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If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. Learn More The transition from a puppy coat to an adult one can come as a bit of a shock to novice owners and newbie pet parents. Some breeders choose not to mention it for fear of putting off prospective buyers. However, here we will let you know exactly what to expect when your Goldendoodle puppy coat transition happens. Types of Goldendoodle Coats All dogs are born with a soft, single-layer puppy coat, whether they later go on to develop a double-layered one or not. Goldendoodles are no exception. This smooth, silky hair then gives way to something that can be altogether trickier to manage. Knots, tangles, mats, and shedding can become real problems with some dogs. As you probably know by now, with a mixed breed, there are no certainties. Especially when the parent animals are so different. One half of the Goldendoodle equation, the Golden Retriever, has a dense, straight, water-resistant double coat. In contrast, the other half, the Poodle, has a curly, coarse, low-shedding single one. Depending on which parent they favor, Goldendoodles can inherit either of these coats or a wavy, fleecy, long one that sits somewhere in between the two. This is generally the most common and the most popular of the three. For more on Goldendoodle coats and the right tools for caring for them, take a look at The Absolute Best Brushes for Goldendoodles. Nature can be a bit of a lottery. We can, however, make a few best guesses based on the parents and what usually happens. One thing we do know for sure is that whichever adult coat your pup is destined to have, it will be altogether stiffer and denser than their puppy one. It could even be a different color, thanks to the Poodle Fading Gene. Breeders, however, do highlight a few telltale traits that could give you an early idea of what to expect: Check The Snout An excess of hair at the top of the snout known as a mustache indicates that your pup is likely to end up with a coat on the curlier end of the spectrum. Straighter, shaggier, beard-like hair suggests a wavier coat. If your dog has short hair here and an overall neat and tidy-looking muzzle, they will probably inherit a straight coat. Pay Attention to the Generation The generation of the dog can also provide a strong indication of what to expect. See Also: Click the image Goldendoodle Puppy Coat Transition Phases When it comes to changing from the puppy to the adult coat, there are no clear-cut transition phases. When and how pups blow their puppy coat varies from dog to dog. With most dogs, it tends to happen at around six months, and it can be either sudden or gradual. Some owners barely even notice — it all depends on the final hair type. However, you may start to notice a little more hair in the brush or a few more tangles around the armpits, tail, and ears. If your Goldie is getting more of a curly coat, you will need to be extra vigilant at this time. Shedding puppy hair can all too easily get caught up in tight curls leading on to painful knots and mats that are all but impossible to remove with a brush. A good rule of thumb with dogs is that with a low-shedding coat, you have to spend more time on brushing; with a high shedding one that time will be spent cleaning hair up off the floor or your clothes. Which Goldendoodles Get Puppy Coats? Pretty much every variety of Goldendoodle from Standard to Mini experiences some sort of coat change as they transition from puppy to adult. The switch from puppy to adult coat is also less noticeable with active dogs and particularly ones that spend a lot of time swimming. The water washes away the old hair as it is replaced with the new. It is not left about the house as it otherwise would be. This change could be pretty dramatic or quite subtle depending on the type of adult coat your pup has inherited. They will shed their puppy coat somewhere between four and eight months, and their stiffer, denser adult one will start to come in at this time. Do Goldendoodle puppies change color? While your pup is unlikely to completely change color on you, many Goldies get lighter as their adult coat comes in. This is known as fading. How do you tell if a Goldendoodle puppy will have furnishings? Furnishings refer to the hair features about the face. The best way to know if your Goldie will have furnishings is to pay attention to their generation. F1 Goldendoodles are most likely to be missing them. F1B dogs are the most likely to have them. If a puppy lacks furnishings, they are unlikely to develop them in adulthood. With or without, though, all Doodles are still undeniably cute. When adopting a puppy, there are many things you need to be prepared for. Many people choose to adopt one of these darling dogs for their hypoallergenic properties. The best way to anticipate precisely what kind of hair your Goldendoodle will have when they are done blowing their coat is to speak to the breeder. Checking out the parent dogs is also recommended for later generations. However, this is no exact science, and you should really be prepared for anything. We are sure, though, that no matter how your Goldie ends up looking as they develop, you will love them just the same. How could you not? Just look at that face! Learn How to Upkeep Your Doodle! Minimal to non-shedding, hypoallergenic for Goldendoodles that are F1b and multi-gen Common in F1b and Multigen Goldendoodles. But exists in all generation types The Wavy Coat Minimal to non-shedding, mostly hypoallergenic Found in all generations of the Goldendoodle. Image source: doodlecreek. It is sometimes called the flat coat and is also common in other dog breeds like the chihuahua and the Golden Retriever. Goldendoodles that inherit the non-curly trait from their parents usually end up with a straight coat type. Since the Golden Retriever is one of the parent breeds responsible for the Goldendoodle, it is clear that a Goldendoodle with a straight coat usually inherits this coat type from the Golden Retriever parent. And it can be found mostly in Goldendoodles of the standard F1 generation. One important characteristic of a Goldendoodle with a straight coat is that they shed a lot more fur than the other 2 Goldendoodle coat types. This means Goldendoodles with straight Goldendoodle coats are not hypoallergenic as they can be bad for people suffering from dog allergies. Cut down on how often you brush your Goldendoodles fur if it is a straight coat. Regular brushing would lead to heavy shedding and more dog fur around the house. They are relatively cheap and could help you take great care of your Goldendoodle straight coat without the risk of excess shedding. Even with that, there are other benefits the curly coat adds to the Goldendoodle. An example would be the level of shedding it offers. Curly coat types are less likely to shed than the straight coat and as such are more hypoallergenic. Curly-coat Goldendoodles can be found in all generations of Goldendoodle, but the possibility of getting a Goldendoodle with a curly coat is almost half, in first-generation breeding. To get a curly coat, a Goldendoodle puppy must inherit one curly gene from each parent of the Goldendoodle. Regular brushing and general grooming are a lot easier as the puppy sheds a lot less. It is in between the curly and the straight coats and has also been classified as low to non-shedding and is therefore hypoallergenic. A Goldendoodle puppy with a wavy or shaggy coat is known to inherit one curly gene and one straight gene from both the Golden Retriever and Poodle parent genes. And this coat type can be found in all generations of the Goldendoodle. Just like the curly coat, you would need to regularly groom and brush the fur of the Goldendoodle with a wavy coat. This is to prevent the hairs from tangling up. It can be a bit difficult trying to predict the exact coat type your Goldendoodle puppy will end up with as genetics can be a little tricky, but how do you tell what coat your Goldendoodle will have? Luckily they are a few methods experienced and reputable breeders use. The more waves or crimps the puppy has, the more curly its hair would be. If the puppy has a rather smooth face with no puppy beard or hair, the chances are that it would end up with a straight or flat coat type. Again, a reputable breeder should know all these, so it is always better to ask them these questions and more before choosing the puppy for you. Goldendoodle Coat Stages From Puppy To Adulthood It is a known fact that Goldendoodles get to change their coats from puppy to adulthood, and as we just learned, there are good methods to help in figuring out what exact coat type your Goldendoodle would end up with while in its adult stage. But when do Goldendoodles lose their puppy coat? Well first off, it is worth noting that the Goldendoodle has two coat stages, the puppy coat stage and the final coat stage. The puppy coat stage lasts from age 0 to 8 months. At this stage, the puppy is born with a very soft coat that is super easy to groom and care for. As the Goldendoodle puppy matures further, it begins to grow into the final coat stage. This adult coat stage starts from 8 months and above. At this stage, the coat of the Goldendoodle becomes a lot more stiff and thick. It can be a little bit difficult to groom and care for and could be either shaggy, straight, or curly. Grooming Your Goldendoodles Caring for its Coat One thing that can be agreed upon from all three coat types of the Goldendoodle is the importance of grooming. Your Goldendoodles coat can only look and feel good when groomed properly. Depending on the exact Goldendoodle coat, how often you groom your Goldendoodle should vary. You can opt to do it yourself or hire a professional with more experience than you have. Here are some basic tips to help you. Wash your Goldendoodle at most once a month with a great quality shampoo. All Goldendoodle coat types aside, the straight coat requires regular brushing. This should be done to get rid of loose hair. The ears should be kept clean. Use an ear cleaner to get rid of the excess moisture that could build up from baths. Which Goldendoodle Coat is The Best? Now that we know all we need to know about each Goldendoodle coat type, which Goldendoodle coat is best for you? It all depends on what works best for you. If you do suffer from dog hair allergies, you can consider getting a Goldendoodle with a curly coat or a wavy coat. Another factor to look out for would be the teddy bear look. Most dog owners love the teddy bear look that Goldendoodles come in. And they are also hypoallergenic. In the end, Goldendoodles are a truly versatile breed. There you have it. All you need to know about the various Goldendoodle coat types alongside various tips on properly grooming your Goldendoodle. Do ensure to check out the website for more engaging and informative content. Above: Mini F1b, Curly. Above: Mini F1, Wavy. Coats can vary in color. A good way to predict adult color is to look at the ears of the puppy. In addition, consider the pedigree when expecting a litter. It is hard to understand the complexity of the gene pool when mating. From my experience, red is considered a dilute gene of black. When red is bred with white, black or brown, black is dominate and pups are black. Two red parents, will make red or apricot. However, to carry the true red gene is very rare. Red can often fade with maturity. Many breeders boast about having red as it is highly sought after, but it can and may fade with time. I make a good effort at trying to produce red, but it is more rare. Brown and black also produce black. Two browns will make brown. Red can be so dark red that it is considered mahogany or rust. My Sangria, F1 mini-goldendoodle female is an example of this beautiful color. I do not claim to be an expert in the study, nor do I make any guarantees on future adult color. In breeds like the cocker spaniel, the red will be apricot as a pup, but can become dark red with maturity. Spots can also widen with maturity or appear to have moved around as they broadened out. In designer breeds, the puppy can look completely different as an adult then how it did as a puppy. You may notice this at the very first haircut. As much as we love color, we need to pay more attention to the temperament of the puppy and make sure the puppy is very socialized and loved, especially during the critical stage of development up to 5 months. See my temperament testing page for more information on this. Loose and wavy: This is the most common type of coat found in a goldendoodle such as an F1. They are considered low to non-shed. They are easy to maintain. You may want to brush in the common friction areas such as behind the ears, hind quarters, and underarms. Bodily brushing about once a week. Straight: These coats are considered flat or sporty like the golden retriever. They are the easiest to maintain and need minimal brushing. They will have some shed. Curly: These coats can be easily identified with the crimping on the forehead as a pup. They are most common in F1bs. Their coats can have "loose curl" or "tight curl. Examples: Above: "Loose and wavy" as a puppy at 5 weeks old. This is an example of an F1. Left: "Curly" as a puppy. Puppy at 5 weeks old. F1b, crimping on forhead visible. Right: "Straight" at 5 months. This coat type typically can be found in F1 litters. No crimping on forehead or ears. Left: tight curl as an adult. Right: "Curly" at 10 weeks old. More squiggles on forehead than "loose and wavy" type. Notice the difference. This is an example of an F1b. This coat type is best for those that have allergies and desire lots of curl. An excellent example of a loose and wavy coat. This dog is an F1 miniature goldendoodle from Ginger and Tamale. Some of Ginger's puppies do throw the sport coat. It can be difficult to predict how the coats will turn out as adults, but we do our best to look for wavy features in the early stages. In the end, unless you have allergies, please understand they are so much more than just how they look. You get what you get and don't throw a fit! I do my best to help you pick out what you desire, but please note, I do not guarantee coat quality. Puppies are not an item I can stock on the shelf. Mother nature is in control. Many F1s will develop their wave after they go through their coat change at 5 months of age. It can take even up to 8 months to see the true coat quality. It occurs in all Goldendoodle generations, including the F1's, F1b's and mulitgens, and is fairly easy to maintain. It requires brushing at least once or twice a week, with more frequent brushing in high friction areas like under the collar or around the ears. Shedding and heavy shedding is common among the F1 and F2 Goldendoodle generations. Note: we do not offer the F1 or the F2 generations. We offer the F1b and the multigen generations, the most non-shedding generations. So if your looking for a specific coat type and minimal to non shedding coats are important to you, be sure that you choose a breeder like us that does the proper DNA coat testing. Curly Goldendoodle Coats: The second most common Goldendoodle coat type is the curly coat, which is more common among F1b or some mulitgen goldendoodles and because of their poodle lineage. The coat can be anything from a relaxed loose curl to a more curly wool coat. Most do not get as curly as a poodle. This Goldendoodle