labradoodle puppies for sale in california

Go to the puppy page for more information and details. SchH 2 April 11, Score was shown for conformation on May 29, .SchH 3 July .We produce three to four litters of puppies a year. We only breed dogs from European and Czech working bloodlines. It is our belief that dogs bred from solid German Shepherd working bloodlines have solid nerves and temperament. These are qualities that most folks want in a dog for there family. A pup with good nerves and temperament is less likely to be sharp and aggressive to your friends and their children. Our dogs go thru Schutzhund training. All of our pups are covered by a written guarantee on the puppy's hip's and health. Your puppy will be tattooed in the right ear and have all vaccinations up to date when you pick it up. On occasions we have adult dogs for sale. German Shepherd puppies for sale and dogs for Schutzhund training, Police service, narcotics, bomb detection, therapy work, Search and Rescue. We have been German Shepherd breeders for over thirty years. Our dogs have proven themselves to do serious sport and service work from coast to coast. Dogs bred from good strong German Shepherd working bloodlines prove to be more self assured, have good even temperament and make wonderful family companion and guard dogs. I often have solid black German Shepherd pups from our breedings. We offer German Shepherd stud service to approved females. We often have solid black German Shepherd pups for sale. Our puppies are all registered with the AKC. As a breeder for over thirty years we solidly stand behind our guarantee and feel that we offer the best quality German Shepherd puppy for the price that you will find. Will give any assistance and advice on bringing up your pup. Our daughter Sgt. Army Dec. Phone: .German shepherd puppies, AKC registered GSD , come in three colors: light silver, dark steel blue, and chocolate brown. German Shepherd puppies tend to stand up a lot and need a firm hand when getting around the house. They are a very active breed , with high energy levels. This energetic nature means that they can get into trouble if they are not trained appropriately. These dogs also love to learn, and will quickly tire of any training that is not interesting to them. You must have an active and intelligent owner who has a lot of time to devote to their pet. You will not find it very easy to be a responsible owner, because owning a dog requires so much time and effort. You should consider adopting German shepherd puppies in Jacksonville NC because they make great pets. If you are ready to commit to owning a dog, then here are some tips to help you find the best home for your puppy. Before you look at German shepherd puppies in Jacksonville NC, check out the following tips. One thing that you must always consider is the breeder. It is not advisable to buy puppies from pet shops, because the quality of puppies in these shops is not always as good as those found in the shelters or breeders. The Internet will offer you great resources to find the right German shepherd puppy for you. German Shepherds are generally good-natured and very lovable dogs, which make perfect companions for kids and older people alike. However, despite their loving nature, these dogs can be quite aggressive if they become bored or restless. This is why you must socialize your German shepherd puppies with other people from the same bloodline because they can potentially be aggressive towards each other. Try to introduce your puppy to other people as early as possible. German Shepherd puppies in Jacksonville NC are also adorable when they are young and are usually referred to as pups. You may want to think about buying a puppy from a breeder in German Shepherd Rescue. These are animals that were abused and neglected but are now cared for by caring, sincere people. You will likely pay more for a German Shepherd puppy in a shelter environment, but it will be better for the animal. In the end, both you and the puppy have to be happy. Akc puppies, and , our German Shepherd dogs that are not purebred. Akc puppies come from many different locations including Europe, Asia, and Africa. Akc puppy rescue groups help to screen for genetic problems and unwanted characteristics so that your German shepherd puppies can be raised in loving homes with owners who truly adore their pets. If you live in the Jacksonville, FL area, there are many local organizations dedicated to helping Akc puppies find a new home. There is also a third color, which is often referred to as white German shepherd, that is sometimes used in breeding programs. Chocolate and white German shepherds are sometimes considered by breeders as a cheaper alternative to Poodles, although they do have their own set of problems. AKC registration means these German shepherd puppies will have been tested and should have no known genetic faults that would prevent them from being healthy and well adjusted. This is especially important if you have other dogs in your home, or if you plan on breeding your German shepherd puppies. Share this:.

We offer the most healthy AKC puppies for sale at a reasonable price. French Bulldog puppy. The popularity of the new breed quickly spread outside of France especially among the middle class, and eventually, it reached in the United States. Nowadays, there is French Bulldog breeders all over the globe and the breed is still very loved in many countries. The most uncommon Colors of French Bulldogs are blue, lilac, blue and tan, and chocolate and tan. Add that Merle coats. A blue merle is maybe the most uncommon of all. In our current reality where a standard French Bulldog costs a few thousand dollars, these uncommon colors can sell for many thousands. These puppies are gentle, loving and affectionate. They are a good family dog and do well with children. The breed is also intelligent, docile and relatively easy to train. While puppies may be very energetic, adult Frenchies are relatively calm and have moderate exercise needs. That makes them an excellent choice for apartments and for owners who are unable to provide vigorous exercise. The dog bonds with owners and can get depressed if left alone for long periods. Bored or lonely pups can also chew or become destructive. Barkley is our Tan french bulldog for sale craigslist. When everyone is awake and yelling to be let out of the cage, you will generally find him asleep in the back, or just hanging out. Pick him up and he will give you a hug, he is such a cutie! He is a cute guy like his daddy and has great features…He is going to be a handsome boy! Whenever you are looking for a Mini French Bulldog for sale, you can get in touch with us asap! Training French Bulldogs can be stubborn, but on the positive side also people pleasers, and therefore not too difficult to train. Early socialization is key, and we do our best to make that happen. After the dog is in your care enrolling in a puppy class would be beneficial. Don't forget to bring snacks - they are very food motivated. Ethical Frenchie Blog French Bulldog blog for new puppy owners. Tips and tricks on care. Home made treat recipes and more. .Adopters Saying Got a puppy from Ethical Frenchie in .My baby is super happy, healthy and no breed related issues so far. Great quality French Bulldogs for sure! We felt very comfortable working with them as such experienced breeders. It was obvious that they care very much about each puppy that is placed and follow up. We are happy to be part of the Ethical Frenchie Family! We absolutely adore our Sweet Violette! They are professional, kind, accommodating and answered all of my questions confidently without hesitation. We still keep in touch and they check on our little boy constantly. Highly recommend. Olivia Patterson Food. Be caring and responsible. Research the breed and make sure you are ready to commit before exploring French Bulldog puppies for sale. Check out to see what we recommend.

Boxer puppies for sale in Seattle, WA from trusted breeders. Boxer puppies for sale Seattle, Washington Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. Two new litters are expected in October with the pups ready at Christmas. Boxers for Sale in Seattle. We encourage all prospective puppy owners to do their research and be prepared with questions to ask the breeder. Papered Tuxedo Boxer Puppies 2 Left! Please contact us for more pictures and info. Two new litters are expected in October with the pups. About Boxers Boxers were bred to be intelligent and noble guard dogs. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Boxer puppies for sale in Tacoma, WA from trusted breeders. So wherever you are based, you can find the perfect puppy and then meet them at your most convenient major airport. Some docked and dew clawed,some all natural. Comprehensive One Year Extended Warranty. Browse these Boxer rescues and shelters below. Boxer Puppies For Sale in Washington. They fell in love with the breed when they got their first Boxer, Mystic. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Washington Boxer breeders directory Enter your 5-digit U. Adorable Boxer Puppies for sale in Ridgefield, Washington. Find Boxer Puppies and Breeders in your area and helpful Boxer information. See Available Puppies. Tail and dew claws done, first well puppy check, and shots are scheduled. He's two years old, he gets along with other dogs, is very. Sally and Dani run a small home-based kennel in SW Washington, where their dogs live with them as family members. Search by breed, age, size and color. Email: blackroseboxers outlook. Why buy a Boxer puppy for sale if you can adopt and save a life? Look at pictures of Boxer puppies in Spokane who need a home. Find the Boxer puppy of your dreams through one of Good Dog's trusted Boxer breeders in Washington, DC and start the application process today. Boxer puppies in Renton, WA. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Washington Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Before you continue on your search for a Boxer puppy for sale in Washington, check out the link to the marketplace below. Boxer puppies for sale in Washington, D. Beautiful Fawn, Brindle, White, and Black puppies available. Boxer puppies in Kirkland, WA. We are located in port angeles. Boxer puppies in Bellevue, WA. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Seattle, WA Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Puppies are of Excellent Quality, with no Health issues. His main purpose is for hunting large game. Thanks for subscribing! Boxer puppies in Spokane Valley, WA. Maple Valley, WA. We are Mountain Crest Boxersa loving, caring, breeder of the most wonderful, playful, curious, loyal and beautiful breed of dogs in the worldthe European Boxer! We live and raise our Boxers on 10 acres in the clean, crisp air of the Northern Rocky Mountains of Montana. He is available for viewing now. Boxers were bred to be intelligent and noble guard dogs. Pictures of dogs and cats who need a home. Hambone is from a litter of nine. What is the average cost of Boxer puppies in Vancouver, WA? Prices may vary based on the breeder and individual puppy for sale in Vancouver, WA. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, Savvy Boxers Savvy Boxer owner Annie has gone from being a young, natural-born animal lover to breeding the dog she loved more than anything. Hi, my name is Wicket and I would love to meet you. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Expected June Contact for more information. Boxer puppies for sale in Washington, DC from trusted breeders. Boxer puppies for sale in Washington. Boxer puppies for sale in Vancouver, WA from trusted breeders. Here are a few organizations closest to you: Shelter .Boxer puppies in Everett, WA. Boxer Puppies in Washington. Boxer Breeders in Washington! Boxers for Sale in Olympia, WA. Boxer Puppies For Sale in .Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats. This litter's parents are AKC registered and the puppies can be too. