how much is a german shepherd puppy uk

Temperament: Alert, protective and reliable. However, you will certainly get a tall dog with a very muscular build. To see one standing on the front porch and guarding its home is quite a sight. They have a large, broad muzzle and very strong jawbones. Their eyes are dark and its floppy ears can stand erect or fold over at the tips. Height and Weight Both male and females stand between inches tall however, females are usually a bit shorter. Females will weigh between pounds, will males weighing up to 95 pounds. Breed Colors and Coat Brown is the typical base fur color for this breed — it can be anything from chocolate brown to a light tan. Black can appear in large patches or as a mask over their face and muzzle. In some cases, you may see white or light grey patches. If they inherit a coat from the German Shepherd parent it will be a short, fluffy double coat. Whereas a coat from a Boxer will be smooth and closely cropped to the skin. Mixes will a double coat will shed moderately and those with single coats even less. They will need to be brushed once a week and daily during shedding season. Both parent breeds are commonly employed in this type of work. What makes the Boxer Shepherd so unique is its mischievous, playful attitude in addition to being a hard worker. Both German Shepherds and Boxers have an unfair reputation for being aggressive. In reality, a well trained Shepherd, Boxer, or mix is extremely even tempered and friendly. The Boxer is the 11th most popular dog breed in the United States, as of .The German Shepherd is the 2nd most popular breed. You can expect them to be a bit of a goofball as well as a loyal guard dog. These dogs are not aggressive by nature, but they will bite if they are provoked. Your relationship with them should be one of mutual respect and understanding. You need to keep in mind that working dogs always want something to do and will have high energy levels — so you will need to keep them as active as possible throughout the day. A well trained dog will be very quiet and only bark when something is wrong. However it will take time to train a puppy out of their natural suspicion of strangers. Expect a bit of barking here and there as your puppy learns who they can and cannot trust. Since these pups are so suspicious of other people, early socialization is a must. Even socialized puppies will remain distant to people outside of their home. Finally, you should know that this dog does not like to be left alone — so you should find a good dog sitter if you are away from home often. A German Shepherd Boxer Mix makes a great family dog for the right type of family. Apartments and urban areas do not make the best home for one. Your dog will need their own outdoor space to let out all of their energy. If you have ever owned a German Shepherd or a Boxer, a mix will not be too much more difficult to manage. Keeping this pup active and entertained is the biggest challenge for the breed. They are not for owners with inactive lifestyles. Exercise Requirements This very active dog will want to be on its feet for most of the day. If you are a born outdoorsman, your furry friend will be eager to join you on all of your adventures. They need at least 90 minutes of exercise each day. This could be with a 30 minute walk and then an hour of play. Your dog will be up for just about anything, but running is their very favorite thing to do. Try a game of tag with your pooch, or a game of hide and seek. You can also cater to their love of agility with an exciting backyard hurdle course. If you live on a farm then they will help you tend your livestock just like their Shepherd ancestors would do. Number of Walks Per Day: .Grooming and Shedding Their short coat makes grooming fairly easy. Once a week brushing is fine for most of the year, but you will have to brush them daily during these shedding seasons. As tempting as it may be to stick a dirty dog right in the tub, you should only bathe them once every 3 months. Too much bathing will wash out the oils in their skin. Also, make sure to get between those big floppy ears. Feeding and Diet When you have an energetic dog it is important to fuel their day the right way. This breed will do well with a raw or whole meat diet. Protein should make up most of their diet. Carbs and fats should be derived from natural sources such as fruits and veggies. The fillers in many commercial dog foods are nothing but empty calories. It is very common for large dogs and causes pain and impaired mobility. Physical therapy and pain medication can treat mild to moderate cases of hip dysplasia, while surgery may be needed for more severe cases. EPI is a chronic condition that requires lifelong treatment and dogs with EPI must be given enzyme supplements. With little planning ahead you could get reimbursed for every vet bill from now on! As always, you should meet the puppy before deciding whether to buy, and a reputable breeder will let you meet the parents and, potentially, any siblings. Familial traits can be passed from one dog to the next, although individual attributes are more important than breed attributes. Finding a Boxer Shepherd at a dog shelter might take some patience, but you can always ask for other mixed dog breeds that resemble the Boxer Shepherd. They were used as war dogs thanks to their power and bravery. Today, the most common breed of dog for use in explosives detection is the German Shepherd, which is also used as police dogs and service dogs, because they are known for being one of the easiest dogs to train. Boxers Are Great with Kids Boxers have a somewhat unfair reputation for being fighting dogs. They are lovers rather than fighters. Boxers are family orientated and they make especially good pets for children. They are patient and gentle with children, despite being headstrong and boisterous at other times. Boxer Shepherd Mixes tend to take on this attribute, so they are incredibly loving, but they do demand love in return. It was officially recognized by the American Kennel Club back in and even has its own motto — Utility and Intelligence. It was given the motto by breed champion Captain Max von Stephanitz. Stephanitz is widely credited with having introduced the modern German Shepherd breed and was responsible for setting the standards for the breed. Utility and intelligence are arguably the two words that best describe this heroic breed and the attributes that make it popular in a host of service roles. The German Shepherd is used as a guard dog, service dog, police dog, and in a range of other service roles. It is easy to train and can learn new commands quickly and easily. While the Boxer is said to share similar attributes, he can come across as being accident-prone and a bit dim. With constant training, the possibilities with this breed are almost endless. The German Shepherd can be shy and wary of strangers, which means that some Boxer Shepherds can adopt a similar outlook. Take them to puppy classes, enroll in a dog agility class, and take them down to the park where they can meet other puppies and their owners. Boxers can be a bit silly and your Boxer Shepherd Mix might have fits of boisterousness to contend with. While they will usually calm this activity around children, you might want to clear the decks for a five-minute charge. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They are easy to train, constantly willing to take on new information and commands, and they crave the love and attention of their owners. Although they have adopted some of the rambunctiousness of the Boxer breed, they usually reserve this for when small children are out of the way. The German Shepherd Boxer Mix will require regular walks, at least once a day, but their high level of intelligence means that they will learn games to play with family members of all ages. They can become very close friends with children, and through socialization at an early age, they should be welcoming of new additions to the family. You should monitor activity around your children because the size of this breed means that they still pose a danger even if they are being friendly. They will enjoy spending time at the park playing, and they can also thrive with another dog in the house. This breed can live with cats and other pets, although this is always easier if you can introduce them at a young age, and the size and liveliness of the Boxer Shepherd Mix means that it can be intimidating for smaller animals like cats. They are bright and attentive with a fun and silly side, that can keep all family members entertained for hours on end. Below are some things to consider when you are thinking of adding one to your family. They are likely to be voracious eaters, gobbling up food you put down. The primary food source for the German Shepherd Boxer Mix should be meat protein such as is found in chicken, lamb, or beef. You can also introduce fish oil to aid in keeping a healthy and shiny coat, while carbohydrates and fat give your dog the energy they need to get through the day. They are also strong and intelligent. This combination means that you will benefit by giving your dog regular exercise. You should walk your dog at least once a day, ideally giving him two or more walks. To keep your Boxer Shepherd Mix entertained and switched on, you can enroll in agility classes or take them hiking or climbing with you. Both breeds and the subsequent crossbreed will enjoy spending a lot of time outdoors. Unless they receive appropriate mental stimulation throughout the day, they are more prone to destructive and unwanted behavior. German Shepherds are renowned for their ability to learn. This is why they are chosen as service dogs, and why they can make exceptional pets. Even when you think your dog has learned everything it possibly can, a Boxer Shepherd Mix will surprise you by picking up new habits. Training helps ensure that the habits they do pick up are desirable. With that said, you will need to assert dominance; otherwise, your dog will try to rule the roost. You will have to meet and overcome challenges from the German Shepherd dominant breed. Because they can easily become bored, you will also have to find new and innovative ways to mix up training and continue to provide a mental challenge. Dog agility is a great way to combine flexible training with physical exertion and socializing. Some have a long, German Shepherd style coat, but most tend to get the short coat of their Boxer ancestors. Those with short-haired Boxer Shepherds should only need to brush once a week, but if your cross has inherited the long-hair of the German Shepherd, you will need to groom two or three times a week , especially if your dog is active in fields or, worse still, ponds and lakes. Bathing may be necessary but should only be done when necessary. Brush teeth at least two or three times a week, ideally every day, and wipe their ears clean once a week to prevent ear infections. Boxers are prone to a number of health complaints including cancer, cardiomyopathy, hypothyroidism, bloat, and allergies. German Shepherds tend to suffer from bloat, myelopathy, and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. Both breeds suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia. With that said, there is no guarantee that your dog will suffer from these conditions, but you should keep an eye out for any signs of them developing. Minor Conditions. It is a cross between the Boxer and the German Shepherd. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in either breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. Full of life and always wanting attention, I never leave her behind. She is very sweet and a great cuddle buddy, but this goes without mentioning her evil side. She has a mind of her own but as long as you speak to her as an equal , she will never leave your side. Very friendly and plays great with other dogs big and small. He also plays great with our three cats. He loves rides in the car and truck. I found her over the internet and fell in love with her picture. I drove 30 miles to go get her. She's had her tail docked.But she still likes to chase her stub even though she can't reach it. I've seen her go after it for awhile though. And when she's excited her whole body shakes. She's a sweet puppy and her best friend is my one year old son. I noticed that Boxer-Shepherds aren't a popular hybrid, but I think I've come across one of the best breeds that will ever have existed. She's in great health. She's 4 years old in this picture. She loves to run around sometimes, but most of the time she lays around. She is .She has another dog friend named Biskit, which they get along okay but do fight lot. Nothing serious though. Your dog should have a healthy weight. Extra weight or being overweight is bad for dogs because this places additional pressure on its spine. Obesity can also lead to some medical conditions that can be fatal for your dog. One of the most common causes of obesity is giving your dog treats. Therefore, you should never give your dog food treats when training your dog. The following dog food brands are perfect for German Shepherd Boxer mix breeds 1. Blue Buffalo There are reasons why more pet owners trust Blue Buffalo. It is made from whole grains like brown rice and oatmeal to keep your dog satiated and to help sustain its energy all day long. Blue Buffalo helps maintain regular digestion. It is available for large breed dogs and small breed dogs. Halo also has low-carb options with ingredients like salmon, turkey, and flaxseeds. Iams Iams is a well-known dog food with a fantastic nutrient profile. The ingredients are naturally made from real meat and whole grains. This brand will help your dog maintain its ideal weight and energy levels. Never give your German Shepherd Boxer the following food. Keep in mind that not all human food is safe. Some dogs may also have allergies so be careful in giving your pet just any kind of food. Salty foods and junk food Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Chocolate, coffee, or tea Apart from the unconditional love that your pooch gets from you, you should know how important their nutrition is for their happy life. Your hairy friend is a descendant of two gorgeous parents, who can sometimes differ a lot from one another. This means that your pooch can develop a propensity for various food types and you can experiment with best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food , too. If you want to see your puppy strong, happy, and healthy, consider some of the best puppy food brands , while senior dog owners have the best senior dry dog food on their menu. Just make sure to consult with your vet first! You need to spend enough time daily to exercise and play with your dog; otherwise, it can become bored and develop destructive behavior. A tired dog is a good dog, so they say, and the only way to tire this dog is to give it a good run and to play active games. Activities, like running, jogging, swimming, Frisbee and fetch, are perfect for this breed. Playing with your dog is not just a way to exercise your dog but will also help you develop a strong bond with your pet. As much as possible play with your dog daily. Invest in durable toys for your dog. And most of all, this dental chew toy will make his breath smell better and protect his teeth. Baily is soft and cuddly and is also washable. The Chuckit! These are easy to clean too if only you can take this toy away from your dog! Training this mixed breed is easy, but you need to do it right. Here are a few tricks that you can use to train your dog. Offer Positive ReinforcementAvoid food treats. Provide positive reinforcement to support proper behavior. The moment it arrives home, teach it simple house rules. Show your dog where this will sleep and where it will find its food and water bowl. Be patient, and your puppy will surely understand where everything is at. One way is to use the clicker method. The clicker is a small device that gives an audible click, something that your dog will love to hear. The point of the clicker is to give a click if your dog follows your command. You can use the clicker for any trick. Just click the clicker after your dog follows your command and then click this again when you want your pet to repeat the behavior. Clickers are available in most pet stores. Avoid Confusing Your Dog Dogs can be easily distracted. Just a loud noise or strangers can distract them from learning new tricks. So at an early age, train your pup in a quiet environment with no distractions. Avoid confusing your dog at this stage so he can learn tricks fast. Start training your dog indoors and gradually introduce him to the outdoors. You will know that he is ready for outdoor training once he is less distracted to noise and other pets and people. A Boxer German Shepherd dog can be trained to become service dogs and guard dogs. You can ask a professional to train your dog so he can learn obedience training, protection training, attack training and so on. One, this dog will love to be with their masters and will do everything they can to please them. Next, this dog will defend his territory and will guard his family with his life. This dog will also be patient with other dogs and other pets at home. The Boxer German Shepherd should be allowed to socialize with other dogs and people as early as possible. If this is not done, the dog can develop anti-social behaviors and may become aggressive with people or other dogs. Your German Shepherd Boxer pup will grow up to be a well-behaved, loving, happy and healthy dog when you train it early and expose it to people and other animals in your home or community. Male and female Boxer Shepherds are usually around the same size and weight, although the females tend to be slightly shorter. You can expect the following: Males: 23 to 27 inches tall and up to 95 pounds Females: 21 to 25 inches tall and up to 75 pounds How to Feed a German Shepherd Boxer Mix Energetic dogs tend to eat more, and the same is true for the Boxer Shepherd mix. You can expect to feed them two or three times a day. The goal is to end up at 1, calories per day. These calories should be made up of raw or all-natural meat protein. They require some carbohydrates, too, which can be consumed in the form of fruits and veggies. Stay away from commercial dog foods that do not utilize real ingredients. These are empty calories that will not help your German Shepherd Boxer mix grow and remain healthy. The grooming requirements for a German Shepherd Boxer solely depends on what type of coat he inherits. Follow these general guidelines: If your dog has a short, thick coat from the Boxer parent, brushing one weekly is enough to keep the coat healthy. Bathing should take place every two to three weeks. Your Boxer Shepherd should also have his teeth brushed regularly and nails clipped. They are incredibly obedient and take commands well. With their high intelligence, they learn swiftly. However, the drawback to this mixed breed is that they also do not like being dominated. So how can you make sure you train your Boxer Shepherd successfully? Well, mutual respect is vital. Clickers tend to work really well with this mixed dog breed, too. Aside from training, socialization is necessary for this dog breed. Otherwise, they may end up feisty and aggressive. Start socializing your pup around people of all ages at a young age. Socialization classes are a great way to go. If you are struggling with training your Boxer Shepherd, the best thing to do is to have your dog professionally trained. You will need to be there for the classes so the trainer can show you how to be assertive without being dominant with your German Shepherd Boxer mix. The Boxer Shepherd is known for being a very active dog, as both parents are known for their high energy levels. As far as exercise needs are concerned, these mixed canines need at least one long walk per day, although two or more is ideal. They also require a large yard where they can run and play throughout the day. Provide them with stimulating toys and jobs to do, too, as these intelligent canines need plenty of stimulation to avoid destruction and mayhem. Boxer Shepherd Health One of the many great things about the German Shepherd Boxer mix is that they are relatively healthy. However, there are a few health issues that this breed may have, including: Hip dysplasia.

