvanized cable and coated with crack-resistant vinyl. It should be able to withstand up to 7x the weight of your dog. My Dog Nose It! Pitbull Boxer Cross Training The combination of Pitbull and Boxer is explosively stubborn, so it is a suitable pet for someone with a firm and unyielding grip in training and socialization. And as always, your dog will react and respond best with positive reinforcement, rewards, and incentives. Punishment will never work, and more often than not, will only create or aggravate behavioral problems. It is essential to reward your pet to encourage positive behavior. Early socialization and training from puppyhood will form the foundation of a well-adjusted dog. Training your Pitbull Boxer should be a piece of cake because of their ability to pick up commands. To get their focus though, you would need to be tough and establish yourself as the master and make him obey you. We listed some training activities you can try out with your petpal: Behavior Training — How do you train him to stop barking mad? Constant practice will help you achieve the desired effect but never shout at him even if he continues to bark. Also, allow him to learn commands other than barking. Keep in mind that the goal is to reward your pup for being silent. Chores Training — Teach him to fetch your newspaper for you. Playing fetch with a toy or a ball should prep your dog for this activity. All you have to do is replace the toy with the newspaper and tech your Pitbull boxer how to get it, pick it up or bring it back to you. Fun Training — Rollover is one activity designed with your big Boxer Pitbull in mind. Start with getting your dog to lie down, and eventually how to roll over. Make sure you reward each action accordingly, and of course, practice makes perfect. Pitbull Boxer Combination And Families The Pitbull Boxer will become accustomed to any family dynamic most especially when trained well and socialized correctly. Their energetic and sometimes rowdy nature can knock off small bodies, so be extra careful if you have kids. There are specific training designed to help you manage this kind of behavior. Check with your local authorities with regards to the legal status of Pitbull mixes in your area. Find out if your Boxer pitbull mix is banned or restricted. Not only will they thrive in large spaces to allow lots of movement, but they will also want owners who will dedicate their time to train and socialize and to love and care for them. Unlike its parent breeds, the Boxer and the American Pit Bull Terrier, which have long-standing histories, the Boxer Pitbull Mix is relatively new to the canine world. This crossbreeding aimed to create a breed that encapsulates the best traits of both parent breeds. These dogs are incredibly affectionate with their families, forming strong bonds with both adults and children. They are also known for their athletic build and high energy levels, requiring plenty of exercise to keep them content and healthy. The American Pit Bull Terrier brings its strength, loyalty, and eagerness to the Boxer Pitbull Mix, contributing significantly to its personality. Boxers are also highly protective of their families, making them excellent watchdogs. Their muscular physique, unique square muzzle, and playful demeanor add a lot of charm to the Boxer Pitbull Mix. They are energetic, intelligent, and protective, making them excellent companions for active families. Their loyalty and affectionate nature also mean they form strong bonds with their families, making them a beloved pet in many households. This mix is a testament to the successful blending of the strength and tenacity of the American Pit Bull Terrier with the playfulness and protective nature of the Boxer. With a broad chest and a strong, powerful jaw, these dogs are a testament to the physical prowess of their parent breeds. Their eyes are typically round and full of life, reflecting their energetic and playful nature. The Pitbull Boxer Mix is a robust and muscular breed, ready to take on any physical challenge with enthusiasm. Size and Weight of the Bullboxer Pit The Bullboxer Pit is a medium to large-sized breed, typically weighing between 50 to 80 pounds and standing about 17 to 25 inches tall. This size makes them suitable for families with enough space to accommodate these active and energetic dogs. Overview of the Various Coat Colors The Boxer Pitbull Mix can sport a variety of coat colors, ranging from solid shades to mixed patterns. This diversity in coat colors results from the wide range of colors present in its parent breeds, the Boxer and the American Pit Bull Terrier. However, some dogs may also sport unique, beautiful coat patterns that mix these colors. This type of coat is easy to groom and maintain, making it ideal for potential owners who prefer low-maintenance breeds. Despite its short length, the coat is dense enough to protect the dog adequately against the elements. This pattern mixes dark and light stripes over the base coat color, creating a unique and beautiful effect. The brindle pattern results from a specific gene, and the intensity of the pattern can vary from dog to dog. This coat color can range from pure white to white with patches of other colors. Despite their striking appearance, potential owners should note that white Boxer Pitbull Mixes may be prone to certain skin conditions and deafness. This mix often results in a coat with a solid brown color with white markings or a white coat with brown patches. The unique blend of these two colors gives this variant a distinctive and appealing look. This coat color gives the breed a sleek and striking appearance. This unique coloration is due to a specific gene, making this variant rare and highly sought after. These dogs sport a coat that ranges from light brown to deep red. They also have a distinctive red nose, which gives them their name. This breed is a perfect blend of the playful, energetic nature of the Boxer and the intelligent, eager-to-please personality of the American Pit Bull Terrier. The result is a fun, engaging but also trainable, and loyal dog. These dogs are known for their playful and energetic nature, which they inherit from their Boxer parent. They are also incredibly intelligent and eager to please, traits they get from their American Pit Bull Terrier parent. This combination of traits results in a dog that is both fun-loving and trainable. Boxer Pitbull Mixes are also known for their protective nature. They are incredibly loyal to their families and will not hesitate to protect them if they sense any danger. Despite their protective instincts, they are generally friendly towards strangers, provided they have been properly socialized. One thing to note about the Boxer Pitbull Mix is their high energy levels. These dogs love to play and need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and healthy. They are always up for a game of fetch or a long walk, making them perfect companions for active individuals or families. They are known for their affectionate nature and love nothing more than spending time with their human companions. Their playful and energetic nature makes them great playmates for children. Boxer Pitbull Mixes are also known to get along well with other pets, especially if they have been socialized from a young age. They are generally friendly towards