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Most German Shepherds find that sensitive dog food is best for their delicate digestion. Remember, portion control is key. Establish a regular feeding schedule, keep treats for training rewards not their main meal , give lots of fresh water, and always adjust the amount you feed your pup so they maintain a healthy weight. A comfortable space to unwind. Choose a German Shepherd-sized dog bed that suits their size and sleeping style. Some dogs love to sprawl, while others prefer to curl up. Crates are also essential, not just for training but for their safety too. A crate is a perfect place where your pup can lay their head when they need time away from the stress of life. All of these cozy spaces are great for when you want your pup to have time to relax and unwind. An exercise program to satisfy their high energy needs. Daily exercise is their secret sauce for a happy and well-behaved pup. Aim for at least 90 to minutes of daily activity, but remember, it varies from puppy to adult. Every German Shepherd, from puppy to senior, needs a good walk. So, gear up, grab that leash, and head out for some quality exercise time with your furry athlete for double the fun source. An enjoyable social life. Socialization is essential for a happy doggie life! Regularly schedule playdates or trips to visit other dogs they like to let them meet and enjoy their pals. It helps your four-legged buddy become a better-behaved, well-rounded pup. Think of it as a confidence booster. It helps them feel less anxious, more adaptable, and ready to conquer the world, one playdate at a time. When it comes to dog interactions, safety is the name of the game. Always supervise and pick up on cues. A wagging tail can mean excitement or nervousness. Keep things positive and fun to avoid any puppy drama. It takes time and the right training for a less social German Shepherd to make friends with other dogs. Socialization is part of what German Shepherds need to enjoy their doggie lives. Even if they have you as their human best friend, they still enjoy their own kind, too. A fun range of brain-stimulating activities. You see, German Shepherds are more than just muscles and fur. Now, onto the fun stuff! These are like brain teasers for your pup. Puzzle toys, with hidden treats or kibble, keep them thinking and problem-solving. Even better? There are entire training programs that help you brain-train your dog at home! A training plan to help them thrive. Training your German Shepherd for good house manners is not just about avoiding chewed-up shoes or gnawed furniture legs. German Shepherds thrive when they understand expectations. This makes them not just happier members of your household, but easier to get along with too. Start with the basics. German Shepherd puppies can get easily distracted, so simplicity is key. When training these spirited pups, set them up for success. Create a distraction-free environment, and use treats or toys as rewards to keep them motivated. Positive reinforcement goes a long way. Break down commands into smaller parts and reward them for each step in the right direction. This approach helps them grasp concepts quickly and builds their confidence. So, when it comes to training for house manners, remember the magic trio: simplicity, patience, and baby steps! A grooming routine to maintain their skin and fur. A well-groomed German Shepherd struts around with confidence, and a clean, shiny coat is just the tip of the iceberg. Regular brushing not only keeps their fur untangled and mat-free but also stimulates blood circulation and spreads those natural oils for a luscious coat. This grooming inspection can prevent little problems from becoming big ones when you catch them early. But a good scrub keeps those pesky parasites away and gets rid of any funky odors. But not any shampoo will do! There are always tasty dog chews that can help on top of brushing. And ear wipes can make cleaning their ears easier and help you spot ear infections before they run out of control. Grooming keeps your pup comfy, stylish, and in tip-top shape. A health plan for preventive and regular care. Now, German Shepherds often come with their own set of health concerns, like joint issues, sensitive stomachs, and even skin problems. Catching problems early can save you and your furball a ton of trouble down the road. Stay on top of their appointments and routine exams. A loving owner who gives lots of attention and cuddles. Despite their sometimes stoic exteriors, many German Shepherds crave your love and attention. Set some time aside every day to pet your German Shepherd, talk to them softly, and just tell them how awesome they are. Your German Shepherd relies on you for their needs, and when you provide them with the right care, it can make a world of difference in their comfort and happiness. Nutrition: Feed them a well-balanced diet suitable for their age, size, and activity level. Comfortable Space: Create a cozy environment with a comfy bed and a secure, clean living area. Exercise: Keep them active with regular walks and playtime to channel their energy. Socialization: Help them become confident and sociable by exposing them to various people, animals, and places. Mental Stimulation: Challenge their sharp minds with puzzles, brain games, and interactive toys. Training: Teach them basic commands, maintain simplicity, and use positive reinforcement. Grooming: Regular brushing, bathing, dental cleaning, and ear care ensure their comfort and well-being. Healthcare: Schedule regular vet visits to keep them in top shape and address any concerns promptly. Love: Always shower them with affection, quality time, cuddles, and play! Basics Collar Choose a well-fitted, sturdy collar with a solid hook for attaching a leash. When adopting a puppy, make sure the collar can be expanded as he or she grows. Ideally, there should be enough space for two fingers to slide underneath the collar, but no more. One with a bit of stretch will allow your pet some freedom while still allowing you to maintain some control. Retractable leashes work nicely for German shepherds as well. ID tags If your shepherd goes missing, ID tags tell others that he does belong to someone and is actually not a stray. Microchip Dogs that go missing may sometimes go months or even years before they are reunited with their owners. Some will never be reunited at all. A microchip can increase the odds that you will find your German shepherd in the event he becomes missing. Dog Food A very important item on any German shepherds checklist is food. The ideal dog food will provide adequate nutrition and contain few fillers such as grain that might cause allergies. Puppies have different nutritional requirements and therefore need a different type of food than adults. Our Review: Best Food for German shepherds Food and Water Bowl Food and water bowls designed especially for pets have a shape that makes them easy to access. They are also heavier than normal bowls and are therefore more difficult to tip over. Choose one set of bowls for the house and another set of folding ones for travel. The right container will have a tight-fitting lid and clear sides so that you can easily see how much food is remaining. Food Scoops A German shepherd need between three to four cups of kibble per day. Food scoops ensure even portions and prevent overfeeding. Read also: German Shepherd feeding guide: how much and how often to feed a German shepherd Dog Crate A dog crate can help with potty training and also gives your German shepherd a place he can call his own. Buy one that will accommodate your canine once he reaches adulthood. Use dividers to gradually expand the space while he is growing. Our Review: Best Dog Crate for German Shepherds Dog House A well-insulated doghouse will provide protection from the elements and give your German shepherd a safe place in which to relax outdoors. The ideal size will allow your pet to stand up and fully turn around in once inside. Choose soft material such as fleece, sheepskin, or even a down comforter. Opt for a durable rubber or nylon material rather than Kevlar. In that case, they may become a choking hazard or cause intestinal blockage. Tug Toys A German Shepherd puppy playing tug-o-war in a garden. This breed has naturally strong jaw bones that require regular exercise. Beef, pork, turkey, lamb, or even rawhide bones are tough enough that they will not splinter while your pet is chewing. Your pet will enjoy having you throw a ball and then being able to run after it. A toy ball will also come in handy when teaching your shepherd how to fetch. Puzzle Toys Puzzle toys provide mental stimulation and can help ward off some of the separation anxiety that German shepherds are susceptible to. They also help develop mental acuity and are therefore a valuable tool when it comes to training. Some dogs also find them very comforting, especially in stressful situations such as thunderstorms. Health Vitamins and Supplements Multi-vitamin soft chews in treat form ensure adequate nutrition to help your puppy become strong and healthy. Glucosamine supplements will help your GSD maintain joint health as he grows older. Dog Bed A comfortable, sheepskin-lined dog bed will provide the ideal spot for overnight snoozing or an occasional nap. Buy one a little bigger so that your GSD will have plenty of room as he grows. First-Aid Products Build a first-aid kit so that you can easily attend to minor scrapes and cuts at home. Some things to keep in it include roll gauze, medical scissors, hydrogen peroxide, and antibiotic ointment. A topical solution applied monthly can help you combat these pests, as can certain oral medications. Heartworm Meds source: urbananimalveterinary. Has your German shepherd tested as soon after adoption as possible? That way, you can obtain an up-to-date prescription that will provide the best possible protection. Potty Pads Training accidents do happen, regardless of how careful you are. As such, you should have plenty of potty pads on hand when adopting a puppy. However, you could need them for an adult GSD if you must go sometime in between walks. Training Dog Treats Treats can serve as a reward and are a useful tool when it comes to training. Your shepherd will love ones made from pumpkin, sweet potato, liver, or peanut butter. Treat Pouch Keep dog treats handy for training sessions or long walks with a waterproof treat pouch. A small pouch that clips onto a belt or backpack will provide you with optimum convenience. Head Halter A head halter provides greater control when walking. Harness German shepherds are very strong, active dogs. Accordingly, it is sometimes easier for a child or small adult to walk a GSD who is wearing a harness rather than only a collar. Our Review: Best Harness for German shepherds Muzzle Muzzle-training your shepherd will teach him not to bite or pick up unwanted objects from the ground. It will also prepare him for visits to the veterinarian or groomer later on. No Chew Spray German shepherds are naturally curious and may therefore chew on furniture, electric wires, or other household objects. No-chew spray protects your valuable items from damage and helps keep your GSD safe. Clicker A clicker provides positive reinforcement for your German shepherd and is, therefore, a valuable tool for training. One with an ergonomic design that will allow you to performed extended training sessions with ease. Keep some with you in the car in case your German shepherd decided to romp in the water or mud while out on a walk. Dog Shampoo German shepherds have very sensitive skin. As such, any shampoo you use should not contain any harsh chemicals. Look for one with a mild formula and natural ingredients such as oatmeal to help soothe itchiness. Our Review: Best Brush for German Shepherds Comb A fine-toothed comb can also help with de-shedding your German shepherd and can be used in between brushings. As an added bonus, many combs can also trap fleas in between their very tight teeth. An ergonomically-designed pair of trimmers will provide greater accuracy and is best for beginners. Avoid commercial toothpastes made for humans, especially those that contain fluoride-a substance harmful to dogs. Super Absorbent Towels Absorbent towels can be used for everything from cleaning up messes to bathing. Cleaning Pooper Scooper or Shovel Keep your yard clean by scooping feces on a regular basis. A scooper with a flat bottom similar to a dustpan is ideal for picking up poop out of tall grass. A folding shovel can also come in handy for taking walks in the park. Poop Bags Be ready for long walks and hikes by having lots of poop bags. Small ones are fine for puppies, but as your GSD grows you will probably need large or even extra-large bags. Carpet Cleaners and Vacuums This breed is known for shedding, which means that regular carpet cleaning is a must. Choose a vacuum with lots of suction, and consider investing in your own shampooer if your home has a great deal of carpet. Use newspapers to cover a wide area whenever you are potty training. Lining the inside of a kennel with newspapers makes it easier to clean up after an accident as well. Safety Dog Door A dog door will allow your German shepherd to come and go at will. Accordingly, you will not have to worry about having someone let your dog out to go potty while you are at work. Playpen A playpen is a great way to keep your GSD puppy from chewing on or getting into things. A doggie playpen has wire panels that you can extend to provide more room as your shepherd gets bigger. As your GSD grows, you may need to stack multiple gates on top of one another in order to provide sufficient height. Some even have two-way videos, barking alerts, or audio microphones as well. Travel Carrier A carrier can come in handy for hauling your German shepherd safely to and from the vet, grooming appointments, and training sessions. One that can accommodate very large dogs will serve your GSD well from its puppy stages to adulthood. Travel Kennel Travel kennels provide a place where your pet can feel safe. They are also a must if you plan to travel with your GSD by airline. Choose one with sturdy plastic walls, vented openings, and a gate that latches securely. Dog Car Seats or Restraints German shepherds love riding in cars. Ensure yours is safe by offering the right dog car seats or restraints. A full-grown GSD can weigh up to 80 pounds, so keep this in mind when buying a car seat. Before bringing your shepherd home, locate a veterinarian who can help you with routine exams and another one you can call on for emergencies. Contact Details of the Previous Breeder or Rescue Knowing how to reach your breeder or rescue agency can prove invaluable should your GSD experience health problems. Grooming Salon Regular grooming can prevent much of the shedding that is associated with German shepherds. Find a groomer who can help you with regular bathing, nail trims, ear cleanings, teeth brushing, and deshedding to keep him healthy and looking great. Trainer German shepherds are highly intelligent; however, they do require training in order to learn obedience and develop mental acuity. The right trainer can streamline the process and give you more time to bond with your dog. One can also be a lifesaver if you must leave your GSD alone for an extended period. Find a reputable boarding facility before bringing him home. Pet insurance can help you manage these expenses very affordable and will easily fit into your monthly budget. Related posts:. Due to their high energy and intelligence, they take lots of time and attention. They are also high maintenance in the grooming and exercise departments. Despite all the time they require, they are worth every minute. Their love and loyalty is unmatched and there is no greater companion than a faithful German shepherd dog by your side. Whether you own one or are planning to get one in the future, there are 17 items that you must have if you own a German shepherd. They are: 1. Good Quality Crate There are many good reasons to teach a dog to use a crate and very few excuses not to. Just a few reasons why crate training is a good idea include, they may be crated at the vet so being familiar with one will help them be calm; they may at some point in their life need to travel in a crate; during an emergency, they may need to be crated for their own safety; a crate is the perfect place to keep your dog when home repair is being done and other strangers are going in and out of the house; when recovering after illness or injury; it is a great training tool, a safe place for an unsupervised puppy. Strong Leash and Collar German shepherds are incredibly strong and very determined. The last thing you need is a collar or leash that will break at the wrong moment. Even better, owning several leashes and collar styles can come in handy. Some tools that can help are educational books, videos, clickers , tugs , treat bag , high value treats , crate, leash , and slip collar. Since German shepherds