how many puppies do french bulldogs usually have

how many puppies do french bulldogs usually have

UKC Classification: Not recognized Prevalence: Common The goldendoodle dog is a cross between a poodle and a golden retriever and tends to exhibit the best traits of both their parent breeds. The goldendoodle is not a true dog breed but, rather, a hybrid, more popularly known as a designer dog: an intentional cross between two purebred dogs, chosen for particular characteristics and traits. With the goldendoodle dog, breeders aimed to combine the personality and temperament of lovable golden retrievers with the low-shed traits of the distinguished poodle. The result was a medium-sized dog with a shaggy, low-shedding coat and the friendliness and eager-to-please nature of the golden retriever and the high intelligence of the poodle — making for a dog who's both easy to train and a sweet family pet. Like their golden retriever parents, goldendoodles also make great service dogs. Their intelligence and obedience are a winning combination that helps them excel as guide dogs, and their affectionate and gentle nature makes them a great choice for therapy dogs. Goldendoodles also possess a knack for sniffing out the presence of peanuts for people allergic to the legume. Because they're not a true breed, the appearance of goldendoodles can vary widely depending on which parent possesses the more dominant genes. Their coat can be straight like a golden retriever's or curly like a poodle's, but it often lands somewhere in between, appearing wavy and shaggy. Goldendoodle puppies may go through different stages before their coat takes on its final appearance. Coloring is often yellow-brown like that of their golden retriever parent, but it can also be any color you'd find in a poodle, including white, amber, red, brown, black, gray or white. It's also possible for the coat to be multicolored. Size also tends to vary widely, depending on what type of poodle is used in breeding. Typically, golden retrievers are bred with standard poodles to produce larger dogs but miniature goldendoodles are also becoming popular — a cross between a golden retriever and a miniature or toy poodle. As a result, goldendoodle puppies can weigh anywhere from 15 to pounds. If you ask your breeder what type of poodle the parent was, you can get a better idea of what size dog your goldendoodle puppy will grow up to be. Personality: As with their appearance, goldendoodles' temperament might take after one parent more than the other. But more often than not, they're intelligent, obedient and extremely loving dogs. Goldendoodles love people and also get along great with other pets, and they tend to be patient and gentle with young children — making them a fantastic choice for families. They are far too friendly to make good guard dogs or watchdogs and would more likely try to befriend a stranger than warn them off. As highly social dogs, they need to be with their family and wouldn't do well as outside dogs or in homes where they'd be left alone for long periods of time, which could cause them to develop separation anxiety. Living With: Goldendoodles are fairly energetic dogs who need room to romp and play. As such, they may not be a good choice for apartments but would do well in a home with a fenced-in yard. They need about 30 minutes of daily play and exercise to stay fit and entertained. With their high intelligence, they can get bored easily and need activities to keep them out of trouble, but they can also be content curling up on the couch for cuddles. If you're crate training them, it's best to provide toys to keep them entertained and to turn on the TV or radio when leaving, so they won't get distressed while they're alone. Although it's possible that they'll take after their golden retriever parents in terms of shedding, goldendoodles more typically don't shed a lot. They don't need to be bathed more often than every couple of months unless they get dirty, but they do need to be brushed daily to keep their coats from matting. If their coat is clipped fairly short, which some pet parents prefer, they will only need to be brushed once or twice a week. History: Goldendoodles first appeared in the s to provide a larger alternative to the already popular cockapoo: a cross between a poodle and a cocker spaniel. They're a fairly recent entry into the designer poodle crossbreeds but have been steadily gaining in popularity, with a more recent surge in demand generated by social media. As they're technically mixed-breed dogs, goldendoodles are not recognized by the AKC or other international purebred dog registries. And as of , no breeding clubs have formed to promote the development of a breed standard. However, they are recognized by the American Canine Hybrid Club and can be registered with that organization. As cute as they are sweet and loving, goldendoodles are also energetic and playful, making them an excellent match for active families who like to include their dogs in all of their outdoor adventures. Related Pet Care Articles. Conclusions for when Goldendoodles calm down At what age do Goldendoodles calm down? There is light at the end of the tunnel for a worried Goldendoodle owner. There are three stages of Goldendoodle energy level to pass through. Although you should always expect an energetic and upbeat dog — the overall excitement level will lessen as they age and progress. Expect a Goldendoodle to calm down around months of age. They will be past the puppy stage and into adulthood. Expect energetic and sometimes crazy behavior until they transition into the adult phase. This can be delayed an entire year or more for some dogs also. The craziest level of energy and frantic personality will occur in the first puppy stage of development. A Hyperactive Goldendoodle puppy Most Goldendoodles are going to be more than a little energetic. Expect exciting behavior, zoomies, plenty of licking , and boundless curiosity. It is this curiosity that can lead even the gentlest and kindest Goldendoodle into becoming a bit naughty. Even if your Goldendoodle is a standard or larger size — they will still mentally be a puppy for a long time. Even if they are so tall that they can stretch upright and be taller than you! Larger sized Goldendoodles sometimes give their owners slightly more hassle with the frenetic energy. This is not because larger sized Goldendoodle is more likely to be crazy — it is because their antics and power are more destructive because of their size. We just need to expect Goldendoodle puppies to be frantic, overexcited, and sometimes to get so wound up they forget their manners. Positive reinforcement and food as a motivating treat ned to be used form early on to start the glacially slow training process for a crazy Goldendoodle. So when should you expect change? The transition from Puppy into Adult Goldendoodle in terms of behavior will occur anywhere from months. It should be noted that transitioning into the adult phase is not a magic bean solution to a hyperactive Goldendoodle expect some of the behavior to continue! But now you are through the woods if you are consistent and the training is positive — you can expect less NEW destructive or hyper behaviors to occur. Can Goldendoodles swim? Do they like pools and beaches? Tips for dealing with a hyper Goldendoodle puppy Usually, during the puppy phase, most CRAZY Goldendoodle behavior can be attributed to a single cause. The primary issue is one of over excitement. Goldendoodles have a zeal for life and an outgoing personality to match. This is one of the reasons they are so popular as a dog for families with children. Reprimanding will often not achieve the desired result. At this early stage up to the 18 months , diversion AND prevention are typically a better approach to minimize over excitement. Use Nose work to Calm Down a Crazy Goldendoodle The inability to focus and lack of concentration are primary aspects of crazy Goldendoodle behavior. There are easy things you can do with your dog at home to engage their attention and promote calmness. Got an over excited puppy? Try out nose work! It is simple and fun to get started. You can DIY it at home! For more dog videos check out our Oodle Life YouTube channel Nose work scent training is a simple and easy pastime for Goldendoodles that wears them out mentally and physically — and can easily be performed indoors. A great way to distract your crazy Goldendoodle AND get them to concentrate is to start with some nose work or sniff training. As you can see in this video of a Labradoodle puppy beginning scent training, it can initially be a straightforward scenario. Primarily you play hide and seek with the desired food treat. Dried liver snacks, boiled chicken, even capsicum or grated cheese can be used as hides Reward each find with an extra set of treats Progressively make the hides more difficult as the days and weeks progress Examples include getting the dog to reach its nose into a box Place the hides in a plastic container or something that has noise Reduce the total number of hides but put our more places to search Although Goldendoodle rarely lack confidence, the gradual increase in difficulty will help boost self-assuredness The act of sniffing is both mentally and physically tiring for a Goldendoodle. So cute! When an older Goldendoodle Acts Crazy or Hyper Once a Goldendoodle transitions into the adult phase of its life, it often sees a reduction in the total intensity of the crazy or manic behavior. Do not expect it to completely disappear, though! Goldendoodles are brimming with energy and have a zeal for life that lasts for… life. If there are learned behaviors not redirected as a puppy — you can expect these to continue later. This is why problem chewing needs to be deal with early. Another common issue is that of excessive barking. Goldendoodles can have a booming bark. Loud even for the dog of their size! All size Goldendoodles from teacup right through the bigger standard Goldendoodles or sturdily built English Goldendoodles can have a loud and alarming bark. Barking is a natural behavior, and it is not reasonable to expect a Goldendoodle to never bark. Problem barking, however, is a behavioral issue that can be addressed. If left unchecked, it will annoy neighbors and just be a general nuisance! Our Goldendoodles may be smart — but sometimes we have to baby them and play tricks like warning the postman OR blocking out windows to stop excessive barking. These are soft non harming nips that do not hurt the owner or pierce the skin. If this transitions into biting OR continues after 12 months of age — you need to quickly implement at-home training or seek advice from a professional. Play biting should drop off significantly once the puppy teeth have been replaced. This occurs by around 8 months of age. Do not tolerate biting that causes harm at any age. If the biting habit persists and it not addressed — you will have a lifetime of troubles with the dog. The ramifications to yourself, your family, — and the issues taking the dog in public will further compound into making your crazy Goldendoodle act our even more. A beautiful black Goldendoodle puppy! The conventional wisdom for a Goldendoodle is that any hyper or crazy behavior should have plateaued by three years of age. Consider 2. If you are still experiencing crazy or boisterous behavior by 2. If it is upsetting the family dynamic, you may need to consider more intense obedience training or the help of an in-home dog trainer to overcome the issues. I asked two Goldendoodle owners with older dogs. They have commented in the past their thoughts on when Goldendoodles become entirely calm. She also barked at everything and would pine whenever we left her alone. We were so worried she was a bit of a handful in those times. Thank goodness the biting and chewing stopped after she lost her baby teeth at 6 months. The rest of the crazy only really reduced at around age 2. Marlie is still very active and cheerful, but we love her, and it is very manageable. We keep him extremely active and tire him out daily to reduce the craziness. He never has been hyper too much — but was naughty till around age 3. He tested us! We had to wait so long for him to mature. Luckily there are ingenious dog toys that will distract our Goldendoodles and reduce the amount of hyper crazy moments we have. Our Oodle Life recipe for a delicious Kong treat Kong-tail You can tire your dog out with a bunch of different toys, but nothing really beats the good old fashioned Kong. A puzzle toy that then gives treats later turns into a sweet-smelling for your Goldendoodle chew toy once the frozen goodies are gone. Learn how to best stuff a Kong and make a Kong-tail in our detailed guide. The smaller ones often live for over fifteen years. Find out how long you should expect your particular type of Goldendoodle to live here. In their old age — expect a degree of calmness from your dog that might be a touch of surprise. After all — this calm comes only once the Goldendoodle turns ten years of age. After a decade of exuberant excitement — it would be nice to have a serene and calm final run with your beloved dog. Pamper them! Conclusions for when Goldendoodles calm down A hyper or crazy acting Goldendoodle can be a severe problem to address. The solution is going to be a combination of time, training, and patience. Redirecting problem behaviors and positive reinforcement are key. Working through each problem e. Solve each issue, and one by one, you will improve the calmness of your Goldendoodle. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Goldendoodle Size In recent years , Goldendoodles have become one of the most popular dog types for pet lovers across North America because of their wonderful Goldendoodle temperament, cuddly good looks and they make great family pets. These doodle mix pups are the offspring of two beloved dog breeds — golden retrievers and poodles. The crossbreed poodle mix of these two dogs in this breed group brings out the best of both lines. These dogs are affectionate, loving, kind, and accepting of strangers, making them an ideal choice for both new and experienced dog owners. The Goldendoodle puppy is one of the cutest! Five important things to know about Goldendoodle temperament 1. They do, however, have a very high energy level and a high activity level, and do best in households with enough space and time for lots of exercise. Goldendoodles love all the classic canine activities, such as fetch, long walks, and running. Many also love to explore water and can learn to swim, and they make great guide dogs, service dogs, and even therapy dogs. With plenty of exercises, most Goldendoodles display very little aggression and are very obedient. As your dog ages, you will want to watch for hip issues referred to as hip dysplasia. Most other health issues are minor. Though many top breeders offer trained Goldendoodles for adoption, these pups can also continue their training at home. Goldendoodles are very smart dogs and willing to learn new behaviors and commands with the help of positive reinforcement. Punishments such as hitting or shouting at a Goldendoodle are not recommended and can inhibit the Doodle training process. Crate training and alone time training are highly recommended, as Goldendoodles can suffer from separation anxiety. Socializing Is Good Goldendoodles are naturally curious, friendly dogs and calm around humans and, like their parent breeds, most are also fine around other dogs. This is especially true of professionally raised Goldendoodles that have lived around their littermates for at least the first eight weeks of life. They are both wonderful pets with beautiful curly coats, and both are easy to train. Goldendoodles can have some key personality differences, including more immediate friendliness with new people. Both of these doodle mixes benefit from an active lifestyle, but Goldendoodles can be slightly less energetic. As the offspring of two sporting class dogs, Goldendoodles share DNA with many popular hunting dogs. Goldendoodles can be known to chase smaller wild animals, including squirrels, chipmunks, and mice, so be sure to keep your friend on a leash during their first visits to the local park. In our training program, they will be introduced to other animals to build comfortability and tame curiosity. If you are considering adding a Goldendoodle to your family, you can be certain that it will bring plenty of love and fun into your home. Take a look at our available puppies or contact Pride and Prejudoodles today for more information. Older Goldendoodles can be just as hyperactive and overexcited as their younger counterparts - they just have the strength to do more damage with those behaviors. So if you're an owner of an energetic pup, dealing with their naughty behavior isn't as difficult as it might seem. To help curb bad habits in your Goldendoodle, we've put together 5 steps that will improve good behavior! Make sure your Goldendoodle puppy gets plenty of exercise. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog! Goldendoodles are a wonderful breed of dog with a lot of energy and curiosity. As puppies, they often become overexcited and frantic, which can lead to them forgetting their manners. The best way to deal with this is by making sure your pup gets plenty of exercise. So make sure you take your Goldendoodle for walks, play fetch or tug-of-war, or a short walk will help get their energy out and improve their behavior. The benefits of giving your Goldendoodle puppy exercise are twofold - they not only get the energy out, but they also learn how to behave appropriately. A tired dog is a well-behaved dog, and Goldendoodles are no exception! Set rules and boundaries for your pup and stick to them. This will help them understand what is expected of them. Puppies are a joy to have around the house, but they can also be a handful. Like children, Goldendoodle puppies thrive in a safe environment. Boundaries give your puppy a sense of safety as they get to know what is ok and not ok in your house. Setting rules and boundaries for puppies will help them understand what's expected of them. This way you'll know that you're raising a well-behaved pet who won't forget One example of setting boundaries is teaching them to not jump up on people. This can be very simple, but it is also something you must repeatedly enforce to make sure the behavior stops. Another boundary could be not allowing your pup on the furniture unless given permission. And finally, when they're in their crate or kennel, make sure they're in a quiet place where they won't be bothered by outside noise and other distractions. Provide plenty of positive reinforcement when they exhibit good behavior. This will encourage them to keep up the good work! People who have Goldendoodles puppies know they are still very young and, as such, their doodle-ness can lead to naughty behavior at times. You could also pat their head or body gently if you want to encourage more good behavior. This should be done every time your dog does anything well not just during training sessions. With consistency and patience, your Goldendoodle pup will develop good behavior habits that will last a lifetime. Be consistent with your discipline when they display bad behavior. This will help them understand that their actions have consequences. If you want to train your Golden Doodle to not engage in bad behavior, it is vital that you are consistent with the discipline when they do. This will help them understand that their actions have consequences and will help lead them to better behavior. If you are inconsistent with the discipline, your dog may become confused and not understand why they are being scolded for one action on one day but not the next. This can lead to even more bad behavior as they will be testing how far they can push boundaries. Make sure you provide plenty of toys and activities to keep your Goldendoodle entertained - especially when you're not able to give them attention. This will help minimize naughty behavior and prevent boredom from setting in. Puppies need attention. If you're not able to give them the time they need, make sure that they have lots of toys and activities to keep them entertained. Toys like Kongs, Chuckit balls, or anything interactive can help minimize naughty behavior and prevent boredom from setting in. Plus, it's a great way to tire them out so they're not as active when you are home. Naughty behavior is often a sign of boredom or lack of attention. If you can't give your Goldendoodle the time they need, make sure you have plenty of toys and activities to keep them busy. Side Note: You may also want to consider crate training your puppy if you are away for long periods of time; this will help provide a sense of security when left alone for longer than usual especially at night. With these tips, you can help your Goldendoodle puppy make the transition from naughty to nice. By providing plenty of attention, exercise, and stimulation, you can help them learn how to behave appropriately in social situations. And remember — consistency is key! Be patient and stay consistent with your training methods, and soon your Goldendoodle will be the well-mannered pup you always wanted. Many puppy owners are shocked, surprised or downright freaked out about the way that their cute little puppy is behaving. Check out which stage your puppy is in, and it will help explain a lot like he isn't crazy! Behaviors can be accounted for with these stages, but a lot of these behaviors are also not acceptable and you must train and lead the way. The mother of your puppy will start the process by building the foundation. This responsibility will then be turned over to you. It can not be expressed enough times how important it is for you to train and lead your puppy so that he will be a happy well adjusted member of your family for life. Puppy Toddlers Period 3 - 8 Weeks "Mom teaches dog manners" During the Toddler period, the doodle puppies emerge on their own from the litter. They venture into the surrounding environment. Puppies removed too early tend to be nervous, tend to bark a lot, tend to bite simply because these lessons a mother and littermates usually provides were missed. Training problems and long-term behavior problems can often be attributed to a puppy removed from the litter much too soon. Beginning at 5 weeks of age, what is going on: Vocalization and tempered activities dog manners usually are learned at approximately 5 weeks of age. What the Puppy's mother will do: The mother will growl, snarl and snap to communicate. With a few very clear signals and repetitions, the young puppy will learn quickly. At that point a mothers glare or low growl is all that is needed to keep a young pup in line. Littermates also learn clear signals of communication to each other. Socialization Period 7 - 12 Weeks and First Fear Imprint Period Weeks "Lasting impact, rapid learning" Dogs that are denied socialization during this critical Socialization period often become unpredictable because they are fearful or aggressive. It is during this time, that your dog needs to have positive experiences. They need to be introduced to new things and begin the groundwork to a happy, well-adjusted dog. Seniority Classification Period Weeks "You're not the boss of me! He has been watching you and the family very closely. He is picking up on human behaviors and reactions. He is learning the pecking order of the pack. As he observes and learns, he will then attempt to figure out where exactly he stands in the pack order, and to also see if moving up in the pack will work. After all, he knows who the "weak links" are and will start at the bottom and try to move right up the pack. How could such a cute little pup be such a pistol? Flight Instinct Period 4 - 8 Months "Fly like an Eagle, into the wind" Your cute little puppy has been following you around for weeks now. He has been aware of where you are and would stay pretty close. During this period that same cute little puppy will decide that he is ready to go solo and take off running quicker than lightening. During this time, teaching the puppy that he must stay close by or come when called is critical. The failure to do this will result in a dog that will not be reliable to come or to stay close by as an adult and very well could lead the dog into a life or death situation. Yes this is redundant to the above, so it must be pretty important for us to say it twice. Adolescence Period 7 - 10 months "Welcome to the Teenage Years - Enjoy the Ride" This is one of the most difficult times for pet owners. They are so surprised when their puppy turns into "devil dog" or "cujo". This often is a time when many families start to worry that maybe they made a bad decision in getting a dog. Remember: you get what you put into it. You take the time right now to teach good habits, you will have the dog you always dreamed of for many years. This work will payoff. It will help. What's up with that? But then, BAM, he refuses to walk down some stairs, he is shaking in the car, or he jumps at the sound of the neighbor's music. This is normal, but you must help your dog figure out how to deal with his fears or concerns. The skills of learning how to "shake it off and keep going" will be valuable to him for the rest of his life. It will also reduce the chances that the things he fears will not be permanently imprinted for life. He will begin to fill out a bit and develop more muscle tone. But, mentally, the dog is still working out some last details of his life and what it means to him. He IS a member of a pack and now begins to find that his turf is worthy of monitoring and protecting. Sort of sounds nice to have your dog be protective, but don't fall for it. You do not want you dog to take over these responsibilities because in no time you too will be under the rule of the King Dog. Which can lead to aggressive behaviors, protective to the point of creating fear or actually harming someone or another animal as he protects. This is bad news, and often a reason a dog is taken out of the home or destroyed. So, don't allow your dog to be the King of the Castle, assign him the role of court jester - he will be happier and so will your family. Selecting the Right Puppy Puppy Selection It is always better to get the right temperament puppy for your family over picking one based on color or gender. The time they spend with their Mom and siblings is critical to their development. Many long-term behavior problems can be attributed to a puppy removed from the litter much too soon. Socialization is a large issue they learn with their littermates and one that should be ongoing. Although Goldendoodles are social creatures and generally get along with both people and other dogs, there are always exceptions to the rules. It is important you introduce your dog to new experiences and people. Never take your dog into fearful situations because traumatic experiences can result in lifelong anxieties. Introduce your puppy carefully to other dogs that you know could serve as a good role model. Dogs learn a lot from each other. These dogs are tested for temperament and soundness. Your Goldendoodle has four basic needs Remember your dog is only as good as you are as a role model. Bark Busters has often seen behavioral problems stem from poor kibble. Talk to your veterinarian about what food is best for this breed. For many dogs this is a crate filled with toys and a comfy bed. For others it can be a dog bed in a quiet part of the house. Goldendoodles are generally indoor dogs who like to be near their family. If you want an outdoor dog that is independent like a German Shepherd , a Goldendoodle is not for you. Safety The relationship you and other family members develop with your dog is very important. It should be based on trust, love and respect. Your dog needs to know that you will keep him safe and be the leader. If not, he will try to assume this role which is exhausting for him. Goldendoodles love human companionship and bond very strongly with their owners. Goldendoodles will find ways to entertain themselves, so it is important to provide them with enough chewing toys and good training before leaving them for any amount of time. To keep him out of trouble, you and your kids must provide plenty of time to play. Play Games to Play with Your Goldendoodle The Goldendoodle's history along both parent lines is as hunters and water dogs. However, modern day Goldendoodles have not been raised to hunt. Instead, they are great athletes who love to play flyball, tug-of-war, agility, hide-and-seek, fetch-and-retrieve and other outdoor canine sports. Goldendoodles need at least 30 minutes of exercise every day, which can include walking, swimming, playing with other dogs, or trotting behind you as you putter in the garden. Remember that whatever you do, your Goldendoodle wants to be by your side! Remember the old parlor game called three card Monte? Dogs love it. Take 3 cups and turn them upside down. Place a treat under one of them and mix them all up until you are sure your dog has lost track. Place the cups a few feet apart and see if your dog can guess which one contains the treat. Instead, show them the treat and mix the cups up again. Or hide a treat in a room while your dog is watching. Pretend you are leaving it at one location, but visit multiple locations, leaving only one treat in one place. See if they can find it. Remember that Goldendoodles have endless energy so it is best to wear them out mentally and physically. I promise that given time, they will curl up on the couch and be exhausted! PVC pipe is inexpensive to buy and can create a great agility course. Some he can destroy in minutes! Dogs do love the toy as it provides them with several different experiences. This engages their brain and is a boredom buster. It has an easy and difficult mode. So always start on the easy mode that is where all four holes of the toy are not aligned. The difficult mode is where all four holes are aligned. Apart from the brain teaser it gives your dog a chewing exercise. Dogs love that reaction and it keeps them entertained and coming back for more of the same. Many dogs scarf their meal in minutes and then come back for more. Dogs that have obesity issues can be helped by using the toy to deliver their daily ration. When a dog has to use its paws and jaw to get a meal, it makes for a happier, more fulfilled pet. Imagine how broken hearted you would be if your Goldendoodle got lost or escaped and faces the dangers of the street. It is absolutely essential that your dog have identification on him at all times, and the WaggTagg works on an easy-to-se QR code system. The dog owner first inputs some data about the dog at the WaggTagg website. Whoever finds the dog needs to simply scan the tag which sends a text message directly to the dog owner and several other people that the owner has nominated like your vet, a neighbor, a family member, etc. This way if your vet office is closed on the weekend, you can still be reunited with your dog. Bark Busters has many success stories about dogs that have been found with this tag! Does your dog bolt out the door when he sees his leash? Pull you along on walks or lead you around? Many dog owners complained to Bark Busters that their dogs would not walk correctly on the leash. After reviewing all the collars and leashes on the market, Bark Busters decided an improvement was needed — the WaggWalker was born. The harness comes in 6 sizes and is suitable for dogs 6 months and older. This harness is available from your local Bark Busters trainer or www. When people are told that they need to socialize their dog, they tend to immediately think that they need to rush out and take their dog to a doggie park. Dog Parks can be great fun for most dogs and dog parents, not every dog will do well in this environment, especially young inexperienced Doodles. Golden Doodles are an energetic breed and love to romp and play, but this can unsettle other more experienced dogs that they encounter in the park and the result might be an altercation. A young inexperienced dog or puppy might feel threatened by a confident larger or more experienced dog that