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Training is a constant process for our dogs and when they are not training, they are chasing a variety of wild game from Upland to Waterfowl. Our retrievers are no different with passion, loyalty and intelligence. This means less shedding, a bit more shine yet still soft to the touch. Typically weighing lbs, these Goldens are not the behemoth Goldens you may have seen in the past. Meet Your Perfect Match Family pet. Hunting partner. Loyal companion. Platte River Retrievers has been offering quality field bred Golden Retrievers for over 25 years in Nebraska, just outside of Omaha. We specialize in Golden Retrievers bred to excel in the field. All clearances are done on our dogs before breeding and puppies are guaranteed for 26 months. Litters are raised in a family atmosphere ensuring the best possible upbringing and personality for your future companion. Eyes, Heart, Hips, Elbows as well as DNA recessive gene disorder clearances are done to ensure the health and standard for each litter bred. Microchip Registration Have peace of mind that your pet has permanent identification in the event of being lost or stolen. Socialization Socialization is a crucial component of raising a well mannered dog that is a good citizen. Each puppy is given age appropriate stimulation individually and in group play. Age Appropriate Vaccinations All puppies are given age appropriate vaccinations and deworming to ensure you are bringing home a happy and healthy puppy. Health Guarantee We stand behind our breedings and offer a written health guarantee for each puppy. Range of Personalities Just as every litter produced is different, each puppy is a unique individual in that litter. View the temperament and size of the parents to ensure that this is what you are looking for in your future puppy. He is healthy, highly athletic, wonderful with people and extremely intuitive in all aspects. We live in California and are active individuals; therefore, he goes hiking, running and swimming in the lake on a regular basis. In July of , after weeks of playing with each of the puppies in that years litter, I picked out Maple. I knew that was the breeder I wanted to get a pup from. Theresa and Nick know their dogs in and out.I am blown away with my pup Gretta! She has excellent drive, and loves to train. You truly can't beat the temperament and ability that is stamped on these pups! Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. Location Information for Omaha Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in Omaha? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in Omaha? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. She gladly answered all of our questions and was quick to respond. It was very obvious she loves her dogs and the puppies, taking such good care of them their first 8 weeks. Our boy Sawyer has just the best personality and disposition. He took to his big brother, our 5 year old Golden Auggie, day one and they've been inseparable since. Couldn't ask for a better pup! I'm very pleased with our experience and purchase from Lori. She was honest and very caring and concerned for our purchase of one of her puppies. Hank the retriever has become a very vital part of our lives as we have four children and two other dogs in our home. The quality of Hank's demeanor and attitude is unlike anything we have experienced with our other dogs. Hank is very smart and healthy 8 month old now. Potty training was relatively easy and fast with minimal accidents. We currently work with obedience training and off leash training for Hank. It is very rewarding to start with a quality and healthy puppy that has endless possibilities for our family. The only regret I have is not buying Hank's brother when I had the opportunity. Like most golden owners we knew that when it comes to a companion dog, there is simply not a better breed. After communicating with a variety of people that had puppies for sale, we linked up with Lori McCoy. From the start we felt that she was the type of breeder we were comfortable working with for such an important life changing decision. We have had our newest family member, Fin, now for about 6 months and couldn't be happier. He is a beautiful mix of the red American and white English variety of golden. He is very confident, very trainable and highly intelligent. Our sincerest appreciation to Lori for helping connect us with Fin. We are dedicated to providing the healthiest and happiest Golden Retrievers possible and are determined to give back to the breed that we love so much!

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. The contractual agreement between you and the breeder Agreement made to not breed the dog in the future Agreement made to not enter it into competitions No restrictions on the Boxer puppy Read on to see why these factors affect the price of Boxer puppies. Reputation Of The Breeder Breeders spend a lot of time and money to build up their reputation as trustworthy Boxer breeders. The more renowned a breeder is, the more they are able to charge for their dogs. However, some puppy mills and backyard breeders will shoot up their prices to appear to be reputable breeders. Therefore, you should go through a trusted association to find a reputable breeder. Do not be fooled by good advertising. The individual Boxer puppy you want to purchase must have its own papers that document its registration with the American Kennel Club. These papers cost money and will increase the price of your Boxer puppy slightly. This is important because pedigree changes the price of the Boxer puppy; I will discuss this next! Pedigree is important when it comes to determining what your Boxer puppy will look like, its temperament, and the chance of it developing genetic issues in the future as it grows up. Determining who the dam and sire of your Boxer puppy are is important in determining price. If your Boxer puppy has a champion sire or dam, then the price of the puppy will increase significantly. Champion heritage drives the price of the Boxer puppy up because the buyer is almost guaranteed to get a perfect specimen of what a Boxer should be and has a better chance at winning competitions with their Boxer puppy when it grows up. The breed, unfortunately, suffers from hip dysplasia, cardiovascular myopathy, severe arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, several cancers, and aortic valve disease. The American Kennel Club recommends that all of these tests, including thyroid screening, elbow evaluations, and certain DNA tests are all done to produce a long-term prognosis so effective preventative care can be carried out from day one. If a Boxer puppy has any health concerns, then their price will decrease, and they will often be sold for a couple of hundred dollars or so depending on the specific health issues they have. As medium-sized dogs, Boxers can leave their mothers safely at eight weeks. Many people who want to compete with their boxers will wait until the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old before purchasing them. During this time, the breeder will invest in behavioral training. When the Boxer puppy is six to eight months old, the breeder will also be able to give you a better idea of their temperament and their adult markings and ultimate size. As a result, these puppies will be much more expensive than the younger ones. Boxers will stand at 23 to 25 inches tall if they are male and .They have tall, regal-looking shoulders that slope down gently to a smaller set of hips. Their heads are quite square and are characterized by their wrinkles that make them appear confused but curious! Boxers that meet the breed standard are a fawn or brindle color with white markings on their chests, bellies, inner legs, and faces. However, the white markings may not be more than a third of their entire body. If your Boxer puppy meets the breed standard, then their price will increase because they can be used for competitions. However, if they do not meet the breed standard, then their price will be decreased, as this is seen as undesirable from a competition standpoint. The first agreement will prevent you from further breeding your Boxer puppy. The second agreement will prevent you from entering your Boxer puppy into any competitions. Both contacts will decrease the price of your Boxer puppy, as they place restrictions on what you can and cannot do with your puppy as it grows up. There are many other costs associated with owning a Boxer! One-Time Bring Home Costs There are a number of things you will need to purchase before you even pick up your Boxer puppy to make them feel more comfortable and happy in their new home! Fortunately, a lot of these items only need to be purchased once or twice, like food bowls and crates, for example. Here is a list of some of the vital things you need:. With a screened and checked system of capable raisers, Boxer Puppies makes getting your new closest companion a basic and pleasant experience. Every reproducer inside Amazing Boxer Puppies is held to the most elevated guidelines, with wellbeing and security for all canines not only little dogs as best needs. Following a far reaching, restrictive screening process, under 10 percent of reproducers who start The Amazing Boxer Puppies audit process are welcome to join the selective network — guaranteeing that both two-and four-legged companions get an excellent ordeal that is consistent and quality-driven Perfect Family Dogs Boxer are smart, tolerant, loyal and super affectionate. They make wonderful family dogs and personal companions. They love to play games, cuddle and be part of the family. Basset hounds love kids and get along well with other animals. Basset hounds are hypoallergenic and are low to non-shedding. They are very smart, which makes them super easy to train. Your Boxer puppy can be easily trained to proficiently obey all basic obedience commands by just 12 weeks of age! Our Mission Our main job is to breed happy and cute Boxer puppies for your loving home. We have been in the Boxer breed for many years and have been a trusted family for pet adoption. We always care about the health, the conformation and the temperament of all our dogs. We pride ourselves that our Basset hound puppies come from the best family who can raise puppies with a love for dogs. Quality is our top priority. We do this by meeting the breed standards, ensuring good health and creating a loving and caring environment — thus enabling a solid family companion with a loving, amiable temperament. We not only focus on offering you the best quality Boxer from home. Available Puppies. Look no further! We have a network of trusted breeders who ensure that our puppies are healthy, happy, and ready to be your new furry best friend. What are Boxer puppies? Boxer puppies trace their origin to 19th-century Germany, where they were developed as versatile working dogs. Around the mids, German breeders aimed to create a loyal and courageous dog capable of performing various tasks. They crossed Bullenbeissers with Bulldogs and selected for traits like strength, intelligence, and agility. The result was the Boxer we know today. Boxers quickly gained popularity as police and military dogs due to their loyalty, trainability, and protective instincts. They were officially recognized by the American Kennel Club AKC in , solidifying their status as a distinct breed. Over time, Boxers transitioned from working roles to beloved companions and show dogs. Their friendly demeanor, boundless energy, and affectionate nature make them cherished family pets worldwide. The origin of Boxer puppies is a testament to the careful breeding and selection that have crafted a breed known for its remarkable combination of strength, intelligence, and affection. Temperament of Boxers Boxers are known for their playful and energetic temperament. They are intelligent dogs that are eager to please and love to learn new things. Boxers are loyal and protective of their family, making them great watchdogs. They are also affectionate and make great companions for children and adults alike. With proper training and socialization, Boxers make great family pets. We offer a vast selection of healthy and happy Boxer puppies that will make excellent family pets. With our commitment to quality and affordability, we make it easy for you to find your new furry best friend. About Vincent Hello! Are you looking for a lifelong companion? Look no further. I am here and just perfect for you. Trust me! I am very loyal, and I can make you smile with just the way I wag my tail. I have a wonderful disposition. Oh, silly me! Well, choose me today!

Whining occurs in these different situations and a Boxer will cry as one of its forms of vocalization accompanied by body language to communicate and express theri wants or needs. This can be noise, loud honking from cars, thunderstorms, or anything that is perceived as a danger or threat to their safety. Fear may also come when they feel they are at the veterinarian which makes them cry due to the negative experience associated with medical visits. Anxiety Boxers are very prone to separation anxiety. They become very anxious when separated from their owners or left alone. During an episode of anxiety, crying, trembling, pacing, barking, howling and destructive behavior are expressed. Illness Sickness can also cause a Boxer to whine or cry especially if they are in pain or feeling discomfort. Crying is a way they vocalize how they are feeling and this can show you that they are unwell and need help. Boxers are naturally people-oriented breeds meaning they love to be close to owners and family. Therefore if they feel neglected or sense that you are not paying much attention to them, have a need to play with you, or even sit near you, they may start to cry to get your attention, to bring your focus to them. Excitement Crying is also a way of showing excitement especially when a Boxer sees you after being separated from you. This can include jumping on you and also vocalizing it with a cry due to excitement. Related: Clingy Boxer: A guide to an overly needy Boxer Boredom A bored Boxer with nothing to do can experience boredom and will whine. Boxers need mental and physical stimulation and if this is not provided, they might engage in destructive behavior and also cry a lot. A need for something Dogs can talk to us to tell us what they want or need. The only way to express their feelings is to vocalize them through different sounds. Crying is one of the ways they communicate with us. Therefore they cry to ask for something from us such as holding a leash while crying which indicates a need to go for a walk, or a need to be fed. What to Do About Boxer Crying Provide them with what they need A Boxer crying can be an indication that they need something from you such as food or to go out for a walk. The best way to communicate or express this need is to cry. Therefore if this is the case provide them with what they need at the moment. Play with them Crying can also be an indicator that your Boxer just wants to play with you and is seeking your attention. If they seem very eager to interact with you, provide them with attention by either playing with them, cuddling them, or engaging in activities that they like. Provide toys A bored Boxer can cry or whine all the time because they have nothing else to do to engage them or to keep them occupied. Boxers need mental and physical stimulation therefore provide toys for them to play with, activities, or exercises appropriate for their age. This will help to minimize boredom. Receive their excitement Your Boxer can be very happy when they see you come back home or if you have been separated from them for a long period. Crying is just a way that they vocalize their excitement and it is a sign of affection. Therefore return the affection by hugging them, petting them, or just a show of affection. Comfort them If the whining or crying is due to fear that might have been caused