coat type requires more frequent brushing, although it can be shaved down to create a maintenance free coat if the owner prefers. The curly Goldendoodle coat type is minimal to non-shedding and hypoallergenic, when the Goldendoodle is an F1b or in a mulitgen, but to know more the breeder must genetically DNA test their parents. Examples: Goldendoodles with curly coats. Flat, Improper Goldendoodle Coats: The least sought after Goldendoodle coat type is the flat coat, this is also called or known as having an Improper Coat , it is fairly common in F2 Goldendoodle breeding's. Often referred to as the Golden Retriever type coat, it's easy to maintain and requires minimal brushing. However, this Goldendoodle coat type does not produce the desired "teddybear" look that we strive for and that Goldendoodles are renowned for displaying, nor will it produce a "beard" and facial around the muzzle. This Goldendoodle flat coat or Improper Coat type can produce moderate to high shedding coats and are not recommended for those families with allergies. How To Tell The Difference: It is especially difficult to distinguish Goldendoodle coat types especially at the puppy stage, when all coat types can look fairly similar. A reputable, experienced breeder will be able to tell you the each puppies coat type as well as their propensity to shed. However, the face and muzzle area can provide some indication of what the puppy's coat will look like as an adult. Generally, the more crimps or waves a puppy has in it's face and muzzle hair, the curlier his or her coat will likely be. A puppy with a smooth face with no beard that doesn't have any waves or crimps will probably have a flat or Improper Coat. Always ask your breeder for clarification on puppy coat types to assure you get the coat type and the degree of shedding you want with your puppy. Coat Comparisons Post updated I have had many inquires from families wondering what coat type the puppies will have as they mature. When dealing with a Hybrid it is very difficult to predict with certainty what their Adult coat will eventuality end up like. Puppies go through multiple coat changes before their adult coat finally comes in. All newborn goldendoodle puppies look like Golden Retrievers. It is not until around 6 — 7 weeks when we can determine if it will be a Flat Coat goldendoodle — no facial furnishings. We have produced flat coats with both straight hair and with some curls. Below are some of our previous puppies. There are three pictures of each puppy. Notice the progression of the puppy: the first picture is newborn, the next picture is puppy at eight weeks old and the last picture the puppy as an adult. My puppies are lucky to have joined such wonderful, loving families. It makes my day when I get an email from one of our previous puppy families giving me an update and sharing pics of their dog. Thank you! They are fluffy all over including the face. They come in three types — Straight, Wavy, and Curly. Grooming requirements are brushing daily to prevent matting and a trip to the groomers every eight weeks or so.
We will be happy to recommend you to all our friends and family. .The treats and the stuffed animals he loved it all! He normally doesn't pick a favorite toy but the one toy he got from his box is now his favorite A. The Cinco De Mayo theme was a fun great first box. Dogs loved the toys and the treats. Ebony D. Love it "Thank so much to PoochPerks for the treat box! Jinxy and Popeye can't get enough! Miriam DiazLongtime Subscriber We had a subscription to BarkBox but my miniature dachshund didn't ever like the treats. Also most the toys were too big for her and she just didn't love them. She does love getting the box in the mail so I went out looking for something else. She literally won't stop playing with them and brings one of them with her even to go potty! The option for no treats and mini plush toys made all the difference! Hope it continues!!! Michelle S. Love it!!! Thanks Pooch perks my Lucia and Piper love it! MarciPooch Perks Lover Why Pooch Perks Stands out We hand select the products in our themed boxes from many different vendors which allows for a variety of items in our boxes. At Pooch Perks, we offer a monthly dog box that gives your furry canine friend something new to enjoy every month. Customize Your Box While our team designs the dog boxes each month around a specific theme, there are customization options available. Choose from a mix of toys and treats or a box that contains toys only, making it the perfect gift for dogs with food sensitivities. We take great pride in curating a fun monthly dog subscription box every month so you and your pooch both look forward to what may arrive. Choose the perfect monthly dog box for your furry family member today! Easy to customize for pets with allergies or special preferences Cons Can be difficult for pets with sensitive stomachs used to kibble For the pup with a discerning palate and the pet parent that is very particular about what they feed their pooch , Real Dog Box's fresh, air-dried treats will have your pup begging for more. Pick from a variety of box styles like treats only, chews only, a mix of the two and even a super chew box to customize the right fit for your furry friend. We spoke to two pet parents who love how fresh and healthy these treats are, that they have the opportunity to support a small business when they purchase the Real Dog Box and that each treat is a single ingredient and air-dried so you know exactly what's going into your pup's mouth. They also appreciate that the brand provides a lot of information on dog nutrition. This is particularly great for pets with allergies or special preferences. To create this guide, our experts searched through dozens of top-rated dog subscription boxes, considering their 5-star reviews, our knowledge of the brands as a whole and more. We look at each box's offerings, price, customer service, ease of personalization and more when choosing our favorite picks. We also considered boxes for different situations, from getting healthy pet food to providing cute toys for your furry friend. These picks are made up of our product pros' and reviewers' favorites and popular brands with rave reviews from real pet parents. What to consider when shopping for dog subscription boxes Dog size and breed: It's important to provide toys and treats that are the right size for your pet depending on their breed and size to ensure their safety. Toys and treats that are too small or big for your pet can be a choking hazard. Materials: If you've got a heavy chewer on your hands, plush toys just won't cut it. When it comes to picking the right subscription box consider what toys and treats your pet currently likes and what might be dangerous for them to play with or eat. Products: Are you in the market for pet treats, food, toys or something else? There's a subscription box for all your needs no matter what you're interested in. For decades, the Good Housekeeping Institute has been providing expert reviews and advice on everything a pet parent needs, including dog subscription boxes. As Senior Editor, Lizz Schumer covers everything from pets to entertainment and vetted a majority of the picks above. She brings years of journalism experience to the Institute, having reviewed products from cooling dog beds to dog carriers. A journalist for almost two decades, she is the author of Biography of a Body and Buffalo Steel. Prior to starting at GH in , she worked at BuzzFeed and People, covering a combination of product reviews and lifestyle content. Watch Next. One of the most popular membership boxes out there, BarkBox is all about themes. You and your pup are sure to be delighted by each month's delivery. From Scooby-Doo to Cinco de Mayo, the boxes come filled with two toys, two treats, and a chew curated to fit the theme. When you sign up, you will answer a few questions about your pup weight, age, and allergies. Shipping is free within the contiguous United States, and BarkBox even has an online shop selling more toys and surprises. If your pup likes to chew , you might want to opt for the Super Chewer box filled with impossible-to-destroy toys. You can cancel at any time on a month-to-month plan, but the other plans cannot be canceled. You can also get boxes that provide your dog with both premium-made toys and treats. Based on box selection, your package may contain five or six surprises for your pet, and you can customize the toys based on their preferences. This brand is a great choice for anyone looking for value. Each month you will receive a box of well-made toys and treats for less than you would spend in a store. The BoxDog subscription box is a monthly service that comes with two treats, one skincare item, and two to three toys, clothing, or accessories you pick. Choose from items such as a dog jacket, a squeaky toy, or a premium leash, depending on what your dog needs. Your first BoxDog box typically ships within a couple of business days, and then every three months for the seasonal plans. BoxDog is a great choice for any pet parent who wants a less-frequent subscription box and likes curating items for their pup. Instead, consider a monthly subscription like the Pet Treater box, which offers a toy-only bundle or a treat-only package. Items like stuffed animals, chew toys, and rope pulls will make sure your furry friend will never be bored again. Want more for your little buddy? Choose from a monthly subscription, or pay for multiple months in advance to save even more. You can cancel at any time, and customer service representatives are always available via live chat, email, or phone. You can even tell the customer support team to avoid certain types of toys e. Best for Chewers: Bullymake Sign Up Now Anyone with an intense chewer knows the pain of seeing a brand new dog toy in shreds after only a few minutes. But if a chewing debacle happens, the company offers to send a replacement as long as you provide a photo of the sacrificed toy. Every box comes with two to three chew toys and three healthy treats. While Bullymake boxes cost more than some other choices on our list, the price is worth it for toys that last. This monthly subscription includes a trendy bandana with every installment, as well as two treats and two toys for your pooch. We give bonus points to the Dapper Dog Box for how easy it is to cancel or skip a month without speaking to customer service just do it on your profile. This subscription offers fresh dog food packed with essential vitamins and nutrients. All ingredients are human-grade and never processed, nor do they contain artificial ingredients or fillers. Every shipment arrives cold and should be frozen until you're ready to feed your dog. This monthly subscription is made by the same company that offers BarkBox, but this service is focused specifically on dog dental hygiene. With every box, the company donates bowls of food to shelter pets in need, so you can feel good about spoiling your pooch. The longer you subscribe, the cheaper the monthly cost. And, you can cancel any time with a month-to-month subscription. Even if your dog does not love one of the toys which we doubt is possible , you will still feel great about giving back and helping a shelter dog in need. While the company doesn't offer full or partial refunds, you can send them an email with a photo if your package is damaged and they will try to resolve the problem. You can also cancel your subscription at any time. The price depends on the type of surprise you want for your pup treats or toys, for example and how often you want a box delivered. A dog subscription box is often cost-effective if you tend to get your dog treats and toys regularly. Many companies charge less than pet store prices. What Comes in a Dog Subscription Box? Most shipments include a variety of products such as toys, treats, and chews. Heavy chewers, dogs with allergies , or pups that ignore toys can all benefit from a dog subscription box. While some dog subscription boxes only provide chews and treats, most come with a toy or two every month. If you are mostly interested in toys, you can opt for a box specializing in dog toys such as Pet Treater Dog Box or Bullymake. These options are great for dogs that go through toys quickly, requiring frequent replacements. Related Topics. Directly supports hungry shelter animals Gives you a premium assortment of products Still affordable considering the included donation Cons Subscription doesn't accommodate food allergies Why It Made the List Anyone who has a rescue or simply loves dogs is sure to appreciate The Animal Rescue Site's subscription box. RescueBox lets you spoil your dog every month while supporting a good cause in the process. With every RescueBox, you'll be sent five premium products, and The Animal Rescue Site will provide dozens of meals to homeless pets and shelter animals through its charitable partners located in the U. If you've been on the fence about splurging on a monthly dog subscription, RescueBox gives you the perfect excuse to do so. Subscriptions for small, medium, and large dogs are all the same price and include the same number of products. No other customizations can be made beyond dog size, but the treats, chews, and toys you receive are always carefully selected by a team of pet experts. The products also follow a monthly theme, so your dog will get to enjoy an exciting variety of high-quality goodies, and you'll feel good knowing that your subscription is helping pets in need. Yes Products Include: Treats, toys, and chews Final Thoughts If you want convenient monthly deliveries of different toys and treats for a price that doesn't make you think twice about spoiling your dog, a subscription to BarkBox gets you the most bark for your buck. Some subscriptions let you customize your plan based on your dog's needs and preferences, while others have experts that curate an assortment of goodies based on a new theme; BarkBox does both. You can expect a fun-themed variety of premium toys every month but can also customize your plan to your dog. Upgrading your plan to accommodate another dog or one who just goes through toys fast will increase your bill but will also qualify you for free shipping. It can be hard guessing whether or not your dog will like something you order online, but all BarkBox plans have a percent satisfaction guarantee. Free shipping isn't always included, but when it's not, you can often qualify for it by adding extra products to your order. None of the subscriptions on this list require committing to a certain number of boxes, though most plans are automatically set up for either 12 months or four quarters of recurring deliveries. You're always free to cancel whenever you want, and you never have to pay the cost of the entire subscription period upfront if you prefer month-to-month payments. Chewy's Goody Box is the only exception because unless you set up recurring shipping at checkout, every box must be ordered individually. Most dog subscription boxes contain bundles of both food and non-food items, but Pooch Perks , Bullymake , and Pet Treater let you adjust your plan to receive only toys. However, if accessories are the non-food item you prefer, BoxDog is the best option. While the subscription does include treats and toys, it also sends skin care products and lets you pick out accessories every month. The same applies to Bark Bright , which will supply you with a monthly supply of toothpaste and chews. Methodology To find the best dog subscription boxes, our team reviewed nearly two dozen services, evaluating each one on the following criteria: Average price Number of items per box Variety of products.
