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We have 5 more pictures of Rhodesian Boxer View gallery Known Diseases Epilepsy Definition: Dog has epilepsy if, for example, at least two epileptic seizures occur more than 24 hours apart. Kidney disease Symptoms of kidney disease in dogs: increased urination polyuria increased water intake. Inflammation of the mucous membrane of the mouth. Loss of appetite Wobbler syndrome In veterinary medicine, this is the name given to a complex of symptoms caused by nerve damage in the area of the spinal cord or spinal cord nerves in the area of the cervical spine. Cardiomyopathy In large breeds of dogs, dilated cardiomyopathy DCM is by far the most common cardiomyopathy. Hip dysplasia HD Hip dysplasia HD is a genetic condition in dogs where the hip joint is not shaped properly. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement. Elbow dysplasia ED Elbow joint dysplasia is a chronic disease complex of the elbow joint of fast growing dog breeds. Ataxia can occur even when there is no paralysis paresis , that is, when there is normal muscle strength. A Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer mix typically has a short, dense coat that is either tan or brindle. The coat may have some white markings, and the hair on the back is usually longer than the rest of the coat. What is the temperament of a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer mix? A Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer mix is usually a friendly and energetic dog. They are often good with children and other pets, although they can be wary of strangers. How big does a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer mix grow? A Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer mix usually weighs between 25 and 30 kg and they grow cm. How do I care for a Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer mix? A Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer mix need regular brushing and grooming to maintain their coat. They also need a lot of exercise and a fenced yard is recommended. Are Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer mixes good family dogs? Yes, Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer mixes are usually good family dogs. They are usually patient and good-natured with children, and they usually get along well with other pets. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Lifespan Sociability The Rhodesian Boxer is a high-energy dog that does not like to be left alone for long periods. Their intelligence and energy make them highly trainable, although they can be stubborn at times. They have good overall health, and while they are considered friendly dogs, they should be leashed at all times while out for a walk because of their instincts to chase almost anything. The Rhodesian Boxer has a high prey drive. The combination of these two breeds gives the Rhodesian Boxer the urge to chase small animals and must, therefore, be leashed while out or in a properly fenced yard. The Rhodesian Boxer wants to spend time with the family. They would prefer to stay indoors with you rather than be outdoors alone. If left alone for too long in your yard, they will resort to destructive behavior, and you might find your dog digging holes and ruining the lawn. The Rhodesian Boxer might not do well in the heat. However, because of their large size and the boisterousness of these dogs, supervision with younger, smaller children might be necessary as they could get knocked over. They are protective of their family and will warn you of strangers approaching the property but are not aggressive and therefore safe around children. However, as already discussed, they are prone to chasing smaller animals, and their instincts might kick in when they see an animal run. They will do well with smaller animals within the household if they are raised with them. Feeding them a high-quality dog kibble twice a day should be sufficient while keeping an eye on their weight. Because of the working dog background, they do need to keep busy so lots of playtime will be of great benefit. Like with most dogs, training with perseverance and patience but with lots of love and positive reinforcement will give you a loyal and devoted dog. On average, they do not need to be brushed more than once a week to remove loose hair and to keep their coat shiny. Only give them a bath when necessary about once a month using an appropriate dog shampoo. It will also give you a break from doggy breath. Click Here to solve all dog problems the kind and gentle way. Unfortunately, not much is known about the Rhodesian Boxer origin, but this mix will inherit the finest traits from the parent breeds. The dog was developed by Boer farmers who wanted a versatile and courageous hunting dog that could stand up to large wild animals! Breeders began by mixing breeds like Mastiffs, Greyhounds, Bloodhounds, and Great Danes with a semi-wild dog called the Khoikhoi. The Khoikhoi had a distinctive ridge on its back and dogs with this ridge were distinguished hunting dogs! As the popularity of big game hunting increased in South Africa, Rhodesian Ridgeback dogs started accompanying their masters to help them! Soon after, they realized that these dogs were very good at teasing and distracting predators such as lions to control them so the hunters could take aim at them. Besides being loyal hunting dogs, Ridgebacks also serve as loyal family dogs and companions. The South African Kennel Club recognised the breed in .The breed really began to skyrocket in popularity after the Second World War. It is believed that the first Rhodesian Ridgeback arrived in America even before the s when an actor named Errol Flynn began breeding them in the country. Ridgebacks were first registered by the American Kennel Club in and since then, their popularity as family companions and pets has continued to soar. They descended from Bulldogs and certain German Rhodesian Ridgebacks. Like most breeds, Boxers are a mix of several breeds. They were developed to be working dogs, and have fighting and hunting backgrounds. When it comes to appearance, the Rhodesian Boxer Mix is a strong dog with a deep chest, athletic body, and strong, elegant legs. They have a black nose, and round eyes that are brown or amber in color. They also have triangular ears and a dark face mask. Their tails are usually straight and long. Remember both the Boxer and the Ridgeback are large dogs. While the Rhodesian Boxer loves to cuddle, he is not lap-friendly. One major difference between the male and female Boxer Rhodesian Ridgeback Mix is their size. Full grown males stand between 24 and 27 inches tall while females are around 22 to 25 inches tall. For weight, male Boxer Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixes weigh around 65 to 80 pounds while females weigh around 55 to 68 pounds. Coat and Coat Colors The Rhodesian Boxer has a short and straight coat that comes in a wide range of colors, including black, white, brown, red, fawn, and brindle. View this post on Instagram A post shared by Luke laid. They are loyal, loving, and protective of their owners and family, alerting them to strangers and ready to be on your side at any time. Leaving them alone might make them destructive. Attractive, charming, and confident, the Rhodesian Ridgeback and Boxer Mix makes a loyal and lifelong friend and companion. Want to train your dog without spending hundreds of dollars? Click Here to check out the brain training for Dogs course now! The Rhodesian Boxer Mix dogs are brave, loyal, and protective dogs that also make great watchdogs and guard dogs. Rhodesian Boxers are also good with kids and are reliable when left with them. While friendly and loyal, this dog is best suited to active families and experienced owners who have experience handling energetic dogs. These dogs can also get along well with other dogs if socialized properly as puppies. While Rhodesian Boxers can get along fine with other animals in the family, they have strong hunting instincts and are vulnerable to chasing small animals like cats. However, they should get along well with small animals if they are brought up together with them. At least minutes of daily exercises and walks around the neighborhood will help keep your designer dog healthy. Just be sure to keep your Ridgeback Boxer on a leash and to minimize exertions during those hot days. Also, make sure to supply your pup with fresh water when exercising and at all other times. Thanks to their working background and intelligence, you should also keep them busy and entertained playing with the best interactive dog toys available out there. Total 4 layers of orange petals can hide.But in order to provide more fun for lovely puppies, we set up .But your dog.Early housetraining will help minimize accidents in the house. Vets and previous owners also say crate training can help prevent these dogs from developing separation anxiety. The Rhodesian Ridgeback Mixed with Boxer can also be stubborn, so be sure to use plenty of positive reinforcements such as praise and treats. Because of their strong prey drive, we also recommend early socialization to ensure your pooch gets along great with other animals and people in the family. In general, brushing them once a week is enough to remove any loose or dead hair and to maintain their coat in good condition. Only bathe them when necessary using a mild shampoo because this designer dog is vulnerable to skin allergies. Also, brush their teeth to maintain oral hygiene and to keep their gums and teeth healthy. Trim their nails occasionally as well, to prevent breakage. Some of the other tools and supplies that will come in handy when grooming your Rhodesian Boxer include:.

Located in the beautiful Osage Hills of northeastern Oklahoma. Our dogs are exclusively from German bloodlines and are bred to the exacting German FCI breed standard. We uphold only the highest standards in the health, temperament and structure of our dogs, as well as in their care. While we are professionally credentialed trainers, breeders, and exhibitors of high in trial competitors in IGP, agility, obedience, tracking and numerous Regional Conformation Champions, and Best Breeder in Region awards and are very proud to have bred national competitors in IPO, Agility, and Obedience our area of focus is producing outstanding companion dogs with the potential to be wonderful working companions. Our program places a special emphasis on producing pet friendly traits that adapt well to the demands of a modern lifestyle and we are most proud of the happiness our dogs bring their families. Sign up for our Newsletter! What are we doing now? Find out! Follow us on Facebook for real time updates. Learn more about us, our dogs, and our training! This blog contains affiliate links, so we can earn a small amount of money linking to products we have tried and tested, while you pay nothing extra! Enrichment for our dogs is the hot topic of the day! Blogs, workshops, seminars, and FB groups all devoted to this topic. When I wrote this blog I never expected the response to be so powerful. This page continues to be the most visited page on our website all these years later. As we have continued to use our crate conditioning protocol and coach other breeders through the process we have updated and progressed the course … Read More Find our group! Learn about Poop School! Find our German Shepherd Dog Group here! If you are looking for German shepherd puppies for sale, German Shepherds of the Ozarks offers the best. White German shepherd lab mix. Our German Shepherds are the best value in top quality puppies available most anywhere. Fully Trained German Shepherds are a great choice for families seeking immediate security and confidence in a companion dog. Toddler friendly home so hopefully we be great with kids! We have a spacious and lush acre property located right next to Oklahoma near Joplin, MO, where we raise the finest German shepherd puppies around. We breed primarily for companion and conformation, but have had individuals perform well at. See Our Puppies Protection Dogs As one of the top German shepherd breeders and trainers in the world, we offer obedience-trained dogs, personal protection dogs, and executive class elite trained Kps. This line is awesome for therapy, search and rescue , obedience work and companion dogs. German Shepherds are renowned for their incredible trainability, work ethic, and physical grace. Our German Shepherd puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. Keystone German Shepherds and Kennels 4. Easy, transparent and safe: healthy and happy German Shepherd Dog puppies from the best breeders. We are a small breeder of German Shepherds located on 5 wooded acres east of Oklahoma City. We breed and train the finest German Shepherd Puppies from proven working lines and offer one of the most comprehensive puppy imprint training programs available in the USA. This is the price you can expect to pay for the German Shepherd breed without breeding rights. It's also free to list your available puppies and litters on our site. Jericho and Sage are proven producers of exceptional. German Shepherds come in many different colors. Pricing is determined by the unique attributes of each particular puppy. Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue, Inc. Lola is shy and will bark at strangers but once she warms up, her personality shines. Start by searching for German Shepherd puppies for sale in Oklahoma, and try and find one that matches your budget. Located in the beautiful Osage Hills of northeastern Oklahoma. Contact Andy at for dog training information. The coat color, pedigree, gender, and size can all be factors, as can the breeder's experience. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Oklahoma cost? The price you pay for your German Shepherd puppy can be affected by various factors. Of course, there are breeders that will charge less or more than this. Get in touch today to learn more. She will ensure you wake up on time 7-days a week even if. We are dedicated in making your experience the best that we can. Unfinished Tails German Shepherds 5. This location is about 60 miles west of Tulsa and 60 miles north east of Oklahoma City, sitting right between them. Individual Importance and Hospitality. These attributes include sex, temperament, coloring and more importantly, breeder experience. Heidelberg German Shepherds are bred especially for outstanding, predictable temperament and intelligence. I love the beauty, intelligence and versatility of this breed. Her previous owner surrendered her when she was just 8 weeks old due to being part of an "accidental litter. We do not allow Tulsa breeders, adoption centers, rescues or shelters to list German Shepherds for free in Tulsa. Our dogs are exclusively from German bloodlines and are bred to the exacting German FCI breed standard. Explore our available litters, call us at , or send us a message through our contact page to learn more. Puppies For Sale. Our German Shepherd Puppies are the best of the best. We have provided many wonderful puppies to many families all over Texas and some in other states as Arkansas, California, Colorado, Georgia, Tennessee, New Jersey, Washington, Florida, and newly Oklahoma. We have puppies for sale all over Oklahoma and the surrounding areas within our Preferable Pups family of breeders. Meet Apollo Meet Apollo! Our mission is to find qualified, forever homes for German Shepherd Dogs in need, to support responsible GSD ownership and to connect GSD caregivers with helpful resources. I love the German shepherd breed, and it has always been my dream and passion to raise, train, and produce these. We specialize in shepherds that work for families providing protection and companionship. Our German shepherd puppies are pure bred to the highest standard, from German award-winning bloodlines. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Oklahoma. Easy, transparent and safe: healthy and happy German Shepherd Dog puppies from. Combine our elite training program and it makes bringing home a German Shepherd Puppy a fun and rewarding experience. Petfinder recommends that you should always take reasonable security steps before making online payments. German Shepherd Puppies go home at 8. Please feel free to browse our site and contact me via the contact page with any questions or inquiries. Austerlitz German Shepherd Dog. We breed primarily for companion and conformation, but have had. German Shepherds of the Ozarks Puppies. Find German Shepherd puppies for sale. Red Rock K9 German Shepherds 3. Healthy healthy!! Now acc… more. An email notifying you if you are approved will come from Shelterluv. Their brains, size, and loyalty make them ideal police and service dogs, but they also make great friends. Explore our available litters, call us at , or. Adding a German Shepherd puppy to your family, especially when living in the United States, might be that all-important decision you never really knew you needed until you did. We sell show-quality German Shepherds. Female will be 4 in June and male will be 1 yr March 2. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets. There's no set price for German Shepherd puppies for sale Oklahoma. Austerlitz German Shepherd Dogs. I love the German shepherd breed, and it has always been my dream and passion to. Austerlitz German Shepherds in Oklahoma. Our puppies are well looked after and socialized. Vom Haus Berg German Shepherds 2. AKC German Shepherd puppy from imported pedigree. She's talkative and loves to play with her foster brother, Valor. Combine our elite training program and it makes bringing. She's talkative and loves to play with her foster. Oklahoma German Shepherd Rescue. Get to know Austerlitz German Shepherds in Oklahoma. Unfortunately, my owner needs to surrender me due to some changes in their life circumstances and health problems. Do you have German Shepherd puppies for sale near me in Oklahoma? Preferable Pups is always adding new fully screened and healthy German Shepherd puppies. Beautiful farm German Shepherd puppies. We are German Shepherd Breeders on a mission! We breed top quality dogs through strict breeding standards. We also sell Fully Trained Protection Dogs. German Shepherd Trainer in Oklahoma. See puppy photos, reviews, health information. Ayers Legends German Shepherds. Find German Shepherd dogs and puppies from Oklahoma breeders. This is an awesome litter! Smart , athletic, superior disposition, awesome family or service dogs. After you have been approved for a German Shepherd puppy in Oklahoma and you have selected the perfect puppy, the puppy will undergo an industry-leading health. I have had the privilege of living with German Shepherds since .Lola is schedule oriented, she knows when it's time for food, bed, or for her family to wake. I'm a male, neutered dog who just turned 6 years. We are a foster-based organization working out of Tulsa and now Oklahoma City! Our dogs are cared for in private homes and we do not operate a shelter. We breed and train the finest German Shepherd Puppies from proven working lines and offer one of the most comprehensive puppy imprint training programs available. Adoption Policy To adopt one of our furry friends, please fill the application on our website. We raise quality pure bred German shepherd puppies for your family to enjoy. German Shepherd Puppies For Sale. Lola is schedule oriented, she knows when. Our dogs are exclusively from German. But I'm excited to find a new home and start a new chapter in my life. They also come with a Two year health guarantee. Find the best German Shepherd for you. USDA licensed commercial breeders account for less than.