by a particular trigger, remove your Boxer from the situation and comfort them. This includes moving them away from the noise and also minimizing exposure to situations that may frighten them. Seek medical care Illness can also be the reason why a Boxer whines and cries because of pain. If your Boxer continuously whines and is also seemingly in pain or other symptoms of illness also appear, seek medical care. Takeaway Boxer crying is a normal way of communication to express their needs, wants, or fear and occurs in different situations. It can also indicate that something else is wrong such as a Boxer being sick and crying out due to pain. When your Boxer whines or cries, try to assess the situation to identify the possible cause to respond appropriately to the situation and help them. Seek medical care if they present signs of sickness, discomfort, or when you might not be sure what would be causing the crying. Boxer Puppy and Dog Whining Issues Overview Dogs have an array of vocalization and we may never understand exactly what is going through a dog's mind when he is vocal; however one of the most perplexing sounds is whining. This sort of whimpering may last for hours. Boxers of any age may do this; though puppies often have very different reasons than adult dogs. In this section we are going to discuss: Reasons why a Boxer puppy whines and steps to take to stop it Reasons why an older adult Boxer may whine When a Boxer Puppy Whines It's not a minute of whining that gets to you. It's not even 5 minutes. It's the culmination of minutes upon hours upon days. Your Boxer pups whimpers so much and so often that you've either come to the point where you're thanking your lucky stars your kids are grown or if you don't have children yet, you've sworn off ever bringing a baby into the world. You're ready to pull your hair out and if your Boxer puppy whines one more time, you're going to turn yourself in as an unfit dog owner. If you can relate to this, you'll be happy to know that there are reasons why a Boxer puppy whines and steps that you can take to stop it or at the very least drastically cut down on the whimpering while remaining a loving, caring owner. Brand New Boxer Puppies While bringing a new puppy into your household is a super happy event for you, it's a rather stressful one for a young Boxer pup. At this age, a pup is leaving his entire world behind. His life revolved around the dam and his siblings. Most of his interaction was side-by-side play, sleep and eating with his littermates. He was never alone and he was just starting to feel secure when it was all taken away. Don't feel bad - soon he'll learn that his new home - your home - couldn't be a better place. At this age, enough time has not passed for the Boxer puppy to understand his schedule. He's living minute by minute. You might wonder why he whines if he's hungry…"Doesn't he realize I feed him on time, all the time? Memory is ultra-short term at this time and there are not enough past experiences and events for him to depend on any type of care at this point. He's dealing with the stress of a new environment coupled with real needs and for this reason he does not hesitate to be vocal. The main reasons a new Boxer puppy whines is: Separation from his littermates - The bond between littermates is very close, as is the security a pup feels with his mother. Puppies do always adjust to a new home, however it is not uncommon for there to be whining the first few days simply due to feeling sad and feeling the brunt of the lost connection. He's hungry or thirsty - The environment of a new home and getting used to new humans can throw off a pup's appetite. The moment even a tinge of hungry begins, a pup may be vocal about it. Also, puppies may not eat enough to feel satiated due to one of several reasons. This may be due to many outside factors such as humans standing too close to his dish, too much background noise that's causing some stress or even a cold draft near the feeding area. In addition, pups this young may need to be led to the eating area. A quick reminder of where food and water is may be needed for the first couple of weeks. Be sure to choose a spot that is away from foot traffic and loud noise. In multiple dog households with more than one Boxer, don't expect a Boxer puppy to eat close to another dog. This can be very overwhelming and a young puppy may back down from eating if he interprets the setting to mean that an older, established dog has claimed the dining spot. Giving him his own corner, free from distractions will help him feel more secure. He's cold or uncomfortable - Puppies need a safe, warm area to spend their resting, sleeping and independent playtime or else they may whine due to a feeling of insecurity. Many owners make the mistake of thinking that only older, senior dogs need a quality dog bed. However dogs of any age appreciate a 'den' that consists of a properly sized canine bed, placed in a room that is frequently used by people but out of the way of foot traffic. If the pup feels too isolated, this can lead to whimpering and barking. The corner of a living room that is free from drafts is usually the best place to keep a Boxer puppy. Keep his toys and chews in that same area. This breed should not be crated. Boxers tend to be claustrophobic and a puppy will whine if he is put into too small of a space. A pen or gated off area works best. If your Boxer will be spending his days home alone, it can help to have this area gated off with the entrance open when you are home. This way, he'll become accustomed to 'his spot' and be more prone to accept being there once you leave the house. Boxer Puppies - 10 weeks to 1 Year It takes a couple of weeks for a puppy to start to learn his schedule of when he'll be eating, taken outside for walks and so forth; however this is still the most common age of whining. Each dog is different, some will bark to vocalize feelings and others will whimper. It's a coin toss as to which one causes more frustration for owners. But the good news is that there are some steps you can take to lessen this. The 4 main reasons a Boxer puppy won't stop whining: 1 Hunger. Boxer dog crying is a common issue. Each and every day, for one reason or another, my boxer is crying about something. Let me give you a few examples: When I go to bed — she cries. Are you suffering from the madness known as boxer dog crying? Why is Your Boxer Dog Crying? Who really understands the inner workings of a boxer? One of the few things that I know for certain is that they are emotional dogs. They feel very strongly about their owners and maybe they are just crying because they want to be closer to you. Maybe they just want to share your space and cuddle a little more. But what about those times where they seem to cry for no reason at all? The Most Likely Reason Photo by tofslie If your boxer cries consistently for no reason, they probably are just needing more exercise. Boxers are a very high-energy dog that require a lot of walking, running, and playing. Another Possible Reason If you exercise your dog on a regular basis, give your dog a proper amount of attention, and she still cries and whines at a high rate, it may be time to take her to your local vet. When your dog is properly cared for and she still acts out of the ordinary, this could be a behavioral issue with a medical cause. Hypothyroidism is known to be rare, but somewhat common in boxer dogs. According to the American Boxer Club , boxers are the fifth most common dog breed to develop autoimmune thyroid disease, which often progresses to hypothyroidism. Early signs of this include behavioral issues such as excessive crying. Take her for that extra walk, run her around your house a few times, or just smother with kisses until she hates you. Some of it is biological and some reasons have to do with training or lack of it. In moments of distress or pain, a boxer may also cry. Adult boxers may be crying for different reasons than young puppies. As such, below I will outline some of the most common reasons in both age groups. Boxer Puppies Boxer puppies cry, and they cry a lot. As you try to understand why your pup cries so much, understand you must determine his crying is for a valid reason, and once you meet all of their needs, you must teach him to self soothe. Crying and whining can go from being away for your puppy to communicating to fast becoming a nuisance habit. For boxer puppies between 10 weeks and 12 months, learning a new schedule concerning feeding walks, exercise, etc. Every dog is different, some bark loudly to vocalize how they feel, others whine or cry, and some hardly make a sound. Feeling Cold Or Uncomfortable Puppies need to feel safe, and they need somewhere warm and cozy to rest away from their play area. Senior dogs must have a quality bed, but equally boxer puppies need a quality bed. Make sure that your boxer puppy has his toys and chews close by. Feeling Claustrophobic Boxers often feel claustrophobic, and as puppies they whine or cry when placed in too small a space, putting them in a pen is a better option. If a puppy feels even a little hungry, he will make his owner aware continually in the loudest manner possible. Often puppies can feel too intimated in front of their new humans to eat. If a human stands too close to their dish, they may not eat. Background noise and even drafts can cause stress and make them lose their appetite. Adult Boxers If a boxer continues to cry into older age, then it is likely to be for specific needs that are not being met at least according to your dog. First and foremost, boxers are a very communicative and social breed. They are quick to express their voices in specific situations. Below are the most common reasons why they may be seeking your attention: Separation Anxiety — Separation anxiety is one of the most common problems found in Boxers — especially younger ones. They love being with people and it can be hard on them when they are alone. Crying is a coping mechanism for when they are alone. Stress — Boxers may alleviate their stress by crying or whining. This could be emotional or physical; so it can range from a noise to a persistent problem they may have. Appeasement — Your dog wants to make you happy and if they are not feeling that you are on their side, they may resort to crying. Uncertainty — This is likely to occur when you meet new people, other animals, or dogs for the first time. This is mainly a confidence issue. Excitement — Boxer owners often find their dogs crying when they are most excited. Sometimes this can even happen as you go for their lead prior to a walk. This is a learned behavior in which your dog recognizes whining gets them the attention they are seeking. Frustration — Boxers may also cry when they are annoyed at something that is happening to them or around them. Pain — Your dog may also be in pain, and crying is trying to alert you to this. Generally, this is most common in older dogs or those with injuries. If you suspect that your dog is in pain or has hurt themselves, you should take them to a vet at the earliest opportunity for a full examination. They will be able to provide you with an appropriate course of action. In time, and perhaps with some medication, crying may cease altogether. Trained Behavior — Boxers, like other dogs, can even be accidentally trained to communicate with their owner during particular events e. Many owners often find they have inadvertently trained their dogs to cry during these times. How To Stop Your Boxer From Crying In the previous section, we mentioned that boxers can cry for a multitude of reasons and at different times in their life. However, crying is more common and is most likely to be experienced in boxer puppies because they are adjusting to their new surroundings, and it takes time. If your boxer continues to cry after the adjustment period, you must get to the root of why they do this. You can teach them to understand you always return home by pretending to pick up your keys, leave the house for a few minutes, and come back again. In time, they will figure out that he can trust you to go back home after being away. Equally, never leave your home for too long a period of time. If you need to do so for whatever reason, consider getting a trusted neighbor, friend, or family member to pop by every couple of hours to check up on your dog, give them some attention and let them outside to stretch their legs. Provide A Safe Space For Anxiety If your dog feels uncomfortable around loud noises or too many people, you can provide them with a safe, quiet room, where they can retreat and regain their composure. An ideal spot could be your bedroom or an area of the home that is quiet and spacious. Prevent Stressors If you have owned your boxer for a long time, you will become sensitive to the situations that stress them out. Stressors could be as simple as not having enough water to drink, missing their favorite toy, being bored, etc. Build Your Dogs Confidence For Appeasement If you notice that your boxer is trying to appease you, then they are likely suffering from low self-confidence. The two most popular ways to instill confidence in a shy dog are: To enroll them in obedience training that is primarily reward-based, Play lots of fun interactive games with them. Greet Calmly For Excitement If you notice your dog is crying or whining when they see you, they are likely doing so because they are excited. In some cases, greeting crying or whining can become overbearing. You can calm your boxer by greeting them with a calm demeanor. When your dog sees how you respond, they are likely to copy you. Another strategy is to not give your dog too much fuss as you come into your home. Spend some time taking your shoes and coat off before visiting your dog. Socialize From A Young Age Socialization is the key to stopping a lot of unwanted behavior in your boxer like excessive crying. The best time to socialize with a pup is from birth to 4 months. You can begin doing this by inviting family and friends to bring their dogs to play with your pup. You must get to know their dogs before introducing them to your puppy, make sure to invite non-aggressive, friendly, and already socialized dogs. Equally, you can head to the park when your dog has had all of its vaccinations. Let them meet and greet other dogs so long as this is okay with other dog owners. Finally As you can see, boxers cry for numerous reasons. Crying is mainly a compulsion for boxers as puppies rather than adults as their life is turned upside down and the environment changes quite dramatically during this time. Thankfully, this is an ideal time to train your dog and nip this type of behavior in the bud. Many unwanted dog behaviors, such as excessive crying is a result of improper socialization from an early age. It is crucial to socialize your boxer at the earliest opportunity. Dogs that received adequate socialization from an early age display more confidence, friendliness, gentleness, and less neediness, therefore they cry a lot less. Overall, socialization improves the health and happiness of your boxer and it leads to a much better-behaved dog. With this being said, there is also the possibility that your dog is injured or is experiencing pain. If you ever suspect this to be the case; then visiting a veterinarian is the best course of action. Boxers are vocal dogs due to the way in which they were initially bred and what this breed of dog was used for. Although crying, barking, and whining are no longer required, it is still a natural instinct in this breed of dog as a way to communicate. Effective obedience training and socialization are essential to reduce the likelihood of your dog making noise unnecessarily. Why Are Boxers So Cuddly? Boxers are known to be a very affectionate breed of dog, who bond very closely with their owners. Because they develop a deep connection, they naturally feel the need to get more of your attention than what other breeds desire. Related Boxer articles you may want to see:.