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These Doods make equally great family companions and therapy or service dogs. Most importantly, do your research and lots of it! Although Bernedoodles are generally considered healthier than their purebred Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle parents, the key to producing healthy and genetically sound litters is extensive health testing beforehand. Secondly, ethical Bernedoodle breeders in Wisconsin can confidently back their breeding programs with health guarantees. A good health guarantee should cover any serious or life threatening genetic conditions typically for the first one or two years from adoption, sometimes even more. As a home breeder, they have their parent dogs and puppies living right there inside their home. In addition to early socialization , Lake Poygan Bernedoodles starts their puppies on basic commands and even grooming. They move the pups around the house to introduce them to a variety of sights and sounds, and they even implement the Early Neurological Stimulation method ENS. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Lake Poygan Bernedoodles is a member breeder of Good Dog and they follow responsible breeding practices. They carefully select their parent dogs based on their health and genetic testing results. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. It is our great honor to be given the opportunity to raise your best friend! I have almost ten years of experience raising, grooming, and training puppies. This means that your puppy will receive the best care, including tons of hugs and kisses, until the very moment that they reach your family's loving arms! We truly believe that an amazing dog can make a lifelong impact on their family's life. That's why it's so important to us to give our puppies the best start possible! The first step to this process, is our careful selection of the parent's of our Bernedoodle puppies. Each parent dog is specifically chosen for their outstanding temperaments and receives health testing. This helps to ensure that each and every puppy has a wonderful personality and will have excellent health. All of our puppies and dogs live in our home with us so that we can give them the proper love that they deserve. This also means that our puppies are exposed to many different sounds and textures before going home. Giving puppies a wide range of exposure to different things helps them to feel more comfortable and confident when confronted with new situations throughout their life. Another step we take to raise the most outstanding puppies, is to give each puppy Early Neurologic Stimulation ENS every day from three days old to sixteen days old. ENS is a series of gentle stimuli that was developed by the US military to improve the performance of military working dogs. It has been shown to enhance a puppy's disease resistance, stress tolerance, adrenal glands, and cardiovascular performance. In addition to giving our puppies the best care possible, taking care of our customers is so important to us! Before you bring home your puppy, and even years after, we will always be here to answer any questions you may have and offer our support. We are so excited to have the opportunity to bring the sweet love of a Bernedoodle puppy into your life! Please have a look around our website and contact us if you have any questions. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. If all goes well, we will have the most exciting pairs and pups for our families just in time for Christmas! If the holidays are hectic, plan ahead and be sure to save a spot in our training program! Our puppy curriculum and enrichment activities are second to none. At CWB our focus is creating confident pups with a head start on training and socialization. We're thrilled to announce the ability to offer additional support and training beyond our extensive 8 week curriculum. We have limited space and availability, so be sure to ask about this when you commit to a specific litter. We have more litters on the way and will fill those off of our waitlist first. With a variety of litters planned, we can offer many different color and size combinations! Our first Berner, Tillie, is the most loving dog we have ever known. We live in Vesper WI on a 60 acre cranberry marsh with our 6 young children and growing dog family! We fell in love with the Bernese Mountain Dog BMD breed after having a heartbreaking experience with our first family dog. When our son was bit by our malamute, we vowed to never again bring a dog into our family that we thought might hurt someone. After years of healing and countless hours of research, we knew we'd found the right breed for our family: the Bernese Mountain Dog. Our first Berner, Tillie, makes anyone who meets her fall in love with the breed. We knew we wanted to add a Standard Poodle to our family after we learned how intelligent, playful, and sweet they are. Our first Poodle, Willow got us completely hooked on the breed! These breeds compliment each other very nicely! Since deciding to expand our small program, we have had the joy of adding additional Berners to our family and love each as much as the last. We have found bernedoodles to be the BEST combination of all the wonderful traits in both our Berneses and our Poodles. Their hypoallergenic nature, slightly smaller and more agile frame is a delightful "middle ground" and makes a truly incredible family pet. Litter News Our Summer Litters have all gone home, with the exception of a couple remaining pups. The updates as they are coming in have been positive and it sounds like they are all adjusting perfectly. We have updated out Litter Plans section on the Adoptions Page , so be sure to check out who has been bred and all their litter details! These pairs are going to be absolute perfection for Alice and Coco, while Sofia's repeat of her earlier litters with King we KNOW will be a dream come true. Be sure to submit your application and reserve your spot on the master list for a chance in these litters. We are really excited to share MORE fun apparel and the ease of ordering directly online! More announcements will be coming as we finalize our online store, so be sure to follow us on Facebook for announcements regarding puppies and clothing if you are interested. I agree to recieve email communications from Bernedoodle Boutique Our joy is breeding yours. Our mission is to match you with the perfect puppy for your family and lifestyle. Through our adoption process we find out your specific needs and wants and then pair you with a puppy to match. We want to understand what life will look like for a dog in your life so we can recommend a puppy that instinctually will be a great fit for you and the puppy. We love all breeds but most of all we love sharing our passion of producing the healthiest, cutest, best family pets for you! We firmly believe that breed diversification produces the healthiest puppies, and the science supports this. Breed diversification is a very important step in the process to ensuring you have a healthy happy puppy. Plus, we get to love on many types of breeds in the process! All of our breeding dogs are health tested and genetic tested as soon as possible and not bred until we know for sure we are working with healthy dogs. Pairings are selected based on health testing, genetics, size, temperament, and color. Poodles are fun, energetic, smart, and easy to train. Their intelligence can not be overstated: We often say all other dogs are playing checkers and Poodles are playing chess. With their great agility, quick intelligence, and desire to please they were originally bred to be hunting dogs. Poodles are fun-loving dogs and make great family pets. We have absolutely fallen in love with this breed over the years. Bernedoodles are friendly, intelligent, playful, and outgoing. They truly combine the best traits of the Bernese Mountain Dog and Poodle. They tend to be gentle and loyal like the Bernese Mountain Dog and intelligent and playful like the Poodle. They look like teddy bears and are easy to train. Bernedoodles benefit from the longer lifespan of Poodles compared to a standard Bernese Mountain Dog. Cavapoos, also known as a Cavadoodle, make the perfect cuddly couch partner. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are known for their cute and sweet personality. Cavapoos are affectionate and love humans. They have the intelligence of the Poodle, making them easy to train, with all the cuteness of a cuddly little teddy bear. We have frequently have puppies available and would love the opportunity to help you find the perfect match for your lifestyle and family. Bernese Mountain Dogs are majestic gentle giants and make excellent family dogs. They are gorgeous and attract attention everywhere they go. Bernese Mountain Dogs were originally bred as an all purpose farm dog used to herd cattle, protect the farm, and pull milk carts. Their ancestors must have worked too hard because the modern Bernese Mountain dog seems happiest laying around and getting love from their owners. Bernese Mountain Dogs love people and thrive on human companionship. Our love for the Bernese Mountain Dog is what got us into breeding in the first place. We believe in providing the best life possible for our breeding dogs. Many of them live with us in our home as family pets being loved on by our family. The Guardian Family receives a puppy to love as their own. During breeding and whelping the dog stays with us; and then goes back home afterwards. To learn more about becoming a Guardian Home click here. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Kaukauna Wisconsin and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups!