tries to dominate a juvenile. This type of interaction between two dogs that are strangers, can leave your dog with lasting behavioral issues, such as dog aggression. For example, if a dog doesn't enjoy being jumped on or snapped at, they could feel threatened and become agitated and might retaliate. This can then become a normal reaction to all other dogs that can stay with your dog forever. Although training can help rectify this behavior, prevention is better than any cure. The best way to prevent this behavior is to socialize your dog with calm or low energy dogs and be sure you have strong voice control over your dog in low, medium and high level distraction environments before attempting to visit a dog park. Try visiting the dog park in off peak hours and practice gaining focus from your dog before you allow him to run off and play. Thanks to their curly, low-shedding coats, poodle mixes abound. The Goldendoodle puppy generally inherits the intelligence and coat of its poodle parent, along with the friendliness and playfulness of its golden retriever parent. Below are seven things you should know about the Goldendoodle temperament before deciding: 1. Most Goldendoodles are as intelligent as their poodle parent — a trait that can have both pros and cons. They pick up tricks and commands relatively quickly compared to other dogs. This intelligence does have a downside, however. Goldendoodles like golden retrievers can become destructive if left to their own devices for too long. Some Goldendoodle puppies are even smart enough to solve puzzle toys or complete mazes. We can ship nationwide. Reserve your puppy today 2. These dogs can be trained to work as therapy dogs or participate in dog course contests. Most Goldendoodles will find this extra training fun since it helps keep their minds engaged as well as their bodies. Even a Goldendoodle rescue dog can be trained as an adult if you have a little extra time and patience. Like some other dogs, they can also be quite funny at times and will enjoy making you laugh. Of course, this playfulness can sometimes be a little exhausting. Like a toddler, your Goldendoodle puppy may not know when to stop playing and start relaxing. If you run a home business or would like to bring your dog to work with you, a Goldendoodle is a perfect choice. They Make Ideal Service Dogs A combination of easy training and friendliness makes Goldendoodles excellent service dogs. In fact, with the proper training, a Goldendoodle can offer all the same services as its golden retriever parent does. For example, Goldendoodles can be trained to: Assist those with hearing or vision impairments Act as guide dogs for those with a disability Learn how to open doors Learn how to switch lights off and on Alert their owners to oncoming seizures or other medical issues Be taught to bring extra help in the event of an emergency Provide emotional support for anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses Goldendoodles are also often used as support animals for veterans and others with post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD. Many believe service dogs help provide a significantly better quality of life for those battling PTSD. Families with other pets and young children will quickly feel comfortable with their new family pet. Like any animal, Goldendoodle temperaments can vary based on genetics, health, training, and more. The Goldendoodle is a perfect companion for children. As a designer breed, they have always been bred for human companionship. Lots of activity going on at your home? Want a dog you can take everywhere you go, from outdoor dog patios to state parks and beyond? A Goldendoodle is an excellent choice. A Goldendoodle is friendly with other dogs, children, strangers, and other animals. Of course, the best thing you can do is start socializing your healthy dog as early as possible. The downside is that your Goldendoodle can become a very anxious dog when left alone for long periods. When you leave the house, your Goldendoodle may suffer from separation anxiety, which can cause many issues. For example, dogs with separation anxiety tend to become destructive or use the bathroom in the home. If the idea of a great family pet outweighs the ability to leave your dog alone, consider alternatives for your workday. You might hire a dog walker to visit your home once or twice to give your Goldendoodle exercise. Or, you could hire a dog sitter during the day. Bernedoodles Goldendoodles and Bernedoodles are both doodle breeds, meaning one parent is a toy, mini or standard poodle. There are other doodle breeds also, but these two are exceptionally popular. While similar in many ways, several key differences exist in the Bernedoodle and Goldendoodle personalities. For starters, the Bernedoodle tends to be calmer than the Goldendoodle. So while a Goldendoodle may make the perfect pet for an active family with rambunctious kids who like to run and play, a Bernedoodle often does better with a calmer family or young children. Bernedoodles are quite a bit larger than Goldendoodles. A standard Bernedoodle averages 23 to 29 inches tall at the shoulders when fully grown and weighs anywhere between 65 and 90 pounds. On the other hand, standard Goldendoodles will only average 20 to 24 inches tall at the shoulders and weigh 50 to 70 pounds fully grown. Miniature Goldendoodle or Bernedoodles will likely be the better choice if you have a smaller home or apartment. Besides personality traits, appearance and price are other considerations. Bernedoodles are often tricolored, while Goldendoodles will most often be a solid color. Bernedoodles also cost significantly more than Goldendoodles, so they may not be the best choice for families with a strict buying budget. We have a few healthy Goldendoodle puppies for sale which would love to find their new forever homes today. His area of expertise is in the responsible breeding of two popular doodle breeds, the Goldendoodle and Bernedoodle. Central Illinois Doodles has garnered significant recognition for their exceptional breeding practices, including being ranked among the Top 10 Bernedoodle breeders in the United States by respected industry authorities such as Bubbly Pet and Pupvine. Additionally, they have been distinguished as one of the best Goldendoodle breeders by Trending Breeds and Devoted to Dog. Related Posts. The thing that makes Goldendoodles so incredibly popular as pets — especially with families that have children — is their outgoing personalities and the fact that they have a real zest for life. Vibrant, social dogs, Goldies do tend to be high-energy and boisterous pups right through their lives, which many owners love about them. You need to be prepared for this before deciding to take one of these darling dogs on. Sure, when Goldendoodles are puppies, they may run you ragged with their cheeky, mischievous behavior. After all, all dogs struggle to control their excitement when they are young. Yet, also like other dogs, Goldendoodles, too, do mellow as they age into adults. As they move from the neonatal period to the transition period to the socialization period, they will not only learn vital motor skills and start to play, but they will also begin to develop relationships with the other dogs and people around them. See Also: Click the image This stage is crucial to how your pup continues to relate to other animals and people as they grow. A top-quality breeding facility will ensure their puppies get plenty of handling and exposure to new stimulation. They will also make sure that all time spent around people is very positive for your pup. These early experiences shape how your dog will continue interacting with people throughout their lives. When you finally bring your Goldie home, they will be slap bang in the middle of the first fear stage. This often lasts from 8 weeks up until 10 weeks. Although dogs are very sensitive to new experiences, especially negative ones, during this brief period, a lot of love, delicious treats, and avoiding activities that seem to spook your pet can help them successfully navigate it. The remaining 2 weeks of these vital first 3 months are the best time to get going with their early training. This is when you are going to lock in toilet training and teach your puppy how to behave around the house. Still, they will be well on their way with the basic and most important aspects of training — the actions that will set them up for life. Depending on their Doodle type Standard, Mini, Medium… , they could be anywhere from half to most of the way to their adult size. Yet you will need to remember that they are still very much a puppy in their thinking and how they respond to things. At this time, it will still be all too common for them to become so frantic and over-excited that their good manners and their training go right out the window. See Also: Click the image You may also start to see an increase in undesirable behaviors such as chewing as their teething really ramps up. Keep this in check by providing appropriate chew toys for them to chow down on. This can help save both your belongings and your poor fingers — ouch! Make sure also that during play, you are very consistent in what you are letting your hound get away with. Mouthing behaviors are only natural, but let your dog know when they go too far with loud pain noises. Withdraw from the play altogether when they push things too far. Remember that it is far easy to train proper behavior from the beginning than correct it later in life. Your dog may try to assert their dominance over you at this time. Like teens, adolescent dogs are all about finding their place in the world. This is when that early training is really going to come into play, as you will be able to redirect their negative behavior and reconfirm the boundaries that they are already more than well aware of. Remain vigilant, though, as part of the testing of what they can get away with involves beginning to think about escape. Make thorough use of toys and games throughout this period. See Also: Click the image Adulthood Just when it feels like you have hit the end of your tether for one bouncy pup all about the place, your Goldendoodle will enter adulthood somewhere around months and start to calm down. While some days it may still feel like your cute canine has ingested an entire pot of coffee or turned into a Mexican jumping bean, especially in the first few years of their adult lives, in actuality, they will have much more control of their own behavior now. They should hit their golden years somewhere between 8 and 12 years of age, depending on their size. With that infamous Goldendoodle vivacity, this is especially vital for these pups. A garden is great for bigger dogs as they can happily chase a Kong Toy or something similar about the place, effectively keeping themselves out of trouble. Alternately you could send the kids out with them, and they could all wear each other out, resulting in a lovely peaceful evening for you. If this is not an option, games of fetch in a well-secured dog park can do the trick just as well. A dog-walker can also help take some of the strain of exercising a particularly lively Dood. Mental Stimulation Boredom can be the absolute enemy of calm, especially when something noteworthy does happen, such as the arrival of a visitor or a trip around the block. If your pup is frequently left alone for long hours, you will find that they are extra-especially lively when they finally get their family back home with them and have something to do again and someone to do it with. Again, this is where canine toys can save you a lot of hassle. These days there is an excellent variety of them with some seriously cool features. The thing about Doodles is those Poodle smarts of theirs make them particularly susceptible to boredom. Puzzle toys offer intellectual challenges whereby your pup has to figure out how to get to a tasty treat, for example. This can easily keep them entertained for hours at a time. The result is a much calmer, happier dog who may not even notice when someone does ring the doorbell. See Also: Click the image Training Training and socialization are also both so, SO necessary for helping your Dood manage their own behavior. Socialization gets your pooch accustomed to meeting new people, being in unfamiliar places, and dealing with different dogs and other animals. Training puts specific commands at your fingertips which can be employed when your pup is getting a little too over the top. Positive reinforcement is a good strategy, but be sure you are only reinforcing the behaviors you want to see continued. If you make a fuss of your fur baby when they are running around or jumping up, if you act as delighted to see them as they are to see you, then you are telling them with your actions that this is the right thing to do. Make a real effort to only pay attention to your pooch only once they have calmed themselves down. New Activities If you have the time, then helping your dog learn new tricks and skills can go a long way to keeping them both physically and mentally happy. Canine sports were practically invented for these offspring of working dogs. They excel at so many of them and will thoroughly enjoy participating. These kinds of activities also serve to reinforce and extend their basic training giving you even more commands you can use for behavior control. Goldendoodles are also big fans of the great outdoors in all its forms. Goldies, being the descendants of two water-loving breeds, will also likely love the chance to swim and hang about in streams, lakes, rivers, and the ocean. Too much of certain kinds of foods could heighten energy to unmanageable levels. Also, take care with the amount that you are feeding your dog each day. Likewise, snacks can cause issues here. A surprising number of calories can be found in even the tiniest treats. If you are using these for training, you may consider switching them out for a clicker or praise-based methods. If your food-focused friend is clearly never going to go for that, a surprising alternative is frozen vegetable treats. These seem to go down very well with most Doodles, according to their owners. A commonly held belief with canines is that getting them fixed can help them to be calmer, and there is some truth in this. Your puppy will likely be every bit as rowdy, but your older dog will be less of a puppet to their hormones. Goldendoodle puppies, like all other puppies, are feisty, fast, playful little things. This lasts a lot longer than you might think, given how quickly they grow to their adult size. Somewhere between 12 and 18 months of age, your dog will mature, and this will be when you will see them having a little more control. Although, they will likely be every bit as energetic as they ever were. This can be tempered somewhat through exercise and play. Is it normal for a Goldendoodle to be energetic? High-energy levels are a feature of the Goldendoodle breed and a trait that they inherit from their intelligent, working-dog parents. In this respect, it is perfectly normal for your Goldie to enjoy plenty of walks and fun. How often should I walk my Goldendoodle puppy? Daily walks are a necessity for every dog, although some breeds require a longer time outdoors than others. Goldendoodles have quite high exercise needs compared to some of the smaller, more sedate Doods. Although this will need to be tailored to their age, a good rule of thumb is to exercise them for five minutes per month of their age — twice a day. So, with a 4-month puppy, two minute walks a day would be sufficient to keep them happy and healthy. Although energy levels of these fine canines vary depending on age, life stage, and individual differences, they do tend to be at the higher end of the spectrum. For this reason, they do best in high-energy family homes or with people willing to take them on plenty of long hikes and with both a garden and the time to play with them. If you think that you can offer a Goldie that kind of life, then you will, no doubt, end up adoring your newest family member almost but not quite as much as they will adore you. We start Puppy Culture when the pups are only three days old - holding them in different positions and offering other tactile stimulation such as tickling toes. During this time one of the most important developments is the introduction to people and other dogs. Beginning at five weeks, puppies begin enjoying playtime and become aware of their surroundings and positive interaction with people will play a large part in how they continue to relate with humans. Establishing positive experiences and relationships with humans will help their continued development in the future. In the meantime, the eight weeks spent with their littermates are crucial for developing bonding, playing skills and other dog socialization cues. As previously mentioned, at JLDD we utilize the Puppy Culture development program during the first 8 weeks which includes among other things: LOTS of exposure to new stimulation every day, animal sounds on YouTube, introduction to other dogs, introduction to water pool day , individual time away from littermates, obstacle courses, introduction to household noises and even people wearing alternate clothing items sunglasses, hats, dangly earrings, etc. Not to worry…this short period can be helped by positive, encouraging training and your puppy will grow out of it! If a new experience such as using a blow dryer after a bath seems particularly frightening to your pup, introduce it again more gradually and reward with treats! They still need frequent naps and very frequent potty breaks potty training begins during the latter stages of our puppy culture program. Overall, they are quite manageable as they are still so snuggly and sleepy. Beginning structured training at this juncture is crucial - a stable schedule and consistent boundaries are helpful for the pup navigating the fear period and setting the framework for future obedience training. It is also when we start to hear from a lot of owners complaining about biting. Remember that this is developmentally normal and does not mean your pup is aggressive. Dogs are very wired to use their mouth—chewing and play-biting are ingrained in their DNA, especially at this age when a pup is losing his baby teeth and growing new permanent teeth. We have three words of encouragement here: patience, patience, patience! This phase will pass in a couple months! Sound familiar, parents? This behavior is actually very similar to a crawling human baby putting everything in their mouth. The good news is that just like baby humans, they will grow out of it. In the meantime, do your best to discourage it by disengaging and redirecting. Then you can re-engage and redirect with a toy. In other words, be all kinds of excited when she is chewing on a toy, but immediately end play and be a total stick in the mud when she bites you. Some pups enter a secondary fear period at this age—again, consistent positive socialization experiences will help him navigate this period and come out more confident than before. For parents of teenagers, this might feel familiar! In conclusion, remember that doodles are a fairly active breed so the puppy phase is not for the faint of heart. We recommend consistent discipline and exercise mental and physical stimulation will definitely keep your pup more settled in the house.

You can also visit your nearest rescue center and see if they have dogs for sale. If it has a short coat, you may brush your pet every other day. The maximum is around three times a week. If it has a longer coat, you should brush its fur more often to minimize tangling. You may also give it baths when needed. Use dog shampoo to keep its coat clean and fresh. This leads to several symptoms such as thinner than regular coats, weight gain but no appetite changes, and skin diseases. Your dog will also shed more excessively than usual. Upon detection of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet for proper treatment. Beagle Dwarfism: Beagle Poodles may inherit this from their Beagle parent. This is a condition wherein the dog is a lot smaller than usual. This causes serious issues, such as back and neck soreness, sensation concerns, decreased bowel control, and paralysis, at worst. When left unchecked, this will lead to arthritis and crippling lameness for your pet. Follow the recommended meal plan for your dog. Poodle Combined With Beagle Food Requirements Beagle Poodles are mildly energetic, meaning their tummies will be full, and their dietary needs met with any of the best dry dog food we found to best match the food requirements of most of the dogs. Invest in food specially formulated for small dogs so best dry dog food for small dogs would be a good start. Because of the size of your pooch, best large breed dry dog food may not be the best solution for a petite doggy. This is to avoid conditions such as hip dysplasia and obesity, which are precursors to more significant health problems. If you believe your dog has gained weight, you should consult the vet before trying to fix the problem using food supplements. It is made from natural ingredients, such as duck meat, natural carbohydrates, and vegetables. It provides your dog with enough nourishment without the use of grains, making this easier for your dogs to digest. Petcurean Go! It is also grain-free for better digestion. Purina Beneful IncrediBites: This is a special dog food formula made for small dogs. It contains real beef, healthy grains, and vegetables such as carrots and peas. Each bite is also appropriately sized for little mouths, making them easy to eat and chew. This gives them the energy they need for playtime, as well as 23 vitamins and minerals for a more nourished body and better digestion. Royal Canin Size Health Nutrition Mini: Since small dogs are at a higher risk for tartar build-up, we recommend giving them this brand of dog food. It also promotes a healthier coat and better nourishment for your dog by giving it the necessary levels of DHA and EPA. If your dog is a picky eater, this brand offers different flavors, such as beef, chicken, salmon, or lamb. It also contains probiotics and has no grains, which promote a healthier digestion system for your dogs. For small pups, these ingredients are found in best puppy food brands. Older furry pals should, on the other hand, switch to best senior dry dog food at a certain point in life. Doing so will better match their food requirements and help prevent obesity and other conditions that are triggered by it. Part of their playtime should be allowing them to run around and chase, due to their hunting traits. Aside from physical activity, Beagle Poodles also need mental stimulation to sharpen their innate intelligence. Thus, they need toys that will supply both of these needs. The toy is made of several chambers where dog treats can be placed. It has to figure out how to get the food in each container since not all can be opened the same way. Once the ball is thrown, the rubber material makes it bounce around more, allowing your dog to give chase. Also, it has a compartment where dog food can be placed, making your dog figure out how to get the treats from the inside. Poodle Beagle Mix Training Training the Beagle Poodle requires you to understand the intelligence and personality of both its parents. That way, you can better prepare yourself for the behavior of the mixed breed. Beagles may be loyal, but it still needs to be trained to recognize that it must follow commands from its owner. This is due to its tendency to become stubborn sometimes. It also gets easily distracted when something grabs its attention. It will run towards what it saw, completely ignoring you in the process. It must be trained to keep focused on the task at hand. Poodles are known to be one of the most intelligent breeds. Teaching a Poodle some tricks will come easy, provided that it is regularly exercised and mentally stimulated. They also bore easily, so constant activity and attention is needed. If everything goes well, a Poodle will be able to do tricks that not every dog can accomplish. You may follow the tips below: Learn how to keep their attention. When you want to begin training your dog, start by strengthening your bonds. Once you figure that out, you can quickly bring them back to you and make them focus on training. Reward their good behavior. Positive conditioning always helps a dog stay motivated. Once they learn to do a particular trick, give them rewards. You may use dog treats or give them more play time. The more they realize that their good behavior is met with rewards, the better they will perform during training and everyday life. Teach the dog to recognize you. Beagle Poodles need to be trained in obedience due to their highly distractable nature. Thus, you have to be able to establish that you are the alpha and they need to listen to you. Use dog clickers and whistles to grab their attention whenever they are straying so that you can focus more on honing their skills. Ensure regular exercise. An active dog is a more trainable dog. Allow your pet to roam around the place and make sure they get their daily dose of walks. They also love to socialize, so part of their exercise should be letting them play with other dogs and meet other people. Beagle Mixed With Poodle And Families Beagle Poodles are not only excellent pets for new owners, but they are also great companions for families. They exhibit the loyalty and serving attitudes of hunting breeds that your family will surely appreciate. They can watch over your household while you sleep and give your family love and affection during the daytime. After you and your wife get home from work, your dog will be there to relieve your stress. Their small size makes them good playmates for children as well. They love to run around and play, so if you have active kids, let them play with the dog. This allows you to give both your children and your dog their much-needed exercise. Once the dog is trained, kids can also give them commands, so that bonding times will be more fun between them and the dog. Taking care of your Beagle Poodle makes it happy, and a happy dog also means a happy household. Getting a pet that gives your family more joy is always a worthy investment. If all goes well, a Beagle Poodle will live out its lifespan not only as a loyal family dog but also as an everyday companion and best friend. They are also popular choices for families with allergies, as they do not shed as much as other breeds. Poodle Mixes come in a wide variety of sizes, shapes, and colors, making them one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds. While all Poodle Mixes share some common features, their individual personalities can vary widely. Some Poodle Mixes are confident and outgoing, while others are more reserved and shy. Some breeds tend to be independent thinkers, while others are more eager to please. The best way to determine what personality type is right for you is to meet with a local breeder or rescue organization that specializes in Poodle Mixes. Poodle Mix Puppy Health Considerations Though generally very happy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around years — our Poodle Mixes for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Poodle Mix puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. Of course, not all Poodle Mixes will develop these conditions, but it is important to be aware of them. Finding a Poodle Mix puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can also dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. Regardless of the type of Poodle Mix you have, there are a few things you need to know about coat care. First, regular brushing is essential to prevent mats and tangles. Finally, Poodle Mixes need to be groomed every weeks by a professional groomer. This includes a bath, brush out, trimming of the coat, and nail clipping. By following these simple coat care tips, you can help your Poodle Mix look and feel his best. Meet Poodle Mix Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? The Poogle is a cross between a Beagle and a Miniature Poodle. These little dogs are affectionate and loyal with a friendly, playful, and energetic personality. They love nothing more than being with their families. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, the Poogle is recognized by other notable dog organizations. The Poogle is an affectionate companion dog that loves to be with their families and thrives on attention from them. They are smart dogs with a playful personality and a loving temperament. They tend to get along well with children and other dogs. A Poogle can have a high prey drive, so they may need some extra socialization with any smaller pets in the household. They do tend to bark to alert you of strangers and can be protective, especially of children. Although they can be protective of their family, they are generally open and friendly to meeting strangers as long as they have been properly socialized. Poogles are highly adaptable dogs. They do well in larger homes as well as apartments as long as they get enough exercise. They also adapt well to most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat and may need to bundle up with some winter dog products when temperatures start dropping. Because they bond so closely with their families and thrive being around them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. If they do not get enough exercise, attention, or mental stimulation, they can become destructive. Also, since they have a high prey drive and an urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in securely fenced areas. Although they can master basic commands , including recall, they will sometimes ignore it in favor of chasing something or following an interesting scent. Although the Poogle is a relatively healthy breed, there are still some potential health conditions that they could inherit from their parent breeds. Reputable breeding helps prevent a lot of these issues because reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable health issues on to puppies. So, make sure you ask them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. This makes the Poogle a highly trainable dog that is a good fit for owners of all experience levels. They respond best to consistent training focused on positive reward and praise. Not only do they reinforce training and strengthen the bond you have with your puppy, but they also often offer great opportunities to socialize a puppy. A Poogle tends to have a short to medium-length wavy coat that can be a variety of colors. If they have a shorter coat, they will just need a weekly brushing and the occasional bath. If they have a longer coat, they will need to be brushed a few times a week at least, if not daily, to make sure tangles are removed. Cutting nails once or twice monthly is usually enough to keep them from growing too long. They should be clean, dry, and free of debris, pests, or irritation. And, if you see anything concerning, you can get to the vet early. Gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. As a small dog breed, your Poogle is even more prone to developing it later in life. Brushing or using an enzyme toothpaste daily in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed are ideal. A Poogle tends to sit in a high-energy range. They need a lot of daily activity to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus some playtime and some time to run are a good start. And, they will likely be up for more activity if you are. These dogs tend to be athletic and hardy. So, once puppies finishing growing and developing, you can try a bunch of different activities to see what they like to do. Most of the time, they will just be happy to be doing something with you. A fully-grown Poogle usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. Their size can range larger if they have a Standard Poodle parent instead of a Mini Poodle parent. Poogles generally live for years. Although this mixed breed is often called a Poogle, they are also sometimes called a Poogle Hound, Beaglepoo, Beagledoodle, Beagapoo, and Beapoo. Featured Poogle Article.