are so intelligent, there are many things you can teach them so these tools are just the tip of the iceberg. Your plans will depend upon the tools you need so these are just the basics that everyone can use. Chews and toys German shepherds have powerful jaws and they love to chew, especially puppies. There are some companies that make durable rubber dog chews such as Ruff Dawg and Westpaw that are great for German shepherds. Some of these can hold treats to help keep their interest. German shepherds also need lots of exercise and love to play. You can do both at once by playing games of fetch, Frisbee , tug , and more. Nothing will make your German shepherd happier than spending time playing with you and their favorite toy. Good Brush German shepherds shed and shed a lot. To reduce the amount of pet hair in your home, a good deshedding brush is great and a slicker brush will also help remove loose fur. Shampoo and conditioner Despite their shedding, German shepherds are relatively clean dogs unless they get into something that makes them dirty. However, they will need to be bathed so a good Ph balanced moisturizing shampoo and conditioner will help keep them clean and remove dead fur. Since they are also known for their sensitive skin and some have allergies, there are special shampoos that can he kept on hand to reduce itching, seasonal dry skin, or to heal skin irritations. Fenced Yard German shepherds need lots of exercise and a place to safely run and burn off some of their energy. They also have a high prey drive and many love to chase small animals and such so a fenced yard will also help keep them safe should they encounter wildlife or see neighborhood animals. Healthy Food Notorious for their sensitive digestive systems, German shepherds do best on a high-quality diet formulated for large breed dogs and puppies. Storage container for food To help keep food fresh and preserve nutrients, an airtight storage container is perfect. They make them large enough to store an entire bag of food, which is a huge plus. But they are also yummy and fun and like all dogs, shepherds love them. Food and water dishes Depending on the dog, the best food and water dishes are either stainless steel or ceramic. If your dog likes to dig in their water, a heavy bottomed bowl can help reduce spills. If your dog eats too fasts and gulps their food, a slow feeder can help slow them down and make mealtimes more enjoyable. Some bottles have a built-in dish that the water squeezes into so they are super convenient. Our favorite is a bowl with a leak-proof lid for the car that also helps keep the water cool. Dog poop bags Another must for going out with your dog is a supply of dog poop bags. There are containers you can attach to their leash or you can just keep a supply in the car and put one in your pocket. Either way, to avoid embarrassment, they are a great to have on hand. Dog bed Since German shepherds are over 50 pounds when grown, they are considered large dogs. They love a good dog bed that is comfy but also supports their back and joints. Even if they sleep in your bed, their own dog bed is a great idea. Nail clippers Since German shepherds are so active, their nails should be kept trimmed unless they wear them down themselves. Even if you have someone else trim their nails, a good quality nail clipper is good to have on hand in case you need to trim or cut a nail. If you prefer, a nail grinder tool can be used. This is not a complete list but things to consider putting in your kit include the phone number for animal poison control, blood stop powder , bandages, ace bandage, Gas X and Benedryl, Zymox Otic Ear Treatment, etc. Tags and microchip One of the most important things you can do for your dog is to keep their Identification tags and microchip information up-to-date. With no way to reunite them with their family, they are lucky if they are rescued but many dogs are euthanized simply due to overcrowding or they are injured before arriving at the shelter. To protect your dog from becoming a statistic, always keep their ID on them and your contact information current. No one thinks their dog will be the one to get lost but, sadly, it happens all the time. We hope you find this list helpful. As always, please feel free to share with your friends. Checklist Dog Crate Getting a crate for your German Shepherd puppy is quite crucial for the following reasons: Allows the puppy to feel secure Speeds up potty training Keeps the puppy safe by controlling his environment Conditions your dog should you need to travel and use a travel crate Some people erroneously feel guilty for crating their pup. However, dogs need structure, especially when bred from work-driven breeds like German Shepherds. A dog crate provides a sense of security by reducing the space around the pet. A room might be small enough for us, but placing the puppy in it will make him feel like he is in a large vacant warehouse. The necessity of getting a dog crate brings up the question of size. What size crate is best for a new GSD puppy? Read my post on the recommended German Shepherd crate size to find out the best size to buy and why. Opt for the size inch variety. You can move the divider to make more room as your puppy grows. I draped a dark-colored blanket over the top to make it more den-like. She was around three years old when I finally got rid of it, but some dogs enjoy them for life. As German Shepherds are prone to hip dysplasia, arthritis, and other joint issues, you should invest in a good crate pad. Dog Bed You might think getting a crate is the same as getting a bed. Some crates come with a matt or pad disguised as a puppy bed. Since German Shepherds are big dogs and do not take much time to grow to their full size, you will need an orthopedic dog bed to support their weight and protect their joints. My post on the best orthopedic dog beds for German Shepherds elaborates on the pros and cons of different dog beds. The gist is that you need a bed to prevent joint pain that bigger dogs experience. German Shepherds are prone to arthritis, and though a genetic element plays a role, bad crating practices can accelerate such problems. I chose the Big Barker because of the scientific evidence that it improves joint pain and stiffness in arthritic dogs, enhancing their quality of life. This means a lot to me as my German Shepherd was diagnosed with spinal osteoarthritis at only six years old, but it helps knowing she sleeps comfortably. I have to admit — I was also attracted to their year no-flatten guarantee. You can check out my full review of the Big Barker here. Novice dog masters also make things difficult through a combination of poor choices. Then they make the situation worse by opting for a collar and using tugging as a means of discipline. This is cruel to the dog and teaches him nothing. It is a front-clip harness, meaning you lead your pup from the front, which gives greater control and steering, making it impossible for your dog to pull. A fellow dog owner designed it, and it has all the love and care one would expect from an owner who is solving a problem he has previously faced — a dog that pulled. You can also learn more about my pick of the best no-pull harnesses for German Shepherds in this article. Toys German Shepherds are full of energy, which means they have to be surrounded by things that can exhaust their excess vitality, such as a range of chew toys, tug toys, and puzzle toys. These will stimulate his teeth, muscles, and mind, respectively. Toys help your new German Shepherd develop and stay entertained. You can also use toys to train a German Shepherd to find things and track, but that comes later. For now, you must make sure you get him a large selection of puppy toys. Your new best friend needs different exercise routines and changes in the environment, both of which can be normalized via travel. A car restraint allows you to secure your German Shepherd puppy in a car seat safely. Using a dog crate as recommended above will make it easy to communicate that car rides are okay. I like the Petmate Vari Dog Kennel because it comes in various sizes, and for the first few months, you might prefer a smaller crate. This model is made from premium plastic, does not require any tools to set it up, and has lots of vents to keep your pup well-ventilated. Poo Bags Your new German Shepherd puppy is going to be the cutest thing on earth up until he has to poop. At that time, how much you like having a GSD will be strongly correlated with how close you are to a poo bag. Regardless of whether you buy a pack of poop bags or accumulate enough disposable bags to cover a month of dog poop, you need to have something to carry dog waste. Remember, a puppy poops two to four times a day. Amazon Basics Unscented Dog Poop Bags are among the most affordable products in the category, with the bags supply being the most economical. These bags are 9 inches x 13 inches, which is a much more efficient size than the standard disposable bag. You might not need this size at first, but trust me; they are the best for an adult German Shepherd. Dog Shampoo You must get dry shampoo for your dog because German Shepherds do not need to bathe more than a few times a year. In other words, your new puppy is half a dozen baths away from adulthood. In the meantime, something is required to keep him clean, right? Tropiclean Waterless Shampoo for Pets is a high-quality, low-priced option made from natural ingredients like plum, oatmeal, and cucumber. It is backed by a market leader in natural wellness and has accumulated over 4, positive reviews and ratings on Amazon. Dog Food Food, water, and shelter are some of the basic needs of all mammals. Dogs are no exception, especially when they are bred under human supervision. Therefore, getting dog food is one of the most important prerequisites for bringing home a new German Shepherd. After that, just ensure you choose a large breed food. Bringing home a new pet is a joyful experience. You might find yourself constantly staring at the beautiful yet timid puppy, and it will take a couple of weeks for the puppy to feel at home. Until then, the dog will be open to cuddles and start interacting with the person who feeds him and plays with him. Make sure he spends time inside the crate as well as outside it. The dog may seem shy and aloof for the bulk of the first week, with the first day being his most seemingly introverted one. The dog will miss his pack and call out for them with whining or whimpering sounds or even barking. You should make sure he feels safe and secure and only comfort him through the night when you take him for a toilet break. Your German Shepherd puppy will need comfort, and you can do a few things to help him feel better. Comfort the pup to make him feel secure. Feed the puppy and make sure he is warm. Turn the lights off and make sure he gets enough sleep. Your new German Shepherd needs to get used to a schedule, work on independence, and see you as the leading figure. One of the differences you will notice when your puppy is freshly released from the breeder is his excessive appetite for sleep. Some might want the puppy to wake up to cuddle. Others will wonder if it is healthy for the puppy to sleep so much. In general, a German Shepherd puppy should sleep 8 hours at night and hours during the day. Though, the dog should not be forced to fit a schedule and must be left to determine how he divides his hours of sleep in the first few weeks of adoption. Final Thoughts The arrival of a new German Shepherd puppy can be an exciting time, but excitement can also inspire nervousness. The puppy will feel less overwhelmed and scared after the first 3 days and will further settle during the first 3 weeks. This is the time to have a good German Shepherd puppy training schedule so you know what to teach and when. Related Posts You May Like:. Feeding and grooming 1. Traditional leather collars with an engraved tag are a popular choice. They can be personalised with up to 25 characters of information which will help someone return your pup to you. But here at Happy Puppy HQ, we love them! If your puppy reaches the end of their leash quite suddenly, a harness distributes the impact over a large area of predominantly muscle, rather than concentrating it on a small area of delicate throat tissues. And they make it easier to safely control your puppy during training. Travel Restraint Most people want to be able to travel with their dog. But there are some things to buy German Shepherd puppies that will make this easier. Puppies who travel unrestrained in vehicles can be somewhat mischievous however! It can be all too tempting to try and climb into your lap or your footwell, for a bit of attention. Furthermore, unrestrained dogs are more likely to sustain serious injuries in a collision. However, if your GSD puppy is a destructive chewer, this kind of crate might not last long. Another Alternative A great alternative is anchoring their harness securely to the seat belt plug. This will keep your puppy in place, and distribute the impact of a crash as safely as possibly over his body. So one of the things to buy a German Shepherd puppy is a leash. Young puppies are very receptive to new experiences, so teaching them to accept wearing a leash is easiest while they are still young. Most GSD puppy parents find that they need two types of leash. The Two Types First, a short lead for keeping their dog under close control near traffic and whilst walking on the sidewalk. Crate People tend to have mixed feelings about dog crates. But used responsibly, they have heaps of advantages. They can become a cosy den for your puppy, which he will learn to associate with being safe and relaxed in. They can make toilet training quicker and easier. And they prepare your dog for being unavoidable crating in the future, for example if they ever need to stay at the vet, or travel by air. Our crate training article is all about how to choose the best crate, and use it correctly. And this article is all about choosing the right size for a German Shepherd. So add some bedding to your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy! If you decide to move onto something more supportive as they grow up, our review of the best beds for German Shepherds will help you find the perfect next step. Many of them are available in standard crate sizes too — perfect for making the bottom of a crate as luxurious as can be! Puppies are curious, playful, and at times even total trouble-magnets! Creating a safe place in your home where you can leave them for a few moments to visit the bathroom or answer the door protects them from harm and gives you peace of mind. Your puppy zone should ideally have wipe clean floors in case of toilet accidents, and you should invest a little time teaching them to associate it with good things — by leaving treats in it for them to find, and returning their favorite toys there when they leave them lying around. Toys Like all puppies, German Shepherd pups have stacks of energy. So, toys should be a priority on your list of things to buy a German Shepherd puppy. They love to play, and playing plays a valuable role in developing their muscles, motor skills and coordination. In fact, GSDs have pretty tough teeth and jaws, even from a young age. So we recommend choosing toys designed with durability in mind. Food and Water Bowls All puppies need access to clean, fresh water. And whilst we recommend using most of their daily food allowance as rewards during training, you might also like to give them small meals in a bowl. In fact it is estimated that bloat causes the death of approximately 1 in 7 GSDs. Food Your puppy should come home with a modest supply of the food they were weaned onto by their breeder. This will minimize the possibility of them etting an upset tummy. Our article on the best diets for German Shepherd Dogs will give you some food for thought. Are they just the start of a slippery slope towards canine obesity? Well, we think treats have an important role to play in successful German Shepherd training! But the best way to capture a new behavior, or advance an established area of training to the next level, is by offering a high value food reward at first. Pieces of cooked chicken or small cubes of cheese are equally effective. Some we Like You may need to experiment with a few brands to find out which your GSD will work the hardest for. These basics belong in every dog owners kit: A brush, for removing loose hair, debris, matts and tangles — German Shepherds need their coats brushing at least two or three times a week. Shampoo, for when they roll in in something stinky. Toothbrush and Toothpaste These could be considered part of general grooming supplies. Medical procedures such as setting broken bones and corrective surgery for bloat cost several thousand dollars. Most insurance plans have the added bonus of including public liability cover. However, we selected them for inclusion independently, and all of the views expressed in this article are our own.