other dogs and can even live peacefully with cats. Training Your Pitbull Boxer Mix Training your Pitbull Boxer Mix can be a rewarding experience, as these dogs are known for their intelligence and eagerness to please. However, their high energy levels and strong will can sometimes pose a challenge, making it important to approach training with patience, consistency, and positivity. Introducing your dog to a variety of people, environments, and other animals at a young age can help them grow into well-rounded and confident adults. Socialization helps to prevent behavioral issues such as fear, aggression, or anxiety, and promotes positive interactions with others. This method involves rewarding desired behavior, which encourages the dog to repeat it. Rewards can include treats , praise, or playtime. This helps the dog understand what behavior is being rewarded. Common issues can include excessive barking , chewing , or digging. These behaviors can often be addressed through training and providing adequate mental and physical stimulation. If behavioral issues persist, seeking help from a professional dog trainer or behaviorist may be beneficial. Additionally, their intelligence makes Pitbull Boxer Mixes require mental stimulation to prevent boredom. This can be achieved through puzzle toys, agility training, or advanced obedience training. Ensuring that these dogs get enough exercise is crucial for their overall health and happiness. It also helps to prevent potential behavioral issues from a lack of physical activity. These dogs are energetic and athletic and need an outlet for their energy. Regular exercise helps to keep them fit and healthy and helps prevent issues such as obesity, which can lead to other health problems. Exercise can include activities such as walks, runs, playtime in the yard, or games of fetch. Structured Play and Exercise Sessions Structured play and exercise sessions can be a great way to provide both physical exercise for a Pitbull Boxer Mix. These sessions can include games of fetch, agility training, or even tasks that mimic the work these breeds were originally bred for. These activities provide exercise and strengthen the bond between you and your dog. Puppies and older dogs may not be able to handle as much physical activity as young adult dogs. Similarly, dogs with health issues may require modified exercise routines. Always consult your vet to determine the appropriate amount and type of exercise for your dog. Ensure your dog receives a diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. A diet that is high in quality protein can support their muscular physique and high energy levels. Always consult with your vet for specific dietary recommendations. Despite their short coat, these dogs still require regular grooming to keep their coat healthy and their skin in good condition. The grooming routine for a Pitbull Boxer Mix is relatively straightforward and manageable, even for first-time dog owners. Regular brushing, about once a week, can help to remove loose hairs and keep the coat looking its best. During shedding seasons, more frequent brushing may be necessary to manage shedding. Despite their short coat, these dogs can still shed quite a bit, so regular brushing can help to keep shedding under control. However, more frequent baths may be necessary if your dog gets dirty from outdoor activities. Use a dog-friendly shampoo to keep their skin and coat healthy. In addition to brushing, providing your dog with dental chews can help to keep their teeth clean and healthy. Nail Trimming and Ear Cleaning Nail trimming and ear cleaning are also important aspects of grooming. Nails should be trimmed regularly to prevent overgrowth, which can cause discomfort or issues with walking. Ears should be checked and cleaned regularly to prevent infections. If you need help with how to perform these grooming tasks, your vet or a professional groomer can provide guidance. Regular Check-ups Regular check-ups with your vet are an important part of grooming and overall care. Your vet can check for any skin issues, parasites, or other health issues that may require attention. Regular check-ups can help to catch any potential issues early, ensuring your Pitbull Boxer Mix stays healthy and happy. Being aware of these potential health issues can help you take proactive steps to ensure the health and longevity of your dog. These can include hip dysplasia , heart conditions, hypothyroidism , and certain skin conditions. While this may sound concerning, remember that not all Boxer Pitbull Mixes will get any or all of these conditions. Regular check-ups with your vet can help to identify and manage these conditions early. Your vet can perform routine screenings for common health issues and provide preventative care such as vaccinations and parasite prevention. Feeding your dog a diet appropriate for their age, size, and activity level can help prevent issues such as obesity, which can lead to other health problems. Your vet can provide specific dietary recommendations for your dog. Exercise and Mental Stimulation for Health Regular exercise and mental stimulation are important for the overall health of your Boxer Pitbull Mix. Regular physical activity can help to prevent obesity and associated health issues, while mental stimulation can help to keep your dog mentally sharp Genetic Testing and Health Screening Genetic testing and health screening can be beneficial for identifying potential health issues early. Discuss with your vet whether these tests would benefit your Boxer Pitbull Mix. Lifespan of a Pitbull Boxer Mix The lifespan of a dog can be influenced by a variety of factors, including its breed, genetics, diet, and overall care. The Boxer Dog Mix Pitbull typically enjoys a life filled with energy and vigor, and with proper care, these dogs can share many happy years with their families. This is an average range and individual dogs can live shorter or longer lives depending on various factors such as their overall health, genetics, and the care they receive. Genetics play a significant role, as certain health conditions can be inherited from the parent breeds. Diet and exercise are also crucial, as a balanced diet and regular physical activity can contribute to a healthy life. Promoting a Long and Healthy Life As a pet owner, there are several steps you can take to promote a long and healthy life for your Bullboxer Pit. Senior dogs may require a different diet, more frequent vet visits, and modifications to their exercise routine. These dogs are known for their loyalty, energy, and affectionate nature. However, potential adopters should be prepared for the responsibilities of owning this high-energy, intelligent breed. These dogs require regular exercise, mental stimulation, and consistent training. They also thrive in homes where they can participate in family activities. Consider your living situation, work schedule, and activity level before adopting. Animal shelters and breed-specific rescue groups are good places to start. These organizations often have mixed breed dogs like the Bullboxer Pit looking for their forever homes. You can also check with local animal control agencies or online adoption platforms. The Adoption Process The adoption process can vary depending on the organization. Generally, it involves filling out an application, meeting the dog, and going through an interview or home visit. Some organizations may also require references or a fee. This includes supplies like a collar, leash, food and water bowls, dog food, and a comfortable bed. You should also puppy-proof your home by removing any hazardous items and setting up a designated area for your new pet. Establish a routine for feeding, exercise, and training. Be patient and consistent with your new pet as they adjust to their new home. Remember, adopting a pet is a long-term commitment, but with love and care, your Bullboxer Pit can become a cherished member of your family. These can range from initial adoption or purchase costs to ongoing food, healthcare, grooming, and more expenses. Initial Costs The initial cost of a Bullboxer Pit can vary greatly depending on whether you choose to adopt or purchase from a breeder. Ongoing Costs Ongoing costs include food, regular veterinary care, grooming, and pet insurance if you choose to purchase it.