How to prevent coughs in dogs? Why do dogs cough? As your pet explores the world with their nose or mouth, they encounter germs, dirt, tiny bugs, bits of grass, and many other particles. If some of this material is breathed in, your dog may cough to expel it. No big deal, right? And if the coughing is accompanied by changes in breathing, it could indicate something more serious. Set goals. Compare with dogs like yours. Monitor sleep. Detect issues and keep them healthy. Shop Dog Trackers Is it a cough or a gag? Coughing and gagging may sound similar when they happen, but they are not quite the same. A cough is caused when your dog forces air out of the mouth and throat. Gagging is more akin to vomiting, but nothing comes out except some phlegm or mucus. Gagging can lead to coughing and coughing can lead to gagging, but either can happen on its own. Gagging is often the result of your dog gulping down large chunks of dry food or swallowing something distasteful. Gagging is a natural process to rid the body of the swallowed or partially-swallowed item. What are the various types of dog coughs? Your pooch feels the same way! Take action sooner rather than later to help your pup recover from the cough and head off a more serious illness. This will help your vet decide the best way to care for the cough and make your pooch more comfortable. Dry, hacking, cough that is deep-sounding Gagging and high-pitched cough Wet and phlegmy Deep and honking, like a goose Each type of cough indicates a different problem. Take a video of your dog coughing and show it to your vet. This will help the vet decide if the cough signals an emergency or could be contagious, like kennel cough or canine influenza. What are the symptoms of kennel cough? Kennel cough typically causes your dog to produce a deep, dry, honking cough. Kennel cough is caused by several types of bacteria or viruses, but it produces only mild illness. Kennel cough is highly contagious and is often spread in group settings such as obedience classes, boarding facilities, or dog parks. Your veterinarian can prescribe medication to alleviate the cough. Be sure to keep your pup away from other dogs until they are no longer contagious. The Bordetella vaccine can protect your dog from getting kennel cough. It can be administered as an injection or nasal spray. Talk to your vet about this vaccine, especially if your dog is boarded frequently. Look around for clues to determine if your dog recently chewed on or ate something that could have lodged in the throat. If you suspect a foreign object is lodged in the throat, seek veterinary care as this could block the airway or cause infection. Just keep a close eye on your pup after an incident like this. Environmental allergens Pollen, smoke, fungi, and other inhaled allergens can cause coughing in your dog. If your dog has allergies, consider keeping them indoors during peak allergy season, or ask your veterinarian for medication to alleviate the symptoms. Toy dog breeds and obese dogs have an increased risk of developing a collapsed trachea. Tracheal collapse occurs when the cartilage surrounding the airway weakens. Treatment for a collapsing trachea includes weight loss and medication to reduce coughing. Pneumonia A wet, phlegmy cough may indicate a buildup of fluid in the lungs. If the fluid becomes infected, then your dog will have pneumonia. One way to know if your dog might have pneumonia is to watch their breathing. If breathing is labored even when the dog is resting and not coughing, that may be a sign of pneumonia. You may notice the cough becoming more prevalent when your dog is lying down. Heart disease is more likely to occur in older dogs. Canine influenza Coughing, along with sneezing, runny nose, runny eyes, fever, and lethargy can signal canine influenza dog flu. Ask your vet about supportive care for your pup, such as fluids and other medications to reduce fevers. If your dog has coughed daily for more than two months, they may have canine chronic bronchitis. This chronic condition is unlikely to resolve, so treatment focuses on addressing the symptoms. Other reasons for coughing in dogs include heartworm disease — which should not be a problem if your pup is on regular heartworm medication. In a reverse sneezing episode, a dog actually sucks air in rather than forcing it out. If reverse sneezing becomes a daily occurrence, contact your vet to rule out any other conditions. Laryngeal paralysis is another condition that may seem cough-related. In laryngeal paralysis, the muscles that surround the voice box larynx become weak. Your pup may pant loudly and their voice may change. Always see your veterinarian when your dog experiences changes in breathing. Lung cancer can cause persistent coughing in dogs. But lung cancer is not a common reason that dogs experience coughing. What to do if my dog is coughing Coughing is uncomfortable for your dog and can be tough to listen to for days on end. Plus, it can be a sign of a serious or contagious illness. Do your dog and yourself a favor and seek treatment as soon as possible. And if your dog has a life-threatening underlying cause, beginning treatment early can improve the outcome for your dog. Persistent coughing can irritate the throat. Add a spoonful of honey to a bowl of water, up to three times per day. Close the bathroom door so the room gets extra steamy. Allowing your dog to plenty of rest is important for recovery form any illness. Their body just needs time to recover. When should I bring my dog to a vet? Most cases of coughing in dogs are completely treatable. And when it comes to throat problems, it can be really scary to see your dog coughing and gagging. Sure, an occasional cough or gag is completely normal behavior for your dog. However, if the coughing or gagging persists, then a trip to your veterinarian may be necessary. We spoke to Jamie Fischer, a veterinary technician at DodoVet , for more insight into why your dog might be having trouble with his throat, if there are some dog breeds that are more prone to throat issues, and what you can do to help. Reasons for a dog coughing and gagging Have you ever noticed your dog gagging a lot or having a persistent cough? Luckily, this condition is often managed by using harnesses instead of collars, weight control, less intense exercise, or even inhaler-type medications to help open the airway. Respiratory infection — This type of infection can be bacterial, viral or fungal. Treatment of these infections varies depending on what kind of infection is diagnosed by your vet, but it can include antibiotics, anti-inflammatory medications, steroids or cough suppressants. This condition can be caused by infections, pneumonia, allergies or air pollutants, like cigarette smoke. Treatment for this condition can include bronchodilators and corticosteroids. Heart disease — Coughing can be a sign of heart disease. Other symptoms include exercise intolerance, lethargy, heavy breathing or panting, and blue-tinged gums or tongue. This life-threatening condition can affect any dog, but most commonly occurs in large, deep-chested breeds. GDV or bloat occurs when the stomach fills up with gas, twisting upon itself and blocking the exit of the stomach. Symptoms can include gagging or retching, bloated appearance, anxious behavior, drooling, weakness and collapse, and requires immediate veterinary attention and surgical correction. Other signs include pawing at the mouth, drooling, licking his lips repeatedly, refusing to eat, vomiting, lethargy or restlessness, tummy pain, and an inability to poop. A call to your vet immediately is recommended, as they will take an X-ray to determine what and where the object is, whether it is causing a blockage, and if it will be able to be digested on its own or will need to be surgically removed. Are some dogs more prone to coughing and gagging? Some dog breeds can be at higher risk for airway issues. This means that any inflammation or irritation to their airway can be much more serious than in dogs with normal sized noses. Common Reasons Dogs Gag Gagging can indicate different problems in dogs. Dog owners need to be able to differentiate between the sounds their dog makes and their behavior to help the vets in the correct diagnosis of the problem. Here are some common reasons behind gagging in dogs. Some of these may need a trip to the vet, others may resolve on their own, or with antibiotics. Foreign Object in Esophagus, Mouth or Throat It is very common for foreign objects such as bones, bone splinters, string, small toys, etc to get caught in the esophagus. This can cause gagging, retching, and drooling. If a sharp object gets stuck in the esophagus and damages it, your dog will develop fever, cough, and have difficulty swallowing. Tight Leash A tight leash can make your dog gag constantly. If your dog pulls on the leash, your response is to jerk the leash to stop him. This can lead to gagging, coughing, and cause injuries to their trachea and neck. Kennel Cough Kennel cough is a highly contagious respiratory disease, that causes a strong and dry cough with a hacking sound, runny nose, sneezing, and low fever. Your dog may gag trying to clear their throat. Symptoms usually manifest after 3 to 10 days of exposure to an infected dog. Pneumonia If your dog gags and spits out mucus then this could be the result of the build-up of fluid in their lungs. Fluid or phlegm is an indication of pneumonia which can have several causes. Laryngeal Paralysis In this condition, the larynx does not close properly, allowing some food and fluid to enter the airways. Laryngeal paralysis can result in very loud panting also. Tracheal Collapse Tracheal collapse is a common cause of the honking sound and gagging in older small breeds like bulldogs. Tracheal collapse is usually congenital in puppies. If these rings are weak or soft the trachea will start to close and the puppy will have trouble getting sufficient oxygen into their lungs. Other health conditions, like obesity, chronic bronchitis, heart failure can either cause or contribute to tracheal collapse. Chronic Bronchitis and Pharyngitis Pharyngitis is the inflammation of the pharynx, a cavity behind the nose and mouth. Along with gagging, pharyngitis can cause fever, coughing, pain, and loss of appetite. In some cases the back of the throat of the dog may turn red and also produce some pus. Chronic bronchitis will cause coughing in dogs. Bronchitis causes inflammation of the bronchi or the tubes that come from the windpipe and go into the lungs. Couching caused by bronchitis is spurred by exercise or excitement. This is followed by gagging and sometimes spitting of white foam. Nasal and Sinus Infections Nasal and sinus infections can cause postnatal drip akin to what humans experience when they have a nasty cold. Along with nasal discharge your dog may cough, gag, retch, and sneeze. Parainfluenza, herpesvirus, and adenovirus can cause nasal and sinus infections in dogs. Senior dogs with teeth infection and tumors are also susceptible to sinus and nose infections. Brachycephalic Obstructive Airway Syndrome Flat-faced breeds like English bulldogs breathe noisily even at rest and can suffer from severe respiratory distress. These dogs are born with a soft palate that obstructs airflow into their lungs. Your bulldog will have difficulty in breathing and will retch or gag especially while swallowing. This is why bulldogs breathe so hard. Here is how you can help. Roundworms Your dog may be infected with roundworms which can make them gag insanely. When the larvae of the worms reach the lungs, dogs start gagging and coughing. Other symptoms include vomiting and diarrhea. How to Help a Gagging Bulldog? If your dog has ingested any foreign object such as sticks or bones you will notice your bulldog making retching noises. Your bulldog will try to dislodge the foreign bodies by rubbing their faces on things and gagging. In case, you suspect your dog has eaten something, do a visual inspection to see if you can spot them. However be careful because if the object breaks you can injure your dog, leading to an infection or cause an accidental bite to your hand. If your bulldog is not choking on any foreign object then you need to look for signs of GDV Gastric Dilation and Volvulus. If you suspect that your Bulldog may have it take them to the vet as soon as possible. There are some symptoms you can look for in your Bulldog to make that they are suffering from GDV. Swollen and hard stomach Inordinate drooling accompanied with gagging White foam Fast breathing and accelerated heart rate Sluggishness If your bulldog is vomiting also along with gagging then your bulldog may have a stomach virus. Your dog may not eat also due to the stomach virus. If you think this might be the case, get your bulldog to drink some water. If they refuse to drink water try putting a little flavor in it. Even then if your bulldog completely refrains from drinking water, you will need to take them to the vet to prevent dehydration. If you think your bulldog is gagging due to an infection such as Kennel Cough, then keep them away from other dogs. Unless it is a severe infection your bulldog will recover without any attention from a vet. Proper nutrition, adequate rest can help your bulldog to recover fast. If your Bulldog who has swallowed something wrong and appears okay, eating, breathing, and drinking normally, you should monitor them for 48 to 72 hours. If your dog gags longer than this and appears distressed and has difficulty in breathing then they need a quick examination. To rule out the presence of intestinal worms your vet will perform a fecal exam and recommend an appropriate wormer for your bulldog. If your dog is suffering from sinusitis or rhinitis, your vet will prescribe antibiotics. In the case of pneumonia, your vet may suggest inhalation therapy which is an effective way of treating these types of lung infections. Seeing your bulldog gag and retch can be quite petrifying. You might also panic seeing your bulldog struggling to breathe and gagging. Being a responsible dog owner the safety and well-being of your pooch should be at the forefront of your mind. Most of the causes of gagging do not require any concern but there are a few that can be life-threatening. Gagging can easily be confused with coughing or choking on an object, etc. Therefore, it is important to identify the real cause to avoid the triggers. There are treatments available to cure or reduce gagging significantly and make your dog more comfortable. Post Views: 1, By Sandra C. While dog gagging can be a benign behavior, there are things you need to know and be aware of so that you know when it is time to visit your veterinarian. It sounds sort of like they are trying to vomit while also coughing. There is a difference between coughing, vomiting and dog gagging, and it is important to be able to distinguish between them. If you can take a video of the behavior, it will help your veterinarian to distinguish what is happening. When a dog vomits , it is usually pretty obvious because food or stomach contents wind up on the floor. Dog gagging usually happens in conjunction with a cough. When a dog is gagging, they may widely open their mouth and make a retching sort of sound. With gagging, there will be no expulsion of stomach contents, like with vomiting. Believe it or not, it does matter. For a veterinarian, the order in which these two actions happen can help them determine which types of diseases they need to be considering. What Causes Dog Gagging? Gagging is caused by inflammation in the area of the larynx. There are a number of things that can cause a dog to gag, and it will often require a veterinary exam to sort the problems out. When a dog coughs first and then gags, we are commonly thinking about problems which cause bronchitis and lower respiratory disease. When a dog gags first and then coughs, we are considering things along the lines of dysfunction of the larynx. Two very common things that can cause gagging in dogs are infectious problems and laryngeal paralysis. Kennel cough , which is a type of respiratory infection, is a common cause of dog gagging, which results in a harsh, goose-like cough, sometimes followed by a gag. There are other infectious diseases that can also cause gagging, and a more severe disease—pneumonia—can sometimes cause gagging in dogs, as well. Laryngeal paralysis can occur often in older Labrador Retrievers. In this condition, the larynx no longer closes properly, allowing some food and fluid to access the airway. Another feature of this condition is a very loud, harsh panting. Laryngeal paralysis often starts out subtly and worsens with time. If your pet is bright, alert, breathing normally, eating and drinking as expected, and appears to be feeling fine, you should monitor the