Please consider volunteering with Boxer Rescue to help us help our four legged friends. We need volunteers to help with website maintenance, Facebook maintenance, accounts payable, domain registrations, email correspondence and regulatory filings. Please email us to learn how you can help! Donations of any amount are welcome. Your generosity is what keeps us able to rescue abandoned Boxers and provide them with a second chance at life. Save a Boxer Today! Dogs are more than just a pet, they are a family too. We are a nonprofit organization recognized as a c 3 charitable dog rescue group that serves the state of New Mexico. As we care for displaced Boxer pups, we wish that no dog ends up unwanted, lost, homeless, abused, or injured. Get to know more about us today. Our organization has been in existence since and has found loving homes for hundreds of Boxers. Our goal is to care for and to be a voice for those Boxers that have been forsaken for whatever reason and to find loving, nurturing forever homes. Most of our volunteers have full time jobs but find the time to schedule and transport our rescued Boxers to local veterinary clinics. Our volunteers review applications and perform home visits. Our volunteers transport surrendered and rescued Boxers around New Mexico. Our volunteers also spend many days and nights in our local veterinary emergency clinics. Our volunteers face death for those Boxers that have been in our hospice care. Our volunteers also attend our adoption events twice a month. Bottom Line: Our volunteers are instrumental in the journey of our rescued boxers and we could not do what we do without their support and dedication. Find more Boxer puppies for sale in closest states: Colorado , Kansas , Oklahoma , Utah , Arizona , Texas If you have never owned a Boxer before, or are interested in reading more information, check out our Boxer Dog Breed Information page. Latest Dog Articles Most common digestion puppy's diseases We don't like to think of our new puppy falling sick with puppy disease. But youngsters get sick quicker and take longer to get well than adults. It's vital to recognize sick puppy behavior, signs and symptoms of puppy illness, and how to know when you ca How to Defend Yourself against a Mad Dog According to World Health Organization about citizens require emergency care treatment on a daily basis for dog bite injury. Also, about 4. Now, those are insanely alarming statistics. But they are tru Dog Care Tips Few things in life are more fun and rewarding than bringing a dog into your family. Your dog will offer your family years of love and loyalty — as long as you provide him with food, shelter, responsible care, and love in return. Welcome to the New Mexico state page on TrustedPuppies. Known for its rich cultural heritage, diverse landscapes, and vibrant arts scene, New Mexico is a fantastic place to find and raise your new Boxer companion. Our goal is to connect you with the most exceptional Boxer breeders and puppies for sale in the region, ensuring you find the perfect furry friend for your family. Our site features a wide variety of reputable New Mexico breeders who specialize in raising amazing healthy puppies. Our NM dog breeders are committed to raising the highest quality puppies. They provide their puppies with all the necessary vaccinations and veterinary checkups to ensure they are in the best of health before they go to their forever homes. They also provide ongoing support and advice to ensure a smooth transition for both you and your new puppy. Discover the dynamic dog-friendly scene in New Mexico, featuring inviting restaurants, spacious dog parks, and engaging dog shows. For those passionate about dog shows, events like the High Desert Cluster Dog Show provide an opportunity to appreciate the elegance and charm of Boxer canines while connecting with fellow enthusiasts. Ranking 41st in dog ownership among the states, New Mexico is home to an estimated thousand dogs. At TrustedPuppies. Most of our reputable Boxer breeders provide safe and affordable flight delivery, complete with a dedicated flight nanny who accompanies your new pup throughout their journey, ensuring their safety and comfort as they travel to their new home in New Mexico. Many breeders also offer affordable vehicle delivery, utilizing specialized pet delivery services. This option allows your Boxer puppy to be transported directly to your door by a professional who understands the unique requirements of pet transportation. Begin your search for the perfect Boxer puppy on TrustedPuppies.

Our puppy Price is for limited registration non breeding rights. Deposit are non-refundable. Full AKC Registration breeding and show rights contact us for an additional fee. Place a Deposit Standard Poodle Size Standard poodles have a shoulder height of over 15 inches or taller. There are 3 size varieties of poodles. The smallest is known as a toy poodle and their height is 10 inches or shorter, Miniatures are 15 inches or shorter and then the Standards are more than 15 inches in height. The standard is sometimes broken down into more sizes. The smallest of the Standard poodles is sometimes called a Moyen. The Moyen standard poodle is usually anything over a shoulder height of 15 inches and no more than 20 inches. Then some also classify a Royal Standard poodle to be any shoulder height of 25 inches or more and weighing more than 60 pounds at adult size. We classify our black and brown standard poodles for sale to be average size, usually ranging inches tall to the shoulder, and weighing lbs. Personality and Character traits for our Brown standard poodle puppies in Michigan The Brown Standard Poodle is extremely intelligent and easy to train, as are all poodles. They are also graceful and elegant and aim to please. Our Brown poodle puppies for sale are very people-oriented and bond closely with their humans and make great companions. Also our Brown Standard Poodle puppies in Michigan gets along well with other animals and dogs, as well as children and are friendly toward everyone making them ideal family pets. Do Poodles have to be foo-foo dogs? At dog shows, Poodles are usually seen in the elaborate foo-foo Continental Clip. Most pet owners however, prefer the simpler Sports Clip, in which the coat is shown to follow the outline of the squarely built, smoothly muscled body. Poodles are not sissy dogs. Standard Poodles are athletic, eager to learn and please, are over the top smart and remarkably versatile. The Standard, with his greater size is one of the best all-around dogs for the family. Silver beige White Apricot - This and red were two of the last colors recorded for this breed; so they are the newest and quite interesting. An apricot can produce a red. Some apricot Poodles are so light that they appear to be cream, however you will notice a red tint to the hair. A true apricot poodle will have some points or black spots on their skin. Liver points are acceptable but not preferred in the U. All blue Poodles are born black and then "clear" lighten as the pup grows. This often happens within the first year but this change can take place as late as 2 years in some cases. For this reason, many blue Poodles are registered as black. The outer coat of a blue poodle is usually as dark as that of a black, but hairs at the root is a mix of colors. The amount of each color depends on the age of the dog. In middle-aged dogs, medium brown predominates. True blue Poodles will have black points and dark brown eyes. Brown - A brown Poodle is a deep, dark color and in no way can be confused with Cafe Au lait which is much lighter. Pure brown Poodles must have liver points and dark amber eyes. Brown is created by the bb gene, as opposed to the BB gene of black Poodles, and therefore will have no black pigment anywhere on the body, including the eyes and nose. Cafe Au lait - This is a shiny light tan color and some confused this with silver beige. It is not uncommon for the pup to be born brown and 'clear' to this color. A Cafe Au lait should have liver points and dark amber eyes. Black - A true black Poodle is a deep ink black. The dog's coat will have zero blue or silver tinting and not have any white or silver guard hairs. The face when shaved will be deep black, as well. A true black will not "clear" or "fade". Blacks will have black points and dark brown eyes. See More: Black Poodles. Silver Beige - This is a diluted brown, therefore a true silver beige Poodle is born brown. By 6 weeks, silver beige will appear on the face and paws with a full coat change by the age of 2 years. The dog will have liver points and dark amber eyes. Red - This only became an official color in and now many breeders in Canada have come together to form the Apricot Red Poodle Club. A true red will have black points. Read about the fascinating history of reds here: Red Poodles. Silver - A true silver Poodle is born black and "clears" by the age of 2. However, you will know a true silver by the age of 6 weeks, when the face and paws "clear" and the rest of the coat will follow in suit over the next year or two. Silvers will have black points and dark brown eyes. This color is a diluted gray, caused by the silver allele V gene. White - Most white Poodles are a pure, snow white. However, some breeders will dub a white tinted with apricot or beige as being white. A bit of black spotting is acceptable on a white, however there should never be any ticking in the white. The ticking gene is a totally separate gene that makes the coat appear dirty. Gray - While a Poodle can be born gray and stay gray, it is also not uncommon for a black Poodle to turn gray at the age of years old. Cream - These Poodles will have black points; you'll know that a Poodle is cream and not Silver Beige or Cafe au Lait if his nose is black. It is the Cch gene which causes an otherwise brown Poodle to be cream. Color Changes When a Poodle puppy is a solid, one must understand that many variables can affect what will become the adult coat. When a pup keeps the same color coat, this is known as "holding". However, many Poodles 'clear'. To clear means when the coat fades or lightens to another color. A lightening of the coat does not necessarily occur evenly all over the coat, rather Poodle color will often hold more on the dog's ears and the thicker guard hairs. Cafe Au lait Poodles are born dark brown and change to cafe around the age of 2 yrs Blue Poodles are born black and change over by the age of 2 years Sliver Poodles are born black and change over by the age of 2 years Apricots are often born a dark shade that lightens by the age of 2 years Many owners can become confused as their Poodle takes on a completely different color as they grow. For example, a blue Poodle puppy could be misinterpreted as black, although a reputable breeder should be able to know the difference. If that puppy has parents with parti in the bloodline, as the coat clears during the first 2 years, other colors may appear and the once black looking puppy who was actually a blue parti becomes a parti with a wide array of possible colors. Fixing a Dull or Yellowing Coat It is common for a Poodle's coat to dull, become brassy or yellow as the dog matures. Sunlight, air pollution and constant bombardment of minuscule debris are at work here, in addition to the natural aging process cycling out a duller color than a Poodle once had. At all times, each hair strand is in 1 of the 3 phases: Growth, rest or release. Therefore, it is a gradual process.Owners may not notice a difference in the richness, depth and shine of the coat until the process has been going on for a while and enough hairs have grown in faded or dulled to make a drastic difference. The key to fixing and maintaining a beautiful color on a Poodle is to use a color enhancing shampoo. There are some great ones manufactured specifically for canines. In addition, while in general one does not want to use a human product on a puppy or dog, as long as the PH balance is correct, it most certainly can be used with excellent results. When a black, blue, or brown dog has the mutation in this gene, they gradually fade in color as they grow. Not all black, blue, or brown poodles have the mutation, but some do. You will begin to see the change in color starting at a months of age and it is usually complete by the time the dog is mature. In some dogs there may be small changes throughout the life of the dog. Skin Color Skin color can change as well. The most common reason for a Poodle to have a change of color on the skin is exposure to sunlight and this most commonly happens on the belly. It is not uncommon for a pink belly to have darker spots appear. An owner should be concerned if those darker spots are raised above the skin and should have the dog's veterinarian take a look at any raised, dark areas. In the monthly Poodle blog Topic of the Month , you'll find new, helpful articles on a regular basis. All rights reserved. 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It sure gives a lot to think about! Now that you have some info readily available on how to get in touch with some of the kennel club registered breeders across the United Kingdom, let us answer some frequently asked questions that typically interest new and would-be owners of a GSD. These might help you decide on one of the above-listed providers in your search for your new pup. FAQs: Photo from: gsd. Maybe you believe that adoption is the right, more honorable choice, and you should adopt rather than buy your best friend? A puppy, sadly, is not likely to just be waiting for you on some website catalog or be left on your doorstep. Whether they are pups that made the cardinal sin of growing too big for their apartment, or decommissioned service dogs whose service is no longer needed, there seems to be a lot of German Shepherds in dire need of a friend in the UK and continental Europe alike. It is retired service dogs that often have it the hardest when it comes to integrating into society. These poor dogs require a lot of care and affection to move on from their past life of discipline, violence, and duty above all. Keep in mind that they may require some patience and effort. If you are not willing to put in the work required to rehabilitate one, you should not ideally adopt an ex-working dog. Saving a dog is a noble deed, and a sharp one like the GSD will know full well what happened, showering you with affection and gratitude at every chance it gets. Maybe a dog for personal protection? They make for much better working dogs as they have higher endurance and greater physical capabilities. The sloped back is a purely aesthetic attribute, and it contributes to nothing other than making the specimen look more elegant and wolf-like while hindering its hind legs and rendering it, in many cases, unfit for the labor that the German Shepherd was intended for in the first place. This also causes a number of issues for this unfortunate dog like arthritis, hip dysplasia, etc. Some people prefer the arched-back variants, and they are commonplace at dog shows where the perfect arch is seen as a beautiful and defining feature of the German Shepherd Dog. If you are looking for a guard dog or a service dog, it would be best to steer clear of sloped back dogs and opt for a straight back one. Some German Shepherd breeders in the UK excel and take pride in breeding these sturdy working dogs. Are they suitable for family life or just to be worked to their full potential until they give out? The German Shepherd dog is an amazing pet bound by unwavering loyalty and an inborn sense of duty towards its owner. The breed has served as a best friend and guardian angel to millions of people throughout history. This eerily sharp and intelligent breed will read your every emotion, console you when you are down, be happy when you are happy, and protect you at all costs. They do tend to have a mind of their own, and they require more training and commitment, but some people find that endearing. The working-line GSD can make a wonderful family pet while also being incredibly capable and powerful. In conclusion We hope this short guide and list of German Shepherd breeders in the UK we put together has helped you somewhat in deciding which way to go in regard to your German Shepherd Dog. Ultimately, we are all different. We have different dreams, different hopes, different things drive us forward, and different ones put us down, but there are a couple of things we all agree on. For one, nobody likes to get cheated. There are many puppy mills and shady breeders out there that use gimmicks, unusual colors, cheap prices, or just flat out lies and deceit to make a profit. They breed subpar dogs that are prone to disease, not caring about whether they will suffer or their owners along with them. Check everything… ask about health checks and examine the bloodline because good dog breeders should have nothing to hide. If possible, only deal with kennel club registered sellers. Related Articles:. There are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a breeder, so read on for tips on how to make the best decision for you and your dog. Research: The first step in choosing a German shepherd breeder is to do your research. Once you have a list of potential breeders, narrow it down by doing more research on each one. Find out how long they have been breeding German shepherds, what their breeding practices are, and whether they have any health concerns with their dogs. Health Screenings: A good German shepherd breeder will have their dogs health screened before breeding them. This means that the parents of your puppy will have been checked for common health problems that can affect German shepherds. This is important because it helps to ensure that your puppy will be healthy and free of these conditions. Temperament Testing: A good German shepherd breeder will also temperament test their dogs before breeding them. This means that they will evaluate the dogs to make sure that they are good candidates for breeding. They will check things like how the dog responds to strangers, whether they are aggressive, and how well they socialize with other dogs. This is important because it helps to ensure that you will get a puppy with a good temperament. Ask For Reviews: Once you have found a few potential German shepherd breeders, ask for reviews from people who have purchased puppies from them. This can be an excellent way to get first-hand information about the breeder and their dogs. Visit Breeder Permises: After you have done your research and asked for reviews, it is time to visit the breeders in person. It is also a good opportunity to ask the breeder any questions that you may have. These are just a few things to keep in mind when choosing a German shepherd breeder in the UK. By doing your research and asking the right questions, you can find the perfect breeder for your new furry friend. If you know any great German Shepherd Breeders who live in UK, please let us know in the comments below. So we can add it to our list. What is the Breeder Name? Where are they located in UK? It really helps others who are looking for German Shepherd puppies in UK. And we believe there are many but we thoroughly review and close check the breeder before adding it to our list. If your friend and relative looking for a German Shepherd Puppies in the UK, you can share this post with them. Post navigation. Established in , only usually breeding a couple of litters per year. I trained and schooled the horses until they were fit enough to race. One of our best horses was "Mariner's Lad" who won both over hurdles and fences. I myself competed on the track until a bad fall in .I continued work riding and training until when the trainer gave up his permit and that is when I decided to turn my attentions to my other great love - German Shepherd Dogs. Partly from my name "Anita" and part from my beloved horse's name "Mariner" who unfortunately died from Torsion in - his memory lives on to this day. We aim to breed and rear the very best we can, construction, temperament, colour, show potential, soundness and workability! We consider ourselves a small kennel normally breeding just a couple of litters each year. Due to my serious health issues at the time, I took a break from the showring in .Since then to present date we have had excellent success in the ring with many Championship show wins, numerous SV gradings and also working qualifications. We relocated in to our current home which has nearly two acres of land, our dream for the dogs! They love the constant freedom and are extremely happy. With that comes the added extra of being able to give our puppies a fantastic start to life as they experience fun play, many new smells and love running free. The Marinita kennel name Affix is now jointly joined by myself Anita, and Melissa. We look forward to a successful future together. We hope that you enjoy your visit. Please bookmark and come back again soon. Click here to call Graham Our German Sheperd puppies are born and raised in our home with continuous human bonding and socializing. Although I am NOT a human in a dog suit, neither am I an unfeeling robot who can instantly obey your every whim. I truly DO want to please you, and be a part of your family, and your life. You got me I hope because you want a loving partner and companion, so do not relegate me to the backyard when I get bigger, do not judge me harshly but instead mold me with gentleness and guidelines and training into the kind of family member you want me to be. Puppies, young dogs with Class 1. We only offer dogs with sound personality and temperament; health and strong character. We are by choice a small select breeder in the south of England with 30 years Experience. We breed occasionally for quality and not quantity, and are very particular as to where our puppies go. We very seldom show our dogs. Good German Shepherd breeding starts with good females of good families. A Good family is determined by the quality of siblings more so than the fame of parents and grand parents. It is far better to breed with a mother who has excellent structure, health and character and whose siblings display similar qualities, than to another who is a top ranking show dog with a superb pedigree but whose siblings were rejects. We recommend Skinners dog food for your dog. Click here for more details on their range of pet foods.