We'll dive into more details on each of these: 1 Illness or injury. As with any sort of strange behavior, health issues are always a top concern. Not feeling well almost always manifests as changes in mood. Any physical issues such as limping, favoring a certain part of the body, or inability to walk or run as usual point to some sort of injury or condition. What to do: When in doubt about any possible health issue, contact the vet. Eating changes or gastrointestinal issues are just a few reasons to contact the veterinarian and schedule a checkup. If you have a female Pug that has not been spayed and is therefore entering in and out of heat cycles , this can cause her to feel moody. Heat typically occurs twice per year. It can last 2 to 3 weeks. In addition, it is believed that some dogs feel abdominal cramping, which can lend to the bad mood. What to do: You can help by allowing your Pug to retreat if she wishes, being sure that she has a great bed to rest on, and if she appears to be in discomfort placing a warm heating pad next to her abdomen can help be sure that this is set on warm, not hot, and that your Pug cannot chew on any cords. Ky Ky, at 2 years old, photo courtesy of The Van Allen Family 3 Loss of a companion If a Pug no longer sees a friend animal or human , this can have a huge impact on him. This is generally most severe if a person, dog, or other is no longer part of the household. But, a Pug can also feel quite down even if he does not see a regular visitor. If your Pug is feeling sad or down for this reason, it will be important to allow him to grieve the loss. If it was a household member that is gone, it will be normal for a Pug to roam the house looking for him, or to gaze out of a window waiting for that person to arrive. What to do: It can be hard to watch a Pug feel unhappy like this. While you will want to give him time to accept the loss, there are some things that you can do. It can help to engage your Pug in an activity that is new to him. This can be a walk in a new neighborhood, or a visit to a new place. Any sort of safe location in which he can see new things, hear new sounds, and smell new scents can help to perk him up. This can be a lake shore, hiking trail, pet store… any place that is novel. When you find a spot that your Pug seems to enjoy and that has let him shake off his bad mood for a while, try to make that a new ritual for both of you. Take him there as often as possible, but at least once a week at minimum. And of course, this is applicable to a negative change. Some examples include: Spending less time with his human A new household member human or pet A move to a new house Changes in the household vibe such as more noise, more visitors, etc. What to do: How you help your Pug come out of a funk will depend on what type of change triggered him to start to feel depressed. But, if the situation is already occurring, you can: Be sure to keep both pets separate in regard to where they eat, rest, and sleep. Even if you envisioned your Pug having a new best friend, that sort of bond cannot be forced. Until the two are ready, they should feel as if they have their own areas for food, and to rest both during the day and at night to sleep. If this is a matter of having two Pugs or two dogs, you may need to help them decide who the leader is. Hopefully, your Pug already sees you as the alpha. But with more than one pet, there is also an alpha dog, the leader of the animal pack. Normally it is the older dog; but, it is not always so and can also depend on gender. If the dogs are unclear about where they stand, you can help them by doing things for the alpha first. This applies to the order in which the food bowls are placed down, leashes are attached, dogs are let out, etc. Bowls in a certain corner of the kitchen, toys to the side of the sofa, etc. Dogs can feel wary until they understand that they are occupants and not just visitors, so it can take some time. Each day, walk your Pug from room to room. And when you take him outside, walk him around the perimeter of the yard. He may seem irritated or withdrawn. Any sort of commotions should be kept to a minimum. And if some of these sorts of things cannot be avoided, set up an area for your Pug to retreat to if he has the urge to get away from things. Now, this kind of odd behavior is just fine! Lilly 2 years old and Ky Ky 2 years old , photo courtesy of The Van Allen Family 5 Boredom While a Pug may be perfectly happy to sit by you while you watch TV, and may seem just fine laying down while you do some household chores, ongoing monotony can really start to wear on a Pug. Some windows of down time are just fine. Days, weeks, or months on end can end up making a Pug rather depressed. Also, as a Pug matures, issues with boredom can increase. This is because as he ages, his comprehension of the world strengthens. What used to satisfy a puppy may not be enough for an adult Pug. He should have at least 2 walks per day, a session of some type of learning commands, a trick, heeling, etc. Pugs should have toys that encourage independent play. Some great ones to get are those that speak or make silly noises. The Animal Sounds Babble Ball is great too; this lets out 20 funny animals sounds, including frogs, goats, horses, and more. That is just one, the Multipet line of toys has a bunch of different animals, each is a good sized stuffed animal, sturdy, and lets us fun sounds. Are there any errands that you run without your Pug that you actually could take him with you for? Are you sure? As long as you have a safe car seat for your Pug , and keep him on leash and harness, let him to be your companion for shopping and running errands as much as possible. When a Pug Acts Restless The Pug breed can get a bad rep sometimes, being thought of as a touch lazy and inactive. But, Pug owners know that this breed actually has a pretty good energy level. With Pugs, there is usually a good balance of activity and rest. Mood changes that include agitation, restlessness, or irritation definitely point to some sort of problem. Reasons for acting restless include: Pent-up energy most common reason Health issue or injury possible We'll dive into each of these: 1 Pent-up energy The Pug is often underrated in this regard. But, Pugs can get very disturbed if they are not allowed to release their natural energy. This is very common in the winter , when weather keeps both owners and dogs inside more often, but can also happen just from not getting outside enough for his daily walks. Frank, photo courtesy of Nina Coley What to do: 1- If you do not take your Pug for two walks per day, now is the time to start. If cold weather is getting in your way, place a lined vest on your Pug like the Kuoser Waterproof Windproof British Style Plaid Dog Vest , be sure that his paws are protected from the cold and he has traction via a good paw wax, and dress warmly yourself. Of course, a concern with this breed is overheating; however, as long as your Pug appears to have the energy, you take a break every 15 minutes, and bring along water to for him to re-hydrate, you can often extend walks. Playing fetch or teaching commands are always good choices. If your Pug knows all of the basic commands, take it up a notch by teaching him some tricks. Any of these sorts of odd behaviors may be red flags of a hip, bone, back, or other physical issue. However, if a Pug suddenly acts afraid for no apparent reason, this can be worrying. Whining and cowering down Reasons for acting afraid include: Actually being startled or scared Feeling uncomfortable, mostly due to temperature We'll dive into each of these: 1 The most common cause is the one you assumed; the Pug is afraid of something. The tricky part is trying to figure out what it is, if the reason is not clear. In some cases, this can be related to the incredible sense of hearing that canines possess. A puppy or dog may have heard an alarming noise that his human simply did not pick up on. This may be other dogs barking, police sirens, or other such noises. If so, the episode should be over quickly. In other instances, the cause can be a mystery. It can be random things… a dog may see his reflection in a mirror and get spooked studies show that canines cannot identify their own reflection , or even a former tumble down steps that now make a dog wary when he goes near them. What to do: How you act will have a big impact on how your Pug interprets things. Since you are his leader, he will look to you for cues on whether or not his behavior is valid. If you coddle him, swoop him up, and offer soothing words of concern, that will just be giving affirmation that he should be scared. It is best to acknowledge that he has sensed something. And then, show him that all is well and re-direct his attention. Be sure that your body language conveys what you are saying. If you coddle him, swooping him up and offer soothing words of concern, that will just be giving affirmation that he should be scared. Sometimes shivering, cuddling up close, and other such behaviors can be misinterpreted as a Pug being scared, when he is actually trembling and seeking warmth due to feeling chilled. Though this breed has a thick coat, this does not make him invincible to the cold. And being a small dog, cold intolerance is not uncommon. What to do: Check your house for drafts and air currents. In the winter, some spots that you do not normally access, but your Pug does, like the floor can have drafts. You may wish to place clothing on your Pug like a soft shirt or vest. Once he has another layer on his core body, he should feel more comfortable. Or use his eyes to follow unseen things across the wall? If so, you are not alone. Lots of dogs react to things that their humans cannot see or hear. The reason for this is due to incredible canine hearing. Dogs hear things that we cannot hear without special instruments. We only hear things in the frequency range of , Hz. But, your Pug hears things in the much larger range of , Hz. And, your Pug can hear noises from 4 times the distance that you can. So, if your puppy or dog is reacting to something that you can neither see or hear, changes are that he is behaving that way for good reason. What to do: Do the exact same thing as stated above in cases of a Pug acting afraid with no reason. Acknowledge that he is noticing something, and then re-direct his attention. This is a pretty even-keeled breed, so any sort of strange, weird, or odd behavior usually has a root cause that should be assessed. Other Articles: Pug Dog Tails - An interesting look at the unique features of this breed's tail and several tail-related issues that can happen. Fun Things to Do with a Pug - 10 super-fun things to do with your Pug that both of you will enjoy. Includes idea for both indoors and outdoors. Pug Dog Paws - Do you pay attention to your Pug's paws? If not, you should. Read about common paw issues and what you can do to prevent them and keep the paws in great shape. Pug Dog Care Tips - A great round-up of top tips and advice to take good care of your Pug puppy or adult dog. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon. Pug biting Stubborn Temperament The great thing is that not every Pug owner is going to struggle with these issues. From my personal experience of owning one, Mindy had a great personality. Yes, she had some issues, but not a ton of issues that made me regret the decision of getting a Pug. Pugs are sociable dogs that love human companionship. Mindy was overly dependent and wherever I was, she was right there at my feet. There were a couple of times when I almost tripped over her because she was right under my feet. Whenever they whine, ignore their behavior and turn your back. You can also give them a treat when they stop whining and praise them. Eventually, they will realize that they get rewarded when they are not whining. The lack of a regular routine can lead to separation anxiety issues. This will help calm them down so they know what to expect. It takes time to get your dog to calm down, but with patience and love, you can eventually get your dog to calm down and understand your daily routines. Uncontrollable Barking Barking is a form of communication and also a way to alert you of danger. The great thing is that you can teach your dog to stop barking so much or not bark at all. After doing this several times, she stopped barking and developed a little dove cry when she wanted something. It was cute and it was nice to know that you could actually teach Pugs not to bark. Just remember, it takes patience and a lot of practice to get them to stop that excessive barking. Jumping on People Pugs love attention, at least ours did. When she was about 4 years old, she had a bad habit of jumping on people because she wanted them to pet her. Whenever someone came over, she would jump on them. We hated this behavior problem because we realized that not everyone likes dogs. We realized that dogs usually jump when they are excited or have too much energy. So, we started taking Mindy for long walks and made sure that she got plenty of exercise. This helped us get her to stop that unwanted behavior. Growling Issues A Pug is a has a docile temperament, but there are times when they may growl at you such as when they are eating or playing with their favorite toy. You may not think anything about it, but growling is a form of aggression, that needs to be dealt with. According to experts, growling is usually a form of communication. At times you may experience the growling issues if they are experiencing some type of pain. Unfortunately, Pugs have quite a bit of health issues and as they get older, they may experience aches and pains that can cause them to growl. Pug Dominance Issues Pugs are stubborn dogs and if you let them, they will try to become an alpha dog. You have to let them know that you are in control and they have to listen to what you want them to do. One thing we noticed about Mindy was she loved chewing the strings of our rugs and our hair when we laid down with her. A puppy chews to help them relieve the pain from incoming adult teeth. The best thing you can do is buy them chew toys that they can chew on to help them relieve the pain. Check out some of the best chew toys for Pugs that will help stop this destructive behavior. Older pets will chew if they are bored or dealing with separation anxiety issues. One of the best ways to get them to stop is to give them their favorite toy. If they are bored and have too much energy, put a harness on them and take them for a long walk. Pug Biting According to Canine Journal , over 4. They also have a tendency to bite if they are scared, feeling protective of if they are not feeling well. This is important to know if you have children and they are playing with the family pet. The dog can become excited and accidentally nip them while playing. If this happens, make sure that your dog understands this behavior is not acceptable. They are extremely adorable with those wrinkles. All puppies love to bite and let me tell you, it hurts! We also had to deal with issues of stubbornness with Mindy. This can make training them challenging. However, every pet owner needs to learn how to discipline their pet. No parent would let their kids run their household, you set rules that need to be followed. The same goes with your furbaby, you need to set the rules you want them to follow. Frequently Asked Questions Are Pugs territorial? However, every dog has its own unique personality. Some people have had to deal with aggressive territorial issues when they added a second Pug to their household or a dog that is the same sex. Dogs are fairly easy to train if you can stay persistent and train them properly. The most important thing is to make sure that you start training them and correct bad behavior as soon as you see it. You May Also Like. The little one bullies the middle one and is food aggressive with him. How do I change that. Watch your dogs interact — which one takes the best toy goes out the door first gets to eat first and takes the best sleeping place? The alpha dog achieves his or her rank by being smarter stronger or sometimes just more domineering than the rest. Some dogs are born leaders others fall into the alpha role because no one else wants the job. This can be a young dog entering his adolescent teenage stage or a subordinate pack member that senses the alpha dog is getting older weakening or losing his authority. The alpha makes and enforces the rules. Alpha dogs enforce their authority by the use of stern eye contact growling dominant body postures and if that fails biting and fighting. You are alpha in this pack. Most fights though occur in the presence of the owner and are a result of competition over attention food toys and of course pack status. You can help prevent these disagreements by recognizing the highest ranking dog in your pack and favoring it with your attention. This is the dog you should pet first feed first and let out the door first. Giving alpha privileges to a lower ranking dog even if it might be your personal favorite confuses the others and can lead to fighting.