harness size for german shepherd puppy - Adoption Policy We require an application first so we can show you dogs who might be right for your home. We know our dogs and once we get to know you better, we can help you select your next family member! Exceptions can be made, however, for first-time adopters who show the confidence and leadership tendencies that purebreds will respect and respond to. Counselors have to use good judgment in assessing the attributes of the adopter, as well as of the dog. If you have doubts, get a second opinion from Robin or another experienced counselor. Almost all of our dogs come from the Central Valley and are used to space; it is harder for them to adjust to apartment living, but please check local animal shelters, there are always plenty of dogs available for adoption! If you have submitted an on-line application but have not been approved by our volunteer, please do NOT come down to meet dogs as we won't be able to show you any. Our main priority right now is to keep our staff, volunteers and you healthy during these difficult times. No on-site screening at this time. Once approved and told to come meet dogs, we will be happy to help you. If you're just "shopping around", please apply at a later time. Thank you for understanding and for opening your homes to one of our deserving dogs! Please refer to our website for the most accurate and up to date information. Tweet Looking for free German Shepherd puppies? If you are looking for a German Shepherd, and your budget is tight, you can find your new best friend nearly free or at a decent price. You just have to know where to look. Most of the dogs they place are one year or more, but they often have puppies as well. This normally includes vaccinations, a heartworm test, and spay or neuter. For about one third of the price of a purebred GSD from a reputable breeder, you can give a deserving dog a second chance. Rescue groups specialize in finding forever homes for lost, abused or unwanted German Shepherds. They have extensive knowledge of every dog they place and can normally match you with the right dog for your unique situation. Do you have a German Shepherd rescue success story to tell? Adopt a German Shepherd It may take some patience and persistence, but you can find a nearly free German Shepherd from a local shelter. If they don't currently have puppies, check back often. Or ask them to call you as soon as they get one. The adoption fee will normally cover an initial vet checkup with puppy shots and a spay or neuter. This is cheaper than the cost of a purebred German Shepherd from a rescue group. One quarter of all shelter dogs are purebreeds. Why adopt a dog? You may be their last hope. Many shelters only hold dogs for a week. If they are relinquished by their owner, they are on the short list for euthanasia, as they are not considered lost and no one will be coming to look for them. My Begian Malinois , Ryder, was 48 hours away from being put down after his owner signed him over. Search for a local animal shelter. Don't make price your primary consideration. Backyard breeders and puppy mills price low to sell quickly. Avoid these unscrupulous breeders. Even if an ad reads AKC registered dogs , this is not necessarily a sign of a quality dog. Be aware that Puppy Mills also use this as a lure for unsuspecting buyers. Exercise patience. You don't have to break the bank. Your new best friend is worth the wait. Jennifer here. I've been a fan of the German Shepherd breed for as long as I can remember.
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harness size for german shepherd puppy - Pug Ears Overview Pugs are a very unique breed that has very interesting ears; they are one of the standout features of this amazing toy breed dog. There should be routine cleaning to keep the ears clean and free of odors. And, even so, ear infections can develop which can cause intense itching and discomfort. Pug Ear Care and Cleaning - The important steps of keeping your Pug's ear flaps, outer ear canals, and inner ear canals clean for both hygiene and prevention of infections. Pug Ear Odor - The types of smells that may stem from the ears and what these may mean. Pug Ear Infections - Signs, causes, and treatment of bacterial, yeast, and mite ear infections. It is a beautiful feature since the black ears match the black mask that is also a hallmark of this breed. Of course, these is apparent on non-black Pugs fawns, silver-fawns, and apricot-fawns since black Pugs have black fur, and thus ears, all over. Preference is given to the latter. Preference given to latter. So, as you can see, there is a general agreement that Pugs will have small black ears that are very soft to the touch, reminding one of velvet and that there are two accepted shapes rose and button with the button being preferred in conformation show rings. Types of Pug Ears While there are variations of the Pug ear and each dog will have his own unique look, one element is clear with this breed: The ear is a folded ear, meaning that it rises and then flaps over itself. The differences in Pug ears are the angle in which it folds and the distance from the ear tip to the side of the face. Let's take a look at examples of the various types of ears a Pug can have: The button ear The button ear on a Pug is one in which the ear folds forward, pointing toward the outer corner of the eye, and lying against the face. The outer ear canal is fully covered. This is the preferred ear shape in conformation shows. The rose ear The rose ear on a Pug is similar to the button ear in that it folds over, but the major difference is that the ear has a softer fold in which the ear stands out a bit and does not lie against the Pug's face. The burr on a Pug is the section of cartilage that forms a small bump on the outer ear canal and this shows with the rose ear. This ear shape is accepted, but not preferred, in the show ring. The fly ear The fly ear, also known as the rose flying ear, is considered a fault with the Pug breed. The ear just barely folds and the flaps extend far from the Pug's face. Though there is nothing wrong with a pet Pug having this type of ear set, this is a genetic trait that can be passed down and for this reason Pugs with flying ears should not be in breeding programs. However, if a Pug puppy has ears that stand out a bit