Save Synopsis Pedigree dog food is the perfect choice for pet owners who prioritize their furry friend's well-being. These carefully crafted formulas are packed with high-quality ingredients that promote strong immunity, healthy digestion, and a lustrous coat. Ignite their vitality and delight with the finest Pedigree dog food, providing enduring moments of wagging tails and boundless happiness throughout their entire lives. Team ProductLine Choosing the right dog food is of utmost importance when it comes to the health and well-being of your canine companion, and Pedigree dog food stands out for several reasons. It is carefully formulated with high-quality ingredients that provide essential nutrients, vitamins, and minerals tailored to meet the specific needs of dogs. By promoting a healthy digestive system, Pedigree helps minimize the risk of digestive issues, ensuring that your dog gets the maximum benefit from their food. Pedigree dog food contributes to various aspects of your dog's well-being. It supports strong immunity through the inclusion of antioxidants and essential nutrients. It also promotes healthy skin and a shiny coat with the incorporation of key fatty acids. Additionally, Pedigree includes specialized kibble shapes and textures that aid in dental care, helping to keep your dog's teeth clean and their oral health in check. With Pedigree, you can have confidence that you're giving your dog the nutrition they need to thrive and enjoy a vibrant, active life by your side. List of the best Pedigree dog food Name. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all love our pets and we generally turn to the big named brands to ensure we get the right pet foods. However, it really is no secret that Pedigree has been one of the most popular brands on the market for decades. When the brand got its first big recognition, their marketing efforts were geared toward breeders and show dogs. However, over the years, the brand has shifted its marketing focus to more closely on shelter dogs, subsequently ending their partnership with the esteemed dog show. This article will take a deeper look into what this commercial dog food is actually made of and explore what customers really think of one of the most well-known dog food brands out there today. Our Rating After comparing multiple sites along with customer reviews of Pedigree Dog Food ingredients and satisfaction, Pedigree receives 3 out of 5 stars. If you want to see our top-rated dog food read the guide here. Reviews The Pedigree Dog Food reviews were quite shocking given the fact that the brand has been a household name for quite a while. There was obviously a need to determine the answer to the question is Pedigree a good dog food because there have been studies and analyses completed regarding the ingredients found in the well-known dog food. Unfortunately, while reviews from chewy. Pros Dogs Prefer Most of the comments regarding the canned food on chewy. Customers stated that while they have tried other brands, they have found that their dogs specifically choose Pedigree more frequently. There is also no denying that Pedigree dog food contains a source of essential vitamins and minerals, such as d-calcium pantothenate, monocalcium phosphate , potassium iodide, potassium chloride, and folic acid. Price Customers reported enjoying the price point of Pedigree because it was affordable with an ingredient list they could agree with respectfully. While corn is inexpensive and used mostly as a filler, dogs have a hard time digesting it. It has also been proven that corn is known to cause many allergies and skin issues for dogs; therefore, it is hard to understand why corn would be the number one listed ingredient in this dog food. Among the top ingredients listed were corn gluten meal, soybean meal, and ground whole wheat. With that much grain in one recipe, dogs are bound to produce much more gas and waste than ever necessary. Colors and Dyes According to Dog Food Insider, a breakdown of the ingredients list for a complete Pedigree Dog Food review showed that artificial colors and dyes were used frequently in all of their recipes. The customers even stated that their dogs refused to eat Pedigree Dog Food after just one taste. These were among the most common complaints found on the purchase sites. Watch this video from a veterinary surgeon for more pros and cons: Product Line. Pedigree dog food is a generally safe dog food option for owners on a budget, but due to its high level of grain-based filler — mainly corn — it is not considered the best choice for dog food. It does include meat in its kibble and wet varieties, but exactly what type of meat is actually in the food can be hard to determine. Pedigree brand dog food will serve the purpose of keeping a dog full and meeting basic nutrition requirements but lacks some of the health benefits of other dog food brands. At times, Pedigree dog food is found being fed in shelters and non-profit facilities because of its low price point and ease of purchase. However, if you have a dog with allergies or digestive struggles, Pedigree contains ingredients that may make things worse instead of better. If you are in need of dog food in a pinch or on a tight budget, feeding your dog Pedigree will do the trick. If you are looking for a high-quality dog food that is easily digestible and has a low chance of causing allergy flare-ups, you may want to look to other brands. What Is Pedigree Made Of? Pedigree products are typically made of corn, meat, bone, and other grain sources. However, Pedigree does offer a wide range of variations on their dry dog foods with slightly different ingredients and nutritional profiles. They also offer a wet dog food line that has fair ratings for being well eaten by dogs with picky tastes. This may be a good thing for owners whose dogs have turned up their noses at other food brands. Corn is used in some dog foods as a filler and food energy source. The struggle with corn as the main ingredient is that it is not easily digestible by dogs. Dogs who have demonstrated having a sensitive stomach may find corn-based dog foods hard to handle. The animals used to produce meat and bone meal can vary, and there is no specific list of which animal Pedigree is getting its bone meal from. If you have a dog who needs to avoid certain animal ingredients, it can be hard to do when feeding a generically meat-sourced food. This is common practice among mid-range dog foods and, while safe, may make it hard for some owners to discern what exactly their dog is eating each day. Is Pedigree Harmful For Dogs? While Pedigree may not be the healthiest dog food on the market, it is not considered harmful for most dogs. Pedigree dog food has been recalled from time to time for various issues, and the choice of corn as a number one ingredient has raised concern among some pet owners and researchers. The use of meat products from an array of undisclosed animals and sources means that Pedigree is not the safest choice for those dogs that have allergies to specific protein types. That being said, many common store sold dog food brands also use similar labeling and products without any harm directly to the dogs who eat them. While on paper, Pedigree is a safe choice, it may not be the most beneficial nutrition source for a dog long term. Can Dogs Eat Pedigree Everyday? Dogs can eat Pedigree daily; it was designed to be consumed in this way. The exact amount of food to feed your dog is based on their age, weight, breed, overall size, and exercise levels. Each Pedigree product has a suggested serving schedule printed on its packaging. Puppies are likely to need frequent small amounts of food to help them meet their growth and energy needs without overwhelming their stomachs. Older dogs will eat slightly larger meals, usually 2 -3 times per day. Some people follow once-a-day feeding schedules, but this is not typically recommended for Pedigree products. Alternative Dog Foods To Pedigree While there are quite a few brands of dog food that could outrank Pedigree in terms of overall nutritional value, ease of digestion, and clarity of ingredients, one brand that consistently ranks high in all of these areas is Sundays For Dogs. It was designed by a veterinarian who wanted to feed her dog the healthiest food possible without having to dedicate her home kitchen to hand cooking for her pup every night. Sundays For Dogs was designed to provide more nutrition to a dog, fewer allergens, and make the process of ordering the right dog food simple and effortless. For this reason, this brand is appreciated by animal nutritionists and owners for having premium and minimal ingredients. The vegetables are ones that are easy for dogs to digest and support gut health. Not only is it clear what ingredients are in Sundays For Dogs, but the food is also guaranteed to be human grade which means the ingredients used must be of the same quality that could be served to a person for their own dinner. This food is ideal for all dogs; whether young pups still growing, or those with sensitive stomachs, allergies, and other digestive issues. And, this food will help to prevent medical issues arising in your dog down the line; something that would later cost you anyway. You can get a direct recommendation for which recipe is best for your dog. The process is simple to order and you can even order on subscription for regular deliveries. So, I suggest you head over to Sundays for Dogs and take a look for yourself. Wondering about other brands of dog food? Then check out my other guides:. Cute, furry and hungry! Your puppy is ready for proper food and so it is your duty to ensure that you start him off right. Puppies grow faster and choosing the best puppy food for your new pet is a daunting task as there are innumerable dog foods available in the market. Needless to mention, it holds intrinsic worth to feed your four-legged friend with just the proper nutrition to build up strong bones, muscles and teeth. Food also plays major part in supplying all the energy that he needs to play and learn. Puppies grow rapidly, therefore, it is the phase when they start to build up bones and muscles, and they begin to develop organs, which is a crucial stage as it is imperative to build healthy. And adult dogs are already grown up, they require diet only to maintain their bodies, so the nutritional needs are separate from puppies. Now, you might know that how your puppy needs extra ingredients to fuel his growth efficiently. How often should you feed your puppy? Puppies should eat three times a day from weaning through four to six months, if possible. After six months, twice-a-day feedings are fine. Treat and snacks are also an add-on factor to its variety. It also makes foods that are meant for oral care, hip and joint health, weight control, and other health concerns. Like other brands, it categorizes the foods by age — adult, puppy, and senior foods; and by the size of the dog — small, medium, large breed. Pedigree is an old as well as an established brand sold in grocery stores. The greatest thumbs-up feature of it is that the products are also priced to fit lower budgets. But, when they are over-used in his food as an alternative for meat proteins, it comes out as not-so-desirable food item. Corn gluten meal is a dried, reduced form of corn containing more proteins than the ordinary corns. Poultry by-product meal— This implies that the food can be any kind of poultry. Brewers rice— It is used exclusively in puppy foods. This is a carb filler. Additionally, preserving it with citric acid is also beneficial. Puppies can get healthy nutrition from these sources. About Petsworld Team The blog editor of Pets World is a pet aficionado and fervently follows her pet-obsession. A pet parent to animals big and small for the past two decades. The sum of all experiences gathered is an amalgamation of useful knowledge and research. More like this. Although I am not a veterinarian myself, I have been a lab owner for 11 years and been in the pet food industry for the last 6 years. However, if this is not the case for your pupper, no need to worry. Be sure not to feed normal cerelac or cow milk as that will result in loose motion as well as stunted growth. At this tender age, you need to feed your lab pup via feeding bottle like you would feed a human baby of age 2 months. Milk is the only food apart from purified water which your dog is gonna need till 1. After this age, till 3 months you have two options. You can either continue with milk or look at starter food options like Royal Canin Maxi starter , Drools starter, Farmina Puppy Starter, Canine Creek Starter , Orijen puppy and plenty of other brands which are available in the market. The kibble for starter food is small and most probably, your puppy will be able to chew it. Certain dry food can be extremely hard to chew, so depending on the toughness of the kibble you might have to break i. Puppies of age 1. You should be following this diet of starter food till 3 months age at least. Also, make sure you are vaccinating as well as deworming your pup at the right intervals. So, a proper nutritious diet is essential to achieve good growth. You can either go for Royal Canin Maxi Junior or Royal Canin Labrador Junior or puppy variants of other brands like drools, canine creek, Orijen Puppy and Junior Recommended , Acana large breed puppy, pedigree not recommended at this age. If you are giving a good diet like Royal Canin, farmina or even home-made food, growth should be good. For those who can extend their budget, you can go for something even more premium like Acana, Orijen, Arden Grange and the likes. No need to add additional supplements. If you are feeding home-made food like boiled chicken which itself is a very good food option, consider adding some fish oils like Beaphar Salmon Oil. However, a good diet is recommended to ensure a good life span above 12 years and muscle development. Homemade food can be a healthy option as well. Feeding guide amount to feed in grams depends on dog weight and varies from brand to brand. You will find the recommended portion for your brand based on the calories it carries on the packet you will buy. At other times, you can give chews or treats but whole meal should be fed not more than twice a day. Do not keep food available in front of the dog except during his eating time. However, you can keep water available in a bowl all the time. Sticking to schedule regularly is recommended. Wait, till now we have been speaking about commercial dry food. Yes, this happens to many dogs. While some dogs like pugs are voracious eaters, labs or goldens can be extremely choosy. They will eat whatever liquid you put in the feeding bottle at this age. However, once puppies mature and learn to eat themselves, they may not like dry food, rarely touch it. In these cases, the best option is to first add a home-made additive with the dry food. You may add many things dog like in small quantities of chicken stalk, chicken pieces boneless for puppies , curd, egg and others to the dry food. Changing or trying out another brand helps as well. I have seen many dogs who hate Drools but like Canine Creek although they are manufactured by same company. Every dog has a mind of his own. Most common diseases of Indian bred dogs like canine hyp dysplasia, ear infections, bent hind legs can happen to any dog. Take your dog to a registered veterinary practitioner in case such situations arise. Lack of appetite is also observed during this age at times. For not-so-severe cases, you may administer Himalaya Liv52 syrup or tabs or other appetite stimulants of various brands twice a day for days. In case, your dog has gastrointestinal disorders, referring to a prescription diet under the guidance of a veterinarian can be immensely helpful. This entry was posted in Pet Blog. Bookmark the permalink.