Characteristics Life Span As pointed out in the intro paragraph Shepradors generally live between 10 and 12 years, and sometimes they can reach the age of .However, they tend to be cautious with strangers, thanks to their German Shepherd ancestors. Caring Grooming: their shorthaired coat needs regular brushing: every day in the shedding season spring and autumn and three-to-five times a week in the rest of the year. Activity level With two highly energetic parent breeds, these dogs need an active life, so be ready to spend several hours a day keeping your pet busy. A Labrador Shepherd is generally 20 to 26 inches tall cm. Besides being active, you should have a large house, with a yard to provide her with enough space to move around. The Labrador Shepherd likes cold climates rather than hot weather, so be sure to have the ability to keep her comfortable all year. Further Reading Top 10 Dog Sports 2. They have it in their blood, and can successfully do police work, including searching, tracking, rescue, or guard work. If you care about your flowers and plants, you should also consider building an enclosure to keep your dog away from them. When you bring her inside, provide her with toys and games to keep her busy. She will enjoy any activity that stimulates her mind, such as dog puzzles or training sessions. The vacuum cleaner will be your new best friend German Shepherd Lab Mix is a double-coated breed, which means they have an undercoat next to the skin with longer hair over the top. Dogs from this crossbreed shed a lot, especially when the seasons change. If you want to keep her hair shiny and healthy, you should take time to brush her for at least minutes, three-to-five times a week. A consistent brushing schedule will help you reduce the amount of hair around the house. Besides brushing, you should include in your schedule: cleaning her ears once a week , brushing her teeth at least three times a week , and cleaning her eyes when needed. While this sounds like a lot, on the other hand, she only needs to take a bath about once a month. Exercising her on a concrete surface could help you keep her nails in good shape and reduce the number of visits to the vet. Always buy non-toxic toys, and substitute them with new ones as soon as they start deteriorating to avoid accidents. Your dog will need some strong toys, adapted to her age. Most hybrids tend to have a balanced personality, but as your puppy could be the result of more crosses , she may not inherit the exact characteristics you want in a dog; your future dog is prone to a series of health issues, caused by her bloodline. Obesity, hip and elbow dysplasia, eye diseases and diabetes are a lot more common with these dogs, but she could also develop epilepsy, skin allergies, bloat or cardiovascular diseases, these being common among Labradors and German Shepherds. From my point of view, most estimations work well for average dogs. You should buy your dog from a responsible breeder In most cases, a Labrador Shepherd has high potential and is a great candidate for the title of the perfect family dog. However, as mentioned before, hybrid dogs could have unpredictable coat colors, personalities, and health issues, so buying your puppy from a reliable source is as close as you can get to a clear image about your future dog. Generally, this hybrid can be 26 inches 66 cm tall and can weigh up to 88 pounds 40 kg. Taking into account the height and weight of its German Shepherd and Labrador mix parents, this crossbreed is a medium to a large-sized dog. So measurements can still vary more or less from that range. Good news for you! It will shower you with love and loyalty, and make you proud with its intelligence and playfulness. Do you think you can deal with this? Shepradors has a life expectancy of 10 to 12 years, but some of them can reach this age. We all want our pets to live longer and spend more years with us, so read this section to avoid and better prepare against genetic illnesses. Conclusion As you could see above, when buying a Sheprador you get the best of two great breeds. I think that this mix of German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever makes for the perfect family dog — kind, loyal, patient with children, and protective. However, they have endless energy and require a lot of time and attention, which makes them suitable for active families only. So are you ready to handle such a dog? Leave us a comment below and tell us about your personal experience with this unique crossbreed. My first Shepherd grew up as I did and wanted to be where I was at all times. I got my second dog as a 16th birthday present, and her loyalty for me was just as strong as my first. I hope that my contribution to Animalso will help others find dogs who give them that same unconditional love. But I adopted my little Hank recently and he seems both very playful and very cuddly. He likes to snuggle a lot but is very active too. Just wondering if I should expect him to go crazy one of these days? Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic German Sheprador Highlights The German Sheprador is a mixed breed dog. The main colors of German Shepradors are black, white, red, cream, blue, and grey. Sometimes their coats are solid, and sometimes they have a mix of colors. While they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job. Many German Shepradors absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also help to keep them cool during hot summer months. German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. Protective in nature, they will alert when strangers approach. They can easily become board, depressed, and frustrated, which will result in unwanted behaviors. German Sheprador History The German Sheprador dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing German Shepherds and Labradors in North America, possibly in the s. Breeders wanted to mix the two parent breeds to minimize health problems that affect many purebreds as well as create an ultimate family companion and watchdog. They continued to create German Shepradors as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the German Sheprador got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the dog for you. Check your local shelters, look up German Sheprador rescues, or check with breed-specific German Shepherd and Labrador rescues, as they sometimes help to re-home mixed breeds. German Sheprador Size As the German Sheprador is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between German Shepherd and Labrador parents, you can expect the German Sheprador to be on the large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 95 pounds and range in height from 20 to 27 inches at the shoulder. That said, many can be smaller or larger. German Sheprador Personality German Shepradors make excellent family companions and watchdogs. However, once they befriend you, you have a friend for life. These pups hail from a line of two working parents. Their German Shepherd parents regularly work as military, police, and guard dogs, while their Labrador Retriever parents have jobs as hunting and guide dogs. German Shepradors like to work and need to have a job to do, whether big or small. Give them a sense of purpose, and this dog will earn their keep ten fold. They are highly trainable, and thrive on positive reenforcement. Do not leave them alone for long periods. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. German Shepradors are prone to weight gain, and they have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one hour long walk per day with several shorter walks mixed in. Hiking and other adventurous activities are also recommended. Check their ears for debris and pests daily and clean them as recommended by your vet. They should not be clicking against the floor. Your groomer can help with this. You should brush their teeth daily, as this mixed breed is prone to tartar build-up. Normal play on grass is fine, as is puppy agility with its one-inch jumps. Crate and kennel training should start in puppyhood. German Sheprador Feeding An ideal German Sheprador diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. They have a tendency to gain weight if they are overfed, so you should stick to a regular feeding schedule and not leave food out during the day. Limit their amount of treats, as well. They usually have medium length, dense coats, and while they are not a good choice of dog for allergy sufferers, their coats are pretty easy to care for. A good brushing per week will probably do the job and bathing is recommended every few months with a mild shampoo. Too much bathing can strip the coat of its natural oils. Their double coats do shed quite a bit. You will definitely want a vacuum on hand. You will need it. Have you tried robot vacuums? See if the Eufy RoboVac is right for you! Their double coat gives them an edge when it comes to extreme weather. Many of these dogs absolutely love to run and play in the snow. Their double coats also helps to keep them cool during hot summer months. Keep in mind they are an indoor dog and need to live indoors. Like all dogs, however, German Shepradors need to be trained how to behave around children and vice versa. As with every breed, you should always teach children how to approach and touch dogs, and always supervise any interactions between dogs and young children to prevent any biting or ear or tail pulling on the part of either party. No dog, no matter how friendly, should ever be left unsupervised with a child. Learn more about this awesome breed by reading about their parent breeds the German Shepherd and Labrador Retriever. German Sheprador Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for German Shepradors because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try German Shepherd Dog or Labrador Retriever breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. It is, therefore, no surprise that some breeders are starting to mix the two. Considering whether a German Shepherd Lab Mix is right for you? Read on for everything you need to know about this amazing mixed-breed dog. Lab German Shepherd Mix Overview Size — 22 to 25 inches tall and 50 to 80 pounds Coat — Medium length, double coat, color varies Shedding — Yes Temperament — Intelligent, active, and loyal, but can be wary of strangers Trainable — Highly, but prone to destructive behavior when bored Activity — Highly active needs two hours of activity per day Best For — Families and people with active lifestyles and lots of time to spend with them What is a German Shepherd Lab Mix? As these dogs are roughly the same size, the mother can be of either breed as long as she is larger than the father, to ensure against any difficulty in the birthing process. Sheprador Appearance As is the case for most mix-breed dogs, it is a bit of a gamble what you will get when these two come together. They might have the pointed ears of a German Shepherd or the floppy ears of a Labrador. There is nothing to do but wait and see. But luckily, both German Shepherds and Labradors are attractive dogs, so however they turn out they should be handsome. That said, we can make a few generalizations about the appearance of Shepradors. Size As both German Shepherds and Labradors are medium- to large-sized dogs, you can expect their mixed offspring to be the same. German Shepherds are the larger of the two and are usually between 50 and 90 pounds and 22 to 26 inches tall. Labradors are only a little bit smaller, at 50 to 80 pounds and 22 to 25 inches tall. So expect your German Shepherd Lab Mix to stand between 22 and 25 inches tall and weigh 50 to 80 pounds. You can narrow this range down a bit by looking at the size of the parents. Color The color of these gorgeous mixed-breed dogs is also highly variable, and you might end up with a pooch of a solid coat color, like Labs, or striking mixed coloring, like German Shepherds. A lot of this depends on the color of the Labrador parent, whether they are yellow, black, or chocolate. As a general rule, the darker the lab parent, the darker the coat of the pup. But you also get white German Shepherd Dogs, which can result in striking white Shepradors. Coat When it comes to coat length, you should expect in most cases that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will have a shorter coat, like that of a Labrador. This seems to be a dominant gene, and the vast majority of German Shepherd Lab Mixes end up with this type of coat. The dog will certainly have a double coat, as this is a feature of both breeds. The undercoat will be soft and fluffy, and the guard coat rough. This does mean that they shed—a lot. This is not the type of dog to have at home if anyone in the household suffers from allergies. Shepherd Lab Mix Puppy Lab German Shepherd Mix Character While temperament is again unpredictable with mix-breeds, both German Shepherds and Labradors are intelligent, active, and loyal dogs, so you can expect their offspring to share these traits. German Shepherds are very intelligent and have a natural protective instinct. They have a tendency to guard whatever they consider to be theirs. Labradors were originally bred as gun dogs, to retrieve the wild game of hunters. As such, they are very obedient and tend to be pleasers, and they like nothing more than spending time with their humans. As both breeds are intelligent and highly trainable, you can expect these characteristics to appear in a Sheprador. However, whether they will be a guard dog that can be aggressive with strangers, or a pleaser that is great with children, you will have to wait and see. While dogs are a mix of nature and nurture, if you want to take a Lab German Shepherd mix into a family home, or if you are a first-time dog owner, you will want to be careful about which individual dog you choose. Activity Levels However their personality turns out, you are going to have a dog with a lot of energy. These larger dogs that are used to working need around two hours of exercise each day. Their intelligence also means they get bored easily, and when they do get bored, they can have a tendency toward destructive behavior, which means digging and chewing. They do best with active owners with whom they can go walking, hiking, and running. Whether these dogs will like swimming is a coin toss. While Labradors love the water, German Shepherds are a bit more wary. But their size and adventurous nature mean they can be trained to love the water. So you have a good chance that your Lab German Shepherd Mix will be a swimmer. These dogs are loyal and love being around their humans. You will find them at their happiest and healthiest when you make them part of the family and shower them with love. Exercise Ideally, your Sheprador will need around two hours of exercise per day. This might be more than just a long walk, as their high energy levels mean they will like to run as well. They will enjoy tackling tough trails with you at their side, and the retriever nature of Labradors also means this breed is likely to enjoy a good game of fetch. Bear in mind that these dogs will need this level of exercise rain or shine, or they will become frustrated