rose ears these can eventually fall down to lie against the face button ears. And, if a Pug puppy has ears that really stand out far from the face flying ears , there is a chance that they may settle down to just expose the burr rose ears. This, however, is by no means a guarantee. You may notice the ears changing during the first 9 months, most obvious during the teething phase which can temporarily affect the ear set due to a connection from nerves in the jaw to muscles in the ear base. Coloring on the ears seen at a young age is also a strong indicator of what to expect once a Pug becomes an adult. However, there can be changes with this as well. So, typically, the ear set and ear color on a Pug puppy will let you know what to expect in general, yet there can be some changes during the first year. Final adult set and color is in place by the one-year mark. Ear set on a Pug, like other physical features, is genetic. Sort of cosmetic surgery, there is no method that owners can do to change the ear set on a Pug. You may have heard about taping which is a method literally using tape to hold a puppy's ears into a desired position in the hopes that they will eventually stay that way. But, this rarely produces any visibly noticeable results and can be quite time consuming and frustrating for both owner and dog. If your Pug's ears are not what you expected them to be, remember that every dog is beautiful and unique in their own way. The only time that ear set truly matters is if you plan to enter your Pug into conformation shows or a breeding program. This is done for hygiene purposes to remove dirt, debris, excess wax, and possible related odors as well as health to help prevent ear infections. Cleaning the ears involves two different aspects: Ear flaps and outer ear canal - Anything on the inner ear flaps or outer ear canal including moisture and fine particle debris can make its way deep into a Pug's inner ear canal which can eventually lead to issues including infection. So, for this, routinely use a wipe to clean the entire inner flap and outer ear canal as far as you can comfortably reach in. This is typically done once per week. If your Pug has had problems with reoccurring ear infections, the veterinarian may instruct you to do this every other day. A recommended ear wipe for Pugs is PPP Pet Aroma Care Ear Wipes ; these are small textured ear specialty wipes with both aloe vera and eucalyptus that works very well to clean the ear area and leave a nice fresh scent. Inner ear canal - Even if you work to keep your Pug's ear flaps and outer canals clean, the inner ear canals should be cleaned every so often. This will help break up thick clumps of excess ear wax, flush the ears of fine debris, and dry up any excess moisture. For regular maintenance, this is generally done every 6 weeks. If a Pug has a history of ear infections, the veterinarian may instruct you to do this as often as once per week. Instructions for cleaning a Pug's ear canals are as so: Clean one ear at a time Use one hand to lift the ear flap. Use your other hand to place several drops of ear solution into the ear canal for exact number of drops, follow the instructions on the label Massage the base of the ear by placing your thumb on one side of your Pug's ear and your forefinger on the other side. Press your fingers toward each other and slowly move them around. You may hear swashing sounds as you move the solution around. Massage for 2 to 3 minutes. Use a piece of sterile gauze, ear wipes, or cotton balls to thoroughly clear off anything that has come up and onto the outer ear canal. Tip: Do not be surprised at what you may see as you clean up the gunk that comes out. The color of the matter can range from yellow to dark brown and may contain any number of colored specks including green and black. A recommended ear cleanser for Pugs is Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner which is a non-alcohol formula no stinging that works exceptionally well to break up wax, lift up debris, and dry any inner moisture. Pug Ear Odor A mild odor coming from the ears may simply be a sign that it's time to clear out the ear canals of accumulated ear wax and other matter that are clogging the canals. This can be done using the method as previously described under ' Pug Ear Care and Cleaning '. However, a very strong pungent odor from the ears is a sign of an ear infection. This may be a musty, yeasty, or moldy smell. In many cases this will require a medicated ear treatment and this is what will be covered next. Pug Ear Infections Ear infections are very common with dogs; in fact, this is one of the top reasons for sick visits to the veterinarian. There are several types of ear infections that can develop including yeast, bacterial, and mites. Causes: There are several possible causes of ear infections with Pugs including chronically dirty ears and moisture in the ears. Yeast infections may also occur due to immune system response, often seen alongside different types of allergies. Ear mites are very contagious and can be transferred from one dog to another when in close quarters, typically seen in shelters, doggie day cares, and other facilities. Symptoms: Signs of an ear infection include one or more of the following: Itchiness a dog may scratch at the ears or rub his head into different surfaces Head shaking Red, irritated outer ear canal Discharge Black or red crumbly specks see with ear mites Treatment: If you are not sure if your Pug has an ear infection, are not sure of the exact type, if home remedy methods have not produced results, or if you do not feel confident treating an ear infection from home, it is recommended to bring your puppy or dog to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The ears will be examined and a sample from the inner ear canal may be taken to determine the exact type of infection. Both topical treatments and oral medications may be given depending on whether the problem is a bacterial, yeast, or mite infection. This said, some acute ear infections can be treated at home. A medicated ear solution like Pet King Brands Zymox Otic Ear Treatment w Hydrocortisone contains a broad spectrum enzymatic solution that kills several of the most common strains of bacteria seen with canine ear infections including streptococcus, and staphylococcus and common strains of yeast including malassezia pachydermatitis, candida albicans, and candida albicans. This also has hydrocortisone to help with itching and inflammation. For first-time infections, this is used once per day for 1 week and for chronic reoccurring infections this is used once per day for 2 weeks. Did you find this to be helpful? Are you a PetPugDog Member? If not, sign up to become a free Member today ; this will allow you to receive newsletters that announce new articles on this site. You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about, we always look to Member suggestions. You may also like: Giving a Pug a Bath - A guide to making sure that baths are done on time and are effective in cleansing away body oils and odors while keeping both skin and fur in great shape. Pug Teeth and Dental Care - A summary of type of bite set and details of how to take proper care of your Pug's teeth to prevent decay and periodontal disease which can lead to eventual tooth loss. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Is it ethical to tape a dog's ears? Functions of a dog's ears Although dogs use vocalizations for intraspecies communication, they most effectively communicate with others through body language. This complex system of signs and signals use almost every part of the dog's body including facial gestures, tail movement and, important to the topic in discussion, ear positions. Additionally, a dog has a highly developed hearing ability, something which is assisted by ear movement. By turning their ear pinnae the outer ear in the right direction, they can better receive sound vibrations into their ear canal. Ear pinnae also provide practical protection for the inner ear, including deterring foreign bodies from entering. This can also be done with regular cleaning of the dog's ears. Since the ears are so important for dogs, depriving them of their natural mobility can lead to significant problems. These include poor communication with both humans and other dogs. Ear cropping and tail docking is a common practice among certain dog breeds. Not only has this procedure been shown to have little to no benefit to the welfare of the dog, something which has even led to the banning of this practice [1]. It has also been shown that dogs with cropped ears are often perceived as being dangerous or unpleasant, regardless of their actual nature [2]. As we stated above, a dog's breed will generally determine whether their ears are erect or floppy. There are some instances when a dog will have one floppy ear , but this is almost always due to a medical issue such as otohematoma. Also, it will take some time for a puppy's ears to become erect. Some guardians prefer their dog's ears to stand erect, others prefer them to lay down. In the latter case, some may even ask how to make a dog's ears floppy. Taping down a dog's ears is one of the most common ways to do the latter and we explain why it is a practice best avoided. Why is taping a dog's ears performed? There are claims that shorter or less erect ears can help prevent dogs injuries if they get in fights. Working dogs with erect ears often have them taped down or cropped because it is said it reduces injury when they are hunting or if they come across a wild predator. It is also claimed that it reduces injuries when traveling through thickets or other wooden areas. While many guardians may do it in good faith, the main reason for taping a dog's ears seems to be an aesthetic one. Some animal guardians prefer a dog's ears to stand up erect, others want to make a dog's ears floppy or lay down. Either gives the dog a certain look which many simply find appealing. This can be done with taping: Taping a dog's ears down: this is usually performed by pulling the erect ears down and taping them as far down under their chin as they go. Some may even tape the ears together under the chin. The type of tape needs to be strong enough to hold, something which can be difficult due to boisterousness of young dogs. Taping a dog's ears up: tape can also be used to tape a dog's ears up, something often seen in dogs such as German Shepherds. This is usually performed by wrapping tape around the ears until the tape cause a hard support and they become erect over time. For the dog, it is very unlikely they would want to have their ears taped for an aesthetic reason. It is similarly unlikely they would elect to have the procedure performed for any reason. Since there is no provable medical benefit for a dog to have their ears taped down, it is hard to see the practice being a good idea. Other ways to keep a dog's ears down Many people do not think twice about making a dog's ears stand on up or taping them down flat. Since the culture behind this practice is so strong, many people think of various ways to keep them flat. These include: Taping a dog's ears We have explained the reasons for doing this above, but it can also be practically very difficult to do. Some people will simply use duct tape or other adhesive tape to keep the dog's ears laying flat. Others will buy specialized tape, often provided over the internet. Since the dog moves about a lot, people often need to use a lot of tape to keep it in place. When ripped from the dog's coat, it is likely to take some hair with it also. Puppy ear glue Most ear glue for dogs is used on puppies since it is easier to keep them down if performed during initial development. It is applied by shaving the areas where the top of the ears will be glued to. Ear glue is added to the tip of the ear with a swab and the ear is held down tightly for a number of seconds until the glue dries. Eventually, the hair will grow back and the glue will fall out. Bandages Similar to how tape can be wrapped around the ear to keep them erect or adhered under the skin to keep them down, some guardians wrap the ears in bandages. The bandages are wrapped around the dog's head and neck and then secured tightly so there is little movement. The ears then stay flat as they grow. Surgery Veterinarians will often use surgery to help the dog with certain ear problems. If they have a hematoma, infection or traumatic injury, they can modify the ears to bring them back to health. The dog requires anesthesia and there is a chance of risk. Most veterinarians will not carry out this surgery for purely cosmetic reasons, but some do. When we look at the evidence, there is little to support the idea of ethically taping a dog's ears. Unless the dog has a pre-existing medical problem, letting their ears develop naturally will benefit the dog greatly. It will allow them to communicate properly with others. With breeds such as Pit Bull type dogs, ear cropping prevents dogs and people to see a vital signal they might be aggressive. Taping a dog's ears can do the same. Although owners of working dogs claim the benefits of ear taping, there is little empirical evidence to suggest it is good practice. For dogs which are purely companion animals, getting in a fight is much less likely. When we balance the distress taping down a dog's ears causes the animal, it doesn't seem like it is worth the risk. Put it simply, there is a small chance taping a dog's ears may save them some distress. It is much more probably that taping a dog's ears will cause them distress. For a puppy, their early development is vital. Not only will they want to explore their environment, but playing with their siblings and other animals is a vital part of their socialization. If we prevent or limit them from doing this by taping down their ears, it can negatively affect their development. Taping down a puppies ears is a painful and potentially traumatic experience. The discomfort can be terrible and this practice is being banned in more and more countries. Taping a dog's ears is a bad idea. It should only be done in the rare circumstances that it will benefit their health and only when explicitly approved by a veterinarian. References 1. Sinmez, C. Tail docking and ear cropping in dogs: a short review of laws and welfare aspects in the Europe and Turkey. Italian Journal of Animal Science, 16 3 , .Scissors How to begin: The video starts with Dr. Bill laying out all of is supplies and taping the straws to each individual piece of gauze. Next, he back-rolls the gauze so that the sticky tape is on the outside of the straw so that it will stick