Airy, Maryland or Email for the fastest response at labpups gmail. Many great pups will be available for pickup. Please email us for additional information. Keep safe and well. Airy Maryland. Back in , I was visiting a neighboring farmer buying some hay. Upon walking into his backyard, I was greeted by 10 adorable black Lab puppies -- all attacking my shoe strings. At that very moment, seeing all the love they gave, I knew what I was destined to do. Over the next several years, I absorbed as much knowledge as possible about Labradors and breeding. I went all across the United States and purchased great breeding stock pups based on bloodlines, conformation and disposition in order to produce very high quality Labradors. Through the years, we have kept our business small because we love our dogs and feel the need to give them all the attention and love required by a Labrador. In the summer of we moved our labrador operation to a new location under the direct supervision of Shadyside Labradors located at Shadyside Drive, Mt Airy, MD. We, my sister and I look forward to continuing on with the same great dogs and the same management philosophy used since in this wonderful new home for our dogs on 28 acres of wonderful Carroll County farmland with gentle rolling hills and serene wooded paths. Best Regards, Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are fun, energetic, and loving dogs. Adding one to your household is an exciting time! It can be hard to know where to begin your journey for a puppy, though. Reputable breeders care about their puppies and the homes to which they are going. Our list of breeders in Illinois can help give you a place to start your search for a healthy, happy Labrador Retriever. The breeder whom you choose should be comfortable answering your questions and allow you to visit the puppies before you hand over any money. Enjoy finding the right puppy for your household! The 10 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Illinois 1. Over 5 acres of wooded land enables the dogs to have access to trees, swimming pools, and obstacle courses where they can run and play. Empress Labradors breeds English-style Labs in three colors: yellow, chocolate, and black. These dogs are bred to have strong pointing abilities without the dilution of their retrieving instincts. They are active in hunting, obedience, and agility while being loving family companions at home. The building that the puppies are born and raised in is just a few years old and gives the dogs a climate-controlled environment. Each puppy is socialized and loved and comes with a 3-year hip health guarantee in addition to vaccinations, AKC papers, and microchipping. Swimming, running, playing, and obedience training make up their days. Each puppy comes with their AKC registration, vaccinations, deworming, and a health statement from a veterinarian. Chocolate, black, and yellow Labs are available here. They are guaranteed healthy after numerous genetic tests and come with OFA certification for their hips and elbows. Since these puppies are in high demand, potential buyers must fill out a survey beforehand. This ensures that you understand the responsibility and commitment that a Labrador puppy requires. Once your survey is accepted, you can then be placed on a waitlist for a pup. These puppies are bred to be highly trainable and make ideal hunters. While they can be active with a desire to work, they are calm and gentle family companions when in the house. This breeder concentrates on creating Labs that guide bird hunts at hunt clubs in Illinois and Wisconsin. Their goal is to create Labs that will be wonderful family companions, hunters, and show dogs, depending on your choice. Over 2 acres of land are home to these dogs, located 30 minutes south of Chicago. All the dogs are genetically tested before breeding to produce the healthiest puppies possible. Labs are available in chocolate, yellow, and black. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Originating from Newfoundland, the Lab is an energetic animal that loves to play and hunt. As one of the most beloved dogs in the world, the Labrador is widely available from qualified breeders. Their puppies are guaranteed against congenital hip dysplasia for 26 months and hereditary eye disease for 12 months. Their champion line dogs have won several competitions, including a first-place medal at the UKC Carolina Classic in .Woods Ferry is a family-owned breeder, and one of the family members is a veterinary technician who ensures the puppies are healthy and happy. They specialize in raising yellow and black labs, and their puppies come with a health guarantee covering hips and elbows. Puppies receive inoculations at 6 weeks old, and they go to their forever homes as early as 7 weeks old. Each puppy includes a detailed medical history and full AKC registration. Visitors are welcome at Greenbriar Plantation, but be sure to make an appointment before your visit. You can check their site for updates on new puppies and adults for sale. They learn to socialize with children and other domesticated pets. Their silver puppies are AKC-registered purebred labs. Silver Labradors ensures their puppies are free from disease, parasites, and defects. Each puppy is dewormed and vaccinated before going home with new owners. If you want to check out the breeding facilities, Silver allows visits with appointments. The dogs are dewormed two to three times and vaccinated before leaving. Home of Labradors has a helpful page on their website that includes several articles to help you care for and train Lab puppies. Their adult Labs are genetically tested and receive all required vaccinations and preventative medications for fleas and ticks. Mason Farms is committed to raising well-rounded puppies, and their young Labs are exposed to several sounds and experiences like riding in a car to prepare them for forever homes. All their puppies go home with a month health guarantee, limited registration, up-to-date vaccinations and deworming, one week supply of puppy food, and a microchip with a prepaid lifetime enrollment. Ollie, originally from the USA, holds his master's degree in wildlife biology and moved to Australia to pursue his career and passion but has found a new love for working online and writing about animals of all types. Additional Resources: This post is about how to get a dog through Craigslist. When looking for a dog to adopt on Craigslist, you pull up your nearest city first. Dogs being re-homed on Craigslist If you are interested in a young or middle-aged large dog such as a Lab, lab mix, shepherd mix or pitbull, you might be able to find one in need of a new home on Craiglist. Depending on where you live, some of the dogs listed for re-homing on Craigslist are listed by their current owners. Most of these people had good intentions but for whatever reason they need to find their dog a new home. Usually they state the reason is they do not have enough time for the dog or they are moving or they are not providing the dog with enough exercise. But … know that on Craigslist you will also have to weed through a lot of posts about purebred puppies avoid those. And there are also a lot of listings for cats, kittens and small animals which you can scroll on by unless you are looking for one of those animals. Shelters and rescues listing dogs on Craigslist Sometimes rescue groups and shelters will list some of their dogs for adoption on Craigslist. This is to get more exposure to the animals. In this case, the listing will direct you to their website to fill out their usual application. Puppy scams on Craigslist There are people listing purebred puppies or trendy mixed breed puppies on Craigslist, which I recommend you avoid at all costs. For example, French bulldogs, mini goldendoodles and mini Australian shepherds, to name a few. Get realistic dog training tips emailed once a week. Good breeders have no reason to list their puppies on Craigslist. A good breeder has no reason to post their puppies on Craigslist because they have a long wait list and more inquiries than they need. They almost always have a waiting list. They will not have immediate puppies available for the first person willing to pay. Responsible, good breeders can charge a lot of money for their dogs. As they should. But, a good breeder who really cares about the dog will start out by asking you about your lifestyle, why you want a dog, why you are a good fit for this breed, etc. Pay in cash only and never pay until you meet the dog Use common sense and trust your gut. This goes without saying, but never send someone from Craigslist a check or give out your credit card info. Instead, meet them in person with another family member or friend and pay in Cash only, and only after you have met the dog in person. Never send someone money before you meet the dog. Is it really OK to get a dog from Craigslist? You just need to know what to avoid. There are pros and cons to searching for a dog on Craigslist. How about I list some of the benefits now! Here you go: 1. A private adoption through Craigslist is generally easier than going through a rescue group. There is a high demand for rescue dogs through shelters and rescue groups and therefore most can afford to be very selective about who can adopt. For example, they might require you to have a fenced yard, show proof of income or agree never to use a chain or slip collar. The adoption process is often long and complicated with home visits and reference checks. Usually, there are others ahead of you on the list for a specific dog. Some might also ask for references to help them know the dog is going to a good home but most will not. Then you can schedule a good time to meet in person. This is what I did when I got my Lab mix Ace and it was a very positive experience for me. And the fees are certainly negotiable, if there is a fee at all. When I adopted my Lab mix Ace, his previous owner did not ask for any money at all. She just wanted the dog to go to a good home and she knew she would be saving money in the longterm by re-homing him. Often, the dog will come with items such as a dog kennel, dog bed, bowls, food, treats, a leash, collar and toys because the previous owner will have no use for these items anymore. This is not always the case, but usually the dog will have had vaccinations at least at some point. The dog might also be spayed or neutered already. You should ask for written records. You can learn a lot about a dog before adopting. Before I adopted my dog Ace, I had a chance to ask his current owner all kinds of questions , and she was happy to answer. Does he do OK with cats? How much exercise does he need? How does he do in a kennel? Has he had any accidents? Would he make a good running buddy? How does he do with other dogs? Can he be left alone? This is not a jab at shelters. This is a definite benefit! Click Here 5. Dogs listed on Craigslist are often trained and well socialized. Many of these dogs have had at least some basic training. By that, I mean they are at least housebroken and know the basics like sit and stay. Many have lived with other dogs or cats or children and have at least been walked on a leash before. I already mentioned some of the common scams and types of listings to avoid. Here are some of the other cons: 1. Some people are difficult to deal with. They might ask dozens of questions which is probably good. They might ask to see your home or to speak with references. Remember, it is their choice. Try to keep in mind all of this is usually because they want the very best for the dog. Just try to be happy they are making an effort to find the dog a good home. If the person just seems a little too weird about who can have the dog, just move on and consider one of the thousands of other dogs waiting for homes. Some people will be able to take dogs back. You should definitely ask this question before committing to the dog, and do everything you can to make sure the dog is a good fit before you bring the dog home. The previous owner may want to stay in touch. How often will the previous owner expect text updates? Are you OK with that? How often will she want to visit, if at all? Are you OK giving her your address? Would you like her to call you before just showing up? Or maybe you would rather not keep in touch at all. When I adopted my dog Ace from his previous owner, I never spoke with her again after that day. She never reached out to me either. The owner could change her mind at the last minute. If this is the case, try to be understanding, move on and consider one of the many other dogs in need of a home. When you adopt through a shelter or get a dog through a breeder, you will not have this problem. How to get a dog through Craigslist OK, now that we got the pros and cons of adopting a dog through Craigslist out of the way, here are some tips to make the process go smoothly. Just a reminder, I would avoid all purebred puppies listed on Craigslist, at least trendy purebreds or trendy designer mixes such as goldendoodles. What you can potentially find on Craigslist is a nice young or middle-aged Lab, shepherd mix, pitbull or other various mixed breeds. Ask tons of questions about the dog before agreeing to meet. Ideally, you should get most of your questions answered ahead of time. For example, does the dog absolutely have to get along with cats? Can you deal with potty training? Separation anxiety? I recommend an actual phone conversation vs. Yes, I know this is hard for you young people but it will give you a much better feeling for the situation. Bring the whole family to meet the dog, if you can. Everyone in your family should go along for the initial meeting. Bring your existing dog along too, if possible. Probably should leave your cat at home though! Keep your dog in the car at first or have one person stay back with your dog. Here are my tips for doing slow dog to dog intros. If you live alone, ask a friend to go along. This is a safety precaution. Bring a friend who will give honest feedback. Not the friend who will convince you to adopt any and every dog! You want to find the right dog. Meet the dog. Then wait a few hours before committing. Adopting a dog is a huge decision and commitment. When I went to meet my dog Ace for the first time, I asked his owner if I could take him for a walk. She was comfortable with this, so my husband and I walked Ace for about 20 minutes. This gave us some time to get to know Ace and talk about our decision without the current owner around. Take dog-to-dog intros very slowly. If you do bring your other dog along, be very careful about introducing the two dogs. Most people rush dog-to-dog intros and it sets the dogs up for a scuffle. You want to avoid introductions in the house, especially in doorways. Also, avoid head-on, nose-to-nose meetings. Take them for a short walk side by side. Instead, have one dog already walking and just start strolling behind with the other by a good 20 feet. Then try to walk parallel, with 10 feet between. Only move closer and have the dogs interact if they are both starting to calm down. Look for relaxed body posture, sniffing the ground, loosely wagging tails and casual glances. Those are all good signs. Dogs that are jumping on their hind legs, choking themselves, panting heavily and pulling towards each other are way too excited to have an appropriate greeting. Pay with cash when you buy a dog on Craigslist. This is just the most obvious way to avoid a check or credit card scam. And obviously, never send money before meeting the dog! OK, what do the rest of you think? Have you ever adopted a dog through Craigslist? Let me know in the comments! Click Here My favorite dog training tools Wellness treats. Wellness Well Bites are treats almost all dogs are willing to work for and focus on! Treat bag. Gentle Leader. A Gentle Leader helps a lot of dogs learn not to pull on the leash. Additional Resources:. As my website states, I am not like other breeders in many ways. First, I want to explain how the average Labrador breeder raises their pups the first few weeks of their life. They expect these tiny pups without their senses fully developed to find their way to a nipple without being smothered. I understand that this is what dogs do in the wild, but this is also why many puppies die in the wild. .Then, on top of that they hope that each of the pups will get enough milk on it's own to make it through the 1st week of life. They expect the Lab mom to do all the work, so they don't have to lose a wink of sleep. This is all very sad to say but it's true. I, on the other hand, care about each individual pup's life, I care that each and every one of them survive so that they can live a full and happy life. So, I make sure that each individual pup is given outstanding care. How do I do this? I began with hand raising each one of my pups the first 3 weeks of its life. What do I mean by hand raise my pup? It means I personally make sure each individual pup is fed every 2 hours- 24 hours a day, the first 2 weeks of its life. At feeding time, I make sure each puppy gets on a nipple so they don't have to struggle to find one. I make sure that each puppy gets an adequate amount of milk. Then, once I see that they have been well fed. I pick up one pup at a time and have the mom lick it to go potty. And then I put them in their little crib to ensure they are safe and not smooth by the mother until the next feeding 2 hours later. At three weeks, we feed the pups every 4 hours. But at this point, even though the pups eyes and ears are open. I still supervise the feeding to ensure that each pup is adequately fed and again not smothered by it's mother. I believe in giving these pups outstanding care. Even if that means that I lose a lot of sleep, and even if it ends up just saving one pups life. That one pup could be the next Labrador that I get a testimony about how it brought so much joy into one person's life! So, in the end, all the work and lack of sleep is worth it. I am up now about to give my pups their 3 am feeding. Hope this helps you all understand what is put into each litter. She is from our breeding between Cash and Bella, both parents are health certified. Sugar is overnight crate trained and has some other training. She has the sweetest disposition; we absolutely love her! However, we have had a family emergency that has come up that may cause us to have to put Sugar up for sale. If you would be interested in Sugar, please email us and let us know about yourself, and the lifestyle that you would be able to give Sugar. We will be reviewing potential families who would be interested in Sugar and pick the best family for her, and make a decision later this month. They are given constant positive attention their whole time with us. We have a big game room that we call the "Labby Room" This room is designated for our labs and their lab puppies. The puppies get a lot of interaction with all our kids in this room. They also become well adjusted to all the sounds of the home life, like the sound of a vacuum. When the pups are born, I will contact you and inform you on how many pups were born. We will post up pictures of each litter soon after they are born. And try to post weekly picture updates so you can watch the puppies grow. We will also post video on our face book page. When the pups are 6 to 7 weeks of age, I will contact you to set up an appointment for you choose and pick up your pup at 8 weeks of age. If you had first deposit in for a male pup you will have first choice of all the males available. If you have second deposit in, you will have the next appointment to choose from the males that are left and so forth. This order of reserving pups would also apply to the females as well. We honor all reservations on a puppy by not selling the puppy to anyone else. So if you are interested in a litter and don't want to make a reservation until "you see the litter". An appointment can be made to view the left-over puppies when they are 10 weeks old, and no sooner. No appointments will be allowed at a younger age, except for the families that made a prior reservation. We will not allow our baby puppies to be exposed to potential life threatening viruses from people that are just "shopping". We wait until all puppies that have been reserved are safely home, before we show any left-over puppies. Any left-over pups will be at least 10 weeks of age before any viewings are allowed, to insure they have at least had 2 sets of shots in. The only other accommodation that we can offer is a zoom call, so you can see the pups before you make a reservation. Most of our sweet puppies are sold before they are even born. Reserve your puppy today!