For the complete list please see our Boxer Breeders List page. Boxers are best known for their short coats, but they also come in long-haired varieties. Prices vary on the type of coat. The price of a boxer puppy may also vary because of the place you get the Boxer. For example, most breeders in or around Connecticut charge significantly more than a breeder who is located in another state or country. Prices will also fluctuate depending on whether or not the puppy is show-quality. Boxers are known for being loyal to their families and being intelligent. They are generally very friendly with children, strangers, and other animals unless they have been trained to be aggressive American Kennel Club. They require moderate exercise but do best in homes where someone is around during the day because they do not like being left alone especially if they have never been apart from them before. Overall these characteristics make the Boxer a great family pet. These clearances can be found by looking up the parent dogs on the OFA website offa. They should also show you where and how they were raised and keep them until they are at least eight weeks old to ensure that they have been properly socialized, which is crucial for a Boxer puppy. Ask about any hip or eye problems in their lines Where and how many generations of champion bloodlines do they go back? This is usually more important for those who want to breed their new puppy as it shows they have a lot of knowledge about the breed and can provide you with knowledgeable information. Are there any known health problems in their lines? Most responsible breeders will be able to tell you that they care for all of their dogs and even give them regular check-ups and if not, this is a red flag. Visit Your Connecticut Boxer Breeder in Person In order to find a responsible breeder, it is important to do some research. A decent Boxer breeder should be more than willing to tell you about themselves and their dogs. When you visit your Connecticut boxer breeder in person, look for cleanliness and organization of the house or kennel. The area should not have any bad odors, and the puppies should appear healthy with shiny coats and bright eyes. They may be very active, which is normal but if they seem lethargic this could be an indication of illness or improper nutrition. It is also recommended that you ask for references from previous customers as well as veterinarians who have seen these dogs before. This will help ensure that you make a good investment when looking for a Boxer puppy. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your Boxer Breeder in Connecticut Once you have found a breeder that meets the previous criteria, it is time to ask for references. A responsible Boxer Breeder will be able to provide any information about their dogs that you request. Ask them if you can speak with past customers of theirs so that you can find out how they were trained and cared for as well as the personality of these dogs. This way, you are making sure that this potential dog is right for your family before you make any final decisions. References can also be found online. If you find nothing, this may be a red flag since anyone can put anything on the internet. Make sure to contact them directly instead of through their website or Facebook page to avoid scams or other dishonest sellers who use these outlets for marketing purposes only. This allows you to get a more honest opinion about the breeder and their dogs without worrying about repercussions later on. We all know that there is little recourse for unsatisfied customers but rest assured knowing that these people will not hesitate to give you an honest answer if given permission to speak freely. Meeting past customers will also give you a better idea of what type of dog they have put into your family. Meeting the previous owners allows you to look for certain traits in a potential puppy, such as energy levels or age appropriateness. Another good way to find out about your breeder is to ask them if they have a veterinarian that they use for their dogs. A responsible boxer breeder should be able to provide you with this information without hesitation since taking care of their animals is important to them. If the Boxer Breeder does not have any sort of medical history available about their lines, this might be a red flag. If they are unwilling or unable to answer these questions, this could also mean that they are hiding something from you or do not know the answers themselves. These individuals may be backyard breeders or puppy mill owners who are looking to make a quick buck and care little about the health of their animals or their customers. A few signs that your Connecticut Boxer Breeder is unethical include: They Do Not Have References- If you ask your breeder if they can provide any references from past buyers and they refuse, this could mean several things; Either they do not know how to get in touch with them unlikely or there is something wrong with these dogs that no one wants to talk about. Inquiring further will help you identify which it is but under either circumstance, it is best not to work with this kind of breeder. They Have Inflated Prices- Another way to spot an unethical boxer breeder is by the prices that they have listed on their dogs. If these Boxer dogs seem much more expensive than other breeders you have looked at, this might be a sign that something is wrong with them. This could involve health issues or genetics, but it is likely just a scheme to get more money from you without putting in the proper amount of time and care into these animals. Very Little Information about Their Breeding Program- Ethical and good Dog Breeders will do everything that they can to supply you with as many details about their breeding program as possible. They want you to feel safe and comfortable knowing what types of treatments the dog will receive and what they will be born into. There is no excuse not to provide you with this information; if your Lab Dog Breeder does not, then move on to another one. If you want a full-bred Boxer dog, make sure that you tell them before you purchase the animal. Many responsible breeders ask their customers for preferences when it comes to the age or sex of their dogs so that they can match up your needs with the right puppy. Responsible breeders will not only be able to answer this question, but they should also be able to provide you with information on what type of issues other puppy owners have experienced. If the breeder claims that all of their Boxer Dogs are healthy, then you should push for further explanation. If none of the puppies or adults have any medical concerns then that should be something that makes you feel safe. However, if there were previous owners who dealt with anything severe in the past, this information should still be available somewhere. This can include genetic conditions or simply problems with allergies or skin rashes. How to Prepare Your Home for Your Boxer Puppy When you look at a breed as hearty as the Boxer, it can be easy to underestimate how much work and time this dog will need to be happy and healthy. However, if treated properly and cared for well by their owners, these dogs can make excellent pets; which is why it is so important that you take the following steps before bringing your pup home: The biggest thing that you want to do before you bring your Boxer home is to make sure that the living conditions are appropriate for this breed. You will want to have a large, fenced-in yard where your dog can move around freely and play. If you live in an apartment or condo, then it may be time to start looking into other options; Boxers need room to run which cannot be provided adequately in these types of environments. Another important thing that needs to be prepared is the area where your puppy will sleep at night. Not only should it be isolated from any drafts or cold air, but it should also provide warmth during the winter months. Be sure to look into buying bedding or blankets specifically designed for dogs if necessary. Your Boxer will also require training as soon as possible. This breed is known for having extremely high intelligence, but it does not come naturally to them; you will need to work hard to train your Boxer Puppy and give them boundaries that they can grow up comfortably within. You should start this process as early as possible so that it becomes second nature by the time your pup turns into an adult and needs more rules and regulations than just potty training. Potty Training Your New Boxer Puppy The most important thing that you need to teach your new Boxer is how to use the potty appropriately. You do not want to deal with any accidents in the house, and making sure they are trained properly will ensure that this does not happen. The best way to accomplish this is through crate training; it may be a very foreign concept for many owners, but it is also one of the most effective methods when it comes to house-breaking puppies. It is recommended that you put your Boxer Puppy into a crate at night while you sleep and then carefully take them out first thing in the morning so that they can use the bathroom right away. Do not allow them too much time without being taken just before bed because they might make a mistake in your absence. Another important step that you should take is to keep your puppy on a strict schedule; this means taking them out for walks regularly and making time every few hours to play with them, feed them, and then let them use the bathroom once more. This will ensure that they do not have accidents inside of the house because their body will be used to getting into the habit of relieving themselves outside. You need to make sure that there are no areas where they can get injured or choke on something by accident. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. Nowadays, boxers have become popular for most pet owners. It is because despite their medium size build, they are considered as working dogs. They were first developed in Germany. Later, they were bred around the world. The American Kennel Club is one of the major dog registries. They have strict guidelines to the kind of dogs that are bred to be registered. History of Boxer Puppies Boxers were first bred in Germany. They were made to be working, guard dogs because of their muscled, lean build. In the 19th century, they were bred to be bull baiting dogs. Later, they became helpers for butchers and keeping cattle under control in slaughterhouses. Boxers came from the line of bullenbaiser breeds which are now extinct that are paired with bulldog and mastiffs. It is possible that boxers were also cross-bred with terriers and Great Danes. Boxers actually got their name from how they play with their forepaws. Others say their name comes from the German word boxl, the slaughterhouses they came from. Boxers were not popular in America until after World War I. Since then, they were the first dogs to be used as police dogs. They have also been used as seeing-eye dogs. Characteristics of a Boxer Dog Appearance Boxers are typically medium sized dogs with a short back and tail. Some are also larger built. They are built with a solid body that usually stands at attention. Their jaw also has an underbite, which means their teeth protrudes outside their mouth. They are actually made bred working guard dogs. They have a square-head that makes them look menacing and intimidating. However, boxers are not as fierce as they appear to be. Male boxers can weigh up to 65 to 80 pounds which is around 30 to 36 kilograms and can grow up to 25 inches. Females, however, can grow up to 21 inches and weigh lower than male. Females would weigh around 22 to 30 kilograms. They have a broad chest and a short, muzzled, snout. Their bodies are usually taut and tight with muscles that are usually noticeable. The ears are supposedly cropped but most are naturally folded. Most of the colors of a boxer would be brindle, mahogany or fawn. Some may or may not have white flash markings seen on their chest area. So, it is not difficult to groom them. Temperament Boxer dogs are highly intelligent. They like to stay busy and active. They love to be around people and are not loud barkers. They only bark when they see something unusual. When this happens, it is important to always take note. However, they do give out sounds like snorts, grumbles and small growls. These are actually just their way of talking. A lot of people find these sounds adorable. They also snore frequently when they sleep. Even with their menacing looks, boxers are actually friendly and playful. They are affectionate towards their owners. Not only that, they are fiercely loyal to their owners and will guard their family and their home from strangers. They are also known to be affectionate to children as well. This makes them a good companion for owners with families. Boxers are great with other pets. They easily get along because of their witty, high energy behavior. However, it is important to keep them away from neighboring animals outside the house. They are known to attack other animals randomly. They also can be aggressive to their own species especially towards the males. It is important to always keep them supervised at all times when they are outdoors. Also, they should already begin socializing with other pets at a young age. Boxers are also stubborn. They can usually get away from trouble. They would also pout once they feel they are not getting what they want. Because of this, potential boxer owners should always show the dogs that they are the ones in charge. Health Issues Any living being can be prone to various health problems. Unfortunately, unlike most dogs boxers have a shorter lifespan. Moreover, boxers can live at most 10 years. Majority of the diseases reported that boxers are prone to are cancer and heart disease. They can also contract digestive diseases, eye diseases, skin tumors and even allergies. They are also prone to back and knee problems, including arthritis. Also, boxers are known to slobber excessively. It is because of their loose lips that they slobber and drool naturally. It is not something to be worried too much about. However, it is important to also keep your boxer dogs away from high amounts of heat. When boxers eat, they gulp in air and as a result causing an excess amounts into their stomach. The excess gas, of course, needs to be released. Hence, there are some digestion problems. This can be remedied, though, by a change in their diet. There are pet stores that specialize in meals intended for boxers. These puppies are also sensitive to extreme temperatures even when they grow older. They are very prone to heatstrokes. Make sure that they get ample amount of water and shade when they are taken outdoors. At the same time, they also cannot be in extremely cold temperatures. Activities and Training Boxers are bouncy, playful and active. Because of this, they need to be outdoors all the time. They cannot sit still when kept indoors for long periods of time. They constantly need long walks daily. They should also be kept physically active and mentally fit. The kind of vigor boxers have are suitable for large families with children. They are also good for individuals who live an active lifestyle and high energy. People who like sports and games are a good match for these pups. Pet owners are expected to be jumped by them because of their bouncy and bubbly personality. Training boxers is not usually a challenging task for breeders. This is because boxers are smart and intelligent. They can learn very quickly. They can easily understand and do what is expected of them. However, training should be done consistently. Because they are strong-minded, boxers usually would play the leadership role. They are usually like that especially if they are around other pets in the house. They are reliable when it comes to keeping things in control with other pets. Getting a New Puppy When you keep a boxer, you are assured of a loyal, devoted dog that will stand by you all the time. In addition to our selection of designer and purebred puppies for sale, we offer expert dog training, professional pet grooming and the best pet supplies, pet foods and pet products available at the low prices.