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Washington. Anything LookWeird? For the best experience, we recommend you upgrade to the latest version of Chrome or Safari. A non-profit dedicated to saving Boxer dogs in the Northwest. Americanlisted has classifieds in East Selah, Washington for dogs and cats. Ruslan Kislenko is from Washington and breeds Boxers. There are animal shelters and rescues that focus specifically on finding great homes for Boxer puppies in Othello, Washington. While these dogs are definitely brave and smart, there's more to it—the breed is also famously affectionate and goofy with their families, too! We are not a puppy mill nor are there kennels in the back yard. Boxer puppies in Federal Way, WA. If you are unable to find your Boxer puppy in our Puppy for Sale or Dog for Sale sections, please consider looking thru thousands of Boxer Dogs for Adoption. Make sure to do research on th MORE. We recommend speaking directly with your breeder to get a better idea of their price range. Boxer puppies in Bellingham, WA. AKC proudly supports dedicated and responsible breeders. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Tacoma, WA Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Boxer puppy for sale in Washington. Boxer puppies in Kent, WA. Boxer puppies for sale in East Selah, Washington. There are three available one of which is a dark classic brindle female with a black mask, and the other two are flashy brindle females. Boxer puppies for sale from trusted breeders. Available puppies. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Only a few weeks old place deposit to reserve today! This ad was posted with the eBay Classifieds mobile app. All puppies are on a worming schedule and will have up to date shots. Please feel free to call with any questions. Tails docked and dew cla Boxer Washington top class boxer puppies availa Washington, Port Angeles, .Boxer puppies for sale in Oregon from trusted breeders. Adopt a Pet Today. Pet Adoption - Search dogs or cats near you. We offer beautiful European Boxer puppies from health-tested parents. They are well-rounded with excellent temperaments! Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in Washington. Find Boxer dogs and puppies from Washington breeders. We have owned boxers exclusively for 25 years and can be trusted to provide with you an amazing boxer that you will love! Euro Boxer puppies available now! We breed for health, temperament, intelligence, agility, conformation, color and well socialized pups. Breed Boxer Breed Info. Here we breed quality "True" Miniature Boxers. Don't miss what's happening in your neighborhood. Boxer puppies in Yakima, WA. Blackrose Boxers Details. Boxer puppies We have 7 boxer puppies. These puppies come from breeders who offer safe, convenient puppy drop-off options — so you can get your new best friend delivered from anywhere. Start looking for Boxer puppies for sale in Seattle, but wherever you find the perfect pup, the businesses and breeders we approve have lots of experience with puppy travel. Boxer puppies for sale in Washington from trusted breeders. Boxer puppies sale Seattle WA. Pure and Mixed Breed Puppies. Boxer Puppies for Sale in Spokane Washington. Location: Olympia, WA. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near Washington. We take great pride in the fact that we are NOT a puppy mill! We find the. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Laika is approximately years old and 59 pounds of smiles! This first time mom found herself alone and pregnant in January when a kind Houstonian took her in. After raising her 9 puppies, Laika is ready for a home of her own! Laika is good with dogs- Our evaluation team had 4 other dogs in the pen with her! Typically during pups' assessment we take it easy and start them out slowly with 1 or 2 dogs. No need to with Laika! She's just a social butterfly!! Laika is fully Potty trained! She's a bit strong on a leash so many things to smell! So she'll need someone willing to help her improve her leash skills so she can comfortably accompany you everywhere you go! No problems with house training but she has a lot of energy so would do best with another dog. Don't miss out on this amazing girl! Brought by USDA licensed semi-truck transport. Pick up day is unforgettable! Our dogs travel in style in our big green truck, equipped with air conditioning for comfort, two drivers, and 3 onboard attendants providing 24 hour care. Three Little Pitties wants to set you and your new pet up for success! In addition to a fully vetted furbaby, you also receive many other additional perks such as a 30 day trial of pet insurance with Trupanion must register within 24 hours of first vet appt. The stray and animal overpopulation in the Greater Houston area is one of the highest in the nation. Statistics show that there are over 1 million homeless animals in this region alone! Three Little Pitties Rescue is a nonprofit dog and cat rescue that partners with the community to make a difference. Our mission is to reduce the homeless pet population through community outreach, free spay and neuter services, and saving all breeds of dogs and cats from the streets or animal shelters that oftentimes have no choice but to euthanize animals for space. We prepare them for adoption by properly vetting and providing individualized care through our incredible behavior program that consists of socialization and leash training for all animals that enter our adoption program prior to matching them with loving families who will treasure them for the rest of their lives. They are rescue dogs and will require continued training efforts once adopted, but will be well on their way to being the best dogs that they can be! Three Little Pitties Rescue will soon be celebrating our 5 year anniversary! Over the course of this time, we have been very fortunate for so much growth, allowing us to further connect with the community and save many lives. Through the combined efforts of all of our hardworking staff and volunteers, we have placed over 10, very lucky dogs and cats into amazing homes! By adopting from us, you save TWO lives! The pet you adopt, and you create an opportunity for another animal to be brought into our rescue program. Together, we can be heroes. Follow along on our rescue journeys through the links below!

No shots, not fixed or declawed. Pets near Johnstown, PA - craigslist. Lawrenceville -For Sale-Two bedroom brick house. Pets near Chambersburg, PA. Find it via the AmericanTowns Bucks County classifieds search or use one of the other free services we have collected to make your search easier, such as Craigslist Bucks County, eBay for Bucks County, Petfinder. Black and white cats name is Alina, other ones name is Reese. Willing to meet and will come with everything we have for them. Maine Coon Kitten to a good home. Please do your research on the breed before inquiring - his rehoming fee is not cheap. Also you can search our Pennsylvania Classifieds page for all state deals. Pets near Lehigh Valley, PA. Pet Classifieds PA Pennsylvania. Pets allowed and smoking allowed, but outside. Smaller dogs Dishes not included. ISO friendly cockatiel! Pets near York, PA - craigslist. He is extremely affectionate, loves attention, and is great with kids and other cats. Here are some from nearby sorted by distance — change search area. Pets near Fredericksburg, PA. Pets near State College, PA. Litter box, tower, food and litter. Search for pets for adoption at shelters. Pet Classifieds Pittsburgh. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. East texas craigslist pets. Weatherford 2 cats. Red nose brindle East texas craigslist pets. Red nose brindle pitbull. Texas Heeler puppies. Mount Pleasant. Macungie Standard poodle puppies. Click here to submit your FREE ad. Kunekune Pigs. Rehoming springer spaniel. Huntington Nigerian Goats. Saving Lives and Promoting Animal Welfare. Female Boston terrier. Jacksonville Graystone 4 slides. Female rats with … 1 - 8 of 8. Male Akita puppy. Make brindle pitbull. Two Week Old Pug Puppies. Justin,TX large dog cage with floor pan. Grapeland Free Red Heeler male. If you're looking for a free pet, or one at low cost, check out the 10 cutest dogs and cats I found on the deep east Texas Craigslist page. Delran Laying Hens, Roosters. Kittens ready for re homing! Free adoption. Free kittens. Akc lab. Tyler 1 bedroom apt. Free Female Tabby Kitten. Longview Shih Tzu. Lilac Boston terrier pups el paso pets - craigslist. Longview Akita female long coat. View pictures. Azle cane corsos. AKC American Akita. Purebred registered female MANX cat. Tyler pug puppy. Bay st louis Efficiency apt. Gilmer A Corgi Puppies. Terrell Small Black Poodle. Macungie Fancy guppies. All posts should include the location the city as a minimum last seen to east TX pets "poodle" - craigslist. Rehoming Mini - Goldendoodle!! Looking for a ball python. Foristell Rehoming. Macungie Rehoming Corn Snake. Jacksonville Jersey Bull for sale … craigslist provides local classifieds and forums for jobs, housing, for sale, services, local community, and events craigslist provides local classifieds and forums for jobs, housing, for sale, services, local community, and events east TX pets "for sale" - craigslist. Florissant Himalayan kittens. Toy poodle. Husky-mixed puppies. Galveston Choc lab pup. Austin Maine Coon kittens - Austin. Canton, TX … Beautiful boy poodles will be small standard Both are crate training great have had 1st shots dewormed Firm Rehoming Fee worth way more contact me if u are interested no BS. Chandler My name is Theo! Take me home with you! Nacogdoches Club Car Carryall. Good things come in small packages, and St Ann is no exception to this rule! Austin Chihuahua Puppies. Winona Rat Terrier to be Rehomed. Caldwell Golden retriever male. Female frenchie. Longview beautiful boxer mix. Metal Building Sale. If posting animals for rehoming, you MUST ask for a veterinary reference and call the vet to make sure they are good pet owners. Dallas AKC Rottweiler puppies. Text me at my number craigslist Pets in Waco, TX. Kingwood tx female frenchie. Crandall rehome my cockatoo. Free dogs and cats. Kingwood Gorgeous Sweet pitty free. Longview Free corgi mix - Male. Schnauzer puppies. Macungie Maltipoo Puppy Rehom e. One Super Friendly Nutered 8 Mo. Purebred … craigslist Pets in Austin, TX. If I had a house with enough space for all of the dogs in the world and the money to take care of them , I would buy them in a heartbeat! Sadly, this isn't the case. Please read and be nice. Lindale Nigerian Dwarf Doe Female. He is a sweet goofy puppy under a year and update on vaccines. Gilmer Great Pyrenees Mix. Tiny Goats. Full blooded mini dashhound. Female Shihpoos. Rockdale, Texas Silkie chicks. Full blooded bull terrier puppies. Catahoula puppies. Quitman Rehoming Standard Poodle red and white parti. La marque Shih-tzu puppies pet boarding and doggie daycare services in my home care. Puppies, Dogs, and Cats. Boxer puppies Akc registered. Large mixed breed! Tyler Free pitbull. Hallsville Black Lab. Maltese female. Winnsboro Female 15 wks. Lindale Mini Nubian Doe. Winnsboro Female Great pyrenees and German shepherd. Pets near Houston, TX - craigslist. White male pug puppy. Palestine Australian shepherd female 5 months old. Crandall rehome my … deep east TX pets "free" - craigslist. Pet Steps. Lindale Nubian Doe female. Kilgore Pitbull mix. Canton male heeler. Tyler La-z-boy Recliners. Grass-Fed, Grain-Finished Beef. Boyd scam. Standard poodle female rehome. Kilgore Corgi. ASDR mini aussie adults! Dachshund Puppies! Macungie Pet supplies! Cat tree and toys! Food and water and floor mats! Tyler Great Pyreneese Male Pup. Saltillo, TX Gascogne Bassets. Mini Dachshund Puppies! Full lab pup. Fort Worth Free Kittens. Jacksonville Female Great Pyrenees puppies. Henrietta Texas Cocker Spaniel Male. ALL Pets ok. Terrell Full blooded queenland blue heeler. Terrell Blue Heeler. Hudson Small Mini Aussie. Fort Worth, TX Nexgard lbs. Free to a good home please contact for more information. Canton American Corgi. French Mastiff. Chocolate and Black Lab Puppies. Lab mix puppies. Tenaha, Tx Puppies. Tyler Kittens. Winnsboro Mixed Pups. Austin area willing to meet Shih tzu puppies. Simms Bengal x kittens. Monk Parrots. Browse our pet classifieds of puppies for sale, dogs for sale, free dogs and puppies, free cats, and cats for sale! The East Texas Peddler has provided the East Texas area with an effective source of free advertising for over 40 years. Pet Portrait Drawings by Pamela Goodman. East Texas. Lamarque male - Dutch Shepherd pup. Longview East Texas Poodles Pups. Foristell African Grey. Mineola 1 year old female corgi. Boston Terriers. Rehoming Beautiful beagle puppies!

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.