By choosing a dog food with top ingredients, you can ensure your Frenchie receives the essential nutrients they need for a healthy and happy life. Salmon, poultry, and lamb are particularly beneficial sources of protein for French Bulldogs. Healthy Fats Healthy fats, such as omega-6 fatty acids, are an excellent source of nutrition for French Bulldogs. These fatty acids help maintain a healthy immune system, promote healthy skin, and result in a glossy coat. By providing your Frenchie with a diet rich in healthy fats, you can support their skin and coat health while helping to moderate inflammation. Beneficial Supplements In addition to high-quality protein and healthy fats, beneficial supplements like prebiotic fiber, probiotics, glucosamine, chondroitin, taurine, and omega fatty acids should be considered for French Bulldog dog food. Prebiotic fiber and probiotics are formulated to be gentle on the digestive system and promote digestion. Glucosamine and chondroitin are essential for joint health and support joint and cartilage health maintenance. Taurine and omega fatty acids have been found to be beneficial for cardiovascular health. Some dog foods that include these beneficial supplements are: Nutro Ultra Weight Management Dry Dog Food, which contains taurine for cardiovascular health Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Food — which provides complete and balanced nutrition, strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes balanced intestinal flora. By choosing a dog food with these beneficial supplements, you can provide your Frenchie with a well-rounded diet that supports their overall health. Potential Allergies and Sensitivities in French Bulldogs French Bulldogs may be prone to allergies and sensitivities , making it important to research the ingredients in their food and consult a vet if necessary. Some common sensitivities in French Bulldogs include corn, soy, beef, and dairy products. If your Frenchie shows signs of allergies or sensitivities, it is essential to evaluate the ingredients in their food and seek veterinary advice if needed. If you suspect your French Bulldog has a food allergy , you may want to consider a limited-ingredient dog food or a grain-free diet. By being aware of potential allergies and sensitivities and choosing the right dog food, you can help your Frenchie maintain a healthy and happy life. Feeding Guidelines for French Bulldogs Feeding guidelines for French Bulldogs include following label recommendations for feeding quantity and dividing daily servings into smaller meals for sustained energy supply. For French Bulldog puppies , it is recommended to provide them with 1. Puppies aged between 2 to 6 months should be supplied with three meals per day, whereas older puppies should be given two meals daily. Adult and senior French Bulldogs should also be fed two meals per day. By following these feeding guidelines, you can ensure that your Frenchie receives the right amount of food for their age, weight, and activity level, helping them maintain a healthy body weight and preventing potential health issues. Our Top Picks: Best Dog Foods for French Bulldogs in Our top picks for the best dog food for French Bulldogs in include a variety of options tailored to meet the unique nutritional needs of this charming breed. From weight management formulas to grain-free options and specialized diets for puppies and seniors, these dog foods offer the essential nutrients your Frenchie needs to thrive. Pet owners recommend this dog food for its weight maintenance benefits, quality ingredients, and multiple protein sources. Additionally, it is free from artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives and contains taurine, which acts as a natural antioxidant for your pup. By choosing the best overall dog food for your Frenchie, you can support their overall health and well-being. This dog food is specifically tailored for overweight and less active dogs, providing an optimal protein-to-fat ratio to help them reach their weight goals and maintain an energetic lifestyle. However, the benefits it offers in terms of weight management and affordability make it a great value option for French Bulldog owners. Food and food are both great options when it comes to feeding your French Bulldog puppies. Both provide a complete, balanced diet for their growth and development. Food provides complete and balanced nutrition, strengthens the immune system, encourages growth, and promotes balanced intestinal flora. It is also easy to digest for optimal nutrient absorption, making it an ideal choice for your Frenchie puppy. It is worth noting that some puppies may not take to Royal Canin French Bulldog Puppy Dry Dog Food, and it is more expensive than other dog food options due to its breed-specific nature. However, the benefits it offers in terms of nutrition and breed-specific formulation make it a top choice for French Bulldog puppies. It provides optimal nutrition to maintain their health and wellbeing. This specialized diet is formulated for French Bulldogs over the age of twelve months and includes L-carnitine and top-notch protein to sustain optimal muscle mass, probiotics to minimize intestinal fermentation, and a kibble design that is easy for Frenchies to consume and encourages chewing. While some dogs may not accept Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult Dry Dog Food and it is costly, the benefits it provides in terms of nutrition and breed-specific formulation make it an ideal choice for senior French Bulldogs. Customers say their dogs love the taste of this food. Additionally, it is excellent for dogs with food allergies. No longer will they suffer from itchy paws or diarrhea. By choosing a dog food specifically designed for French Bulldogs with allergies, you can help alleviate their allergy symptoms and provide them with a diet that supports their overall health and well-being. Customers have reported that their dogs enjoy the flavor of Wellness Core Grain-Free Kibble and have maintained a healthy coat when consuming this food. By choosing a grain-free dog food option for your French Bulldog, you can support their overall health while accommodating their dietary needs. They come in a wide variety of flavors and are packed with lots of nutrition. Our dogs do deserve the best! Gradually introducing the new food over a period of days can help avoid these problems. If your dog experiences any digestive issues or stomach discomfort, consult your veterinarian for advice. Foods to avoid include chocolate, coffee, tea, grapes, and raisins. Instead, consider offering your Frenchie safe and healthy alternatives such as oatmeal, sweet potatoes, brown rice, fish, chicken, vegetables carrots, green beans, broccoli , and fruits apples, bananas, blueberries. It is always a good idea to consult your veterinarian if you are uncertain about what foods are appropriate for your French Bulldog. By providing your Frenchie with safe and healthy food alternatives, you can promote their overall health and well-being. Homemade Dog Food Options for French Bulldogs While commercially manufactured foods are generally recommended for French Bulldogs, some owners may prefer to prepare homemade dog food for their pets. Suitable ingredients for homemade dog food for French Bulldogs include cooked lean meats, cooked eggs, cooked vegetables, cooked grains, and healthy fats. If you choose to prepare homemade dog food for your French Bulldog, it is essential to ensure that the diet provides the necessary nutrients to support their health and well-being. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on creating a balanced and nutritious homemade diet for your Frenchie. Summary In conclusion, selecting the best dog food for your Frenchie is an essential part of supporting their overall health and well-being. By understanding their unique nutritional needs, choosing high-quality ingredients, and providing a diet tailored to their age, weight, and activity level, you can ensure your Frenchie thrives. With the right nutrition, your Frenchie will enjoy a healthy, happy, and fulfilling life. Frequently Asked Questions What are Frenchies allergic to? French can suffer from environmental allergies such as dust mites, pollens, molds, and grass as well as food allergies such as corn, soy, beef, and dairy products. Taking steps to reduce exposure to allergens can help keep your Frenchie healthy and comfortable. This could include things like keeping the house clean, using air purifiers, and avoiding areas with high pollen. What should I feed my French Bulldog puppy? As the owner of a French Bulldog puppy, it is important to ensure your pup is getting the right nutrients. Feed them high-quality, nutritionally complete puppy food and, if desired, lean raw meat to provide them with the balanced diet they need. When he's not spending time with his furry best friend "Freddy II", you can find him reading up on the latest Frenchie trends or exploring new parks and hiking trails with his dapper little Frenchie by his side. Whether you're a seasoned Frenchie owner or just starting your journey, Freddy is excited to share his experiences and insights with you through his articles on this website. With their pointy bat ears, Frenchies are adorable miniature bulldogs with extremely flat muzzles. They can benefit from the right growth formula to provide immune system support and skin health, and aid with digestion to help cut down on their not-so-adorable gas during puppyhood. Royal Canin French Bulldog dry puppy food is tailor-made nutrition created just for your pure breed French Bulldog puppy. This exclusive breed-specific diet is uniquely formulated for your French Bulldog puppy, with the specific nutrients to help them thrive. An exclusive mix of antioxidants and vitamin E supports their developing immune system to keep their bodies growing strong. Exclusive nutrients reinforce the skin barrier for healthy skin. And a combination of highly digestible proteins, precise fiber content, and high-quality carbohydrate sources supports healthy digestion to help decrease flatulence and unpleasant stool odors. Once your French Bulldog puppy is over 12 months old, transition them to Royal Canin French Bulldog Adult dry dog food for precise nutrition into their adult years. Read more Promoting pet health and wellbeing Creating value for our entire ecosystem Committed to become certified carbon neutral by Cookie Settings. There are hundreds of different options on the market all claiming to be the best, no wonder our Frenchie parents constantly turn to us asking what they should feed their puppies. The usual nutritional needs of French Bulldog A well-balanced Frenchie diet should contain the correct amounts of macronutrients: water, proteins, fats, carbohydrates, minerals, and vitamins. However, this is only a general guideline, and a more accurate calculation can be made based on specific factors. For instance, the age and activity level of your dog are essential factors to consider. Hormonal changes can cause neutered dogs to become less active than their fertile counterparts. Store-bought vs. Most commercial dog foods and canned goods contain preservatives, flavor enhancers, coloring, and other additives. Instead of real meat, they often contain animal by-products or meat meal, which can cause allergic reactions in some dogs. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email When you cook food for your dogs, you can be sure of what goes into their bowl. Finally, homemade meals can prolong the average French Bulldog lifespan , so we definitely recommend homemade food! Why is it so hard to find the right dog food? Feeding is an evergreen topic among Frenchie parents in our Facebook group. They know they should feed their puppy with high-quality premium dog food to keep their baby healthy and fit, but they are left puzzled when they see the plethora of different choices. The answer is actually quite simple: every Frenchie is different and what works for one puppy may unfortunately cause problems for the other. The best French Bulldog breeders will always give you advice on how to continue feeding your puppy once you welcome them home. So what are the most important things to consider while trying to find the perfect food for your Frenchie? Read on to find out! The quality of dog food is always determined by the percentage of its protein content, in other words, the amount of meat or fish it contains. So what should you pay attention to when looking at the ingredients list? This could be beef, lamb, salmon, or any other type of meat. The list usually ends with some sort of animal fat, vegetables, and fruits. Jasper, available French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Any other ingredient not mentioned above is only included to increase the volume of the dog food and to ensure the most economical production possible. So, if you see that a food contains an unrealistic amount of filler ingredients like wheat, corn, or chemical preservatives, it is definitely not a suitable and healthy choice for your Frenchie. Dog foods without chicken and grains A question that always comes up when choosing the right food for a Frenchie is whether it has to be chicken or grain-free. For that reason, we usually recommend giving chicken and grain-free food right from the start to avoid any possible problems. Makayla, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies That means that if you look at the list of ingredients, you can find companies whose food meets all the criteria we mentioned above and is much more affordable. Like with so many things, the name is not everything! On the other hand, if the kibble is too large they will have difficulties consuming the food. The flavor of the dog food When looking at dog foods, you can choose from lots of different flavors like a lamb, fish, beef, duck, etc. If one of the foods from a particular brand works fine for your Frenchie, the flavors can and should be changed as long as they have the same nutritional values. A varied diet is important not only for humans but dogs as well, not to mention that your fur baby will be very happy to taste some new flavors. The stool of your Frenchie A very important criterion and perhaps the best indicator of the given food is suitable for your Frenchie is their stool. A healthy stool should always be completely solid, which means you can easily collect it with a bag. You should always ensure a smooth transition by gradually mixing in more and more of the new food with the old to avoid any dietary issues. Signs of a food allergy in your Frenchie We have already mentioned that Frenchies tend to be allergic to chicken, but what are the actual signs of a food allergy? The most common symptoms include scratching, hair loss, dull lifeless fur, inflamed eyes and ears often with some discharge, paw licking, swelling, but also vomiting, and loose stools. You may not notice all of these and the degree to which they occur may also vary. Any of these symptoms indicate that an immediate change of diet is necessary, about which you should always consult your vet first. Eating a bit more slowly and with less appetite are usually signs telling you to cut out the middle meal. As for the amount, nice-looking French Bulldogs are a bit stockier, so you should always increase and lower the amount of their food with that in mind. Read our article to learn more about maintaining a healthy body weight for your Frenchie. Odie, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Special recommendations by TomKings Puppies The best food for French Bulldog with a sensitive stomach For dogs with sensitive stomachs, we always recommend home-cooked food , so you can be sure of what your dog is eating. However, it is important to ensure that the transition from store-bought to home-cooked dog food is gradual. Consultation with a veterinarian can also be helpful in determining the best wet food for a French Bulldog. It is essential to choose a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. Look for products that are labeled as complete and balanced, which means they contain all the essential nutrients your French Bulldog needs in the right proportions. The best dry food for French Bulldogs Although cheaper dry food may appear to be similar to premium brands based on the label, there are significant differences in the quantity and quality of the ingredients. Additionally, we advise you to switch to adult food at the age of months. We always inform new parents of Tomkings puppies of the brands we used to feed the pups and we recommend to continue using the same brand for some time. The best raw food for Frenchies There are several types of raw food diets for dogs, including the Prey Model Diet, the B. To ensure that TomKings puppies receive only the highest quality food, we continuously evaluate available options and test the latest trends. We consult with a panel of experts and experienced puppy parents within the TomKings Frenchie Family, and we are proud to recommend the B. Biologically Appropriate Raw Foods diet. Consulting with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. In general, weight management dog foods can be a good option for overweight French Bulldogs. These foods are formulated to be lower in calories and fat while still providing high-quality protein and other essential nutrients. Avoid feeding table scraps or high-calorie treats, and make sure to provide plenty of opportunities for exercise and play. In some cases, a prescription diet recommended by a veterinarian may be necessary to help your French Bulldog achieve and maintain a healthy weight. Best food for French Bulldogs with skin allergies If your French Bulldog has skin allergies, it is important to choose a diet that is specially formulated to help support skin health and minimize potential allergens. Consultation with a veterinarian is also recommended to determine the best course of action. Some high-quality dog food brands offer special formulas that are designed for dogs with skin allergies. These foods typically contain limited ingredients and exclude common allergens such as wheat, soy, chicken, and dairy products. Instead, they may use alternative protein sources such as fish or venison and may contain added omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to help support skin health. Some veterinarians may also recommend prescription diets that are formulated specifically to manage skin allergies in dogs. These diets may contain hydrolyzed proteins, which have been broken down into smaller components to minimize the risk of an allergic reaction. Even though processed dog foods might not look healthy to us, they actually contain all the nutrients that Frenchies need to stay healthy. Home-made and raw diets like B. Should I opt for dry kibble or canned wet food? Wet foods are of course more appealing to dogs, which means they get used to them easily and will not want to eat dry food again. If your Frenchie is a picky eater you can mix the dry and wet food but never give them the latter only. We recommend wet food for dogs who are ill and have no appetite. How much time does my puppy need to adjust to a new food? At what age should I switch to adult food for my French Bulldog? We usually recommend switching to adult food at the age of months old. If you notice that your puppy looks a bit chubbier or bigger compared to other Frenchies you can make this change even sooner. What is the best food for a Frenchie puppy? The best choice for your Frenchie puppy is to continue providing the same brand the breeder used to provide. This should be a high-quality brand that uses real meat and avoids fillers, artificial preservatives, and additives. What is the best food for an adult French Bulldog? You have several options. You can buy high-quality wet and dry god food at your local pet store or if you want more control over what goes into the bowl, you can feed your adult Frenchie with home-cooked food. Raw diets like B. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. May 31, Are you head over heels for your adorable French Bulldog puppy? These little bundles of joy bring so much laughter and love into our lives. Best Food for your French Bulldog puppy According to vets and French Bulldog experts in the US, the best bulldog diet should contain proteins, carbohydrates as well as an equal amount of healthy fats for brain power and energy. Just like humans, your dog could be allergic to some kind of food, such as corn or soy, but in most cases, they are actually allergic to fillers found in processed food. These fillers are used to add mass to the product, but have no nutritional value and are difficult to digest. The best way to save your dog from this kind of suffering is avoiding fillers and giving him whole food ingredients. These budget-friendly choices mostly trigger allergies and contribute to various health problems. Having earned the highest of all ratings, NutriSource is a great choice for puppies! Contains all the essential nutrients for the optimum health of your pet. Contains no animal by-products, whole corn, artificial additives or preservatives. Fromm Besides containing nearly all of the essential nutrients, the fact that you can get grain-free varieties and non-grain-free varieties is great. Salmon oil and probiotics have been added to aid digestion and promote good health. No corn and no wheat. Highest consumer ratings!