We are expecting another litter of 4 to 5 puppies on May 16th, .Boxers for Sale in Rochester, MN. Paul, MN from trusted breeders. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Duluth, MN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Boxer puppies for sale Rochester, Minnesota Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. The boxer is a popular dog breed for good reason. Fawn and white… others are black. Available puppies Are you searching for a puppy to add to the family? Check out our available pups for sale. Happy, Healthy Bloodline Boxers are an intelligent, loyal pet and love. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Boxer puppies and adult Boxer in Alexandria, Minnesota. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Minnesota. Find below the list of some Boxer breeders close to you in Minnesota. Springwater Boxers was established in and we've been raising quality boxers for over a decade. Breezy Boxers Browerville, Minnesota We have owned boxers since .If you own or are thinking about owning, a boxer, you need to know these boxer dog-care facts. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Duluth, MN. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. Boxer puppies for sale in Minneapolis, MN from trusted. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. Search for a Boxer puppy or dog. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Minneapolis, MN. Adopting a boxer from a reputable breeder will keep your mind at rest for the quality and wellness of your pet. We provide a free lising service for Boxer breeders to advertise their puppies in Duluth, Minneapolis, St Paul, Rochester and anywhere else in Minnesota. This litter has at least one dog. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Minnesota Boxer Rescue is a non-profit c 3 , foster-based, dog rescue organization primarily serving Minnesota and surrounding areas. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Puppy Country is a loving enviorment for all our pets. Puppy gates are helpful to keep new. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Showing 1 - 19 of 24, results. At Chippewa Valley Boxers, we consider ourselves to be family breeders who raise puppies for the joy it brings and as a wonderful experience for our families. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Minnesota. They come with their first round of shots. Pet Classifieds MN Minnesota. Boxer Bernard Hopkins should be retired. Depending on the definition used to measure a lake, the number can go up, due to. From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving. Welcome to Pattys Boxers Boxers are one of the best dogs they are not only a pet they are a life long friend!!! MN Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Minnesota Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Enthusiastic Boxer Puppies for sale. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Minnesota The Boxer is an adorable dog that makes an excellent family companion and is kid-friendly. Boxer Puppies for Sale in South Dakota. Our boxers are a part of our family, our goal is to make sure our puppies go to families that that will love them as much as we do. The process is more convoluted than with other sports, requiring international qualifying as well as national. Instead, the ageless athlete just defended his world title against a fighter young enough to be his son. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in St. Fawn and white others are black. Bred to make wonderful family pet companions and show dogs. Boxer puppies for sale in Minnesota from trusted breeders. Discover how to become an Olympic boxer. Boxer puppies for sale in Minneapolis MN The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Like many states, Minnesota does not have an official state color. On Good Dog, Boxer puppies in St. Working Group; AKC recognized in .How to Become an Olympic Boxer. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Boxer Breeders in Minnesota. Search results for "boxer puppies" for sale in Minnesota. A boxer's fracture is a broken bone of the hand on the pinkie or ring finger from a punch or fall. Mix Barley Looking for good homes for puppies. Here is a link to an excellent book on Boxers. Our kennel is built and run with our dogs best interest in mind. Boxer puppies for sale Duluth, Minnesota Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. They are generally healthy dogs, however they like to be inside for temperature controlled area Social. Boxer, Minnesota » Elgin. History: The Boxer descends from two dogs of the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed from Germany: the Danziger Bullenbeisser and the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, both of which were used by. We may earn a commission through links o. We are dedicated to rescuing Boxers left homeless for whatever reason — dogs in public shelters, dogs surrendered by their owners due to various life. Find a Boxer for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Minnesota. Boxer puppies for sale in Duluth MN. Our boxers are part of our family; they live in our homes. These breeders are far and few, so do your research and ask questions. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Minneapolis, MN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxers do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather. The American Boxer Club was established in .Learn how it's diagnosed and treated. Watch this video and learn how to make it! We raise AKC Boxers, all of our boxers are raised in the house with us. Look here to find a Boxer breeder close to youMinnesota who may have puppies for sale or a male dog available for stud service. Also up to date on all vaccinations and wormers. Learn all about what it takes to care for this loyal, playful, and energetic pup. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Happy, Healthy Bloodline Boxers are an intelligent, loyal pet and love lots of attention. We have two females and one male boxer. I do offer pet services like sitting, nail trim, teeth brushings, baths, walks, and training. Boxer puppies for sale in St. Minnesota: Boxer Breeders. Personalized Boxer Shorts. His main purpose is for hunting large game. Mixed Puppies For Sale in Minnesota .At Puppy Country we know that love… View Details. Boxer puppies sale Rochester MN. When you decide to buy a dog for a breeder, you have the lux. Fully vaccinated vet checked microchipped wormed Limited papers available Call or msg on for further info. Puppies Our Puppies Litter of 6 puppies born April 26th, !! Boxer puppies and dogs in Brainerd, Minnesota. Boxer puppies for sale in Minneapolis, MN from trusted breeders. At Puppy Country we know that love. Boxer's Fracture Symptoms and Treatment. Puppies for Sale. Find Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful information. Also, be sure to check the Boxer Dog Breeder listings. Available Puppies — Big Mac Boxers. MK FemaleShe is a gorgeous color and she is so sweet to hold! Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Boxer puppies and adult Boxer in Brainerd, Minnesota. Boxer puppies for sale Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Minnesota Boxer breeders directory Enter your 5-digit U. Cannon Falls, MN. Boxer, Minnesota » Elgin Township. Below is a sample search of our Boxer breeders with puppies for sale. When raising puppies we focus on lots of early handling and socialization. It includes tips, hints, and more from -. Boxer puppies and dogs in nearby cities. They are fairly active indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. We're sharing important boxer dog-care information for teeth, training, and feeding. Its flag is blue with a gold fringe. She is around 60 pounds and is house trained. At 8 weeks old they will be ready to find their furever family. Boxer puppies for sale in Rochester MN. Boxer puppies for sale in Duluth, MN from trusted breeders. Our Dog Breeder directory is the ultimate source of listings for breeders in North America. If you are looking for puppies for sale or a particular stud dog in your area you can also check. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Minnesota, MN. History: The Boxer descends from two dogs of the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed from Germany: the Danziger Bullenbeisser and the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, both of which were used by. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. If you own or are thinking about owning, a boxer, you need to know these boxer dog-care facts. Our Dog Breeder directory is the ultimate source of listings for breeders in North America. From there you can see photos of their pups, find detailed information on their web page and contact them by e-mail, phone and even get driving. Find a Boxer for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near Minnesota. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Minneapolis, MN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. We provide a free lising service for Boxer breeders to advertise their puppies in Duluth, Minneapolis, St Paul, Rochester and anywhere else in Minnesota. Boxer puppies and dogs in Alexandria, Minnesota. Springwater Boxers was established in and we've been raising quality boxers for over a decade. They come with their first round of shots. At Chippewa Valley Boxers, we consider ourselves to be family breeders who raise puppies for the joy it brings and as a wonderful experience for our families. Instead, the ageless athlete just defended his world title against a fighter young enough to be his son. Adopting a boxer from a reputable breeder will keep your mind at rest for the quality and wellness of your pet. Here is a link to an excellent book on Boxers. Boxer puppies and dogs in Brainerd, Minnesota. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Minnesota, MN. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Minnesota The Boxer is an adorable dog that makes an excellent family companion and is kid-friendly. Look here to find a Boxer breeder close to youMinnesota who may have puppies for sale or a male dog available for stud service. When you decide to buy a dog for a breeder, you have the lux. Showing 1 - 19 of 24, results. Working Group; AKC recognized in .Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Boxer puppies and adult Boxer in Brainerd, Minnesota. Fawn and white others are black. Boxer puppies for sale Duluth, Minnesota Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. Below is a sample search of our Boxer breeders with puppies for sale. MN Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Minnesota Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. On Good Dog, Boxer puppies in St. Boxer puppies sale Minneapolis MN. Puppies for Sale from Minnesota Breeders. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Duluth, MN Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. At 8 weeks old they will be ready to find their furever family. We're sharing important boxer dog-care information for teeth, training, and feeding. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Lakeville, MN. Boxer Bernard Hopkins should be retired. Boxer, Minnesota » Elgin Township. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Boxer puppies and adult Boxer in Alexandria, Minnesota. The American Boxer Club was established in .Boxer puppies for sale in Duluth MN. The process is more convoluted than with other sports, requiring international qualifying as well as national. Pet Classifieds MN Minnesota. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Minnesota. Personalized Boxer Shorts. The boxer is a popular dog breed for good reason. Boxers for Sale in Rochester, MN. Boxer Breeders in Minnesota. How to Become an Olympic Boxer. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in St. We have two females and one male boxer. Our boxers are a part of our family, our goal is to make sure our puppies go to families that that will love them as much as we do. Boxer puppies for sale in Duluth, MN from trusted breeders. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Minneapolis, MN. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Minnesota. Boxer Puppies for Sale near Minneapolis, Minnesota, …. Breezy Boxers Browerville, Minnesota We have owned boxers since .Boxer puppies for sale Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Minnesota Boxer breeders directory Enter your 5-digit U. These breeders are far and few, so do your research and ask questions. Boxer puppies for sale in Minnesota from trusted breeders. Paul, MN from trusted breeders. Find below the list of some Boxer breeders close to you in Minnesota. Our boxers are part of our family; they live in our homes. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. MK FemaleShe is a gorgeous color and she is so sweet to hold! If you are looking for puppies for sale or a particular stud dog in your area you can also check. His main purpose is for hunting large game. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. She is around 60 pounds and is house trained. Depending on the definition used to measure a lake, the number can go up, due to. Boxer puppies for sale Rochester, Minnesota Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. This litter has at least one dog. Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Duluth, MN. Puppy gates are helpful to keep new. Our kennel is built and run with our dogs best interest in mind. Happy, Healthy Bloodline Boxers are an intelligent, loyal pet and love. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Minnesota. Boxer puppies for sale in Rochester MN. Learn how it's diagnosed and treated. Discover how to become an Olympic boxer. Learn all about what it takes to care for this loyal, playful, and energetic pup. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Welcome to Pattys Boxers Boxers are one of the best dogs they are not only a pet they are a life long friend!!! Boxers for Sale in Minneapolis. Also up to date on all vaccinations and wormers. Boxers do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather. Our product picks are editor-tested, expert-approved. At Puppy Country we know that love. Like many states, Minnesota does not have an official state color. Search for a Boxer puppy or dog. Boxer puppies and dogs in nearby cities. They are generally healthy dogs, however they like to be inside for temperature controlled area Social. Fawn and white… others are black. Enthusiastic Boxer Puppies for sale. Boxer puppies for sale in Minneapolis MN The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Boxer Puppies for Sale in South Dakota. Cannon Falls, MN. Find Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful information. The search tool above returns a list of breeders located nearest to the zip or postal code you enter. They are fairly active indoors and do best with at least an average-sized yard. Puppies Our Puppies Litter of 6 puppies born April 26th, !! We may earn a commission through links o. Fully vaccinated vet checked microchipped wormed Limited papers available Call or msg on for further info. Happy, Healthy Bloodline Boxers are an intelligent, loyal pet and love lots of attention. Puppies and Dogs near you in Minnesota. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. Watch this video and learn how to make it! Boxer's Fracture Symptoms and Treatment. I do offer pet services like sitting, nail trim, teeth brushings, baths, walks, and training. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Available puppies Are you searching for a puppy to add to the family? Check out our available pups for sale. Jonathan Cluett, MD, is a board-certified orthopedic surgeon with subspecialty training in sports medic. Its flag is blue with a gold fringe. Mix Barley Looking for good homes for puppies. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Minnesota. We raise AKC Boxers, all of our boxers are raised in the house with us. Puppies for Sale. Best Boxer Breeders in Minnesota! A boxer's fracture is a broken bone of the hand on the pinkie or ring finger from a punch or fall. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. We are dedicated to rescuing Boxers left homeless for whatever reason — dogs in public shelters, dogs surrendered by their owners due to various life. It includes tips, hints, and more from -. Search results for "boxer puppies" for sale in Minnesota. Boxer, Minnesota » Elgin. Bred to make wonderful family pet companions and show dogs. When raising puppies we focus on lots of early handling and socialization. At Puppy Country we know that love… View Details. Puppy Country is a loving enviorment for all our pets. We are expecting another litter of 4 to 5 puppies on May 16th, .Minnesota: Boxer Breeders. Also, be sure to check the Boxer Dog Breeder listings. Minnesota Boxer Rescue is a non-profit c 3 , foster-based, dog rescue organization primarily serving Minnesota and surrounding areas. Available Puppies — Big Mac Boxers. Let's talk about our sweet boy Henry.Let's keep this momentum going!!! If you don't know Henry's story, Let's talk about him. He's a 4yo male boxer who was hit by a car in Ohio and left for dead. The shelter picked him up, and he waited alone for five long days for his family to come get him. They never came. A complete stranger saw the shelter's story about Henry online and wanted to help. This good Samaritan, despite knowing they couldn't keep Henry long-term, picked him up from the shelter and took him home and began to arrange medical care, while at the same time starting a search for others who could help find Henry a forever home. That's where MNBR comes in. One of our members saw Henry's story and connected us, and we stepped in to help secure a foster and ongoing medical attention for this good boy. Henry's original prognosis was that his injuries were catastrophic. He would need to have one of his legs amputated, plus additional surgeries to address what appeared to be major spine damage as well as damage to two of his other legs and hips. The situation seemed dire. But as it turns out, our boy Henry is a fighter!!! Despite his situation, he was in good spirits and started to show improvements in his legs, so the team decided to move forward with finding a treatment path for him. An MRI and assessment revealed that Henry's injuries, while extensive, were operable, and the orthopedic surgeon believed that they could save all Henry's limbs! Since then, Henry has had several therapies, including new water therapy, and he is healing! Henry is a sweet boy who is the definition of a champ! Henry arrived in Minnesota finally in January, since then he has been being seen at the University of Minnesota Veterinary medical clinic. But we are not getting too excited his care is not over quite yet. And he will also need follow up appointments from the surgery he just endured, bandage changes, etc. Donations are tax deductible. Click HERE to donate now. Highlighted Dogs.

YT french bulldog puppies for adoption YT french bulldog puppies for adoption, we have lovely personalities and are being raised around our family to get maximum exposure to life. We love playing and getting attention, and love our mum and human parents that are raising us but we would love to meet a new family with a new mum and dad.French bulldog puppies for sale We have a new litter of french bulldog from our puppies we are selling them off for they come with Limited registration at this price and health certificate, All pupps are healthy call us to schedule a visit or how to get a puppy from us. Our puppy will have no issues with breathing or joints pr.Both parents are health tested an.Aqwdsh french bulldog puppies for sale Aqwdsh french bulldog puppies for sale, all pups are nice short chunky, big heads and flat faces, they are serious quality pups. All pups are akc registered, microchipped, 1st vaccines, wormed and fleed to date , puppy pack and lifetime support. For more details and pictures text. .French bulldog puppies for sale French Bulldog puppies for sale. Tina is a wonderful lilac tan Akc registered fluffy carrier frenchie girl. Carries cream no pied no brindle. Nice compact short and chunky! Current on all vaccinations, dewormings,and come with a health guarantee. If interested. E-mail us directly on na.Are you in search of affordable French Bulldog puppies? Look no further! Our main goal is to help you find the ideal and perfect French bulldog puppy for sale in your area. You can buy a healthy cheap teacup French bulldog puppy for sale today by browsing through our French Bulldogs Available for sale page History of cheap French Bulldog puppies Despite what its name may imply, the french bulldog was developed in England. When activities like this were outlawed in England in , the English Bulldog was bred down in size, resulting in the Toy Bulldog. During the Industrial Revolution, these Toy Bulldogs were brought to France by English lace workers, and the French immediately took a liking to the little dog. So, they began to import more and more of the breed. Over time, the Toy Bulldog became a breed of its own, and was eventually named the French Bulldog. Frenchies are very adaptable, so they make great pets for first-time dog owners. They adjust well to other animals, too, and are great with kids. This handsome Mini French Bulldog puppy is waiting for his new loving family! He is raised with children that play with him daily. This cutie is social, friendly and loads of fun. This fella will instantly make everyone fall in love with him! He is ACA registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. French Bulldogs are a high-energy breed and require a lot of exercise. Despite what its name may imply, the French Bulldog cheap was developed in England. When activities like this were outlawed in England in , the English Bulldog was bred down in size, resulting in the Toy Bulldog. During the Industrial Revolution, these Toy Bulldogs were brought to France by English lace workers, and the French immediately took a liking to the little dog. So, they began to import more and more of the breed. Over time, the Toy Bulldog became a breed of its own, and was eventually named the French Bulldog. What is the temperament of French Bulldogs Cheap French Bulldogs are known for their playful and gentle natures. They are great family dogs and are known to be very tolerant of other family members. French Bulldogs are also known to be very active and playful, which can make them a lot of fun to be around. What a cuddly little boy with an absolutely beautiful coat and those blue eyes! He has been vet checked and has had his first shots, wormed. His mom is on the premises. His grandparents were imported. He is cute as a button and has an amazing personality. This puppy is super happy and is just looking for a family to call his own. He is super social and enjoys playing with the children he is being raised with. This baby is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Call today! When activities like this were outlawed in England in , the English Bulldog was bred down in size, resulting in the Toy Bulldog. During the Industrial Revolution, these Toy Bulldogs were brought to France by English lace workers, and the French immediately took a liking to the little dog. So, they began to import more and more of the breed. Over time, the Toy Bulldog became a breed of its own, and was eventually named the French Bulldog. These puppies are gentle, loving and affectionate. They are a good family dog and do well with children. The breed is also intelligent, docile and relatively easy to train. While puppies may be very energetic, adult Frenchies are relatively calm and have moderate exercise needs. That makes them an excellent choice for apartments and for owners who are unable to provide vigorous exercise. The dog bonds with owners and can get depressed if left alone for long periods. Bored or lonely pups can also chew or become destructive. Cheappuppiesforsale is your go-to website for finding inexpensive, locally available, and registered French bulldog Indiana for sale. Our primary objective is to assist you in locating the appropriate French Bulldog puppy for sale in your neighborhood History of French Bulldog puppies French Bulldogs are considered one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and around the world. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities and are often kept as companion animals. The breed is a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was brought to France by English lacemakers. The French Bulldog was then developed by crossing the English Bulldog with local small breeds, such as the Terrier, to create a smaller, more delicate version of the English Bulldog. During the 19th century, French Bulldogs were used for bull-baiting and dog fighting. They quickly gained popularity among the upper class in France, especially in Paris, where they were considered a symbol of luxury and elegance. In the late 19th century, French Bulldogs were brought to the United States by American tourists who fell in love with the breed while visiting France. Temperament of Frenchies The temperament of a French Bulldog is generally described as affectionate, playful, and sociable. They are known to be good with children and other pets and make great companion animals. They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them easy to train and manage. French Bulldogs are very loyal to their owners, and they have a strong desire to be close to their family. They have a playful nature, and they love to play and interact with their owners. French Bulldogs are known for their expressive personalities, and they are known to be very vocal. They are known to make a variety of noises, including grunts, snores, and snorts, which can be quite endearing. They are also known for their sense of humor and their ability to make their owners laugh. One of the most striking characteristics of French Bulldogs is their easy going nature. They are known to be adaptable and easy to live with, which makes them great family pets. They are also known to be relatively low maintenance, as they do not require a lot of exercise or grooming. Meet Carlie! She is a French Bulldog looking for her perfect companion. This amazing gal is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, plus the breeder provides a 1 year genetic health guarantee. She is super social and is being raised with children that play with her daily. Her momma is Suzanne. Carlie is ready to brighten all your days with kisses. Sex: Female. Our primary objective is to assist you in locating the appropriate French Bulldog puppy for sale in your neighborhood History of French Bulldog French Bulldogs are considered one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States and around the world. They are known for their affectionate and playful personalities and are often kept as companion animals. The breed is a descendant of the English Bulldog, which was brought to France by English lacemakers. The French Bulldog was then developed by crossing the English Bulldog with local small breeds, such as the Terrier, to create a smaller, more delicate version of the English Bulldog. During the 19th century, French Bulldogs were used for bull-baiting and dog fighting. They quickly gained popularity among the upper class in France, especially in Paris, where they were considered a symbol of luxury and elegance. In the late 19th century, French Bulldogs were brought to the United States by American tourists who fell in love with the breed while visiting France. Temperament of Frenchies The temperament of a French Bulldog is generally described as affectionate, playful, and sociable. They are known to be good with children and other pets and make great companion animals. They are also known for their intelligence and trainability, which makes them easy to train and manage. French Bulldogs are very loyal to their owners, and they have a strong desire to be close to their family. They have a playful nature, and they love to play and interact with their owners. French Bulldogs are known for their expressive personalities, and they are known to be very vocal. They are known to make a variety of noises, including grunts, snores, and snorts, which can be quite endearing. They are also known for their sense of humor and their ability to make their owners laugh. One of the most striking characteristics of French Bulldogs is their easy going nature. They are known to be adaptable and easy to live with, which makes them great family pets. They are also known to be relatively low maintenance, as they do not require a lot of exercise or grooming. Meet Coco! She is a French Bulldog looking for her perfect companion. This amazing gal is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, plus the breeder provides a 1 year genetic health guarantee. She is super social and is being raised with children that play with her daily. Her momma is Suzanne. Coco is ready to brighten all your days with kisses.