and start engaging in destructive behavior. This is not only bad for them in general, but can put excess pressure on their hips, which are also prone to issues. Intellectual Stimulation German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs are invariably highly intelligent, which makes them easy to train but also means they get bored very easily. When they do get bored, they are smart enough to find trouble, and you may come home to quite the scene. These dogs need to spend time with people to occupy their minds, and they also benefit from intellectually stimulating games. But expect them to make short work of these challenges, as they are chewers. You will be getting them new games quite often. Companionship Labradors need a lot of companionship, and this is a trait their offspring with German Shepherds are likely to share. Not only will they get bored and start acting up, but they can become depressed. Grooming Both German Shepherds and Labradors are shedders, so you can be sure their Sheprador offspring will be as well. This is just a fact of life with Shepradors. They will need to be brushed at least twice a week, and as often as once a day during the shedding seasons fall and spring. As well as brushing, invest in a good quality vacuum cleaner that has special functionality to help you pick up dog hair. These dogs are also likely to enjoy jumping up on the couch for a snuggle and a snooze. Invest in coverings and be sure your swanky vacuum cleaner has an attachment for upholstery. Their coat is not the only part of their grooming to attend to. You need to clean their teeth three times a week, with a brush or with dental treats. Finally, trim their nails every three months. This is both for their health and the health of your home, as their nails can damage your floors. For a big dog like this, it can be a good idea to take them to the vet to get their nails clipped. But if you feel confident to do this at home, check out our list of the best nail clippers. Diet German Shepherd Lab Mixes are big dogs that have lots of energy, but they also have a tendency toward obesity, which means they have to get their energy from good sources. This means high-quality protein and fats over carbohydrates. Preferably this means meals made from quality meats rather than meals or byproducts. When looking at the ingredient list, look for named meats at the first ingredient. Lab German Shepherd Mixes also benefit from novel proteins in their diet, as they can be prone to allergies. Dogs tend to develop allergies to the meats they eat the most, which often means beef and chicken. When they are puppies, Shepradors should be fed three times a day, and this should be cut down to two times a day from about four months of age. As a rule, dogs need 25 to 30 calories per pound of their weight per day, though you should watch their individual weight and energy level to see if you need to adjust their meals up or down. You can also check the label on your dog food to get a rough estimate of how much you should be feeding your Sheprador. Of course the amount will also vary depending on how often you exercise your dog. Known Health Problems While there is no limit to the number of health problems that a dog of any breed can develop, or they might not develop any at all, some dog breeds are more prone to some conditions than others. German Shepherd Lab Mix dogs have the potential to develop the health problems that are common in goth German Shepherds and Labradors. These include: Hip and Elbow Dysplasia — This is a condition where the hip and elbow joints do not develop normally and that can cause extreme pain and arthritis in later life. For more information check out our list of Glucosamine for Dogs. Progressive Retinal Atrophy — This is a group of degenerative diseases that affect the eyes and can lead to blindness. Shepradors are also prone to eat whatever is put in front of them, so you need to be conscious of what you are feeding them. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus — Poor diet can lead the stomach to dilate and expand, in turn leading to a twisting of the stomach that is life-threatening. It can block the flow of blood to the abdomen, leading to rupture of the stomach walls, and put pressure on the diaphragm thereby inhibiting the lungs. Degenerative Radiculomyelopathy — This is a condition that affects the spinal cord and leads to progressive weakness of the hind limbs, and eventually paralysis. Panosteitis — This is an inflammation of the outer surface of the long bones in the legs, resulting in a shifting lameness and making bones more susceptible to breaks. Allergies — Dogs can be born with allergies or develop them over time. Dogs often develop allergies if they eat the same foods consistently. Underactive Thyroid — The thyroid manages hormones, and an underactive thyroid is unable to secrete the required hormones. This can result in weight gain, lethargy, and cold intolerance. At this time, their energy levels will drop and they will need some changes in their diet and exercise. GSD Lab Mix Puppy But no matter how well trained they are, if they are left to get bored for too long, they can engage in some pretty destructive behavior, such as digging and chewing everything in sight. You have been forewarned. The highly assertive nature of German Shepherds means they do not respond well to domination training. They are likely to revolt when subjected to punishment. The best way to train a Labrador German Shepherd Mix is through positive reinforcement. Labradors are pleasers that love to make their humans happy. This means their offspring are also likely to feel the same way. So they will respond rapidly to training based on rewards for positive behavior. Deal with this behavior early, with specific training for dealing with children and strangers. They are very active and need lots of attention, so they need to be in households that support this. But they do great with adults and kids, so they can be a great family pet. Remember that German Shepherd Labrador Mixes need around two hours of exercise every day, so they need someone who can commit to that level of activity. But at the same time, it means they are the type of dog you can take on all of your adventures if you like hiking and trailing. They also need attention and stimulation throughout the day. If anyone in the house suffers with pet hair allergies, this is another reason Labrador German Shepherd Mixes are not the right dog for you, as they shed a lot. Consider something like a Labradoodle or Goldendoodle instead. Also, ask for medical records of the parents, to see what health conditions the pup might be prone to in the future. If you decide to adopt a mature dog, spend a bit of time with them to see what their temperament is like. History of the Breeds German Shepherd German Shepherds originated in Germany in the late 19th century as a sheep herding dog. But, because they are very intelligent, trainable, obedient, and strong, they have since moved into many different working roles including police, military, search and rescue, and disability assistance. German Shepherds can have a reputation for being aggressive, but they are more alert and wary than aggressive. They can have a tendency to become overprotective of family and territory. But if socialized and trained properly, this tendency should be highly manageable. German Shepherds are the second-most popular dog in the United States and the seventh-most popular dog in the United Kingdom. Labrador Labradors, also known as Labrador Retrievers, were initially used in Newfoundland as fishing dogs to retrieve fish that had gotten away. Because they are incredibly friendly but also intelligent and therefore easy to train, today Labradors are favored as disability assistance dogs, often helping individuals with blindness, ptsd, mobility issues and autism. Labradors are the most popular dog breed in the United States. They are intelligent and therefore easy to train, and loving and loyal, so they will quickly feel like part of the family. However, they do need a lot of exercise and attention, so adopting a Sheprador into your family is a commitment. German Shepherds have a reputation for being aggressive, but it is not really deserved. They are natural watchdogs and reserved around strangers, but they are not aggressive dogs that are likely to attack. They are also intelligent and easy to train, which means easy to control. Beagles, Poodles, Boxers, Golden Retrievers and Spaniels are all extremely friendly dogs as well, many specifically bred to be companions. They do best with active people or families who are full of people to love them. Like all dogs, they will do their best when they are cared for properly. This means training them appropriately, exercising them, keeping them mentally stimulated, and feeding them well. But these loyal pooches will repay your care and commitment with a lot of love and affection. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Well, you get the German Shepherd Lab mix, a lovable crossbreed with all the great personality traits you could ever want in a family dog. Also known as Lab Shepherd mixes or Shepradors, these mixed breed canines are highly sought after. The parent breeds are some of the most popular dog breeds in the world. Like all crossbreeds, Shepradors combine the physical and personality traits of their parents, resulting in a one-of-a-kind companion. Because they are a designer dog , there are no established breeding guidelines or standards. Oftentimes, pedigree information is scarce as well, creating a lot of unknowns. Canines are fully capable of crossbreeding on their own. In fact, many of the purebred dogs we know today are a result of centuries of careful breeding. As we mentioned earlier, this crossbreed is a direct result of breeding purebred German Shepherds with Labrador Retrievers. Labrador Retrievers have a very long history that dates back all the way to the s. Back then, they were working dogs that often helped out fishermen. Eventually, these dogs made their way to England where they became companions for European royalty. German Shepherds were working dogs, too. However, their main job was to herd sheep and other livestock for farmers. Today, Labradors and German Shepherds are very popular the world over. .Though, they are popular for very different reasons. Typically, Labs are known for their companionship. They make great family pets and are often used as guide dogs for those with disabilities. Meanwhile, German Shepherds are revered for their athleticism and intelligence. German Shepherd Lab Mix Temperament The beauty of mixed breed dogs is that they take on traits from both of their parents. German Shepradors are a perfect example of this. These dogs are a joy to be around. Whether that required physical work or simply good behavior, these pups are up for the task! Like all dogs, German Shepherds and their subsequent crossbreed are products of their environment. Shepradors make great family dogs. The combination of intelligent thinking and loyalty can prove to be useful in a home setting. Your watchdog will do all they can to protect your home while still being down for cuddles. However, helping your pup grow up to be obedient and well-behaved is manageable. You see, these dogs are very intelligent. In fact, some might say that they are too intelligent for their own good. This mainly comes from the German Shepherd side of the dog. German Shepherds are notorious for being stubborn. Shepradors can take on that personality trait, making the training process a bit more challenging. They may require more time and patience to truly understand things. Another issue you might encounter with German Shepherd mixes is the need for regular mental stimulation. Because they are so intelligent, you must constantly challenge their minds to keep them happy. Like all dogs, Shepradors do best when positive reinforcement is the training method of choice. While dominance-based training used to be the go-to, several studies have shown that punishments do more harm than good. German Shepherd mixes thrive when you use a reward system. Showering your dog with praise and providing plenty of treats is the best way to instill the training techniques. Despite all of this, you may see pups with vastly different characteristics. Genetics is not an exact science. Dominant genes from one parent dog may take over, causing the puppy to look more like one breed than the other. As a result, the crossbreed is going to fall into that same category. You can use information about their parents for reference, but several factors will contribute to their true adult size. Generally, males can weigh upwards of 88 pounds when fully grown. They will stand between 22 and 26 inches at the withers. This is the point between the shoulder blades of the dog. Females are typically smaller than males. You may come across females as small as 35 pounds. Though, most will be around 70 to 80 pounds. As for height, females tend to be between 20 and 24 inches at the withers. Both of the parent breeds are pretty athletic, so most mixed pups will be as well. They fall somewhere in the middle. Depending on their activity levels, you might notice strong muscle development on their hind legs. These dogs usually have wide snouts and dark noses. Their eyes are large and brown. Some pups may have light eyes, but this is quite rare. Genetic variations in the parent breeds can lead to lighter eyes, but a vast majority are going to have big brown eyes. One characteristic where you will see a lot of variation among these dogs is the ears. Most Labs have large ears that flop down over the sides of the head Meanwhile, perky triangular ears are one of the most defining traits of the German Shepherds. The interesting thing about the ears is that you will have to wait and see whether they stand tall or flop down. Puppies are born with soft and fluffy ears. As they grow older, the cartilage in their ears may or may not strengthen to help them stand up. Some pups even have a combination of the two ear styles! Colors Coat colors can vary across the board with these pups. German Shepherds have an iconic tri-color coat. Distinct patterns of gold, black, and white cover the body. The most common is gold. However, black and pure-white Labs exist as well. They may have multi-colored coats or solid ones. Lifespan The average lifespan for a German Shepherd Lab mix is between 10 and 12 years. This falls in line with the life expectancy of the parent breeds. Generally, larger dogs tend to have a shorter lifespan than smaller ones. Many factors will affect how much time these dogs have. Health issues and a poor lifestyle can cut that lifespan short. On the same token, extremely healthy pups are fully capable of living past 12 years of age. Possible Health Issues Like all dogs, Shepradors are not immune to disease and health problems. In fact, they may be susceptible to more issues. The problem with mixing breeds is that it opens up the possibilities of health complications in the future. Hereditary problems from both parents can be passed to the puppy. Unfortunately, German Shepherds and Labrador Retrievers are known to suffer from a few different ailments. Here are the most common health concerns to be wary of. Dysplasia is a musculoskeletal condition that often affects dogs later in life. However, it takes years to develop and can be triggered