problem for hours. If the gagging lasts longer than this, it may well be something more significant than just some minor reaction from swallowing wrong. If any other symptoms are present—your dog appears worried or distressed, is having ANY trouble breathing, has an increase in noise during breathing, or is not feeling well in any fashion—I would recommend an exam sooner rather than later. Whenever the respiratory system is not quite right, we tend to take the condition seriously as veterinarians. What happens at the veterinary appointment will vary quite a lot depending on the specifics of what your dog is displaying. In all cases, a complete physical examination is indicated. Sometimes, the doctor may be able to make a tentative diagnosis based on this exam alone. Other times, some additional tests may be required. The most common initial tests include blood work looking specifically for signs of infection as well as radiographs of the neck and lungs. Particularly, if the veterinarian is concerned that laryngeal paralysis is a possibility—or if the dog may have swallowed some foreign material such as a ball that is lodged—sedation may also be required for a complete exam of the larynx. The good news is that most cases of dog gagging are relatively straightforward to treat. Even the causes that are more significant, such as from pneumonia or laryngeal paralysis, do have treatments available to either cure or significantly reduce the gagging and make your dog more comfortable. By: Dr. Sandra Mitchell. Prevention Back to Top If your dog suddenly starts to make gagging noises or cough, it can be alarming. Sometimes, it's just a single cough or gag, while other times it is chronic problem. If the symptoms are ignored and there is an underlying disease causing them, things can progress to a potentially life-threatening situation. Find out what causes a dog to cough or gag and what you can do to help prevent unnecessary issues from developing. Coughing vs. Gagging A cough and a gag are similar but not the same. A cough is a hacking noise that occurs when your dog is forcing air out of the throat and mouth. A gag is a retch that is similar to vomiting but nothing comes up and out, except maybe a little phlegm or mucous. Sometimes a dog will both cough and then gag at the end of the cough, but either can happen on its own. Causes of Coughing or Gagging in Dogs Airborne debris, food, diseases, and more can result in your dog developing a cough or gag. Knowing the cause of your dog's symptoms may help you determine whether or not they are serious. Food Sometimes a dog will eat so quickly that the food will go down the trachea instead of the esophagus. This can cause a dog to cough or gag in an attempt to get the food out of the wrong tube. In this case, you could encourage your dog to eat more slowly and place food in a bowl that is at an appropriate height for the size of your dog. Slow feeders and elevated dog bowls can help. It's caused by inflammation and irritation of the trachea or lungs and until it is treated, the coughing and gagging will continue. Pneumonia , kennel cough , influenza , tracheitis, lungworm infestations, fungal infections, distemper , and other diseases that cause respiratory tract issues will require veterinary attention. Heart Disease Certain types of heart disease can cause a dog to cough. Fluid accumulation in the lungs can lead to coughing and difficulty breathing. Heartworm disease can interfere with heart function and cause inflammation within the lungs. With these conditions, a dog is likely to cough and gag in an attempt to clear the airway, but that won't help. Only veterinary attention can get your dog some relief. Nausea If a dog is nauseated or experiencing gastrointestinal reflux, gagging may occur. Dogs with chronic reflux can develop a chronic cough. Tracheal Collapse Some dogs, especially small breeds, are prone to tracheal collapse. This occurs when the cartilage holding the trachea open weakens. Coughing may result due to a decrease in the opening of the airway. Treatment for Coughing or Gagging Your veterinarian will perform a full physical examination and obtain a patient history to see what may be causing your dog to cough or gag. X-rays, bloodwork, echocardiograms, and other tests may be needed to make a diagnosis depending on what your vet suspects the problem is. Depending on the reason for your dog's coughing or gagging, the treatment plan will vary. If your dog is diagnosed with a disease or illness that requires short-term treatment, medications including antibiotics, steroids, and cough suppressants are likely to be prescribed. Dogs diagnosed with heart disease may be prescribed life-long medications to manage the disease and its symptoms. If the problem is so severe that your dog is not well-oxygenated, oxygen therapy may be needed, too. How to Prevent Coughing or Gagging in Your Dog While you can't prevent all things that can cause your dog to cough or gag, there are still several things you can do. Keep your dog current on its vaccinations , on heartworm prevention , and away from dogs that are not fully vaccinated or sick. Additionally, keep up with regular check-ups with your veterinarian to help with prevention and early diagnosis. This will enable your vet to start treatment as soon as possible. More from The Spruce Pets. Coughing is a symptom of many different health problems in dogs. Why my French bulldog is coughing? Your French bulldog may be coughing because of a respiratory infection. Respiratory infections are common in dogs and can be caused by viruses, bacteria, and even fungi. What is the difference between coughing and gagging? In some cases, coughing can also be caused by allergies or asthma. Gagging is an involuntary reflex to spit out any object when coughing like mucus or phlegm. Common causes of coughing in French bulldogs If your French bulldog is coughing there are many causes of it: Environmental allergen A French bulldog that is coughing due to environmental allergens is not uncommon. The most common allergens are those from grass and weeds, but dust, mold, and pollen can also trigger an allergic reaction. If your dog is coughing as a result of an allergic reaction, you will want to get them tested by a veterinarian to determine what the allergy is. Once you have this information, it will be easier for you and your vet to treat the problem. Foreign object If your French bulldog is coughing and not barking, it may have a foreign object in its throat. If you think your dog has something stuck in their throat, call the vet immediately. Pneumonia Pneumonia is an infection in the lungs that makes it difficult for your dog to breathe. Your dog will usually develop a fever, runny nose and be sick for several days before showing signs of pneumonia, such as coughing and sneezing. Tracheal collapse French bulldog coughing due to tracheal collapse is a common problem in dogs. Tracheal collapse can be caused by a number of things: old age, heart disease, or even trauma like being hit by a car. It can also be hereditary. Canine Influenza If your French bulldog is coughing and has a runny nose, it could be for a number of reasons. The most common cause would be canine influenza CIV , which is highly contagious and can affect dogs of any age or breed. CIV is a respiratory disease caused by an influenza A virus. It spreads from dog to dog through direct contact with nasal or oral secretions, such as barking or sneezing. CIV can also be spread through indirect contact with contaminated objects like food bowls or water dishes. What to do if my French bulldog is coughing? If your French bulldog is coughing, you should take them to the vet. If they have, they may need antibiotics or other medications to help them recover. If your French bulldog has been vomiting or having trouble breathing, then he might have an infection in his lungs or stomach lining. So that they can receive an IV treatment with antibiotics and pain relievers if needed. Conclusion If your English Bulldog is coughing, then you may be thinking what is wrong with my dog? The likely hood is that your bulldog has Kennel Cough. Although Kennel Cough is rarely fatal it can lead to other diseases such as pneumonia. Symptoms of Kennel Cough include a hard dry cough that will often lead to your bulldog gagging and throwing up white foam. Kennel Cough is a common health condition amongst dogs. If your dogs symptoms match Kennel Cough, then you'll be wondering how you cure it, and that's why we've put together out list of what to do if your English Bulldog has Kennel Cough. There is a vaccination for Kennel Cough, however is isn't effective against all strains of Kennel Cough. Of the 40 strains that exist, the vaccination is only protects against .If your English Bulldog has Kennel Cough, then the best thing that you can do is ensure that your dog is drinking lots of water and ensure that your dog gets plenty of rest. If the cough becomes persistent then you may need to visit a vet who will prescribe antibiotics if the cough is worse enough. Adding a honey into your dogs bowl with warm water can also be a great way to help your bulldog if it has Kennel Cough. English Bulldogs can get Kennel Cough. All dog breeds can in-fact catch Kennel Cough. Bulldogs will catch Kennel Cough through airborne droplets from other dogs coughing or sneezing in close proximity. It can also be spread through contact with any contaminated surfaces such as dog bowls, food or toys. Kennel Cough for bulldogs can often be worse in the mornings and nights, this is as your dog isn't active, but as they become a little more active during the day their coughing should subside and become less frequent. Just because your bulldog has a cough, it doesn't necessarily mean that they do have Kennel Cough. It's always worth visiting a vet before you self diagnose your dog to ensure that it's not something more serious that could put your dogs health at risk. What Is Kennel Cough? Kennel Cough also known as canine infectious tracheobronchitis is a highly contagious respiratory disease in dogs. Dogs commonly contract kennel cough at places where large amounts of canines congregate, such as boarding and day-care facilities, dog parks, training groups, and dog shows. Dogs can spread it to one another through airborne droplets, direct contact e. How To Cure Kennel Cough Mild cases of Kennel Cough can be treated with a week or two of rest, however if your dog has a more severe case then your veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics to help fight the infection and prevent further complications. To give your dog honey, try mixing two tea spoons into a bowl with some water. It should help relieve your dogs symptoms. Water: Ensuring that your bulldog stays hydrated is really important if it has Kennel Cough. The water will help flush the toxins out of your body, which may be the fastest way to cure your dog of Kennel Cough. Ensuring your dog stays hydrated will also help relieve the symptoms of the cough and ensure your dogs throat isn't too dry. Rest: Rest is key to helping your bulldog recover from Kennel Cough. As with any illness, plenty of sleep gives the body a chance to fight the virus and recover properly. Try to ensure you don't over exercise your bulldog or get your dog over excited whilst it has Kennel Cough. Cough Suppressant: Cough Suppressant such as Robitussin can be a great way to help sooth your bulldogs symptoms of Kennel Cough if there cough is harsh and severe. Any medicine give should only to be used for a short time period and should only be given under a veterinarian's approval. A veterinarian will determine the correct dosage of Robitussin for your dog. The key is to ensure that your dog is well rested, hydrated and cared for. As with any illness with a dog, always ensure you seek professional advice from a veterinarian and keep a watchful eye over your fur baby.

On April 14, dog owner Tyrek Broughton came home to a broken window. When he reviewed surveillance footage from security cameras in his house, he got a better picture of what happened in his absence. First, a white Dodge Ram scoped out the house around .A masked man named Phillp Compo exited the vehicle on the front road. He tried the front door and found it locked. Then, he used a shovel to break a window. Finally, he climbed in and located the dogs in the living room. Compo snatched one of the dogs by the neck and pulled it out of its crate. Then, the thief stuffed the dog into a pillowcase. Compo repeated those actions with another dog. Dog thief apprehended, puppies still missing Eventually, police tracked down Compo. The authorities arrested him and charged him with stealing the dogs. However, police have not identified or arrested the two accomplices who were seen in the truck along with Compo. No French Bulldog puppies were found. French Bulldogs in demand French Bulldogs recently took over as the most popular dog breed in the U. They are a favorite dog breed of celebrities like Lady Gaga and average Joes alike for their low-maintenance, easy-going nature and adorable looks. The homeowner says he came home on April 14 to find his window busted. He says his home security system told all. He approached the fence line of the house and he tried to go through the front door and he seen the front door was locked. You can see on video when the suspect enters the living room to take the pups. As he tried to get out the door, one of my Frenchies got out of the pillowcase and then he grabbed it and shoved him back in the pillowcase," Broughton said. Philip Compo was arrested and charged with stealing the dogs. But the homeowner says there were two accomplices in a truck dropping Compo off and picking him up, and they are still at large. Investigators are still trying to find the missing dogs, but it's been difficult, given the lack of evidence. But the information we have right now is kind of iffy and not good enough. Makana is a French bulldog puppy, and service animal, who was stolen from a backyard over a month ago. He was carrying a young, and slightly injured, grey bulldog. Vets were able to identify the dog as Makana thanks to microchip technology. They immediately alerted Savannah police and Makana was reunited with her family that same night. Makana's owner says she "never stopped praying and hoping she would come home. As of now, no arrests have been made. Makana's owner says she "never stopped praying and hoping she [Makana] would come home. Good Housekeeping. Tyrek Broughton says the surveillance video was taken from security cameras in his house. The video shows a masked man grabbing one dog from a cage by its neck and stuffing it into a pillowcase. It then shows him going to another cell, taking another dog, and then leaving. Broughton says the masked thief used this shovel to break through this window and enter his home to steal his French Bulldogs. The incident happened last month, but ever since then, Broughton says not even his 4-year-old daughter wants to come back to the home. They dropped Phillp Compo off on the front road. The video shows the burglar climbing in, then entering the living room to take the pups. As he tried to get out the door, one of my Frenchies got out of the pillowcase and then he grabbed it and shoved him back in the pillowcase. You can watch the surveillance video here. Warning, some viewers may find the footage to be disturbing. Notice a spelling or grammar error in this article? Click or tap here to report it. Stay up to date with WIS News .Copyright WIS. All rights reserved. Most Read. Originally Published by: Alleged thieves have been featured in security footage that captured the moment a puppy was stolen from a shopping center pet shop in broad daylight. Just after p. Footage of a group of men interacting with pets inside the store was shared online following the theft, with local businesses, organizations, and police appealing for help finding them. One of the men, earlier shown innocently crouched next to the puppy enclosure, was seen leaving the store in a rush while carrying the dog. Alleged thieves were caught on camera the moment a puppy was stolen from a shopping center pet shop in broad daylight. Footage of a group of men interacting with pets inside the store was shared online following the theft, with police asking the public for help finding them. He was taken to Albury Police Station and charged with shoplifting. The man was granted strict conditional bail and is due to appear before Waverly Local Court in August. Officers from the Eastern Beaches Police Area Command arrested a year-old man in Albury in connection to the stolen puppy and charged him with shoplifting. At the time, the men were dressed in white or cream-colored jumpers, with one in a red cap and another in a green cap. Share this article:.