Amazing litter born August Pls contact IG. All puppies are born in Ontario, Canada. This is a full hands on kennel with.She is a diva, very smart and sweet, loves to snuggle under the blankets, gets the zoomies and needs to be spoiled. Up to date.Litter is registered- papers, breeding rights at an additional cost. She comes with her shots and deworming x2 and flea and tick.The gas-injected glass-filled polypropylene seat back and chair legs are both rustproof and UV protected. Award-winning and ergonomically designed for comfort lumbar support and tested up to lbs. Antimicrobial available Shipping by seller Senior female English bulldog London I am rehoming my female English bulldog as I am relocating and can no longer take care of her. She is very sweet and cuddly. She loves playing with her toys and getting spoiled. She loves attention.Phenomenal quality litter, purebred French Bulldogs. They come with first and second sets of vaccines, microchip, registered, health guarantee and pet.The puppies are raised in a family home with other cats and dogs. So sweet and cuddly! Extremely smart, fearless and fun loving! Will travel within reason to deliver to the right.Please Contact. We are fully licensed bulldog breeders and insured. We have an outstanding reputation as reputable breeders and come highly recommended. We like to class ourselves as one of the best. Our main goal is to breed healthy, quality, British bulldogs with the correct temperament in line with the breed standard. This is very important to us to breed the best quality bulldogs we can and so our litters are very carefully planned. I am a member of The British Bulldog Club, Yorkshire bulldog club and The London Bulldog Society and regularly attend shows all over the country with my bulldogs from which i have had great success. My family and I love bulldogs and have had them for many years. We own them as pets and they are part of the family home brought up with our young children. We breed our bulldogs with the health and improvement of the breed as the highest priority and to seek potential show dogs in line with the breed standard and many puppies we do sell only go to the best of homes with a lifetime of support and help. We are proud to have re homed our puppies in wonderful homes all over the UK and all over the world. We now also complete HUU testing on our dogs to ensure that non of our puppies are affected. I hold a Diploma of achievement, with which I passed judging and written elements at the British Bulldog Club Bulldog breed specific judging seminar 28th April and fully ID chipped qualfied Registered with the bulldog rescue as a back to breeder member Enjoy surfing our page, do not hesitate to contact us with any questions you may have. All our puppies and adults are raised in our homes with us and our children so they are well socialized and receive lots of individual care and attention. We are always an email, phone call or text away anytime, we respond in a timely manner to everyone and we're always here for questions big or small. Anyone who has the privileged to be loved by a Victory Bulldog will have not only a phenomenal quality Bulldog they will have a healthy one we stand behind. Please do not contact us if you are wanting to purchase a Bulldog from us and breed it to "experience having a litter" No matter how much is offered to us. We hear this all the time and we are extremely strict on our Legal Non-Breeding Contract. What many do not realize is just how difficult, time consuming and extremely complicated it is to raise Bulldogs, they are the hardest and most expensive breed to raise and should only be done by professional dog breeders. However if you are a Registered and active Member of one or all of the Kennel Clubs in good standings CKC,AKC or FCI and are experienced with Bulldogs and want to discuss the possibility to add some of our Top Quality lines into your program you may contact us with your credentials for us to discuss further. We have the full right to refuse a sale on any of our puppies. Our top priority is placing our Bulldren in homes we feel is not only the best home possible for them but also a good fit for the new family. We require a puppy application with references to be completed and reviewed before we allow our puppies to be seen. They are showstoppers! They have a chocolate base coat with the blue gene that turns the colour to a champagne. Their eyes are the brightest of the rare colours. Aqua Blue that can sometimes glow green or ice blue. They have prominent tan points on legs,chest and face. A blue Tri is highly sought after and hard to find. They have silver coats with beautiful Tan points and beautiful blue eyes. These top quality pups come fully health certified, health guaranteed with pet insurance, Micro-chipped, de-wormed, two sets of vaccines and rabies completed, Top of the line European standard English Bulldogs, these will be very short, stocky adults. We're very proud to be able to offer them to select pet families only. Shipping Available with a licensed broker, They're Available to approved homes with Puppy Application.

Honey has the nicest of golden temperaments and is so laid back she could fall over! She is an absolute gem and will get on with everyone and every thing, including our rabbit who loves to jump all over her! Each puppy will go to its new home with 4 weeks free pet insurance, fully wormed with panacur, microchipped, Kennel Club registered, 5 generation pedigree, food, bedding with mums scent and an extensive puppy pack along with help and advice throughout the whole of the puppy's life. The litter will be reared within the home and will be exposed to all household noises and the hustle and bustle of everyday life. They will be well handled with children of all ages, under supervision, of course! Mum is mid golden has an excellent hip score of and is eye tested clear. Please expect to be vetted, do not enquire about this litter if you aren't prepared to answer questions honestly. If you are interested in purchasing a puppy from this litter then please e mail me with some information about yourself, your family, home life and working hours. These puppies will only be sold to homes where they will be much loved members of the family and if we are not happy with any situation for any reason, we reserve the right to refuse to sell the puppy. We look forward to hearing from you. Please be aware that you will be expected to visit us when the puppies reach 4 weeks old so that we can get to know each other better. If you are not prepared to do this then one of these puppies aren't for you! Anyone interested in this litter is more than welcome to come and visit us and mum and grandmother of the puppies anytime, even before they are born to ensure you are happy with what you see. The best way to contact me is by telephone or via e- mail but please make sure you add info about yourself and home life if you are e mailing. Look forward to hearing from you. Through our specialized training programs each puppy is prepared to take their place as a valued and happy member of their forever family. Golden Savannah is committed to responsibly breed and train each puppy. We are located in the beautiful hillside of Mohnton , Pennsylvania. Our Story Years ago, our first English Golden pups were born as ten stunning puppies that quickly became treasured members of the family. The name fit perfectly as we began to dedicate more of our time to breeding and raising our beautiful English Golden Retrievers. As the business grew we never established a full kennel, preferring instead to raise the puppies in a smaller and specialized environment. With many hours of research plus interacting with knowledgeable breeders, we learned that puppies who receive personalized training will have a more seamless and happy transition into their new family. In addition to breeding puppies, we also began offering several levels of added training programs for pups to learn the good hygiene, manners, and social graces. The English Cream Goldens are exceptionally friendly and intelligent, and a number of our puppies have even gone on to be successful therapy or service dogs. It is our joy at Golden Savannah to provide puppies that have become happy companion dogs to many, valued for their gentle benevolence and hearts of gold. We are located in the beautiful hillside of Mohnton, Pennsylvania. Customer Stories We go to great lengths to ensure that each puppy is entrusted into the care of a loving and capable family and we love to receive updated photos. It means the world to us at Golden Savannah to read stories about the pups that are sent from thrilled adoptive families. Introducing Mia, the newest member of our family. To be honest, I was completely overwhelmed with the idea of finding a dog, funding this adventure and the responsibility it would entail. When I started searching I became even more overwhelmed. I found many resources for veterans but not much for a young adult. I started searching for started dogs that we could continue to train on our own. Golden Savannah is a breeder from Pennsylvania. Mike was so supportive asking lots of questions to help determine just the right pup for Gretta and her needs. Continue reading… Kristi Pfeffer Nathe Hope all is well and you and your family enjoyed a wonderful summer! I wanted to send you some updated pics of our summer with Odin. He's been the best addition to our family and we couldn't love him any more! He's growing like crazy - already almost 60 lbs and just short of 6 months. People always comment on how well-behaved and mild mannered he is which makes us proud parents. There have even been multiple times where people have pulled over on the side of the road as we're going for walks to tell us how beautiful he is! And our friends and family love him just as much as we do! They all jump at an opportunity to babysit Odin if Andrew and I are going out of town. He's just finished his second round of training classes and has made lots of doggy friends and definitely captured the heart of our trainer. She also breeds Goldens here in Massachusetts and has a special connection with Odin. He gets to go to work with Andrew everyday and meet lots of people and dogs! I guess he feels like one of the boys : He's our little shadow and we can't wait to make more memories with him this winter! Goldens we have bred have gone on to finish their show championships, field and performance titles, have served as therapy dogs and also as service animals. Most, however, are placed as family pets and nothing makes us happier than placing a nice puppy with a great lifelong family. They enjoy competing in various venues, depending on what makes them happiest: AKC conformation, hunt tests, rally, obedience, dock diving, FastCAT. All of our puppies are raised right inside our home and exposed to daily life with kids and other pets. We utilize Puppy Culture and Early Neurological Stimulation methods for the best head start possible for your puppy. Feel free to have a look around our website. You will find much information on our dogs, family, and show brag information here. Please feel free to contact us directly via phone or email if interested in one of our puppies and we will get back to you when we have a moment. If we do not have any available, we will gladly point you in the direction of another respected golden breeder who may. We look forward to speaking with you and sharing our dogs with your family. Have a wonderful day!

Located just 7 miles north of Covington, LA. For over 40 years, we have been providing the people of Louisiana with some of the finest Golden Retrievers. Fifteen years ago, we integrated Golden Doodles into our breeding program. If you are looking to add a member to your family, contact Hunnington Farms today. We have puppies for sale that are looking for that perfect home. Hunnington Farms is a breeding facility that believes in breeding the finest animals. We are a family-owned farm that started breeding dogs purely out of love for the animals. The way our dogs have always enriched our lives and assisted in running our farm made us want to breed the same dogs. We firmly believe the best possible dog breed for a single owner or a family with children are Golden Doodles and Golden Retrievers. No matter what trait you are looking for in your next pet, Hunnington Farms breeds the perfect dog for you. If a loyal, fun loving, ultra obedient and a true lifelong friend is what you want, we have the finest Golden Retriever puppies in Louisiana. If you? Thank you for visiting our website. Here you will find valuable information on the breeds we provide and the puppies we have for sale. We are a full service farm that has transformed a small portion into our breeding haven. We follow all AKC breeding requirements and go the extra mile to provide every home with the highest quality pet. All of our breeding dogs are OFA certified for hips, patellas, elbows, dental, and heart. We look forward to hearing from you. Learn About The Breeds. Not all training packages may be available at our Dog Training Elite Shreveport location, please reference our pricing page for complete information on services offered. Puppies are capable of learning basic commands. Smart Golden Retriever puppies do great with early training. Complete Golden Retriever puppy training typically takes a few months. Dog Training Elite Shreveport offers specialized in-home training. Working with a Golden Retriever puppy and the owner directly in the home prevents puppies from being distracted and allows dog trainers to create personalized training plans for individual puppies, as well as address any unique needs or issues. Once a puppy has completed in-home training, Dog Training Elite Shreveport offers puppy group classes for further training. Beginning Golden Retriever training in the home also helps owners bond with their pup so when the dog trainer leaves, no progress is lost. Training can be great mental stimulation, so a great exercise for Golden Retrievers as they get older is progressing their training. Once your puppy has mastered sitting, for example, train them to maintain the position until released. Once your puppy is a bit older, explore other sports and activities. This includes developing conditioned or automatic reflexes to commands. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when the owner says "sit," the dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Our unique techniques ensure our program is a success no matter what behavior we encounter. Empowering Owners We empower owners to train so their dog knows who to obey at all times. Personalized We deal with problem behaviors on a personal basis. Environment Specific We train wherever issues tend to arise i. Supportive We support owners in the off-hours when training is "not in session". Involved We work with all members of the household. Satisfaction Ratings Our high client satisfaction rating sets us apart from competitors. True to their name, Golden Retrievers love retrieving things! Golden Retriever Specific Tips Weight Management Golden Retrievers can easily become overweight so owners will need to help manage their food intake. Golden Retriever Specific Tips Make it a Family Affair If you have adopted a Golden Retriever puppy to become part of a family, make sure all kids and adults are on the same page with training and all practice basic tricks with the family dog. Dog Training Elite Shreveport has developed training programs for puppies and adult dogs alike based on positive reinforcement. German Shepherd training with our in-home option is entirely possible. Read on to learn more about the Dog Training Elite Shreveport training method. Golden Retriever training can help you establish routines and learn how to be consistent about enforcing them. All Sizes. All Ages. The Dog Training Elite Difference Dog Training Elite Shreveport uses modern training methods focused on positive reinforcement and bonding between dog and dog owner. Dog Training Elite Shreveport never resorts to the use of punishment to help dogs unlearn bad behavior. The difference becomes clear when comparing a dog that is trained out of anxiety and intimidation vs a dog who truly desires to please from the inside out. The Dog Training Elite Shreveport training theory is mostly based around classical conditioning, also known as the Pavlovian method or respondent conditioning. In its simplest form after proper conditioning , when an owner says "sit," their dog automatically sits without thinking about it. Through a combination of commands and an electronic collar, dogs learn to follow commands at once. Other dog trainers use harsh static collars or spray collars which have been shown to be less effective. Ready to turn your Golden Retriever puppy into a loyal and loving companion? Find a trainer near you today! We help your dog become a valued companion and beloved member of the family. Read what our customers have to say and then give us a call! I highly recommend Dog Training Elite to anyone in need of training services! We were a bit overwhelmed with getting her to listen to us and our daughter. The training was tailored to what we needed, started at a base level and built up on the lessons from the prior session. The one-on-one lessons were very helpful and we are looking forward to the group sessions to continue building upon the baseline. Our pup is definitely a part of the family. They are extremely good at what they do. I can now leave my house without having to worry about passing out, because I know I can rely on my dog. They care for every single pup they meet and treat them with care, no matter the issues. It's hard not to love them immediately. Being a part of their team has been an amazing experience. They aren't just friends, they're family! There are no other dog trainers I would recommend more than them! She worked with our 1 year old female Shiba Inu on her resource guarding along with many other issues and it has literally changed our lives. I highly recommend DTE to anyone who has a fur baby! Thank you Jennifer for being the awesome trainer that you are! Jen helped pick Kira from the pound and through Jen's patient training, she is becoming an amazing service dog! They are not just trainers, they are a part of our family. The first time I talked with them on the phone they asked great questions about my puppy and made me feel like they were on my team already. I felt immediately at ease and confident that these ladies would help me learn how to train my puppy and create a better relationship with her. I was feeling overwhelmed and hopeless about the situation. After visiting my home to assess the situation, Jen told me that the biting problem would be the first issue to go! But she was right!! Within the first training session, Jen addressed the biting problem and my puppy has stopped nipping and biting entirely. It was a huge relief to see such quick progress and it has only gotten better from that point on! Matti and Jen truly love and understand animals, plus they are so respectful and empathetic when it comes to people! They are patient with both pets and people, and I have no doubt they will get you and your pet where you want to be!! Jenn and Matti are driven to develop the best possible relationship between each owner and their dog so that they can experience all the fun activities and joy that dogs bring to our lives. If you would like to make your dog a bigger part of your lifestyle, I encourage you to contact the dynamic duo at DTE Shreveport.