Thankfully, it is very preventable with proper vaccination. This virus was discovered in the s and rapidly became a serious threat to canine health. This is primarily because the virus is hard to kill, can live for a long time in the environment, is shed in large quantities by infected dogs, is highly contagious, and is often fatal without appropriate treatment. This is why the parvo vaccine is considered a core vaccine for puppies and dogs. While the highly effective parvovirus vaccine has decreased the risk to properly vaccinated dogs, this disease is still widely prevalent, especially in puppies and poorly-vaccinated adolescent dogs. Parvo is an infectious DNA virus that commonly causes severe illness in young and unvaccinated dogs. Heart muscle cells of very young puppies can also be damaged by parvovirus. Although parvovirus is most common in puppies and adolescent dogs, it can also affect adult or senior dogs, especially if they are unvaccinated. Symptoms of Parvo in Dogs A dog infected with canine parvovirus will usually start to show parvo symptoms within days of infection. An infected puppy will often show lethargy as the first sign, and they may not want to eat. They will also often have a fever. As the virus progresses, your dog will begin to suffer from abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea, which may be severe. Very sick puppies may collapse and have a high heart rate , difficulty breathing, and hypothermia due to the degree of dehydration and infection. Causes of Parvo in Dogs Parvovirus is an incredibly contagious disease that spreads quickly and efficiently. While canine parvovirus is not airborne, it can be found on many surfaces. However, it is susceptible to diluted bleach and some specialized cleaners commonly used in veterinary hospitals. Can Humans Get Parvo? Parvovirus is species-specific, so humans have their own version of the virus. This means that humans cannot get parvovirus from dogs, and dogs cannot get parvovirus from people. Cats also have a type of parvovirus that causes severe disease, known as feline panleukopenia. While dogs cannot get feline parvovirus from cats, cats can become infected with canine parvovirus. They most often have much more mild clinical signs than dogs do, but there is a strain of canine parvovirus that can cause severe illness in cats. The feline parvovirus vaccine, which is part of the core FVRCP vaccine , may offer some cross-protection against canine parvovirus. How Is Parvovirus Diagnosed in Dogs? Are There Parvo Tests? Fecal ELISA tests enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay are the most common way of diagnosing a dog with parvovirus in a clinical setting. The test requires a fecal swab and takes about 10 minutes. While this test is accurate, a negative result does not necessarily rule out parvovirus in a symptomatic dog, as they may not be shedding the viral antigen at the time of testing. Further testing may be needed in these cases. Stages of Parvo The stages of canine parvovirus are the same as most viral infections. Infection The puppy or adult dog is exposed to parvo via fecal material from an infected dog. Incubation There is an incubation period usually days in which the dog is infected with parvovirus but not yet showing symptoms. During this period, the virus specifically seeks out the most rapidly dividing cells in the body—typically, it starts attacking the tonsils or lymph nodes in the throat. Once it has multiplied and entered the bloodstream, the virus will seek out other sources of rapidly diving cells. The most hard-hit areas are: Bone marrow Cells that line the walls of the small intestines In very young puppies, parvovirus can also infect the heart, which causes inflammation of the heart muscle, poor heart function, and arrhythmias. Illness When the virus infects the bone marrow, it attacks the young immune cells, which leads a drop in protective white blood cells. This is where the worst damage happens. How do you treat parvo in puppies? First, your veterinarian will run blood tests to confirm your puppy has parvo. Therefore, hospitalization is strongly recommended for puppies with parvo symptoms. Some patients might have to stay in the hospital for three to five days depending on the severity of the case very sick puppies might stay in the hospital for up to ten days if they require intensive care. Puppies infected with parvo will be placed in an isolation ward to prevent transmission between doctors, nurses, or other animals in the hospital. They will also receive IV fluids, pain medication, anti-nausea medication, and antibiotics. A nasogastric tube might also be necessary in order to provide nutritional support. Frequent vet visits will be necessary to check blood sugar levels and electrolytes on a daily basis. This option may not be possible depending on the severity of the infection. Pro tip: Treatment for parvo can require 10 days of hospitalization. Without pet insurance that could cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars. Luckily, routine puppy vaccinations, which can be covered through pet insurance plans, include vaccinations for parvo. These vaccinations require multiple shots and vet visits, so pet parents should take some time to compare pet insurance plans and find a policy that will cover this routine care. Most parvo patients recover if aggressive treatment is used and therapy is started before severe dehydration and septicemia occur. Most puppies that make it through the first three to four days will recover completely. Recovery usually takes about a week, but it depends on the severity of the case. Some breeds, such as the Doberman Pinscher, English Springer Spaniel, and Rottweiler, have a significantly higher fatality rate than other dog breeds. Puppies continue to shed the parvovirus for up to ten days after recovery, so make sure to keep any animals recovering from the virus away from unvaccinated or partially vaccinated dogs. How can you prevent parvo in puppies? Parvovirus is preventable through vaccination. Puppies shoulbe be vaccinated against the virus every two to four weeks starting at six to eight weeks old, up until they are at least 16 weeks old. The last shot at 16 weeks is required for coonfidence in lasting immunity. Until the round of vaccines is complete, they should be kept away from public areas where other unvaccinated dogs could be, such as dog parks. Ensure that all dogs in your home are vaccinated. Pregnant females can also be boosted with a parvovirus vaccine weeks before giving birth in order to transfer higher levels of antibodies to the puppies. Your vet will help you make the final decision about a vaccination schedule that best fits your pet. You should also be extra careful when socializing your pet. Until puppies have received all of their vaccines, they should be allowed to come into contact with unvaccinated dogs. Avoid dog parks as well as other places where canines gather and try to socialize your puppy in less public environments such as your home. The stability of the parvovirus in the environment makes it very important to properly clean and disinfect contaminated kennels, crates, bedding, and other areas where infected canines are kept in order to keep the spread under control. Your vet can provide specific guidance on cleaning and disinfecting agents for your home. Key Takeaways Parvo is one of the most contagious and potentially life-threatening canine diseases. Understanding how it spreads, the clinical signs, treatment options, and what you can do to prevent parvo in puppies will help keep your pet healthy and happy. Schedule your CPV vaccines as soon as possible, get in touch with your vet should you have any concerns. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Puppies are especially at risk for contracting the potentially life-threatening virus. As a German Shepherd owner, you want to make sure you are doing everything in your power to keep your dog healthy and happy. Treatment will be effective in the overwhelming majority of cases. The important thing is to start treatments as soon as possible and make sure you are prepared for every possibility. Contents What Is Parvovirus? Parvovirus is a serious and highly contagious illness that targets dogs. It does not harm humans but you are still capable of carrying the virus and spreading it to your dog. It attacks the digestive system causing your dog to have severe intestinal distress and become unable to retain fluids or nutrients. It also lowers their white blood cell count so that they are less able to fight off the virus and any other infection that tries to take hold while your dog is sick. Parvo is spread primarily through fecal matter and it is very, very contagious. Even a small speck of parvo carrying fecal matter brought in the house on the bottom of your shoe could be enough to get your unvaccinated dog sick. And if any pet in your house has it, strict quarantine is essential to keep your other pets safe. While it is so easy to spread, parvo is specific to dogs. So if your dog has parvo, your cats and the humans in your family are safe. When left untreated, parvo has an extremely high mortality rate. Symptoms Of Parvo In Dogs Symptoms start to become noticeable about 5 or 6 days after the dog has been infected. If left untreated, vomiting and diarrhea and the lack of appetite will become so severe that the dog will dehydrate and starve. Essentially, parvo will weaken your dog until it no longer has the strength to fight the virus. This is a painful and tragic process to watch. We are not trying to scare you but simply prepare you and make sure you understand just how important it is to get treatment for your dog as soon as you notice these symptoms. These symptoms indicate a serious illness that might be parvo or might be something else but, in either case, should be treated. When left untreated, parvo will almost certainly kill your dog. With treatment, however, most dogs will recover. So with those statistics in mind, read more about what treatment actually involves. Parvo Treatment Once parvo takes hold, you and your German Shepherd will have a tough road ahead of you. However, survival is possible and, in fact, if treated, the overwhelming majority of dogs will survive a battle with parvovirus. The biggest health risk is dehydration. With the diarrhea and vomiting, your dog is losing a lot of fluids. They will not be able to drink water quickly enough to replace the lost fluids. Alongside dehydration, they are losing a lot of nutrients and their lack of appetite prevents them from restoring those lost nutrients. As their body weakens from these things, they become less capable of fighting the virus and they became more susceptible to secondary bacterial infections. Because it requires an IV, most parvo cases are treated by hospitalization which can get expensive. It is possible to do this treatment at home. But you will need instructions and training from your vet to learn how to administer the IV and how to care for your German Shepherd properly while it heals. If you plan to do home treatment, you also need to be prepared to invest a lot of time into caring for your pup while it recovers. Your German Shepherd should not be left alone at any point while it is battling parvo. Someone needs to be with them at all times. Treatment at home will involve: Quarantine. Keep your sick dog quarantined to a specific room or area of the house until they are virus free. You need to be extra vigilant about cleaning and keeping your home sanitized during this period. Thoroughly clean food and water dishes with soap and water daily. Vacuum and mop times per week. Wash your hands before and after handling your ill dog. It is possible to learn to do an IV on your own. Do not skip this. Dehydration is the most pressing threat followed by nutrient loss and bacterial infection. Your vet will likely prescribe a course of antibiotics that are probably given via injection. Make sure that you administer these as instructed and use the full course of treatment even after your dog appears to be fully recovered. Relieve symptoms. Use other medicines or herbal supplements like the one mentioned below to help alleviate the painful symptoms of parvo. This will keep your dog more comfortable and help give them the strength they need to recover from parvo more rapidly. Here is one of our favorite herbal supplements for treating parvovirus: Paxxin All-Natural Parvo Aid This is an herbal supplement created to help animals recover from Parvo. It helps treat the symptoms like digestive distress and it also stimulates appetite. If given to your dog before symptoms show for example, if you suspect they might have contracted parvo , it is very effective at eliminating the illness before it has a chance to cause serious damage. However, if symptoms are visible, this will not be a strong enough treatment on its own. As mentioned, keeping your dog hydrated via IV bags will be essential. Preventing Parvovirus Prevention is the best way to keep your dog healthy and happy. It is the cheaper and nicer option. There is a vaccination that you can get to make your German Shepherd immune to parvo. You can get your dog vaccinated at the vet or buy an injection and do it yourself. Here are a few things to be aware of when you are getting your dog vaccinated: Your German Shepherd should be at least 8 weeks old before you start the vaccinations. So if your puppy is still too young to get vaccinated, make sure to be extra vigilant about the other at home prevention methods discussed below. The first vaccination will happen in a series of typically 3 separate vaccinations. These are given every 3 to 4 weeks. Dogs that are currently sick or pregnant or suffer an immune system disorder should not be vaccinated. So if any of those things are possible, see a vet before vaccinating. If your dog has had allergic reactions to other vaccines in the past, talk to your vet before giving it the parvo shot. Overall, vaccination is the best way to keep your dog safe from parvo. So the parvo vaccination is your fail safe that will ensure your dog is protected. At Home Prevention Whether our dog is too young for vaccination or otherwise unable to get the vaccine, at home prevention is important. Parvovirus is highly contagious and super easy to spread. It can also survive an unusually long time even without a host. So the best thing you can do to prevent Parvo at home is to practice proper sanitary methods that keep your home clean and free of parvo. Parvo spreads primarily through fecal matter. So feces in your yard could be hosting the deadly virus. Minimize this threat by either training your dog to use a specific section of the yard only for easier clean up on your part or just make sure you are regularly scooping poop from your yard. Keep unvaccinated pets indoors. You have more control over the indoor environment than the outdoor one. Clean floors and surfaces with diluted bleach. Mix about half a cup of bleach with a gallon of water. Use this mixture to clean floors. This will help remove any lingering parvovirus. Leave shoes outside. You could unknowingly be tracking in parvo from the outside world across your carpet and floor by wearing shoes in the house. Take them off before you come in to keep your home parvo free. Wash your hands. Wash your hands as soon as you come home. Especially if you have come in contact with any other dogs while you were out. Keep watch for symptoms. The earlier you can catch parvo, the better. Keep an eye out for the symptoms described earlier. Consider using Parvaid or something similar if your dog might have been exposed. For example, if you took them to a dog park or you caught them eating feces or recently took them to the vet. This can stop the virus in its tracks. With this information, you are now prepared to protect your German Shepherd from the dangers of parvo. And if your dog already has parvo, get them started on treatment immediately. So remain alert, and remain dedicated to their health. Your German Shepherd can beat this! Last Updated on October 18, by Post navigation. While most dog owners carefully vaccinate and protect their dogs, it seems parvovirus is on the rise and that all too often, we hear of another beloved dog becoming ill or even dying of the disease. How Do Dogs Get Parvo? Dogs catch parvo by coming in contact with an infected dog, infected feces or infected surfaces, and parvo can live in the environment for months. Highly resistant, the virus can live in the environment for months, and may survive on inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, clothes, carpet and floors. It is common for an unvaccinated dog to contract parvo-virus from the streets, especially in urban areas where there are many dogs. Areas that dogs typically catch parvovirus include veterinary clinics, groomers, training classes, parks, schools, shopping malls, residential neighborhoods, humane societies, rescues and dog shows. But parvo can live on any surface, nearly anywhere. Parvo Symptoms Parvovirus is known for its ability to cause bloody, foul smelling diarrhea, lethargy, severe vomiting, loss of appetite, which can lead to life-threatening dehydration, and can cause lifelong heart damage. Which Dogs Are At Risk? Puppies are most susceptible to contracting parvo, but dogs of any age can catch it. Unvaccinated dogs are more prone to contracting parvo. The breeds with the highest risk are German shepherds, Rottweilers, Doberman pinchers, Labrador retrievers, and American Staffordshire terriers. Wolves, coyotes and foxes are also susceptible. Prevention The best way to protect your dog is through vaccinations. Puppies should be vaccinated at 6 — 8 weeks, receive boosters at four-week intervals until the puppy is weeks of age, and then again at 1 year. The puppy series is not complete before 4 months. A titer test to determine immunity can be performed by a vet. The best way to protect puppies from contracting parvo is to avoid areas that may be contaminated until full immunity. Treatment Dogs infected with parvovirus need immediate medical care. According to stats from The Merck Veterinary