by issues as a young pup. Take hip dysplasia for example. Hip dysplasia can cause debilitating pain. Many dogs who suffer from it have a hard time standing up. They may exhibit signs of extreme weakness in the hind legs, resulting in a noticeably different posture. The hip sockets become malformed, causing mobility issues with the hip joint. While some dogs are born with it, poor development as a puppy can exacerbate the problem. There are treatment options for hip and elbow dysplasia. Veterinarians can perform surgery early on to correct the problem and provide relief. If your dog is already suffering from it, physical therapy and joint supplements can provide relief from pain. Bloat Contrary to popular belief, bloat is not an innocent gas problem with dogs. It occurs when dogs eat too fast or exert physical exercise too soon after eating. Excess air is swallowed, filling the stomach. Eventually, the stomach can twist on itself. This restricts blood flow throughout the body. Provide small meals and prevent your dog from playing for at least 30 minutes. To control fast eating, you can utilize slow-feeding bowls or puzzle toys. They create an obstacle that forces the dog to eat slower than normal, which can do a lot to prevent GDV. Ocular Issues Eye diseases, such as progressive retinal atrophy, are pretty common with both parent breeds. The tissue within the eye can degenerate over time. This causes vision loss. From there, you can provide supplements or foods rich in beta carotene to slow its progression. Diet and Exercise Requirements Shepherd Labrador mixes are incredibly active dogs. They love nothing more than playing and getting tons of exercise. To make matters worse, a lack of exercise can turn into a lasting problem. You need to start your pup on the right foot and establish a healthy lifestyle right off the bat. Go for runs and toss chew toys around the yard. You can break up exercise time in manageable chunks throughout the day to make things easier. As long as you get those 90 minutes in, your dog should have no problem staying healthy. When it comes to diet, you must be just as vigilant! These dogs have insatiable appetites. However, you need to ensure that their food is meeting all of their nutritional needs. It should use wholesome proteins like chicken, beef, or fish. The dog food should also have complex carbs and healthy fats like fish oil. Steer clear of anything that has artificial ingredients or unnecessary fillers. Those foods will do more harm than good. The goal is to provide your dog with muscle-building protein that will keep their body in good shape. As a good rule of thumb, dogs will need about 30 calories of food for each pound of body weight. This usually amounts to about 4 cups of dry kibble a day. That said, foods can vary dramatically when it comes to nutritional density. We recommend splitting their caloric requirements into two small meals a day. One meal in the morning and one in the evening will keep their energy levels stable as they go about their active lifestyles. Plus, splitting the meals will help to avoid issues like bloat. However, thick coats need a bit of extra work. GSDs have double costs. The outer layer of hair is thinner and easier to manage. Meanwhile, the inner coat is thick and dense. It provides insulation in those cold winter months. German Shepherd Lab mixes can inherit that thick coat. They will go through shedding cycles a couple of times a year, resulting in a mess of fur throughout your home! With regular brushings, you can keep the fallout to manageable levels while keeping your pup clean. These pups make great family dogs. They get along just fine with kids as long as you socialize them early on. As always, you should never leave your dog alone with young kids. These crossbred dogs are fully capable of attacking people, so you should exercise caution and always keep a watchful eye. They should know not to pull their tail or agitate the dog in any way. Are German Shepherd Lab mixes good guard dogs? Shepradors make great guard dogs. Plus, they tend to be a bit suspicious of strangers. Are these dogs aggressive? This all depends on their upbringing. If you take the time to properly train and socialize these dogs, they will be gentle and loving. However, if the dogs are abused or trained with punishment, they could exhibit aggressive behavior. How big to German Shepherd Lab mixes get? Males can weigh as much as 88 pounds and grow to 26 inches tall at the withers. Do Shepradors get along with other dogs? German Shepherd Labrador mixes do just fine with other dogs. However, they must be properly socialized first. Exposure to other animals is key during their development. They should be introduced to new family dogs slowly to prevent any aggressive behavior. Do Shepradors make good working dogs? Thanks to their intelligence and high trainability, Labrashepherds make fine working dogs. They do particularly well herding livestock. Conclusion German Shepherd Lab mixes are a joy to raise. If you have an active lifestyle to keep them fit, they will be a great addition to your family. Treat them well and these pups will spend their lives being a loving canine companion. Search Dog Breeds. There is no way to find out if your puppy will develop any of these conditions. All you can do is to take care of your dog properly to prevent some of these severe medical conditions. Your growing dog should maintain a healthy weight because extra weight can be an additional weight on its spine. The ideal dog nutrition will also depend on any nutritional needs of your dog. If you are training your dog, never give treats as a reward. This encourages obesity and will only cause more problems for your dog. Here are top dog food brands that your German Shepherd Lab will surely love. Its core ingredients include ground brown rice, lamb meal, white rice, and chicken. It is all natural and contains no preservatives. Even a picky puppy will surely love this dog food. Precise Holistic Complete Large Breed Adult Formula Precise Holistic contains chicken, brown rice, chicken fat, and oatmeal and is considered the best organic dog food for large dogs. This comes with extra calcium and phosphorus needed by dogs to achieve its full, large size. This is a portion of irresistible dog food for large breed dogs such as your Lab German Shepherd mix. Just like any other dog, never give your German Shepherd Lab the following human food. Not all human food is safe for dogs. Alcohol Chicken bones or cooked chicken bones Grapes or raisins Salty foods and junk food Chocolate, coffee, or tea Onions, chives, and garlic If you want your dog to grow strong and healthy, you need to give them the best care in the world. So, start with their nutrition! That means you need to stay away from the worst dry dog food, and try out the best dry dog food instead. Your hairy friend comes from different parents and therefore you can experiment with the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Our puppy friends need nutrition that is full of proteins and easy to digest. You can look for some ideas in the best puppy food brands. Senior dogs, in their grandpa style, need food which contains moderate protein levels as in the best senior dry dog food. Because of this, you need to spend ample time in a day to exercise and to walk this dog otherwise; it can develop destructive behavior. Play with your dog regularly to develop a strong bond with your pet. Remember that this dog will love to swim because of its Labrador Retriever lineage. A local dog pool or a pond would work great with your dog. If you have a large yard, an old, large vat will work great just for him to play and cool off. All dogs love to fetch and play Frisbee. Use other kinds of toys like large ropes so you can play pulling games. Use a giant ball for fetches like an old football or a tennis ball. Here are a few ideas 1. This is available in six sizes so you will surely find the best size for your medium to large-sized Lab German Shepherd mix. It is indestructible so your dog will undoubtedly spend hours playing with it. It is made from durable materials that will never break or chip. This is indestructible, and your dog will surely love to play with this over and over again. It is soft but is made to be indestructible. Your pet will surely love to chew on this soft bone. This will be his favorite toy in no time. Lab German Shepherd Mix Training The Lab crossed with a German Shepherd is a brilliant dog, but it may need more than simple traditional training techniques to train this dog. The following tricks will help you make your dog obey you in no time. The Clicker Technique Learn how to train your dog using a clicker. Press this, and you will hear an audible click, a sound that dog loves very much. The clicker may be used in all kinds of tricks, but the most common is for positive reinforcement. Just click the clicker when your dog can follow the trick and then click again if you want to repeat the behavior. Invest in a good clicker which is available in most pet stores online. This can contribute to obesity and other health problems related to being overweight. Reward good behavior by patting your dog, playing with him or giving him a good scratch. Tell your dog what a good dog he is and combines this with a lot of pats as reinforcement. Every dog takes his time so you must be patient. His bed should at the same place where he found it the first time while his food bowls should also be in the same area. Consistency is the key to training dogs important stuff. Also, consider talking to everyone at home regarding your rules and commands to reinforce consistency in training your dog. Train Your Dog In A Familiar Environment Dogs like the Lab are easily distracted; therefore you must train your pup in a quiet and familiar environment first before you take him out for further training. Start inside a quiet room with only you and him. You can train him outdoors once he is less distracted to noise and the presence of other pets and people. You may also opt for professional training for your Lab German Shepherd mix dog if you want your pup to grow up and become a service dog or police dog. German Shepherd Lab Mix and Families Lab German Shepherds can be great family dogs because these dogs love to be with their masters and to please them every way they can. These are patient with children and will never roughhouse or bite. They can even tolerate toddlers and very intense games like dress up and role play games. Lab German Shepherd mix dogs will love to be with other pets and even other dogs. They are not domineering and will never cause a fight. The Lab German Shepherd mix may become anti-social and may become aggressive with people or other dogs when they are not introduced to people and other pets early on. Your dog should be trained first and exposed to other dogs and people to prevent this untoward behavior. German Shepherd Lab mix puppies German Shepherd Lab mix dogs are a combination of energetic friendliness and natural protection. As well trained adults they have the potential to make great herding, hunting, retrieving, therapy, service or pet dogs. German Shepherd Lab mixes are affectionate with their family, but need plenty of exercise, shed heavily, and can be destructive if left alone for long periods. That is, they have one parent of each pedigree. So there is huge variation in how they look, and no standard appearance. Some have the telltale muzzle and tall ears of the German Shepherd, others more resemble a Labrador. The color of their coat will depend on the coloring of their parents. For example, a black Lab German Shepherd mix is likely to have a dark coat, and a German Shepherd yellow Lab mix is likely to have a mid-toned coat. There are even arresting-looking white German Shepherd Lab crosses. An ultra-warm undercoat and a coarse outer coat to protect them from the elements as they work outdoors. This is because the gene for long coats is recessive and very unusual among Labs. Gathering up their lost hair will be a never-ending task! A good vacuum cleaner is essential. This might be reason enough to choose a different crossbreed if you have a busy family or someone with allergies in the home. German Shepherds are large dogs. They stand 22 — 26 inches tall at their shoulder blades, and weigh 49 — 88 pounds. Meanwhile, Labs are a medium sized breed, 22 — 25 inches tall at their shoulders, and 55 — 80 pounds on the scales. A Labrador German shepherd mix could be as petite as their smallest parent or as big as their largest parent. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could weigh anything from 55 pounds to 80 pounds. As usual, the lower end of the range is typically made up of female dogs, and the top end is dominated by the boys. They love to interact with people, show their affection, and get on well with children. Also, the German Shepherd is confident, courageous and smart. They are loyal and full of life. Furthermore, Labradors and German Shepherds are both fast learners and eager to please. German Shepherds in particular need productive ways to channel their intelligence, or they will get into mischief to stave off boredom. Your German Shepherd Lab mix could inherit any combination of the traits of their parents, which is why meeting both parents before committing to bringing home a puppy is so important. Socialization Socialization is the process of making a dog comfortable with other animals, people, places and activities. Even for breeds that are known to be friendly and easy-going, like Labradors, socialization is very important. German Shepherd Lab mixes are likely to inherit a love of people and company from both sides of their family tree. But socializing them properly as puppies will be vital to give them the confidence they need in meeting new people. German Shepherds, despite their great loyalty to their family, can be wary of strangers. So thorough socialization from puppyhood is essential, even for a mix. For instance, Socialization can involve having new people call over to the house regularly so your pup gets used to new faces and voices. It can also involve introducing your puppy to new dogs, cats, children and other animals so that they do not become fearful or territorial. A young dog in good health could require even more. They will also need human company for much of the day, and training to keep those big brains from getting bored. They are working dogs at heart. Highly motivated to learn and impress you with their ability to follow instructions. Like with any dog, training them is an ongoing commitment that lasts a lifetime. But with your ultra smart dog it should be a satisfying and rewarding one. German Shepherd and Labrador Health Magnification of health problems in pedigree dog breeds has become a well-documented problem. Labrador Health One of the biggest health problems facing Labradors today is hip and elbow dysplasia — looseness in the joints that eventually leads to painful arthritis. Another is progressive retinal atrophy, a gradual failure of the retina at the back of their eyes that can ultimately leave them blind. Also, Labs are also notoriously greedy, and prone to obesity if their penchant for snacking is indulged too often. Another less serious but common issue in Labs is ear infections. These are easily treated but may require veterinary care and frequent inspections. In addition, they are more than usually prone to: Gastrointestinal diseases.