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. German Shepherd Nutritional Requirements Other than simply minding the amount of food to feed a German Shepherd, you should also consider the quality of the food and the nutrients that it provides. Feeding your German Shepherd with low-quality dog food will cause malnutrition and lead to overeating and health issues like poor skin, gastrointestinal issues, and osteoarthritis. That said, not all protein and fats are created equal. And so, do also consider the sources of such nutrients. Choosing The Right Dog Food For Your German Shepherd Since puppies have different nutritional needs as compared to adult German Shepherds, it can be quite confusing to determine which food you should get for your dog. After all, commercial dog food companies have made it easy by producing specially formulated dog food that provides specific nutrients a dog needs based on breed and age. That said, there are a lot of choices in the market out there. For evening meals, it would be best if you feed your German Shepherd a few hours before bedtime. Mealtime Length Finally, as much as possible, set about a maximum mealtime length of 15 minutes. That amount of time would be sufficient enough for your German Shepherd to eat its fill and will help prevent your dog from becoming a picky eater. However, to get your puppy used to eating dry food, you would want to introduce dry food starting at around 4 to 6 weeks of age. To do so, soften up dry food by mixing it with milk replacer, and offer it to your puppy 3 to 4 times a day. As your puppy gets used to eating the food, gradually decrease the amount of milk replacer until the puppy eventually adapts to eating solid food. Your puppy should get used to eating dry and solid food by around 8 weeks of age. For a large breed like the German Shepherd, you should start transitioning into adult food starting at around 12 to 24 months old. Make sure to do this switch slowly over a one to two week period by mixing and gradually increasing the adult food with the puppy food to avoid or minimize gastric upset. This is as senior dogs typically require fewer calories due to lower energy needs brought about by lesser activity and slower digestion. Therefore, to keep your senior German Shepherd in shape, you must consider a low-calorie, high-fiber, and moderate protein and fat diet. Usually, you can keep on feeding your senior dog with a decreased amount of its adult food or with specially formulated food for older dogs. But, considering older dogs may already have medical conditions that need to be addressed, your best bet would be to consult with a veterinarian to come up with the ideal diet for your senior German Shepherd. As a general guideline, do not provide your dog with supplements unless directed by a veterinarian. Water Aside from providing your German Shepherd with food, also always remember to give it enough water to hydrate. If possible, provide your German Shepherd free access to clean and fresh drinking water to prevent dehydration. And as always, if you find yourself needing help, you can always consult with a veterinarian. Post navigation. Shares German Shepherds are graceful, obedient, and loyal dogs with specific nutritional needs. Following a German Shepherd puppy feeding chart will enable you to track the amount of food your puppy is eating as they grow. There are varieties of foods available in the market and most of them come with guidelines at the back of the packaging showing you how much to feed a German Shepherd puppy. This article will cover different types of diets available and the specific nutritional needs of your German shepherd. It will also help you know what to do to ensure that your GSD gets nutritious and balanced food for every stage of their life. German Shepherd Puppy Feeding Chart There are three aspects of this German Shepherd puppy feeding chart, namely the German shepherd feeding amount, feeding frequency, and mealtime lengths. It is important to find out the appropriate feeding amount, frequency, and length for your German shepherd without leaving out one of them. That way, you can accurately find out the best way to feed your dog. Overall, there are four ranges that you need to keep in mind. An active dog may require a bit more than the numbers in this list, and an inactive dog will need a slightly less amount. But this guide can act as a solid benchmark. A puppy will need to eat more because they are growing very quickly. Talk to your vet about how much exactly so you keep them healthy and happy. Make sure your German Shepherd has access to fresh, clean water all day. When you take your dog for a walk make sure to bring along some extra water in a collapsible bowl. If they get tired on the way or it gets very hot, this can save their life. So for example, if your dog is 60lbs they should eat between lbs of food in one day. If you notice your dog is losing weight, add more calories to its meal size. However, there are other considerations on how much to feed a German shepherd puppy per day. You might want to consider avoiding meals right before bedtime. Let them digest their food first before they go to sleep. Understanding German Shepherd Puppy Nutritional Needs All dogs require nutritious, satisfying, and healthy food and every breed have their special diet. For maximum energy and health, there are factors to consider when deciding what to feed your German Shepherd: Size considerations- the AKC breed standard says that a German Shepherd can go to 26 inches tall at the shoulder. Females can be around 49 to 71 pounds while Males can be around 66 to 88 pounds. This means that they have a big appetite hence it is good to find quality food for them. They grow pretty fast hence they need specific nutrients for specific stages. Activity level- German shepherds are muscular, active, and agile which contributes to higher caloric needs to be complemented by feeding them a high-quality diet. Health consideration- GSDs are prone to many diseases hence a healthy diet will prevent problems. For example, arthritis that is caused by hip and elbow dysplasia can be mitigated through an excellent diet. Ensure that your GSD diet contains proteins, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals. How long does it take for your dog to be full? Is your dog still hungry after eating his portion? German shepherds normally take anywhere from 10 minutes to 15 minutes to finish the meal, given that you followed the proper feeding guidelines properly. If your dog shows signs of slow eating, we recommend sending them to your vet. If you think your dog is already full before finishing his portion, there is no problem. However, if your dog is still hungry after finishing the meal, consider sending him to your vet. This is because this can be a sign of a serious health issue involving their digestive system. They encourage the puppy to chew hence preventing periodontal diseases or tartar. Kibble is less expensive to buy and can stay fresh for longer. See also German Shepherd Gestation Period And Pregnancy Wet food is also essential for puppies because they allow puppies to feel fuller with less food. If your GSD need to shed a few pounds, wet food is a good way to reduce their caloric intake. Wet food is easier to digest, hence they are good for German shepherds with sensitive stomachs. Wet food is appetizing and keeps the puppy hydrated. You need to understand why your puppy cannot eat because it will help you determine the way to deal with the issue. There is no need to worry if the puppy lost appetite shortly and goes back to normal eating without any sign of illness. If the puppy loses appetite and takes a few days without improvement, take your puppy to the vet to find the problem because your dog might be sick. If the vet finds that the puppy is sick, they may suggest a special diet that will boost their immunity and give them extra nutrients to better their recovery. The puppy may have stopped eating because of behavioral issues; therefore, you may need to feed them same time to get a routine. Treats and human food that is given to the puppy may need to be reduced and also you can try different kinds of food. The German shepherd is a medium dog breed according to the AKC. Therefore, free-feeding is not a good idea. For the German shepherds, feeding schedules work better. If the puppies are free-fed the puppy may eat the leftover at any time even when they are not hungry. Sticking to a feeding routine help the puppy to stay healthy and prevent obesity. When you have a schedule, managing their weight and house training will improve. The puppy usually relieves themselves around 15 minutes after eating or drinking, therefore, when they feed at the same time every day and are taken outside after a while, accidents will be minimized. A raw diet is good for German shepherds. A raw diet help improves vitality and energy. The puppy gets healthy white teeth with an increased lifespan and reduced shedding as well as a stronger immune system. Raw meat is a great source of protein and an optimal diet. It is like keto to humans because it allows the puppy to reach their total capacity and good health. Dogs are naturally carnivorous, hence raw diet aligns with their natural needs. However, you should speak to your vet before putting your puppy on a raw food diet. The majority of commercially available kibble food is balanced and complete, and of high quality for your German shepherd puppy. Human supplements often contain harmful substances to animals and are unregulated or minimally effective. Therefore, never give human supplements to your German shepherd puppy. But they can eat small amounts of cooked chicken or turkey, plain cooked sweet potatoes or carrots, plain yogurt, and small amounts of fruits like apples or bananas without getting sick. Talk to a vet for advice on how to feed your German Shepherd puppy a healthy and balanced diet. These include chocolate, fatty foods, coffee, alcohol, chives, avocado, onions, nuts, grapes and raisins, garlic, raw or undercooked meat, and bones. These foods can cause a wide range of health problems, from stomachaches to more serious problems like pancreatitis or kidney failure. Some foods that people eat may have a lot of sodium or sugar, which can also be bad for dogs. How much food to give an older German Shepherd will depend on their needs and how much they move around. But as dogs get older, they tend to slow down and may need less food to stay at a healthy weight. As a general rule, an older German Shepherd needs about 2 to 3 cups of food per day, which should be divided between two meals. A German Shepherd that is getting older should eat high-quality senior dog food that is made for their age and size. Senior dogs might also benefit from getting smaller meals more often. If your German Shepherd puppy seems to always be hungry, you should look at what they eat and how often they eat. Make sure they eat enough for their age, weight, and level of activity. Puppies grow quickly and need more calories than adult dogs, so it is possible that they are not getting enough food. Also, make sure you feed them high-quality puppy food that is right for their age and size. If you are worried about how hungry they are or how much they weigh, you should talk to a vet to rule out any health problems and make a plan for feeding them. The amount of dry food you should feed your German Shepherd will depend on several factors, including their age, weight, and activity level. Puppies: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Adult dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Active dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. Senior dogs: Feed times the recommended amount on the food label. If the dog is obviously overweight or underweight, adjust accordingly. If you can feel most of the ribs without squeezing your fingers in between them — try 1 cup per day. This is a decent starting point for a growing large breed puppy that needs the extra calories to grow big and strong. If you can feel most of the ribs AND see its waist — try 3 cups per day. This is perfect for an adult German Shepherd which needs extra calories due to being very active. With this amount, it will be able to maintain its weight, but not gain any extra fat. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 3. This is a good amount for a very active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain a healthy weight. This should be sufficient for an adult German Shepherd which is quite active. If you can feel all the ribs and see their waist — try 5 cups per day. This is a good amount for an extremely active German Shepherd which needs extra calories to maintain lean muscle mass. For example, when my dog was a puppy, he would feel all ribs and see his waist when eating 2 cups of food per day. However, as he got older and larger, I had to increase the amount — even though I could still feel most of the ribs! He maintained around .Although there are lots of opinions on how much food your shepherds needs, these guidelines work for me and my German Shepherds. Everyone is different though, so you will have to adjust accordingly if necessary — this guide should help you until you find the ideal amount. If your dog is a very active one it may need more food depending on its activity level. Always be sure to give plenty of water since dry kibble can dehydrate the animal over time. However, this amount will vary depending on the size, age, and activity level of your dog. Puppies and young dogs, for example, generally need more water than adult German Shepherds. And working dogs or those who exercise frequently may require even more. This is because they can easily hydrate themselves if given free access to water. However, you still need to remember some things. For example, take note that your dog will need to drink 6 ounces of water per day for every 3. Depending on the temperature and activeness, this amount can increase. Lastly, make sure you take extra care in providing water access to your German shepherd. The most preferable way is to fill a bowl with a moderate amount of water, not too much. The feeding amount, frequency, length, and water requirements can always be changed. If you have no time to visit your vet, the following topic may help you. How Much Should A 1-year-old German Shepherd Eat A 1-year-old German Shepherd should eat about two and a half to three cups of food each day, broken up into two or three meals. Pointers for Feeding German Shepherds Improper feeding practices can lead to serious health problems for German shepherds. An owner is responsible for taking into consideration the age and weight of a German shepherd before feeding them. When feeding a german shepherd puppy that is four to six months old, you must give them two meals a day that comprises around eight ounces and five ounces. When feeding a German shepherd puppy that is between seven and twelve months old, the meal amounts should be increased to ten ounces for each meal. This amount should be split into three smaller meals. This is regardless of whether they are active or not. Yep, German shepherds can gain weight regardless of whether they exercise or not. If you think your dog is gaining too much weight, you can split their daily calories into four or five smaller meals. Some people prefer using dry dog food, while others would choose canned dog food. Whatever you choose for your German shepherd is usually okay, but canned food tends to contain more moisture than dry food which may lead to bladder stones in certain dogs. However, when it comes to the amount of dog food you feed your German shepherd, canned food leads to more obesity than dry food. If your German shepherds are over five years old, you must give them an extra meal. This additional meal should comprise around four ounces of food so they can easily digest it during their older age. When feeding a German shepherd puppy, you must know how to correctly measure their food amount. Be accurate when following the proper measurements; otherwise, it could lead to your dog gaining too much weight. Use measuring cups that are specifically made for dry food. If you use any other type of measuring device, it might lead to your dog eating too much or too little food. You must not feed your German shepherd until they are full, but allow them to eat until they are slightly satiated. Do not serve unlimited food; give them about two to three cups of food per day. If you are unsure whether or not your German shepherd is obese, check its waistline. If they have a thick waist and their stomach looks like a sphere, then that is a clear sign that your German shepherd is obese. Never let them finish their meal if they are still hungry; otherwise, you will encourage them to gorge on their food. Your German shepherd must always have access to fresh clean water, so you should ensure they can drink it whenever necessary. Feeding Guidelines by Age Before proceeding with the following points, remember that age is not the only determining factor in a German shepherd feeding chart. Make sure to consider all the content in this blog post as well. It is recommended that you slowly let them adapt first. This can be their regular food from now on. This includes fruits, bones, and more. You should also avoid giving them your leftovers. However, they will need time to adapt. You should also consider feeding your German shepherd foods that can be gnawed and chewed. This is so they can develop their jaws, teeth, and gums. This will result in less feeding amount and frequency. Feeding Guidelines by Weight German shepherds can be of different weight ranges. An average weighted German shepherd 35 kilograms will then need calories per day. This only applies to German shepherds that do not exercise or are inactive. Active German Shepherds: In the case of active German shepherds that exercise regularly, every 1 kilogram equals 55 calories per day. So an average weighted German shepherd will require calories per day to be able to function properly. Take note, however, that this calculation may be affected if the German shepherd has a health disorder concerned with metabolism or digestion. German Shepherd Puppies vs. Adults Guidelines Our last topic involves the difference between a puppy and an adult. The following are some of the facts that recent studies have proven: Puppies have higher energy levels than adults. This means they need to eat more than adult German shepherds. German shepherds will need higher protein and fat content at an early age. The amount of fat and protein will decrease as they grow older. Puppies cannot tolerate too many nutrients. Ingesting extra minerals and vitamins may lead to serious health disorders. Meanwhile, adults are only risking being overweight when taking in more than intended. German Shepherds usually have a good appetite and can eat a lot, especially when they are young and growing. But their food intake should be balanced and right for their age, weight, and level of activity to keep them from getting too much food and getting fat. As they age, they should usually eat less quickly. Most of the time, bones that have been cooked and ground up completely may be safe to eat. Instead, give them dog-made chew toys or treats. Can German Shepherds Be Vegetarians? Since German Shepherds consume meat, it follows that they must consume a significant amount of animal protein in order to get all of the necessary nutrients. Although while it is feasible to offer a dog a vegetarian or vegan diet, owners of German Shepherds should avoid doing so since it increases the likelihood that their dogs will not get all of the nutrients that they need. After talking about the feeding amount, frequency, and lengths of a German shepherd, you can now easily plan how much, how many times, and how long you feed your dog. You even learned how to hydrate your German shepherd the proper way. Lastly, we talked about the difference between a puppy and an adult in terms of feeding. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. To keep up with all these changes, your puppy will require a healthy diet. It can mean the difference between a happy, active, and healthy puppy and a sickly, moody puppy with a slow growth rate. When choosing food for your puppy, ensure that it contains the main ingredients: fats, proteins, and digestible carbohydrates. It should also contain essential nutrients like vitamins and minerals. Puppies need protein for building up their body tissue and for healthy skin and coat. You should always look for high-quality proteins from an animal source e. Fish oil, beef fat, chicken fat and eggs are all great sources of fats. These nutrients can be found in sweet potatoes, whole oats, white rice, and potatoes, among other starchy foods. However, be sure to limit the intake of calcium. Too much of it has been found to cause hip dysplasia in large-breed dogs. A German Shepherd puppy should consume between calories per 10 pounds of body weight according to the Nutrient Requirements of Cats and Dogs of the National Academy of Science Committee. This, however, also depends on their overall health conditions and activity level. You may need to feed them more or less to support their optimal growth. Since puppies have a lot of growing to do, they require plenty of calories. You can reduce the amount of food per pound of body weight until they reach standard adult measurements. The specific amount of food to feed a German Shepherd can vary because different dogs are sized differently and have various needs and levels of athleticism. To learn more about specific foods and ingredients, check out this article on the best diet for German Shepherds. Three to four meals of puppy food a day is ideal for a month-old German Shepherd, as the food will be easily digestible and keep the energy high throughout the day. Feeding a puppy 1—2 large meals might make them feel sick, or they may be unable to finish it all at once. When it comes to how much food to give a 1—4 month-old German Shepherd, the recommended amount is approximately one cup g or a little more, depending on activity levels per meal. Be sure to spread meals evenly throughout the day, and avoid feeding your puppy before bedtime. The West Greenwich Animal Hospital recommends not feeding a dog three hours before bedtime because they may need to go out for a toilet break at night. Since their stomachs and bodies are getting bigger, they can generally handle fewer large meals than more small ones. So, you can reduce the number of puppy food meals to 2 or 3. Since the number of meals is reduced, increase the amount of food per serving to approximately 1. The meals should be spread evenly throughout the day to ensure your German Shepherd has consistent energy levels. My German Shepherd Willow at 4 months old 10 to 12 Months At 10—12 months, a German Shepherd begins to mature as its body continues growing. Split approximately 4—5 cups —1, g of food between two meals. However, this is just a recommendation — as mentioned previously, your dog may require more or less than this depending on their activity levels. Keeping the amount of food at cups , g per day may be sufficient, or it may be best to start feeding your dog more or less than this. For example, many active or working German Shepherds may benefit from 6 cups 1. Again, the specific amount is circumstantial. However, some dog owners make the switch earlier. Honestly, this is the issue with every new pet parent. Below is a German Shepherd feeding chart to help you learn more about giving your pooch the right amount of food at the right time. Remember, the below are simply recommendations, so specific amounts can vary by dog and activity level. Age Amount of food per day Amount of servings per day months 3—4 cups — g spread across multiple servings 3—4 3—4. Always check the packaging of the food you buy for a more detailed analysis. There are endless dog food options, so making the right choice can be challenging and stressful. The main protein source is chicken, and it promotes immune system health and digestive performance. Suitable for puppies up to 15 months, this dog food is the perfect solution for young German Shepherds with lots of growing to do! One of the main benefits of this food is that it comes in different sizes, including a pound 6. This dog food contains all the nutrients a German Shepherd puppy needs to grow and thrive. Blue Buffalo dog food has real chicken, fruits, and vegetables, so your pooch will surely enjoy the delicious taste! It comes in two flavors — a chicken meal with oats and a lamb meal with brown rice. Either contains enough high-quality protein to ensure your pup can grow as healthily as possible. Medium-sized dog breeds can continue eating puppy food until 18 months. Like with puppy food, there are many adult German Shepherd dog food options, so choosing the right one can be challenging. Check out some of my below recommendations to make your search a little easier. Best Breed Dr. Best Breed Dog Food aids digestion as it contains a blend of soluble and insoluble fiber. According to a study, musculoskeletal disorders and the inability to stand are the two most common causes of death in German Shepherds. Since puppies need specific nutrients to grow, their food differs greatly from adult dog food. Puppies especially need protein because it aids with the growth and development of cells. Without adequate protein in the diet , puppies are more susceptible to serious health issues, including: Weight and muscle loss General weakness Chest and abdomen issues German Shepherds can continue eating puppy food for the first year of life and beyond. Usually, 16—18 months is a good time for a dog to start eating adult food. The most important thing to remember is that adult food is never the right choice for a German Shepherd puppy that still has much growing to do. However, there are many other factors to consider when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd, like their general weight and activity levels. Weight and Size The weight of your German Shepherd will determine how much to feed it. The general rule of thumb is that the heavier your dog is, the more food it needs to stay fueled. The average adult German Shepherd is around .Pay attention to the general height and size of your German Shepherd to determine exactly how much food to feed them. For example, an underweight German Shepherd will need extra food to get back to a healthy weight, whereas an overweight one will need less food. As you can imagine, a highly energetic dog will need more food than a German Shepherd that lies around all day. If your German Shepherd is still relatively young, i. Health Health issues can affect the way a dog eats. For example, a dog with stomach issues might avoid food altogether. Other health conditions that affect how much a dog can eat include: Pancreatitis Infections Cancer Consider whether your dog is experiencing health issues when feeding them. For instance, if your dog is shedding too much, you need to change a diet that minimizes shedding. Age The age of a German Shepherd helps determine how much food should be eaten and how often. For example as mentioned earlier , younger dogs must eat smaller meals spread evenly throughout the day, while older dogs can have 2 larger meals. A vet can weigh your German Shepherd, ask questions, and listen to the heartbeat to determine a healthy diet plan. As Willow is now a senior dog, I like to take her for vet checkups every 6 months. In many cases, giving puppies homemade food over long periods can cause health issues down the line. A study by the National Library of Medicine concluded that a homemade diet given by the owner caused a puppy to experience various health issues, including vitamin D deficiency and NSH nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism. You can give a small treat here and there, but human food should never make up the entire diet of a puppy. Below are some tasty examples! Eggs Not only are eggs beneficial for humans, but they can also be good for dogs if given in moderation. German Shepherds puppies and adults will receive plenty of nutrients from eggs, including protein and fats. The best and easiest way to give a German Shepherd an egg is to hard boil it. Avoid feeding a German Shepherd or any dog fried eggs too often due to the excessive oil. Hard-boiled eggs are usually the easiest for dogs to eat, but you can also try poached or scrambled eggs. Examples of dog-friendly fruits include: Bananas. 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.

About Us Compassionate Breeders I am passionate that puppies born and raised in a home are happier, better socialized and transition into a loving family with ease. I love my dogs as a part of my family. They are well cared for and loved dearly. They live in my home and sleep in our beds. Our puppies are born in my house and also live inside our home where they receive daily love and attention. We absolutely love our sweet little Goldendoodles and we are convinced that they are the best dogs in the world. I am confident once you learn about them, you will love them just as much as we do. Happy, Healthy Bloodline Goldendoodles are an intelligent and obedient family companion. They are friendly towards children, other dogs, and pets and comfortable with strangers. They are everybody's friend, and they are devoted to their family. They are social dogs, happiest when they are with people. Their intelligence, eagerness to please, and love of learning makes them very easy to train. Goldendoodles combine the wonderful nature of a Golden Retriever with the non-shedding coat of a Poodle to make what I consider to be the world's best dog! Now you can find quality Goldendoodle Puppies for sale in The Woodlands. My Goldendoodles My adult dogs are standard size F1 first generation English Goldendoodles and when breed together they create F2 second generation. They come from English Golden Retrievers, thought to be the healthiest variety, and white standard Poodles. This produces a variety of coats from soft wavy to very curly. The curliest of coats shed the least to none at all and the soft wavy coats shed a little bit but not nearly as much as a regular Golden Retriever. For quicker response please call or text Gracie's Goldendoodles of The Woodlands. We do not have Mini Goldendoodle. Our family-raised Goldendoodle puppies mean you get a socialized puppy raised by us. Dacus Doodles is a responsible breeder located northwest of Houston in Montgomery, Texas. We are in love with these allergy-friendly, non-shedding, and highly intelligent dogs that make them a perfect family pet! Each puppy lives as a member of our family, sharing in our main living areas. We are not a kennel! All of our Goldendoodle puppies are pampered and loved. Starting from the time they are 3 days old, our daily to-do's begin. This involves ENS Early Neurological Stimulation from days , emotional resilience exercises, daily socialization tasks, working on potty and crate training and so much more! Our high-quality puppies are properly socialized by the whole family and are familiar with the normal sights and sounds of everyday life. We begin basic training with our dogs before they leave for their new forever homes. As part of our breeding program, we do temperament testing when the puppies are 7 weeks old. While the overall temperament of doodles is lovely, this helps you have more insight into selecting your future family member, whether your perfect puppy is going to be a family companion or therapy dog, emotional support, or service dog. All of our Goldendoodle breeding pairs are genetically clear and health tested. You may see more about our health requirements on GANA's website under the blue ribbon section. Are you in the Houston, Texas area and are looking for a reputable goldendoodle breeder that offers puppies for sale? If you have been searching Google for "Goldendoodle puppies for sale near me", then you are in the right place! Are you interested in having a perfect family pet? If the answer is yes, you have found a great resource to take care of all your puppy needs. We offer the best Goldendoodle puppies in Houston, TX, and surrounding areas. It has a population of about 2,, residents. The most interesting places to check out in Houston are:. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Houston Texas and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! Kennel Conditions A good breeder will be happy for you to visit their kennels. The facilities should be clean, and the parent dogs and puppies should all appear happy, well-fed, and groomed. The dogs and puppies should have regular vet checkups, and all their vaccinations should be up to date. Health Screening Good breeders test their breeding dogs for genetic conditions that could be passed onto the puppies. The breeder should be able to show you that: Both parent dogs are hip certified by the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals O. Both parent dogs have O. The website provides more information on breeder registration requirements, including health screening. Pro Tip Note that if you buy a puppy from a G. Check the stipulations in the warranty carefully. For all you know, the breeder might previously have sold many puppies with serious genetic health problems. Personal Experience Top Tip One of the first things you must do when you get your Goldendoodle puppy is to start teaching him about the grooming process. Grooming means much more than simply combing and brushing that fluffy, curly coat! Just like human teeth, dog teeth can accumulate bacteria that form plaque. Over time, that plaque hardens into tartar, which your vet can remove as part of a routine dental procedure. Human cosmetics and drugs contain chemicals that are harmful or even toxic to dogs, and you could even poison your pup. In addition, dog toothpaste is flavored with chicken, cheese, and other yummy tastes that dogs love, which is far more appealing to them than peppermint! Red Flags There are quite a few red flags to watch out for when choosing a breeder: The deposit you pay should be a few hundred dollars. Breeders who ask for very large deposits often make money by keeping the deposit when the customer realizes the breeder is shady and tries to change their mind. Do not pay for the puppy in full before the collection date, especially if the contract states that all money paid is non-refundable in any circumstances. Steer clear of breeders that buy the. Check that the registry is actually owned by the breeder. That arrangement screams puppy mill! Goldendoodles can be F1, F2, or variations thereof. So, what does that mean? Basically, those letters and numbers are a way of showing you how the breeder bred their puppies. F1 Goldendoodles are produced by crossing a purebred Golden Retriever with a Poodle. Usually, several generations of dogs are backcrossed to a Standard Poodle, creating an F3 Goldendoodle. In Conclusion I hope you enjoyed our list of the best Goldendoodle breeders in the Houston area. If you want to find the perfect puppy, you need to find a reputable breeder. Did you buy a puppy from a Goldendoodle breeder? Tell us your story in the comments box below, and please share this list if you loved it! Meet our writer Alison Page Alison Page was brought up with dogs and various other pets! For a few years, Alison worked as a Practice Manager in a small animal veterinary clinic. Alison is now a full-time writer, specializing in creating articles on the care and training of dogs, cats, and fish. With all the closures and cancellations, now is the perfect time to adopt your puppy. Questions about Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Houston TX? We have answers. What is an overview of Goldendoodle puppies for sale in Houston TX. Goldendoodles are designer dogs. Goldendoodles were created to bring together all of the best traits of their parent breeds—without the downsides. How much are mini Goldendoodles for sale Houston? For example, a micro or miniature parti-pattern Goldendoodle will cost more than a standard chocolate or cream Goldendoodle. Will you only connect me with local mini Goldendoodle breeders Houston? How do you screen mini Goldendoodle breeders in Houston? Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places with mini Goldendoodles Houston? Before, you could buy a puppy without worrying that your dog was ethically raised. Now, puppy mills and scams are rampant. We wanted to create a place that brings trust back to the dog breeding industry—giving honest breeders a place to meet loving families like yours, and to make finding the perfect dog fast, easy and fun. What is a puppy mill for mini Goldendoodle puppies Houston? Mill dogs are more likely to need expensive veterinary intervention for debilitating genetic diseases, and may even face a shorter life expectancy to puppies raised by honest, ethical breeders or businesses. Are there any mini Goldendoodle puppies in Houston available now? What is the MatchMaker process like for miniature Goldendoodle Houston? MatchMaker is your shortcut to finding the perfect puppy. In short, MatchMaker makes your puppy search fast, easy and fun. Polly is a standard goldendoodle, so will probably max out at about pounds. How to Adopt Polly If you'd like to adopt Polly, Aren't they beautiful? I love how different each of them looks. The artist captures their individual expressions.If you'd like more information on our goldendoodle puppies for sale, contact me at laurie rainfieldgoldendoodles. While we normally have all our goldendoodle puppies spoken for by the.Are you wondering about therapy dog training for goldendoodles? Anyone with a goldendoodle in their life knows that they have an amazing ability to connect with people. As such, we've had quite a few of our sweet Rainfield.Appreciation of Service Dogs by rainfield Jul 28, News 0 Comments Remembering Valorie and Her Loving Appreciation of Service Dogs I was thinking about my sweet grandaughter, Valorie, who left this world 4 years ago and thought I would do a post in her memrory and in appreciation of service dogs. For 18 years, my husband and I were.We have a male goldendoodle puppy and 2 females ready to go now. They are doing well on their potty training and crate training and are pretty much house trained with crate training. They are learning manners and.Little Archie is a three month old F1b goldendoodle puppy. I spent a few.Take those goldendoodles on vacation with you and encourage them to be one of those beach loving goldendoodles! Sweet Noelle had her first trip to the beach last week. We have got a beautiful male and female goldendoodle puppy for sale and ready to go home now. Both are apricot in color. The male has a curlier coat and the female a shaggier, wavy coat. Both are expected to.Seeing Goldendoodles Everywhere! I passed by this sewing machine busily.Are you looking for a handsome male goldendoodle pup ready now? Meet Archie, a charming male goldendoodle puppy. Archie has his first shots and is doing well on his crate and potty trainng. He's on a good schedule and is a good eater.We have some beautiful medium goldendoodle puppies ready to go in early May. These F1b pups will likely range in size from pounds full grown. We have three girls as of the posting of this blog post, one

Depending on the age and breed of your pet, along with your living situation, you may need to put in more effort to ensure your pet gets properly acclimated. For instance, if you rescue a puppy, they will also need potty training on top of their already present anxiousness about being in a new environment. Rescue dogs sometimes come with baggage — both physical and emotional. They may be fearful or anxious when you meet them, but with time and patience, they will become loyal and loving companions. Choose the Right Pet for Your Lifestyle Take some time to consider what kind of pet would fit your lifestyle and personality. Different breeds require different types of care and maintenance. Do you have the time and energy for a high-maintenance breed? Are you allergic to certain kinds of animals? Would an indoor or outdoor pet be better for you? Asking yourself these questions will help you narrow down your options and choose the right rescue pet for you. Depending on your lifestyle and living situation, you may be unable to provide a space for your specific dog breed to live comfortably. Regarding lifestyle and living situation, there are quite a few options to house your dog comfortably. Many rescue pets have been through traumatic experiences and may need extra patience and understanding. Be prepared to work with your rescue pet on behavioral issues while they adjust to their new home. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, rescue dogs can make wonderful pets who will repay your kindness tenfold. Is Adopting a Rescue Expensive? Adopting a rescue pet can be a very rewarding experience. Not only are you providing a loving home for an animal in need, but you are also helping to reduce the number of animals in shelters. However, some people are hesitant to adopt because they believe it is expensive. While there is no denying that there are some upfront costs associated with adoption, such as the adoption fee and the cost of vaccinations, these costs are often lower than the costs of purchasing a pet from a breeder. As a result, adopting a rescue pet can be very affordable. How To Get Approved for Adoption Adopting a pet is a big responsibility; most animal shelters take this very seriously. They want to ensure that their animals go to good homes where they will be loved and well-cared for. As a result, there is usually a process involved in getting approved to adopt a pet. Most shelters will require potential adopters to fill out an application, and they may also conduct a home visit to ensure that the home is suitable for the animal. In some cases, references may also be required. The best way to increase your chances of getting approved to adopt a pet is to research and be prepared to answer any questions the shelter might have about your ability to provide a loving home for an animal. What To Know as a First-Time Pet Owner As a first-time pet owner, you should keep a few things in mind to ensure that your furry friend is happy and healthy. Make sure you have the time and energy to care for a pet. Consider your living situation and understand if your pet would be happy living there or not. Pets require regular vet check-ups, vaccinations, food, toys, and other supplies. Remember that pets are creatures of habit. They thrive on routine, so be prepared to stick to a regular feeding and walking schedule. Wrapping Up Did you enjoy reading this list on our list of top animal rescues in Maryland and our tips on rescue animals? Adopting a rescue pet is a big responsibility, but it can also be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Please let us know your thoughts and opinions on this topic in the comments, and be sure to share the article if you enjoyed reading it. Meet our writer Jen Clifford is an animal behaviorist and veterinary technician with more than a decade of hands-on experience working in small animal and specialty veterinary clinics. Leave a Comment. Then, consider reaching out to Autumn Lane Doodles for puppies raised in a healthy, loving environment. Teresa Gillis and her socialize every individual puppy with other people and animals without confining them into a kennel. In addition, the puppies get temperament checks at seven weeks of age to determine which applicant families would suit them best. Like most Labradoodle breeders in Maryland, Teresa lets applicants take the puppies home after eight weeks with their most recent veterinary records. The puppies start their crate and potty training at about six weeks. Knowledge of the Breed Seasoned breeders should have extensive knowledge and experience raising Labradoodles to produce healthy litters that meet breed standards. Consider asking your breeder lots of questions if you need some insight on how to keep your dog in top condition. Breeders with connections to several Labradoodle organizations, like the Australian Labradoodle Association of America, should also give buyers a great impression of their passion for this designer breed. They Prioritize Application Evaluations Responsible Labradoodle breeders in Maryland should evaluate each submitted application and screen potential owners to see if their home is the right fit for their pups. Approved applicants usually hear back from breeders via email or a phone call within a few days. Limited litters allow breeders to dedicate equal attention to each puppy. Lifetime Support The best Labradoodle breeders in Maryland can keep in touch after new owners take their pups home. Warning Signs of Puppy Mills Since Labradoodles are a popular mixed breed for avid dog lovers, some people prioritize breeding litters for profit instead of health or quality. As a result, puppy mills keep their breedable mothers in cramped, dirty living conditions while churning out one litter after the other. Some common red flags to look out for include: Refusing to answer your questions Selling their pups to pet shops Selling Labradoodles that are less than eight weeks old A breeder with limited knowledge of the breed Giving the puppy to you in a distant, disclosed location How Much Do Labradoodle Breeders in Maryland Charge for Their Puppies? When comparing your top options for breeders offering Labradoodle puppies for sale in Maryland, you might notice that their price ranges vary. Several factors can impact A collar for each puppy. For instance, Labradoodles with a multigen lineage, rare coat color, and excellent health coverage can cost less than first-generation dogs with common coat colors. On the other hand, you may also try to find an available puppy from nearby places. Check out our lists of reputable breeders from neighboring states:. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Lansdowne-Baltimore Highlands Maryland and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted. Questions about Labradoodle puppies for sale in Baltimore MD? We have answers. Give me an overview of Labradoodle puppies for sale in Baltimore MD. Australian Labradoodles are a bit different from American Labradoodles. Instead of being bred from Poodle and Labrador Retriever parents, they have six parent breeds including the Irish Water Spaniel, American Cocker Spaniel, Curly Coat Retriever, and English Cocker Spaniel, all of which provide them with the specific traits that make them so popular. How can I find a new Labradoodle for sale in Baltimore here? First of all, search for Baltimore Labradoodle puppies for sale in the network. We make it easy and fun to find your perfect Labradoodle puppy at Uptown. Are the Labradoodles for sale in Baltimore here healthy? All the Baltimore Labradoodle breeders and companies in our network provide nose-to-tail health checks for their puppies. That way, you know exactly what condition your puppy is in when it arrives. Will I find Labradoodle puppies for sale in Baltimore available now? The Labradoodle breeders in Baltimore in the network have a huge range of puppies to choose from, and all you need to do is start searching! So begin your search today and see what you can find. I want to meet my new Labradoodle. How can I arrange this? Once you have found the perfect Baltimore Labradoodle for sale, simply connect with the breeder or business and start making arrangements. They will explain the best way for you to meet your new pup. They are all experts at arranging puppy travel, so you should find that you are meeting your new Labradoodle in no time at all. Is this a good place to find cheap Labradoodle puppies in Baltimore? The Labradoodle breeders Baltimore here do not specialize in cheap puppies. While Labradoodles come in a range of prices, the puppies here have been ethically bred to incredibly high standards, and the breeders offer a boutique service. That gives you peace of mind when you begin searching for Labradoodle puppies Baltimore. Does Uptown take transparency seriously? Yes, we are serious about transparency surrounding the breeding of Baltimore Labradoodles for sale. All the Labradoodle Baltimore breeders and businesses provide detailed health histories of their pups, and they have been fully vetted by us to ensure they meet the highest standards of breeding. So start your search for Labradoodles for sale Baltimore today. Is there anything wrong with going to a dog shelter instead? No, there is nothing wrong with shelters. Here, you can search for the exact type of do you want, including its color, and find out all about its health and behavioral history. Do Labradoodles get on well with kids? In general, Labradoodles get on fantastically well with kids. They love playing and having fun, so they will probably end up as great pals. They are gentle, friendly, and good-natured dogs, and they get on especially well with kids when they grow up with them from a young age. Will my Labradoodle get on with my other dog? If you already have a dog, a Labradoodle is a great choice for another pet. They are friendly and sociable dogs, and they get on great with just about everyone, humans and dogs included. Every dog is different, so it depends on their personality. But in general, a Labradoodle is a great choice. We only breed Australian Labradoodles. We are intentionally small, exclusive, and family-owned. It is our focus to protect the health and future of this breed. Our carefully planned breeding program is dedicated to quality, not quantity. We have a limited number of litters a year and take great pride in breeding these outstanding family companions, for a therapy dog temperament and a teddy bear personality. They are intelligent, intuitive, allergy and asthma friendly, with non-shedding coats. They are affectionate, lovable and make devoted family members. Our puppies are born in our home, in a warm and loving environment with many hands to help. Puppies have started potty-training and crate training before they go to their new families to help with a smooth transition. Puppies are well socialized with children and other dogs, playing, romping and exposed to many different stimuli, so they are emotionally well adjusted. All puppies are vet checked, dewormed, vaccinated and microchipped. Puppies are placed with temperament testing to ensure the best match with each family. Our dogs live in our home or with our trusted guardian families, living their best lives. In addition, they also have their DNA profiles run for positive identification. All our dogs live in our home or with our trusted guardian families. They all achieve the Canine Good Citizen award by 18 months of age. They are our constant companions, well loved and living their best life as we think they should. These admirable qualities among many others make them perfect family pets. They are active, smart and desire to be engaged with the humans they love and live with. They are very eager to please, making them well suited as spoilt family members, therapy dogs and assistance dogs. They are very loving, smart and the make best friends ever. Their eagerness to please and soulful nature makes them ideal as a family pet or for therapy work. They are full of cuddles, fun and faithful. They display a keen intuition about the emotional state of family members. They are non-shedding and allergy-friendly. Coats can be wavy, straight or curly. Our Guardian Program Our breeding dogs are the heart and soul of what we do, and to ensure we are doing the best for them, we want all our dogs to live in wonderful happy homes as treasured members of the family. Our guardian program is a partnership between us and chosen families which allows our dogs to live freely in loving homes with their forever people. Sonali took the time to get to know our situation and make suggestions that ultimately turned out to be right on target. Our family received very personal attention so that our dream puppy could become a reality. We love that big fur ball so much! He has been really easy to train, listens well, and has adapted to our family very nicely. Our experience with Cornerstone was flawless. Olive is such an incredible puppy and we are so blessed to have her. The puppy preparation info and class were very helpful.