An 8 week old German Shepherd puppy is a bundle of antics and endless energy! Your 8 Week Old German Shepherd Puppy An 8 week old your puppy requires a daily routine and training to help them become the dog of your dreams. This article will not only help you understand your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy but will also explain to you why your little puppy has certain behaviors. Raising a German Shepherd puppy can feel like an overwhelming task at first! Just remember, your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy is also adjusting to its new life with you. You should expect your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy to feel stressed and uncertain. They may seem timid and unsure of their surroundings. They might cry, whine, and not want your attention. Having structure and consistency will help create a bond and help you both in getting along more peacefully and calmly. Introducing A Puppy Crate Many dog owners choose to use a crate when it comes to caring for their 8-week-old puppy. While some people consider crates unnecessary, or even cruel, crate training is a useful skill to offer your dog. With the right training your pup will see its crate as their private safe space and will even go there to relax. Leaving your puppy at home unsupervised can get them and you into a heap of trouble. Crate training helps prevent your home from being a destruction zone. This useful guide to crate training a German Shepherd puppy gets you on the right track to success! Crate training your puppy can: help speed up housetraining teach your dog to settle calm down offer your dog privacy But you must introduce the crate slowly and positively so your puppy builds a strong connection to the benefits of the crate. Never just shove or push your young German Shepherd into the crate without using positive training. Your new dog also needs a routine and schedule to help them through the early days with you and set the expectations you have for them. Having a schedule helps your puppy to know what to expect in their daily routines. It keeps you from losing your mind and helps ease a worried puppy. While you might work from home or have other obligations, try to follow a schedule that looks similar to this: Early morning: Take your puppy out for the first potty break of the day! So, they may need to go outside even before the sun rises. Breakfast time: Your puppy may want to go back to sleep after going outside and this is perfectly normal. On the other hand, some puppies are wide awake and ready for their breakfast. Either way, always take your puppy back outside shortly after their breakfast so they can sniff and have another potty break. Mid-morning: Puppies should eat 3 — 4 small meals a day. Mid-morning is a good time for another small meal. Afternoon: This is a good time for their lunch followed by a potty break and plenty of sniffing time to work off some of their energy. Late afternoon: Puppies need another potty break in the afternoon, and some puppies need more breaks outside. Evening: Their dinner meal and their evening potty time. Remember to let them explore outdoors in a safe area to help build their confidence. Scheduling exercise, potty breaks, and play at the same times every day helps ensure that your puppy learns their daily routine more quickly and settles in nicely. And, even young puppies can learn basic training in their first weeks with you. Try training your German Shepherd puppy at home to start with. In the beginning, you may find a few accidents in the house. But, stick with your potty training and remember to always watch your puppy to keep them from having messes in the house. When you stick to a regular potty schedule, the likelihood of potty training mishaps decreases, and you and your puppy are less stressed. Always, always, always… Supervise your puppy indoors when you are potty training. Your toughest time together with your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy might be the first few nights. Your puppy has only known the comfort of his mother and siblings before. Having your puppy sleep away from you will only scare them more. And, although they are little, their cry is loud! Having a place for them near your bed is the best way to avoid a night full of tearful cries and howling. Can I let my German Shepherd puppy sleep in bed with me? Plus, when your puppy is an adult and tries to sleep in bed with you there will be no room for you! A full-grown German Shepherd can weigh up to pounds and will push you right out of your own sheets. Your puppy sleeps most of the day. A new puppy sleeps more often than they are awake. An 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy may sleep as many as 18 hours a day! Sleeping this much allows your puppy to have the energy they need to grow and keeps them ready to explore their new world. Feeding An 8 Week Old German Shepherd Your puppy should stay on the same food they were eating before you brought them home to keep them less stressed. This helps keeps your 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy from having an upset stomach and becoming ill. Sometimes, you might want to switch them over to a different food. If you choose this route, do it slowly and in stages over a few weeks. At 8 weeks old, German Shepherd puppies should eat 3 to 4 small meals per day. Although their stomachs are small if you overfeed them they could get sick and have stomach problems. Spreading their meals out throughout the day in regular intervals is best to avoid any upsets. Look for a balanced, complete puppy food for large breed dogs. As a large breed dog, your German Shepherd you should only feed your puppy food that is specially formulated for large breed puppies. Large breed puppies have different nutritional needs that are not found in ordinary puppy food. Feeding a commercially available food that is formulated for large breed puppies helps them to grow at a sustained rate. Steady growth in a large breed puppy helps to avoid stress on their bones and gives them a strong skeletal foundation for their athletic muscles. Limiting food intake in growing German Shepherd puppies has also been associated with fewer signs of hip dysplasia. This is of extreme importance in this breed due to the high incidence of hip problems and the pain associated with this joint disorder. A growing puppy is best fed a proprietary pet food that has been specifically formulated to meet its nutritional needs. Foods that are available as dry kibble are especially suitable to rear even the youngest of puppies. Opt for this specially formulated food for large breed puppies to keep your dog growing at a healthy rate that helps them stay strong. It is a complete balanced diet so nothing is missing. Within the first few days of arriving to their new home with you is a stressful time. Your puppy has just made a drastic life change and left everything they knew to be with you. Diarrhea and other stomach issues are sometimes stress induced. You can help your puppy by keeping to a regular feeding schedule and feeding them the same food they were on before coming to you. Sometimes diarrhea is also a sign of an underlying health issue and, if left untreated, can become life-threatening. If your puppy vomits blood, has bloody stools and diarrhea, becomes lethargic, or refuses to drink, call your vet immediately! To an 8-week-old German Shepherd puppy biting and nipping are all part of playing with their siblings. And, your puppy will most likely bite and nip you at some point too. They may even growl at you and tug at your hands or nip your ankles. This is all part of puppy play. But… It can really hurt you or make you bleed! Understanding bite inhibition means they know how to control the power of their play bites and how hard or soft they nip you. Preventing Nips and Bites If you know the right way to prevent and stop German Shepherd puppy biting, you can train your puppy to understand how to keep their razor-sharp tiny teeth from sinking into you. Instead… Offer them plenty of puppy-safe chew toys appropriate for their size. When they bite or nip you, calmly show them the toy to chew instead. Get their attention by moving the toy in a playful way around them so they begin to chase and bite the toy, instead of you or your furniture. Use these links to help you stay on the right track throughout their life. So, while this is not a reason not to get a GSD, it is a reason to look for adequate breeders, to ask for health certificates, to take good care of your dog, and to go to routine vet check-ups. German Shepherds can also be costly to take care of not just to purchase The regular vet visits, the high need for exercise, and the extra-space requirements all make the GSD a relatively expensive dog to take care of in terms of money as well. German Shepherds are very smart but that also makes them easily bored — they require lots of mental stimulation As with all smart dog breeds such as retrievers and other shepherds, the high intelligence of the GSD can be a curse as much as a blessing. So, what can be done to avoid boredom? Toys and time. However, an inexperienced dog owner can find a GSD to be more than a handful. Why is that? Simple — because they are so smart! Yes, their intelligence means that you can train them a lot but it also means they can be temperamental, manipulative, and stubborn! This breed is cute and cuddly at home but socially awkward in public German shepherds are incredibly cute, social, and loving animals. They are loyal to their family and would do anything for those close to them. What does this mean for you? Even if you just get a random GSD and not give it any special training or socialization, the dog may still get along just fine with a cat or a newborn baby. However, in general, the social awkwardness and guard-dog nature of GSDs means that they often need to be socialized well if you want to make other additions to the households down the line. Make sure that you teach your growing GSD to get along with other dog breeds in the dog park or at home. If you have a cat or are thinking of getting a cat, make sure your German Shepherd is accustomed to interacting with cats without any aggression. One of the best and easiest ways to avoid most of the problems above is to just get a second German Shepherd! Yes, we did just say that this breed can be a handful. However, a second dog usually brings much more benefits than negatives: The second dog will join the first in the playtime, meaning that both will exercise with each other very often and minimize the need for your involvement. Having a second GSD also means more mental stimulation for both dogs — again, less work for you and more fun for them. As natural guard dogs, German Shepherds may need to be trained not to bark Unfortunately, GSDs are especially bad for apartment owners not just because they are big but also because they tend to bark at strangers. They are guard dogs after all. This can be avoided, of course, there are ways to train any dog not to bark at strangers or at outside noises. There are several reasons for this: The frequent barking we mentioned above. Yes, you can train that behavior away but your landlord may still forbid you from getting a GSD. Getting a carpet or another type of floor insulation will help here. Giving your dog enough playtime outside will also alleviate this problem. But you may still get in trouble with your neighbors. They are just a large breed and many people, including parents of small children, are afraid of large dogs. Not only are GSDs not hypoallergenic, but they also tend to shed a lot! There are two main reasons for this: The aforementioned health concerns that some German Shepherds have and that get more and more likely as the dog gets older. The simple fact that the GSD is a large dog breed and larger breeds just have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. As you can see, there are lots of factors to consider before getting a GSD. In general, the right GSD owner can be characterized as such: Has a larger-than-average home, a yard, and a nearby dog park. Has enough time to spend with a German Shepherd. Knows how to train and socialize a GSD properly. Has the financial means to support a German Shepherd. Wants a second dog to play with the first one. How to prepare for getting a German Shepherd? Just like soon-to-be-parents before their first baby, there are lots of books and research to comb through if you want to give your future German Shepherd the care, upbringing, socialization, and care it needs. So Make sure your home is ready for a large dog to soon start springing through it. Make sure you have the time and daily schedule to play with a GSD. Consider owning a Cairn Terrier! In this article, we explore who would benefit them as furry friends! Check them here! Read on to discover nine types of people who should consider owning this unique breed. Check this article to learn more about the types of people who are perfect for owning a Poodle dog! November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! Join and learn directly from Nadelhaus founder Traci Needles, who has over 25 years of experience breeding and training German Shepherds. Over 50 videos on the following topics covering German Shepherd puppies, housebreaking, crate training, obedience, feeding, grooming, wellness, and much more. New videos to be added every month. The breeder will also inform you of additional vaccinations you will need to schedule with your veterinarian as your puppy grows. Traveling Home With Your New Puppy On the day you pick up your new German Shepherd puppy from our facility, bring a small crate for the puppy to travel home in. We sell Puppy Packs at our facility which include a dog crate and can have one ready for you if you wish to purchase one. Otherwise, if you plan to hold your puppy in your lap on your drive home, bring a few small towels to place on your lap for the puppy. We highly recommend that you DO NOT stop at rest stops, dog parks, or parks to let your puppy go potty. Your puppy will not have received all of its parvovirus shots yet, so exposing your puppy to areas where other dogs have been increases the risk of your puppy contracting parvo. Instead we recommend that you find places that have concrete or hard surfaces like a paved parking lot. In the summertime, be conscious of the surface your puppy is walking on. At Home Care For Your New Puppy The first 24 to 36 hours in your new home is an acclimation period for your puppy to get settled in your home. It is common for your German Shepherd puppy to have diarrhea or loose stool the first week it is in your new home. It is acclimating to a new world and a different schedule. Be very mindful about what kind of dog treats and toys you supply the puppy to chew on. These are all edible things that can cause loose stool and diarrhea. These are also additional calories that puppies will eat before they eat a meal. During their acclimation to your new homes, we recommend you keep treats and cookies to a minimum. These are too rich and too hard on their systems. Wait at least 24 hours before giving your puppy a bath. You are more than welcome to keep in touch with us during this time and ask questions via email or text. The breeder will review the amount of food and schedule with you when you pick up your puppy. If your puppy has a weak appetite during the acclimation period you can add boiled boneless chicken and cooked white rice to its meals. Or you can add canned food to its meal to entice its appetite. Discard any uneaten food after each meal. Ensure your puppy has access to fresh, clean water during the day. If you are house breaking your puppy, remove access to water at least 4 hours prior to bed time. Diarrhea in very young puppies during their first weeks in their new environment is not uncommon. Here's why: Stress and Adaptation: The transition from their birthplace to a new home is a significant change for a young puppy. The stress of leaving their mother and littermates, coupled with adapting to a new diet and environment, can lead to gastrointestinal upset. Dietary Changes: Puppies might experience a sudden switch in their diet when they move to their new home. This shift in nutrition, even if well-intentioned, can disrupt their delicate digestive systems and result in diarrhea. Microbial Adjustment: The puppy's gut is in the process of developing a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria. Stress and changes in diet can temporarily affect this delicate balance, leading to digestive disturbances like diarrhea. This adjustment period is natural as the puppy's gut adapts to new microorganisms in their surroundings. While occasional mild diarrhea can be expected, it's important to monitor your puppy's condition. Why young puppies get diarrhea and how to treat it Introducing Your Puppy To Other Pets Gradual Introduction: Begin with neutral territory, not in the home of the adult dog, where both dogs can meet on leashes. Increase the time and frequency of their interactions slowly and under supervision. Supervised Interaction: After bringing the puppy home, closely supervise their interactions. Start with separate spaces and controlled play sessions, intervening if tensions arise. Ensure each dog has a safe space to retreat to. Patience and Adaptation: Understand that dogs have unique personalities. Be patient as they adjust to each other. Gradually extend their time together while monitoring their behavior and providing guidance as needed. Introducing a puppy to an adult dog watch even more videos on how to care for your german shepherd puppy with a learning center subscription. Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:.

Exercise, Growth, and Joints Exercise Labradors not only love exercise, they need exercise. We all look forward to taking our puppy for a walk, however it is important not to over-exercise your puppy. In natural play, puppies will romp until they are tired and then stop to lay down for rest. When walking a puppy on a leash, they cannot stop when they normally would for rest. Too much exercise or walking can severely damage their bone and joint structures irreversibly. This should be taken seriously. THE RULE is: No more than 5 minutes of exercise for every month of age So that means, at 2 months old 8 weeks , your puppy only needs to exercise or walk for 10 minutes per day. At 3 months of age 15 minutes of exercise and so on. If you walk your puppy too far too soon, your puppy may develop hip and elbow dysplasia as they get older. Labradors have been known to develop dysplasia younger than other breeds of dogs. In many of these cases, it is often due to environmental factors such as over-exercise, running on hard or strenuous surfaces such as concrete or sand , continual jumping or agility work. Things to avoid with your puppy: No jumping in or out of car, especially larger cars. Lift the dog or use a ramp. No throwing balls or frisbee great distances for your puppy to chase. The sudden stopping and over reaching with the front legs is dangerous. No agility, jumping or flyball before years old Do not let other dogs knock or push the puppy over continually, includes body-slamming Avoid much stair climbing which can increase the risk of dysplasia No fast turns or roll-overs Good exercise: Swimming is great, since there is no weight-bearing impact on their joints. Remember, labradors love water! Walking on leash, for no longer than the recommended length of time for their age Self-directed play is an overriding rule for any puppy under 18 months old. The majority of exercise should be free play, exploring, and noodling around Hide and seek games are fantastic, as the dog can move at its own pace looking for its toy or treat or you. Size is a factor as large dogs, especially ones that like to play with paw whacks, can inadvertently injury a young puppy. Supervised play is critical. You need to teach the puppy a release command. All these games are forms of exercise for puppies and are a great way to help your puppy learn useful lifelong skills and qualities. Growth plates and bones: Development and injury Growth Plates Growth plates are soft areas that sit at the ends of the long bones in puppies and young dogs. They contain rapidly dividing cells that allow bones to grow longer until the end of puberty. Growth plates gradually thin as the hormonal changes approaching puberty signal the growth plates to close. In puppies, this closure normally completes between 18 to 24 months old in labradors. After sexual maturity, the growth plates calcify and the rapid cell division ends. The growth plates become a stable, inactive part of the bone, now known as an epiphyseal line. Dogs bones are held together with muscles, tendons and ligaments soft tissue. In an adult dog, if a joint experiences a stress such as bending the wrong way or rotating too much, the bones will hold firm and soft tissue will be pulled, resulting in a sprain or tear. Why this matters so much, is that unlike a sprain, injuries to the growth plate may not heal properly or not heal in time for the puppy to grow up straight and strong. Injury to a growth plate can result in a misshapen or shortened limb, which creates an incorrect angle to a joint resulting in yet more future injuries when he grows up, including dysplasia. These xray images show open and closed growth plates in a puppy and adult dog. Bone Strength In addition to having soft growth plates at the end of long bones, puppies bones in general are softer. Spiral fractures of the tibia lower leg bone are very common in puppies. A spiral fracture is where the bottom half of the bone twists in the opposite direction of the top half. Any exercise that puts torque twist on a bone puts the puppy at risk of a fracture. For an example, movements such as twisting and turning suddenly can cause these type of fractures. Hip and Elbow Dysplasia This is where we recommend you read our Health and Genetic Testing page, where we talk about hip and elbow dysplasia. It is critical that you, as a puppy owner, understand as much as you can about hip and elbow dysplasia, how you can help prevent it, and what your breeder should be testing for. On the other hand, an underfed or malnourished puppy or dog is also at higher risk of injury. Muscles mass directly influences strength, likewise inadequate calcium and nutrients affect bone density. A body condition score of about is healthy for a young puppy. Once an adult, the ideal body condition score would be about 5 for a healthy, fit labrador. Sterilisation Desexing In larger breeds, sterilising young puppies at a young age has shown to increase the risk of joint disorders and injury. We recommend sterilisation occurs between 24 months old for this reason. This recommendation is outlined in our Health Guarantee. We discuss this more under Desexing or Sterilisation. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors are amongst the most popular family pets in the UK thanks to their loyalty, gentle nature, and intelligence. Like most dogs, they thrive with regular exercise, keeping them healthy and happy. How much exercise does an adult Labrador need? A healthy adult Labrador generally needs at least 80 minutes of high-quality exercise per day. Of course, when setting exercise goals for dogs with existing health issues including obesity , you should consult your vet first. What types of exercise are best for Labradors? When we say high quality, we mean just that. Try and incorporate off-lead time into their exercise routine and take a ball or toy to play fetch with — running will help to raise their heart rate and burn off more calories. How much exercise does a Labrador puppy need? For their first three months, your puppy will get enough exercise from tearing around the house, playing and causing chaos. How much exercise does an old Labrador need? At an advanced age, your dog will have less energy in general and be more likely to suffer from health issues that may limit their mobility. Be observant — being the loyal companions they are, Labradors will push through a lot of pain to keep up with you. Watch for excessive panting, changes in their movement, and exhaustion as signals that they have overstretched themselves and adjust their activity accordingly. Can you over-exercise a Labrador? Labradors have the capacity to build up incredible fitness that will see them on the go all day long, but for most, there is a limit on how much they can do. Gradually increase their activity levels, using a PitPat to check in on their progress. How far can a Labrador walk? A working Labrador could be expected to cover many miles every day through the undergrowth and even water. However, your pet Labrador will have slightly different stamina, depending on how much exercise they are used to. Getting out and about with your Labrador keeps them happy and healthy and can be a highly rewarding experience for you both. Download our app for free to see if PitPat is for you. You might also like Single page Single page Top 10 most active dog breeds Got energy to burn? Single page Single page 10 ways to exercise your dog indoors Whether you find yourself stuck indoors because of the weather or for any other reason, your dog still needs plenty of exercise. Here are our top tips for exercising your dog indoors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Whether young or old, big or small, yellow, black, chocolate, from field lines or show lines, your Labrador needs exercise. It will keep their heart and muscles strong, their mind stimulated and their weight under control. But how much exercise does a Labrador need? Labradors Are a High Energy Breed The Labrador Retriever is a high energy working breed, initially bred for very physically demanding work retrieving game for hunters. This would involve all day hiking, running and swimming in sometimes difficult conditions. So Labrador Retrievers were bred to have lots of energy and be very active. And though their main role in life today is as a family pet, they still have those same genetics that made them suited to their original role. Dog Ball Thrower. Yes, you can throw a tennis ball extra far with the Chuckit, but two reasons why I love it: 1. In this state they will often resort to destructive behaviors such as digging and chewing…and will often be very restless, may bark excessively and try to escape your home and garden at every opportunity. Insufficient exercise can also lead to weight problems with Labradors. Excess weight is a problem because it can lead to all sorts of problems such as damage to their joints hips and elbows , heart disease, increased blood pressure and increases the risk of diabetes. So a lack of exercise leads to behavioral problems, hyperactivity and possibly an assortment of health problems. However, as a general rule of thumb, a normally healthy adult Labrador Retriever will need 1 hour of exercise every day. The more relaxed Labs just 45 minutes per day, the more energetic 1. This can be made up of running, swimming, playing fetch , jogging alongside you…anything that goes beyond a gentle walk. But if the first consideration is your Labradors age, how much do puppies and the elderly need? Nice for long runs with your Lab. If you have older dogs or children, the puppy may well try to keep up with them and over-exert themselves, playing to exhaustion and damage their developing joints. So keep an eye on them and interrupt play if need be, to give them plenty of rest. Once they are fully grown, they can go out for much longer. The 5 minute rule should be sufficient to keep your lab puppy fit, burn off excess energy yet not over-exert them and cause possible developmental issues. Continue the 5 minute rule until your puppy is at least one year of age where you can then begin to exercise them more vigorously. This is highly dependent on your labs overall health and can vary wildly from one Labrador to another. Some labs may need to slow down from the 7th year onwards, while others remain extremely active beyond their 10th year. As Labradors get older, many develop arthritis, dysplasia and other health issues that can prevent a Labrador from enjoying or needing exercise as much as they used to when young and healthy. They will likely still try to chase a tennis ball all day and hike mountains just to please you, even if it may be doing them more harm than good. Try not to put them in this position. As your Labrador ages, you need to be more observant , looking for changes in their movement, excessive panting, slowing down, feeling tired. And during grooming sessions and massage, check for any painful spots indicative of sore joints or other problems. We noticed Linus was stiff getting up in the morning and decided to try adding glucosamine to his diet. We saw a noticeable difference a few days later and an added spring in his step. If your Labrador tears around your home like a tornado. If your Lab displays any of the restless and destructive symptoms described above, try increasing their levels of exercise for a few days and see if their behavior problems improve. However, if you have money burning a hole in your pocket you might want to check out PetSafe Automatic Ball Launcher. Over-exercising very young and elderly Labradors can do more harm than good. For your adolescent and adult Labrador, exercise them well. As a general rule of thumb, aim for 1hr per day and scale this up or down depending on your Labradors individual needs. This could mean 45 mins for the more sedate and elderly, or 1. And at the end of the day, think of it like this: You have the best exercise machine to rival that of any gym to keep you fit and healthy yourself. And hey, what fun!!! What better motivation and need is there to keep yourself in shape? Do you mostly agree with the above? Please let us know in the comments section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Just like us, Labradors need plenty of exercise on a daily basis. Whether you have a young or old dog, they all need to get the blood flowing to stay healthy and live long happy doggie lives. Regular exercise with your Labrador is very beneficial for you both. Exercise stimulates neuron growth in the brain, encourages the production of endorphins with a known mood-boosting effect , helps strengthen your bones and muscles, improves blood pressure, and can significantly help with depression. Are you having a hard time figuring out how much exercise your lab needs? Answers vary drastically from one dog to another. The amount of exercise to give your Labrador depends mostly on the age of the dog. The key to taking your Labrador puppy out for exercise is to be patient. Some labs are athletic, and thus need more exercise than others. Also, certain Labradors are genetically programmed to be energetic and have high metabolism rates, whereas others are more laid-back. Here are some exercise guidelines a new lab owner can follow to make sure their dog gets the right workout. With older dogs or children, a lab puppy may well try to keep up with them and exhaust themselves before they reach their adult size and stamina. Hold off on structured games and other forms of heavy physical activity for the first three months. This will set the stage for long-term, healthy exercise habits. This rule states that you should take your Labrador puppy out for at least five minutes of exercise per month of age up to twice a day until he or she is fully grown. This can be anything from a walk around the block to a run in the dog park. How old your dog is will make a difference in their stamina. To determine how much exercise your dog needs, first take their age into consideration. Labs that are four years old and above need between one and two hours of exercise per day. The truth is Labradors can lead a perfectly healthy life with just an hour of daily active playtime. The Labrador Retriever was bred to retrieve game for hunters. That means they naturally love to play fetch. All you need is a toy for playtime and room for running around. Tug-of-War is less cardio-oriented but helps with muscle mass and body structure in growing dogs. Plus, they love it! It requires that you prepare your puppy with a proper agility training course. Agility training is great for completing a total-body, structured workout, while also providing mental stimulation for your labrador. This involves activities such as going through walkways, tunnels, and hurdles to reach the other end. You will need to train your lab to engage in the activity and this involves proper instruction. Find one that fits his size and abilities, as well as your own personal comfort level. Either due to space or having a small yard, it may be difficult to get their puppies out every day. The good news is that, with a little creativity, indoor exercise can be just as viable and fun! Here are a few ideas you can try at home. Try Treadmill Training Sessions With Dogs A dog can be trained to use a treadmill and enjoy it, but the experience will take time. Build an Obstacle Course for Your Labrador Use everyday things found around the home or office to create an obstacle course. It also boosts their energy levels and problem-solving skills. For example, you might use old boxes and trash bags to make a tunnel, chairs or stools to jump across, and other furniture for your puppy to climb. At first your puppy may not catch on, but with effective use of the treat and lots of encouragement, you can help it learn as it goes. Hide-and-Seek With a Treat! Hide a treat around the house, and let your puppy work to find it. As you hide treats around the room, remember to make sure they are not hiding somewhere that is unreachable. Tip 2. Make sure that all the activities are not just what you enjoy but what is enjoyable for the puppy. Otherwise, they may get frustrated and stop cooperating with you. Include treats and praise whenever they accomplish something. All dog breeds respond positively to lots of physical affection and verbal affirmation. This will make the activity more enjoyable for the puppy. Keep fun as the central theme and good health will flow. Tip 3. Make an Exercise Routine and Schedule for Your Dog Lab owners, take note: maintaining the health of an adult Lab is all about consistency. And this starts with walks at a young age. Take regular walks with your dog, no matter the weather conditions. Walk at the same time each day in order to create an exercise pattern that both you and your dog can stick to. Maybe you can get the puppy used to a leash and casually walk through your neighborhood with it. That way, you can vary the activity occasionally. In six months, increase the amount of time your dogs are running to 15 minutes. This keeps their energy high and stops weight gain as they mature. Conclusion As a dog owner, your foremost responsibility is protecting the health and safety of your pet. Insufficient exercise causes health problems in dogs , like hip dysplasia especially those already prone to hip or joint problems. Share on. Tweet on Twitter Puppy exercise requirements