More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs help children to be more physically fit. All dogs, regardless of breed, need to be walked. Children who take their dogs for regularly scheduled walks tend to exercise more than those who have no reason to get up off the couch and leave the TV. The Journal of Physical Activity and Health concluded that people who walk their dogs generally walk about an hour longer per day than non-dog walkers. In this age where over one-third of children and adolescents in the United States are overweight or obese, exercise is no longer merely a choice of leisure activity, it is a necessity Center for Disease Control and Prevention, .What more pleasurable way for a child to exercise than to run and play with an adored dog? All dogs need exercise regardless of size, so children include dogs when they are running or playing casually—not just on regularly scheduled walks. One of the reasons that I suggest retrievers when parents ask about what kind of dog is best is simply the name. Of course, I grew up with retrievers and I love them, but even more than other dogs, they love to play ball. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Did you know… Incorporated in , a major center for U. Marshall Space Flight Center est. The constitutional convention of the Alabama Territory was held in in Huntsville, where the first state legislature also met. Numerous antebellum buildings remain. The distance from Huntsville to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Alabama state capital is miles. The population of Huntsville is approximately , .Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Use tab to navigate through the menu items. About Us Our Kennel Quality. Located just south of Huntsville, AL. We are hobby breeders birthed out of the enthrallment of the English Labrador. From the stunning broad head, barrel chest, stocky body, and otter tail to the unrivaled, calm temperament we couldn't help but fall in love. And we aren't the only ones to adore the English Labrador in all its endearing characteristics. The Labrador Retriever has been the no. Who We Are Meet the Pope's We have been married since and have always shared a bond over our love for dogs. We have always had furry companions in our home and have thought of them as an extension of our family. It wasn't until a few years ago that we were introduced to the gorgeous English Labrador and our hearts have never looked after another dog the same. We breed black, chocolate, and yellow colors as these are the only recognized colors by AKC in the Labrador breed. We are a young kennel but are growing each year with outstanding young prospects and look forward to many years of success, labs, and adventure! She has a big blockhead. Soft fur. She is spunky, and loves to romp and play but quickly settles down and easy going inside. Halsey settles in well once she knows the routine, but like any dog she needs time to settle in. Hasley LOVES people and does great around kids, but would rather be an only dog or must be properly introduced. She does prefer being the center of attention. She is food motivated and is easily corrected, and listens well. Establishing a leadership relationship with Halsey is important or she could be all over the place, so important you have experience with dogs. She is very strong so she needs someone that can handle strong dogs. Once she understands where her cues come from, she is dream of a dog! She is the perfect dog for a single individual needing companionship or a family. She would be fine if she lived in a working family household, but like most would enjoy a human companion most days and can get mischievous if left unattended in a backyard. She is very affectionate, cuddly, loves belly rubs especially and a good alert dog that would be protective of her family and home. She rides well in a vehicle and is potty and crate trained. She has already mastered sitting and learning more cues. She does pulls slightly on a leash, but a good harness easily corrects that. She enjoys chasing a ball and enjoys eating treats.

With over 20 years of experience, we have shared our Labradoodle Puppies with families across this Country, and around the world. As an Authentic Australian Labradoodle Breeder, we offer our Riverbend Australian Labradoodle puppies in Miniature sizes lbs , Medium sizes 45lbs , and Standard sizes lbs. Because of our years of experience and success with our English Style Labrador Retriever Breeding Program , our Riverbend Labradoodles are stocky, heavy-boned, and have a beautiful, blocky style of head that gives them a soft, intuitive expression. We are so blessed to be involved with a fantastic Worldwide Labradoodle Breed organization, bringing together nearly Breeders from the United States, Canada, Europe, and Australia that are dedicated to protecting the breed we love so much. We are honored at the opportunity to help protect and promote the breed we love so much with our participation in these organizations. Our commitment to quality and accountability to these organizations offers peace of mind in purchasing one of our Australian Labradoodle puppies. Our Labradoodles have allergy friendly coats that are non-shedding, and we are dedicated to helping people with allergies add to their family. Our Labradoodles are known to have a laid- back, easy-going temperament, and are great family companions. They are intelligent and easy to train, and typically finish at the top of their obedience classes. Here at Riverbend, we have made it our focus to protect the health and future, while maintaining the integrity, of the Labradoodle breed. Our carefully planned breeding program is dedicated to Quality, not quantity. We believe it is of utmost importance to have OFA hip, OFA elbow, ACVO eye clearances, and also breed specific health clearances, as well as Champion Quality pedigrees within all of our dogs' bloodlines, to ensure we have the healthiest Labradoodle Puppies possible. Take a look at Our Dogs. All of our Riverbend puppies are raised in our home for proper socialization and handling from birth. Our home is designed for our puppies to live with us, so we can provide a healthy environment, to build the foundation that will help them grow to their full potential. Paying attention to how a puppy grows, from the day he is born, is important for the very health and vitality of each puppy. And, we believe that the first eight weeks of a puppy's life, is of vital importance in determining his later behavior as an adult. We share our Australian Labradoodle Puppies with loving caring families, and you can be confident that our puppies are handled continuously, are exposed to our everyday life, and everyday noises, to create a positive social experience that will enable them to become lifelong companions. We hope that you enjoy our website and find it easy to navigate, helpful, informative, and fun. If you have any questions or would like more information about this fantastic breed, please feel free to contact us by phone or email. We love sharing our Riverbend Labradoodles with others, and welcome all inquiries concerning them. Support an American Company and Small Business! We are confident these products are the best for your furry family member and we refuse to use anything else! We are an Australian labradoodle breeder specializing in authentic top quality Australian Labradoodle puppies in mini, and medium sizes. Sharing our puppies with families since , we have established our breeding program with fully tested breeding stock that can be traced back to the very earliest bloodlines. Located north of Dayton, Ohio in the rural area of Conover. We have shared our puppies across the US. Check out our available puppies page to learn about each one Latest News September Puppies available! Head to our available puppies page to see who is waiting to be your next family member! Available Puppies Boarding Available We are now offering boarding for our puppy families. Now taking reservations for fall. Spaces limited call Boarding Information Offering in home- training Did you know our trainer offers an in home board and train program? Get a head start before puppy goes home. Here our puppy will stay with the trainer and learn basic obedience, house training crate training, learn proper manners and receive lots of socialization to people and places. Why us Superb Temperament Australian labradoodles are known for their amazing temperament. Our love for this breed began with our first Australian labradoodle, Georgia pictured below in the snow. She taught us what the Australian labradoodle was all about. With her intuitive connection, and sociable personality, we fell in love instantly and so did everyone who met her. She was a joy to train, willing to please, gentle, and just as funny as she was affectionate. Due to their extreme willingness to please and ability to train, a percentage of our dogs have gone on to do therapy and service work. Nourishing Environment Puppies like babies need nurturing and human interaction. We are asking them to live in our world so the more human experiences they can have before going home, the easier the transition. We utilize Early neurological stimulation, Early Scent Introduction, Puppy Culture, a 10 step handling exercise, as well as extensive socialization to raise the most well-balanced dogs. All of our dogs are fed a high quality, all natural diet, for maximum health. We believe in a holistic approach to the well being of our dogs, and they are minimally vaccinated. Excellent Health While we have a strong emphasis for temperament, having a sound, physically healthy puppy is of upmost importance. Healthy puppies begin with the parents. Our breeding dogs have to meet strict requirements to enter the program. We start with carefully selected breeding stock coming from a controlled breeding line. Our Labradoodles have allergy friendly coats that are non-shedding, and we love helping people with allergies add to their family. As a registered member of the Worldwide Australian labradoodles Association, WALA our breeding program along with hundreds of other programs across the world, are dedicated to ethical breeding, and continued focus on the improvement of the Australian labradoodle breed. Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association We are grateful that we are able to raise and share these gentle, fun-loving, and intelligent dogs with others. I would love to hear from you! If you are interested in bringing one of our Australian labradoodle puppies home, or have additional questions not included on our website, please contact Kristina. Mini Labradoodle vs Mini Sheepadoodle Comparison Two dog breeds, one purpose: to make your life a joy-filled journey powered by strong bonds, friendship, and unconditional love. Meet the Mini Labradoodle and the Mini Sheepadoodle. Two very adorable and friendly dogs with upbeat personalities, the Mini Labradoodle and Mini Sheepadoodle make the perfect addition to any lucky family. Your way of life, hobbies, and work schedule are all important factors that can help determine which of the two dog breeds is a good fit for your lifestyle.Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? They are fun, easygoing, and gentle. Mini Labradoodles enjoy canine games like chase, fetch, and Frisbee, and thrive on cuddles and love. Energetic, friendly, and full of life, the Mini Labradoodles make wonderful jogging and hiking companions. They are known to enjoy a good swim, a long stroll, and are very fond of adventures. The Mini Labradoodle puppies are happy, energetic, and bright bundles of joy. They are loving and eager to please, love to play and cuddle, and are excellent training students. A cross between Labrador Retrievers and Mini or Toy Poodles, the Mini Labradoodle may take after one parent breed or the other in appearance or they may have their own unique look with an added bonus of a hypoallergenic coat. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Cleveland Heights Ohio and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

But much like other puppies, a Golden Retriever puppy has a tendency to chew and bite. So, how can you train your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite? Consistency is the key to teaching your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite. However, you have to train your dog to behave, and that includes keeping them from biting. This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Get up and walk away from the dog. Leave the room if you can. Focus on something else for a bit. And believe me, a Golden Retriever puppy or not always wants your attention! Now, you may not see immediate results with this method, but it will work over time if you remain consistent. Sending your new puppy mixed signals will only confuse him or her. You can pet your dog to reward them for not getting mouthy with your hand or fingers while playing. It can take a while to get to this stage, so be patient. When, your dog gets through an entire play session without biting, that deserves some extra love. Now, you have to be careful not to give too much attention when your dog does bite. If your Golden Retriever reverts to biting out of excitement or nervousness, immediately stop giving them attention. Turn away and ignore your dog like what you did before. Hopefully, they will get the message more quickly, so you can go back to playing without them biting. Use a firm tone rather than a cute tone you might use when praising your dog. When you say no, use physical signals to get your Golden Retriever to stop. Take your hand out of their mouth and move it out of reach. Make sure anyone who trains the dog uses the same firm tone. Tips to stop golden retriever pups from biting. Watch for Patterns Another way you can train your Golden Retriever puppy to stop biting is to watch for patterns. See if your dog tends to bite more at certain times of day, in the same room, or while playing with a particular toy. When your dog does bite, you can use other methods to get them to stop immediately. But after the fact, write down the date, time, and situation. If multiple people are training your dog, you should also log who your dog tends to bite. That way, you can see if there are patterns. Use Bitter Spray When you start training your Golden Retriever puppy, you may want to try using a bitter spray on your hands. Try this bitter spray Amazon , it works on your hands to stop chewing and biting and it also works on other things around the house that a new puppy might want to chew on like houseplants, furniture, etc. This can be an easy way to get your dog not to bite you. Now, this can be difficult if your dog bites other areas of your body, but it can help. You might get quicker results than if you only stuck to ignoring your dog. Have Lots of Toys Another excellent way to train your Golden Retriever to stop biting you is to use toys. You should be careful and use toys when your dog exhibits good behavior. But you can give your dog chew toys so that they have something they can bite. There is even a teething ring for dogs Amazon that you keep in the freezer and it provides something cool to chew on to help ease the pain during this period of your puppies life. Then, your dog will want to behave well when they play with you. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! You can have a bag of small treats in your pocket that you use when playing with your dog. Whenever they go a long time without biting, you can give them a treat. You can also use the treats to distract your dog. If you know their patterns and when they usually bite, you can preempt that with a treat. Then, your dog can chew on the food rather than your hand. There are tons of treats out there, so go with something small. Try to avoid using treats as a bribe, and focus on making them a reward. That way, your dog can look forward to a treat for their good habits. Start As Soon as Possible Training your Golden Retriever puppy not to bite should start as soon as you bring your puppy home. If you wait until your dog gets into the habit of biting, it will be hard to break. You may still need to use various ways to train your dog, but it should be easier. Starting when your puppy is super young can also help them with other areas of their life. If you can train them not to bite, you will know how they learn best, which will help you train them for other things. It will also be harder if you use one method while your spouse uses another method. Everyone in your household should decide on how and when to train your Golden Retriever puppy. Use the same toys or treats, train your dog simultaneously, or use the same speaking tone. That way, your dog can learn from everyone rather than a single trainer. Then, you all can enjoy your Golden Retriever, and they can develop good habits. Final Thoughts Training a Golden Retriever to stop biting can take some time. You have to figure out when your dog bites and what triggers the biting. Then, you have to determine how your dog learns best and use that method to train your puppy. But once you find the perfect tool, your dog will learn to stop biting. They Are Naturally Mouthy Golden Retrievers are a mouthy breed, to begin with, they are naturally inclined to pick up and hold anything and everything in their mouths. While it may seem like there is something wrong with your puppy to cause him or her to bite so much, rest assured, all puppies bite, not just Golden Retriever puppies. Play Behaviour When you see a litter of pups play together, they often nip and bite at one another. It is their way of socializing and initiating play. Your puppy will bite and nip at you during playtime with you because it is a natural behaviour to them. They Are Teething Many people associate puppy biting with teething, however when a puppy is teething they will resort to chewing and mouthing in order to relieve their pain. They may chew or mouth on your hands and fingers, but teething is not the cause of biting that every puppy owner experiences. Puppy biting is most often just play. To summarize, puppy biting is normal and should be expected as a puppy owner. In general, biting will naturally subside in Golden Retriever puppies around the age of months. This is around the time that their adult teeth have come in. Puppies at this age usually already know how to moderate their bite, and will not bite or nip at you as much as they did when they were younger. While biting anything and everything is normal behaviour to your puppy, it is not something that you want your puppy to continue to do. It is up to you to teach your puppy not to bite humans, especially children. Take a look at the common mistakes puppy owners often make, and learn to avoid them. Puppies who are excited bite more. Children often fall victim to the most puppy bites because they get very excited around puppies and this just gets the puppy going which results in biting. Any attention that you give your puppy after they bite you will seem like a reward to your puppy, and the biting will just continue. Yelling at your puppy, pushing them away, talking to your puppy, or even looking at them is giving them the attention that they want. Bite inhibition is when your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite. Puppies learn this skill when they are with their littermates, which is why they need to stay with them and their mother until they are 8 weeks old. Playing with their littermates teaches puppies that biting too hard hurts and will end playtime. The puppy then learns to bite softer. When your puppy comes home with you, it is up to you to teach your puppy how to control the force of their bite. Biting down on the thick fur coat of his mother or littermates is a lot different than biting down on human skin. By not teaching your puppy bite inhibition, you will risk your puppy turning into a dangerous adult. Puppy bites are a lot different than adult dog bites. Once your puppy learns how to control the strength of his bite, eventually the bites become gentler, and in time, your puppy will learn to stop biting altogether. This is part of teaching your puppy bite inhibition. This is a way to mimic how puppies play together, when one puppy bites another puppy too hard, that puppy yelps in pain, and will walk away. In some cases, puppies could get even more worked up by the noise and keep on biting. This is when you need to walk away. When your puppy has calmed down, you can resume playing with your puppy. When your puppy bites you again, repeat the steps of yelping and walking away. Eventually, your puppy will learn to soften his bite, because biting too hard ends playtime. The following video discusses why puppies bite, how to teach bite inhibition and how to survive puppy biting. It is a good idea to have a few chew toys on hand to offer up as a distraction from your skin. Check out this list of the best teething toys for puppies. This will get your puppy to stop and focus on being obedient. A great way to solve boredom is by going for a walk with your puppy. How much exercise should you give your Golden Retriever puppy? A good rule of thumb is 5 minutes of exercise for every month that your puppy is alive. So a 3-month-old puppy should get 15 minutes of exercise a day, a 5-month-old puppy should get 25 minutes per day, and so on. This is in addition to and not instead of playtime. Bitter Apple Spray can also be used to prevent your puppy from nipping and biting at you. Before you interact with your puppy, spray it on your arms, legs, pant legs, or sleeves, anywhere that your puppy likes to nip at you. Once your puppy bites at you, he will get a bad taste in his mouth and will stop. Bitter Apple Spray may not work on all puppies, some may actually develop a taste for it. I know that when my Golden Retriever Ellie was a pup this stuff worked amazingly well, but as she got older she developed a taste for bitter things such as crab apples which are extremely sour and she once sucked on a vinegar packet that was lying on the ground! Reward Good Behaviour Every time your puppy stops biting and nipping at you, you need to see this as positive behaviour. Good behaviour should be rewarded so that your puppy learns that he did something good. Rewarding good behaviour with affection and praise is great, you can also use treats, or toys, sometimes the best reward for your puppy is just spending time with them. Be Patient and Consistent Owning a puppy requires a lot of patience! It is so easy to lose your patience at times, but you need to know that your puppy is learning what is right and wrong, and that takes time. It might not happen overnight, but as long as you remain consistent and patient, your pup will learn good behaviour. If your puppy is nipping at your pant legs or sleeves, chances are he is loving the tugging feeling and is actually already playing tug-of-war. Instead of using your clothing, redirect his attention to a rope toy. One thing to be careful of is being too rough with tug-of-war, especially when your puppy is going through his teething phase. A game of fetch offers your pup a distraction from biting, and Golden Retriever puppies naturally love to retrieve things. This is a great way to also teach your puppy to drop it, by offering a treat when your puppy drops the ball or rope toy. A well-socialized puppy will be less likely to exhibit any unwanted behaviours later on. Enrolling your pup in puppy kindergarten or arranging some play dates with other dogs who are friendly and vaccinated is a great way for your pup to learn social skills. Other dogs are sometimes the best teachers for a puppy because they will let your puppy know what is okay for play and what is not okay, in terms of biting and nipping. Always supervise your puppy while playing with other dogs. Yelling at your puppy will only make your puppy scared and confused as well as lose trust and respect for you. Common mistakes people make when their puppy is biting are pushing them away, clamping down on their mouths or spraying them in the face with water. All of these are a bad idea! Your puppy could see this behaviour as a form of play and continue biting and nipping at you even harder. If you remain calm and use a firm voice not yelling , your pup will see you as in charge. Puppies and dogs often exhibit the same behaviour as we do, if you get upset and start yelling, your puppy will just get even more excited. As unpleasant as puppy biting is, it is normal behaviour. Your puppy biting and nipping at you with a mouth full of shark teeth may seem aggressive, but it is most often just out of curiosity and play behaviour. Golden Retrievers are known for their calm and gentle demeanour, but there are rare instances where you may have an aggressive puppy on your hands. Puppies who have been taken away from their litter earlier than weeks, bad breeding, being abused, a chemical imbalance, and not being socialized are all reasons for aggression in puppies. Signs of an aggressive puppy include barking, growling, lunging at you or another dog, a stiff posture, and showing teeth. If you think your puppy is aggressive, it is important to work with a professional dog trainer or behaviourist in order to find out the reasons for aggression and work on correcting the behaviour before it gets worse. It is important to keep your calm and work with your puppy to teach him the important skill of bite inhibition, and to redirect his biting to more appropriate behaviour. Socializing your puppy, as well as rewarding good behaviour will all help to turn your puppy into a well-behaved dog. Have you tried any of the tips mentioned above? Do you have any other tips to stop Golden Retriever puppy biting? Share your thoughts and comments below, as well as any questions you may have. I would love to hear from you. Jenny I am the proud owner of a Golden Retriever named Ellie. She keeps me busy, and when she is resting, you can find me working on my blog. She is always close by though. I live in Stirling, ON Canada with my husband, and we both enjoy the never a dull moment life with our Ellie. Spread the love. Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, which means I may receive a commission if you click on a link and purchase the item. This comes at no extra cost to you. Wish your golden retriever puppy would stop biting so much? Puppy nipping is one of the most frustrating things about raising a new puppy—their teeth are razor-sharp, it hurts when they bite, and they can ruin your clothes! But why do puppies bite so much? Puppies bite to learn acquired bite inhibition, or ABI. What exactly is ABI? He might leap up and bite you because you hurt him and scared him. But the important thing is this: how hard will they bite? This is where ABI comes in. So ABI is really important. Now the question is, how do they learn it? The only way for puppies to learn ABI is to bite, and bite often. The best teachers are other dogs. Next time they bite a little less hard and playtime continues. This is how they learn ABI. Obviously, it takes a lot of repetition of this scenario to happen for a puppy to learn not to bite so hard, but this is essentially how it works out. Yes, you will need to help teach your puppy ABI. You can do this two ways: Set up puppy playdates and take them to puppy kindergarten so other puppies can teach them ABI. You actually want them to bite a little bit and learn to control how hard they bite. That being said, letting them go on a biting rampage is not helping the situation, so here are five tips to help you stop your puppy from biting so much: 1. Socialize your puppy Other dogs are the best teachers of ABI so make sure to get your puppy in kindergarten and set up playdates with dogs that you know are vaccinated. Remove yourself from the situation Puppies can often be over-stimulated or over-tired. One thing we did with our puppy, Oliver, when he got in these moods was to go sit at our high-top table in the kitchen and ignore him until he calmed down or distracted himself with a chew toy. Exercise your puppy A tired puppy is a good puppy. Young puppies have weak jaws, so if they had dull teeth, a bite from them would be no big deal. Most adult golden retrievers bite out of fear and a professional can help you properly handle it. Puppy Biting vs. Chewing Puppy biting or nipping is when a dog purposefully bites you. As we already talked about, they need to do this to learn ABI. Puppy chewing, on the other hand, is when puppies chew on things to relieve the pressure in their mouths from their adult teeth coming in. Since puppies bite and chew for different reasons, you need to handle these problems differently. Mentally wear them by out by training them, going for long walks and letting them sniff around, and giving them puzzle toys or frozen kongs. Remember that a tired puppy is a good puppy. A: It can take up to six weeks or more for your puppy to learn ABI and what is appropriate to bite or not. If it takes longer than six weeks, just remember to be consistent with the steps to stop it and have faith that it will slow down soon. Q: Is puppy biting an act of aggression? A: Most puppy biting is a form of play. It helps them learn ABI. If you think your puppy is biting out of aggression, then you should talk to a professional. Q: Why are puppy teeth so sharp? Q: What is ABI? A: ABI is acquired bite inhibition, or the natural ability for a dog to not bite so hard. Q: Do all puppies bite? A: Yes! Instead, they need to learn to control their bite force, then learn to bite less. Have any questions about puppy biting? Let me know in the comments below! Related articles:. Are you a proud new golden retriever puppy parent or considering getting a furry friend? While puppies are adorable and full of energy, they can also be a handful, especially when it comes to biting. This article will cover practical strategies to manage puppy biting and help you and your pup develop a solid and loving relationship. Thus biting is natural. Their bites will become softer as they practice and learn to manage their bite strength. They will eventually stop biting entirely. While biting is a natural part of the learning process, it is essential to train your puppy not to bite excessively. Here are a few tips to get you started: Providing Chew Toys for Redirecting Biting Behavior Providing chew toys is an excellent approach to help your puppy stop biting. When your puppy begins to bite you, remove your hand or foot and replace it with a chew toy. This teaches them that biting is acceptable, but only when done with toys, not people. It is essential to keep an eye on your puppy when they play with chew toys to ensure they do not consume anything toxic. By exposing your puppy to a variety of people, animals, and environments in a controlled and positive manner, you can help them develop proper social skills and reduce biting tendencies. Socialization helps puppies learn appropriate bite inhibition and establishes boundaries for acceptable behavior during interactions. Through well-planned socialization experiences, you can guide your puppy towards becoming a well-behaved and gentle companion. Employing the Time-Out Strategy for Persistent Biting Use the time-out strategy when other methods fail to stop your puppy from biting. If your puppy continues to bite, place him on a time-out for 30 seconds before allowing him to return to play. This teaches your puppy that biting is unacceptable and will result in a loss of playtime or attention. Again, use a gentle tone and avoid shouting or scolding your puppy. When your puppy plays gently with their toys instead of biting you, shower them with praise and perhaps even a tasty gift! This teaches your puppy that good behavior leads to beautiful things. Instead, concentrate on encouraging appropriate behavior and redirecting any inappropriate biting. Your puppy will learn to control their biting and play in a friendly and safe manner with time, patience, and positive reinforcement. This entails repeating the same commands, techniques, and rewards each time you train. When you do this, your puppy learns what is expected of them and how to get rewarded. On the other hand, if you are inconsistent, your puppy may get confused and unsure of what they need to do to please you. This can make training more difficult and frustrating for you and your puppy. So, strive to be consistent in your training. However, they can get nippy during their fun exploration of the world around them. The good news is that this is a natural habit for pups, and there are ways to deal with it. Puppies prefer to bite to initiate play, learn more about their surroundings, and adjust their bite pressure, especially when they are teething. These actions are part of how they play, interact, and learn about their environment. First, however, puppies must be taught how to control their biting pressure and redirect their biting to appropriate toys and chew objects, which we will discuss later. Puppy bites, for example, can become more painful and even harmful as they increase in size. Additionally, it might lead to destructive chewing if you do not divert their biting habit to appropriate chew items. As a result, it is critical to address this habit early on through regular teaching and positive reinforcement. Understand what motivates them and what makes them more likely to engage in biting. Adjust your training methods: Not all puppies respond to the same training techniques. Some may respond better to positive reinforcement, while others may require more redirection and distraction. Consider