With a deep understanding of behavioral learning theories and a passion for the physical and psychological well-being of animals, Amanda specializes in using non-coercive, reinforcement-based approaches to generate desired behaviors. There are 10 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 44, times. Is your new puppy chewing on and eating stones? Fortunately, it's possible to train your puppy to stop eating stones and start focusing all of their adorable puppy energy elsewhere. Keep reading to learn why puppies eat stones and how to stop it from happening. Steps Section 1 of 3: Why do puppies eat stones? All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Puppies are naturally curious and have a small attention span, which can be a tricky combination. They need to be entertained, or their curiosity can get them into trouble. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Small rocks and pebbles can look a lot like kibble to a puppy. If a puppy lacks any nutrients, they may resort to eating rocks. Pica is a disorder where dogs eat non-food items. Pica can be caused by a variety of things, like poor diet, anxiety, and more serious health conditions like gastrointestinal disease and liver disease. If your puppy starts vomiting or having trouble going to the bathroom, bring them to a vet as soon as possible. This command is especially important when training a puppy because it could be the difference between praise and a trip to the emergency clinic. Follow these steps to teach your pup this simple command: [5] X Research source Place a high-value treat in one hand and a basic treat in the other. Make a fist with the hand holding the basic treat and let your pup sniff your fist. Training your puppy to drop stones can save them from potential health risks. Go to source Offer your pup a high-value toy. Let them play for a few seconds. Place a high-value treat in front of them. Pick up the toy and hide it behind your back as they eat the treat. Keep repeating and then give the cue without showing treats. A game of fetch or tug-of-war or even taking them on a walk or hike will keep them occupied. Go to source Play fetch to tire your puppy out before they go outside. Fill a puzzle toy with treats or kibble to keep your puppy mentally stimulated. Find these toys online or try your hand at making your own. Kong and Nylabone toys are great distraction and active toys that give your pup something to chew and play with. Most packaging will suggest what age range the toy is best for. Their bodies are looking for more food, so they turn to what looks most like it—rocks! Go to source Chat with your vet to see what diet is best for your pup. Every dog and breed is different, and their diet depends on their genetics and day-to-day lives. Bitter tastes will keep a puppy away from just about anything. If your furry friend finds ways to sneak stones into their mouth, spritz the rocks or pebbles with anti-chewing spray. The bad taste will make them less likely to chew on and eat the stones. Buy an anti-chew spray or try making your own. To make your own spray, combine a ratio of water and distilled white vinegar. Add 20 drops of an organic citrus essential oil like lemon or bergamot. Puppies need a safe place they can roam without getting into trouble. Set up a playpen in an area of your yard, making sure to remove any stones inside the pen. Go to source Advertisement Section 3 of 3: Do puppies grow out of eating stones? Go to source Help your pup grow out of their stone-eating habit with basic training. Teaching basic commands and tricks can help them mature into the best and brightest non-stone-eating dog. Photo by Shane Guymon on Unsplash Why do puppies eat stones? Puppies eat stones to investigate their taste and texture, to chew on while teething, to strengthen their jaw muscles, due to a lack of calcium, nutritional or dietary deficiencies, boredom, or because they are a breed that likes to have something in their mouth, such as Spaniels and Retrievers. Puppies will often put everything in their mouths , including rolling stones no not Mick Jagger or holding pebbles in their mouth. Most will spit them out, but some will try to swallow them too, which is dangerous! How do I get my puppy to stop eating stones? To stop your puppy from eating stones, ensure that their nutritional needs are met, that they are not bored, that they have ways of expressing breed-specific behaviour, teach them to leave it and drop, and stop any punishment-based techniques that you may have been tempted to use. Check out our puppy nutrition , raw feeding for puppies and home cooking for your dog guides. Prevent boredom by using enrichment toys Brain games and puzzle toys w ill all help to prevent boredom in your dog, and give them something better to do than entertain themselves with stones. Provide Breed Specific Outlets If you have a Gundog or retrieving mixed-breed, such as a Labrador , Cockapoo , Cocker or Springer Spaniel, then they are genetically engineered to find carrying things around in their mouth rewarding. The Zigzag app is specifically written to work with breed differences because retrievers gonna retrieve, German Shepherds want to work and Terriers gonna rag and tear! Teach them to leave it Teaching your dog to leave it if they start to go towards stones can be a really useful way to stop your dog from eating stones. They need to learn this one before you start using it on high-value things like pebbles and stones, so teach them to leave food and toys with the help of our article on leave it or the more detailed leave it lessons in the Zigzag app. Teach your dog to drop Teaching a dog to drop things on cue, is a good idea for lots of reasons, and not only to teach your dog not to eat stones. It will help prevent your dog from swallowing the stone and prevent you from having to go in and fish the stones out, which can lead to resource guarding if not handled correctly. Teach your pup with Zigzag today! Avoiding getting cross! Muzzle if necessary Muzzles can be a good management tool to prevent your dog from picking up and eating stones. Photo by Emy Nguyen on Unsplash What happens if my puppy swallows a stone? Stones can cause intestinal blockages; symptoms of this can include diarrhoea , constipation and lack of appetite. When you take your puppy to the vet , they may suggest an X-ray in order to make an informed decision as to what to do next. In some cases, if the stone is large, your puppy may require surgery to have the stone removed. If you have a puppy who is a gravel grazer or a stone scoffer, there are things you can do to stop your puppy from eating stones. This can range from an increase in enrichment to dietary changes, and positive reinforcement training to teach them to leave the stones alone. Head on over to our leave it guide to stop the stone eating, or how about learning why does my puppy eat everything? It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. Search for: Search Button We're an affiliate We may earn an affiliate commission when you purchase through the links on our site. As an Amazon affiliate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Interesting Facts Perhaps you have noticed that your German Shepherd chews on rocks constantly and even may swallow them. You may be wondering if this is normal dog behavior or is it a result of something else and if you should worry about it. Why does my German Shepherd chew on rocks? A common cause why a German Shepherd chews on rocks is a medical condition known as pica which is the compulsive urge and desire to eat non-food objects such as trash, plastic, metals, rocks, among other inanimate items. Other than pica, other reasons for this behavior include nutritional deficiency, stress, and anxiety, boredom, relief of teething pain, intestinal parasitic infestation, medical disorder, a call for attention, and simple curiosity. As a German Shepherd owner, you need to know the root cause of why they chew on rocks with the help of your vet so that an appropriate method can be implemented to stop this potentially harmful habit. This article explores the common reasons why your German Shepherd chews on rocks, the risks associated with this, and how you can stop them from chewing rocks. This will help in knowing the core reason your German Shepherd is engaging in this behavior and how you can help them stop to prevent the associated risks. Reasons Why Your German Shepherd Chews On Rocks Similar to coprophagia which is a canine behavior of eating feces or stool, Pica is the desire to eat non-food items and is the common reason why a dog chews on rocks. Other reasons apart from pica also result in this behavior. Recommended Reading: Why does my German Shepherd eat cat poop? This will help you know the appropriate action to take to help stop the habit. Your vet will help in determining the underlying cause of this behavior, either being from medical or behavioral related causes. To entertain themselves, they direct their attention to what they can chew on. Being an energetic dog, a German Shepherd requires outlets of energy but in situations where they do not have these outlets, they find something to do, and chewing of rocks also becomes an option where they direct their attention. Stress And Anxiety When a German Shepherd experiences stress or anxiety they might direct this to chew on rocks to cope with the feelings. Chewing on anything or rocks tends to ease their feelings. This behavior is normally seen in traumatized dogs especially the ones from shelters that have not had an easy life. Call For Attention Chewing of rocks is also another way your German Shepherd could be seeking your attention. They would be knowing that behaving in a particular way, will lead to a reaction from you therefore they may also engage in chewing rocks just to get your attention. Your dog adores you, they love spending time with you and when they feel they need more of it, they may result in strange behavior to have you focused on them. It is strange but this is common whereby your dog is drawn to chewing and eating rocks for supplementation of these nutrients. Infestation With Intestinal Parasites Infestation with intestinal parasites can also lead to this behavior. Intestinal parasites deprive a dog of the essential nutrients they require leading them to start having cravings in this case chewing and eating rocks. Your vet can easily check for parasites by testing the fecal material of your dog to find out if this is the cause of the behavior. Malnourishment When your German Shepherd is not getting enough food to be full and satisfied, they may opt to eat anything that they find to fill them up to ease the hunger. They could also choose to chew and eat rocks for this purpose. Relief Of Teething Pain Puppies may chew on rocks to ease the discomfort and pain of teething. Teething is a period where adult teeth start emerging from the gums. It is a painful and uneasy stage where puppies tend to chew on anything in the home to ease the discomfort. Simple Curiosity Dogs explore the world around them using their sense of smell and taste. It is common to find them chewing or eating odd things such as trash, their own poop, cat litter, or even rocks. Therefore when this behavior is observed, it is important as a dog owner to discourage and stop it because it can be fatal to your dog. There are risks associated with this which include: Punctured Colon Or Stomach Ingested rocks or stones can cause holes or perforations in the intestines and stomach of your dog which damages their lining. Your dog will be in pain due to this and this requires immediate medical attention. Take your German Shepherd to the vet immediately if you know or suspect they have swallowed rocks to avoid the risk of damage to their intestines and stomach. Provide Toys Providing toys such as chew toys to German shepherd puppies or an adult dog will minimize the destruction of items in your home. Puppies will be able to ease their teething discomfort with toys while the adult German Shepherd will be able to enjoy his chew sessions and jaw stretching moments with an item they are allowed to use. You can also use these toys in the training sessions to show your dog what items are ok to chew on and what are off-limits. This will help your German Shepherd distinguish what is not allowed and toys that they can chew on. Abdominal Blockage Swallowed rocks can cause an abdominal blockage. Intestinal blockages are dangerous because they prevent adequate digestion in the gut which denies your dog nutrition and can cause your dog to become lethargic and also vomit. This is a serious situation that requires surgery for the removal of the blockage. Immediately see your vet if you think your German Shepherd has swallowed rocks. Broken Teeth When your German Shepherd constantly chews on rocks, this chips away at their teeth which damages them. In the long run, they will require dental work and sometimes removal of the damaged teeth. Therefore it is important to curb this behavior to prevent stomach upsets as a result of it. From this, they will be able to recommend treatment, special diet, or advice on behavior modification. When any medical-related problem has been ruled out or addressed by the vet, you can implement a plan to help stop your dog from chewing on rocks. The following is what you can do: Train Them Against The Behaviour The chewing of rocks as a behavioral problem needs to be addressed to stop it. This requires behavior modification of training to teach your German Shepherd to avoid and stop this habit. This teaches them to leave the rocks and they will understand not to pick rocks. Remember to use positive reinforcement every time your German Shepherd understands and obeys and does what is expected of them. Reward them by giving treats, hugs, or praise. This will encourage them to continue with good behavior. You may also need to engage an animal behaviorist to help with this to provide specialized training to stop the rock chewing habit. This will limit access to rocks and also minimize rock chewing. You can do this by clearing all the rocks in your yard, fencing off a gravel area, or applying spray repellent on the rock area that will discourage your dog from chewing the rocks. For areas outside your home, take walks with your dog in areas or parks where there are few rocks or gravel. Coupled with obedience training, your German Shepherd will also listen to you when you instruct them not to pick rocks in case you encounter some. Provide Adequate Exercise Your German Shepherd chews on rocks because they have nothing else to do because of lack of mentally and physically stimulating activities. Due to boredom, they indulge in chewing rocks. By providing adequate exercise, your dog will be occupied and kept active which will minimize and stop them from engaging in this behavior for lack of something better to do. Address Nutritional Deficiencies In consultation with your vet about rock chewing, your vet will examine your dog and provide advice to address any nutrient deficiency that may be the cause of this behavior. They will recommend the best nutrition to also prevent malnourishment as well as treat parasitic infections if present. Give Attention To Your German Shepherd If your German Shepherd chews on rocks as a call of attention from you out of feeling lonely, address this by creating bonding time with them. You can do this by having fun activities such as walking, playing frisbee, or catch. Time with you is very much valued by a German Shepherd therefore try to make time to direct your attention to them. Provide Chew Toys Provide chew toys to your dog which will keep them busy by having something to chew on when they have the natural urge and compulsion of chewing on something. Your dog may also get bored quickly with their toys and could direct their attention to chewing rocks. To prevent this from happening, have different chew toys on rotation to keep them occupied and entertained so that their attention does not shift to rocks. Also, provide chew toys for puppies during teething which they can chew on to relieve teething pain. Supervise play When your German Shepherd is out playing in the yard, supervise them so that you can prevent rock chewing by directing them not to pick them up. This will prevent the risks that are associated with rock chewing and swallowing. Frequently Asked Questions Can a dog pass a rock? A dog can pass a rock if the rock swallowed was small. However, if the rock was large enough it will be hard for it to pass through the digestive system and it will cause an intestinal blockage that requires surgery to remove. How long does it take for a dog to pass a rock? If a dog ingested small rocks, this will take the same time as ingested food to get through the digestive system and be excreted. However, if the ingested rock is too large, it will not pass and will cause blockage in the intestines. Conclusion: Why does my German Shepherd chew on rocks? Chewing of rocks is a strange habit that your German Shepherd can engage in and is as a result of different reasons. The most common cause of this behavior is medically referred to as pica which is the desire of eating non-food items. Other common causes include stress and anxiety, boredom, nutritional deficiency, relief of teething pain, infestation with intestinal parasites, medical disorder, and curiosity. I hope this article helped you know and the reasons why a German shepherd chews on rocks, the potential risks associated with this habit, and how you can stop your dog from chewing on rocks. By following the different methods that are provided, you should be able to help your German Shepherd stop this habit. If you liked this article you may also like to learn more from the below resources on German Shepherds. The information is not meant to substitute formal and individualized advice from a veterinarian. If you're concerned about the health of your dog, seek medical advice from a vet. Related Posts. Your German Shepherd eats rocks due to one or more of the following reasons: boredom, anxiety, stress, they like the smell and taste on rocks, or they may be suffering from a medical issue. Why does my German Shepherd puppy eat rocks? German Shepherd puppies may be eating rocks simply because they are curious. They are natural explorers and may be drawn to many things, including rocks. Some puppies may also be teething and they chew rocks to alleviate the pain, while others just have nothing else to do. Perhaps you have not been paying them too much attention. While other dogs are okay with lounging around the house all day, German Shepherds were bred to work as livestock herders. This means that they require a lot of simulation. Has your dog been spending most of its time indoors? Do you take them out for a walk, exercise or just to play? Bear in mind that your German Shepherd is an intelligent animal and they will need to be stimulated. If left on their own and without enough stimulation, they would definitely look for some form of entertainment. This may include eating rocks or other objects, or even destroying things. Reading tip: Why does my German Shepherd eat poop? The first is fear. There are several things that dogs can be afraid of. It can be their environment or a person. Some are afraid of storms or other loud sounds. The next reason for anxiety is related to their age. Older dogs may have a condition called cognitive dysfunction syndrome which can be the reason for feeling anxious. The University of Lincoln has published research that identified 4 root causes of separation anxiety in dogs. Aside from eating rocks, your German Shepherd may also be doing any of the following: too much barking, aggression, and urinating or defecating all over the house. Perhaps the