Tweet Looking for free German Shepherd puppies? If you are looking for a German Shepherd, and your budget is tight, you can find your new best friend nearly free or at a decent price. You just have to know where to look. Most of the dogs they place are one year or more, but they often have puppies as well. This normally includes vaccinations, a heartworm test, and spay or neuter. For about one third of the price of a purebred GSD from a reputable breeder, you can give a deserving dog a second chance. Rescue groups specialize in finding forever homes for lost, abused or unwanted German Shepherds. They have extensive knowledge of every dog they place and can normally match you with the right dog for your unique situation. Do you have a German Shepherd rescue success story to tell? Adopt a German Shepherd It may take some patience and persistence, but you can find a nearly free German Shepherd from a local shelter. If they don't currently have puppies, check back often. Or ask them to call you as soon as they get one. The adoption fee will normally cover an initial vet checkup with puppy shots and a spay or neuter. This is cheaper than the cost of a purebred German Shepherd from a rescue group. One quarter of all shelter dogs are purebreeds. Why adopt a dog? You may be their last hope. Many shelters only hold dogs for a week. If they are relinquished by their owner, they are on the short list for euthanasia, as they are not considered lost and no one will be coming to look for them. My Begian Malinois , Ryder, was 48 hours away from being put down after his owner signed him over. Search for a local animal shelter. Don't make price your primary consideration. Backyard breeders and puppy mills price low to sell quickly. Avoid these unscrupulous breeders. Even if an ad reads AKC registered dogs , this is not necessarily a sign of a quality dog. Be aware that Puppy Mills also use this as a lure for unsuspecting buyers. Exercise patience. You don't have to break the bank. Your new best friend is worth the wait. Jennifer here. I've been a fan of the German Shepherd breed for as long as I can remember. History Where are German Shepherd Dogs from? Perhaps never in the history of any breed has such concerted effort been put into improving a dog, mostly due to the formation in of the Verein fur Deutsche Scharferhunde SV, an organization in Germany devoted to overseeing the breeding of the German Shepherd. Breeders sought to develop not only a herding dog but also one that could excel at jobs requiring courage, athleticism, and intelligence. During World War I, they were the obvious choice for a war sentry. The Wolfdog was later dropped as it caused many people to fear the dogs. How big do German Shepherd Dogs get? The double-coat, with a thick undercoat that sheds twice annually, loses hair continuously but can be maintained with regular brushing one or two times weekly. What are the German Shepherd Dog colors? Black, tan, solid black and solid sable. How long do German Shepherd Dogs live? Lifespan: 10—12 years What are some German Shepherd Dogs facts and information? The German Shepherd held the number one spot in American popularity for many years. Although presently it has dropped from the top spot, the German Shepherd remains as one of the most versatile dogs ever created, serving as a police dog, war dog, guide dog, search-and-rescue dog, narcotics- or explosives-detecting dog, show dog, pet—and even shepherd. Related Content. Life Span Did You Know? The German Shepherd is one of the most versatile, well-recognized, and popular dog breeds in the world. The modern German Shepherd is descended from a family of various German herding dogs. Breed standards were not developed until the late 19th century when Captain Max von Stephanitz, a German cavalry officer, worked with Arthur Meyer and other breeders to develop the ideal German herding dog. Stephanitz and Meyer wrote the breed standard in and the American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd as a member of the Herding Group in .Although they were originally bred as herding dogs, they were also bred for versatility, which made the German Shepherd an all-around working dog that could excel in a variety of applications. German Shepherds are one of the common dog breeds employed in K-9 units in both police and military applications. They also make great service dogs and, of course, are still awesome herding dogs and farm dogs! The German Shepherd is a strong-willed and highly intelligent dog. They have a playful, energetic spirit and tend to get along with children, other dogs, and other pets, which makes them a great family companion. A born protector, the German Shepherd will provide a great sense of security for their family while their loving and lively personality will make them fit right in as a companion. German Shepherds are naturally protective and can be wary of strangers at first. A well-socialized German Shepherd will bark to alert you and tends to warm up to strangers once introduced. German Shepherds are dogs that were bred to herd and work. This, plus their high energy, makes them a better fit for homes with fenced yards where they can run. They can adapt well to larger apartments as long as plenty of time is dedicated to ensuring they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention every day. A bored, ignored, or under-exercised German Shepherd can often become a destructive one. They also can be sensitive to their surroundings and large gatherings can be off-putting. With a longer coat, they tend to prefer cooler climates and are sensitive to heat. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed, but there are some potential health concerns and good breeding practices make a big difference. Potential health concerns to be aware of in a German Shepherd include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. As a barrel-chested breed, the German Shepherd is also at risk for bloat. While the German Shepherd is highly intelligent and highly trainable, they are generally not recommended for novice owners. If you are a novice dog owner, enroll in puppy training classes or enlist the help of a professional dog trainer; not just for your dog, but for yourself as well. Training assistance will help you grow in experience and build a strong bond between you and your German Shepherd puppy, which is essential. Also, the GSD has a thirst for training and fulfillment. They get bored easily and especially with repetition, so continued training with your German Shepherd throughout their life will be necessary. German Shepherds have a medium-to-long double coat. They will shed year-round and heavier as seasons change. Brushing a few times a week is usually sufficient; brushing daily is even better and your GSD will likely love you for it. Bathing is occasional on an as-needed basis. Ear checks weekly with careful cleanings as needed can help prevent ear infections. German Shepherds are high-energy working dogs. Not only do they require a lot of daily activity, but they also are a herding breed that was made to run, guard, and observe, so they need a job to do to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime, time to run, and other activities are usually enough for a GSD, but they will likely be up for more activity if you are. With their versatility and athleticism, you can try a lot of different activities when puppies finish growing and they are cleared for higher-impact things. A fully-grown German Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. German Shepherds generally live for years on average. Corporal Duncan brought him back to the United States and Rin-Tin-Tin became one of the most famous dog actors in history. Featured German Shepherd Article.

More VaGolden Retrievers Hello, I hope you enjoyed my website, and have taken the time to review all my pages , from text,photos and videos. You can find answers to most of your questions on my site. Placing you and one of my puppies together is something I take very seriously. Knowing you are happy and that one of my puppies has made that happen, means a lot to me. I do hope each family takes the time to get to know me and the line of adult Golden's I have. This is my line. A strong line of Golden Retrievers. Golden Retrievers make perfect family pets. They always enjoy being part of the family's company and show love and devotion to all members of the family. They crave love and affection. Companionship is their top priority and they are totally devoted to their human family. Puppies For Sale If you're interested in my coming litter,, please call I have litters arriving thought out the year. Once they arrive, I will have videos of the puppies on this website. It's always best to plan taking a puppy home and contacting me in advance is always best. He has been the most amazing dog and are so blessed to have him in our life. He is going to turn 10 months old and looks so much like his Mom and Dad. Thank you Grayland for such an amazing dog! We named him Hook because we are a Disney family and he is the Captain of our new home. We will definitely recommend you to future Golden owners. Hello, it's been 3 weeks since our Penny came home. I just wanted to thank you for this precious pup. We love her very much and she's become an integral part of the family. She's doing great with house training and is even using door bells to let us know when she needs to go out. She can sit, lay down, and shake. Penny has an awesome personality and loves everyone even our cat! She just had her 10 week check up and our veterinarian said "she's perfect in every way. She's exactly what a golden should be. So thank you so very much. We are so thankful to have our little Piper. She is quite a gem that has added that extra spunk to our Golden family. We now have 4 and plan on adding to our brood with just one more from VA Golden Retrievers. We have had such a positive experience. You can definitely see that Mr. Nelson loves his Goldens. They are friendly, energetic and well bred. Thank you for sharing a part of your family with us. We purchased our golden back in April and we named him Theodore. We are so happy with him! Theo has the sweetest disposition and learns quickly. He does well on the leash, sits, stays sometimes! Our girls absolutely love him I just wanted to let you know what a blessing our puppy has been to us! Hello Mr. We meet before back in .Bailey is such a blessing to our family. First off he is the most loving and sweetest dog in the whole world! We could Not imagine life without him he has truly given our family so much happiness! I just wanted to thank you so much for our sweet boy! We brought Beamer home in December and he has been such a blessing to our little family. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. 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. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for Virginia 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 Virginia? 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 Virginia? 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. In spite of their size, they think they are lap dogs, and in spite of being dogs, they think they are also human, and nearly every human they meet is judged to have the potential to be a boon companion who might, at many moment, cry, "Let's go! I do not have a wait list. I have golden retriever puppies for sale perhaps once or twice a year. Because I breed infrequently, I can not guarantee I will have a puppy that meets your needs by any set time. I'd hate to have families waiting for a puppy and find I do not have one for them. After a litter arrives and I know what I have in terms of numbers and gender, then I can get serious about reviewing questionnaires submitted by interested families, and I contact people to discuss the specifics once the pups are a few weeks old. The pups require a great deal of time and attention, so it can take me a little while after a litter arrives to get to this part of the placement process. Please keep in mind that I breed golden retriever puppies in northern Virginia, and I do not ship puppies. Do I get to pick which pup I want? I place the pups based on the pups' individual characteristics and each family's specific requirements. I obviously take your preferences into consideration, but your puppy's personality should fit the lifestyle you'll have with him for the next 12 or so years. I raise the pups in my home. For their first few weeks the pups are in my family room with my family, other dogs, and cats, and, after they are old enough and need more room to move freely, the pups move to a large pen in my basement with access to an outdoor pen. All of my dogs are house dogs; the pups are not raised in a kennel. As the pups mature, I spend a great deal of time with them, getting to know their individual personalities. I also watch how they move and determine which have the best conformation. As they get older, they are exposed to many different sounds, textures, flooring and ground surfaces, environments, and people. During this socialization process, I learn which pups would be best suited to which types of homes, and I place them accordingly. Show, performance and working homes take priority, and homes who already have an Eta D'Oro dog generally also take priority. I get frequent inquiries regarding my pups, and I do save those questionnaires as they come in. However, I find most people are not willing to wait the several months, or longer, it may take before I actually have pups available to go to their homes. Accordingly, I do not have extensive contact with most potential buyers until I have pups that are several weeks old. I don't want to waste anyone's time until I know I have a puppy available. That being said, I like to get to know my puppy buyers as much as I can before they take their new puppy home. I often have folks come to visit the pups when they are old enough, and our initial phone conversation s often take a little time so you can learn about me and my dogs, and so I can learn as much as I can about the type of dog that fits into your family. A laid-back dog might be better suited to a less active family, and a higher energy dog would be better suited to an active family. Why health testing? All my dogs are health tested prior to breeding. Health testing means so much more than just a vet check. It's testing in specific areas by board certified veterinarians to ensure my breeding dogs meet the standards expected of breeders under the GRCA Code of Ethics, a standard designed to ensure the entire breed is as healthy as possible, and that buyers get the most healthy pups possible. By testing for things like eye, cardiac, and joint issues and by DNA testing for several common genetic conditions common to golden retrievers, I can ensure I am doing all I can to produce healthy puppies that grow into long-lived, healthy dogs. I test for all the things the GRCA wants its breeders to test for, and do additional testing, as well. For example, all my current breeding animals get heart clearances by echocardiogram, not only by auscultation. While there is no way to guarantee nothing bad will ever happen, I want to do everything I can to reduce or in some cases even eliminate the risk. How do you choose to do a particular breeding? My dogs are purposefully bred, versatile golden retrievers. I have kept or co-own at least one dog from almost every breeding I have done. One of my goals with all of my breedings is to produce pups I would want to keep for myself, and that I will be proud to have in the various competition venues representing my kennel. I also want them to be much loved companion golden retrievers. To meet those goals, I need to produce long-lived, healthy, correct, versatile dogs that can do all the things a golden is supposed to be able to do. I look for health and longevity when picking a sire, and I look for dogs that are physically correct meet the breed standard , have the correct golden disposition, and will be a good match for my girls. Many of the sires of my litters have produced well in the past, which is a good indicator of what they'll produce with my girls. For some breedings, I am looking for dogs with certain skills or capabilities prominent in the pedigrees. In others I am looking to improve upon what I have, to better some area I feel could be improved in my dogs on the whole. I am also careful not to lose the features I particularly like and that are correct in my dogs. I spend many, many hours reviewing pedigrees, observing dogs and talking to breeders and owners about their dogs, as well as others who may be familiar with their pedigrees from before I started watching those things. For the time being, you won't be able to meet both parents here at my home when you visit. My dogs are all related too closely to breed them to each other. In fact, I have done breedings with long deceased sires, choosing to use their frozen semen because they are very well known quantities; they have adult pups out there that help me evaluate what the sire will bring to a breeding, and I have life-long health and longevity information on both the sire and his other offspring. In other cases, I have had semen shipped from the far reaches of the country. This capability gives me the opportunity to expand the gene pool I use in my breedings, and I can search out the healthiest and best matches for my girls. I also have done local breedings by live cover, but it is a great benefit not to be limited by access to only local boys. What will our relationship be after one of your pups comes home with me? I usually set up closed Facebook groups for each litter so puppy buyers can stay in touch with each other, ask questions of me or each other, and so folks can share pictures, triumphs, and news. I have found it a great way to stay in touch, but not everyone is on Facebook, and those who are may not be frequent Facebook users. Be assured I am always accessible to answer your questions, and will always be happy to take your dog back and find him or her a great new home in the event you are no longer able to care for your pup due to health, personal, financial, or any other reasons. None of my dogs need ever become rescue dogs. I love these pups from a time before they are even born, and will always do what is best for them. I even have buyers that have put it in their wills that their dogs come back to me when the time comes, because they know I will put the dogs first. What are your requirements in terms of spay or neuter? For a good number of years, peer reviewed studies and vets and breeders whom I trust have agreed that early spay or neuter is very dangerous to the short- and long-term health of dogs. Everything from orthopedic issues, cancers, and fear of storms can be blamed in part on early spay and neuter. At the very least, I want my dogs to remain intact not spayed or neutered for long enough for the hormones to do their job getting the pups' bones and bodies to maturity. For girls, they should remain intact for at least two heat cycles, and for boys ideally until at least 2 years. I can tell you my boys do not reach full physical maturity until around three, so for their bones, joints, and skulls and other things less obvious to fully mature, I'd prefer they not be neutered ever, but at least not until they are three. Neutering a dog does not affect his instinct to mark. Training affects that. Neutering does not affect his instinct to mount other dogs as a dominance play. Training does. Neutering an aggressive dog does not alleviate his aggressiveness. Neutering a dog does greatly increase his risk of cancers common in goldens. You can often identify a dog spayed or neutered young by its disproportionately long, gangly legs. Those growth plates in the legs were still open when the hormones were removed from the dog, and growth no longer could continue in a balanced way. Buyers are often looking for good bone and big heads on their goldens, particularly the boys. Those things come with maturity while the hormones are intact. What is your guidance on vaccination? My general rule is to keep vaccinations to a minimum. I am not an antivaxer; vaccinations are vital to our dogs' health. For example, without vaccination, parvo kills puppies. I know breeders and dog owners who have lost puppies to parvo. These diseases we vaccinate against are serious. However, I believe in limiting vaccinations to the ones required, at the frequency required. My puppies will have their first round of puppy vaccinations before they go to their homes. After that, vaccinations need only be done if the dog needs additional protection. Titer testing will tell you if that is the case. My foundation bitch received puppy shots and then no further vaccinations other than periodic 3-year rabies as required by law where I live. At her senior physical at age 9, she was found by titer testing to still be fully protected against those things she was vaccinated against as a pup. Research what vaccinations are recommended where you live. Leptospirosis is common in some areas, very rare in others. The various dog influenza vaccines do not protect against all strains of flu, do not last long, and are not fully effective. Balancing the risk of infection essentially a contagious cough unless the infected dog has underlying conditions that make it hard to fight the infection against the effectiveness of the vaccine, consider if it is really worth putting those chemicals into your dog's body. Bordetella kennel cough vaccination is required by some boarding facilities, so you may feel forced to get that. However, it also does not protect against all strains, is not fully effective, and does not last long. I do not vaccinate for Bordetella. It is a cough that lasts several days, and can be treated if it is bacterial. In addition, I recommend vaccinating smartly - the fewer vaccinations given at a time, the less risk for complications. Vaccinating a dog weakened by some other condition or illness, for example an infection, can also lead to complications or reactions. Don't let a vet pressure you into doing anything unsafe for your dog. Your puppy can't advocate for him- or herself, and needs you to look out for him or her.