The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Learn more » Congratulations on your new golden retriever puppy! You now have a beautiful, smart, and loyal dog who will love you for life. To make sure they grow into a healthy and happy companion, you need to feed them the right amount of food. At months old, which is usually when they are ready to leave their mother, a golden retriever puppy should be eating 3 cups of dog food divided into three meals per day. This is based on a typical large-breed puppy food. Different brands will give a feeding guide on their packaging. However, how much and how often to feed your golden retriever will keep changing during this time of rapid growth. Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Timeline Image Credit: PxHere All puppies are different as are the foods, but some general guidelines for feeding your golden retriever during their first year are: 0—6 weeks: A golden retriever puppy can start eating solid food when they are 3—4 weeks old. Give them a total of 3 cups of dog food per day by their third month, 3 to 4 cups by the time they are 6 months old. The AKC recommends waiting until large breed puppies are at least 12 months old before switching them over to adult dog food and more likely 18 months. The amount will depend on their weight and activity level, but a rough guide is 1—2 cups per meal. Image Credit: Kinek00, Shutterstock Large breed puppies like golden retrievers should eat three to four small meals a day for the first 3—6 months of their lives. Smaller portions spread throughout the day are easier on their tummies and help prevent bloat, a serious condition that can be deadly for dogs. It also helps them maintain their energy level throughout the day. Puppy food has more calories and fat to support their growth, as well as extra vitamins and minerals for their developing immune and nervous systems and bones. The protein source matters, too. Puppies need animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb for their growing muscles. Choose a Large Breed Formula: Large breed puppies grow quickly, which means they need extra support for their bones and joints. Formulations for large breeds contain the correct calcium and phosphorus ratio for strong bones and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. They can help you choose the right food for your puppy based on their age, weight, and activity level. But puppies need to be fed on a schedule to prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. How do you know if your puppy is getting enough to eat? After that, their growth will start to slow down. He Has a Healthy Appetite: A healthy puppy is interested in food and eager to eat. He Has Plenty of Energy: A well-fed puppy is full of energy and ready to play. Make the most of mealtime with these tips: 1. It also helps other aspects of puppy training, such as potty training and crate training. Image Credit: Alena Marchuk, Shutterstock This means leaving food out all day for them to graze on whenever they want. Leave food down for 10 minutes and then pick up what is not eaten. If they have not eaten anything, offer it again in an hour. Slow them down by scattering their kibble around the bowl, using a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat. This will help them learn to eat slowly and enjoy their food more. If your puppy is not drinking enough water for your liking, try adding a bit of broth to their bowl to make it more appealing and help them stay hydrated. Resist the Urge to Sneak Them Table Scraps Puppies are experts at giving those big, soulful eyes that make it hard to say no. But resist the temptation to give them table scraps or human food. Aside from teaching them bad manners, it can also lead to health problems, like obesity. A lot of human foods are not safe or healthy for dogs. For instance, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Oily food can upset their stomach, and carbs add a lot of calories. This helps them learn that mealtime is a specific time and place and not something that happens all over the house. Let Your Puppy Eat in Peace. This includes other pets in the house and small children who might want to bother them or try to steal their food. Otherwise, meals can become a stressful experience for your puppy instead of a happy one. Conclusion Feeding your golden retriever puppy the right amount of quality dog food will establish a strong foundation for their health and happiness. In addition, make mealtimes more meaningful by turning them into lessons and bonding moments between you and your dog. The puppy phase is over before you know it, so enjoy it while it lasts! Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. They are famously loving and playful family pets, always eager to jump in the pool or snuggle up with you on the lounge. They are patient and energetic dogs who are easy to train, making them excellent service animals as well as loyal companions. If you are bringing a Goldie into your family, you might also be aware of their reputation as food lovers. Your Goldie might want to eat anything and everything you put in their bowl — and maybe even anything left on an unattended plate. In this Golden Retriever feeding guide, Hypro Premium will take you through everything you need to know when it comes to food options for your pup. The best food for most young puppies is milk. If you are weaning a puppy, you can start to mix in a little dry kibble with their puppy milk to create a paste. You can feed this mix to your puppy up to four times a day, slowly reducing the amount of milk you mix in. Over time, your Goldie puppy will get more comfortable with solid foods, until you no longer need to include any milk in their diet. While chubby little puppies are cute, your Goldie should not build up too much excess fat once you start feeding them solids. Goldies go from a small 4kg puppy at 7 weeks old to an almost 30 kg adult dog in the space of only 10 months. At six months old your puppy will still be growing, but more slowly as they reach most of their body development milestones. This is why appropriate feeding in the first year of their life is vital to the overall health of your Goldie for years to come. Over time this can increase to up to 4 cups a day at 10 months old, though females should usually only need 3 cups a day. The amount you feed your puppy is often dependent on their size and sex. While they may have some growing left to do, it depends on your dog. Some Goldies will continue to experience growth spurts before their second birthday, while others will stay the same size. Large breeds can be at risk of growing too fast, which can make them more vulnerable to skeletal and weight problems when they get older. Golden retrievers are especially prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which can be avoided through diet control. You should feed your Goldie between 3 — 4 cups of food per day over two meals. Adult dogs and puppies have different nutritional needs. This is important to take into consideration as you are establishing a feeding schedule for a Golden Retriever puppy. Puppies require more calories to support their rapid growth than adult dogs, but they also have much smaller stomachs, which means they get fuller faster. Because of this, puppies can easily overeat, especially Golden Retrievers. You can help your puppy avoid overeating by allowing them a short amount of time to eat, and then removing their bowl. All puppies grow a lot during their first year, but large breed puppies are more likely to suffer from negative health consequences as a result. In order to provide your Golden Retriever puppy with the most appropriate food to support their rapid growth, consider choosing a large breed puppy food. Goldie puppies need lots of protein, fibre, and fatty acids to support the development of their bodies and provide them with energy. These foods also take into account the difference in nutrient digestion between small and large breeds. Too much of these nutrients can cause your large breed puppy to develop skeletal abnormalities. So how much do you feed a Golden Retriever? Your adult Goldie could need anywhere between and 1, calories per day. The amount of food you feed your dog will be determined by a few important factors. The first thing to consider is the sex of your dog. On average, your male Golden Retriever will need slightly more food than a female dog. Senior dogs will usually be less active and so will need less food. Goldies in particular can have a lot of variation in the amount of food they need on a daily basis. No matter how much you feed your dog, it is ideal that you feed your adult Golden Retriever two meals a day at evenly spaced time intervals. Feeding your dog twice, once in the morning and again in the evening, can be useful for establishing a routine and avoiding overfeeding. This routine can also include exercise, and is useful for encouraging healthy behaviour around food and toilet training. Special Considerations Your Golden Retriever could be predisposed to several health conditions that are important to consider when you make decisions about their diet. Firstly, Golden Retrievers are known for their beautiful coats, but their skin can often become infected. Goldies love swimming, but this can cause problems if water irritates their skin. They can also be susceptible to atopic dermatitis, which causes extreme itchiness, resulting in licking and biting behaviours in dogs that can cause even more damage. For dogs prone to skin and coat issues, a fish-based diet can help alleviate symptoms. Fish contains plenty of fatty acids, which support coat and skin health, and rarely triggers any allergic reaction in dogs. Goldies often benefit from healthy grains in their diet, especially as avoiding them can actually leave your dog more vulnerable to nutritional dilated cardiomyopathy, or nutritional DCM. This heart disease is common in Golden Retrievers, and can be triggered by consuming too much grain-free pet food that contains legumes like lentils and peas. You should consider feeding your Golden Retriever foods that are full of grains and proteins like chicken or fish. These are the benefits and drawbacks of the three most popular options — wet food, a raw food diet, and dry food. Wet food can be a great option for dogs that need plenty of protein and fat, like working dogs or dogs with certain health conditions. It also hydrates your dog while they eat, which can be useful for dogs suffering from any illness. For dogs with highly restrictive diets, raw food prepared by you can be a great way to avoid allergens. You can have complete control over a raw diet, which does require a lot more work on your part, but can have great results. For instance, a Golden Retriever with heart issues should eat a low salt diet, which can be easier to achieve if you are preparing their meals from scratch. However, low quality kibbles tend to be made up of a lot of low quality fillers, which can be hard for your pup to digest. Whatever option you choose for your Goldie, make sure it is suitable for large breeds and contains high quality ingredients. This will help prevent degenerative health disorders in the long run. Your Golden Retriever will probably love food, and will probably try to eat anything you put in front of them, which means you need to help them avoid the negative consequences of overeating. Golden retrievers, like other large and active breeds, need plenty of exercise. Not only is this vital to their physical health, but it also ensures they grow up well socialised and mentally stimulated. As your Goldie grows from a puppy to an adult dog, the amount of meals they need a day will reduce as their digestive systems become more developed. Your dog will need two meals a day, once in the evening and once in the morning, from the age of 6 months. There is also info on how to keep your puppy and your adult at his or her optimum weight. Scroll down to find growth charts to make sure your puppy is growing at the proper rate and is within the right weight range for his age. If you are looking for information on what to feed, go to How to Choose a Dog Food. Unlike with human children, a puppy that is overfed will grow too fast before they grow too fat. A good example is where a smaller puppy at 10 weeks was overfed and his growth was compared to a puppy that was correctly fed. The growth of your puppy needs to be controlled. General Guidelines for Puppies Below are some general guidelines on how much to feed puppies. Most dog food bags suggest feeding too much. Increase to about 3 cups a day by 5 months for boys and by 6 months for girls. Golden Retrievers at this age are supposed to look lanky and all Golden Retrievers act like they are starving when fed the correct amount. If left to eat as much as they want, they will all grow too fast. In the wild, dogs do not have unlimited access to eat as much as they want. They work for their food. Caloric Needs Greatly Decrease at About a Year When puppies reach about months, their caloric needs begin to decrease. Some males might need 4 cups if active and are fed a less expensive food. Make sure you take into consideration the number of extra calories being fed as treats. You should be able to feel their ribs, but not see them even when the dog is wet. If you can see the ribs, increase their food. Decrease the food if you cannot feel them. I always tell people that it is better to underfeed than to overfeed, especially when feeding puppies. Weight Range Charts Following are charts of how puppies should generally grow in weight. Keep in mind that very few puppies need to be at the top of these ranges and if you cannot feel ribs, your dog is overweight even if she is in this weight range. If your dog is still a puppy and she is over these weight ranges, you are feeding her too much. Female Golden Retriever Weight Chart Here is a chart of how girls should generally grow in weight: 2 Months — pounds.