their energy levels: Golden Retrievers are known for their energy and enthusiasm. Be patient and consistent: Training takes time, and each puppy learns at their own pace. Be patient with your puppy and provide consistent guidance. Remember, every Golden Retriever puppy is an individual, and what works for one may not work for another. With a customized approach, you can effectively address biting behavior and set your unique puppy on the path to becoming a well-behaved and happy companion. So, most puppies begin to bite and mouth less frequently when they are 8 to 10 months old. However, this varies greatly depending on the individual pup. Some may stop sooner, while others may take a little longer. Golden retrievers, for example, love using their tongues. At the same time, herding dogs such as border collies or corgis may continue to nip at ankles as they age. Just keep working with your pet and providing the guidance they require to create positive habits! Conclusion As you begin the joyful road of raising your Golden Retriever puppy, keep in mind that training and socialization are essential for producing a happy and well-behaved dog. You can teach your puppy what is expected of them and create healthy behaviors that will last a lifetime using consistent and positive reinforcement techniques. Remember that each puppy is unique, and what works for one may not work for another. You will be rewarded with a devoted and well-behaved companion if you are patient and committed to the training process. Remember to give your puppy enough exercise and mental stimulation and to continuously reward positive behavior. You can help your puppy grow into a happy and healthy adult dog who will provide you happiness for many years by doing so. By the time your puppy reaches around three months of age, they should start to develop bite inhibition and learn to control the force of their bites during play. As you continue to interact and train with your puppy, you can gradually increase your sensitivity to the level of bites you find acceptable. By the age of four or five months, their play bites should no longer exert any force. Can I use physical punishment to stop my puppy from biting? Certainly not! To stop a puppy from biting, never use physical punishment. It is not only ineffective, but it can also be harmful and cause long-term behavioral issues. Instead, train your puppy using positive reinforcement techniques, including redirection, time-outs, and excellent rewarding behavior. What can I do? Puppies frequently nip and bite while playing with other dogs, but teaching them to control their bite force is essential. My puppy is teething. What can I do to stop them from biting? Teething is a normal developmental stage for puppies , and they naturally want to chew and bite things. Similar to what we discussed earlier. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. You are bound to want to know when your biting puppy will grow out of this phase and how you can speed that process up. Biting, as you will have discovered is usually accompanied by lots of noise! Why do puppies bite? So why do puppies bite? My puppy is biting hard Puppies do bite hard and it does hurt. But I want to reassure you that even at 8 weeks old, your puppy has learned to moderate his bite in play. Puppies have powerful jaws designed to tear through flesh and crush bones. Those of you who feed your puppy a raw diet will know that even an 8 week old puppy from a medium sized breed can crush bones the size of your little finger. He is deliberately attempting to be gentle. Puppy Biting — Bite inhibition This ability, that your puppy has, to moderate the power of his jaws in play, is called bite inhibition. It is something that his mother started to teach him when he was just a few weeks old. And now it is your turn to take over and complete the training process. Growling and Puppy biting One thing that often worries people who have a new puppy in the family, is the growling that accompanies puppy biting. It sounds horrific. Great snarls and snaps accompany the biting and the puppy can appear quite demonic as he grabs onto your skin, or clothes. Tugging away with all the strength he can muster. Ninety nine times out of a hundred this is completely normal play biting. Is my puppy biting aggressive? You cannot determine whether or not a puppy is biting aggressively by how hard he bites or by the volume of the noise he makes. Play biting puppies bite hard and growl fiercely. Some puppies do occasionally draw blood. But these are not normally savage or crushing bites and the puppy is clearly enjoying himself. Fierce but fun! The play biting puppy will launch himself at the target of his bite. Whether it is your slippers or your fingers, with equal tail-wagging enthusiasm, hanging on grimly and grabbing repeatedly when the item is removed from him. All this, shocking though it may seem, is normal, and is not a sign that your puppy is going to be an aggressive dog! In fact some of the gentlest and most amiable breeds the labrador for example are the worst and fiercest play biters. The puppy that is a cause for concern is the puppy that is frightened. Because although puppies rarely bite through aggression, the nervous puppy may become aggressive as he matures Is my puppy afraid? A scared puppy may bite and scared puppies can grow into scared adult dogs so this is something you need to address quickly. You will know that your puppy is scared because he will try to avoid whatever it is he is scared of. A really frightened puppy will sometimes give off a distinctive musky smell. This hiding, and retreating, and the scared smell are warning signs that you have scared your puppy badly, or purchased a poorly socialised puppy. In this situation you need to get specialist help right away. Your vet should be able to advise you. For the vast majority of puppy owners then, biting is normal puppy behavior. Will my puppy biting stop naturally? To some extent biting is a phase caused by natural puppy playfulness and teething. Some puppies do stop biting with very little input from their family. Which is great. You may feel he should have grown out of it by now. We can physically prevent puppies from biting and we can train puppies not to bite. Both of these are good strategies. Or when children are getting upset, or visitors are winding your puppy up. Prevention usually involves interrupting the biting behavior, then redirecting the puppy into an alternative and more acceptable behavior, such as chewing on a toy. Or, it may involve temporarily separating him from his playmates. Interrupting the puppy biting In mild cases you may simply be able to put a toy in your biting puppy's mouth and get him tugging on that instead of on your fingers. If you are on the floor with the puppy stand up. And if you are standing up, turn and walk away from the puppy. This is where dog gates come in very handy with small puppies. A standard baby gate works fine for most breeds of dog. Managing the puppy You may have to pick up your biting puppy to remove him from the scene if he is biting your children for example, rather than you If he bites your hands and clothes as you try to restrain him, put him on the other side of a barrier or in his crate or puppy playpen for a short while. Although the puppy does learn from them, these are useful management techniques to enable you to control the situation. They help you to keep your puppy calm, and prevent the biting escalating through over excitement. Over-excited puppies Puppy play biting is directly linked to excitement. The more excited your puppy gets, the more and the harder he will bite. And the harder it will be to interrupt and distract him. Rough play excites puppies and noisy play does too. Children tend to squeal when they play and get very physical with puppies. One of the first rules they need to learn when playing with dogs, especially big dogs, is to stand up and stand still when the game gets too much. Limit such play and call a halt to it if your puppy is biting. With medium to large breed dogs, physical rough and tumble play is not a great idea. It can lead to dogs bowling people over or humping them, neither of which is very pleasant. Stopping play when it gets rough is a good management strategy and it is a form of training too. Over time, your puppy learns that biting and rough play loses him his playmates and that people simply leave if he is being mean. When do puppies stop biting? Many puppies have stopped biting completely by six months of age and biting is usually subsiding by the time that the puppy is heading towards five months old. This is if the puppy has been managed appropriately If people have been exciting him, or rewarding him for attention seeking behavior then biting can persist And it can be much more of a problem in bigger stronger puppies than in little ones. Training Puppies Not To Bite The idea of this exercise is to teach a puppy to accept being stroked and handled in any way, without touching us with his teeth. The event marker is a distinctive sound. Even around his mouth, without him making any attempt to bite you. You can also make it easier for him by starting this training when he is calm and not distracted. But for now, keep things simple. It can be a good way of getting the training started so that you have chance to say YES and give the puppy the opportunity to learn what you want him to do. Over the next few sessions, you can work on getting your hand closer and closer to the puppy. Until you are brushing the sides of his face without him making any attempt to mouth or bite at you Progress to touching and holding his collar, stroking his ears, grooming him, examining his paws and so on, all the time rewarding him for the correct behavior. Anytime the mouthing returns, back up to a point where he can succeed and move forward more slowly again Bite Inhibition Training Some experts feel that puppies should be allowed to mouth and even bite gently for a week or two before being prevented from biting altogether. Simply follow the instructions for managing your puppy above when he bites hard. But allow him to mouth you when he bites gently without much pressure. This is a great way to teach a dog excellent control over his mouth. After a couple of weeks of this, you can progress to the training exercise I outlined in the previous section. Older puppies that bite in play have often learned that this gets them a lot of attention. They have discovered that people squeal and shout and get quite cross. Sometimes these people push and shove the dog around which young dogs quite enjoy when they are playing. For these dogs it is important that you stop all physical play, with all family members If a puppy is biting hard at your hands when you try to interrupt his game. Or an older puppy is getting out of hand biting at clothing, you need to put your puppy on a harness and house-line a short trailing leash. This will enable you to control your puppy, and take him to a calming place, without handling him. You can just pick up the end of the line and lead him away. Older biting puppies are often bright and bored. And the best approach to avoiding future episodes of bad behavior is a structured programme of training and interesting activities. A professional dog trainer using modern positive training methods will be able to help you with these. Summary So now you know some tips on how to stop your puppy from biting. The first few weeks can be tough with a determined biter in the house, but you will get through this and come out the other side. A few months from now, this difficult period will be a distant memory In the meantime, focus on keeping your biting puppy calm, avoiding too much rough play, and redirecting his biting onto appropriate toys and activities. Spend some time on the training exercise set out above. Read the full disclosure here. Tasty finger! Your golden retriever puppy is as friendly as can be — great with kids, respectful of other dogs, and not overly attentive to your cat. Yes, golden retrievers are known for their good-natured demeanor, but they are still dogs — not so very far removed from their wild cousins, and they can be unpredictable when faced with stressful, disturbing, or frightening situations. One of our jobs as responsible dog owners, of course, is to keep our dogs safe, but we may not always be able to protect them, and we may not always be able to prevent them from biting through fear or when in pain. What is Bite Inhibition? Puppies begin learning this from their mother and siblings as soon as they start to tumble around with each other in play. If they bite too hard, they are scolded by their mother or alerted with a yelp from their siblings. Eventually, they learn how hard is too hard, and they use their teeth more gently in play. Human Sensitive or Advanced Bite Inhibition By the time your puppy moves into your home, they will have been using their bite inhibition skills for weeks. Your puppy needs to learn that human beings are fragile and should be treated with care. There are many professional trainers who recommend that you simply train your puppy not to bite. This seems like a practical course of action, and it does work — in the short term. Teaching a puppy not to bite will give you quick results, but it may mean they never learn how much force is safe to use on people when they are forced to bite in an emergency. So if they do eventually bite, they will know to hold back the pressure safely and will not cause anywhere near as much pain or damage as they otherwise might. Why is Bite Inhibition Important? Believe it or not, even the most gentle dog that has been trained from a young age never to bite, can react to certain triggers. Those triggers are fear and pain. Consider these situations: Your dog has been suffering from chronic ear infections and hates to have his ears handled. The neighbor stops by with her toddler, who immediately runs to your dog and fondles his sensitive ears roughly. What will he do? You and your dog are walking down the road like you do every morning when out of nowhere comes a huge dog who attacks your dog without thinking twice. You manage to pull your dog away, but in the process, your frightened dog bites your arm. Your sweet golden retriever has gotten themself tangled in some barbed wire while hiking. As you loosen the wire from her skin and fur, she snaps at you, biting your hand. You may never experience any of these situations. By teaching bite inhibition while your puppy is young, you will be far safer and ready for any of these situations should they occur. Teaching Advanced Bite Inhibition Following is a general guide to the bite inhibition skills your puppy learns and when, as well as where you should aim for their skills to be at certain ages. She will start the puppies off by teaching them how rough is too rough during nursing and play. These lessons begin when the puppies start nursing day 1 and continue until the day you pick your puppy up from the breeder. This works for some puppies, but for others, it just seems to arouse the pup and make matters worse. You will have to experiment to find out what works for you and your pup. You should withdraw all of your attention from your puppy for very hard bites. Do not over-correct your puppy so they become afraid of biting. After your puppy has calmed down, use a chew toy as a reward and let them chew it in your lap or lying by your side. This teaches you puppy that there are other ways to keep their mouths and teeth busy. By four or five months, all force behind play bites should be eliminated. Kids tend to play rough with puppies, and puppies will get rough right back. Your puppy needs to know that every human being is sensitive to their bites, not just you. It is a process that sometimes lasts months, depending on your puppy. Be prepared for this, and remember that long-term results in your adult dog are more important than curtailing puppy bites as painful as they may be. Supervise your puppy around children — If you have young children at home, you will have to think carefully about how you will protect them and your puppy. Little puppy teeth can cause a lot of pain, especially when your pup is still learning to control those urges. Young children can also cause a lot of pain to small puppies. Always supervise very carefully when your pup and children are together. A tired puppy is a happy puppy — It will be much easier to teach bite inhibition if your puppy is not bouncing off the walls. Make sure they get enough exercise every day. Not only will this help with training, but it will also help prevent all kinds of other destructive behavior. Conclusion Teaching bite inhibition to your golden retriever puppy is a gift you give to your pup that will last forever.