Manual, 8th ed. How to Kill Parvo If you suspect your environment has been infected with the parvovirus, you will need to disinfect all areas with a solution of 1-part bleach to 30 parts water. Let the solution sit on surfaces for 10 minutes. You may use on any non-material surface, including the soles of your shoes, dog dishes, toys, etc. Areas that are harder to clean, such as grass, wood, carpet, etc. Potassium peroxide brand names Trifectant or Virkon also kill parvovirus. Never use these disinfectants on your dog. There is also preventative medication available, meaning that you can protect your canine best friend entirely from this dangerous illness. What causes parvovirus, how is it spread? Parvovirus is highly contagious, meaning that it spreads very quickly amongst animals who are not vaccinated against it. The virus itself is contracted by coming into direct contact with an infected canine, or indirectly, such as by sniffing an infected dogs feces. One of the biggest challenges of parvo is that it is extremely resilient. Not only is there evidence that suggests it can live in ground soil for as long as 12 months, but it is also highly resistant to most cleaning solutions. Household bleach is pretty much the only disinfectant that can eraicate the virus. Since it is extremely contagious, most boarding kennels and dog shelters insist that an animal is fully vaccinated against parvovirus and free from the disease before they can be admitted. How quickly can you tell if your dog has parvovirus? Dogs that contract parvovirus will typically begin to show symptoms of the infection within days of being exposed. However, most deaths from parvo happen within 72 hours of the symptoms beginning and so it is essential that you seek treatment immediately if you believe that your dog may have been infected. Symptoms of parvovirus Parvovirus manifests in two different ways. Intestinal Parvovirus - This is the most common form of parvovirus as it is passed through oral contact with the virus, as described above. Cardiac Parvovirus - Much rarer, cardiac parvo is found in puppies under 8 weeks old who have been infected in-utero from their mother who carries the virus. Unfortunately, this type of parvo has a much higher mortality rate and puppies born with parvo rarely survive. Symptoms of intestinal CPV include: - Bloody diarrhea. The canine parvovirus CPV infection is a highly contagious viral illness that affects dogs. The virus manifests itself in two different forms. The more common form is the intestinal form, which is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, and lack of appetite anorexia. The less common form is the cardiac form, which attacks the heart muscles of very young puppies, often leading to death. The majority of cases are seen in puppies that are between six weeks and six months old. The incidence of canine parvovirus infections has been reduced radically by early vaccination in young puppies. Symtoms The major symptoms associated with the intestinal form of a canine parvovirus infection include severe, bloody diarrhea, lethargy, anorexia, fever, vomiting, and severe weight loss. The intestinal form of CPV affects the body's ability to absorb nutrients, and an affected animal will quickly become dehydrated and weak from lack of protein and fluid absorption. The wet tissue of the mouth and eyes may become noticeably red and the heart may beat too rapidly. Dogs that have contracted CPV may also have a low body temperature hypothermia , rather than a fever. Causes - Most cases of CPV infections are caused by a genetic alteration of the original canine parvovirus: the canine parvovirus type 2b. The virus can also be brought into a dog's environment by way of shoes that have come into contact with infected feces. There is evidence that the virus can live in ground soil for up to a year. It is resistant to most cleaning products, or even to weather changes. If you suspect that you have come into contact with feces at all, you will need to wash the affected area with household bleach, the only disinfectant known to kill the virus. Improper vaccination protocol and vaccination failure can also lead to a CPV infection. Breeding kennels and dog shelters that hold a large number of inadequately vaccinated puppies are particularly hazardous places. Diseases or drug therapies that suppress the normal response of the immune system may also increase the likelihood of infection. Diagnosis - CPV is diagnosed with a physical examination, biochemical tests, urine analysis, abdominal radiographs, and abdominal ultrasounds. A chemical blood profile and a complete blood cell count will also be performed. Low white blood cell levels are indicative of CPV infection, especially in association with bloody stools. Biochemical and urine analysis may reveal elevated liver enzymes, lymphopenia, and electrolyte imbalances. Abdominal radiograph imaging may show intestinal obstruction, while an abdominal ultrasound may reveal enlarged lymph nodes in the groin, or throughout the body, and fluid-filled intestinal segments. You will need to give a thorough history of your pet's health, recent activities, and onset of symptoms. If you can gather a sample of your dog's stool, or vomit, your veterinarian will be able to use these samples for microscopic detection of the virus. Those puppies that have had one or two in the recommended schedule of vaccines will often have an advantage over those without in actual chances of recovery. The build up an immunity against parvo and all the other diseases, veterinarians recommended vaccination schedule is a loading dose at six weeks, a follow up four weeks later and another given four weeks after that. Six months after the last DHLP-P is given, a follow up parvo vaccination is given and then the vaccines go to an annual injection that is usually given with the law required Rabies shot. Parvo is a relatively recent disease. Its first reported cases occurred in and proceeded to lay waste to large numbers of the canine population. Parvo is a highly contagious viral disease that can be spread in a number of ways. Contact with the feces or vomit of an infected dog is the source of the infection but tracing it back to the contagious dog can be extremely hard to do. A puppy can come into an environment in which a contagious dog was in up to six months previously. Strays can spread it by sniffing with another dog through the fence. In , humans were and still are one of the main carriers of the disease. Dog breeders at that time were often wiped out as entire litters as well as their adult dogs became infected with the disease as would be buyers would go to several different sites looking for a puppy. These buyers would come into contact with an infected dog and carry the disease to each stopping place along the way on their hands, clothes or even shoes. With infection, the disease will often take one of two forms: the diarrheal and the cardiac form. Puppies not treated for the disease will often dehydrate and die quickly. Congestive heart failure in itself will cause the premature death of the puppy. A veterinarian who suspects parvovirus may run a series of different tests to prove the infection. One of the oldest and most reliable tests is to simply do a white cell count. A marked decrease in these cells is a good sign of parvovirus being present. There are also tests that can be run on a small stool sample, which most veterinarians can run in office with results given within ten to fifteen minutes. If the test shows positive for the disease, the owner then has to decide on a course of action. The preferred course is an extended hospital stay, IV fluids given through out the day, medications given to slow the gastrointestinal tract and antibiotics to prevent secondary infections. The cost of these treatments is high and only the owner can decide if they can afford to proceed and it must be remembered that even with the best of veterinary care, there is no guarantee that the dog will survive. The vaccines are fairly inexpensive and can be gotten not only through a veterinarian but also through feed and even some drug stores. They are injected under the skin with few puppies having reactions. Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet. GSD Resources.

Do you have a stubborn German Shepherd that pushes your nerves? Below are a few training tips to help you train a stubborn German Shepherd. Training a stubborn GSD requires an approach that rewards good behaviors and ignores unwanted behaviors. Instead… Focus on teaching your German Shepherd that good behaviors get good rewards. Keep a bit of treat in your pocket or use a small treat bag that attaches to your waistband. When you see your dog perform a behavior you like, reward them! Positive training leads to trust, confident leadership, and sets the ground for future learning. You can even learn how to train your stubborn German Shepherd from the convenience of your home. Treat-Based Training is Great! The training reinforcer MUST be a great one, such as real meat. Ian Dunbar, a renowned dog behaviorist, uses the Ferrari of dog treats… Freeze dried liver. Keep trying a variety of treats until you find one that your dog would basically sell its soul for. With this type of reinforcement your dog will soon follow you like a shadow, ever willing to please. When you use your walks for training and have many short training sessions during their walk, your dog learns that every single session is in a different setting with different distractions. Whether on a quiet street or a busy sidewalk, near schools, the local park, or open fields and trails, your German Shepherd learns to listen to your instructions and quickly and happily comply… No matter where they are or the distractions! During your walk stop for a short training session about every 50 feet or so, depending on where you are walking. Every time you stop and ask for the sit and they give the appropriate behavior, resuming the walk is the reward for sitting. Keep the training sessions to around 5 seconds or less. Once your dog picks up on the routine, include short sequences of body position changes, for example, sit-down-sit, sit-down-stand, down-sit-stand, or any other number of positions your dog knows. Focus and attention are skills that a dog has to learn. If your German Shepherd is stubborn when there are distractions then consider beginning their training in quieter locations and avoid jumping straight into busy environments. Training in quieter, less interesting locations at first helps to build up to training where there are many distractions. Too Many Distractions? Add in just one distraction at a time if your dog needs the confidence to follow your commands. For example, if your dog can perform commands near the park without children, but has issues listening to you when kids are playing, step away from the noise and work your way toward getting closer to it slowly. Work up to harder situations and have them focus in different environments. A stubborn German Shepherd usually has a very poor recall and might even ignore you when you call them. If you want a dog that is quick to return to you, then use this easy 5 step system to get a perfect recall from your GSD … every time you want! Take Advantage of Fun Games and Play Using games to train your dog can reduce stubbornness and improve their listening skills and, games are fun and less stressful for both of you. They need games and play! You need to make yourself exciting, fun, and a pleasure for your dog to be around! What to train during play and games? Everything you teach is a gentle lesson, not a reprimand or correction. For example, have your dog sit or perform a down before you throw a toy or ball and before you take it back. Progressively increase the length of sit-stay or down-stay with each repetition. If you want some ideas to play with your dog, try a few of these games for German Shepherds to get started. Integrate Training into Your Everyday Lifestyle Even your usual routine can include many training opportunities. Remember that you are responsible for knowing how to train a stubborn German Shepherd and to develop their impressionable canine brain into a smart, intelligent companion. What to teach your stubborn German Shepherd daily? Call your dog for a body position sequence down-sit-stay or another combination every time you open the fridge or send an email. Or, while watching your favorite TV show during the commercials go over the commands your dog already knows and work on a new one. If you ask your dog to perform a simple body-position sequence on these occasions, you will easily train your German Shepherd over fifty times a day… All without deviating from your normal lifestyle! With total integration of training into your daily lifestyle and routine, your dog sees they are expected to participate in your life and look forward to engaging with you to earn those tasty rewards. Try using meals for training! Mealtime is a great way to train your dog to listen and pay attention while giving your dog more structure. Your dog will probably look at you with disbelief or wonder as they eat their small portion and look at you for more food. Now, casually walk away from the bowl and busy yourself in the same area with another mundane task. As your dog begins to watch you, slowly walk over and place another handful of food in their dish. Do this until their entire meal is served. Boredom can increase stubbornness in a smart working breed. Instead of allowing your dog to develop bad habits due to boredom and lack of mental stimulation, increase the mental activities and mind games for your German Shepherd. You can purchase other games and increase the difficulty as they become quicker at earning their treats through playing. Mental enrichment can help calm a stubborn German Shepherd and increase their engagement with you, giving you both less stress in your lives. Your German Shepherd might not be stubborn… They might need more enrichment and mental stimulation. A long lead also called a long line or check cord is a secure training line that allows your dog space to roam while keeping them safe and letting you stay in control of their recall. Use the following techniques to get your stubborn dog to listen. Start recall training in an area with few distractions and your dog on their long leash a 20 to a foot long line is common for this type of training. As they turn to look at you call them and take some steps backward to encourage them to return to you quickly. Always have a super tasty reward for them when they come to you to solidify the recall. Give them the treat and praise them while holding their collar or harness gently in your hands. After a few seconds, release them to sniff again and repeat the sequence. As your dog gets better and better at their recall, increase the difficulty. Use longer distances to call them back and slowly change up the places that you practice to include more distractions. Never, ever, ever call your dog or puppy and then grab them by the collar to reprimand or punish them! Doing this even just once will make your stubborn German Shepherd hate coming when called. Frequent or severe punishment is an indication that your training is definitely flawed! Remember, it is much more effective and efficient to reward your dog for doing it the way you consider to be right rather than punishing them for the many ways they do it wrong. Repeated punishment is a wedge that slowly destroys the dog-owner relationship, sometimes to irreparable conditions. The whole point of living with a working breed is to engage with them in a harmonious relationship and to enjoy their company. Did you know that chewing is natural for your dog and helps them to reduce stress and pent-up energy? Your stubborn German Shepherd needs time each day to help release some of this energy so they are better able to pay attention and listen to you at other times. There are lots of options for a chew session for your dog, such as a crunchy pig ear chew that helps to reduce plaque and keep their teeth clean. Or, the favorite of many dog owners, a stuffed Kong for extreme chewing. Offering your German Shepherd a tasty stuffed Kong a day will help keep the behavior doctor away and give your dog the natural chewing session they need to help keep calm. Why is my German Shepherd so stubborn? Eliminate poor practices from your routine to help you train a stubborn German Shepherd. Stubbornness may also be brought on by adolescence and sexual maturity, which is expected in a growing German Shepherd puppy and does lessen as they mature. Considering the following ways to help your German Shepherd to be less stubborn by eliminating these poor practices from your daily routine. You must include basic training from the moment your dog comes to live with you, no matter their age. Lacking consistency Your training must be consistent or else your dog will become confused. Mixed reactions, command words, and behaviors will take your dog far longer to learn than consistent commands with expected actions. For example: If you scold your dog for jumping on you, but not your guest your dog learns that jumping is still OK on some people. Make sure all members of your family follow the same rules, commands, and expect the same behavior from your dog. Get on the same page before training even begins. Not meeting their energy needs A tired dog is a happy and trainable dog. If this is not done, your pet not only is exposed to health problems such as obesity and joint-related issues but also behavioral problems, including stubbornness. Try to exercise them before working on training commands so they are more calm and able to focus more on their training. Not enough mental stimulation German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent breeds and require mental stimulation daily to keep their minds active. Include brain games, nose work, and giving them a job at home to make sure their minds stay occupied and challenged. They may behave differently or show disobedience when feeling stressed from illness, poor health, or other types of pain. Your first action should be a visit