Rumors of luv Remi Welcome to Rumors of luv boxers, we started about 20 years ago. We started with a wonderful American champion bloodline. We go back 6 to 7 generations in our breeding program with good longevity. We introduced some amazing European lines over the last 15 years to give more bone structure and squarer heads. One important character is disposition, we only breed leveled headed, easy to train and very intelligent boxers. We strive for the best, especially when it comes to health! To inquire rumorsboxers yahoo. Thank you for visiting and God bless! Some of our girls are our 3rd and 4th generation! We continue these outstanding bloodlines because of their good health, temperament and conformation! We will not keep nor breed any boxer in our breeding program. We strive for having the best quality! Way to go Abby!! Abby is the lighter brindle. Hello Everyone,I wanted to share this email with you from one of my clients. Hi Corie, I am pleased to tell you Mr. She was tested separately with Steve and I handling her. The tester was impressed with her not only as a Boxer specimen but for her calm, friendly, and tolerant temperament. Abby is the first Boxer she has certified as a Pet Therapy Dog. Passing this test means the world to me! Abby can work with me bringing joy and comfort to children with Intellectual disabilities complicated by medical issues. I give thanks to Dr. Karen Gerlick owner of Doc? I never under estimate what you do! Sir Samson will now start on the road to Pet Therapy Dog. He is a shoe in LOL. Samson is good at obedience but lacks some grace for agility. He is gaining his grace and speed now that he has slowed down in growing. Thank you so much for allowing us to own not one but two of your Boxers! Hope all is well with you and your family. The pictures of your new home are great. When the day comes when we are looking for another Boxer pup to add to our home we will be calling you. After all Boxers are like chips you can? My youngest son will be looking for a puppy sometime late summer or fall and he wants a Boxer. I wonder why he picked the breed? We enjoy seeing all of your new pups and truly appreciate your dedication as a breeder. Please ADD 3. Thank you, we appreciate your understanding! Welcome Testimonials "Can't be happier with our Rosie who we picked up November .Great temperment, easy to train, and the friendliest fun loving girl ever. We are already thinking of another o.These Boxers are amazing. Top of the line Their temperament, their disposition, their health.I have 3 amazing boxer babies from t.Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article.

German Shepherd breathing fast while sleeping? Do German Shepherds Breathe Fast? German Shepherds breathe fast because they are strong and athletic dogs, they pant more frequently than other breeds. An accelerated pace of panting or breathing heavily at bedtime or cold weather could indicate medical issues such as anxiousness or cardiovascular distress. Why do German Shepherds breathe fast? During rest, a healthy dog will take between 15 and 35 breaths per minute BPM. Your dog will pant considerably faster while doing exercise. A breathing rate greater than 45 BPM, when a dog is in the resting phase, is considered unhealthy and should be investigated. To find out how many breaths per minute your dog is taking, record his chest motions for 15 seconds and multiply by four. There are several causes of heavy panting in German Shepherds. Some of them are normal physiological signs, and some show ailment. Dog size German Shepherds are large dogs that can be extremely energetic. Large German Shepherds usually breathe quickly because their size requires more oxygenation. Insufficient physical activity They may develop psychological and physiological problems if they do not receive enough workouts. There are several reasons to figure out heavy breathing in German Shepherd dogs. Numerous conditions, particularly cardiac difficulties, can drive dogs to pant excessively. If it seems that your German Shepherd is panting rapidly due to an ailment make sure a vet does an examination of your dog. Recent Activity If your German Shepherd has recently exercised, it may be breathing quickly as a natural outcome. Suppose it is trying to breathe far quicker than anticipated upon workout. Heatstroke Whenever a German Shepherd has been exposed to direct sunlight and is panting profusely, it could suffer from heatstroke. Apart from heavy breathing, other clinical indications can entail: Glasslike eyes. Temperature Dogs have different natural habitats. But they are highly adaptive! Their sweat glands are located only on their foot-pads. Their average body temperature falls within to .This may call for a life-threatening case, such as dehydration and heatstroke. These GSD, which is also called Alsatian, can tolerate both hot and cold weather as they have their standard stock coat. But not too hot nor too cold. They can survive in hot weather only if they have a place to drink cold water, and shade is accessible. But be informed that they dig up in frozen dirt during the summer season to cool themselves. Medical Condition One Veterinarian advises that if the owner tried everything already and the dog any breed still breathes or pants heavily and continuously, this may mean that they have a particular chronic health issue that needs to be treated right away. Cardiovascular conditions such as heartworm disease, heart problem, and Dilated Cardiomyopathy or Heart Disease caused by insufficient blood and oxygen pumped to the body where the heart becomes enlarged, build up fluids in the lungs, and thinner ventricular and chamber walls. For some time, observation is much needed. However, if the obvious signs or complications arise, take them already to the vet! Indigestion Have you even notice your GSD eating or biting almost anything they see! Nonetheless, these can cause reasons for indigestion or even obstruction. Your German Shepherds might have eaten something that was spoiled already. You can also say that they might have eaten big chunks of bones or objects that were stuck down to their throat. Just bring them to a real vet for a faster and effective treatment! Stress or Anxiety This might not be news to you, but German Shepperd is a social dog that can be usually found in the residential area. They are loyal and close to humans. This is also a reason why they can get separation anxiety. They breathe slowly and loudly once they experience stress or anxiety. This is because when they are left alone, they become really stressed. But only because they have this love and desire to keep their owners safe and close. How sweet! Another cause of their stress that can make them pant heavily is noise pollution. This includes the sound of fireworks, thunderstorms, heavy speakers, and basically noise everywhere! If not, this can shorten their life expectancy. What You Can Do? Let them enjoy the exciting moment in their dreams! Before getting a GSD, make sure that you know the basic facts about them and, most importantly, their medical condition. Be cautious at all times and treat them as a real family. If you observe anything unusual, researching or asking an expert is recommended, yet going to the veterinarian clinic would be the best option to choose. You should be aware of the signs that were showing heavy panting nor breathing. The normal heartbeat of dogs is between 60 to beats per minute. As for German Shepherd, the former applies. On the other hand, their average body temperature is to .Anything that made it less or exceeded is dangerous. You can also use the digital rectal thermometer. Count their heartbeats for 15 seconds, and you can multiply it four times to get the pulse per minute. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Faster breathing And so on. .In that case, you have to first and foremost limit the exposure of your dog to heat. After that, you have to consult your vet. The vet will be able to prescribe the proper treatment for heatstroke. Once you opt for that treatment, faster breathing will reduce as well. High Temperature Many times, German shepherds are also negatively impacted by the temperature outside. They might not come in direct contact with the sun. However, if the temperature is on the higher side, their breathing might become fast as well. The best way to tackle is to place them in a shaded area and provide them with plenty of water. Even then, if the faster breathing of the German shepherd does not subside, it is a good idea to contact the vet. Allergy Another cause of the faster breathing of German Shepherd is an allergic reaction. The allergic reaction can be to food, material, or other things. That is why, if you have introduced anything new to your German shepherd, that is probably resulting in faster breathing in one way or the other. If that is the cause, you have to revert to the earlier diet. Once you do so, the breathing will also come to normal. Because of Medication Side effects of medication is another reason why the breathing of your German shepherd might become faster. Certain medications can increase the heart rate of your German shepherd. When that happens, breathing will also increase. Since the cause is medicine, it is a good idea to contact your vet for a remedy. Respiratory Problems In some cases, the respiratory problem can also result in faster breathing. In that case, until you treat the cause, it will become difficult for you to stop the faster breathing of your German shepherd. I will go into the symptoms of respiratory problems below. These are the most common causes why German shepherds have faster breathing. In many cases, even when your dog is resting or sleeping, the breathing can become fast as well. Wondering why does that happens? I will highlight the same below. It has been proven in animals and humans that dreams can result in physical reactions from your body. In the dream, your dog might be chasing or playing around. In that case, the breathing of your dog will simulate that activity. Since while running, breathing becomes faster, the German shepherd may be breathing faster is because of dreaming. Unfortunately, in that case, you cannot do much. It is not a good idea to wake up your German shepherd as well. However, if that happens pretty often, you will have no other alternative but to contact your vet. Before determining whether your German shepherd is breathing fast or normal, it is essential to know the normal level. Ideally, a German Shepherd should breathe between 20 to 34 breaths per minute. Only when the rate is above that can you conclude that the German shepherd is breathing fast. As I have highlighted above, one of the causes of German Shepherd breathing fast is respiratory problems. It is essential to know the symptoms of respiratory problems to determine the cause. What are the signs of respiratory problems? Besides faster breathing, the other signs of respiratory problems include: 1. Coughing The number 1 sign is coughing. If your German shepherd is coughing regularly, that is another sign that the dog has respiratory distress. Nasal Congestion Along with faster breathing, if your dog also suffers from nasal congestion, it is clear that the dog is suffering from respiratory problems. If all these symptoms persist, it is a clear-cut indication of a respiratory problem. Intolerance To Exercise German shepherds are quite active dogs. However, the older German dogs can become intolerant to exercise. After becoming intolerant, they will suffer from respiratory problems and faster breathing if they indulge in exercise. Then, the solution is to discourage them from exercise in that case. Still, if the problem persists, you have to contact your vet. Only the vet can provide you with a treatment for the long-term solution to this problem. Panting Panting is another reason why a German Shepherd might end up breathing fast. It can result in various other respiratory problems as well. These are the symptoms of respiratory problems, along with faster breathing. If you notice any of them, you can directly point to a single cause of fast breathing. In case your dog has respiratory problems, you have to contact your vet as soon as possible. In many cases, medication might be needed. You have to keep in mind that respiratory problems will not go away with time or when you ignore them. You need to find a particular solution for them. Only once you do so you can treat them. Let me warn you; the solution is not instantaneous or easy. You might have to opt for longer-term treatment. However, you cannot ignore the respiratory problems of your dog either. That is why contacting the vet and starting the treatment as soon as possible is the