vary between different types of dog, and as a puppy grows the exercise they need will increase. It is possible to give a puppy too much exercise so I will give you a puppy exercise chart, as a guide to how far a puppy can walk at different ages. Taking your new puppy for a walk We all look forward to the day we can take our new puppy for a walk. For many people, daily dog walks is a huge part of why they bought a Labrador in the first place. Others already take quite small puppies for quite long walks and are surprised to discover that many experts believe this to be a bad thing. So just how much exercise does a puppy really need? How much exercise does a puppy need? This rule of thumb says that a puppy should have no more than five minutes of walking for every month of his age. So that would be fifteen minutes a day maximum for a three month old puppy, twenty minutes for a four month old and so on. This concern about excessive exercise has arisen because it is widely believed that exercise is a factor in the development of serious joint disorders. Especially in larger breed puppies such as Labradors Breeders are particularly concerned about hip dysplasia, a serious and complex disorder of the hip joints, that is believed to be influenced both by inherited factors passed from dogs to their puppies and by environmental factors In addition to factors influencing growth rates, the stresses and strains placed on the vulnerable growing joint by excessive exercise are believed to be a contributory environmental factor in the development of inadequate hip joints. It seems likely, that a puppy that had inherited a tendency for poor hips, could have its soft and still forming hip joints made a good deal worse through prolonged or hard exercise. It is also possible that a puppy that has inherited excellent hips, will come to no harm whatsoever through hard exercise. On the contrary, a certain amount of free running exercise is a good thing Running off-leash A Norwegian study published and which included labradors, showed that puppies given the opportunity to exercise off leash in a park before the age of three months were less likely to develop hip dysplasia HD , not more. Stair climbing The same study showed that puppies that had to climb stairs on a regular basis during the same period were at increased risk of HD You can read about this study in Science Daily. So what does this study tell us? Well, it is only one study, but it suggests that playing in a natural way, with other pups or simply running about at their own speed is probably going to benefit a small puppy Strenuous exercise Whereas more strenuous activity such as climbing hills and stairs, may not be such a good thing at a very young age. Another study has suggested that running hard for a retrieve, may not be great for joint health either. And some breeders also prevent dogs from jumping for the first twelve months to reduce impact on the shoulder and elbow joints. This may be especially important for some of the heavier breeds of dog, and those that are slow to mature. How far should my puppy walk? But how does that translate to distances walked? If you like to think in distances rather than time, a mile is around steps for an adult human and takes about twenty minutes at a moderate walking speed. So a maximum walk for a four month old Labrador might be about a mile. And of course if you are walking out and back again, that means not taking the dog more than half a mile from your home or car, whichever is your starting point. With young puppies, you need to keep a balance. Think about the overall energy your puppy is expending rather than focusing on walking alone. Walking is only one form of exercise and is no more valuable or important than games or training exercises. If you have been to visit a friend with your five month old pup and their dog has played for half an hour in the garden with yours, your dog does not need a walk as well. It is the total exercise that counts. How much exercise is too much? And you are bound to know of someone whose puppy had far more exercise than this and came to no harm. However taking a puppy for long walks or asking him to negotiate very steep or uneven surfaces when he is little, is probably a bad idea. Beware of letting a puppy play for too long with an older dog that does not want to stop. And keep an eye on children who may inadvertently exhaust a puppy by encouraging him to play when he needs to sleep. Crating your puppy when he is tired or overexcited, will enable you to make sure that your puppy gets some well deserved down time. Summary Young puppies need the time and space to run about freely, and free running exercise is beneficial. You do not need to attempt to prevent puppies playing in the garden, trotting about the house or playing with another young puppy for a while. Provided that the puppy is free to stop and rest whenever he wants. As far as we know at the moment, formal exercise — walking on a lead — for example, is probably best restricted using the five minute rule as an approximate guide. And strenuous exercise such as stair climbing, and chasing balls should be limited or avoided altogether in puppies under three months of age. Remember, an adult dog can become an amazing athlete, but like all athletes, fitness and stamina are best built up in gentle stages if injury is to be avoided. Do talk to your vet about exercise at your first appointment with your puppy. We are still learning about hip dysplasia. Research is ongoing, knowledge increases all the time. Your vet should be up to date with the latest information regarding the optimum amount of exercise for your new puppy. Published in April , the Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. It will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialization and early obedience. This article was originally published in and has been extensively revised and updated for References Slater et al. Diet and exercise as potential risk factors for osteochondritis dissecans in dogs. Am J Vet Res. Sallander et al. American Society for Nutrition. Krontveit et al. Risk factors for hip-related clinical signs in a prospective cohort study of four large dog breeds in Norway. May 9, Aug 12, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. You want to show off your new labrador retriever puppy. Is it safe to walk your puppy outside? How far can you walk a puppy? Or is it time for a puppy stroller? Puppies usually receive a series of vaccinations starting at six to eight weeks old. Some say wait another two weeks until the vaccinations are fully effective before taking him to places where other unknown dogs may have been. As far as getting our puppies out and about we follow the guidelines set forth by the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior. The Primary and Most Important time for puppy socialization is the first three months of life. During this time puppies should be exposed to as many new people, animals, stimuli and environments as can be achieved safely and without causing overstimulation manifested as excessive fear, withdrawal or avoidance behavior. For this reason, the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior believes that it should be the standard of care for puppies to receive such socialization before they are fully vaccinated. They grow more quickly than their smaller counterparts but mature more slowly. Exercising a larger breed puppy too much can lead to orthopedic problems and arthritis. Also, brachycephalic dogs with short muzzles like pugs and shih tzus have a lower tolerance for exercise because they can overheat more easily and have more difficulty breathing. And some breeds, like working, herding, and sporting dogs have a higher exercise need even as a puppy. So your border collie, golden retriever , labrador retriever etc. A rule of thumb is a puppy can walk five minutes for every month of age starting at eight weeks. So a two-month-old puppy can walk about 10 minutes. And a three-month-old can walk for 15 minutes; and a four-month-old for 20 minutes. And so forth. Of course these are general guidelines. Important Considerations When Walking Your Puppy In addition to how far your puppy should walk, there are many things to take into account regarding his excursions. Over weeks, build his endurance. He may have to potty or be thirsty. Avoid the hottest or coldest parts of the day Young puppies can be susceptible to temperature extremes. They may overheat and suffer from heat exhaustion, which can be deadly. In cold weather, puppies may require a coat or sweater to help keep them warm. Breeds with short muzzles such as shihs tzus or Lhasa apsos are especially susceptible to extremes of weather. And salt to melt snow can be dangerous to our dogs too. Places that are slippery can be dangerous for you and your dog to explore. Also, areas with sharp surfaces are hazardous. This can especially occur with blacktop. Also try not to walk him on surfaces that have any chemicals, such as salt to melt snow or weed control, as some are toxic to dogs. Get him used to grass, pavement, and dirt trails. Note From Colby: This is uber important for service dog puppies in training. If a service dog cannot walk across sand, grass, pavement, metal grates, etc without any kind of reaction, then the dog is not suitable as a working service dog. A walk or two a day as well as other play should be enough. Remember not to go so far on other walks, as you have to take into account the portion of the walk returning home. If at any point your puppy seems to be lame, limping or otherwise showing discomfort, end the walk. If your puppy shows any lameness, a vet visit is in order. Give your puppy a few exercise sessions a day You can break up his walk and give him two or three short walks a day. A little fetching his favorite toys can help meet his needs. Some free running in the house or safely enclosed yard can be fun for him. Stuffed Kongs and puzzle toys can help exercise his mind. Remember: He needs physical exercise as well as mental stimulation. Remember to bring the essentials Poop bags and water are important on your walks. You can bring a collapsible bowl or a water bottle with a built-in bowl so your puppy can drink. Be visible! There are reflective and lighted vests , leashes , collars , and harnesses you can purchase. Why Walk Your Puppy on a Leash? He can get exercise other ways such as playing fetch or playing with another friendly pup. But to be able to properly socialize your puppy, he needs to be taken to places on a leash. And socialization involves not only having him meet friendly people and dogs but also exposing him in a positive manner to new sights, sounds, experiences, and footings. There are many benefits to walking your dog, in addition to socialization, including: Physical and mental exercise Your new puppy wants to explore the world with you. In order to grow up to be a healthy adult, your pup requires both. New sights and sounds will stimulate him and help him grow into a well-rounded adult. Weight control Regular short walks will help keep your puppy fit and at the correct weight for his age and breed or mix. Bonding time Regular walks also provide a time for you and your puppy to bond. You puppy will learn that fun, enjoyable things happen when you both interact. And the walks will help provide a basis for a life-long bond with your pup. Reduces unwanted behaviors Exercise helps lessen destructive behaviors. A well-exercised puppy is less likely to engage in destructive chewing, jumping, digging, and other undesirable behaviors. Have him perform a sit. Work with attention. Practicing training exercises he already knows while on his walk will help him learn to do them in everyday life, with distractions. Lessens anxiety and stress The socialization and real-life experiences help a dog cope better with everyday life. There can be too much of a good thing. Even though we want our pups to get a sufficient amount of exercise, we can overdo it. Following the above guidelines should lead to a safe amount of exercise. Too much walking and exercise can also lead to arthritis developing early in life. Too much exercise can lead to severe exhaustion and limping A puppy can get over-tired and even over-heat. Just like when we overdo it, he may have sore muscles and may limp. A vet visit is in order if you see him limp. Over-exercising even can lead your puppy to being more vulnerable to injuries. Too much exercise can cause injuries to heal incorrectly If you exercise a puppy with injuries, he may not heal correctly. Final Thoughts Walking your puppy has many health and socialization benefits. But a walk with your new puppy can be a bonding experience. As a plus, you can show him off to your friends. What about you guys? How much do your walk your puppy? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Related Articles:.

With high energy, this breed is not for the faint of heart. While your Mini Labradoodle will be perfectly content to snuggle up on the couch with you, he needs rigorous exercise to ensure optimal health. Thanks to their Poodle ancestry, our Mini Labradoodles are whip smart — making them a breeze to train with positive reinforcement — but this is tempered by the easygoing nature of the standard Labrador. Sociable and friendly, our Mini Labradoodles for sale get along well with other dogs — but their high energy may make them a bit too exuberant when it comes to play! Mini Labradoodle Puppies Health Considerations Every breed of dog comes with its own unique health considerations. Though generally healthy and long lived — with an average lifespan of 12 to 14 years — our Mini Labradoodle puppies for sale are no exception. This will help you quickly identify symptoms and seek immediate treatment should an issue arise. They can also be short, dense, and sometimes harsh in texture, more similar to the Labrador. Like all doodles, Mini Labradoodles come with a range of coat varieties. Some take more after their Labrador parent—with straighter coats—and others have the tight ringlets of their Poodle parent. Most will fall somewhere in between, and nearly all Mini Labradoodle puppies have coats with minimal shedding. Initially, you will need to brush your Mini Labradoodle puppy around four times a week until his coat is established — at around eight to 12 months, you can reduce this to three times a week. You can take your Mini Labradoodle pup to the groomer for a trim between two and four times a year — with many owners opting for seasonal cuts — but should wait until your pup sheds his baby fur before taking him for his first cut! Meet Mini Labradoodle Puppies for Sale. Are you ready to bring home a furry bundle of joy from Gleneden Labradoodles? Look no further than the small, medium verified, multi-gen Australian Labradoodles for sale! These adorable pups result from crossing a Labrador Retriever with a Poodle, creating a delightful hybrid breed that has captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. Our first litter from Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles is now available! Labradoodles, a crossbreed between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, are incredibly cute and possess some amazing qualities. One notable feature of this dog breed is its hypoallergenic coat, making them an excellent choice for dog owners with allergies. Say goodbye to sneezing fits and itchy eyes — Labradoodles, with their gorgeous fleece coats, offer the perfect solution for allergy sufferers who long for canine companionship. Labradoodles are known for their friendly and sociable nature, making them fantastic family pets. Labradoodles easily adapt and become cherished members of any household, whether you have children or other pets. Labradoodles are an appealing dog breed due to the wide range of sizes and colors they come in. Whether you prefer a miniature or standard size, you can find the perfect labradoodle to fit your lifestyle. Their coats can also be curly or wavy, adding a unique touch to each pup. Labradoodles also make great pets for families looking for their first litter of old puppies. The combination of different sizes, colors, and coat types makes Labradoodles popular among dog lovers. Finding reputable breeders specializing in authentic Australian Labradoodles is essential when searching for labradoodle puppies for sale. Trusted names like Gleneden Labradoodles and Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles ensure you bring home a healthy and well-bred pup from their first litter with gorgeous fleece coats. These Labradoodles have a non-shedding coat, making them perfect for those who are allergenic. These small, medium-verified multi-gen Australian Labradoodles are adorable furballs that will undoubtedly bring love, joy, and endless cuddles into your life! Labradoodle Colors: Black, Chocolate, and More Labradoodles, a popular dog breed, are known for their gorgeous fleece coats in various colors. Common Coat Colors Labradoodles, a popular dog breed, can have an array of coat colors that make each old puppy unique and special. The most common colors include black, chocolate, cream, apricot, and red. These caramel hues can vary in intensity and may even change as the puppy ages. Watching how their coats develop over time in each litter is fascinating! Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in Maryland Black Labradoodles, including red caramel lab puppies from the Barksdale litter, are particularly striking with their deep ebony fur. They exude elegance and charm while having a playful nature characteristic of the Labradoodle breed. Like those of old puppies, their gorgeous fleece coats are soft to the touch and make them stand out from the crowd. Chocolate Labradoodles, also known as red caramel Labradoodles, have a rich brown color that is simply irresistible. Their curly or wavy coats add extra cuteness to their already adorable appearance. Cream Labradoodles, also known as Ald puppies, have a gentle hue ranging from pale ivory to creamy white. This light color gives them an angelic look that is hard to resist. They often have luscious fleece coats that are visually appealing and incredibly soft. These caramel-colored dogs are hypoallergenic and make for a beautiful litter. Apricot Labradoodles are a joy to be around, with warm golden tones similar to ripe apricots. These lovable companions often sport curly or wavy coats, adding an extra layer of charm. Their vibrant red caramel color is allergenic and often found in miniature sizes. Red Labradoodles, including male and female puppies from the Barksdale litter, showcase a fiery shade ranging from deep mahogany to vibrant copper-red hues. This eye-catching color makes them stand out in any crowd, while their curly or wavy coats give them a touch of elegance. Unique Markings and Patterns In addition to the solid coat colors mentioned above, Labradoodles can have gorgeous fleece coats with unique markings that make them even more special. Some Labradoodles may exhibit parti or phantom patterns, like red caramel or Barksdale, which add a touch of individuality to their appearance. Parti Labradoodles have a coat of two distinct colors, typically white combined with another color, such as black, chocolate, red, caramel, or apricot. These striking markings create a captivating contrast that turns heads wherever they go. The gorgeous fleece coats of these miniature Barksdale Labradoodles make them even more eye-catching. Phantom Labradoodles, known for their gorgeous fleece coats, have a base color that is usually one of the solid patterns mentioned earlier black, chocolate, red caramel. They then have specific body areas marked with another color like cream or apricot. This creates an intriguing and eye-catching look that differentiates them from other Labradoodles in the litter. Barksdale is a breeder that specializes in miniature phantom Labradoodles. Some Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles puppies are born with lighter shades and gradually develop into their final color over time. This adds an element of surprise and excitement for new owners who watch their furry friends with gorgeous fleece coats transform before their eyes. Different coat colors of Labradoodles, like the litter at Barksdale, may require specific grooming techniques. For example, a female miniature Labradoodle with a darker-colored coat may benefit from regular brushing to prevent matting and maintain shine. On the other hand, lighter-colored pups might need extra care to avoid staining from dirt or outdoor activities. Regular grooming sessions for your small, medium verified, multi-gen Australian Labradoodles from Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles help keep them looking fabulous and contribute to their overall health and well-being. Establishing a grooming routine early on is essential so your pup with gorgeous fleece coats becomes accustomed to it and enjoys the bonding experience between you both. These adorable furry companions with gorgeous fleece coats come in different sizes, allowing potential owners to choose the one that best fits their lifestyle and living arrangements. Miniature Labradoodles: Small but Mighty Miniature Labradoodles are the smaller version of this popular mixed breed. Weighing between 15 to 30 pounds, these pint-sized female pups bring much love into a compact package. Despite their small stature, they possess all the wonderful qualities of their larger counterparts. Barksdale is known for producing litters of these adorable pups with gorgeous fleece coats. Mini Labradoodles are known for being friendly, intelligent, and highly trainable. They make excellent family pets due to their gentle nature and ability to get along well with children and other animals. Their small size makes them suitable for apartments or homes with limited space. Additionally, Mini Labradoodles have gorgeous fleece coats that are both stylish and practical. Whether you have a litter of puppies or a single female dog, Barksdale Mini Labradoodles are a great choice for a loving and lovable companion. One advantage of choosing a mini Labradoodle is its lower exercise requirements than standard Labradoodles. This can be ideal for individuals or families who may not have the time or energy for extensive exercise routines. Additionally, mini Labradoodles have gorgeous fleece coats that require regular grooming to prevent matting and tangling. Standard Labradoodles: Big Hearts in Big Bodies On the other end of the spectrum, we have standard Labradoodles — larger versions of this lovable breed. Ranging from 45 to pounds in weight, these big-hearted dogs offer plenty of snuggles and companionship. These dogs are known for their fleece coats and are available in male and female varieties. Despite their size, standard Labradoodles, like the litter of female Labradoodles from the Barksdale line, share many similar traits with their miniature counterparts. They are known for being affectionate, friendly, and highly intelligent. Their friendly disposition makes them excellent family pets, and their larger size can be an advantage for families with older children who enjoy rough-and-tumble play. They have higher energy levels and benefit from regular physical activity to keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit. Daily walks, runs, or engaging in activities like agility training can help meet their exercise needs. Choosing the Right Size for You Deciding between a small, medium, or standard Australian Labradoodle depends on your lifestyle and living arrangements. Here are a few factors to consider when choosing between Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles: the size of the litter, whether you prefer a male or female, and if you want a multi-gen or verified Labradoodle. Space: If you live in an apartment or have limited outdoor space, a mini Labradoodle may be a better fit due to their smaller size. Family Dynamics: Consider the age of your children and whether they prefer a smaller or larger dog for playtime. Exercise Commitment: Assess how much time you can dedicate to exercising your furry friend daily. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in Michigan By considering these factors, such as the size and generation of the Australian Labradoodle, you can determine whether a small, medium, or standard Labradoodle from Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles is the right choice for you. Labradoodle Energy Levels and Temperament Labradoodles, including those from the Barksdale line, are known for their energetic nature and friendly temperament. They make great pets for families and are highly sought after. They have high energy levels and require regular exercise to prevent boredom. Daily walks, playtime in the yard, or engaging in interactive games like fetch can help keep them mentally stimulated and physically fit. Labradoodles are known for their litter size and can be found at Barksdale. Labradoodles may become restless without adequate exercise and exhibit destructive behavior such as chewing furniture or excessive barking. Providing them with outlets for their energy is essential to ensure they lead a happy and well-balanced life. Litter and Barksdale are the keywords. Energetic but Adaptable to Different Activity Levels While Labradoodles are generally energetic dogs but also adaptable to different activity levels, this makes them suitable for various households with different lifestyles or physical limitations. Labradoodles are a great choice for families looking for an active dog and adaptable to different living situations. For families who enjoy an active lifestyle, Labradoodles can be excellent companions for outdoor activities such as hiking or running. They will happily join you on litter adventures and keep up with your pace at Barksdale. However, Labradoodles can also adjust well to less active households. As long as they receive regular exercise, they can adapt to a more relaxed routine without becoming restless or anxious. Additionally, Labradoodles are known for being low-litter dogs, making them a great choice for those with allergies. Generally Friendly Towards Children, Other Pets, and Strangers One of the most appealing traits of Labradoodles is their friendly nature towards children, other pets, strangers, and litter. Their friendly temperament makes them great family pets who get along well with everyone, including Barksdale. Labradoodles, including the Barksdale variety, are known for being patient and gentle with children. They make great playmates for kids of all ages. Labradoodles often form strong bonds with their human family members and show affectionate behavior towards them. Additionally, they are less likely to litter. Labradoodles, including those from Barksdale, are generally friendly and accepting. Proper socialization allows them to peacefully coexist with cats, other dogs, or smaller animals without litter issues. Labradoodles, a crossbreed of Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, are known for their peaceful nature towards strangers. Although they may initially show caution, Labradoodles are not typically aggressive and can warm up to new people once properly introduced. This friendly temperament makes them popular for families with children and other pets. Additionally, Labradoodles are low-shedding and hypoallergenic, making them an ideal choice for individuals with allergies or sensitivities to dog hair. Labradoodles, a crossbreed between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, can exhibit various traits from both parent breeds. The Barksdale Labradoodle litter showcases the unique characteristics of these hybrid dogs. While most Labradoodles inherit the friendly and pleasant nature of their parent breeds, there can be variations in temperament within the same litter. The Barksdale Labradoodle is popular for families seeking a friendly and sociable companion. When choosing a Labradoodle puppy, it is advisable to spend time with the small, medium, verified, multi-gen Australian Labradoodles parents from Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles to get an idea of their temperament. This can provide some insight into what you might expect from their offspring. With proper care and attention, including a healthy diet, regular exercise, routine veterinary check-ups, and a loving environment, these adorable puppies will be your loyal companions for many joyful years. Proper care for your small to medium-sized, multi-gen Australian Labradoodle includes keeping up with vaccinations, providing safe living space, and monitoring their overall health. Regular visits to the verified Australian Labradoodle breeder, Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles, will ensure that potential health issues are caught early on and treated promptly. By following these guidelines, you can help maximize the lifespan of your beloved black Labradoodle puppy from a trusted litter of Australian Labradoodles. Grooming keeps your Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodle looking their best and maintains the health of their fur. It is important to establish a grooming routine early on so that your pup becomes comfortable with the process and ensures the well-being of the litter. Brushing is one of the key aspects of grooming for Labradoodles. This breed has hair that grows continuously rather than shedding like other dogs. Brushing helps prevent matting and tangling of their fur, which can lead to discomfort or even skin issues if left unattended. A slicker brush or comb designed for curly coats will keep their hair tangle-free. Grooming your Labradoodle to keep it litter-free and healthy regularly is important. Barksdale Labradoodles are known for their beautiful curly coats, so proper brushing is essential to maintain their appearance. Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles recommends this grooming routine for their labradoodle puppies. While regular at-home grooming is crucial for your small, medium verified multi-gen Australian Labradoodle puppy from Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles, there may be times when professional grooming becomes necessary. The frequency of professional grooming will depend on factors such as the texture of their coat, their activity level, and your personal preferences. Professional groomers at Barksdale Authentic Australian Labradoodles have the expertise to give your Labradoodle a thorough trim or haircut, ensuring their coat remains manageable and free from excessive matting. Labradoodle Puppies for Sale in Georgia Generally, it is recommended to take your Australian Labradoodle puppy from Barksdale for professional grooming every few months. However, this can vary depending on individual needs. Some owners of Australian Labradoodles may opt for more frequent visits to maintain a specific hairstyle or if their dog spends a lot of time outdoors and gets dirty easily. Remember that grooming is not just about aesthetics; it plays a vital role in keeping your Australian Labradoodles healthy and comfortable. So, whether you groom them at home or seek professional assistance, regular care is essential for your Australian Labradoodle litter to ensure they look and feel their best. Adaptability and Intelligence of Labradoodles Highly Adaptable Companions Labradoodle puppies for sale are highly adaptable dogs that can thrive in various environments, including bustling cities like Barksdale or quiet countryside. These intelligent dogs can easily adjust to their surroundings, making them an excellent choice for families with varying lifestyles. Their versatile nature allows them to adapt to different living conditions, making them a great fit for any litter. One of the reasons Labradoodles are so adaptable is their mixed heritage. As a crossbreed between Labrador Retrievers and Poodles, Labradoodles inherit desirable traits from both parent breeds, such as litter friendliness and Barksdale intelligence. Labradors are known for their friendly and outgoing nature, while Poodles bring intelligence and versatility. This combination results in Labradoodles being well-suited for different types of households. Whether you have an active lifestyle or prefer a more relaxed pace, Labradoodles can keep up with your needs. They enjoy going on long walks, playing fetch at the park, or simply cuddling on the couch with their owners. Labradoodles are also great travel companions and can easily adapt to new environments such as hotels or vacation rentals. Labradoodles are known for their low litter size, and the Barksdale line is particularly popular among dog enthusiasts. Intelligent Dogs with Trainable Minds Australian Labradoodle puppies for sale rank high among dog breeds. These intelligent Australian Labradoodles possess a remarkable ability to learn quickly and retain information. Their trainability makes them ideal candidates for obedience training, agility competitions, and other activities that require mental stimulation. Barksdale Australian Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and trainability. Labradoodles excel in obedience training, including litter training and Barksdale training. They thrive on positive reinforcement methods and respond well when rewarded for good behavior. With consistent training sessions and patience from their owners, Labradoodles can quickly pick up commands such as sit, stay, heel, and come. In addition to obedience training, Labradoodles also enjoy participating in agility courses. Their athleticism, combined with their intelligence, allows them to navigate through obstacle courses with ease. Whether jumping over hurdles, weaving through poles, or maneuvering tunnels, Labradoodles excel in agility training. Mental Stimulation for a Happy Labradoodle Labradoodles, like the ones from Barksdale, are quick learners who enjoy mental stimulation. Engaging their minds is essential to keep them happy and stimulated and prevent boredom-related behaviors such as excessive barking or destructive chewing. There are various ways to provide mental stimulation for your labradoodle litter. These toys challenge their problem-solving skills and often have hidden treats or compartments to access. Interactive Games: Play interactive games with your Australian Labradoodles, such as hide-and-seek or treasure hunts around the house or yard. This stimulates their mind and strengthens the bond between you and your furry friend. Barksdale Labradoodles are especially known for their love of interactive games. Training Sessions: Continue training sessions with Australian Labradoodles beyond basic obedience commands. Teach your Australian Labradoodles new tricks or enroll them in advanced training classes at Barksdale, where they can learn complex tasks. Scent Work: Labradoodles, known for their excellent sense of smell, can be highly stimulated by litter scent work activities. Hide treats around the house or play scent-based games to tap into their natural abilities. Barksdale Labradoodles are particularly adept at scent work.