to the inside of the ear. He then tears off the tape strips that will be used to tape the straw to the ears. He makes these in two sizes, two the width of the tape plus two narrower strips. He also tears off a strip to brace the ears. He sticks all these to the treatment table so that they are handy during the procedure. How to tape the ears After all his supplies are ready, Dr. Bill then begins taping the ears. He inserts the soft end of the straw into the inside of the ear flap while holding the ear to the sticky tape on the straw. He then takes a piece of tape and starting on the back of the ear the side with hair tapes the ear to the straw so that the ear is standing in the erect position. Bill tape both ears. The video demonstrates how to wrap one thin piece of tape around the base of both ears using a crisscross method. This will help stabilize the ears if your dog shakes their head, etc. They should be braced so that they move in tandem when your dog moves or shakes their head. The tape should be light on the ears as opposed to heavy and not too uncomfortable for the dog. How long should the tape stay on? Leave the tape of the ears for two weeks. Your dog will wear the tape until their ears can stand up. If the ears are not standing on their own by 7 to 8 months, they most likely will never stand on their own so end the process and enjoy your beautiful pup just how they are. We hope you find this video helpful. Ears up or down, we love German shepherds! Please feel free to share with your friends. Pug Ears Overview Pugs are a very unique breed that has very interesting ears; they are one of the standout features of this amazing toy breed dog. There should be routine cleaning to keep the ears clean and free of odors. And, even so, ear infections can develop which can cause intense itching and discomfort. Pug Ear Care and Cleaning - The important steps of keeping your Pug's ear flaps, outer ear canals, and inner ear canals clean for both hygiene and prevention of infections. Pug Ear Odor - The types of smells that may stem from the ears and what these may mean. Pug Ear Infections - Signs, causes, and treatment of bacterial, yeast, and mite ear infections. It is a beautiful feature since the black ears match the black mask that is also a hallmark of this breed. Of course, these is apparent on non-black Pugs fawns, silver-fawns, and apricot-fawns since black Pugs have black fur, and thus ears, all over. Preference is given to the latter. Preference given to latter. So, as you can see, there is a general agreement that Pugs will have small black ears that are very soft to the touch, reminding one of velvet and that there are two accepted shapes rose and button with the button being preferred in conformation show rings. Types of Pug Ears While there are variations of the Pug ear and each dog will have his own unique look, one element is clear with this breed: The ear is a folded ear, meaning that it rises and then flaps over itself. The differences in Pug ears are the angle in which it folds and the distance from the ear tip to the side of the face. Let's take a look at examples of the various types of ears a Pug can have: The button ear The button ear on a Pug is one in which the ear folds forward, pointing toward the outer corner of the eye, and lying against the face. The outer ear canal is fully covered. This is the preferred ear shape in conformation shows. The rose ear The rose ear on a Pug is similar to the button ear in that it folds over, but the major difference is that the ear has a softer fold in which the ear stands out a bit and does not lie against the Pug's face. The burr on a Pug is the section of cartilage that forms a small bump on the outer ear canal and this shows with the rose ear. This ear shape is accepted, but not preferred, in the show ring. The fly ear The fly ear, also known as the rose flying ear, is considered a fault with the Pug breed. The ear just barely folds and the flaps extend far from the Pug's face. Though there is nothing wrong with a pet Pug having this type of ear set, this is a genetic trait that can be passed down and for this reason Pugs with flying ears should not be in breeding programs. However, if a Pug puppy has ears that stand out a bit rose ears these can eventually fall down to lie against the face button ears. And, if a Pug puppy has ears that really stand out far from the face flying ears , there is a chance that they may settle down to just expose the burr rose ears. This, however, is by no means a guarantee. You may notice the ears changing during the first 9 months, most obvious during the teething phase which can temporarily affect the ear set due to a connection from nerves in the jaw to muscles in the ear base. Coloring on the ears seen at a young age is also a strong indicator of what to expect once a Pug becomes an adult. However, there can be changes with this as well. So, typically, the ear set and ear color on a Pug puppy will let you know what to expect in general, yet there can be some changes during the first year. Final adult set and color is in place by the one-year mark. Ear set on a Pug, like other physical features, is genetic. Sort of cosmetic surgery, there is no method that owners can do to change the ear set on a Pug. You may have heard about taping which is a method literally using tape to hold a puppy's ears into a desired position in the hopes that they will eventually stay that way. But, this rarely produces any visibly noticeable results and can be quite time consuming and frustrating for both owner and dog. If your Pug's ears are not what you expected them to be, remember that every dog is beautiful and unique in their own way. The only time that ear set truly matters is if you plan to enter your Pug into conformation shows or a breeding program. This is done for hygiene purposes to remove dirt, debris, excess wax, and possible related odors as well as health to help prevent ear infections. Cleaning the ears involves two different aspects: Ear flaps and outer ear canal - Anything on the inner ear flaps or outer ear canal including moisture and fine particle debris can make its way deep into a Pug's inner ear canal which can eventually lead to issues including infection. So, for this, routinely use a wipe to clean the entire inner flap and outer ear canal as far as you can comfortably reach in. This is typically done once per week. If your Pug has had problems with reoccurring ear infections, the veterinarian may instruct you to do this every other day. A recommended ear wipe for Pugs is PPP Pet Aroma Care Ear Wipes ; these are small textured ear specialty wipes with both aloe vera and eucalyptus that works very well to clean the ear area and leave a nice fresh scent. Inner ear canal - Even if you work to keep your Pug's ear flaps and outer canals clean, the inner ear canals should be cleaned every so often. This will help break up thick clumps of excess ear wax, flush the ears of fine debris, and dry up any excess moisture. For regular maintenance, this is generally done every 6 weeks. If a Pug has a history of ear infections, the veterinarian may instruct you to do this as often as once per week. Instructions for cleaning a Pug's ear canals are as so: Clean one ear at a time Use one hand to lift the ear flap. Use your other hand to place several drops of ear