only solution. Conclusion So, there are quite a few key reasons Why do german shepherds breathe so fast. Some of these reasons can be tackled on your own. Some of them require a change in the schedule of your German shepherd. However, some reasons are quite serious. In that case, the only option which you have is to contact your vet. Once you go through my guide above, it will become easier for you to pinpoint the cause. After pinpointing the cause, I have highlighted the action steps which you should take as well. In a nutshell, after going through this guide, there should be no confusion regarding the faster breathing of your German shepherd or what you should do after that. Post navigation. There are a number of reasons why a German Shepherd is breathing fast, and most of them are going to be fairly easy to manage. Typically, you are looking at a minimum of 2 hours of exercise a day for adult Shepherds, and young pups between 3 and 5 months old are typically going to need 30 — 45 minutes a day. Take a note of how long the fast breathing lasts, and if your dog gets it under control fairly quickly then, insufficient exercise might be the culprit. Heart problems can cause fast breathing and a number of diseases, so if the behavior has started fairly recently, then a vet check-up is a good idea at this time. A little time in the shade and some water should help you to see if this is the case. However, if you see signs like drooling, diarrhea, or even seizures, it could actually be a heat stroke! Signs of an allergic reaction may include hives, inflamed skin, diarrhea, and vomiting. Shepherds are very active dogs and generally on the large side, so they are going to require more oxygen when they are out and at play. Unless this behavior is very new, then there might not be a problem at all. Is Your German Shepherd Overweight? If your German Shepherd is a little on the overweight side, then a bit of fast breathing is to be expected. Reaction to New Medications May Cause Heavy Breathing If your vet has recently prescribed some new medication for your dog, then this might be the culprit. Check the side effects associated with the medication, and then you will want to contact your vet. They may be able to prescribe a different medication or a specific regimen for your dog while they are taking it. There are a number of ways to determine if your German Shepherd is breathing a bit on the fast side. One of the first things you should do is try counting their breaths while they are sleeping. This helps to give you a baseline rate with which to compare by. If your dog is breathing fast, listen for any sounds that might give a clue to the reason behind it. Wheezing, for an instant, may be a sign of allergies, and high-pitched sounds may indicate an obstruction located in the upper airway. Contact your vet if you encounter any of the following systems. If you see this, an immediate vet visit is required, and your dog will likely be placed in an oxygen chamber in order to get their breathing under control so that the source of the issue can be identified. If Your Dog Is Vomiting If your dog is panting fast and includes vomiting, you will want to contact your vet for further investigation. It could be an allergic reaction which we will detail a bit more shortly , or if it is very hot outside, then you might be seeing signs of heatstroke. A little shade and a wet towel can help you to cool down your dog, and then you will want to get in touch with your vet immediately. Sudden, Excessive Drooling Excessive drooling is another sign to watch out for. While it is one of the symptoms of heatstroke, it may also indicate an abscessed tooth that your vet will need to deal with to get your dog feeling better and breathing more normally. If You See Signs of an Allergic Reaction Signs of an allergic reaction include itching, hives, skin discoloration, and in some cases, vomiting, sneezing, and diarrhea. It could be that your dog has eaten something or may have been stung by an insect, and they are reacting to this. Your vet will be able to run some tests and confirm if this is the case. Signs of Heat Stroke Drooling, diarrhea, and seizures are all warning signs that your dog may be having a heat stroke. An X-ray and a number of tests will be required to see what is causing this distress, but this is definitely a sign that you do not want to ignore. Keep Your Dog Cool Be sure to pack plenty of water and some towels that you can get to help your Shepherd keep cool. This is important on days when it is very hot out, as these large dogs can quickly overheat if you are not careful. More Exercise Might Be the Answer If your adult Shepherd is not getting 2 hours of exercise a day, then it is a good idea to change your daily routine up for some extra trips for walking or playing outside. Shepherds are very active dogs, and so this daily exercise is an important part of keeping your dog happy and healthy. Sudden, fast breathing that was not occurring before may be caused by a number of things, and testing with your vet can help rule out any illness or injury. This is especially common with rescue animals who may have undergone trauma before you took them home. If you think that this might be the case, your vet can help you to determine the best medications and training strategies to help your dog with this. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here to learn exactly what the course has to offer! FAQ Below, we have answers to some of the most common questions we receive regarding German Shepherds and their breathing patterns. A healthy adult Shepherd will have an average rate of 15 — 35 breaths per minute while at rest. If your Shepherd is breathing at 40 breaths per minute or higher when at rest, then you will definitely want to check with your vet to investigate and determine the cause. Why is my German Shepherd breathing fast at night? If your Shepherd is breathing fast at night, in some cases, they might just be dreaming. If the fast breathing is fairly consistent, however, this is a definite reason for a check-up with your local vet to determine what is going on. Count the beats for approximately 15 seconds and then multiply this number by 4. This should give you the number of beats per minute. For temperature, the easiest method is a thermometer treat with water-based lubricant so that you can check the inside one of their eyes. Finally, for the breathing rate, you should be able to simply count the breaths per minute, and if they are over 40 when the dog is at rest, then you should be concerned. Related Posts:. It is active and a big dog German Shepherds tend to be big dogs and they can be very active. If your German Shepherd is big and it tends to be very active then it could be that it breathes fast because its body requires more oxygen naturally. However, if it is big and active but it has suddenly started to breathe faster than normal then it would be more likely that it would be due to something else. Not enough exercise German Shepherds are a breed that are supposed to be getting a lot of exercise on a daily basis. When they do not get much exercise it can cause them to develop behavioral and health issues. If yours is not getting much exercise then it could be the case that it needs more. Generally, it is recommended that German Shepherds get an hour of exercise daily. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. Illness or injury An illness or injury could be the cause. There are many diseases that can cause dogs to breathe faster including heart problems. If yours has suddenly started breathing rapidly, it has suddenly changed its behavior and it has been showing other signs of illness or injury then it would be more likely to be due to illness or injury. If it does seem like yours might be breathing fast due to illness or injury then it would help a lot to take it to a vet. It has been active recently If your German Shepherd has just been doing exercise then it would be likely that it is breathing fast as a result of that. If it is breathing much faster than it normally does after exercise then it could be something more serious especially if it persists. If it is breathing much faster then it would be more likely to be due to things such as heatstroke or an allergic reaction. Heatstroke If your German Shepherd has been out in the sun for a while and it has started panting a lot then it could be because it has heatstroke. It would also be more likely if it is drooling more, its heart rate is very high, it has diarrhea and seizures. If it does then make sure to let it into a cool and shaded area, to give it water and to follow the advice in this article then to take it to a vet. In this case, it would help to give it access to a cool, shaded area and water. If it does seem to be showing the signs of heatstroke mentioned above then it would be important to follow the advice in the above article. Medication If your German Shepherd has started doing it after being put on medication then it could be a side effect of the medication source. This would be more likely if heavy breathing is listed as a side effect. However, it would help to make sure it is ok with your vet. Allergic reaction The cause could be that it has had an allergic reaction to something. If it has been showing signs of having an allergic reaction then it would help to take it to a vet. Things to consider There are many things that you can consider when trying to figure out why your German Shepherd has been breathing fast. If it always pants fast If your German Shepherd has always panted fast then it would be more likely to be natural especially if the vet has not found any issues on previous visits. However, it would still help to ask if the panting is normal on your next visit. If it has started panting fast suddenly then it would be more likely to be due to a more serious problem unless it has just been doing a lot of exercise. When it first started panting fast The timing of when it first started panting fast would be helpful to consider. Whereas, if it has just been running around then it would be more likely to be due to that. How to get your German Shepherd to stop breathing fast The best way for you to get your German Shepherd to stop breathing fast will depend on the cause. However, I will show you some options that you have below. Keep it cool If it has been hot outside then it would help to make sure that your German Shepherd has access to a cool and shaded area and water. It would also help to avoid exercising it during the day and to try to do it in the early morning or evening instead. Another thing that you can do to help keep it cool would be to remove its undercoat with a de-shedding brush. Give it exercise If your German Shepherd has not been getting much exercise and the vet has not found issues then it would be important to make sure that it does get exercise. You can make sure to give it exercise by walking it, playing fetch with it or getting a dog walker to do it for you. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. Vomiting Temperature above degrees Fahrenheit If you suspect your dog is suffering from heatstroke, call your vet right away. Additionally, following the below treatment steps at the first signs can help cool the dog and provide life-saving care: Treating Heatstroke in Dogs The number one way to treat heatstroke is to avoid it in the first place. Never leave your dog in a parked car, because even with the windows cracked, temperatures can get up to degrees Fahrenheit. For a dog suffering from heatstroke, you want to cool them down slowly. Make sure not to drop their temperature too quickly since that can lead to constricted blood vessels, which can cause a stroke. Give your dog cool not cold water to drink. Give him ice cubes to lick. Note: Be careful not to spray your dog with a water hose; the water left in hoses can heat to almost boiling temperatures. Much like you get wound up for a big presentation at work or excited to meet a friend, your dog also experiences such emotions. They may be thrilled to see you get home for the day or get worked up when strangers ring your doorbell. Either way, some amount of panting from excitement is expected; however, if it is frequent or constant, it may mean your dog has a more severe form of anxiety. German Shepherds may be more susceptible to anxiety as they are a hyper-vigilant dog breed. They are protective of their humans and want to be involved in all aspects of life. This mentality can lead to heightened levels of anxiety as the dog feels the need to be ever-alert. In these cases, it is possible for the owner to calm them in the short term and keep them that way. This can be done with a series of training exercises and some diet changes. Chronic Illness Some dogs may contract a chronic illness or condition that causes them to breathe more heavily than average. Heart Disease or Heart Failure Heart failure is one of the most common illness that causes panting in dogs and cats. Animals show some of the same symptoms as people when it comes to heart failure, including heavy breathing, coughing, and fatigue. Excessive thirst, hair loss, and a pot-bellied appearance can accompany heavy panting. Treatment can include medication and ACE inhibitors. Respiratory Disorders Respiratory disorders can also cause heavy breathing, such as pneumonia, laryngeal paralysis, lung tumors. Contact a vet to rule out any of these dangerous conditions. As allergies affect the respiratory system the same way as humans, your dog may need to breathe more heavily due to a histamine reaction. Typically allergies cause noisy breathing or wheezing in addition to increased breathing rate. Luckily, though, allergies can be treated with medication or the avoidance of allergic triggers. They also can mask it behind normal-seeming behavior gestures such as tail wagging or panting. However, as their guardians, it is our job to notice these changes in behavior. Accompanying panting, you may notice restlessness, anxiety, licking or scratching an area excessively, or enlarged pupils. Medication Some medications can cause shortness of breath or excessive panting in dogs. While it may seem challenging to determine the difference at first, with a little practice, it will become easy. While this practice is essential for dogs with heart failure or other preexisting conditions, it can also be useful to know for healthy animals, too. This way, you are prepared if an emergency ever arises. Most dogs take between breaths per minute, though some can be lower, which is generally not a cause for concern. Higher than 30 breaths per minute is normal if the dog is hot or winded but should not be a sustained rate. However, if they are calm and resting, this works as well. One breath consists of both a rise and a fall in chest movement, which is an indication of an inhale and exhale. Use a stopwatch, phone, or another timepiece to measure 30 seconds as you count the breaths. If you are counting the breaths of a healthy animal, do this once per day so you can establish a baseline. If your pet is ill or experiencing heart failure, your vet may recommend monitoring this every hour. This is especially the case if your dog shows other signs of hyperventilation, such as: Rapid heart rate Collapsing or fainting Weakness If this is related to a physical health issue, the vet may recommend making an appointment or emergency visit. If the panting is determined to be due to stress or anxiety, your vet may offer recommendations on how to calm your dog. How To Calm Panting In Anxious Dogs Dogs, like people, can get stressed, nervous, or anxious in unfamiliar situations or due to changes in routine. Some dogs are extra sensitive, and even one small thing being out of place like a squirrel running around in the yard can cause them to get worked up. When dogs get worked up in such fashion, it could cause them to pant heavily and often. In doing this, the owner should also remain calm so their buddy can pick up on it. In training your dog to adopt calmness, positive reinforcement is the key; this comes primarily in the form of treats but also affirmations of good behavior work as well. Just ensure your affirmations are not too enthusiastic because that could cause excitement in the dog, thus counteracting your recent training session. Yogurt in a squeeze bottle, shredded chicken, or the soft sausage-rolled dog treats are some options you can try. You can also use finding treats as a distraction from whatever is upsetting your pooch. Sniffing is a natural calming action for dogs as it allows their focus to be on something tangible. It also dedicates breaths to the sniff, which can alleviate panting. If they need encouragement, look with them, and point out the tasty treats. Practice Calming Behaviors As an owner, taking your own deep breaths can help show the dog that calm is okay. You want to encourage your dog once they stop panting, even for a moment, and provide them with a treat. Use treats and a flat, upturned palm to slowly encourage your dog to move their chin closer to your hand. Spark their interest in the mat with treats and affirmations without telling the dog to go to the mat. Since it is supposed to be a refuge for your dog, you want it to be their idea when they goes there. At first, the mat will only be out as a special treat and hidden the rest of the time. Eventually, you can leave the mat out all the time and quietly reward your pet for lying on the mat on their own. If you see your dog sleeping or relaxing, quietly place a treat nearby without saying anything. This is the time where enthusiastic praise could actually be a detriment because it will get the pup wound up again. Always call your vet if you are unsure if care is needed. Final thoughts Heat and humidity The German shepherd is extremely sensitive to heat and humidity and will breathe and pant profusely if left tied up or confined in a hot environment. This is an involuntary reaction to heat or high temperatures, and although it may be uncomfortable for the dog, your German Shepherd cannot control his heavy breathing. Panting is also a way for the German Shepherd to cool down, which he does by evaporating water from his tongue and mouth. Their long digestive tracts allow this process to release heat slowly rather than abruptly. The heavier the coat of fur, the slower the heat dissipation process. Recovering from Exercise A dog that is exercised heavily will also pant. German shepherds are a high-energy breed and need plenty of exercise to stay healthy. If you suspect your dog is panting too heavily because of exercise, stop for a few minutes to allow the respiratory system to recover. Avoid exercising your dog too much in hot weather, and always provide plenty of fresh, clean water to drink. This will ensure your German Shepherd remains healthy and does not overheat. Stress or anxiety Breathing hard is also a common reaction in stressed or anxious dogs. This can happen when they are at the veterinary surgery, during grooming, or when faced with an unfamiliar situation. Some dogs become anxious when a stranger comes over if a certain visitor arrives, or someone goes outside of the house without them. Dogs will also pant under these circumstances if they have separation anxiety because they feel anxious about being alone in the house. In many cases, the panting will go away once the dog gets used to the person or situation causing them anxiety. One is to make sure they get plenty of exercise. A tired dog is less likely to be anxious. You can also try training your dog using positive reinforcement. This will help them feel more confident and secure in their surroundings. Long digestive tracts The cooling process takes longer for these dogs because of the length of their digestive tracts, so bony areas such as their noses are susceptible to overheating. It may also be easier for them to breathe through the mouth since it allows air to pass over larger surfaces due to the size of their noses. Experiencing pain Dogs will also pant when they are in pain, as this is a way for the body to release endorphins, which are hormones that help reduce pain. He may be experiencing pain from an injury or illness. Ingestion of Toxins Ingestion of toxins can cause dogs to pant excessively. The most common toxins dogs consume are chocolate, grapes, raisins, onions, and garlic. This can be harmful and even fatal to your dog. If he ingests any of these and begins to pant heavily, take him straight to the veterinarian or animal hospital right away. Pregnancy Female german shepherds may pant heavily during pregnancy. This is because the increased blood flow and added weight can make it difficult for the dog to breathe. The puppies will also take in more oxygen than usual, so you may notice your dog panting even more when they are nursing. Heatstroke If your German Shepherd is panting heavily, this serious condition requires veterinary attention, so take your dog to the nearest clinic immediately. German shepherds are more susceptible to heatstroke than other breeds because of their large size. If your dog is panting heavily and you see that he is also vomiting, has diarrhea, or is staggering around, he may be suffering from heatstroke. Ensure that you move him to a cool environment immediately in these situations. Heart disease Some dogs pant heavily because they have heart disease. This is common in older dogs and can be caused by various problems such as a malfunctioning heart valve or an enlarged heart. Why does my German Shepherd breathe so fast while sleeping? There are several reasons why a german shepherd would breathe heavily while sleeping. One of the most common reasons is allergies. If this sounds like your dog, you should consult with your veterinarian about an allergy treatment plan that might reduce excessive breathing during sleep time. Another reason for heavy panting while sleeping is heart failure. Heart failure can cause many different symptoms, including fast breathing, coughing, and labored breathing. If your GSD is exhibiting any other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, or swelling in the extremities, it is essential to take them to the vet for a check-up. The last potential reason for heavy breathing while sleeping is sleep apnea. Sleep apnea is a condition that causes a dog to stop breathing for short periods during sleep. This can be dangerous if untreated because it can lead to heart problems, seizures, and even death. If you think your dog might have sleep apnea, then you should consult with your veterinarian about getting them tested. What is the average respiration rate for German Shepherds? In general, however, the average respiration rate for german shepherds is about 30 breaths per minute. This means that a dog takes in about 30 breaths of air every minute. Why is it important to know the average respiration rate for German shepherds? Knowing the average respiration rate for german shepherds can be helpful for owners and breeders. By learning how often a dog typically breathes, people can better understand when a dog is breathing too fast or too slow and may need veterinary attention. Additionally, this information can help people select healthy dogs for breeding. Final thoughts In general, it is normal for a German shepherd to breathe hard, which should not cause concern. However, if your dog is panting excessively or breathing in an abnormal manner, it is important to consult with your veterinarian to rule out any underlying medical issues. A normal rate of breathing for dogs is between 10 and 35 breaths per minute, and the average dog takes about 24 breaths per minute at rest. Heavy Breathing In Puppies In general, puppies have higher respiratory rates and heart rates compared to adult dogs. A normal breathing rate for a puppy is between breaths per minute. This usually happens in the REM rapid eye movement stage of the sleep cycle, and may be accompanied by whimpers or leg movements—all of which are completely normal. In most cases, it is no cause for alarm. Your dog is breathing heavy at rest If your dog is breathing heavy at rest, it can be a red flag for a number of serious health issues. Your dog is panting with a closed or partially open mouth While panting is normal in dogs, if your dog is breathing heavily with a closed mouth or just a partially open mouth, it can be a sign of something more serious and should receive medical attention. Your dog is coughing and breathing heavy If your dog is coughing and breathing heavy, it may be a sign of chronic bronchitis or another serious respiratory issue. Your dog appears to be in distress A dog in distress may be restless, have little to no appetite, and try to hide. Your dog may show other signs of stress such as tucking the tail between the legs and ears that are pinned back rather than being relaxed. Your dog is making other noises while breathing heavy If your dog is having difficulty breathing, they may also make other noises such as snorting, wheezing, or retching. These are common symptoms associated with other respiratory conditions like chronic bronchitis. Treatment For Heavy Breathing In Dogs Treatment for heavy breathing in dogs will vary depending on the underlying cause. Your dog may need oxygen therapy to stabilize their condition and ensure they are getting enough oxygen to their organs. Take the Canine Bronchitis Assessment to see if your dog could have chronic bronchitis.