rocks are under your grill and your dog can smell the grease. They proceed to eat the rocks because the smell reminds them of tasty food. Or they could just be curious. Puppies in particular, love to explore. Smelling and tasting the things around them actually allows them to understand their environment better. Warning: The problem is that rocks pose a choking hazard. They can also cause gastrointestinal obstruction. But dogs are not wired the same. There are even dogs who like to chew and eat grass. It not only tastes good for them, but it can even provide them some nourishment. Also, if your German Shepherds are not getting enough nutrition, they may feel hungry all the time. This may be the reason that they will just start eating whatever is near them including rocks! According to PetMD , it is a condition where dogs crave for something that is not edible. Those who are afflicted with pica may eat anything from rocks, socks , and the like. Pica affects all kinds of breeds, regardless of their age or gender. There is no specific test that can determine whether your German Shepherd has pica. After the diagnosis however, it is still important to find out what exactly caused the pica to manifest. The underlying cause could again be a medical issue. Your German Shepherd might have parasites in his body, or suffering from hormonal imbalance or even diabetes. Other times it can be due to stress and fear. Dogs are social animals and when left for long periods of time, it may make them do things they have never done before. Perhaps the rock-eating is just their way of acting out and getting your attention. Make sure to shower your German Shepherd with lots of love and attention. Go for a walk with them daily. Play with them and talk to them, and make them a part of your family. This could lead to health issues that will not only cost you money but could also put their lives in danger. Some of the possible complications include: Chipped teeth. A perforated stomach. A blockage in their intestines. For more information, follow these tips: 1: Go to your veterinarian Once you see your German Shepherd eating rocks, take them to the veterinarian right away. Your dog may have already swallowed some rocks. In this case your vet can run an X-ray to determine if there is any blockage. Even if there is no blockage, your vet may also help you find the reason why your dog is eating rocks. Aside from getting a medical history, some blood tests and even fecal analysis may also be required. Once a diagnosis has been made, your veterinarian can easily address the issue. That could be the reason why they have started eating rocks in the first place. Make sure that they are getting enough vitamins and minerals in their food. There are nutritional guidelines that you can check out to see if you are feeding your German Shepherd the proper food. Some of the important ingredients that must be present in their food are: Fats. Below, I will mention a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might be doing it and the signs to look for. You can also read about what you should and should not feed a dog here. Boredom German Shepherds are a breed that was bred to be extremely active where they would work with their owners doing intensive tasks for hours on a daily basis. This means that they need a lot of exercise to be properly stimulated. If they do not get a lot of exercise then they will look to make their own entertainment which could include trying rocks or gravel. Generally, it is recommended that a German Shepherd get at least an hour of exercise daily. It could be that this is a trait that dogs still have today which is why they occasionally choose to eat gravel. This could be why wild dogs are often seen eating small rocks. Illness One proposed reason why German Shepherds eat small rocks is that they do it to ease an upset stomach. One way this happens is where the small rocks can cause it to be sick causing its stomach to feel better. If you think that sickness could be the reason, the rock eating will likely have come on suddenly and it should stop after a few days. It likes the taste It could simply be because it likes the taste of the small rocks or gravel. To reduce this from happening you can make sure that your German Shepherd is getting a lot of exercise and you can give it things to divert its attention away from the rocks such as toys to chew on. It smells food Another cause that your German Shepherd might be eating small rocks could that it smells food there. This could be the case when the gravel is where there has been food such as below a barbeque or where some leftovers might have been thrown. If your German Shepherd recently had something happen that could be causing it to be stressed such as a change of environment, a change of owner or if one of your other dogs died then this could be the reason. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd afraid? Things to consider Before trying to get your German Shepherd to stop eating rocks it would help to have a better understanding of why it is doing it. Below, I will mention a couple of things that you can consider. When it started eating rocks It would help to consider when it first started eating rocks. It would help to consider what happened at around the same time that it started eating rocks. When it eats rocks, stones or pebbles It would also help to consider the timing of when it does it. Whereas, if it does it when it has not eaten for a while then it could be the case that it is hungry. How to get your German Shepherd to stop eating rocks There are a number of things that you can do to reduce how much your German Shepherd eats rocks that I will mention below. Make sure its diet is right Giving your German Shepherd a good diet could help to reduce its rock eating. You can read on nutritional guidelines at petswebmd here. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. Give it exercise Since boredom could be what is causing it to eat rocks it would help to make sure that it is getting enough exercise provided that it is definitely not ill. Generally, it is recommended to give a German Shepherd an hour of exercise daily. You can do so by teaching it to play fetch, letting it swim, walking it for an hour or having a dog walker do it for you. Give it other things to chew on Another option you have is to distract your German Shepherd from eating gravel. You can do this by giving it other things that will keep it occupied such as by giving it lots of toys to play with and by giving it lots of toys that it can chew on instead. Train it to come to you You can also train your German Shepherd to come to you when you call it. That way when you see your German Shepherd eating rocks or when it is about to eat them you can call it to come to you which will help you to reduce the number of rocks that will be able to eat. To do this do as follows: Get some treats that it likes and a long lead if you have one Tell it to sit then reward it with a treat. You then repeat the process each time getting it to keep its attention a little longer. Then you tell it to stay then walk a few steps back then if it stays you walk back and reward it. Continue to do that each time walking back a bit further and, when it gets good, wait for a few seconds before walking back to it. This would be especially important if it has been acting unusually in other ways as well. Reduce its access to rocks It would also help to reduce its access to rocks whenever possible. You can do this by preventing it from being able to access certain areas of the yard or by monitoring it when it is in the yard. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. What is that all about? Why do some dogs like rocks so much? We explore some common reasons why dogs eat rocks, risks associated with eating rocks and finally how to stop your dog from eating rocks. This will help you get to the root of why your dog is engaging in this strange behavior and how to help them stop. Why Do Dogs Eat Rocks? The most common reason your dog might be eating rocks is a medical condition called Pica. The classic signs of pica are eating non-food items. In addition to rocks, dogs with Pica might also eat dirt, trash, plastic, metal or articles of clothing like socks. There is no known cause as to why dogs get Pica, but it is often linked to nutritional deficiencies. Another reason your dog may start eating rocks is that he or she has a behavioral issue. Stress or anxiety in your dog may manifest into your dog eating rocks. Your dog might be seeking your attention when he puts rocks in his mouth or he could be anxious or bored. He or she can do an exam and run diagnostic tests to check for nutritional deficiencies or parasites. They may also ask some lifestyle questions about your pet to determine if the issue is behavioral. Risks associated with dogs eating rocks Eating rocks is not a safe behavior for your dog for many reasons. It can lead to illnesses or injuries that result in the need for costly surgery or medical care. Intestinal blockages If your pet ingests a large enough rock, it can cause a blockage that will require surgery to remove. Intestinal blockages prevent dogs from getting adequate nutrition and can cause your pet to vomit or become lethargic. If you think your dog has swallowed something and it is causing a blockage, see your vet immediately to confirm with an X-ray and have it removed. If your dog is in pain or showing any signs of perforation you will want to take them to the vet for treatment. Chipped or broken teeth If your pet is chewing on hard stones or rocks they can chip or damage their teeth, resulting in the need for dental work or even having an impacted tooth removed. Dog dental work is done under anesthesia and therefore poses some additional risks. Try changing where you walk your dog. You can also look for dog training facilities that allow you to rent space to exercise your dog indoors in extreme instances. Use behavior modification Offer your dog an alternative like a favorite treat or a tug toy for dropping the rock. For some breeds of working dogs, leash walks are not enough mental stimulation. You can add training exercises or even give them puzzle toys to help stimulate their minds. Some dogs even enjoy learning tricks or tasks around your house. You may wish to consult a trainer, especially if your dog is a working or herding breed like a Border Collie or Husky. Give your dog ample amounts of attention Similar to ensuring your dog has enough physical and mental exercise, if eating rocks is a behavioral issue, you will also want to ensure that your dog is getting enough attention. If they are eating rocks to get attention from you, being proactive with your attention may lessen their desire to eat rocks in the first place. It might take some time and patience on your end, as change does not happen overnight, especially with dogs. By ensuring your dog is getting adequate nutrition, providing physical and mental exercise, attention and opportunities for behavior modification you will be helping them live their happiest and healthiest lives. The Ollie blog is devoted to helping pet parents lead healthier lives with their pups. If you want to learn more about our fresh, human-grade food, check out MyOllie.

White Boxer Dogs Overview Regrettably, some people still believe that white Boxer dogs or puppies are the least favorable of the breed. Some will argue that those dogs born white are more prone to illness or more aggressive than the other more traditionally colored dogs of the breed. Some think that they have a different set of personality traits and will show different behavior than more traditionally colored dogs. For those of us who are lucky enough to love a white Boxer puppy.This simply could not be further from the truth. There is a lot of false information that can easily be found.So, let's clear this up by looking at the facts. While each dog is an individual and has his or her own personalty quirks, in general, white Boxer dogs will behave exactly like most other more traditionally colored pups and dogs. There is no set change in disposition, aggressiveness or any other trait. Most, if not all Boxers are comical, fun loving and expressive animals with a strong craving to please their owners. They are excellent companions, family pets and enjoy the company of their humans. A white Boxer dog is not automatically ill or blind or has eye issues.In some cases, color can go back as far as 5 generations. Both of the parents must carry the genetic code white. In every way the puppy is the same as all of its siblings…with all the liveliness, traits, and spirit that make them Boxers. A white Boxer is not an albino. Albinos entirely lack pigment. Any dog breed will infrequently have an albino…although it is very rare. When a dog is an albino there is no colored pigmentation anywhere on the dog…They have pink eyes, and a complete lack of color anywhere on the body. Most white Boxer dogs have some spots on their skin which can be seen due to their short coats and have some markings around their nose and mouth. Some have colored markings in their coat such as brown spots around an eye or on the back, etc. They will have pigment in their eyes, this alone rules out albinism as the cause of their whiteness. Approximately one in four puppies are white either all white or majorly white. Therefore, this is not a rare color. Because of this limitation, white Boxer dogs do not meet the breed standard for show conformation. Many breeders and handlers hope that this changes. White Boxers, as beautiful as they are, may someday be accepted for conformation in AKC show events. There are breeders and people in the general public who feel that white Boxer dogs are inferior to fawn or brindled colored Boxers and have more health problems. .Recently, there has been more studies to either substantiate or dissuade the claims that white Boxers are more prone to problems than standard colors. The only claims that seem to have merit are: They are more likely to sunburn And the white Boxer like many other breeds with similar loss of pigment are more prone to deafness in one or both ears. They are not rare -Approximately 25 percent of all boxers born are white. They are not albinos — They have colored eyes, colored touch, inside of the ears, belly and bottom of the paws. They can sunburn easy — an owner should use human sunscreen on their dog if they are to be outside for more than 30 minutes — And remember that the UV sun rays CAN penetrate through clouds, so it is better to be safe than sorry. They can be deaf and this is one of the biggest reasons why most breeders do not purposefully breed for the white color. Blindness is a bit more common with the white Boxer. Some people believe that white Boxers develop cancer more easily than the more standard colored dogs ; however this is still up for debate and has not been proven. The AKC will deny registration for any puppies born to a registered white Boxer. They have the same temperament and personality as other Boxers. .They are happy, loyal, social, friendly dogs when raised in a loving, appropriate home. The white Boxer may have pigmented patches around the eyes and ears and other limited points on the body, but the Check has much more pigment and could be called piebald .A flashy Boxer is one who carries one dose of the gene. An albino Boxer dog would have no color on the skin as well; the eye rims, nose, bottom of the paw pads , and lips would be pink. In addition, most albino dogs have very light eyes. White Boxers, on the other hand, will have some skin pigmentation. Typically, the nose is black, as are the lips. Eye rims and paw pads can be black. Please note that very young Boxer puppies often have pink noses. So, if you have an all white Boxer newborn puppy and the nose is pink, this is not an indication of abinism. Over the of the next few weeks, nose color should come in. Final nose coloring may be fully black or spotted. Many wonder if a Boxer puppy is born deaf or becomes deaf. With all puppies, the ear canal stays closed and will open between days 10 and .A white Boxer - if he is to be deaf - will progressively lose his hearing. The cause of the deafness connected with the white color is the absence of pigment cells in the inner ear resulting in a loss of sensory hair cells at about 6 - 8 weeks of age. For this reason, potential puppy buyers may want to wait until the 10 week old mark, at which time it should be clear as to whether or not the Boxer has his hearing. The shortage or absence of pigment cells is also the cause of the white coat and un-pigmented third eyelids called the haw. In general the more pigment in the coat the lower will be the risk of deafness, but all predominantly white dogs are at risk of being deaf, not just the Boxer breed. Please note however that not all white dogs are white because of a lack of pigment cells. Some breeds such as the West Highlands and Poodles just have extremely diluted pigmentation; they have a full complement of pigment cells, so are not at risk of being deaf. There are of course many other causes of deafness in dogs. Not all are attributable to the absence of pigment cells. And deafness can be caused by external factors too. Tia and Dyson, both 8 years old Photo courtesy of Birgitta Woolmer. A little cuckoo in the best way. These are a few ways that parents of Boxer puppies might describe their pooches. The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds for good reason. Those adorable looks are backed up by big personalities. Do you think a Boxer puppy is right for you? Brush up on your facts about Boxer puppies before you adopt! That can make quite a mess! Boxers are known for their puppy-at-heart attitude that shines through their young adult years. Be sure to give your Boxer puppy plenty of space to exercise and play, and teach them how to settle down if need be. This stubbornness also can carry over into aggression. Some Boxers can get rough with dogs of the same size and sex. Be sure to socialize your Boxer pup early and often and set up expectations early to avoid too much drama. Your Boxer puppy will have tons of energy, but as they age, the need for snuggles and downtime will start to balance out with the need for play. Boxer puppy sitting in grass Boxer puppy looking up at camera Boxer puppy looking at camera Boxer puppy running Boxer puppy Boxer puppy lying in grass. Page 8 Hurley the Boxer puppy at 4 months old; Hurley looks a lot like Bruno. On one of the first warm days of the spring season Bruno the Boxer enjoys sitting outside in the sun. Later Bruno decides it's time to also warm up his underside. His father is a very tall, confident male and his mother is a very gentle and attentive female. Ramsey is very attached to his family and whines at the window when my husband goes to work or when my daughter gets on the school bus. He is also very gentle to my year-old daughter. He often falls asleep with the children on the rug in the family room. He needs to be out! He loves to play fetch and leaps over fallen trees in the woods. He walks 3x a week and plays with the kids or ball for the remaining week days. Ramsey loves people and children. He becomes excited when extended family members visit and sits in their lap so that they won't leave. We love him very much. He also doesn't realize that he's 70 pounds of pure muscle and tries to be a lap dog like a Yorkie! Sadie loves this football; she plays tug-o-war with it. In this picture she had been holding it in her mouth for the longest time. Lacy Ann Price the Boxer at 11 years old Frank the white Boxer 7-month-old Daria with her tongue hanging out Caesar the brindle Boxer at 9 months old Simba the white Boxer puppy at 4 months old Simba the white Boxer at 7 months old.