to your veterinarian to rule out any health issues. While German Shepherds are considered a highly intelligent breed they can also experience bouts of stubbornness that really tries your nerves. Without the proper training… It will only get worse! German Shepherds are VERY smart dogs and do well with a training program that stimulates their minds and can help you succeed at training your dog on your own. References and Resources. Check it out! Reinforcement of stubborn behavior Wait, what? While this may work in some cases, the ultimate lesson from this is that your GSD has just learned that refusing your command at first, leads to good things shortly after. Something more interesting is distracting them This is perhaps more of an innocent reason for stubborn behavior, but nonetheless still annoying. Truthfully, however, if sufficient training has been put in, your GSD should still be inclined to listen to your commands even if there are other distractions present. Underlying health issues or pain In more unfortunate circumstances your German shepherd could be dealing with an existing health issue or pain. Dogs dealing with a health issue or chronic pain will react in a range of ways, but disobedience and defiance is one of the most common. Typically, if something is wrong with your GSD there will be multiple indicators happening at once. If you witness physical symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or food refusal then its important to speak to your vet as soon as possible. Consistent daily training Training your GSD on a daily basis will not only increase their skills and ability to carry out commands, but it will reduce bad behavior, defiance, and stubbornness. Try dedicating minutes to basic command training, and see how your GSDs behavior improves over the course of weeks. Avoid situations that trigger stubbornness A classic example of this is calling your GSD back inside from the door. For example, before calling them back in, go outside and interact with them for 5 or 10 minutes… After a while head closer to the door and encourage them inside. This is a much better approach than simply calling your GSD from the door. A GSD that is calm and content will be more than happy to obey your commands the second your give them. Getting a calm and content GSD is all about providing a great daily routine with everything they need particularly their stimulation needs. Interact with your German shepherd more Simply improving your bond with your German shepherd can also work wonders when it comes to their obedience and willingness to listen to you. One way to build your bond is to simply interact and engage with your dog more. Other than being the one to feed them and play with them, ensure you train, brush, bathe, talk, and engage with them. All small actions like this will ultimately create a better bond and help establish you as their clear leader. Let me know if your German shepherd is acting stubborn. Thanks for reading! Back to more German shepherd articles. The Puppy Mag makes an active effort to search for plagiarized content using plagiarism detection software. If plagiarized content is found, action will be taken. Use Positive Reinforcement Techniques Positive reinforcement, also known as rewards-based training, implies giving a reward to increase the frequency of the response. Rewards can be: Treats. Choose healthy treats, pieces of kibble, or tiny pieces of meat. Physical attention. You can pet behind the ears or give a hug. Verbal praise. Give your GSD his favorite toy that you save for rewards. Rewarding your German Shepherd for good behavior is an underrated tool in your dog-training arsenal. It is simple yet incredibly powerful. Unfortunately, it is also often ignored. If you scold him, he might feel content for having received your attention. This speaks to the importance of patience; the more patient you are, the more your German Shepherd values positive attention. When you bestow it upon him during his calmer episodes, he starts recreating the setting. You will notice him sitting in the same place where you patted him or held a similar position. It might be tempting to pet him then, but you have to be patient, or you will confuse the dog. Wait until he mimics the actual calmness you want to reward, then use reinforcement by giving him attention, affection, and treats. Increase Socialization If you have previously delayed socializing your German Shepherd, the chances are that the lack of socialization is a key contributor to his disobedience. You should socialize a German Shepherd at 8 weeks old, which is usually when you bring your puppy home. Your breeder would have already begun early socialization from 3 weeks, so you should now continue the process of exposing your pup to a range of sights, smells, sounds, and interactions with people and other dogs. No matter whether your doggo is a pup or an adult, increasing socialization will set your German Shepherd on the right path to becoming a confident, friendly and obedient dog. I have a great article on how to socialize a German Shepherd from pup to adult. This details easy ways to go about this and includes how to socialize an older dog or even an aggressive German Shepherd. When your German Shepherd has pent-up energy, he might not be in the state to receive commands. By sufficiently draining this excess energy safely and productively, you can make your German Shepherd more receptive and less stubborn. In this state, you can reinforce restraint-centric anchors. That said, you must not wait until the dog is in his most agitated state before you take him out, as that would associate acting up with freedom, and he will almost always act out to be taken for walks or playtimes. Instead, prevent it in the first place. If you have a young pup and need some ideas, you can check out this article, 7 Fun Ways to Exercise a German Shepherd Puppy. German Shepherds are high-energy dogs, and adults need at least hours of daily exercise. In addition to essential exercise for your German Shepherds to stay obedient, he also needs to be mentally stimulated, which brings me to the next solution. Provide Varied Mentally Stimulating and Fun Games We have to remember the original purpose of the German Shepherd, which was to herd and protect livestock. Although rarely used in this capacity nowadays, the genetic working trait remains with the breed. They need a job to do and thrive off pleasing their owner, which is why they are used in law enforcement, search and rescue, and as service dogs today. Every evening around 8 pm, my German Shepherd will sit in front of me and give me the stare! I love this toy, and dogs enjoy finding the treats in the puzzle toy, which keeps them busy for ages. This best-seller gets a crazy amount of good reviews and is widely recommended by almost 60, dog lovers, so it must have something about it. Increase Training Sessions Similar to socialization, if you have previously delayed training your German Shepherd or if training is incomplete, the chances are that the lack of training is a pivotal contributor to his disobedience. Not only does your German Shepherd need to learn that he should listen to you, but he must also find out what listening to you entails. While the best time to start training your GSD is at 8 weeks old , the next best time is now. This will keep your dog continually focused and interested. Your German Shepherd must also learn his position. This entails going back to training in a distraction-free setting. He might not intend to ignore you deliberately, so this is where you need to get him to focus his attention on you. Manage the environment when progressing outside. Start off with not too many distractions. Use high level treats when outside. Check out this excellent video on how to train a German Shepherd with distractions. This gorgeous pup is only 5 months old and is learning to focus on the trainer in a controlled outside environment. Chewing has several functions, including providing pain relief for teething pups, keeping teeth clean and jaws strong in older dogs, and relieving boredom. Dogs just enjoy chewing. But what if the chewing becomes destructive? Providing your dog with a chewing outlet, such as various interesting chew toys, will stop many German Shepherd behavior problems. The happier your doggo is, the less stubborn he will be when it comes to obeying you. Choose something like the KONG variety of chew toys. Follow a Training and Feeding Schedule Having a schedule provides structure and discipline and teaches your pup that you are the leader. Your German Shepherd will soon pick things up and catch up. You should also stick to a feeding schedule. Dogs are creatures of habit, and providing meals at expected times means listening and obeying you when you call them to eat. German Shepherds are prone to sensitive stomachs, and many are not food motivated, unlike the Labrador. Having a feeding schedule also prevents your German Shepherd from becoming a fussy eater. It might be that he wants that extra treat or wants to climb on the couch. So now the tide is turned. Instead of your dog ignoring you, you now ignore your dog. Never bow down pardon the pun to any form of demanding behavior, especially demand barking. This will only teach your best friend that he gets what he wants when he barks for something. Instead, ignore the demand barking, and at the precise moment he becomes quiet, quickly reward him with a treat. That way, he will soon learn that when he stops barking at you, nice things will happen. The trick here is in the timing. Use Brief and Effective Time-Outs When training a stubborn German Shepherd, one of the most crucial steps is teaching your dog to accept time-outs. Rewarding your doggo with treats is easy; it is in discipline or punishment where most people mess up. You need to teach your German Shepherd to follow your commands — or ground himself. So, what do I mean by a time-out? A time-out is a type of negative punishment in which we deprive the dog of what they enjoy, in this case, social engagement. Use an area of the house, a room with a dog gate, or an exercise pen for young pups. Time-outs should be around 60 seconds for young puppies to minutes for older dogs. Use the time-out at the moment of the stubborn behavior, not after. But not only does regular brushing help to control and reduce shedding , but it also helps to increase bonding between you and your pet. Most dogs enjoy being the center of attention. Brushing is relaxing and beneficial to the skin and hair. Your German Shepherd will also learn that it is acceptable to handle his body and feet, and you will develop trust with your canine buddy as a result. This has the everlasting effect of reducing his stubbornness when you need to clip his nails or he needs to be handled by the vet. Go here to find out the best grooming tools for German Shepherds and the ones I use. This will give you peace of mind that he will respond to you positively and help curb any bad habits. Often, inexperienced owners just need to be taught what to do. Attending obedience classes solves this knowledge gap and creates an opportunity to increase socialization, so you kill two birds with one stone. You can also enlist the help of a professional trainer as they will be experienced in training stubborn dogs and improving obedience. Key Takeaways German Shepherds are socially intelligent dogs. However, with delayed or insufficient training and a lack of guidance, they can become asocial and disobedient. Fortunately, with enough patience, firmness, and positive reinforcement training alongside increased exercise time and stimulation, any German Shepherd can be brought back into the socially acceptable circle of obedient dogs. Related Posts You May Like:. Are German Shepherds Stubborn? There are a number of reasons that German Shepherds display signs of stubbornness. Most of them relate back to the fact that German Shepherds are highly intelligent and independent dogs, though sometimes inconsistent or improper training methods can contribute to the problem. Personality Reasons for Stubbornness Personality can be part of the reason for stubbornness or misbehavior. Some of the reasons for stubbornness include: Intelligence: German Shepherds are smart. They were originally bred as working dogs and herding dogs. They often respond to the instincts of their breeding and are intelligent enough to challenge an owner if they feel strongly enough about the matter. Independence: German Shepherds are extremely independent. They just need a lot of training and the right approach to convince them to do so. Protectiveness: German Shepherds are both loyal and highly protective. Sometimes, that protective streak can get the better of them. Confidence and Bonding Issues: Sometimes, a German Shepherd can have issues during its puppy years that influence it later in life. Overprotective owners, improper treatment, or even a sibling relationship with another dog, can make them more inclined to stubbornness. Overprotective owners can incline a German Shepherd to laziness, whereas neglectful or harsh owners can make them unwilling to act for fear of punishment. A German Shepherd with a sibling, or a sibling relationship with another dog, may not form strong bonds with the humans in their family, which may make them stubborn or anxious. The strong bonds they form with a sibling dog may keep them from responding properly to a human companion. Unclear Expectations: German Shepherds prefer to have clear boundaries and expectations laid out for them. Delayed Training: The temperament of a German Shepherd lends itself to forming strong opinions, so the earlier you start training, the more receptive your German Shepherd will be to learning the boundaries you want to lay down for them. If you start training them at an older age, then you want to remember that it may take longer to encourage them around to your way of thinking. Training them through punishment for misbehaviors is less likely to get good results, and may result in stubborn refusal to obey. A heavy hand will make them either stubborn or unhappy. They like plenty of social interactions, especially with their owners. If your German Shepherd is acting stubborn, they may just want to spend more time with you, or need more exercise and mental stimulation. Some stubborn behaviors are obvious. Refusal to obey orders or shutting down and refusing to show any signs of attention are both signs of a stubborn German Shepherd. These behaviors include: Barking obsessively, or at all hours Jumping at people, or showing signs of aggression Chewing on things inside the house Going to the bathroom in inappropriate places, such as in the house All of these may be signs that your German Shepherd is feeling stubborn and needs some attention or encouragement. If your German Shepherd is showing signs of stubbornness, there are a few techniques you can apply to coax them out of their determined mindset. Be Consistent: Consistency is key. Try to maintain a routine with your German Shepherd. German Shepherds were bred as working dogs who followed certain patterns of behavior. Maintaining a general pattern of routines, with regular mealtimes, playtimes, and training will help coax your German Shepherd into being less stubborn, as they get used to the patterns and routines of their life with you. Use Positive Reinforcement: German Shepherds thrive with positive reinforcement training techniques. Give them plenty of praise when they behave well, or when they follow commands. Reward good behavior with treats or extra attention. German Shepherds do best in a positive, encouraging environment. They do like routine, but within that routine, they like some variation. Incorporate different techniques or commands in your training process and routine. Ask for advice from someone experienced for things they would recommend for motivating your German Shepherd to be more cooperative. They were bred for working and herding, and the energy and instincts remain, even in the most sedate of family life. German Shepherds get bored without plenty of stimulation. They need plenty of physical exercise and mental engagement. Toys they can interact with are a good idea. So is plenty of time outdoors and playing. German Shepherds need plenty of space. They may be less stubborn and more responsive if they have a yard to play and run around in. More bonding time is always beneficial, especially with a German Shepherd. German Shepherds, like any other breed, vary in individual temperament. Some may be incredibly strong-willed and independent, whereas some may be more calm and sociable. Early influences can be the difference between a stubborn dog and a quieter one. German Shepherds, especially ones raised in a family home, can be very stubborn if it involves protecting the members of their family. They can also be very patient with members of their family, especially younger children. Stubbornness in dogs, as they know it, is a bit different than our definition of stubbornness. When it comes to German Shepherds, they are usually far from being considered stubborn dogs. They tend to want to please their owners, and usually do their best to try and achieve their goals. Due to their history as working dogs , the German Shepherd is well known as being an easy to train dog that is quick to learn. They are athletic and capable of learning and performing a wide variety of tasks which is one of the primary reasons they are used as police dogs. Like many other working dogs such as the Great Pyrenees , the German Shepherd tends to put their job first and foremost, While this intelligence and trainability make them a great choice for first time dog owners, there are a few situations in which you might see a more stubborn German Shepherd. Certain individual German Shepherds may have a more hardheaded personality at various points of their lives, or if they have experienced the following: Reason 1: Adolescent Stage As with most dogs, German Shepherds who are within the adolescent stage of their lives which generally occurs between 8 to 12 months of age tend to be a little more difficult to work with sometimes. Just