Use the same commands and cues consistently. Improved obedience and communication. Reward good behavior with treats and praise. A motivated and happy pup. Socialization Introduce your pup to various people and dogs in a slow, positive manner. Well-adjusted and confident around others. Structured Play Mental stimulation and reduced boredom. Leash Training Teach leash manners to enjoy peaceful walks. Enjoyable walks with your well-behaved companion. Obedience Classes Enroll in obedience classes for professional guidance. Enhanced training skills and socialization. Training a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy involves consistent positive reinforcement methods. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come. Use rewards like treats and praise to encourage desired behavior, and keep training sessions short and engaging. Socialization with other dogs and people is essential, and enrolling in puppy training classes can provide structured guidance. Use these puppy training tips to have less stress with your puppy: 1. Stay on top of their exercise needs. Your GSD needs the proper exercise. Increase exercise slowly to avoid an injury that comes from too much impact on unfused joints and bones. While your puppy still lacks maturity and focus, you can increase training to help teach your dog obedience skills. Increase daily obedience and practice to help them learn training basics. Your beautiful German Shepherd puppy will grow very quickly! Teaching them when they are puppies will pay off for the rest of their life. Simple training should start the moment your puppy arrives home. Using the same word for the same activities will help them learn quickly. Give them the right chew toys. Your pup needs balls and toys that are safe and chew-worthy. Look for more indestructible toys to keep your German Shepherd busy and continue to offer chew treats to work their jaws. Find the right chews for you puppy so you minimize the potential for choking and their jaws get a good workout. Use some of these balls for German Shepherd puppies as a distraction toy to get their focus away from your fingers and onto the toy. Giving your puppy a chew toy when they are biting an unapproved item redirects their attention to the right item. Include mental stimulation for their minds. This puppy needs mental stimulation to help them exercise their brilliant minds. This intelligent dog need more than physical exercise. Their minds need to learn and become involved in their world in new and interesting ways. There are many ways you can include mental stimulation. Many of these ways involve teaching a new brain challenge or mental game. Keep them supervised. Even a young GSD can cause lots of trouble when left unsupervised. If your once potty-trained pup has now forgotten their potty manners, then use pet-safe baby gates to contain them or leash them to you to supervise their actions at all times. Pet safe gates like these allow your dog to still see you and feel they have watched over their family. Pet gates are a safe option that prevents your dog from getting its head stuck or worse. Shutting a German Shepherd behind a closed door increases their anxiety and can make unwanted behavior worse! Instead, use the baby gate in a safe area to give them less run of your house. Behaviors you like can improve daily. Every day is an opportunity for you to become a more successful leader. For example: If they want to go outside ask them for a sit first. If they bring you a ball to throw, ask for a down before you engage in play. Setting up expectations of accepted behavior helps them learn how to behave more appropriately. And these successful moments can help speed up how long it takes to train a German Shepherd. Even tiny successes are great confidence builders for your puppy and for you. These bursts of training are easier for your pup to understand. The most telling sign of your little puppy growing up is unpredictable behaviors. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde, but in a furry adorable body! Hormones, rebellion, confusion, and curiosity all add up to puppy puberty. But with the proper home management techniques and setting expectations, you can overcome these common puppyhood challenges. And my short Happy Puppy Guide is packed with helpful tips and tricks to ensure your furry friend grows up to be a happy and well-behaved companion. Your 6-month-old German Shepherd will thank you for it. I fetched it for you right here! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts Remember that your 6 month old German Shepherd is not a puppy anymore. It is the age when your pet officially enters the adolescence stage. What does this mean for it and you as its owner? The most troublesome period starts here. Your doggy can become rather unpredictable, and it is sometimes frustrating. It may still seem like a big fur ball, but it shows its temperament and character, so you need to be very careful. Moreover, it is very strong, too. So if your puppy is not properly trained, you may experience some difficulties in controlling it. Size and Appearance Your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy continues growing. It has already gained pounds .It is a large dog breed, and it has become obvious now. Your boy weighs pounds kg , and the girl, though smaller, is pounds kg heavy. The height of a male puppy at this age reaches inches cm at the withers, while female dogs are inches cm tall. Now, teething is almost completed, and your doggy can normally show all its 42 adult teeth already. However, some puppies continue teething until they are months old. The fur coat is also almost adult, with its double layers and a lot of shedding. It means that you need to develop a direct schedule for brushing and grooming. Buy a high-quality undercoat rake and brush your pup at least once a week. Since teething is finished, the ears stand up straight at this age. However, some puppies do not have perky ears until they are 12 months old. Another very important thing to consider in your six month old German Shepherd is that its sexual maturity begins. This stage is equivalent to teenagership or puberty in people. The hormones start kicking in, so males may want to look for a mate when outside. That is why it is so important to keep your puppy away from stray dogs at this time. Your boy may also start marking its territory and displaying aggression toward other animals and people. Estrogen in females also results in uneasiness and aggressive behavior. Walking in a dog park is not the best idea for your girl at this period. On average, a 6 month old GSD sleeps hours a day. Most of them are at night, but it may also need several naps in the daytime. Your puppy is very active at this age, so it needs a lot of walking and running. It is capable of walking long distances or even jogging. It is a truly great breed that can be very energetic. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers, and many believe that it is OK, since wolf pups as their ancestors could walk and run with their pack for many miles. However, every veterinarian will tell you that too much exercise of this kind can be dangerous for your pup because it can result in problems with joints at this age. So, choose other types of activities for exercising. Teach your doggy to walk on a leash, with frequent breaks, increasing the length of the walk gradually. Never walk your puppy in very hot or cold weather. If your pup shows the slightest signs of lameness, talk with your vet about it. The age of 6 months is the time when many behavioral problems can appear. It is connected with the period of puberty and hormonal disbalances. Your pup needs more independence, so it may wage a war against all your belongings if not trained properly. Chewing, tearing, and demolishing everything around is common. Even if your doggy has been potty-trained properly, it may have more accidents indoors now because it finds pleasure in looking for secret places for doing its business when indoors. Therefore, you have to show it who the boss in the household is and become a true leader of the pack for it. When playing, your pup may become rougher and try to dominate. It can get pushier with other dogs due to the start of its sexual maturity. Your pet can display a lot of boldness and attack other dogs fearlessly when walking in the park. It may also develop more aggressive reactions to other people, especially strangers. Even if it does know most commands, it may pretend to forget them because its hormones fluctuate. So, you need to be very careful to avoid incidents. Scent marking is another sign of puberty. The pup can do it inside your home and display disobedience if you try to prevent this. Female pups can experience the beginning of heat. It may cause them to feel subdued and insecure, so they become less sociable and even aggressive to their owners. You need a lot of patience and knowledge to train your doggy to behave properly at this age. Try to be persistent, provide it with more outdoor exercise, and never use force or physical punishment in response to its misbehavior. Increase the amount of exercise gradually to avoid bad injuries to the bones and joints. Find the most appropriate and appealing activities and games for your puppy to keep it healthy and out of trouble. Include mental stimulation in your everyday exercise. Offer it new brain challenges or mental games. Health and Care You need to be carefully observing whether your pup meets its weight and height requirements for this age. Learn to measure your doggy regularly to be on the safe side. Your pup has already had three vaccination sessions by this time. Neutering or spaying your pup is an issue that you may have to consider. However, most veterinarians do not approve of this at such an early age. It can result in joint disorders, incontinence, musculature injuries, and even cancer. They can be explained by lessening or eliminating the production of hormones associated with growth. The cartilage in long leg bones may get soft or even be missing, contributing to skeletal weaknesses. That is why you should delay neutering until your boy is one year old. Or, if your little male displays too many signs of disobedience and aggression due to its sexual development, delay neutering until the veterinarian X-rays your doggy and ensures that the growth plates are hardened and completely closed. As for female German Shepherds, the additional safety considerations for spaying should also be taken into account. Too early spaying can increase the risks of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence, along the common joint and bone issues. It is recommended to wait until your girl is one year old or even longer. Most breeders will tell you that a female German Shepherd should go through one or two heat cycles before spaying to reduce the risks of severe health issues. That is why the most desirable time for spaying the GS female is 18 months of its age. As for other health problems at the age of 6 months, you do not need to worry. If you want to know what to expect further, research the pedigree and ancestors of your pup to see whether there were any hereditary issues in their bloodline. You can also have a DNA test to predict future problems, such as degenerative myelopathy. However, you need to be watchful and careful about different signs and symptoms that may signal some temporary disorders. These symptoms may not mean anything serious. Though, it is always better to be sure. Feeding You need to feed your 6 month old German Shepherd puppy an appropriate diet with the correct number of calories and protein rates. It still grows rapidly, so you should be careful when choosing between high-quality puppy kibble and raw homemade feeding. The latter should include raw meats fish, turkey, or chicken are good and different vegetables and fruits. Do not offer your puppy too many treats during the daytime. Remember that they can be full of fats and lead to obesity. You do not want your pup to suffer from hip dysplasia or other health issues caused by being overweight. Arthritis, hypertension, diabetes, and even cancer can also result from improper diets. Give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. Develop a feeding schedule and be consistent with following it. Self-feeding can also lead to obesity. Provide clean and fresh water to your dog, and you do not need to take the water bowl away. Your pup should have access to it whenever it wants. Never add any supplements or extra treats until your veterinarian recommends them. If your puppy refuses to eat for more than two subsequent meals, have a talk with your vet. You do not need to make a transition to adult food at this age yet. However, in some cases, it may be appropriate and recommended, even if normally such a transition is due closer to the age of one year. If you do not do it gradually, you may face digestive upset in your puppy. The start for a 6 month old GSD is not the best option because the socialization window closes at 4 months in German Shepherds, and you may encounter some behavioral issues now. Never use harsh, negative, or punishment-based methods of training. Your pup is very sensitive, and all this can damage its psyche. The positive, reward-based methods are more appropriate, and they will produce better results. Continue socialization by exposing your pet to unfamiliar animals and people in a friendly environment. Though, you need to be very careful now because hormone disbalance can evoke unpredictable reactions. German Shepherds tend to be enthusiastic barkers, so you have to discourage your pup from barking all the time. Teach it to inform you when someone unknown is approaching, but keep from barking all other times. Always control your doggy persistently. Instill that you are a leader to obey. Do training for at least minutes per day regularly and always use positive reinforcement. If you need help, ask a professional trainer to assist or teach you. It is pretty tall, with the height of a male reaching inches .Female dogs are a bit smaller, with inches cm in height. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd weight? Your pet continues growing quickly, so its weight also increases. The average weight of a boy puppy is pounds .How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd eat? You can give your puppy cups of kibble per each of 2 meals daily. How much should a 6 month old German Shepherd sleep? Because of its almost full-sized bladder, your pup does not need a potty at night or may need it just once. Therefore, it can sleep peacefully the whole night. Normally, the average sleeping time is hours, with the biggest amount at night. Though, it may also need several naps in the daytime. How far can a 6 month old German Shepherd walk? Even if you think that your pup needs a lot of exercises, walking and running should not comprise the largest part of it. The puppy can walk up to 6 miles or 10 kilometers if it is needed, but never make it walk for such a long distance. Its bones and joints are not formed completely yet, so much walking can cause many health issues. Choose some other activities for exercising, then. Final Thoughts Now, you can see that your 6 month old GSD puppy is a source of both enjoyment and trouble. You should be very patient, persistent, and careful about feeding, training, and exercising your little one to raise a healthy, energetic, and loyal dog, the best companion and protector for all your family. Follow the advice of your veterinarian relating to health and care. You can also consult with a professional dog trainer or hire them to help you. We hope that some recommendations and tips in this article will also be helpful. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. If you have recently welcomed a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy into your home, you are probably feeling a mix of excitement and overwhelming responsibility. At six months, your GSD puppy is starting to look and act a lot like an adult. He is also starting to explore his surroundings and may be roaming a lot more than usual. He is also going into puppy puberty, which comes with many behavioral changes including marking, aggression and acting on sexual desires. In this blog post, we will provide a survival guide for new owners of a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy. We will cover essential topics such as feeding, exercise, training, grooming, and health care, and offer practical tips and recommendations to help you navigate this particular stage with your new companion. What to expect from a 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy? If you have a male puppy, for instance, you will notice that they are becoming overly territorial or intolerant of other male dogs and generally aggressive to unfamiliar people. In addition to the hormones, are the raging sexual desires which will make your puppy want to be around dogs of the opposite sex. Female puppies will start to go into heat, while male puppies will start roaming looking for females. Other changes to expect include: Playful and energetic Your young dog is also likely to be more energetic and playful than before. Becoming independent GSD puppies at this age are also starting to become more independent and may be less reliant on you. Enhanced communication skills Puppies at this age also have enhanced hearing skills and can process instructions a lot better. This is the time to advance obedience training to help them learn good behavior and become well-behaved adult dogs. Resource guarding Additionally, they may experience what we refer to as resource guarding. This is where puppies become so possessive of their toys that they become harsh when someone or another dog tries to touch them. American Kennel Club recommends early behavior training to prevent this possession aggression from escalating into nasty bites. Your six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will need quite a lot from you. First and foremost, they will need a consistent routine and structure. The routine should incorporate everything from feeding to play. A routine will help make life so much easier for both of you. Other needs include A good leader As an owner, you should also provide your puppy with good leadership. Part of being a good leader is giving clear instructions and being consistent with reinforcing the behavior. For a GSD puppy, establishing yourself as a pack leader is crucial in instilling good behavior. Consistent exercise You will also need to take your dog for daily walks or for play dates at the dog park to keep them mentally stimulated and physically active. Even as puppies, German Shepherds are extremely energetic dogs, and therefore daily exercise is a basic need for them. You will need to commit to at least 30 minutes of exercise in the morning and another 30 minutes in the evening. In addition, you will need to have a list of games and activities to keep them busy and mentally stimulated. Here are some activities you can try. Proper socialization It is also important to continue socializing your German Shepherd puppy at this age. This can involve exposing them to a variety of people, places, and other animals in a controlled and positive manner. This will help your puppy develop into a well-adjusted adult dog. Proper nutrition Proper nutrition is also important for a growing German Shepherd puppy. You will need to feed your puppy high-quality food appropriate for their size and age. It is generally recommended to feed puppies three to four times per day until they are about six months old, after which you can gradually transition to twice-daily feedings. Love and attention In addition to these basic responsibilities, you are also expected to provide your German Shepherd puppy with plenty of love, attention, and positive reinforcement. This will help them feel secure and build a strong bond with you. There are plenty of ways to bond with your dog. You can make use of the morning and evening exercise to bond, go on weekend hikes and trips together, walks at the dog park or play interactive games indoors. The goal is to create as much quality time with your dog to enhance the bond. Regular grooming Regular grooming is another thing your pup will require from you at least once every week. Now that their coat is fully filled up, they will start to shed a lot. This means you will need to create a schedule for brushing their coat and general grooming, like cleaning their ears and teeth. Ensure you get a good-quality brush for this job. They look a lot like a large breed dog at this point. Males will have an average weight of 53 pounds and a height of between inches, while females will weigh 46 pounds on average and will be inches tall. However, some German Shepherds puppies may be larger or smaller than others at this age. The puppies will have a more developed a more muscular appearance than they did when younger. They will have a longer, thicker coat, and their ears may be fully upright. Their paws may also be larger and more in proportion to their body, and a majority will have all their adult teeth on. Also noticeable will be their strong, muscular build and their intelligent and confident demeanor. It is normal for some puppies to grow more quickly or more slowly than others. To help speed up their growth, focus on proper nutrition. You also want to get your puppy a variety of chew toys to help with ear erection. This new stage comes with its own set of behavioral changes, as expected, like aggression, territorial marking, and moodiness. Other changes that your pup may experience to indicate sexual maturity include bloody discharge and swelling of the vulva. As the hormones kick in for both males and females, they will begin to act on their sexual desires. For males, particularly, they will start to prowl for females, and for females, they will start to go into their first heat cycle. But yes, from 6 to 12 months, your pup will develop aggressive reactions to other dogs as well as to unfamiliar faces. They will start to get pushier when playing with other dogs. They will also become bolder and more fearless when with other dogs. This is their innate need to want to dominate and protect their territory, which they are slowly marking. This sudden aggressiveness is also due to the hormonal fluctuation they are experiencing. Ideally, your puppy should have been trained as early as 4 months when the aggressive behavior starts so that by the time the aggression is heightened at 6 months, it is easier to deter. Be aware that even though they will not be aggressive to you as their owner, they will start to show disobedience when you give them commands. You will need to stamp your authority so that the puppy understands that you are in charge. This will also make training even with aggressive behaviors easier. Puppy puberty: What do owners need to know? The sixth month in puppies is marked with a surge of hormones. This makes it pretty hard to predict their behaviors. In fact, they may show some aggression and pushiness. They however like to hang out around female dogs because their sexual desire is heightened. For female puppies, you will notice a shift in their moods. They are also likely to become insecure and less interested in activities they once enjoyed as they start getting on heat. They may also become irritable and aggressive to other dogs. Both genders will also start showing some disobedience and unruly behaviors like not responding to commands they once did. Nutrition needs of a 6-Month-Old German Shepherd puppy At six months old, your German Shepherd puppy will still have some growing to do, and it is important to ensure that they are receiving the right balance of nutrients to support their growth and development. There are a variety of meat proteins that you can incorporate into the diet, such as chicken, beef, lamb, turkey, and salmon. Fats Fats and oils from fish, chicken, and meats are essential in developing healthy and shiny coat, skin, and fur. Carbohydrates Your 6-month-old puppy is going to need a lot of energy to keep up with his current activity levels. According to PetMD good sources of carbohydrates are plants and grains. Other essential nutrients Your puppy will also need essential nutrients minerals and vitamins to help in stabilizing their surging hormones as well as dental health and a multitude of other body functions. These nutrients can be found in cereals, meats, and vegetables. But your dog is still a puppy on the inside, and this is very important to remember. Your dog still has a lot of growing to do on the inside! A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is going to need a lot of socialization and structured crate training and enough gentle exercise and play to keep all that energy under control. What to Expect as Your German Shepherd Turns Six Months Old German Shepherds are really smart , strong dogs, which can mean they are a handful to raise and train as they grow up and get bigger. If you are caring for a German Shepherd puppy right now or have ever done so in the past, you already know this! One of the biggest areas of anxiety for first-time German Shepherd owners is whether what they are experiencing with their dog is normal or not. For example, is it normal for a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy to be biting everything in sight? How about if a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy whines and barks a lot? What about appetite, portion size, and treats for a 6 month old German Shepherd? When should you transition to adult dog food and an adult dog portion size? And what about that all-important question — should you get your German Shepherd spayed or neutered and, if so, when should you do it? These are all intelligent questions that caring dog owners typically ask. So if you are wondering what the answers are, you are not alone — and you are about to find out in the sections to follow here. In most cases, the timing of neutering a male German Shepherd puppy is going to be different than the spaying of a female GSD. So we will look at each procedure separately here. When to neuter your male German Shepherd puppy However, as the University of California at Davis points out, a scary new study in the Journal of Veterinary Medicine and Science highlights the health risks of too-early neutering. Specifically, joint disorders, musculature injuries, cancer, and incontinence are all risks that are linked to neutering a German Shepherd before the age of 12 months one year old. Researchers believe the risks arise from how neutering lessens or eliminates the production of important hormones associated with reproduction and also with growth. When a male dog is neutered too early, the hormones that tell the soft cartilage growth plates in the long leg bones when to close go missing. This can delay reaching the final German Shepherd growth stages, cause bone overgrowth, contribute to skeletal weakness throughout life and might cause German Shepherds to stop growing. To reduce these risks, you may want to delay neutering your male puppies until after their first birthday and they are a full grown German Shepherd. Alternately, you may want to delay neutering until after your veterinarian has X-rayed your dog and determined that the growth plates have closed and hardened. When to spay your female German Shepherd puppy Choosing when to spay a female German Shepherd puppy comes with additional safety considerations and health threats beyond simply preventing unplanned pregnancy. Female German Shepherds that are spayed too early in life have an increased risk of mammary cancer and urinary incontinence along with more frequent and serious joint and skeletal issues. To lessen the risk of these issues, it is definitely important to wait until your female German Shepherd puppy has had her first birthday. But you may want to wait even longer, and here is why. Many breeders believe that a female German Shepherd should go through one to two successful full heat cycles before spaying. As owners posting on this popular German shepherds Forum explain, waiting until your female German Shepherd has had her second birthday can reduce the risk of later-in-life urinary incontinence even further. And then some owners and breeders will choose to spay at the halfway point of 18 months. Other neuter or spay considerations for a German Shepherd puppy It is also important to keep in mind that some K-9 programs, such as participation in formal military or police K-9 work, are only open to intact German Shepherds. If you want to enroll your dog in this type of program, be sure to check the requirements before proceeding with a neuter or spay procedure. For this reason, the German Shepherd Dog Club of America GSDCA explains that weight monitoring is an essential aspect of adjusting food portions during the age of three to six months old. By the age of six months old, your puppy should be eating twice per day. Make sure clean, fresh water is always available to your dog. Only feed your puppy a high-quality, complete, and balanced puppy food made for large-breed puppies ask your breeder or veterinarian if you are not sure what to feed. As we mentioned earlier in this article, a six-month-old German Shepherd puppy is likely going to look very similar to how it will look like an adult German Shepherd. But on the inside, there is still so much growing and developing to be done. What you feed, how you feed, and how much you feed can have everything to do with how strong and structurally healthy your GSD puppy grows up to be. Start by mixing 90 percent old food with 10 percent new food. Do this for one to two days. Then switch to 80 percent old food mixed with 20 percent new food. Continue until you are at percent new food. This system can ease digestive upset and temporary elimination issues like constipation or diarrhea that may arise when there is a big food switch. As the Central Texas Veterinary Hospital explains, German Shepherds as a breed can be particularly prone to issues of a sensitive stomach. This makes planning for a slow food transition especially critical to success for this breed. Training a Six Month Old German Shepherd Puppy According to expert dog trainers with the German Shepherd Dog Club of America , the type of puppy training your dog receives from the ages of two to six months is vital to raising a healthy, happy adult dog. Quite the contrary! So your GSD puppy may still be teething and biting on everything in sight to deal with that painful process. German Shepherds are high-strung, sensitive dogs and they are also strong and powerful. You can accomplish the same and even better training results using positive rewards-based reinforcement methods that will not damage your bond with your dog. Continue socialization with strange people and animals Your German Shepherd puppy will need ongoing exposure to strangers — people and animals — as part of the socialization and training process. You have total control over how you want your German Shepherd to respond when a strange person or animal crosses their path. You can teach your puppy how to alert you when an unknown individual approaches your home or crosses your path. If you are firm and consistent with your training through the teenage phase, hiring a professional K-9 trainer if you need to, your reward will be a well-behaved, well-trained adult dog that will guard, defend and protect you with their life. One reason for this is that as long as the growth plates stay soft, you risk injury if you over-exercise your dog. But the soft growth plates can be damaged if your German Shepherd puppy is allowed to run for extended periods of time, race up and down the stairs, do a lot of jumping or agility work or play too vigorously. Games like tug-of-war also bad for developing teeth. Throw-the-toy ball, stick games. Too-vigorous or rough play with other dogs or people. So at six months of age, your German Shepherd puppy should be exercising for 30 minutes six months times 5 minutes each day. But here again, make sure the exercise is appropriate for a young large breed dog that is still growing and developing internally. Using mental and sensory exercise aids like snuffle mats and treat puzzle toys and teething aids like iced Kongs and safe flavored chew toys can also provide much-needed exercise and enrichment for mind and body. This will help ensure your 6 month old German Shepherd grows up to be a healthy adult dog. It is fun to watch Sam demonstrate how he has mastered basic commands from multiple owners, which is very important to help your GSD puppy socialize and bond fully with all family members. The owner also talks about the formal K-9 training program Sam is enrolled in through their local German Shepherd dog club. This is a fun option for you and your dog that is worth checking out if you happen to have a local German Shepherd club in your community.