Choosing a reputable breeder, however, can be rather difficult. The answers you receive will help determine the quality of your breeder and puppy and provide you with information you need to help raise your puppy. Important Questions to Ask a Breeder 1. Study up on your specific breed to see if there are common genetic problems worth discussing. Is that the size dog you want? Can I meet the entire litter? View and interact with the entire litter. This will allow you to evaluate the cleanliness of the environment and the size, personality, energy level, and health of the puppies. The puppies should interact and be playful with other dogs and comfortable around people. They should not cower when you approach or touch them and not resist when you roll them on their backs and hold them in that position. Make sure that they appear to be in good health and evaluate their overall temperament. Are they shy, aggressive, or well-adjusted? What preventative care do you provide to the parent dogs? A measure of the quality of care provided for the puppies can be evidence by the care delivered to the parent dogs. Optional vaccines include Lyme and the canine flu, which depend on disease risk. Have the parent dogs had health problems? What health problems have the parents had to date? When did they develop and how were they treated? This will help guide you as to what to look for and take preventative measures for your dog. How old are the puppies? What age can I take my puppy home? Puppies ready for adoption should be between 8 and 12 weeks old. It is important that the puppies socialize with their litter mates and other dogs early in life. Taking them away too soon can be a problem. Puppies not taken by other buyers over 12 weeks old or puppies that have been returned can indicate problems as well. Have the puppies been socialized? Have the pups been around other dogs and people? Socialization is critical in puppies ages 6 to 16 weeks. Proper socialization consists of positive experiences with other dogs and humans of varying ages, race, and sizes. Have vaccines been administered to the puppies? How many shots have the puppies received and when are they due for their next round of shots? Puppies generally start their vaccine series between 6 and 8 weeks of age. Ideally, vaccines are administered by a licensed veterinarian rather than a feed-store vaccine. Have the puppies been dewormed? All puppies are born with worms and routine deworming is recommended. This often begins as early as 2 weeks of age and most puppies have at least one dose of dewormer by 6 weeks of age. How many veterinarian visits have the puppies had? Have any puppies in the litter been sick? Have the puppies seen the vet, been examined, and declared healthy? If not, what problems have they had? If any of the puppies were sick, what were the signs, the diagnosis, and treatment measures? Have they been on any medications? Have any puppies had parvovirus? Ask for medical records that includes examinations, weights, deworming treatments, and vaccines. What is your guarantee? What guarantee does the breeder give with their puppies? If the puppy is found to have a severe illness, what will they do to compensate? How long does the guarantee last? This is a difficult topic, but one that is a lot easier to cover up front rather than after the fact. When do I need to go for the first vet visit? How soon is the first vet visit? Consider it a probationary period to see your vet and get the puppy evaluated before finalizing the contract. Do you have any references? Ask the breeder for references from puppy owners that they have sold to within the past year. Call their clients and find out if the breeder was fair, if they were happy with their pets, and how any problems were handled. If so, what is in it? Is the breeder willing to take the puppy back at any time if you are unable to keep it? Do you require puppies to be spayed or neutered by a certain age? If that is the case, it may not be an issue, but it is best to know before you get your puppy. Ask if the breeder has information about the breed line. For example, ask how long most dogs in the breed line have lived and what they typically die from. What are you currently feeding the puppies? Regardless of what they are feeding, it is ideal to continue feeding the same food for the first few days at home to minimize the risk of gastrointestinal distress. Learn how much and when they are feeding to keep your puppy on the same schedule for the first few days. Will you supply a health certificate and certificate of sale? Ask the breeder if they will supply a veterinarian-issued health certificate for your puppy. Also, be sure to ask for a certificate of sale, which may be required depending on your location. Are there any required certificates if you are shipping out of state? Do you belong to a breed club? Do they have any training tips that have worked well for their puppies? One of the most challenging things a new puppy owner has to deal with is housetraining their puppies. Breeders have a lot of experience training and may have useful tips that have worked well for other puppies. Do you offer support? Top breeders are passionate about their puppies and adamant about finding them the best homes. In fact, they usually want to interview you more than you want to interview them. Many want to track the lives of their puppies and are willing to answer questions and help you navigate small issues as you raise the dog. What do you provide with the sale of the puppy? When you are finally ready to pick up your puppy, what will the breeder provide? Your next choices are just as important: What breed of dog will you bring home, and will you look for them at a reputable breeder or a shelter or rescue? Doing research is crucial, and it helps to know exactly which questions to ask a dog breeder during your search. Even if you ultimately adopt from your local shelter or rescue, talking with responsible dog breeders can give you the inside intel on their breed and even help point you toward breed-specific rescue groups. Again, the answer is research. We spoke to representatives from two national dog breed clubs to learn some of the most important questions to ask a dog breeder as you search for the newest member of your family. This is one of the most important questions to ask a breeder before buying a dog, according to American Kennel Club Executive Secretary Gina M. The AKC has two breeder programs which DiNardo says are considered the hallmark of responsibility, making them good ones to look for as you assess breeders: AKC Breeder of Merit , which recognizes breeders who are committed to breed preservation and raising healthy, well-socialized puppies; and AKC Bred With H. Aside from genetic testing, Smith says, you can also ask to look at veterinary records to find out if your dog or puppy has been vaccinated and dewormed, or if the dam or any of the puppies in the litter were ever sick. DiNardo explains that finding a breeder who is part of an AKC club is a good sign, because clubs uphold traditions of responsible breeding and dog ownership. Are the dogs healthy? Observe their behavior and physical condition. Are their eyes bright? Do they look happy? Responsible breeders should be very curious about you and your family, too. Do you have time to adequately exercise your dog? Are you willing to brush your dog three times a week? Are you home a lot or are you gone 20 hours a day? Will you take puppy socialization classes? Learn more about individual dog breeds here. They can also provide general or very specific nutritional advice, such as whether they give their dogs supplements or other food. Sometimes a breeder will take the dog back into their own home; in other cases, they will assist with rehoming. But remember that a contract is only as good as the two people who sign it. Read More. What an exciting time! After a short phone call, arrange a visit by yourself. No matter how tempting it is to bring the kids along to visit a room full of puppies, you have to make the first visit on your own. To make sure you're prepared, here's our handy check list of the 15 questions you'll need to ask your puppy breeder. How old are the puppies? It may seem like a silly question but you want to make sure they are between weeks old. Are you able to see the puppy with its mum and dad? You want to assess the temperament of the mum and the puppy and how they interact with each other. Is she aggressive or caring? Is the puppy hyperactive or docile? These answers will help you decide whether this is the right puppy for your family. Are you able to see and handle the full litter? The average litter will be between five and six puppies. By handling a few fluff-balls, you will be able to see whether they are all of similar size, character and health. You can also see how they interact with other dogs and you. Are they weaned? What social experiences have the puppies had so far? Most modern breeders ensure that every puppy has had ample interaction with people and their puppy siblings before they are ready to be sold. What should I feed my puppy? Do you have a diet sheet to take away? A lot of breeders even keep a diet sheet that you can take home with you, letting you know when to feed them and how much. Pretty handy! When am I allowed to take the puppy home? Puppies should not be allowed to leave their mothers before 8 weeks because it can affect their development. The majority of breeders will let you take the puppy home after 8 weeks but some choose to keep them until 12 weeks. Which vaccinations has the puppy had and when is the next dose due? Puppies should receive vaccinations between weeks old and another dose at weeks old. If you are keen to take the puppy home at 8 weeks old, you need to know what vaccinations they still need to have before they can go and explore the big wide world or the local park. Has the puppy received any other treatments such as worming? Similar to vaccinations, around the same time, puppies should be treated for worms and fleas. Did you know all puppies are born with worms? Poor things! Do you have any copies of health certificates for the parents? Depending on the breed, some pedigree dogs have hereditary conditions that can be passed down to their puppies. Can I return the puppy if there are any health problems? Is the puppy registered with the Kennel Club? If you are looking to buy a pedigree dog, the breeder should have registered the puppies with the Kennel Club and be able to provide a certificate to state that they are, indeed, pedigree. If the application is still pending, it might be worth asking to see the certificate of the mum and dad. Are you able to get references from any previous puppy buyers? If they are a professional breeder, you might be able to contact previous buyers and visit their dogs. This way you can get a second opinion about the breeder and discuss openly whether their dog is everything they hoped for. Will there be a contract of sale? All reputable breeders should provide you with a contract of sale. This will state the responsibilities of both you and the owner and as well as an official document for your records. Does the breeder place any caveats or guarantees on the sale of the puppies? Occasionally, a breeder may require you to have the puppy spayed or neutered or you might not be able to show the dog. It is essential you know this before deciding to buy to avoid any disappointment. And of course, if you're about to purchase a brand new puppy of your own, they're going to need somewhere to sleep! Don't forget to check out our excellent range of luxury dog beds available here in the UK and here in the USA! Related Blog Posts. This document should help guide your evaluation, and may be printed to take notes initially when talking by phone and later when you meet in person. Buyers should feel free to ask about any subjects of concern to them, and reputable breeders will voluntarily point out potential health risks all lines have some. Guarantees: No matter how carefully bred, risk of disease can never be zero. The best assurance of a healthy puppy lies in selection of the breeder, multiple generations of health certifications, and your preventive health care — and whether a specific health guarantee is offered in the contract is less important. AKC Limited Registration: Companion puppies are usually provided with Limited Registration, which means, among other things, that litters produced by that dog would not be eligible for AKC registration. This is not usually recommended for owners who do not themselves have an interest in competition or breeding, because co-ownerships generally come with strings attached. While it is true that these connections often offer some benefits, they will also include obligations that may continue for several years. Breeders appreciate a call when problems are minor so they can help owners avoid more major concerns, and they often have useful preventive health care tips that can save trips to the vet. Finding a knowledgeable breeder with whom you have good rapport and who wants to spend time teaching you about Goldens is almost as important as the selection of the litter, and such a breeder can be a valuable part of a support system if troubles arise. Finally, committed breeders remain available to assist in finding an appropriate placement for the dog at any time during its life if circumstances change and this becomes necessary. Questions to Ask Breeders Are hip, elbow, eye, and heart certifications for both sire and dam verifiable at www. May I have a copy of it to review in advance? Can you provide references from members of a local Golden club? Are your puppies examined by a veterinarian before they go home? Before the puppy is released to its new home, it is customary that the first set of puppy vaccinations will have been completed, that preliminary worming or negative stool check will have been done, that the vet will have examined the puppy thoroughly, and that any concerns discovered during the examination will be disclosed to the buyer. How do you socialize your puppies? How many litters have you bred, and how many years have you been a breeder? How many litters do you typically have in a year? Can I visit you and meet your dogs? What is the general health and temperament of the sire, dam, and their first degree relatives parents, siblings, and offspring? Temperament concerns e. Skin problems, allergies itchy skin, runny eyes, frequent skin or ear infections, orange stains on toes from licking? Epilepsy or seizures? Lameness or stiffness such as after exercise or upon waking? Below is a sampling. Are you aware that raising a puppy well takes about the same amount of time and energy in the beginning as caring for a 2-year-old toddler? Will someone be home with the puppy for much of the time during the first month? Have you owned a dog before? What breed? What pets do you currently have? What activities or lifestyle would you like to share with your dog? Are you planning to crate your puppy when it cannot be supervised? How many children do you have at home? What are their ages? Are they comfortable around large dogs? Do you have a fenced yard? How do you plan to exercise your Golden each day? Consider contributing to The Golden Retriever Foundation. More Information. This could cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills down the road. On the other hand, when you buy the animal from a licensed Golden Retriever breeder, you can pick out your future puppy with confidence. Not only will proof of his pedigree show that your breeder is certified, but it will also verify that your puppy is a true Golden Retriever. The best puppy breeders take pride in providing healthy dogs through careful genetic research. They should be so confident in their work that they offer you a health guarantee , which will tell you what to do if your puppy faces any unforeseen health issues. Since breeders are there from the day the puppies and their parents! And picking the right pet for your family starts with finding a breeder you can trust. No matter how nice they seem or how attractive their website looks, you should always do a little bit of research before choosing a Golden Retriever breeder. Here are important points that all breeders should address: Image Source Does the breeder give back to the breed? Breed preservation should be the primary goal of Golden Retriever breeders. They should participate in keeping the species alive through membership at a Golden Retriever breed dog club, a performance club, or an obedience club. What type of experience does the breeder have? Do they stay true to the pure genetic traits of the breed? Do they provide health screenings and health guarantees? Can you meet the puppies and parents in person? How many litters do the females have each year? Female Golden Retrievers can have up to two litters per year. However, breeders who follow ethical practices will only allow the females to have four to six litters in their lifetime. A female can breed between the ages of two and eight. Once you choose a breeder that seems like a good fit for you and your family, you should write up some questions to ask them. And in return, expect some questions about you, your lifestyle, and your home! One of the first things any breeder you inquire about should provide is a list of former buyers. Reviews posted online are one thing, but being able to talk with customers directly speaks volumes about the legitimacy of the breeder. When you speak with their former customers, ask questions about their buying experience and how their dog is doing years after purchase. Puppies should receive some level of preventative care that is appropriate for their age. Newborn puppies up to eight weeks old should stay with their mothers, but they will also receive their first round of core vaccines during these few weeks. They should have a yearly examination by a licensed veterinarian that will perform vaccines, flea, tick, and heartworm prevention, as well as general health checkups. A reputable, passionate breeder will be more than happy to receive updates and questions about their puppies well into adulthood. With that being said, the breeder should also provide a health guarantee. A health guarantee states that you are not financially liable for any genetic issues in the puppy, as long as the health condition is verified by a certified veterinarian. This is an essential point that you might not think twice about. A good Golden Retriever breeder will ask questions to determine if your household is a good fit for their puppy. Image Source 1 Why do you want a dog? This is a simple yet important question that you should have an answer to. Golden Retriever breeders that dedicate their livelihood to continuing the pure genetic bloodline will want to know what appeals to you about these energetic companions. Additionally, the breeder might ask who will be walking, feeding, and playing with the dog. Golden Retriever puppies require tons of attention, especially during the first two years of their lives. If the breeder asks this, they want to know how your children will be participating in the handling of the puppy. They also want to understand how you plan to introduce the puppy to other pets so they can coexist safely within the same home. No matter how nice a breeder may seem, you want to avoid accidentally contributing to backyard breeders or a puppy mill disguised as a reputable breeder. Doing so can cost you thousands of dollars in medical bills and years of potential heartbreak. Here are some of the most critical and obvious warning signs of an untrustworthy breeder. Less experienced breeders will charge on the lower end, and more experienced breeders usually with generations of pure genetic proof! Additionally, some of the best breeders will only sell trained puppies to ensure their pooches are family- and forever-home ready. Therefore, you should receive standard documentation upon adopting your new Golden Retriever puppies, such as care instructions, registration papers, vaccination records, and necessary contracts. The contract may also state that you agree to surrender the puppy instead of adopting him out to a shelter or the pound. Some warranties will say that the breeder should have the right to reclaim the puppy in an unexpected situation like this. If you do ask for references, and they give you a list of written reviews instead of contact information for former clients, this is a red flag. A refusal for a tour means that the breeder knows potential clients may be turned away by the environment. If you are invited to tour a facility, learn about what a professional kennel should look and smell like first. The bottom line is, you need to do plenty of research. However, before you decide to bring that ball of fluff into your home, keep in mind that the way a dog is bred has a huge impact on the type of dog you are receiving and the experience you will ultimately have. Here are a few questions to ask an AKC golden retriever breeder before committing to a purchase. How old are each of the parents? Golden retrievers need be a fully mature two years old before issues can be officially cleared by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals and other health officials. Have both parents been cleared of eye issues, heart and thyroid disease, epilepsy, allergies and seizures? Be sure to request the documentation on each of these. How often has the mom of this litter been bred? You will want to be wary of breeders who breed the bitch in consecutive heat cycles. Do you offer written contracts in the purchase of one of the pups? An AKC golden retriever breeder should provide this with every sale. How long have you been breeding golden retrievers? The longer a breeder has been in practice, the more knowledgeable they will be about any potential health issues and ethical concerns of breeding. Which organizations are you a part of? An active participant in clubs dealing with golden retrievers can indicate a genuine concern and interest in the breed. Should there be any issues that arise, can the pup be returned to the breeder? The answer should be a yes, if within a reasonable amount of time. This should be clearly outlined in the contract. Is there documentation of the pedigree of the parents, as well as extended generations? Is there documentation of health clearances for multiple generations? Can you provide references? A good breeder should be able to provide references for former customers, veterinarians with whom they have worked, and others in the industry who have seen their practices over time. Working with an AKC golden retriever breeder can be a fun and educational experience when finding that next addition to your home. Make sure you ask the right questions upfront to ensure a quality relationship and a happy and healthy canine.

If you are considering adopting a German Shepherd dog, you must consider those challenges before making the commitment to adopt. Size German Shepherds are legitimately big dogs. They are stronger than many, and a fully grown female will weigh over 60 pounds males are heavier. Additionally, a fully grown German Shepherd female will top out at about 2 feet high, while a male will exceed 2 feet on average. Older German Shepherds will cost less than puppies. Generally, the adoption fee covers basic medical expenses associated with getting the animal ready for adoption. Putting the animal up in a kennel, vet visits, and any toys you purchase for your pet will add to the average cost. On average, a German Shepherd will live between 9 to 11 years. In addition to the basic costs, boarding the animal or paying for a dog walker and vet visits will add several thousand to the lifetime cost of your pet. Energy Levels Part of the reason German Shepherds are not ideal for smaller apartments is their size. German Shepherds need to be walked and played with at least a couple of times a day. Puppies and younger animals may need significantly more walking and playing time than older adults. The keys to successful ownership are to work with a reputable German Shepherd rescue in Ohio to find the right dog, understand what ownership means, and provide your pet with the love and care it deserves. The German Shepherd has a reputation for being loyal, intelligent, and protective. They are consistently ranked as one of the top five breeds globally because they are excellent family dogs, working dogs, and service dogs. For various reasons, many German Shepherds end up in shelters or abandoned. Find a German Shepherd Rescue Near Me in Ohio Often, these rescues operate regionally or state-by-state to thoroughly vet prospective adopters and foster families. This article will explore some of the best German Shepherd rescues in Ohio. Named after the large willow tree on their property, the shelter takes in German Shepherds from kill shelters, homeless dogs, abuse situations, or dogs who have lost their owners. Each year, the shelter hosts various events, from fundraisers to adoption events for senior dogs in their care. Those with spare time are encouraged to volunteer for Weeping Willow rather than make monetary donations. The German Shepherd rescue in Ohio handles the medical issues of every dog brought into their care thanks to monetary donations. German Shepherd owners can turn to Weeping Willow as a primary source for information and resources. Dogs that may not find a home, such as elderly animals or those with severe medical problems, can live with them permanently. Weeping Willow conducts temperament tests for each dog to receive individualized care during their stay and hopefully find the right forever home for them. Cincinnati Area German Shepherd Rescue Cincinnati German Shepherd Rescue, located in Hamilton, operates a simple organization with the knowledge they have gained from volunteering with other now-defunct local German Shepherd rescues. Cincinnati German Shepherd Rescue is run entirely by its owner and a few other dedicated volunteers through Facebook, petfinder. Upon taking in dogs, the rescue evaluates them for behavioral and medical needs. While they do not accept dogs with aggression issues, they will connect dogs with these issues to other German Shepherd rescues in Ohio who can help. To adopt a pet, interested families must submit veterinary references personal references and must participate in both a home visit and interview. On Facebook, they share information about available dogs and other needy dogs in their service area. The rescue does not have a physical location. Dogs in their care are either fostered by them or placed in well-vetted foster homes. They do not accept surrenders but will post pets on their website to help them find a new and loving home. Share A Story! German Shepherd Rescues In Ohio A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. The rescues on this page typically have at least a couple of German Shepherd or German Shepherd mixes available. These dogs usually get adopted fairly quick and sometimes the rescues have a wait list of people wanting to adopt a new German Shepherd. By keeping up with these German Shepherd rescues in Ohio, you have an excellent chance of finding the perfect German Shepherd for you. They are located near Cleveland Ohio. However, they use the donations they do receive to spay or neuter, vaccinate, and treat dogs that are need of medical help. Dogs receive a complete health check-up and are tested for heartworms. If they are positive, they receive heartworm treatment. They also receive worming meds and antibiotics as necessary. The two founders, Deb and Jan, pay for most of the veterinary care out of their own pockets. All of the dogs are either housed with the founders of the rescue or in foster homes. This rescue can only accept dogs as long as they have foster homes for them to go to. Dogs Hope German Shepherd and All Breed Rescue takes dogs from shelters and also takes in dogs from the public when possible. However, they also want to rescue any dog that they can and are willing to take in different breeds if they have space. If you would like to adopt a dog from Dogs Hope German Shepherd and All Breed Rescue, you must be at least 21 years old and thoroughly fill out the application. The rescue will call your veterinarian and verify vaccination records for existing dogs. They or a partner rescue will come to your home to do a home visit. They want to know why you need to surrender your dog and as much information about your dog as possible. They provide lots of useful tips about providing a write-up and taking pictures. They clarify that they are willing to take your dog even if it has not seen a vet in some time. Rescue and Adoption Details Website: dogshope. However, they often have German Shepherds and German Shepherd mixes at their rescue. They take dogs throughout the state of Ohio, including dogs from high-kill shelters, county-run shelters, and other rescues. Occasionally they take in owner-surrenders. Because they take so many dogs that would otherwise be euthanized at shelters, Multiple Breed Rescue often has shepherd mixes. German Shepherds tend not to do well in the shelter environment, which means they often end up on the euthanasia list and require a rescue like Multiple Breed Rescue to save them. Rather, their dogs are primarily kept in foster homes. This rescue is a registered non-profit c 3 that operates entirely on the efforts of volunteers and on donations from the public. From its founding in until , this rescue has saved over 3, animals. They hope to rescue many more animals as time goes on. If you are not sure whether you are ready for a German Shepherd, fostering through Multiple Breed Rescue is a great idea. They rely on foster homes to save more dogs. They will provide all of the supplies you need including food and medical treatment for foster dogs. You will also get all kinds of other useful supplies like crates, collars, potty pads, blankets, toys, etc. If you would like to adopt a dog from Multiple Breed Rescue, you need to be at least 23 years old and you will need to travel to Grafton, Ohio. A boarding facility allows Multiple Breed Rescue to use their facility, so this is where you would go to adopt a dog. Dogs are housed throughout Ohio, so you will need to know which dog you would like to meet ahead of time. Adoption events are conducted throughout the year and are a good opportunity to meet more than one dog at a time. Rescue and Adoption Details.