Whatever may be the reasons, once you have decided to welcome this dog into your life you need to take note of a few more things before bringing it home. You need to be prepared for letting it into your life and being happy with it. What is the price of a German Shepherd Puppy in India? While the price is one factor in choosing the right dog for you, there are several other factors that come into the picture when deciding on a dog to buy. Dog Breeders Near Me Here are some of the most fundamental factors that you need to consider before buying a German Shepherd puppy: 1. Do you have enough space for a German Shepherd? Is your house big enough for the dog? Do you have space for the dog to move around and play? This is a very crucial factor that you need to consider before getting a German Shepherd into the house. Are you committed to training your dog? Training is a crucial part of owning a dog. This is very much true when you have a German Shepherd. You have to make sure that you have the time to train your dog almost every day. This is another major commitment you have to make before buying a German Shepherd. Do you provide enough exercise to your dog? They need a lot of exercises to stay healthy. You have to make the commitment to provide enough exercise to the dog. Only then you can say that you are ready to bring a German Shepherd into your life. Can you keep it engaged? German Shepherds are intelligent and active dogs. You have to make sure that you keep them busy with some activity. Otherwise, they are going to be trouble for the entire house. There are many games that you can get your dog involved in. This will give the dog enough activity and keep it engaged for long. Do you travel often? German Shepherds are not loner types. They like to bond and connect. They do not like to be left alone. If you have a job that includes a lot of travel or long working hours, this may not be the right dog breed for you. Hope these tips help you in deciding whether or not buying a German Shepherd is the right decision for you. Do you already own a German Shepherd? If so, let us know if we missed anything from this article. We would love to know your thoughts and suggestions. You should always buy one from a reputable breeder or this can be your downfall as these animals require special care that is hard to find if you got them somewhere else. Which German Shepherd is best? They have a graceful, yet powerful movement and can be trained quite easily by any interested Dog Trainer. The other two breeds of interest to you would be the American show line or working line versions — which differ from one another in body type alone due to their breeding purposes. Is German Shepherd dangerous? The German Shepherd is a breed that has been known to be one of the most dangerous breeds. They are naturally protective and if they were not properly socialized, then it can become too aggressive with strangers. With this in mind, there have been many fatal dog attacks involving them as well as catastrophic injuries from their attack on others. One thing you should know about these dogs before owning one is how important socialization training is for any pup or rescue dog! Which German Shepherd is biggest? The King Shepherd is one of the largest dogs in existence. How can you tell if a German Shepherd is purebred? Why are German Shepherds so expensive? There are many reasons German Shepherds can be costly. Can I feed my GSD raw meat? Most people recommend it, as they contain the nutrients and vitamins needed by a German Shepherd. Raw bones should always be given to your pup too; just avoid splintering bone pieces with intestinal problems in tow. What is bad about German Shepherds? They can be clumsy and messy. Good GSD rescuers will know about these potential problems before you adopt one so make sure that your rescue has been vetted! Are German Shepherds good house dogs? What foods are bad for German Shepherds? There are lots of foods that can be toxic to German Shepherds. Chocolate, grapes and avocados top the list. If you find yourself eating macadamia nuts or walnuts while out on a walk with your best friend then chances are those will probably end up in his stomach as well; just avoid giving him any alcohol or salt for good measure though thanks to their high toxicity levels. What raw meat is best for German Shepherd? So many choices of meat! Raw meats are great for German Shepherds. Muscle meat is also an option such as pheasant or turkey breast; these sources have less fat content than other types of muscle tissue like steak which may make it more difficult for the dog to digest properly. Can German Shepherd eat rice? Rice is an excellent source of calcium, fiber, iron. However brown rice is a healthier option so look out for this when choosing the brand you feed your German Shepherd with at home or in daycare What age does a German Shepherd become aggressive? The age when German Shepherds become aggressive is usually five to six months old, but there are ways you can train them in order for the aggression that may occur as early as this time not to get out of hand. This training should be started before they reach puberty because once these guys hit their teenage years it becomes difficult if not impossible to control or change their behavior without expensive professional help. Are German Shepherds easy to train? German Shepherds are obedient and easy to train. They will listen and obey your commands, making them easier to train than other breeds of dog. What is the best age to get a German Shepherd puppy? The best age on average is between seven and eight weeks old because this is how early puppies develop their personalities and habits. Remember though, no matter what breed or size type; each puppy has individual needs so make sure not only are we picking out an energetic German Shepherd but also taking into account things like time-spending commitments with children in our family or whether allergies may affect us as well. How do I know if my German Shepherd is happy? The best way to tell if your German Shepherd is happy and loves you, is by how wiggly their bottom gets when they see or smell you. The more relaxed the body frame becomes as well can be a sign that Fido really enjoys being around his favorite human! In addition to these signs of happiness, an energetic appetite accompanied by no destructive behavior shows us that our pup has never been happier than now! How do you punish a German Shepherd? The GSD is an intelligent and energetic breed that requires consistent training. Owners should keep in mind the following tips: Reward good behavior with treats, withdraw rewards for bad behaviors, use positive reinforcement only no physical punishment , do not yell or rub their nose in dirt- this can actually make the dog worse! A German Shepherd puppy should be inquisitive, outgoing, and completely unafraid in his advances towards everything. They will also demand affection without inhibition from their owner or anybody else they meet. Are German Shepherds good with kids? When it comes to kids, German Shepherds are a breed that exudes patience and tolerance. Why German Shepherds bite their owners? One of the most common causes for a dog to bite its owner is resource guarding. Are German Shepherds indoor or outdoor dogs? German Shepherd owners know all too well that these dynamic animals require more space for themselves and their family members on top of just being outside often! Do German Shepherds bark a lot? Yes, German Shepherds do bark often! They are great dogs and really smart too but without proper training and socialization, these pups can often over-bark. Without the right guidance from their owners or other handlers such as Dog Trainers, these canine companions have been known to become very vocal animals. Is Chicken bad for German Shepherds? Feeding your GSD chicken is a great idea. Chicken and other meats are good for this breed of dog because they need lots of energy from meat to stay healthy, while also getting the nutrients needed for their bones and muscles. Is milk good for German Shepherd? Can German Shepherds eat scrambled eggs? Yes, GSDs enjoy eating raw and cooked eggs! Is a German Shepherd a good family dog? German Shepherds are loyal and obedient with a lot of energy. What do most German Shepherds die from? Despite their intelligence and long life span, the most common cause for death in this breed is either cancer or bone tumors. Do German Shepherds like to cuddle? The answer is a resounding yes! For the most part, these loyal and protective dogs enjoy being close for their owners. A few exceptions may exist- but they are rare in number compared with those who love to snuggle up next to you on the couch while watching TV or curling up at your feet as you read. German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and intelligence, but they also have a few health problems that you should be aware of before adopting. The large breed is especially prone to canine hip dysplasia which can cause crippling pain in the joints as well as difficulty walking or standing up straight. Be sure to talk with your breeder about this serious condition so you know what questions ask when interviewing dog trainers! Good GSD rescuers will also be knowledgeable on these potential issues — make sure any rescue dog has not shown symptoms or been treated while under its care by asking probing questions during interviews and research online! What age does a German Shepherd die? The average life span of a GSD is between 10 and 13 years, but about half die younger than the age of ten or beyond thirteen. Can a German Shepherd live 20 years? Proper diet and exercise can help your German Shepherd Dog stay alive longer than the normal life expectancy! Do German Shepherds prefer one person? Shepherds are loyal dogs to just one person. Training them with more people is time consuming and difficult, which goes back to their history as working animals who needed a single handler or overseer that they can bond deeply with in order to stay calm on the job. Are male or female German Shepherds more aggressive? The truth is both male and female German Shepherds are aggressive, but males tend to be more hostile. This means that a family should consider choosing a female for the role of companion over their male counterparts because they will have less chance of being injured in an attack from other animals or humans. Males can do well as guard dogs in homes with children if it has been properly trained while females excel at companionship roles without any training necessary! At what age should a German Shepherd be potty trained? Potty training a German Shepherd is one of the most important things you can do as an owner. Around this time, pups wander from their mother and learn to soil outside their sleeping areas themselves instead of being housebroken by momma dog like little humans are! Will a German Shepherd attack an intruder? A German Shepherd is a trained watchdog. These dogs can recognize intruders and will fiercely attack the intruder without hesitation. Is a German Shepherd better than a Pitbull? German Shepherds are way tougher than Pitbulls. In fact, German Shepherds have a size and weight advantage, as well as a stronger bite force. What are German Shepherds afraid of? The German Shepherds can be afraid of being left alone, or even scared by new sounds in their environment like vacuums or other animals. How long can German Shepherds be left alone? Every dog has a different temperament and needs. Will German Shepherds protect you? These dogs will go to any length possible to keep their owners safe from harm. Is a GSD a good first dog? German Shepherds are great first dogs! German Shepherds can be fantastic family pets because their intelligence makes them so easily trained. How do you know if your German Shepherd loves you? German Shepherds are typically not the type of dog that is overly demonstrative with their love. However, there may still be a few tell-tale signs your pup loves you: Your German Shepherd yawns when they see you coming home from work they want to go for a walk! What are the pros and cons of a German Shepherd? A German Shepherd is a strong and intelligent dog. They are great guard dogs due to their large size, but they also have the capacity for companionship which makes them ideal as pets in households with children or other animals. Pedigree: German with a strong and reputable pedigree His Shepherd can be more expensive as breeders tend to charge more for dogs with proven pedigrees of strong and healthy dogs. Coat Types: German Shepherds with certain coat types, such as long coats or black and tan, can be more expensive. Location: The cost of a German Shepherd depends on where you live. German Shepherds may be more expensive in some areas due to high demand, while they may be cheaper in others. Ages: Puppies tend to be more expensive than adult German Shepherds because they are in high demand. Training and Socialization: German Shepherds that have been highly trained and socialized are more valuable to potential owners and therefore can be more expensive than those that are not. Health and Wellness: German Shepherds that are tested and certified as healthy can be more expensive than those that are not. Monthly Cost of German Shepherd Dogs Monthly costs associated with owning a German Shepherd dog: Food: The largest portion of your monthly budget will likely go towards food. German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs and require a nutritious diet. This may include vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and routine exams. Grooming: German Shepherds have a double coat that requires regular brushing and occasional grooming. Toys and Accessories: Dogs need mental stimulation and toys for exercise. Training: German Shepherds benefit from training and socialization. Pet Insurance: Consider pet insurance for unexpected medical emergencies. Intelligence: German Shepherds are exceptionally intelligent and easily trainable. High Energy: They are a high-energy breed and require regular exercise and mental stimulation. Loyalty: They are known for their loyalty and devotion to their owners. Shedding: German Shepherds have a double coat and shed year-round, requiring regular grooming and cleaning. Versatility: They excel in various roles, including as working dogs, search and rescue, and family pets. Health Concerns: They are prone to certain genetic health issues, including hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Protective Instincts: German Shepherds are natural protectors and make excellent guard dogs. Socialization Needs: Proper socialization is crucial to prevent fear or aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Agility: They are agile and excel in dog sports like agility and obedience. Time Commitment: They require significant time and attention, and leaving them alone for extended periods can lead to behavioral issues. Working Drive: Their strong work ethic and drive make them suitable for various tasks and activities. Training Challenges: They may test boundaries and require consistent, patient training to ensure good behavior. Family Companionship: They can be loving and affectionate family pets when properly trained and socialized. Space Requirements: German Shepherds do best in homes with ample space to move and play. Apartment living may not be