solution into the ear canal for exact number of drops, follow the instructions on the label Massage the base of the ear by placing your thumb on one side of your Pug's ear and your forefinger on the other side. Press your fingers toward each other and slowly move them around. You may hear swashing sounds as you move the solution around. Massage for 2 to 3 minutes. Use a piece of sterile gauze, ear wipes, or cotton balls to thoroughly clear off anything that has come up and onto the outer ear canal. Tip: Do not be surprised at what you may see as you clean up the gunk that comes out. The color of the matter can range from yellow to dark brown and may contain any number of colored specks including green and black. A recommended ear cleanser for Pugs is Virbac Epi-Otic Advanced Ear Cleaner which is a non-alcohol formula no stinging that works exceptionally well to break up wax, lift up debris, and dry any inner moisture. Pug Ear Odor A mild odor coming from the ears may simply be a sign that it's time to clear out the ear canals of accumulated ear wax and other matter that are clogging the canals. This can be done using the method as previously described under ' Pug Ear Care and Cleaning '. However, a very strong pungent odor from the ears is a sign of an ear infection. This may be a musty, yeasty, or moldy smell. In many cases this will require a medicated ear treatment and this is what will be covered next. Pug Ear Infections Ear infections are very common with dogs; in fact, this is one of the top reasons for sick visits to the veterinarian. There are several types of ear infections that can develop including yeast, bacterial, and mites. Causes: There are several possible causes of ear infections with Pugs including chronically dirty ears and moisture in the ears. Yeast infections may also occur due to immune system response, often seen alongside different types of allergies. Ear mites are very contagious and can be transferred from one dog to another when in close quarters, typically seen in shelters, doggie day cares, and other facilities. Symptoms: Signs of an ear infection include one or more of the following: Itchiness a dog may scratch at the ears or rub his head into different surfaces Head shaking Red, irritated outer ear canal Discharge Black or red crumbly specks see with ear mites Treatment: If you are not sure if your Pug has an ear infection, are not sure of the exact type, if home remedy methods have not produced results, or if you do not feel confident treating an ear infection from home, it is recommended to bring your puppy or dog to the veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment. The ears will be examined and a sample from the inner ear canal may be taken to determine the exact type of infection. Both topical treatments and oral medications may be given depending on whether the problem is a bacterial, yeast, or mite infection. This said, some acute ear infections can be treated at home. A medicated ear solution like Pet King Brands Zymox Otic Ear Treatment w Hydrocortisone contains a broad spectrum enzymatic solution that kills several of the most common strains of bacteria seen with canine ear infections including streptococcus, and staphylococcus and common strains of yeast including malassezia pachydermatitis, candida albicans, and candida albicans. This also has hydrocortisone to help with itching and inflammation. For first-time infections, this is used once per day for 1 week and for chronic reoccurring infections this is used once per day for 2 weeks. Did you find this to be helpful? Are you a PetPugDog Member? If not, sign up to become a free Member today ; this will allow you to receive newsletters that announce new articles on this site. You'll also be able to suggest a topic for us to write about, we always look to Member suggestions. You may also like: Giving a Pug a Bath - A guide to making sure that baths are done on time and are effective in cleansing away body oils and odors while keeping both skin and fur in great shape. Pug Teeth and Dental Care - A summary of type of bite set and details of how to take proper care of your Pug's teeth to prevent decay and periodontal disease which can lead to eventual tooth loss. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. The simple procedure involves putting tape around the base of the ear, holding it in place for several weeks, and allowing the ear to stay in an upright position. What Is Dog Ear Taping? Dog ear taping is a cosmetic technique used to help keep floppy ears erect. The procedure involves placing tape around the bottom of the dogs' ears and leaving it in place for several weeks. This helps train the ears to stay in an upright position and can be repeated as needed until desired results are achieved. Benefits of Dog Ear Taping The main benefit of dog ear taping is that it can help create a more aesthetically pleasing appearance for pups with floppy ears. It can also be beneficial for those breeds whose breed standards require erect ears, such as Doberman Pinschers, German Shepherds, and Boxers. Lastly, some experts claim that taping may provide medical benefits such as preventing infections or reducing pain associated with ear cropping surgeries or other medical conditions. How To Tape Your Dog's Ears Taping your pup's ears is relatively easy once you understand how it works and what materials you will need. The following steps should provide you with a basic outline of how to go about it: Gather supplies: You will need medical-grade adhesive tape such as vet wrap , scissors, cotton balls, and rubbing alcohol or hydrogen peroxide solution optional. Prepare your pup: Make sure your pup's ears are clean and dry before applying any tape. If necessary, use cotton balls soaked in alcohol or hydrogen peroxide solution to clean them first. Create supports: Cut pieces of tape into strips long enough to wrap around the base of each ear twice about 8 inches each. Make sure to leave enough slack so that the strip can be easily adjusted if necessary. Apply tape: Position each strip at the base of your pup's ear so that it encircles both sides of their head without being too tight or too loose. Secure each piece by overlapping its edges on top of one another before fastening them together with additional pieces of tape as needed. Monitor progress: Check on your pup periodically to ensure that the tape is still fitting correctly and not causing any distress or irritation on their skin beneath it if so, remove immediately. Re-tape every few weeks as needed until desired results are achieved. Avoid overdoing it : Remember that dog ear taping should only ever be used sparingly — not continuously — as overexposure may cause skin irritation in some cases. There are a few reasons that people might tape a dog's ears. The most common reason is to help train the ears to stand up straight. This is often done in conjunction with ear bracing, whih helps to hold the ears in place while they are growing. Another reason for taping a dog's ears is to provide support for droopy or damaged ears. This can help to prevent further damage and also improve the appearance of the dog's ears. Finally, some people simply tape a dog's ears for cosmetic reasons. This is most common in show dogs, where having symmetrical and well-proportioned ears is important for achieving a high