Puppy Application Hi Everyone!! I continue to be the best dog in the world and everyone wants to buy me from Mom. I am still working as a therapy dog at the York Hospital and when Mom goes there without me everyone asks where Bentley is. I was banned from the pharmacy because while Mom was talking I was slowly and quietly sneaking candy bars off the bottom shelf. Love, Bentley and his family Christine, Hope this finds you well. Just a quick note, we know you are very busy these days. Cello just turned a year old and he is such a gem. Smart, sweet, gentle, and I could go on. We are so blessed to have found you and him and cannot thank you enough. It is sometimes embarrassing when we take him to the dog park as people often seem to like him better than their own dogs. He is by far the best dog. On that note, we would like to get on the waiting list for another puppy to get Cello a sister. Thank you again, so much! Hello Chriistine, We will never be able to express enough gratitude for you allowing us to have Griffin in our lives. He is so amazing. David is smitten. Hi Christine, I wanted to give you a quick update on Hops. He is an absolutely amazing dog. He loves hiking, camping, swimming, agility. There really isn't too much that he doesn't enjoy doing. He has the nicest personality and is a happy laid back pooch. He has the perfect temperament for therapy work and is going to bring so much joy to people. I am so excited to get started with him. The evaluators were blown away by how focused, obedient, and friendly he was. He is a great dog and we all adore him. Have a wonderful holiday season and thank you for pairing us with Hops. He couldn't be more perfect. She's the most loving and devoted dog I've ever had and I appreciate having her with me more than I can say. I can't thank you enough for breeding such amazing puppies - i know they all have hearts like Cricket - warm, generous, loving and brilliant. She's so happy learning new tasks.She makes me laugh all the time. Her favorite place to be is Chicago Shakespeare Theater, which is her home away from home. She's everybody's favorite girl and plays ball in the big lobby when there's not a show going on. She's also a favorite patron in the pub after the shows. She visits all the tables and enjoys getting lots of attention. Who wouldn't? Slide title Dear Christine, We love Snowball, he has been re-named to Rachmoninoff, but for the most part we call him Rocky our other labradoddle is Mozart, whom we call Mo. He and Mo have been interviewed and have an upcoming article in a lovely Vero Beach magazine on "Boat Dogs". Mozart has done 20, sea miles as we travel a lot by boat. Rocky went on his first sea adventure 20 miles, and was very calm and content, he is a lovely dog and we of course love him. We are now back in Maine. Rocky just did his first Florida to Maine trip by boat and he was and is fantastic. He now has about sea miles. Our two founding females were pure American and over the years we have added lots of Australian and a few more American bloodlines. All of our breeders are family pets that live in our home with us or in their own guardian home. This way they can retire with the family they love and grew up with. I am a proud breeder of Labradoodles and take great pride in the puppies produced here. Our pups are socialized with adults and children of all ages starting at about 4 weeks. They are exposed to lots of sights and sounds and new things each day. We have personally found Labradoodles to be amazing family pets. Labradoodles are loyal, playful, extremely smart and great companions to their human families. You can train them to do just about anything with the right guidance. Labradoodles often have low to no shed coats and usually are allergy friendly. But be aware there are no guarantees that they won't shed a little. Our goal is to do our best to produce non shedding or the lowest shedding pups that we can. In the 20 years I have been doing this we have so far not produced any puppies that shed. My clients become part of my family and they are the reason I do what I do. Their follow ups with me always warm my heart and remind me how lucky I am to be able to do breed these amazing dogs. It is a passion for me that I cannot explain. 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 West Scarborough Maine 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.

Repeat attempts to keep your pet confined to the yard may be frustrating, but every escape opens up the possibility of tragic consequences. If your dog is running loose, they are in danger of being hit by a car, injured in a fight with another dog, or hurt in any number of other ways. You're also liable for any damage or injury your dog may cause, and you may be required to pay a fine if they are picked up by an animal control agency. To prevent escapes, you'll need to find out how your dog is getting out of the yard, and more importantly, why they are so determined to get out. Why dogs escape Your dog may be escaping because they are bored and lonely, especially if: They are left alone for long periods of time without opportunities for interaction with you. Their environment is relatively barren, without playmates or toys. They are a puppy or adolescent under three years old and don't have other outlets for their energy. They are a particularly active type of dog like the herding or sporting breeds and need an active "job" in order to be happy. They visit places after each escape that provide them with interaction and fun things to do. For example, they may go play with a neighbor's dog or visit the local school yard to play with the children. Recommendations: Expand your dog's world and increasing their "people time" in the following ways: Walk your dog daily. It's good exercise, both mentally and physically for both of you! Teach your dog a few commands or tricks. Try to hold a lesson every day for five to 10 minutes. Take an obedience class with your dog and practice what you've learned every day. Rotate your dog's toys to make them seem new and interesting. Keep your dog inside when you're unable to supervise them. This will also keep them safe and prevent any possibility of their being stolen from your yard. If you must be away from home for extended periods of time, take your dog to work with you or to a "doggie day care center," or ask a friend or neighbor to walk your dog. Busy Toys on Amazon. Intact male dogs have a strong drive to seek out females, and it can be difficult to prevent an intact dog from escaping when their motivation to do so is very high. Recommendations: Have your male dog neutered. If intact males have established a pattern of escaping, they may continue to do so even after they are neutered; this is even more reason to have males neutered as soon as possible. Have your female dog spayed. If intact female dogs escape while they are in heat, they have a high likelihood of getting pregnant and they could be impregnated even if they stay confined in your yard. Don't accidentally contribute to the pet overpopulation problem by allowing your female dog to breed indiscriminately. Millions of unwanted pets are euthanized every year. Fears and phobias Your dog may be escaping out of fear, especially if they are exposed to loud noises, such as thunderstorms, firecrackers or construction sounds. Recommendations: Identify what is frightening your dog and desensitize them to it. You may need to seek out the help of a professional trainer, or talk to your veterinarian about anti-anxiety medications that might help your dog while you work on behavior modification. Keep your dog indoors if there's any chance they may encounter the fear stimulus outside. You can even mute thunder and other outside noises by creating a comfortable spot in a basement or windowless bathroom and turning on a television, radio or loud fan. Provide a "safe place" for your dog. Observe where they like to go when they feel anxious, then allow access to that space, or create a similar space for them to use when the fear stimulus is present. Separation anxiety Your dog may be trying to escape due to separation anxiety if: They escape as soon as, or shortly after, you leave. They display other behaviors that reflect a strong attachment to you, such as following you around, greeting you wildly, or reacting anxiously to your preparations to leave. They remain near your home after they have escaped. Factors that can precipitate a separation anxiety problem: Your family's schedule has changed, and that has resulted in your dog being left alone more often. Your family has recently moved to a new house. Your family has experienced the death or loss of a family member or another pet. Your dog has recently spent time at an animal shelter or boarding kennel. Recommendations: If your dog has been correctly diagnosed as suffering from separation anxiety, you can solve the problem using counter-conditioning and desensitization techniques. Learn About Separation Anxiety Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Get Your Copy How dogs escape Some dogs jump fences, but most actually climb them, using some part of the fence to push off from. A dog may also dig under the fence, chew through the fence, learn to open a gate or use any combination of these methods to get out of the yard. Knowing how your dog gets out will help you to modify your yard. But until you know why your dog wants to escape, and you can decrease their motivation for doing so, the recommendations below won't be nearly as effective. It's not so important that the extension make the fence much higher, as long as it tilts inward at about a degree angle. Be certain there are no structures placed near the fence, such as a table or chair or dog house, that your dog could use as a springboard to jump over the fence. For digging dogs: Bury chicken wire at the base of your fence with the sharp edges rolled inward , place large rocks at the base or lay chain-link fencing on the ground. Never chain or otherwise tether your dog to a stationary object as a means of keeping them confined. Tethering is not only cruel, but it leads to aggressive behavior in dogs. Training Basics Never correct your dog after they are already left the yard. Dogs associate punishment with what they're doing at the time they're punished. Punishing your dog after the fact won't eliminate the escaping behavior, but will probably make them afraid to come to you. Never correct your dog if the escaping is related to fear or is due to separation anxiety. Punishing a fearful response will only make your dog more afraid, and make the problem worse. In addition, avoid inadvertently reinforcing a fearful behavior—such as petting a frightened dog and saying, "It's okay. If you can squirt them with a hose or make a loud noise as they are going over, under or through the fence, it might be unpleasant enough that they won't want to do it again. If they realize that you made the noise or squirted the water, however, he'll simply refrain from escaping when you're around. This type of correction is difficult to administer effectively, and won't resolve the problem if used by itself. You must also give your dog less reason to escape and make it more difficult for them to do so. Ultimately, that is how you'll put a permanent stop to the "hairy Houdini" act. Also of interest:. However, you may have noticed that dogs have preferences for certain toys. Toys that have begun to rip or break need to be taken away from pets because they can become a choking hazard. The Toy Gives Them Comfort Similar to kids and their stuffed toys, some dogs like toys that feel comfortable to touch and are plush enough to snuggle with. To help your pup better cope with your leaving, make sure to give them plenty of exercise every day. The activity will keep them happy and tire them out, so they feel less stressed. Typically, this happens because your pup is teething, so chew toys are particularly appealing to them. Soft plastic and rubber toys that easily show teeth marks can also pose a health risk to your dog as the material can fray and be accidentally ingested. Do they seem particularly excited when asked to chase a ball or fetch a toy? If your pup seems to love running after whatever you throw, they may have strong hunting instincts. This trait can be found in all kinds of dogs, but may be particularly common among hunting dog breeds. For example, terriers and shepherds love retrieval games involving frisbees and tennis balls due to their having an ancestry of hunting and herding dogs. On the other hand, English and French bulldogs are usually more than happy to engage in a good game of tug of war. In both instances, getting a durable frisbee toss toy is a great idea. For example, your dog may remember getting rewarded or receiving a lot of attention when they first played with the toy. For example, you can make loud noises to distract your dog whenever they see the item. Then, introduce them to an appropriate pet toy. To support our efforts, this page may contain affiliate links. We earn a commission for qualifying purchases — at no cost to you. This could be anywhere from 30 minutes to 6 hours, depending on age. Check out this article on how to crate train your puppy for guidelines on how long your puppy should be in their crate. Puppies need regular potty breaks and can't handle being crated for a long time. This is where setting up a long-term containment area or puppy playpen comes in. Think of this area as the designated "puppy zone. This kind of confinement helps to potty train your puppy , prevents destructive chewing, keeps them safe from household hazards, and helps them learn that being alone is nothing to worry about. Notice how I put potty pads over the entire floor surface? I only did this because I was not using pee pads in his house training plan at all — so they are only there to protect my floors in case of a potty accident. It was easy to clean up because I could just toss the soiled pad and replace it by taping down a new one. My goal was for Fozzie Bear to not go potty on anything indoors, so this did not affect his house training; it was just a convenience for me. In fact, during his potty training, he only had one accident in his playpen because I missed the signs he needed to go outside. If you do not plan on using potty pads long-term, this might be the right setup choice for you and your puppy. However, if your puppy will be in their pen for long periods without a potty break, loves to chew on or shred potty pads, or you're unable to keep an eye on them while they're in their pen, I would recommend sticking with an appropriate and clearly defined potty spot within their playpen. If you use an exercise pen, make sure it's either securely attached to your dog's crate here's a crate and ex-pen system that is designed perfectly for this purpose or set up securely against a wall and other anchor points so your puppy can't knock it over and escape. Watch this video to see a great example of using ex-pens attached to a crate to create a puppy zone: Using a Portable Pop-Up Puppy Playpen If space allows, having two puppy