ideal. Alertness: Their alert nature makes them excellent watchdogs, alerting you to potential threats. Allergies: They can be prone to allergies, which may require dietary adjustments and medication. Search and Rescue: They are often used in search and rescue operations due to their tracking abilities. Bloat Risk: They have a higher risk of bloat, a life-threatening condition that requires immediate attention. Intelligence: Their intelligence makes them problem-solvers and quick learners. Separation Anxiety: They can develop separation anxiety if left alone frequently or for long periods. German Shepherd Fun Facts There are some fun facts about German Shepherds that are given below: German Shepherd was originally bred for sheep herding in Germany in the late 19th century. They are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and are known for their intelligence, loyalty and trainability. German Shepherds are trained for a wide range of duties including search and rescue, law enforcement and military operations. German Shepherds are very active and require daily exercise to maintain physical and mental health. It has a distinctive appearance, with a sturdy build, wedge-shaped head, and upright triangular ears. German Shepherds have a keen sense of smell and are often used for sniffing tasks such as detecting drugs and bombs. Protects the family and is often used as a guard dog. The German Shepherd is known for being easy to train and is popular in various canine sports such as obedience, agility and Schutzhund. Despite their physique and muscular physique, German Shepherds are surprisingly graceful and athletic and are often used in Hollywood for their natural acting ability. Care Tips for German Shepherd Taking care of a German Shepherd involves a combination of proper nutrition, exercise, grooming, training, and regular veterinary care to ensure their health and happiness. Here are some care tips for German Shepherds: 1. High-Quality Diet: Provide your German Shepherd with a balanced and high-quality dog food appropriate for their age, size, and activity level. Consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. Regular Exercise: German Shepherds are active and energetic dogs. They require daily exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. Long walks, playtime, and even agility training can help meet their exercise needs. Socialization: Early socialization is crucial to ensure your German Shepherd is well-behaved and comfortable around other dogs and people. Expose them to various environments, people, and situations from a young age. Obedience Training: German Shepherds are intelligent and thrive on mental stimulation. Enroll them in obedience training classes to establish good behavior and reinforce their bond with you. Grooming: German Shepherds have a double coat that sheds year-round. Regular brushing helps manage shedding and keeps their coat healthy. Bathing should be done as needed. Pay attention to their nails, ears, and teeth as well. Ensure they are up-to-date on vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, and heartworm medication. Discuss any breed-specific health concerns with your vet. Dental chews and toys can also help maintain oral health. Mental Stimulation: German Shepherds thrive when mentally challenged. Puzzle toys, interactive games, and training sessions can keep their minds sharp. Secure Environment: Provide a safe and secure environment, especially if you have a puppy. German Shepherds are known for their curiosity, so puppy-proofing your home is essential. Love and Attention: German Shepherds are loyal and affectionate dogs that thrive on human companionship. Spend quality time with your dog, offer affection, and provide a loving and nurturing home. Proper Rest: Ensure your German Shepherd gets enough rest. They need quality sleep to maintain their physical and mental health. Watch for Signs of Stress or Illness: Be attentive to any changes in behavior, appetite, or energy levels. Early detection of health issues is crucial for prompt treatment. Health Issues of German Shepherd German Shepherds are generally healthy dogs, but like all breeds, they can be prone to certain health issues. Being aware of these common health concerns can help you provide the best care for your German Shepherd. Here are some of the health issues that are commonly associated with German Shepherds: 1. This can lead to arthritis and lameness. Responsible breeding practices can help reduce the risk. Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia is a genetic condition affecting the elbow joint. It can cause lameness, pain, and arthritis in affected dogs. Bloat Gastric Torsion : German Shepherds are one of the breeds more prone to bloat, a life-threatening condition where the stomach twists on itself. Symptoms include a distended abdomen, restlessness, and attempts to vomit without producing anything. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a neurological disease that can affect German Shepherds as they age. It leads to a gradual loss of coordination and mobility in the hind limbs. German Shepherds are among the breeds predisposed to this condition. Allergies: German Shepherds can be prone to allergies, including food allergies and environmental allergies. Allergies can lead to skin issues, itching, and discomfort. Pancreatitis: Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas and can cause severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. It may be triggered by a high-fat diet. Cancers: Like many larger breeds, German Shepherds are at a higher risk for certain types of cancer, including hemangiosarcoma and osteosarcoma. Eye Issues: They can be prone to eye conditions like progressive retinal atrophy PRA and cataracts, which can lead to vision problems or blindness. Training of German Shepherd Training a German Shepherd is essential to ensure they become well-behaved, obedient, and happy companions. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and thrive on mental stimulation, making them eager learners. Early socialization and obedience training are crucial for their development. Positive Reinforcement: German Shepherds respond well to positive reinforcement techniques. Use treats, praise, and affection as rewards when they obey commands correctly. Avoid harsh punishments, as this can lead to fear or aggression. Socialization: Expose your German Shepherd to various environments, people, and animals. Socialization helps prevent fear or aggression towards strangers and other dogs. Crate Training: Crate training is useful for housetraining and providing a safe space for your dog. Make the crate a positive place with treats and toys. Leash Training: Teach your German Shepherd to walk on a leash without pulling. Consistent leash training ensures they walk calmly during walks. Stay Calm and Assertive: German Shepherds respond well to confident and calm leadership. Be consistent in your commands and actions, establishing yourself as the pack leader. Exercise and Mental Stimulation: Provide ample exercise and mental stimulation. German Shepherds need both physical and mental challenges to stay happy. Engage in activities like agility, obedience, or puzzle toys. Advanced Training: German Shepherds excel in advanced training tasks, such as agility, search and rescue, and protection work. Avoid Overexertion: While exercise is crucial, be mindful not to overexert your German Shepherd, especially during puppyhood when their joints are developing. Consistency: Consistency is key in training. Use the same commands and rewards consistently to avoid confusion. Patience: Training takes time and patience. German Shepherds may test boundaries, but remaining patient and positive will yield better results. With proper care, nutrition, and veterinary attention, some German Shepherds can live as long as 12 years or more. Factors that can affect the lifespan of a German Shepherd include genetics, diet and exercise, overall health, and access to regular veterinary care. Is it legal to own a German Shepherd in India? Yes, Is it legal to own a German Shepherd in India. Are German Shepherds very loyal to Humans? Yes, German Shepherds are known for their loyalty to humans. They are highly devoted to their families and are protective of their loved ones, making them great companions and protectors. What is the best Temperature for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are a hardy breed and can tolerate a range of temperatures, but they are most comfortable in temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. What is the average lifespan of a German Shepherd? The average lifespan of a German Shepherd is typically around 10 to 13 years. Proper care, nutrition, and regular veterinary check-ups can contribute to a longer and healthier life for your furry companion. How much exercise do German Shepherds need daily? German Shepherds are an active breed and require at least 1 to 2 hours of exercise every day. This can include walks, playtime, and mentally stimulating activities to keep them happy and healthy. Are German Shepherds good with children? Yes, German Shepherds are often wonderful family dogs. They are loyal and protective, making them great companions for children when properly trained and socialized from an early age. Do German Shepherds shed a lot? Yes, German Shepherds have a double coat and shed throughout the year. Regular brushing can help manage their shedding, and they tend to shed more during seasonal changes. Are German Shepherds aggressive? German Shepherds are not inherently aggressive, but they are protective by nature. Proper socialization and training are crucial to ensure they are well-behaved and not aggressive towards strangers. What are common health issues in German Shepherds? German Shepherds can be prone to health issues like hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, bloat, and certain genetic conditions. Responsible breeding and regular veterinary check-ups are essential to monitor their health. Are German Shepherds good for first-time dog owners? While they are highly trainable, German Shepherds can be a good fit for first-time dog owners if they are committed to training and socialization. However, they require time, attention, and proper care. Can German Shepherds live in apartments? German Shepherds thrive in homes with ample space to move and play. Apartment living can be challenging unless you can provide them with sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. Do German Shepherds get along with other pets? German Shepherds can get along with other pets, but it depends on their socialization and individual temperament. Early socialization and proper introductions are key to successful multi-pet households. What are some unique characteristics of German Shepherds? German Shepherds are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. They are often used in roles like police work, search and rescue, and as guide dogs for the visually impaired due to their exceptional abilities. Related Posts:. Intelligent, Amiable, moderately active, Determined, Excitable Apartment Friendly Price 20, — 1,00, If you need any more information about German Shepherds or want to get your queries answered about the same, we will provide you with all relevant information and assistance that would answer all your questions. Their sharp sense of smell is highly useful. They are courageous dogs that are very common in the police department. Their ability to detect weapons and criminals saves a lot of lives. They are not just intelligent, but greatly trainable. Their obedience and intelligence make them a versatile dog breed. They are the third most intelligent breed of dogs right after poodles and border Collins. If well trained they turn out to be very efficient and obedient. They enjoy learning and if you reward them with treats, they are highly motivated. They have high IQ levels, they are naturally great learners. Their role in society is pretty large. Their eagerness to please you is helpful too. They will always alert you if they sense any kind of trouble and protect your children and home. Due to their strong natural guarding instincts and abilities, they are famous among security companies. They are confident, fearless, and bold dogs. When it comes to appearance, nobody wants to mess with this dog breed. Criminals will tend to stay away. They have powerful bite strength and jaws. They will back off if a welcome stranger comes to your house; you just make sure to train them properly. All of these qualities make German shepherds the perfect guard dog. They are always prepared to come between their owners and any threat. They are possessive about other family members, especially children. They are intensely friendly and loyal companions. Training them and socializing is very important for them to get along well with everyone. The amount and efforts you put into training will only make them exceptionally loyal. Owners who can demonstrate themselves as the paternal-kind symbol at home can grow a strong friendship with their dog that is full of mutual respect and love. Their personality is heroic, obedient, and watchful. They make great family dogs because they are curious, alert, and confident. They serve various purposes, working with the police department, helping those in need, or simply protecting your house. They have admirable traits and characteristics, but their best is their beauty. These dogs are elegant animals; they are long and have lush coats. The square muzzle and wide head give them a powerful built. Their personalities are larger than life. They are great for hunting adventures. They like the thrill, so they do need regular mental stimulation and exercises to keep them active and happy. They are herding dogs that put a good amount of energy to complete their tasks. If you live in an apartment, take your dog out for a walk or a run to keep them in shape. Mental exercises help them to be sharp and keen. If you have children at home, German shepherds will be entertained and vice versa. This is one vital reason why they make amazing family pets. This dog breed is an excellent choice if you are looking to buy German shepherd dogs who love spending time outdoors and playing with your family. During flea season, however, to control pests, it sometimes becomes a necessity to take a bath more. Over bathing makes their coats weak, the natural oils are stripped and other regulatory mechanisms are disrupted. Bath them every ten days, which is more than sufficient. It is extremely vital to use a shampoo that is made for dogs, the ph levels for humans are very different from that of dogs. They do need regular brushing. If you are looking for friendly, compassionate, strong, and full of energy German shepherd puppies for sale in Mumbai, reach out to Premium Pet house. They have the best German shepherd price in Mumbai. They need a lot of mental stimulation and rigorous exercise. According to experts, they need at least two hours of exercising a day to keep themselves happy and joyful. Draining their energy levels help the dog to be more obedient and well-behaved at home. They do like to chew on furniture and other items. Even though numerous, lengthy walks might be a disadvantage for a couple of dog owners. It can also be very optimistic for people who have free time and want to seek a much healthy and active lifestyle. Dog walkers are convenient