how many puppies do french bulldogs usually have - Some of these you can help prevent, while others are out of your immediate control. If your GSD carries the genes for ears that lie down, instead of standing erect, then more than likely they will have floppy ears. This means they may have ears that never stand up and are floppy for life. Breeding Some breeders choose to pair parents that both have large, erect ears. And some buyers and owners prefer this larger style of ears for show or aesthetic purposes. But, there is some theory that breeding a German Shepherd with larger and larger ears might contribute to ears that stay flopped over. Always see the parents of the puppy you buy from the breeder on the premises to see their appearance. Physical Damage or Accidents Puppies are active and mischievous and can get into plenty of trouble. This includes physical damage or accidents that have the cartilage or muscles in their ears. If this happens their ears may suffer long-term damage and not stand up naturally on their own. So watch out for a rough play that might lead to ear damage. And, if your pup has been in an accident that hurt their ears, take them immediately to the vets. Improper and Poor Nutrition German Shepherds need balanced nutrition during crucial growing stages, including vitamins and minerals that aid in cartilage and muscle development of their ears. You should ensure your dog gets the right nutrition from the start to avoid any issues. Along with Vitamin D, calcium helps strengthen the cartilage to aid in building a strong foundation for the ears to stand up later. Neglecting Ear Cleaning Puppies still need ear cleaning when dirt and build-up are overly present. Dirty ears that become neglected can inhibit proper growth and cause discomfort for your dog, causing them to excessively scratch their ears which can cause damage. This could cause them more harm! Instead, wipe away the dirt from the skin of the ear with a warm, damp washcloth or use special ear cleaning wipes. A dog with one floppy ear and one ear upright is totally normal. Occasionally, your German Shepherd might have one floppy ear and one ear standing upright. If they are a small puppy then they are most likely growing and the one ear down still needs time to go upright naturally. These are some of the best techniques that will help their ears to stand up. They only need to sit inside the ear enough to support cartilage growth. Make sure you check for any creases or folds in their ears before moving on to the next step. Repeat in the other ear. Make a Popsicle Support Now, take the popsicle sticks and place them at the top of the foam rollers both ears should have foam rollers in them at this point. You might need another pair of hands to help with this, so ask your family or friends to help. Take the self-adhering waterproof tape and place a medium-size piece across and around the two foam rollers and popsicle sticks. This ensures even and symmetrical growth. Make a bridge across their ears instead. If your German Shepherd puppy is 9 months old and their ears still flop over, please see your vet for further assistance. When in doubt, get your vet to show you what to do for their ears. Your puppy might become annoyed with the tape on their ears, so they may need close supervision and even some distraction during the taping process. There is absolutely nothing wrong with a German Shepherd that has floppy ears and putting them at risk to have any unnecessary surgery to get their ears to stand up can cause them pain. Speak to your vet about the side effects and pain associated with ear implants. You can help prevent floppy ears in your dog by taking the appropriate steps to keep them healthy. The top ways to help a GSD with floppy ears include: 1. Feed them a high-quality food Giving your dog the proper nutrition for optimum growth is a necessity, especially when they are puppies and growing rapidly. Choose a puppy food with the correct ratio of nutrients and vitamins to ensure they get the correct building blocks for development. When you choose to give them treats, pick ones from this list of the best healthy dog treats for German Shepherd puppies. Provide them with the proper chew toys Chewing helps to strengthen the muscles that surround the ears. Or worse… Injure them. Learn to play and discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way to avoid accidental ear injuries or damage. German Shepherds with ears that are floppy are a joy to own, no matter their age! Floppy ears are adorable and give your dog even more character. Go on, and find out what makes your companion the happiest dog on the planet! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. A thick-bellied and thick-legged cub of a Shepherd color with a long tail and dense fur can only be finally classified as purebred when the ears of a German Shepherd puppy stand up. The ears of a true German Shepherd are, according to the standard, erect, of the medium size, set high, with the ends directed forward and up, and not adjacent to the skull on both sides, even when a Shepherd dog is in motion or presses its ears or lowers them in a calm position. When German Shepherd ears stand up when excited, the distance between their highest points tips should visually equal the width of the auricle. Since the range of frequencies heard by a dog is much higher than that of a human, a German Shepherd determines the source of the sound and its direction and location instantly and accurately due to such an auricle at a distance of m depending on the pitch of the sound. Moreover, a Shepherd can hear the peals of thunder or the sound of a working chainsaw at a distance of km. The lowest sound for a human is 16 Hz, while the highest one is 20 thousand Hz. The upper limit of frequency fluctuations perceived by a GS dog as a sound is thousand Hz. Clear hearing is especially important for a German Shepherd as for a dog with high service qualities and no less high requirements for its work. Sensitive ears allow not only for relying on a Shepherd dog as an excellent guard but also for guiding it at great distances, giving commands at frequencies that are not perceived by the human ear or in an undertone. Their small ears are also imperfect — they are rather soft due to the underdeveloped cartilage that makes up the auricle. That is why there are separate German Shepherd puppy ears stages when they start standing up. The cartilaginous plate is covered on both sides with a layer of thin connective tissue that provides the main cartilage with growth and nutrition and is called the perichondrium. The perichondrium, on the contrary, is dotted with mini-hematopoietic capillaries and blood vessels. Through them, the cartilage receives necessary substances for its growth and compaction with the help of conventional diffusion literally, penetration by contact. In the same way, the ear cartilage of a GS dog is built on, and the perichondrium has semi-stem cells which, like bricks, are built into the cartilage tissue. Cartilage cells, in turn, produce collagen and elastin. This is due to the active work of all parts of the auricle cartilage and perichondrium. Up to 4 months, cartilage tissues are especially active, but by the fifth month, the growth of elastic layers and the embedding of stem cells decreases. Having reached a certain density, ear growth slows down, and in a short time, it almost diminishes. The metabolism in the auricle becomes so low that visually the ear seems to no longer grow. However, limited living processes in it continue throughout life. Otherwise, it would be impossible to restore the tissues of the German Shepherd puppy ears in case of damage. To do this, you need to feed the puppy a balanced diet with enough calcium and phosphorus. Excess calcium and phosphorus can adversely affect the formation of the ear cartilage and the development of the musculoskeletal system of a German Shepherd. We must not forget about the composition of the blood because it is the main food for the growth and strengthening of the cartilage plate due to the diffuse contact with it via the perichondrium. Not only nutrition but also the obligatory physical activity of a German Shepherd puppy, both at home and on walks , help improve the blood supply to the perichondrium. Under such keeping conditions, the ears of the Shepherd stand up on time and additional actions on the part of an owner are not required. The optimal age when the ears should stand up is 5 months. Do not be afraid if the ears are 1. This sometimes happens. You need to worry if the puppy is already 8 months old, and the ears still do not rise. If at the age of 12 months, the ears are still not on top, the question of a purebred puppy will emerge. Teeth and Ears It often happens that at 2- 3 months the ears of a Shepherd stood up, and at 4 they fell one or two at once This is a normal process associated with the change of teeth, when the body mobilizes all the microelements to build a strong dental system, pulling phosphorus and calcium front he cartilage in this direction. At the same time, the drooping ears should stand up. Hurry up! After a year, hopes to put up ears in a German Shepherd are melting exponentially. There may be, for example, a birthing crease, subluxation, or hematoma as a result of injury to the ear canal. Has your dog ever had ear infections or other ear problems? They can involve inflammation of the middle ear, otodectosis, or a forest tick attack. Have you noticed any allergic reactions in your pet? It may be allergic to dairy products or antibiotics. If antibiotics or immunomodulators were used, what did your dog get sick with, and how often? Infectious diseases significantly inhibit the development of a Shepherd dog and slow down growth and physiological formation, including cartilage tissues. The latter is in charge of whether the ears of a GS puppy will stand up or it will remain floppy-eared. In what conditions is the young Shepherd kept? When living in an aviary, a dog must have a warmed booth in winter to avoid hypothermia of the ears, leading to spasms of small vessels of the perichondrium and a dense canopy from the sun in summer — overheating also leads to spasms. Do you walk and talk enough to your dog? Each age demands its own supplements developed for puppies, and they are also divided by the size of the dogs: small, medium, and large dogs. The German Shepherd is a large breed! This is one of the most common problems in pedigree dogs, including German Shepherds. Diseases associated with the imbalance of hormones lead to problems with the immune system and prevent the body from proper formations of all organs and their functions. Overfeeding a German Shepherd as well as underfeeding leads to a deficiency of micro-and macroelements, which highly contributes to the timely formation of cartilage tissues by the age when the Shepherd should raise its ears. Have there been any stressful situations? Cortisol, a stress hormone, activates a defense mechanism that blocks the production of new cells including semi-stem cells in cartilage tissues , reduces blood flow, and forms a negative calcium balance in the body of a Shepherd dog. Very often, this problem is transmitted at the genetic level, and your German Shepherd floppy ears can be a result of it. When was the last vaccination administered? After vaccination, the body of a GS dog begins the active formation of immunity. The process requires the consumption of microelements and vitamins for biochemical reactions, so their deficiency is formed, similar to the condition after an illness. How often do you pet your puppy on the head? At your touch, the Shepherd dog instinctively lays its ears back, getting used to keeping them folded lengthwise from the base to the top. The result will be an acquired crease or scar along with the entire ear that keeps the German Shepherd ears down, and this will require cartilage adjustment. If the doctor sees it necessary, your pet will have to take a blood test, undergo an ultrasound, and possibly take some x-rays. Treatment Based on the results of the examination, the doctor will prescribe medicines most often — flavonoids, vitamins, glucosamine, calcitonin, thyroxine, iodine, zinc, iron, manganese, copper, and magnesium , which normalize the composition of the blood and add the necessary building material to the body. It is important to carry out all the medicinal prescriptions under the supervision of a veterinarian. An overabundance of any element can lead to a deterioration in the general condition of the pet and its ears in particular. In addition to medication, the doctor will most likely prescribe an ear massage at home. The massage procedure is not complicated — knead the ear from the base to the very tip between the thumb and forefinger, helping to improve blood supply, for about 5 minutes, times a day. Be careful with the place where the ear is attached to the head! This place does not need to be kneaded, only the auricle itself! Though, the most favorable result will not be long in coming — the ears of Shepherd dogs stand up in just a week or two. It is worse if the veterinarian makes a diagnosis of the atypical defect of the ear cartilage. What does it mean? Is it safe for the health of the Shepherd? And is it possible to put ears on a puppy with such a diagnosis? Atypical Cartilage and Ways to Eliminate Consequences Atypical cartilage is a defect in the development of the ear cartilage, resulting from a damaged structure of ear tissues, and their inability to support the ear in an upright position. This often occurs in young dogs after the ears have stood up, and then an ear or even two has fallen off. The same picture can be observed in old Shepherd dogs — the ear or both fall off and then rise again. The reason is the same — deformation of the ear cartilage due to long years of life at old age. However, with the old GSs, it will no longer be possible to return the ears to a stable standing position. Nevertheless, it is quite possible to correct the position of the young German Shepherd ears — they need to be glued, allowing the cartilage to recover. Gluing is nothing more than the necessary support for the intensive synthesis of elastin a connective protein in tissues and its uniform growth over the entire area of the ear cartilage. Properly glued ears do not allow creases or folds, never stretch scars, and make it possible to fill these creases with full-fledged elastin within 1. In this case, the puppy or young GS should be given maintenance vitamin supplements containing gelatin. Good results are also provided by a steep bone jelly or soaked food gelatin, 1 tbsp before every feeding. Adding bone meal and sea fish to the diet is a good solution, too! Taping Ears Correctly Since when is it worth starting the taping process? Until months of age, cartilage correction is unlikely to be needed. It is better to use the support in the form of massage and, possibly, a garter to put two ears together from months of age so that they take the correct position on the head. Feel the ear from its base to tip. If a crease or scar is found, you need to tape the ear urgently! You can watch some videos to see how to tape German Shepherd ears correctly. To correct one non-standing ear if the cartilage is even and of good density, without creases and scars, you can resort to a cardboard or plastic insert that maintains the ear in the desired position. Watch some videos to see how to do that. In any case, do not despair! David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Suffice to say that the dog has come a long way from its herding roots. Part of that perfect picture we have of these pups is the erect position of their ears. It gives them the qualities we associate with the breed, such as intelligence and confidence. Floppy ears strike us as a disconnect. These dogs have a dense coat that puts a lot of weight on their ears, relatively speaking. Also, large breeds like the German Shepherd mature more slowly than smaller dogs. It could just be a matter of time. That fact will come into play with the availability and price of the dog. It may have a disqualifying trait , such as floppy ears. This characteristic has a genetic component. Injury or Trauma Damaged the Cartilage Puppies sometimes play rough. They bite at each other, and sometimes the ears get the brunt of it. That often translates into slower healing times. Some manufactures produce tailor-made foods for specific breeds , such as the German Shepherd. That can go a long way to helping your dog recovering from an injury. It can interfere with air circulation in the ear canals, setting up the perfect storm for infections or mites. These conditions are horribly uncomfortable for your pup. Left untreated, it can cause a hematoma or swelling. This condition requires veterinary treatment. Several options exist, from aspirating or draining it to surgery. The best prevention is avoiding the conditions that caused the ear discomfort in the first place. All German Shepherds have floppy ears as puppies. The difference depends on when they start to change and stand up into their adult position. It can take several months. However, the number of adult dogs with floppy ears is about one in five. That may get its ears standing upright quicker. Taping the ears is usually part of the healing process when dogs get their ears cropped. The other concern is doing the procedure correctly. That could lead to ear trauma or a bowel obstruction if it swallows the materials. We suggest that you have your veterinarian do the job if you want to go this route. Final Thoughts The upright ears are an essential feature of the striking pose of the German Shepherd. Nature often has her plan for when that will happen in a puppy. Sometimes, it takes longer in pups with thicker fur or large ears. Healthy nutritional support will help the cartilage develop stronger and quicker. In the meantime, patience is the key. See also:. A common misconception that many people have is that German Shepherds have cropped ears that account for their erect posture. It often surprises some people to learn that the AKC standard calls for naturally erect, not cropped ears. GSD puppies are born with floppy ears set against the side of the head. As puppies mature, their ears usually start to stand up naturally. However, for various reasons, some dogs have ears that stay floppy. You can reasonably expect erect ears by around eight months old. This is because calcium that would generally nourish the ears is reallocated to the teeth during this time. You can expect the ears to become erect after the teething stops , around 20 weeks. After a puppy is no longer teething, they will start retaining enough cartilage in the ears to help hold them up. GSDs ears are heavier than they appear, and the cartilage must be sufficient to help keep that position. A sign of ears likely to stay erect are ears that become pointy once they start to stand. If your puppy reaches four or five months without any sign of the ears standing up, you might need to give them some help. When the ears are not erect by around seven or eight months, they will more than likely retain a floppy position. It is not something that is going to happen overnight. If you notice that your pup can prick their ears up or even just the tips of their ears by the time they are four to five months old, the chances are that the ears are developing normally and should become pointed without any intervention. The best thing to do is to keep your hands off their ears and avoid bending, rubbing, or folding their ears. If you notice that your German Shepherd is shaking their head a lot or scratching at their ears, it may be their attempt to relieve some kind of minor itchiness or irritation. However, if you notice that the head-shaking persists, then you should be concerned, especially as your pup grows. Any trauma to their ears before they reach four to five months of age can affect the cartilage and cause the ears to remain floppy rather than erect. Aural Haematoma: this is a blood blister found on the outer skin of the ear and can appear swollen. This condition is often the result of trauma due to vigorous ear shaking or a dog fight. However, if they are more serious, they will need to be removed surgically, and this can sometimes include the removal of part or all of the ear canal. If not, your pup will continue shaking their head and scratching, which can cause further injury and trauma to their ears. Skin Allergies: The head shaking and scratching may also be due to an allergy. For this, you may have to use antibiotics, antihistamines, or put your pup on a low allergy diet to treat their ears. For more information on avoiding dog ear infections and what to look for regarding causes and treatments, visit AKC. One of the more recognizable features of the German Shepherd dog breed is their large, erect ears and stoic expression. However, a lesser-known fact is that a German Shepherd puppy is born with floppy ears. So, how do you know what kind of ears your German Shepherd will have? The ears should also be pointed. If you got your German Shepherd from a reputable dog breeder, you could expect that their ears will stand erect after they are done teething. However, if you acquired your puppy from a puppy mill or there were less than desirable breeding practices or health problems, then your adult dog may end up with droopy ears. German Shepherd Ears Chart Although there is an official breed standard, in reality, German Shepherds have different types of ears, from ears that are set too high or too low to ears that are too large, asymmetrical, or too small. Some dogs even have ears pointing outwards or inwards or tilting one way. Overall, as you can see in our German Shepherd Ears Chart , there are at least 12 different types of German Shepherd ear shapes. Blood flow into the cartilage will likely increase when you do this, helping the ears keep their shape. Proper cleaning will help prevent infections that can be painful and costly to treat. Make sure you have a towel handy as you drop the ear cleaner into their ear. The towel can be used to clean up any mess as well as massage the ear cleaner solution in and around the ears. You can then use a cotton ball to remove any dirt or excess liquid. Chew Toys Sturdy chew toys will not only help keep your puppy busy but can also play a role in exercising the muscles supporting both the ears and jaws. Chewing helps with teething while also exercising their jaw and neck, and head muscles. Quality Diet The food that you feed your puppy should have high-quality, nutritious ingredients. Foods free from both wheat and corn are some of the best choices. You should also discuss supplementation with your veterinarian. Glucosamine, for example, helps to lubricate joints and supports healthy cartilage. For example, hearing certain noises that attract their attention or hearing their name can make them prick up their ears. Take advantage of this situation by praising them and providing a treat when they prick up their ears in response to this type of stimulus. They will associate pricking their ears up with getting a reward. Regularly Check for Parasites You also want to regularly check your dog out for parasites and ear mites. In addition, tapeworms and roundworms take away the essential nutrients your German Shepherd pup needs, which can ultimately cause poor health and other deficiencies. An ear mite infection can also cause your dog to itch, which causes them to shake their head excessively. Cartilage is extremely fragile and is prone to damage. If the cartilage becomes damaged, it can prove impossible for the ears to stand erect. However, keep in mind, this is invasive and does require your dog to go under anesthesia. They will also require pain medication following the surgery, and there will be a lengthy recovery time. Discuss Options with Your Vet You may want to consider having your vet make sure nothing is going on, like an ear infection. Some German Shepherds come from lines that carry genes that lead to floppier ears. Unfortunately, when genetics is the cause, there is little that owners can do aside from being more conscientious about ear health, which is a more significant concern in floppy-eared dogs. Many dogs from show lines, in particular, have larger ears that require more cartilage while the dog is growing to help support a more upright position. In many cases, these dogs will not have ears that stay upright. Broken Ear Cartilage German Shepherds can also end up with permanently floppy ears as a result of broken ear cartilage. This can happen in GSDs for a variety of reasons, including: Injuries. I get a lot of emails about taping German Shepherd puppy ears. The majority of these emails come from people who are jumping the gun and worrying too much. By that, I mean their pups are 3 or 4 months old and they are starting to panic because their puppy's ears are not standing. I tell these people that they need patience, they need to wait until their pup has finished teething. I caution these people not to jump the gun and tape the dog's ears too early or in the wrong way. I know people who have screwed their dog's ears up for life by doing this. I have had puppy customers who go ballistic on me and panic. So I issue a word of caution here. With that said, the other side of the spectrum of taping ears is something that many people do not take seriously until it's too late. When ears are taped at 7 and 8 months, there is very little chance of it working. This is an unfortunate fact of life. German Shepherd puppy ears can come up between 8 weeks and 6 months. If they are not up when the dog is through teething this varies from dog to dog but in general between 16 weeks and 20 weeks of age , I tell my puppy customers to get very interested in their ears. While it's not time to panic, it is time to sit up and take notice. The first thing to do is make sure that your puppy is in good health. This means no intestinal parasites. Take a stool sample to your vet to have it analyzed. It's also important to make sure the pup is getting good quality food. We feed and recommend a raw diet but if you do feed a commercial diet, I strongly recommend researching all the options available and feeding the highest-quality food you can afford. View our list of all-natural kibble alternatives. In fact, a lot of times, a pup will have both ears up and all of a sudden, they will come back down when the pup starts to teeth. Many owners panic when this happens. But not to worry, I have never seen a pup whose ears did not go back up when this happens. If a pup does not have his ears up by 5 months, I strongly recommend that you get involved with taping your dog's ears. Use the thin white surgical tape the kind that's paper-thin and tears easily. The 3M Micropore tape, 2" wide, works well. I like to use women's hair rollers. Take the plastic out of them and just use the foam. Wrap the ear around the foam and tape them into a tight roll. In a vertical position. Take a popsicle stick and attach it to the top part of both ears. In a horizontal position. The pup is going to tear the tape or stick off the ears several times. The key is to continue to re-tape the ears. Sooner or later, the pup will forget the tape and ignore it. About once a week, take the tape off and see if the ears will stand on their own. Continue to re-tape until the ears stand. If the ears are not up by 7 or 8 months, they are not going to come up. The ears should look like this once taped. The same dog with ears now up. I have seen ears that did not stand, which in my opinion would have stood had they been taped. So this process is not something to take lightly. I also need to say that many ears will be a little weak right after taping but with time, they will strengthen. So when an ear does not stand perfectly after taping don't panic. Just have patience and see what happens. You will really not have an idea exactly what you have until the pup is 12 months old. When ears do not stand, there are ear implants that can be surgically added. I have no experience with this and do not know anything about them. If you are unlucky enough to have a dog whose ears will not stand, I would point you toward a vet that has some experience in this area. I don't think it's something that normal small animal vets know how to do well. In my opinion, too young to tape. The material to use to tape German Shepherd Ears The pup with its ears taped I prefer taping German Shepherd Dogs ears after the dog has finished teething. This usually means the dog is older than 4 - 6 months. Maybe waiting another month would have been a better idea for this puppy. Well, there are a few different possible explanations. Causes can vary from age-related to genetic and medical issues. All puppies are born with soft, floppy ears. This is because the cartilage and muscles in their ears have not developed yet. Although some breeds, like Spaniels and Poodles, always have floppy ears, others, like most Shepherd breeds , almost always have pointy, pricked, upright ones. In such breeds, their ears should start to stand up between weeks of age as the bones and muscles in their bodies develop and strengthen. Are they both floppy — or is only one of them drooping whilst the other stands up normally? Teething Several young puppies experience floppy ears during teething. Teething is a period that all infant mammals go through, in which their baby or milk teeth fall out and their adult teeth grow in. It starts at around three weeks old and ends at months of age, although it can take longer. So, their bodies may draw calcium out of other areas, such as the ears, weakening their skeletal structure and making them flop. You may even notice that their ears look different every day during this period. They might be up-right one day, then floppy the next, or even change throughout the day depending on their mood. Their ears will return back to their original shape as soon as their hormones calm down. Although most German Shepherds have up-right ears, some can have floppy or semi-pricked ones. Judges of dog shows and competitions also often look for large ears in the breed. Poor nutrition during puppyhood As mentioned above, calcium is needed to develop and strengthen the cartilage in the ears in order for them to stand up. Vitamin D is also needed to keep bones healthy and strong. This is especially common in rescue dogs that come from puppy farms, homelessness, and neglectful backgrounds. Always buy from reputable breeders! Other symptoms of calcium and vitamin D deficiencies include muscle spasms and joint issues. If severe, nutrient deficiencies can be deadly. Both conditions require urgent veterinary attention, and treatments will likely include special diets and supplements. Similar to malnutrition, this is common in dogs that come from a background of neglect or homelessness. A build-up of wax, debris, or dirt can make the ears heavy and cause them to droop. Poor hygiene As we mentioned above, poor ear hygiene can lead to drooping of the ears. It can also lead to smelliness and infection. All dogs have self-cleaning mechanisms in their ears. However, allergies and hormone imbalances can cause disruptions to the mechanisms, meaning they require some extra care. Dogs can be allergic to environmental allergens like pollen, household cleaning products, and foods like wheat and dairy. Other symptoms of allergies can include skin irritation, coughing, sneezing, runny noses and eyes, and stomach upsets. Each has different symptoms, but they often include drastic changes in energy, coat, thirst, appetite, and weight. German Shepherds are also particularly prone to experiencing hormonal disorders. Ear mites Another cause of ear drooping in German Shepherds is ear mites. Ear mites can be picked up outdoors, or from coming into contact with another animal with the condition. The inflammation from the infestation can cause droopiness in the affected ear. Other symptoms include excessive itchiness, and redness, bleeding, and swelling from the constant scratching. If left untreated, the infestation can cause disease, which can lead to hearing loss and balance issues. Infection Ear infections can be bacterial or fungal, and they can affect both the inner or outer ear. They are most often picked up after exposure to water, and the inflammation can cause the affected ear to droop. Other symptoms can include redness, swelling, irritation, discharge, and excessive head shaking or scratching at the ear. Vets can treat ear infections with antibacterial or antifungal medications, but they need to be treated quickly before they spread or cause permanent damage. Trauma Physical trauma to the ears can also cause them to droop. The most common trauma that causes changes to the shape of the ears in German Shepherds are bites from fighting with other dogs. If your dog has a visible injury to their ear, you should take them to see their vet to check it over and dress any wounds to prevent infection. Make sure to brush your GSD regularly, also around the head and ears — these dogs shed heavily! You can get these over-the-counter at your vet, online, or in a pet store. You can also use a few drops of olive oil for wax build-up, but not too much. To administer, get a towel and ask your dog to lie down in a comfortable place in the home. Then, massage the mase of their ears for around 30 seconds to help it loosen any wax or dirt. Finally, allow your dog to shake their head and use the towel to catch what comes out. That said, if they have particularly problem ears, you should ask your vet and do it however often they suggest, which could be weekly or monthly. However, this is very controversial. It is not yet illegal in the USA, but it is also not something that we would recommend outside of medical necessity, as it can be unnecessarily stressful and painful for dogs. The method known as taping is done by placing something, usually tape, inside the ear to make it stand up straight and grow into that position permanently. It can be effective when done during puppyhood and usually takes weeks to work. As we mentioned above, nutritional deficiencies can cause the ears to flop. Puppies should eat nutritionally complete and balanced food that is enriched with calcium, vitamin D, and DHA for healthy bone and brain development, as well as high-quality protein sources like chicken and fish for strong muscles, and tasty, fiber-rich fruits and veggies. All puppies should have a handful of strong, hardy chew toys to avoid being destroyed during teething, but they can also help the ears to stand up. This is because the ears are connected to the jaw. So, strong jaw muscles means stronger ears, too! Finally, you should avoid playing too rough with your pup and interacting with boisterous dogs to prevent accidents and traumas, which, as we mentioned above, could damage or change the shape of their ears. Dogs communicate with us owners in many ways; they bark, they growl, and they use their bodies. Body language is a key part of understanding how your dog is feeling. Dogs use their entire bodies to communicate; including their tails, their eyes, and their ears! This often happens when a suspicious stranger or an unknown or unfriendly dog is approaching, or when there is a strange noise inside the home. When their ears go back or downwards, it could simply mean that they are listening, or it could indicate either excitement or anxiety. Excited dogs may whine, wag their tails very quickly, and run towards what they are excited about. This happens a lot when dogs are greeting a loved one. An anxious dog, on the other hand, may lower their head and cower their bodies away from what is causing their anxiety. If they are frightened, they may also tremble and whine, and if they are feeling angry or threatened, they may show their teeth and growl. This can happen when a dog is exposed to a phobia or an aggressive dog. It can be difficult to determine exactly how a mixed dog will look. Different pups from the same litter can also present with different traits from their siblings. That said, certain traits, like short hair, for example, are genetically dominant and therefore will be passed on over others, like long hair, which is genetically recessive. Dominant traits are those that require only one copy of a specific gene for the trait to be passed down to a pup. Recessive traits, on the other hand, need two copies; one from each parent. So, which is dominant; pricked or floppy ears? The answer is — floppy ears! Floppy ears are genetically dominant to pricked ears in dogs. That said, different ear shapes in dogs does tend to reflect their original working purpose. For example, the Spaniel, a gun dog, has floppy ears that gather and hold scent particles. This helped them track down what they were looking for much faster back in the day. German Shepherds, on the other hand, along with other wolf-like breeds, such as the Siberian Husky , have pricked, pointed ears. This is thought to aid their hearing during guard work, keep their body temperature under control during strenuous hunts, and give them an alert look to ward off predators. This may be why people are statistically more likely to perceive dogs with pricked ears as more threatening, according to research conducted by James Madison University, USA, in .This is not necessarily true, however, as any dog lover will know. It is likely down to something old and instinctual, as they also discovered that people perceived coat colors differently, too. The type of ears that a dog has can affect their hearing. Whether a dog has pricked ears or floppy ears, they have 18 different muscles that control them to funnel sounds from all different directions. A healthy-hearing dog of any kind can still hear from 40 to 60, hertz, which is more than double what human ears can hear! Starting out just training her own Border Collies, she gradually expanded to local classes and seminars, now she travels as far as Europe and teaches students all over the world on how to train their dogs in a positive, bonding, game-based way. She is known for her clear, step-by-step training that lets beginners and advanced dog trainers see lasting results very quickly.