score. Most veterinarians and breeders recommend leaving the tape on for weeks. Some owners will leave the tape on for weeks. After that time, the cartilage in the ear should be strong enough to hold the ear up on its own. It is recommended to wait until after your German shepherd puppy's adult teeth have started to come in around 3 to 5 months to tape up his ears. You may even want to wait until after he has finished teething around 7 months before taping up his ears. No, floppy ears are not bad for dogs. Dogs with floppy ears are just as healthy as dogs with erect ears. The only difference is that floppy-eared dogs may be more prone to ear infections because teir ears don't get as much air circulation. If a dog's ears are not standing upright, it is often because the ear cartilage is too soft. This can be due to genetics or it may be the result of an injury. When the cartilage is too soft, the ear may flop over or fold at the tip. Taping the ears is one way to help support them in an upright position. German Shepherd dogs typically have erect ears, meaning that their earflaps stand up straight on top of their head. There are a few different ways that people believe German Shepherd's ears stay up. One theory is that when puppies move their ears up and down, the cartilage and muscles gain strength to keep their ears upright. As your dog moves its ears, this helps the muscles and cartilage to eventually become strong enough to stand upright naturally. Another theory is that German Shepherds' ears are taped or glued to make them stand up. However, there is no scientific evidence to support eiter of these theories. Does Taping Yorkie Ears Work? There are a few different ways to tape Yorkie ears. The most common method is to use medical adhesive tape, wich is available at most pharmacies. This type of tape is safe for use on puppies and will not irritate their skin. To tape your puppy's ears, you will need to purchase two rolls of medical adhesive tape. Start by cutting two pieces of tape that are approximately four inches long. Next, gently lift your puppy's ear up and place one piece of tape underneath the base of the ear. Be careful not to put the tape too tight, as this could cut off circulation to the ear. Then, bring the other end of the tape around and over the top of the ear, and attach it to the first piece of tape. Repeat this process with the other ear. You will need to check your puppy's ears frequently to make sure that they are not too tight or causing any discomfort. If you notice that your puppy is scratching at their ears or seems to be in pain, you should remove the tape immediately. Taping your Yorkie's ears is not a guarantee that they will stand up perfectly erect, but it can help them achieve this look. Remember to be patient and take care when taping your puppy's ears, as improper taping can case serious injury. There are a few ways to keep a floppy dog's ears up. One is to grab the ears in your hands and perch them at the top of the dog's head so that the ear canal entries are exposed. Another way is to wrap a bandana, surgical tape or a loosely-fitted scrunchy around the ears. The ears should stand up fairly straight and you should be able to see the canals. There are a few key indicators that suggest a puppy's ears will eventually stand up. If their ears perk up in a way that suggests they are trying to stand, there is a good chance they will go up over time. Another good indication is where the ears are placed on the head. Ears set higher up and close togther are more wolf-like and more likely to stand. No, dogs' ears do not stand up naturally. Their ears are made up of cartilage, which is soft and flexible when they are born. As they grow, the cartilage will gradually harden and the ears will eventually stand up. However, this process can take several months, so don't be surprised if your puppy's ears are stll floppy well into his first year. No, floppy ears do not make dogs hearing worse. In fact, dogs with upright ears, like German Pinschers, can hear better than dogs with floppy ears, like Beagles, bcause of the placement and size of their ears. Especially when they hear a sound, dogs can move their ears from side to side or up and down to enable them to hear better. There are a few different reasons why your dog may put his ears back when you pet him. One possibility is that he is feeling submissive or subordinate to you. This body language is often seen in dogs who are lower in the pack hierarchy and are trying to show deference to the higher-ranking members. Another possibility is that your dog is feeling anxious or stressed. This may be due to something as simple as being in a new environment or meeting new people. In this case, the ears back position may help your dog feel more secure and protected. Whatever the reason, it's important to observe your dog's body language and facial expressions when he does this so you can bettr understand what he's trying to communicate. It is best to go to a reputable clinic to get your dog's ears clipped, in order to ensure that the procedure is done correctly and your dog's health is not jeopardized. Pitbulls ears can be cropped at any age, but it is recommended to do so when the puppy is between 8 and 12 weeks old. This is because the cartilage in the ears is still soft at this age, which makes the surgery less painful and prevents trauma. It is possible to crop a dog's ears at 1 year old, but the chances of success are much lower than if the procedure is performed when the dog is between 9 and 12 weeks old. After this age, the ears may already be drooping, making it more difficult to achieve the desired results. Some puppies' ears will stay floppy forever, even if prick ears are characteristic of their breed. This is because not all puppies are born with the same ear structure. Some have flatter ears that will never stand up, no matter how old they get. If you're unsure whethr or not your puppy's ears will eventually stand up, it's best to consult with a veterinarian or professional dog breeder. Many German Shepherd's ears do not stand up whle they are teething. So, if they are teething, be patient and try not to worry. In fact, it is not uncommon for their ears to stand up and then drop when they start teething. So until teething has finished, be patient. Some German shepherds' ears flop becase the cartilage in their ears is not yet fully developed. This usually happens when they are teething, which typically ends around weeks of age. By then, the cartilage will have hardened and the ears will be able to stand up permanently. There are a few reasons why a Yorkie's ears may not stand up. One reason is that the muscles at the base of the ear are not yet strong enough to hold them erect. These muscles will gradually become stronger with time. Another reason may be that the ears are not properly positioned. The ears should be positioned so that the top of the ear is level with the top of the head. If the ears are not positioned properly, they will not stand up. What Is Dog Ear Pinning? Dog ear pinning is a procedure where the tips of a dog's ears are surgically removed, and the remaining ear is taped upright so that it heals in a vertical, triangular shape. This gives the dog's ears an upright, alert appearance, rather than the hanging-down floppy ears of most dogs. Ear Posting.