playpens is ideal. The first is a more permanent location, attached to your puppy's crate. The second can be a portable playpen, allowing you to easily move it around with you during the day or even use it outdoors while working on socialization before your puppy has been fully vaccinated. I use and recommend "pop-up" pens, like this Jespet pen. It has a removable mesh cover to prevent bouncy puppies from leaping over and out, and is lightweight but sturdy. I do not recommend leaving a puppy completely unsupervised in a portable playpen, as if they are determined enough, they could chew through the mesh paneling. Here's a photo of my dog Fozzie as a puppy, sleeping after his midday snack in his pop-up playpen: This second portable pen does not need to be as fully "stocked" as the regular playpen, just make sure to have water, a blanket or dog bed where your puppy can comfortably rest and a few puppy-safe toys or food puzzles. You may consider potty pads in the pop-up playpen, but only do this if you are regularly using pads in your puppy's housetraining. Video Monitoring for Your Puppy's Pen Setting up a pet camera makes it easy to always keep an eye on your puppy, whether from another room or while you're away from home. Having a treat-dispensing option is fun too, and makes it easy to reward your puppy for good behavior while you're gone. One of the most popular pet cameras is the Furbo — it has a treat dispenser and two-way audio. Make sure the crate has appropriate chew-proof bedding. If you have a power chewer puppy who is most likely to rip up their bed and the tape , a bed like this indestructible raised cot is a great chew-proof option. I highly recommend crate training your puppy, but if you choose to not use a crate, provide a comfortable sleeping area in one corner of their puppy zone. Pro Tip: Putting your puppy's crate inside the long-term confinement area has multiple benefits. It's not only the place they can go to sleep, but it builds positive associations with the crate. Having easy access into their crate and their comfy bed reinforces that it's a great place to be by choice, and that the door isn't always closed on them. Designated Potty Area: This area should be as far away from the crate and sleeping area as possible. Tape down puppy pee pads or use an indoor turf potty spot. Creating a potty spot with raised edges — like this dog litter box option — helps prevent toys from being pushed into the potty zone. You'll want to make sure that this area is set up in a place where your flooring is more durable or not as "precious" to you, like a laundry room or tiled kitchen floor. This could include interactive treat toys to help them pass their time and stimulate the brain. You can tether Kongs to the edge of the puppy zone to prevent them from rolling into the potty area. Simply thread a rope through the Kong and tie a knot on one side, pulling it tight inside the Kong before stuffing and tethering. If your dog loves to chew and you think they'll chew through the rope tether, try a different style of work-to-eat toy for your pup's safety. Check out some of our favorite interactive feeders to try with your puppy. You want them to love being in their puppy zone; your puppy will learn that their zone is where all the good stuff happens! Follow the steps below to slowly introduce your dog to their puppy playpen: Take your puppy out for a potty break or walk. Put your puppy in their playpen and give them a stuffed Kong or another high-value chew toy. Leave your puppy alone with their yummy treat for a few minutes. The more fuss you make about leaving, the more likely your puppy may develop problems with being away from you and that's no fun for anybody! This step is done while you stay home or leave for a very short period. See step 5 for more detail. Let your puppy out of their zone, preferably before they finish de-stuffing their kong. Keep your return low-key — you want your dog to learn that humans coming and going is no big deal. Repeat steps 1—4, gradually increasing the length of time your puppy is alone in their area. Practice this a few times throughout the day, every day. You can start leaving the house for a few minutes at a time as your puppy practices being alone. Go check the mail or take the trash out. Start small and gradually build up to running short errands or, if you have children, picking them up from school while your puppy hangs out in their zone. If your puppy struggles with being in their playpen or crate, sign up for our Puppy Essentials Crate Training Workshop. Be careful not to give them any attention, go back to them, or let them out when they do this. Plug in a calming pheromone diffuser in the same room as the puppy zone but not somewhere where your pup can reach or chew on it to encourage relaxation and calm behavior. Adaptil Diffuser Available at: Make sure that their zone has enticing chew and work-to-eat toys available so your puppy has something fun to do while alone. This can help prevent boredom barking and provides great mental enrichment. Give your puppy some exercise before putting them in their designated area. Tug is a great way to introduce the Drop It cue to your puppy — watch Finnegan the Portuguese Water Dog puppy demonstrate in this video: As your puppy matures, you can start to make the area larger to help transition to leaving them alone in the home unsupervised when they are an adult. When to Leave Your Puppy in Their Pen Use the puppy pen whenever you need to leave your pup unsupervised longer than they can be crated. Putting your puppy in their playpen is a great idea if you work from home, as it gives them a safe area to relax or play while you get some work done. This is especially important for preventing separation anxiety if you work primarily from home. Your puppy also needs to learn how to entertain themselves without constant interaction from you, so using their playpen even while you're home is a perfect opportunity. Sometimes puppies just need a break, especially if there's a lot of activity going on in your home. If they are getting too nippy or barking at playing children, give them a chance to settle a bit in their pen. We all need a break sometimes, and our puppies are no different. Eventually, their pen can become a more "adult-dog" safe space. You can also have them in their pen while you have guests coming and going from your home, or while you eat meals. This will prevent any door dashing , counter surfing , or other unwanted behaviors from developing. Once the door is closed or everyone is done eating, bring your puppy out to say hi to everyone and work on socialization. We'd love to hear how your Puppy Zone is working out in your home! Let us know in the comments what's worked best for your home set-up. With over 13 years of experience, she has had the opportunity to work with hundreds of dogs on a wide variety of training and behavior issues. Beyond her one-on-one consultations through Pupstanding Academy, she also teaches group dog training classes at Seattle Humane. Her specialties include dog aggression, resource guarding, separation anxiety, and puppy socialization. She has also completed the Aggression in Dogs Master Course. When she's not geeking out about dogs, you can find her reading, hiking with her two Cardigan Welsh Corgis, or paddleboarding. Toys can even help prevent your dog from developing certain problem behaviors. Although cats can be pretty picky about toys, dogs are often more than willing to play with any object they can get their paws on. That means you'll need to be particularly careful when monitoring your dog's playtime to prevent any "unscheduled" activities. Ensure safety Many factors contribute to the safety or danger of a toy, and a number of them depend upon your dog's size, activity level and preferences. Another thing to consider is the environment where your dog spends their time. Although we can't guarantee the safety of any specific toy, we can offer the following guidelines. The things that are usually most attractive to dogs are often the very things that are the most dangerous. Dog-proof your home by removing string, ribbon, rubber bands, children's toys, pantyhose and other inedible items that could be swallowed. Be sure to buy toys of appropriate size for your dog. Toys that are too small can easily be swallowed or become lodged in your dog's throat. Supervise your dog's play with squeaky toys: your dog may feel that they must find and destroy the source of the squeaking, which means they could ingest it if left unwatched. Avoid or alter any toys that aren't "dog-proof" by removing ribbons, strings, eyes or other parts that could be chewed off and ingested. Discard toys when they start to break into pieces or are torn. Check labels on stuffed toys to see that they are labeled as safe for children under three years of age and that they don't contain any dangerous fillings. Problem fillings include nutshells and polystyrene beads, but even "safe" stuffings aren't truly digestible. Remember that soft toys are not indestructible, but some are sturdier than others. Soft toys should be machine washable. A note about rawhide If you're thinking about giving your dog rawhide chew toys, be sure to check with your veterinarian about which ones are safe and appropriate for your dog. These toys may pose choking hazards, so give them to your dog only when you can supervise them. Many rawhides are byproducts of the cruel international fur trade. For a humane alternative, consider toys made of very hard rubber, which are safer and last longer. For dogs that like tug-of-war and chewing on interesting textures, rope and woven toys are usually available in a "bone" shape with knotted ends. Discard any tennis balls that have been chewed through, as they can pose a choking hazard to your pet. If your veterinarian says your dog can eat peanut butter, make sure it is not sweetened with xylitol—which is toxic to dogs —and add some to the crushed-up treats for a tastier, and busier, snack! By moving the cube around with their nose, mouth and paws, your dog can get to the goodies. Many dogs who tend to eat their food too quickly benefit from being fed through a feeder-style toy. Comfort toys Soft stuffed toys are good for several purposes, but they aren't appropriate for all dogs. Here are a few tips for choosing the right stuffed toy: Some dogs like to carry around soft toys. If your dog sees their toy as a companion, pick one that's small enough to carry. Dirty laundry, such as an old t-shirt, pillowcase, towel or blanket, can be very comforting to a dog, especially if the item smells like you! Be forewarned that the item could be destroyed by industrious fluffing, carrying and nosing. Toys for teething puppies From 12 weeks to six months, as they lose their baby teeth and their adult teeth erupt through their gums, puppies get the urge to chew on everything. Supplying teething toys will make them more comfortable and save your hands, shoes and furniture. Durable nylon bones and rubber toys can take weeks of chewing without breaking into pieces that might be swallowed. You can buy specialized puppy teething toys designed to be frozen and imprinted with soothing textures. Toys for blind dogs Blind dogs still have their senses of smell, taste, hearing and touch. A study found that vision and smell are linked in dogs and together help them navigate through the world. Even without added scent, blind dogs will likely be able to smell and find individual toys, but stores offer toys with food odors and toys that make noises. They may also like tug of war and can generally follow a toy dragged along the floor. Some blind dogs adapt so well with their other senses that they play much like sighted dogs. Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Get Your Copy Making toys last Rotate your dog's toys weekly by making only a few toys available at a time. Keep a variety of types easily accessible. If your dog has a favorite, like a soft comfort toy, you may want to leave it out all the time. Provide toys that serve a variety of purposes — give your dog at least one toy to carry, one to shake, one to roll and one for comfort. A game of finding toys or treats is a good rainy-day activity for your dog, using up energy without the need for a lot of space. Many of your dog's toys should be interactive. Interactive play is very important for your dog because they need active "people time," which enhances the bond between you and your pet. Try balls, flying disks and other toys that help foster the bond between person and pet. For young, high-energy and untrained dogs, interactive play also offers an opportunity for socialization and helps them learn about appropriate and inappropriate behavior, such as jumping up or being mouthy. Also of interest:. Toys that squeak, jingle, or make other noises can entertain your pup for hours. However, it is important to choose the safest type of toy for your pet. Certain toys, such as sharp objects, can be dangerous for a puppy. Some of the safest dog toys for a puppy are plush toys that can be filled with treats or small pieces of food. These types of toys will keep the pup entertained without putting them in danger. Many people believe the safest dog toys for a puppy are chew toys such as bones or hard rubber toys, but this can be dangerous for the puppy if the toy is too hard. Puppies are teething and need to chew on soft textures to help their development. Read on to learn more about the safest dog toys for a puppy. There are some general safety rules you should abide by, but the best way is to just ask your vet, who will be able to tell you all you need to know. When figuring out what toy is safe for your puppy, it can be hard to know where to start. There are many types of dog toys on the market, and it can be hard to know which ones are safe to play with. Medium sized toys more than three inches in diameter. Soft materials like natural rubber or fleece. If you have a new puppy, you must ensure that you have bought a toy that is appropriate for your dog. When looking for a toy for your new puppy, you should always go for the soft ones. Some toys are too hard for dogs to play with, and their teeth could get damaged. The best option is to look for soft toys made of natural rubber. There are many different dog toy sizes and shapes, but many of them have been proven dangerous for puppies. As a rule, dogs should not have toys larger than their mouths can open or toys too heavy for them to pick up. The safest size of dog toy for a puppy is a toy that is no bigger than the size of your palm. Additionally, you should not give a puppy any small toy to fit into its mouth because those can pose choking hazards. Chewing and Play Styles Over Size Sometimes it can be good to know how your puppy plays with their toys to find them the best one. Some smaller puppies can shred through their toys, while puppies of larger breeds might be more gentle with theirs. It is essential to consider these factors when selecting the right size and type of toy for your puppy. You may be wondering what dog toy is safe for puppies. You should