like a human teenager! During this period of their lives, German Shepherds tend to become more curious about the world around them and they start to test boundaries. They may even seem like they are a totally different dog! Many adolescent dogs will not participate in the activities they previously enjoyed, or they may show an indifferent attitude towards their owner , both of which can appear as a stubborn streak. As they age and exit the adolescent stage , there is usually a reduction in this behavior and they become a little easier to work with…depending on the individual dog, of course! While German Shepherd puppies may still pick up on things quicker than some other puppies, you should still cut them some slack while they are learning something new! Reason 2: Boredom German Shepherds are highly intelligent, and if they do not receive enough mental or physical stimulation, they can become bored and frustrated. This pent-up energy can express itself as stubbornness in training, and can show up as the dog ignoring cues, redirecting their energy and focus zoomies, grabbing at the leash, etc. While working dogs may be more tolerant of this type of training method, most German Shepherds do much better when the training is done at their pace and focuses on allowing the dog to work out the problem rather than using pain and punishment to force them to do something. Rewards definitely help! For German Shepherds who have had a negative experience with training, their owners, something in the environment, or even just the world in general, their stubbornness might be due to their wariness and remembrance of whatever caused the negative association in the first place. For example, if a German Shepherd was learning a recall and did not respond right away and their owner chased them down and yelled and smacked them for not coming when called, then the next time the owner asks them to come when called the German Shepherd might refuse to do so out of fear. This will look like the dog is being hardheaded, but why would he want to go to someone who previously beat him when he responded the first time albeit a little slowly? German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, and those that have experienced negative or painful things may think twice about responding to an owner. Reason 4: Poor Training Foundation While easy to train , German Shepherds still require a good training foundation just as any other breed does. Adult German Shepherds who did not receive any training as puppies or young adolescents, they may seem more resistant and stubborn with the training process once an owner finally attempts to train them in a more formal fashion. Just as we humans must learn how to navigate our own schooling and education, so must dogs learn how training works and what is expected of them in the training process. For German Shepherds who have a poor training foundation, the stubbornness may be difficult to work with in the beginning but once they understand what is required of them the process usually speeds up quite a bit. Miscommunication from the owner can also cause a German Shepherd to appear stubborn, and they may just stare at you and wait to see if you clear it up or not. Addressing the miscommunication will usually help clear up the seemingly stubborn response. Deafness either partial or full can cause a change in reaction from your dog. If your German Shepherd has any hearing issues, they may respond more slowly or not at all to your cues, and they may also perform a different behavior. While dogs primarily rely on visual cues, if you trained your pup using mostly verbal cues, then impaired hearing can still have a noticeable effect on their responsiveness. This is especially true if your pup used to be very responsive but then they started to ignore cues or took longer to respond to you. In that same vein, dogs who are losing their vision may also differ in their responsiveness to cues. While this can vary based on the level of vision loss and how quickly the dog is able to become accustomed to the loss of vision, there might still be some delays that appear as stubbornness but are really due to the dog not seeing the cue. This depends on the underlying reason why our German Shepherd is displaying a stubborn streak. If they are a young dog, then it may just be part of their normal growth cycle. Shortening training sessions and being more patient with the process will help encourage learning but avoid overwhelming your pup and potentially causing them to shut down and refuse to work with you. Additionally, employing the help of a reputable local dog trainer can help set you up for success and make sure that there is no misunderstanding between you and your pup. Providing high-value rewards and switching things up will also help with a hardheaded German Shepherd who has become bored with the training process. Positive reinforcement and reward-based training are generally best and will help your stubborn German Shepherd change their negative association into a positive one. If your German Shepherd has a medical issue that is contributing to their stubbornness, speak with your vet and research how to live with and train deaf or blind dogs. Many support groups exist to help with these conditions, and once the adjustments are made your German Shepherd will likely show off their enthusiasm for training once again. Closing Thoughts In most cases, the German Shepherd is not considered a stubborn breed of dog and they are often one of the easiest breeds to train and work with which makes them a great choice for first time dog owners. However, certain instances can lead to stubborn streaks. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully. What Is Stubbornness? Stubbornness in dogs is a personality trait that is characterized by an unwillingness to change their minds, even after being shown evidence that their initial judgment might be incorrect. Simply put, it refers to the fact that a dog continues to act as they wish and will never listen regardless of punishment or reward. Identify Stubborn Behavior One way to identify stubborn behavior is to figure out the root cause. So, if your dog has jumped up on you a lot lately, have you given him too much food? Did you find a new snack and he thinks he should get it all the time? If he chews up your slippers or, more frequently, your shoes, perhaps he feels neglected. If he keeps running up to people or other dogs and barking, perhaps he thinks he is taking control. If he keeps digging in your backyard, perhaps he is looking for a job to do for channeling that excessive energy. Why Are German Shepherds Stubborn? There are a variety of possible causes of stubbornness in dogs. We will first list out some of the most common reasons when it comes to German Shepherds. Then we will provide suggestions to tackle their stubbornness later in this article. German Shepherds can be stubborn at times because they have high levels of intelligence. They do not want to be told what to do by their human companions. If you have a German Shepherd, then you know all about the headstrong personality traits that these dogs possess. However, without proper training or socialization, GSDs can become too aggressive and dangerous. He might be considered intimidating with the barking and lunging when approached by strangers. This behavior of your dog will persist if left unchecked. Without them, they will become destructive or difficult to handle. German Shepherds need to know what their role in the family is. Therefore, it is important to teach your German Shepherd the right way to become a good canine citizen right from the beginning. Your German Shepherd, if adopted, may have been bullied by other animals, or had previous negative experiences with people or other animals. They are less likely to follow your command before trusting you. An overprotected dog would basically be unwilling to explore anything new, be it a new trick or a new treat. Similar to a fearful dog, a discouraged dog may be reluctant to try anything new for fear that he may be punished. After all, positive encouragement like praises and hugging can go a long way. And they e. Chance are they have their bond with each other are much better than with you as the owner. This is also known as Sibling Syndrome. When two puppies are placed together, they learn to rely on each other. One of the puppies always becomes shy, increasingly withdrawn and introverted. And he may never reach his or her full potential. These puppies often fail to bond to their human family as strongly as they otherwise would. When they start to mature, they may begin fighting with one another, often quite severely. What to do if my German Shepherd is Stubborn? Stubbornness can also present itself as an inflexible attitude when it comes to training. For example, a dog who refuses to learn new commands and shuts down himself. The good news is, there is more than one way to make your dog less stubborn. German Shepherds are known to be one of the most intelligent breeds out there, and they are known for being very trainable. As a puppy, your dog will learn that certain behaviors yield positive results, which will help to keep them in check. Most breeders recommend teaching dogs a variety of commands as early as eight weeks old. This will prevent your dog from becoming too stubborn to learn. Give clear commands Next, you need to be firm with what you want your dog to do. Most puppies will try to please their owners. But, this will not be the case for everyone. If a dog is allowed to get away with certain things, then he will eventually begin to think that the way they are treating you is acceptable. To avoid this, it is imperative that you be very clear with them. Try to use positive commands and tell them firmly what you want them to do or eat, without making it sound like an order. Let them understand what it is you are asking them to do without being harsh. When they have done something you asked, praise them with a happy voice and even a big hug, and let them know they have done a good job. Provide lots of positive encouragement Positive reinforcement is the key to helping your dog become less stubborn. This means that you will always create a situation where the dog will naturally seek to do what you want. It helps to reward them for good behavior, giving them immediate feedback about what they did right and what they did wrong. To further motivate your pup, you may also like to have different kinds of treats in one training session. This will keep your puppy looking for more. Three Types Of Rewards Voice: A happy, lively, and motivating praise is one of the best and easy positive reinforcements you can give your dog. Treats: It works especially well with food-motivated puppies who are always hungry. Playing and Petting: If your dog is not food-motivated, you can reward her with a toy and petting as alternatives. It can be a tennis ball or a frisbee. Or you can just give her a warm pet after praising her, which is something almost all dogs are fond of. Every dog takes their reward differently, you may need to try them out to see which one works best for your pup. Sometimes a dog may need a combination of one or two. Not only does this prevent them from getting exercise, but it can also lead to boredom and behavioral issues. For reference, an adult German Shepherd should have at least 1 hour of exercise per day. This is important because he needs time to learn how to behave like a good dog. And most people thought a pup would understand every single word they said right off the bat. Well, this may not be the case. And the fact is, you will need to develop a good bond with your dog first — by spending quality time playing with him, walking with him, staying with him, and caring for him. After all, GSDs are bred to be working dogs, and they are best known for their herding, guarding, scenting, and retrieving abilities. They might not seem to be a big help for your routine, but it could certainly let your GSD thrive! Here are a few jobs in the house that you can let your GSD do for you. Tidying up their toys If you love to spoil your beloved pet pal, he always has toys around the house. And chances are, these toys will sometimes be scattered around the floor. You can make it their job by asking them to retrieve all their toys and drop them in a designated bin. Getting stuff All dogs use all their senses to track down items and even people. Once your dog understands the basis of the game, you can teach him to find and fetch all kinds of objects. For example, you can teach him to bring you your shoes before a walk or carry over his own leash. Keeping track of family members Herding is a great job for working breed dogs like the GSD. But sometimes it can be hard to do without a flock of sheep or other livestock. If you have a whole pack of pets, teach your herding dog how to gather the other dogs, and even the cat, around the kitchen for dinner. Be careful using this trick with children, but you can potentially employ your dog to help keep the entire family where you want them. Carting helper Working breeds like Huskies, Mastiffs, and Bernese Mountain Dogs have been trained in carting for a long list of jobs. Starting from your yard, you can give your dog the job of helping in a garden or with yard clean-up. Your dog is the perfect candidate. The simple task of carrying something can be immensely satisfying to a work-driven dog. When you go hiking or on a walk, strap a backpack onto your dog and let him carry his own water and treats. Final Thoughts Stubbornness can become a huge problem, especially with dogs like German Shepherds. That is why it is so important to understand the reasons why German Shepherds have stubborn personalities. Bon is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. Below, I will mention a number of reasons why your German Shepherd might be stubborn and the clues that they might come with. If you have not taken the time to train your German Shepherd then taking the time to do so will likely help a lot in getting it to be less stubborn. You can train it using some of the tips mentioned below. However, if you jump straight to the distracting environment then it will likely be challenging to get it to listen to you. Instead, it would help to train it in an easy environment and then to build up to one where there are distractions. This is why it is important to continue to train it to behave how you want it to so that it continues to behave that way. This would be more likely if you tend to punish your German Shepherd when you tell it to do things or if you only call it when it is time for it to stop playing. In addition to that, it would also help to start out by getting it to do things that are easier and then to build up to getting it to do things that are more challenging. When they do not get so much exercise it can cause them to develop behavioral issues. Generally, it is recommended for them to get an hour of exercise per day. If your German Shepherd is not currently getting that much exercise then it would likely help to make sure that it does. Related post: Ways to exercise your German Shepherd. This would be more likely if it has been showing other signs of being ill and if it has been acting unusually in other ways as well. How to get your German Shepherd to be less stubborn There are a number of things that you can do to get your German Shepherd to be less stubborn that I will mention below. Train it to do the things that you want The first thing to do is to take the time to train it to behave the way that you want it to. You can do this by using positive reinforcement training by teaching it easy commands in an easy environment and then by building up to more challenging ones. You can read about how to use positive reinforcement training to get your German Shepherd to come on command here. Avoid negative reinforcement Negative reinforcement training is where you reward your German Shepherd when it behaves in a way that you do not want it to. If you tend to give your German Shepherd things that it wants when it is stubborn then it could be the case that it has learned that being stubborn gets it things that it wants. Instead, it would help to train it to behave the way that you want it to and to reward it for behaving in that way. Give it exercise As mentioned earlier it is important to make sure that your German Shepherd is getting enough exercise. If it is not currently getting much exercise daily then it would help to give it exercise by walking it, playing fetch with it or getting a dog walker to do it for you. Ensure that its diet is right It could be the case that your German Shepherd has been being stubborn due to something that you have been feeding it. This would be more likely if it started being stubborn when you started feeding it something different. You can look here to see what you should or should not be feeding it. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. Be patient It is unlikely that you will be able to get your German Shepherd to behave exactly the way that you want it to with just one training session. However, if you continue to train it consistently then it will be much more likely to learn to behave the way that you want it to. This is why it is important to have patience when training your German Shepherd. Things to consider Before trying to get your German Shepherd to be less stubborn it would help to have a good understanding of what might be causing it. There are a number of things that you can consider but I will mention a couple of more useful things below. When it started being stubborn It would help to consider if it used to listen to you but it stopped doing so suddenly. This would be more likely if it started being stubborn when you punished it. However, it would also help to consider what else happened at around the same time that it stopped listening to you. To rectify this it would just be necessary to train it again. For example, if it only comes when it is getting fed then it would be necessary to train it to come at different times as well. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link.