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how many puppies do french bulldogs usually have - How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. E-mail Share by e-mail German Shepherds make great family dogs — they are loyal, intelligent, and have lots of energy! A good diet is key to giving your pet a long and healthy life, and the wrong diet can lead to a number of health problems. German Shepherds are big dogs with active lifestyles, so making sure they get the right nutrition at different stages throughout their lives is essential. Feeding your German Shepherd Puppy Puppies are growing rapidly and have very specific nutritional requirements. Puppy food tends to be high in calories and protein as they are bundles of energy at this age! Feeding your German Shepherd puppy a good quality balanced diet is essential to ensure that they grow up to be healthy adults. There are some foods designed specifically for large breeds such as German Shepherds, which provide extra support for their growing joints. You should look out for these foods in the pet store and ideally choose one of these large breed diets. You can find further general puppy feeding guidelines and advice via the AKC as well as specific German Shepherd facts and info. How often should I feed my German Shepherd puppy? Puppies need to be fed more frequently than adult dogs to support their rapidly growing bodies. German Shepherd puppies should be fed 4 meals a day until they are 3 months old, then reduce to 3 meals a day until they are 10 months old when their growth rate starts to slow down. Once they reach this age, they need 2 meals a day. When should I start feeding adult food? Puppies must stay on puppy food until they reach adult size. German Shepherds are large dogs and tend to reach adult size later than smaller dogs. They are usually fully matured at months. German Shepherds should stay on puppy food until they are months old, then they should move on to an adult diet. Feeding your adult German Shepherd An adult German Shepherd will weigh around lbs and need at least an hour of exercise every day, so their diet needs to reflect this. It might seem like your dog is eating a lot, but they need to replace the energy they burn off and eat enough of the right nutrients to sustain them! How often should I feed my German Shepherd? Adult dogs should be fed two meals a day. When should I switch from adult to senior food? As dogs get older their nutritional requirements change again. They are less active, and German Shepherds are more prone to joint problems such as osteoarthritis. You should consider switching to a senior diet at around 8 years of age. What type of food should German Shepherds eat? Whichever diet you pick, you should ensure it is suitable for large dogs or working breeds and that it has plenty of protein and calcium, and also includes some type of doggy superfoods, too. Commercially prepared foods are the best way to ensure your dog gets a balanced diet with all the nutrients they need to stay healthy, and they come in wet or dried forms. Some dogs prefer one or the other, whilst some enjoy a variety and mix of both. Dry Food Dried food is cheap, easy to feed and store, and has lots of benefits for your dogs. Dogs fed a dried food diet will drink more water, and you can soak the kibble to add a bit extra if you like. Wet Food Wet foods contain more water than dried, and often resemble meat which some dogs love. The food is usually in chunks with jelly or gravy, and some dogs prefer it to dried. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are large and active dogs with demanding nutritional requirements throughout their lives. They go through a rapid growth stage as puppies, and as adults need the right balance of nutrients to replenish the energy they burn off exercising. They need to eat a diet that has the right balance of protein, calcium, and other essential nutrients, and ensure they get the right number of meals a day to maintain good physical and mental health. Puppies should eat meals a day until they are around 10 months old then they should eat 2 meals a day as adults. Do German shepherds require a lot of food? German Shepherds are large dogs so naturally, eat larger portions than smaller breeds. They are active dogs and need lots of protein and energy to keep them healthy. Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. So, how many times a day should you feed your German Shepherd? German Shepherds should be fed at least twice a day. Vets recommend two smaller meals instead of one large meal for healthy digestion and energy. For puppies, feed 4 meals a day up to three months old, then 3 meals a day up to six months old, before finally reducing to 2 meals a day. It is essential to stick to food schedules that are consistent for the long-term health of your German Shepherd, especially as the breed is prone to the life-threatening condition, Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus GDV , commonly known as bloat. This article will cover how often to feed a German Shepherd whether puppy or adult and how much to give your dog to keep him healthy and happy. Hey there! As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site. My German Shepherd Willow eating her meal Hey! As a working breed raised to herd and protect sheep, they are typically energetic, enjoy physical activity, and love having a job to do. Due to their dynamic character, they demand a high-energy diet. However, as large, deep-chested dogs, they are one of the breeds prone to bloat GDV , and vets advise against feeding one large meal a day. Twice per day is the standard, with a good few hours in between, as it allows your GSD to eat and digest his food properly. German Shepherds, like most dogs, work well when fed on a schedule. I absolutely agree with this, especially as the German Shepherd is susceptible to a sensitive stomach and is known to have more digestive problems than other breeds. However, if you have any concerns, you should speak to your vet. If you have a high-energy or working German Shepherd, such as a guard dog, assistance dog, or Police or Military dog that gets a lot of exercise, you may consider feeding little and often to prevent hunger. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Schedule German Shepherd puppies will require more frequent feedings as they expend far more energy and have smaller stomachs to hold their food. You should feed a German Shepherd puppy four meals a day between 6 and 12 weeks old. Puppies aged between 12 and 24 weeks should have three meals a day, and from 24 weeks onwards, German Shepherd puppies should be fed twice per day. Age of Puppy. Growth and weight The German Shepherd puppy is a popular addition to many households. Sometimes called the Alsatian puppy, the German Shepherd was initially developed for herding and now commonly used as a working dog or pet. This is your guide to providing all the nutrients your new puppy needs. When Your Puppy Comes Home Although they look pretty sturdy at eight weeks old, German Shepherd puppies are vulnerable to tummy upsets when they arrive at a new home. To help them settle in stick with the food their breeder was giving them for the first two weeks minimum. You can then gradually swap over by increasing proportions over the course of a couple of days. However, if they are doing well on their original food, considering sticking with it for longer. To begin with follow the guidelines provided by the breeder, the feed manufacturer or by your veterinarian. This will vary depending on how calorie dense the food is and how it is formulated. Your puppy should be fed four times a day up to the age of four months. After this age, two larger meals at regular times will be sufficient. However, the more often you feed your pup the stronger your bond will grow. Simple sits and recalls, puppy tricks, they all make a big difference to how your dog behaves towards you and feels about you as they grow. What to Feed A German Shepherd Puppy You will find there are a lot of different opinions about what kind of food is best. Kibble and wet food are the most popular, but you do also have the option of raw or homemade meals. Puppy Kibble Great quality, high meat content kibble is my go-to for feeding larger puppy breeds. At the beginning of the day I measure out their daily food amount, then separate it into little pots. Some as meals, and the remainder to use throughout the day to reward good behavior or get off on the right foot with positive reinforcement. The FDA recently issued a notice alerting dog owners to a potential increased risk of a serious heart condition. This is called canine dilated cardiomyopathy DCM. The risk is in dogs eating foods that include peas, lentils, or potatoes instead of grains. The underlying cause of these cases is not clear, but the FDA note suggests that caution should be used in selecting foods with these ingredients for German Shepherds and other large dogs. Canned Dog Food For picky eaters canned food can be more appealing. It smells stronger, and debatably tastes nicer. These diets do not include cooked or otherwise processed foods. However, it may be more difficult to regulate a BARF diet to ensure a slow and steady growth rate in young puppies. If you find this option intriguing, you can check out our article on feeding your dog a raw diet. Homemade Diets Research has shown that in the past, poorly balanced homemade diets have been harmful to German Shepherd puppies. There is now abundant information available to anyone who is willing and able to produce a safe and balanced diet. However, modern cases studies have shown that well-meaning owners may still over-feed or create an unbalanced diet. So, this is an area where you really can have too much of a good thing. As with commercial foods, homemade diets must be properly formulated for a large breed dog. Do not deviate from recommended recipes as provided by a veterinarian. If possible, preferably a vet with a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Recipes published in popular magazine and websites may not be nutritionally complete or suitable for a large breed puppy. Is My Puppy the Right Weight? You can also refer to German Shepherd puppy growth charts to see if you puppy is gaining weight and within the normal range. However, keep in mind that some dogs will be unusually small or large but still be perfectly healthy. Do not try to maximize growth rates as this can lead to health problems later. Ensure that you are familiar with how to assess the body condition of your puppy. The ribs and spine should be easy to feel but not simple to see. My Puppy Is Still Hungry If your puppy seems excessively hungry provide more frequent but smaller meals. Young puppies cannot tolerate going without food for extended periods. With older puppies you may wish to experiment with foods that help them feel more full, and provide low calories treats. Keeping a health puppy active and occupied will help prevent them from becoming overly focused on anticipating their next meal. The two most obvious goals of feeding your German Shepherd are for health and growth. How fast do German Shepherds grow? German Shepherds are medium-large dogs and therefore grow at a fast rate over the first six to seven months leading up to adolescence. Adult German Shepherds are 22 to 26 inches tall and weigh 50 to 95 pounds. Reputable weight charts suggest your German Shepherd puppy will have attained three-quarters of their final weight over these first six to seven months. This is A LOT of growing to do in a short amount of time — when you brought your puppy home, it was probably only eight inches tall and weighed around 15 pounds. By 12 to 15 months old, a German Shepherd is within an inch or less of their adult height. Therefore, your male German Shepherd will be 23 to 25 inches tall and weigh 59 to 93 pounds by his first birthday. How does diet affect the health of growing Shepherds? Recently it has come to light that a proper diet for puppies does more than prevent malnutrition. As part of this proper diet, there are many things that should never be fed to German Shepherds. Orthopedic Problems Many orthopedic problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia have a strong hereditary component. However, people often discount the role of diet in bone developmental issues. Merely creating an oversized puppy, as is often the case for show animals and people fixated on large dogs, can lead to several painful disorders: Hip dysplasia Elbow dysplasia Panosteitis — Generalized inflammation of the long bones in puppies; common in German Shepherds. Overnutrition and over-supplementation of certain vitamins and minerals lead to paradoxical malnutrition of the bone, and subsequently improper development. Nutritional experts have modified their recommendations regarding the diets of large-breed dogs. Many nutritionists and veterinarians advocate feeding German Shepherds and other large-breed puppies an adult or professionally-formulated homemade diet to limit the occurrence and severity of developmental problems. Pet food manufacturers have caught onto the concept of overnutrition in puppies, and most carry special diets for large-breed puppies. Also, do not supplement your puppy with vitamins, minerals, or proteins without veterinarian direction — their excessive use will disrupt bone and cartilage growth and harm the growth plates. Many people use the food bag as a starting point to decide how much to feed their dogs. However, a label on commercial food is one of the easiest ways to overfeed your growing puppy. Feeding your puppy involves regularly evaluating and tracking their weight. You should be able to assess how close your pup is to their ideal weight just by looking at them. Silhouette from the side — a slight tuck. Pat the ribcage where the abdomen slightly lifts towards the hips. From above — Clear waist; should see an hourglass shape from rib cage to hips When you palpate — You should feel the ribs under a thin layer of fat without having to prod very hard. Puppies will vary in their body scores and may change rapidly within a few days. Pups often lose their abdominal tuck right after a meal. Puppies under 16 weeks old commonly have a pot-bellied appearance without much abdominal tuck. Thin dogs will show more visibility of ribs, waist, and pelvis without appearing emaciated or unhealthy. If your puppy eats well but fails to grow or gain sufficient weight, consult a medical professional. German Shepherds can be susceptible to rare cases of pituitary gland dwarfism or a deficiency of enzyme production from the pancreas. Volume The easiest way to determine how much food to give your Shepherd pup is to figure out how many cups they need in a day and divide it by the number of feedings. German Shepherds eat about four cups of food daily from 16 weeks of age to nine months or a year regardless of weight. The volume accounts for the relatively high caloric requirements of the young growing animal. German Shepherds over a year old may need as much as five to eight cups of dog food. Other references, however, use weight rather than age. Pups eat one cup of food daily per 15 to 20 pounds. Dogs over pounds receive five cups of kibble plus an additional half a cup for every extra 20 pounds. Like all models, more active dogs need to eat more food — make adjustments up or down based on body scoring. You can estimate the volume to feed your German Shepherd pup once you find the conversion rate. Dry dog food bags and wet food cans usually have the kilocalorie equivalence of each cup of the product. The number of calories you feed your Shepherd depends on how close to the adult weight they are. Once your puppy reaches six weeks old, you may still have to feed it a mash but can decrease meals to four per day. German Shepherd puppies between the ages of 12 and 16 weeks can eat three to four times daily, while most dogs over four months of age decrease to a frequency of two to three times daily. Centering a few potty breaks around meals that stimulate their intestinal tracts helps develop consistent habits. GDV Your German Shepherd puppy will begin to develop a deeper chest combined with significant size by four to six months of age. Both physical characteristics put your puppy at additional risk of gastric dilatation and volvulus compared to smaller breeds. Four months is the age at which most pups will see a significant increase in their meal sizes. Studies have linked large meals with GDV , or bloat, life-threatening distension, and rotation of the stomach. Increasing the number of feedings greatly reduces the incidence of GDV. We recommend at least two meals a day for your dog, even as your Shepherd approaches adulthood. How much to feed a German Shepherd puppy is part of a broader equation that includes avoiding overfeeding, calculating portion sizes, and scheduling appropriate mealtimes. However, a fat or pudgy puppy is not a look anyone should encourage. The puppy may appear to be in good shape, but you need to feel the ribs to be certain. Four Months You can really start to see the amount the pup has grown compared to the eight-week-old puppy! To get a better idea of what to expect with a young GSD, feel free to watch this video! It illustrates the rapid growth rate of the German Shepherd and touches on diets as well. Recommended reading. Split that daily amount up between all meals. For example, if your 3-month-old GSD puppy is a male and weighs 30 pounds, you should feed him approximately 2 cups per day. Since she no longer needs the extra calories to help support her fast growth period, you can safely reduce her feedings to 2 or 3 meals per day. While she should still be eating puppy food at this point, you may consider purchasing a bag of her eventual adult formula. You can use individual kibbles from the adult formula for treats or training rewards. This will help her get used to the new flavor and texture. Around 9 months of age, you can begin slowly adding a small amount of the adult formula into her puppy food, though she should still be eating primarily puppy chow. Only your vet will be able to tell you when your dog has reached maturity and can be safely moved to adult food. So, make sure you are in close contact with your vet to be sure that your feeding plan is individualized for your specific dog. Adult dog food will have a different ratio of calcium, protein, phosphorus, and other nutrients than puppy food does. Feeding an adult dog a puppy formula can cause obesity as well as put too much strain on kidneys and other vital organs. Long term use of inappropriate food for an adult dog can have catastrophic consequences. That said, there is no need to panic if your adult GSD eats a bowl of puppy food now and then. Adult German Shepherds should be fed twice a day. Again, bloat is a real problem for large breed dogs, and large meals seem to be a big cause of this. I feed my adult dogs this particular blend for a number of reasons. The blend is designed specifically with German Shepherds in mind, as it uses high-quality, animal-based nutrients to counter the extra stress put on the joints of GSDs and to help the development strong lean muscle to keep your dog in peak physical condition. You really can see the difference. This is evident by the fast decline in health, joint flexibility, and energy in older large breed dogs compared to same-age smaller breeds. When your GSD moves from the adult life stage to senior, you need to adjust her diet. Large breeds reach the older stage not quite senior, but close around half of their assumed life expectancy. Inevitably, your GSD will need to switch over to a senior diet. Older large breed dogs have lower energy needs. Older dogs also tend to slow down their digestion, so an increase in fiber might be a good choice for your senior GSD. Do be sure to confirm this with your vet, however. Not all foods are created equal. For treats, senior dogs should avoid calorie-dense milk bones and high-salt or fatty treats. Opt for healthy, whole-food treats such as apple slices or carrots. Some senior dogs begin to develop health conditions that will require special care. This is often a result of poor nutrition early in life, but can sometimes simply be genetics and old age catching up with them. But for GSDs with health issues such as kidney disease and joint pain, diet can play an even bigger role in the quality of their lives. Getting a personalized recommendation from your veterinarian is worth the time, expense, and effort. These charts can seem pretty straightforward at first glance. Instead, use them as a starting point. Observe your dog, see how he looks and feels, and note any changes in his bathroom habits, weight, or energy level. Adjust his meals accordingly. Generally speaking, they talk about daily intake, not per meal. It means to split that 3 cups total over the entire day. If your dog eats 3 times per day, that would be 1 cup at each meal for a total daily intake of 3 cups. To further confuse dog parents, some manufacturers do list per-meal serving sizes, not the total daily intake! In these cases, if you read it incorrectly, you would end up underfeeding your dog. To help mitigate some of this confusion, it may be helpful to ask your vet how many calories your dog should be consuming each day. Then you can check the calorie content in the dog food and measure things from there. Raw Diets, Cooking for Dogs, and Other Alternative Feeding This article has been focusing mainly on commercially available dry kibble since that is what most pet parents ultimately choose for their dogs. However, there are many dog owners that choose to feed alternative diets. These include raw diets and cooking regular people food for dogs. There are many viable options for feeding your healthy German Shepherd, but there are just as many harmful fads, too. As with commercial foods, be sure to speak with your vet before starting your dog on a raw diet or home-cooking her meals. Human supplements are often unregulated, minimally effective, and often contain substances harmful to animals. Never use a human supplement for your German Shepherd. Final Thoughts What you feed your German Shepherd is just as important as how much you feed them. Pay special attention to the first 4 or 5 ingredients listed on the back of the packaging. Choose high-quality, safety-tested foods with clear ingredient and nutrition labels. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.