know that many materials are safe for puppies, but some are more appropriate than others. Many materials are safe for your puppy, and some can be considerably more durable. These materials can last a long time, and they are less likely to break; for example: Natural Rubber. Toys made out of natural rubber are safe for your puppy. The natural rubber material is softer than regular rubber products, durable, and unlikely to break. This material is not recommended for larger puppies or power chewing pups but can be a safe material as a toy in the early stages. Another material that is safe for your puppy is a fleece. Fleece is a soft, synthetic, safe material for your puppy to chew on. It can also be machine-washed, and it is not toxic. The material is one of the most important things to consider when buying a toy for your new puppy. There are many dog toys, but the ones that are safe for your pup are those made of non-toxic materials. Some toys can contain toxic materials , and some dogs end up eating this material. Some common materials to avoid: Hard rubber. This material can be unsafe and harm the teeth of your puppy. Plastics also contain other chemicals that can be hazardous. This material can be ingested and may be harmful to your pup. Like other plastics, vinyl can be shredded and can become lodged in airways or other parts of the digestive system if ingested. Wood can shred and splinter with the potential to cause injury to the mouth, throat, esophagus, stomach, or digestive system. Final Thoughts Look for a toy that is made of a softer, durable material that is enticing to your puppy to keep them entertained as well as safe. Look for softer toys made of durable and safe materials like natural rubber, plush, or fleece, and make sure they are the appropriate size for your puppy. If you have any questions or would like to schedule an appointment for your pet, call us at or make an appointment online! We look forward to hearing from you! Recent Posts. Toys offer mental and physical stimulation and enrichment. And devices for throwing the ball increase the distance the dog must run to get the toy. See note below on playing tug-of-war with your dog. Chew Toys: Hard rubber toys that are hollow with holes at both ends, such as Kongs, are good chew toys. To make these toys more attractive, they can be filled with kibble or treats. You can also encourage chewing by putting a small amount of peanut butter or cream cheese inside the toy. Dental chew toys are hard toys that the dog can gnaw on and safely ingest small particles. You should watch your dog to make sure he does not break off and ingest large pieces of these toys. Chew challenge toys are toys that make an edible chewy more challenging for the dog to consume. Puzzle Toys: Food puzzle toys require the dog to solve a puzzle in order to get treats. Toy puzzle toys require the dog to solve a puzzle to get to a toy. Comfort Toys: Soft stuffed toys are good for several purposes but are not appropriate for all dogs. For some dogs, the stuffed toy should be small enough to carry around. Dirty laundry, like an old T-shirt, pillowcase, towel or blanket, can be very comforting to a dog, especially if it smells like you! Be forewarned that the item could be destroyed by industrious fluffing, carrying and nosing. Keep a variety of types easily accessible. Making an interactive game out of finding toys or treats is a good rainy-day activity for your dog, using up energy without the need for a lot of space. For example, scattering a handful of kibble in the grass or on a patterned carpet will require your dog to use his nose to find the food. For young, high-energy and untrained dogs, interactive play also offers an opportunity for socialization and helps them learn about appropriate and inappropriate behavior, such as jumping up or being mouthy. However, by taking a few precautions and setting some basic rules it can be a fun game for you and your dog. Choose a toy that will be reserved exclusively for this particular activity. This will help prevent your dog from grabbing and tugging anything you have in your hand. Never allow the dog to initiate tug on his own and always use your starting phrase when you begin the game. Teach your dog to release the toy by offering a treat or better toy in exchange. Do not start playing tug with your dog until he is consistently releasing the toy on command. Safety There are many factors that contribute to the safety or danger of a toy. Very hard rubber toys are safer and last longer. Your dog may feel that he must find and destroy the squeak source and could ingest it, in which case squeaking toys should be given only under supervision. For example, some dogs will carry a plush toy around for years. Still others will chew it apart and ingest the pieces, creating a safety hazard for that dog. Copyright Dumb Friends League. All rights reserved. Many behavior problems in dogs are the result of boredom or excess energy.

Observations about and lessons learned from living life with Labrador retrievers Saturday, April 02, The Need for Whelping Box Rails Long time readers have seen me write on this before, but I thought I'd throw a brief explanation in for those more recent to following the adventures of our gang. Because new-born puppies can't regulate their body temperatures can't pant to cool off; can't shiver to warm up , they're instinctively drawn to their mother's body warmth. To supplement her warmth, we keep a heat lamp above the whelping box so the pups can stay warm wherever they roam in the box near mom or not. The long-held-breeding addage "a cold puppy is a dead puppy" is unfortunately too true; puppies need to stay warm to stay alive. In our case, remember: we have a pound dam and 1-pound neonates -- smothering is very possible if the pups, in their search for warmth, get too close and Elsie rolls the wrong way. Especially when the pups snuggle in along Elsie's back and outer side. Take a look: Puppies wedged behind Elsie's back, but protected from being rolled back on by the pvc pipe rail above them. One black pup behind Elsie's lower back, again, protected by the pvc pipe railing should she roll back to rest on her side. Master Blue nuzzling from behind, but with room underneath the pipe to wiggle out safely if Elsie rolls fully onto her side. Without the railings, the puppies could easily be trapped between the walls, floor, and Elsie's back without any room for escape. The rails, though they don't prevent all smothering possibilities for instance, if Elsie lies down on top of a pup in the center of the box , they do eliminate the risk of trappings that can occur along the whelping box walls. In this case, I moved the pup. The first whelping box DH designed used 2x4s bolted into the walls, like narrow shelves, for rails. They worked wonderfully when the puppies were small. But when the pups were able to get up on their feet, and then started teething, the 2x4s became teething rails. To boot, the wood was difficult to keep clean. So, DH designed a new whelping box used with Kenya's litter last year for the first time. He switched to PVC piping for rails: easy to wipe off; more comfortable for Elsie to rest her head on; more difficult for the pups to consider chewing later on , lighter and easier to use during assembly, yet every bit as effective as a whelping box anti-smothering rail. We're always thinking; always adapting; always learning, trying to do the best we can by these puppies and their moms. So we change things up as we learn better ways. Our thinking is this: Though we can't give pups life, we can do our best to protect and foster the health of the precious lives entrusted to us. Call us crazy. But it's all we know to do. And we'll continue to it this way until we find one better. All is well. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia A female dog in her whelping box. Whelping Box with Extension Wall. Whelping boxes vary from improvised cardboard boxes, durable corrugated plastic to purpose built equipment, typically made of plywood or plastic. Desirable features include ease of cleaning and sanitation, extendibility, and toughness. However, there can sometimes not be enough traction, and with the added factor of an unnaturally flat floor, often puppies can develop, and suffer from what is known as hip dysplasia. Also whelping dens exist, which are whelping boxes that are enclosed on top. Commercially available whelping boxes often feature accommodations for accessories such as heat control devices and IP camera attachment. The sides of the box are designed to be high enough to safely contain the puppies, yet low enough to allow the mother to enter and leave comfortably, with consideration given to her protruding mammary glands. Alternatively, the box is provisioned with a doorway with adjustable height for the same purpose. The bottom of the box may or may not have a floor and may be lined with specially designed "whelping pads," or layers of newspaper or fabric to provide insulation from cold floors and to absorb fluids. Full covers may be used to prevent puppies from escaping. Most boxes will include a low railing termed rails, pig rails, or roll-bars fixed to the inside perimeter of the box. This is to protect puppies from being crushed or smothered by the mother should she roll over during birthing or while asleep. This is considered especially important with larger dog breeds. February 3, I won't use a whelping box without them. Round rails I find the pups stick their head through and get caught when older and now I use the solid rails with no problems. Also depends where the rails are positioned for the individual breed. Now I am not being critical here, but why was the bitch not up on her feet and investigating the crying? I only ask because the slightest noise and my bitches are up on their feet investigating. Could the bitch be tired after whelping and be in such a deep sleep that she didn't wake. Hope you have solved the problem because no breeder wants this sort of problem. You'd have to ask her this question. Both times she was awake. With the most recent mishap she actually did try to move but as she did she was pressing on the puppys neck even more. It was just lucky I was there and able to push her head down and release the pup. My whippet Penny was the same though, she'd be laying on a puppy and it was squealing and she'd just lay there. I was the one who'd have to rescue it. You're lucky your girls are more responsive. Just wishing you all the best and looks as though you will have to be ever vigilant with her. Looks as though you may be in for a bit of a rough few weeks. Link to comment. Preparing to cut out the door for your DIY puppy whelping box You will need 1 piece of melamine for this step and also your circular saw and jigsaw. Measure 14 inches from both ends of the melamine board and cut as shown in the diagram below. Use your square to mark the areas for the cutout. It is important to use the jigsaw on the side cuts and your circular saw for the lower portion of the door. For the lower portion of the door, us your circular saw to create a starting cut and finish with your jigsaw. This will allow you to cut out the door without having any over cutting occur. Do not throw away your cutout as this will be used as your door slides. This should not be much to remove. You can use your circular saw or jigsaw for this step. This will allow the doors to slide easily in the track when installed. For the final step of the door preparation, you will need the Melamine roll of edging. Run a bead completely around the outer edge of both door pieces. Use your heating iron to adhere the edging to the door pieces. Round the edges to prevent any cuts from happening when reaching into the whelping box. Repeat the process for the other side of the door. Make sure the angles are pointing in towards the door opening as shown in the diagram above. This will ensure the door slides to operate properly and prevent them from hanging up on protruding screw heads. Assembling the DIY puppy whelping box Assembling the whelping box is easy! Lay them flat out on the floor side by side as shown in the diagram below. Next you will need the door panel that you cut in the previous step. When finished, countersink the holes and prepare the panel for installation. Stand the panel on end and join it to the front long facing floor panel. Repeat the process for the back of the whelping box. Use the same process for the sides, with the exception of drilling additional holes on both width ends to attach to the front and back panels of the whelping box. Make sure they are level with the panel inside and outside as well as the top and bottom. Assemble the corners as shown in the diagram below. Make a dry run before gluing all of the parts together to ensure a proper fit. The pig rails should easily slide in and out of the whelping box. It should be a snug fit when properly installed. Primer and glue all the PVC pieces together. You have just completed the DIY puppy whelping box. You may want to purchase a few whelping pads to ensure the comfort of mom and puppies. It also makes it a lot easier to clean up. We like to use odoban for easy clean up and odor control. We hope this tutorial was helpful for you. This whelping box design can be adjusted in size to fit your type of dog. They work great for the comfort of mom and also will prevent the whelping pads from sliding around. Add the finishing touches by using the veneer edging and cover all exposed edges of the melamine material. If you enjoyed this tutorial, and decided to build your own DIY puppy whelping box, please let us know how it turned out. What do you line your whelping box with? We like to use these whelping pads for our whelping box. They help ensure the safety and comfort of mom and puppies. You can also use incontinence bed pads , as they are very absorbent and can help keep your whelping box clean and sanitary. Can I use a kiddie pool as a whelping box? A kiddie pool is not a good long term solution for a whelping box. Puppies are able to escape easily, and it does not provide a safe atmosphere. They are very difficult to clean due to the molds that are used for the pools. There are small crevices in the molds that can trap bacteria and pose a risk to your What do you put in your whelping box? We like to use whelping pads inside our whelping box. You can also opt for a puppy nest warmer to keep the puppies warm and comfortable. We like to use a thermostat controlled nest warmer. Pig rails are a very important item to have in your whelping box. These help ensure the safety of your puppies when they are small. Pig rails help prevent mom from laying on the puppies and suffocating them. Do I really need a whelping box? The answer is YES! A puppy whelping box is an essential part of breeding dogs. A whelping box ensures the safety and security of your puppies. This also helps to provide a sanitary environment and a controlled atmosphere for your dog. This post contains affiliate links, which means we make a small commission at no extra cost to you. See our full disclosure Privacy Policy.