and helpful for those who have excessive work commitments. This can have a serious impact and also can shorten the life expectancy of your dog. Some of the biggest health problems are hip dysplasia, arthritis, degenerative myelopathy, exocrine pancreatic insufficiency, etc. Epilepsy is another health problem. They are also susceptible to hereditary diseases that can result in seizures. This dog breed sometimes suffers from bloating, which occurs due to gas build-up and makes it tough for a German shepherd to breathe properly. This can lead their bodies into a state of shock. Even though these health conditions are a big disadvantage for dog owners, but ample research and finding a reputed breeder will help minimize the likelihood of them occurring to your German shepherd. Reach out to us and we will help you add a cute little member to your family! Lets Connect on We will also provide you following breeds. Important Facts about German Shepherd: German shepherd is well suited companion for family, Guarding or working dog. German Shepherd are extremely protective because of which get bad reputation of being overly-aggressive. German Shepherd love physical and mental exercise. Because of their high energy German Shepherd are always ready for action. They are very energetic, active and athletic. Additionally they have above average intelligence and trainability, when positive reinforcement training methods used. German shepherd dog are very trustful, affectionate, playful and friendly to every age group of the family. German shepherd puppies should be fed times per day and slowly reduce the feeding time to 2 increasing the quantity. That means they primarily eat meat. Even then most of the dog food brands bag ingredients are grains and other stuff to cut down the cost of manufacturing. For the best growth and controlled weight it is very important to feed meat primarily in their diet. Make sure you check the ingredients before making a choice on which dog food to purchase. Never feed German Shepherd food that contains produced meals, soy, wheat or corn. It is important to weigh your dog. A healthy and normal full grown male German Shepherd dog weighs anywhere between 30 to 45 kilograms. You can take your dog to a vet to weigh him. An adult German Shepherd requires a proper balance of water, vitamins, minerals, fats, and carbohydrates. German Shepherd puppy will need some very specific nutrients and he will need them in some very specific amounts. This will give him the best chance of growing up with a strong, healthy immune system. Plus strong and healthy bones, brain, and body systems! Feeding a German Shepherd puppy should always aim to meet these guidelines: Calcium — It will help German Shepherd to develop strong joints and bones, eyes and teeth, brain and immune system. Aim for a calcium content of no more than 1. Phosphorus — Making their joints and skeletal system form and grop properly. Phosphorus binds with calcium to do its job. Adopt German shepherd dogs and puppies from petsworld. German shepherds are so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed just about every job known to dogs. From his striking size to his straight ears and dark eyes, this breed of dogs has achieved a legendary status as an ideal canine. Owing to their remarkable intelligence, these dogs can perform plethora of works, such as leading the blind, detecting illicit drugs, bringing down fleeing criminals and serving in the armed forces. These loyal, energetic, and devoted canines have become quite popular among pet lovers all over the world. Further, they have excelled in almost every canine sport, including obedience, agility, tracking, rally, and of course herding. All these notable features of these dogs have increased their demand. You should always buy German shepherd from the certified pet breeders and not from pet shops or puppy mills. Always see the health certificate of their parents to minimize chances of any genetic disorder. German shepherd dog breed information General Information:. Some of these factors include: Breeder reputation: German Shepherds from reputable breeders with a history of producing high-quality puppies may be more expensive than those from less reputable sources. Bloodline: German Shepherds with a strong, purebred bloodline may be more expensive than those with a more mixed or unknown bloodline. Coat color: Some coat colors, such as all-black German Shepherds, may be more expensive than others. Size: Larger German Shepherds may be more expensive than smaller ones. Health clearances: German Shepherds with health clearances for genetic conditions such as hip dysplasia may be more expensive due to the additional testing and care involved in producing these puppies. Location: German Shepherds may be more expensive in certain areas due to demand and availability. Age: Puppies may be more expensive than adult German Shepherds due to the time and effort involved in raising and training them. Types of German Shepherds There are several types of German Shepherds that are recognized by various breeding organizations and kennel clubs. These types may vary in appearance, size, and temperament, and may be bred for specific purposes such as show or working dogs. Some common types of German Shepherds include: 1. American Show Line German Shepherds: These German Shepherds are bred for conformation shows and are generally larger and more heavily boned than other types of German Shepherds. They may have a more relaxed temperament compared to other types. West German Show Line German Shepherds: These German Shepherds are also bred for conformation shows and are known for their rich colors and strong, athletic build. They may have a more energetic and active temperament compared to other types. They are known for their strong, athletic build and are generally more agile and agile than other types. Czech German Shepherds: These German Shepherds were bred in the Czech Republic and are known for their strong, muscular build and working ability. They are generally more energetic and active compared to other types. Belgian German Shepherds: These German Shepherds were bred in Belgium and are known for their strong, athletic build and versatility. They are generally more agile and energetic compared to other types. German Shepherd Temperament The German Shepherd is known for its strong personality and protective nature. They are intelligent and eager to please, making them highly trainable. However, they can also be stubborn and may require a consistent and firm hand in training. They have a strong prey drive and may require early socialization to prevent aggression toward other animals. German Shepherds are loyal and affectionate towards their families and can be very protective of their loved ones. They are generally good with children and make great family pets with proper training and socialization. German Shepherd Training Training a German Shepherd requires a consistent and firm hand, as they can be stubborn at times. It is important to establish yourself as the leader and set clear boundaries and rules. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and respond well to positive reinforcement training methods, such as rewards and praise. Here are a few tips for training a German Shepherd: Start training early: German Shepherds are intelligent and learn quickly, so it is important to start training early to establish good habits. Use positive reinforcement: Rewards and praise are effective ways to motivate and train a German Shepherd. Avoid using punishment or fear-based training methods. Be consistent: Consistency is key when training a German Shepherd. Set clear rules and boundaries and stick to them. Provide mental and physical stimulation: German Shepherds have a high energy level and require daily exercise and mental stimulation. Incorporate activities such as obedience training, agility, and tracking into their routine to keep them engaged and happy. Seek professional help: If you are having trouble training your German Shepherd or are unsure of how to properly train them, consider seeking the help of a professional trainer or behaviorist. German Shepherd Care Tips Here are a few care tips for your German Shepherd: Provide daily exercise: German Shepherds have a high energy level and require daily exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Incorporate activities such as walks runs, and obedience training into their routine to keep them active and engaged. Follow a healthy diet: Feed your German Shepherd a high-quality diet that is appropriate for their age and size. Avoid giving them table scraps or foods that are unhealthy or toxic. Keep their coat groomed: German Shepherds have a dense double coat that requires regular brushing to prevent matting. They may also need occasional baths to keep their coat clean and healthy. Practice preventive care: Keep up with regular veterinary check-ups and follow a preventive care plan to help prevent or manage any potential health issues. Provide mental stimulation: German Shepherds are intelligent and need mental stimulation to keep their minds active and prevent boredom. Incorporate activities such as puzzle toys and training games into their routine to keep them engaged. German Shepherd Maintenance Cost The maintenance cost of a German Shepherd can vary depending on various factors such as location, quality of food, grooming needs, and veterinary care. Here are some of the estimated costs involved in owning a German Shepherd in India: Food: A German Shepherd requires a high-quality diet that meets their nutritional needs. This includes brushing their coat at least twice a week, occasional baths, and nail trimming. Veterinary Care: Regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations are essential to keep a German Shepherd healthy. The cost of veterinary care can vary depending on the location and the type of services required. However, the cost can increase if the dog requires any specialized treatments or surgeries. Training: German Shepherds are intelligent dogs that require proper training to become well-behaved companions. Exercise: German Shepherds are active dogs that require regular exercise and mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. This includes daily walks, runs, and playtime. The cost of exercise can vary depending on whether you have access to a yard or need to take the dog to a park or dog daycare. Additionally, providing toys and puzzles can help keep the dog mentally stimulated and prevent destructive behavior. Insurance: Consider purchasing pet insurance to help cover unexpected veterinary expenses. The cost of pet insurance can vary depending on the coverage and the age and health of the dog. Supplies: German Shepherds require various supplies such as a collar, leash, bed, and toys. The cost of these supplies can vary depending on the quality and brand. Additionally, if you plan on traveling with the dog, you may need to purchase a crate or carrier. Miscellaneous expenses: There may be other miscellaneous expenses associated with owning a German Shepherd, such as licensing fees, microchipping, and pet-sitting or boarding costs if you need to be away from home. The breed was officially recognized in and the first breed club was established in Germany in .The German Shepherd was the first breed to be trained as a police dog in Germany. German Shepherds are often used as service dogs due to their intelligence and trainability. The breed is known for its strong protective nature and loyalty towards its family. German Shepherds have a high energy level and require daily exercise and mental stimulation. The breed has a lifespan of years, although some may live longer with proper care and nutrition. To help ensure a long and healthy life for your German Shepherd, it is important to provide them with a balanced diet, regular exercise and mental stimulation, and preventive care such as regular veterinary check-ups and vaccinations. By following these care tips, you can help ensure that your German Shepherd stays happy and healthy for years to come. Advantages and disadvantages of having a German shepherd dog. Yes, German Shepherds are known for their loyalty and protective nature towards their families. They are affectionate and devoted to their loved ones and will go to great lengths to protect them. German Shepherds are also highly intelligent and respond well to training. Are German Shepherds the toughest dogs? However, They are known for their protective nature and loyalty towards their families, which makes them a popular choice as a family pet. Overall, German Shepherds are a tough and versatile breed that excels in many different roles. Can German Shepherds live in hot climates like India? Yes, German Shepherds can live in hot climates like India. However, it is important to provide proper care and accommodations to ensure their comfort and well-being. This includes providing access to plenty of clean water and shade, avoiding strenuous exercise during the hottest times of the day, and ensuring that the dog has a cool and comfortable place to rest. Is it legal to own a German Shepherd in India? Yes, it is legal to own a German Shepherd in India. However, it is important to follow all local laws and regulations regarding pet ownership, including obtaining any necessary licenses or permits and following any breed-specific regulations. Are German Shepherds good family dogs? Yes, German Shepherds can make excellent family dogs. They are loyal, and protective, and often form strong bonds with their families. Early socialization and training are important to ensure they interact well with children and other pets. Are German Shepherds aggressive? German Shepherds are not inherently aggressive. However, like any dog breed, individual temperament can vary. Proper socialization, training, and responsible ownership are crucial in preventing aggression and ensuring a well-behaved German Shepherd. Do German Shepherds require a lot of exercise? Yes, German Shepherds are an active breed that requires regular exercise to maintain their physical and mental well-being. Daily walks, playtime, and mental stimulation activities are important to prevent boredom and potential behavioral issues. Recommended —. Intelligent, Amiable, moderately active, Determined, Excitable Apartment Friendly Price 20, — 1,00, Looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale and want to know more about our German Shepherd puppies price in India? They are among the ten most popular dog breeds in the US, making them appear in pop culture over several years. Apart from being wonderful pets, German Shepherds are commonly used as police dogs to chase criminals, lead the blind, sniff out drugs and other illegal substances, serve in the military, visit the sick, and for a range of different purposes. They are some of the most versatile dog breeds to have ever existed. If you are planning to get yourself a German Shepherd in India, you can rest assured that your family will always be safe! As the breed was originally used to herd cattle in harsh climates, German Shepherds have a medium-length double coat that helps them go through extreme weather conditions. It comes in a variety of different colors, including black, sable, black and cream, black and cream, black and sable, black and gray, liver, and more. German Shepherds have a dense outer coat with straight hair lying close to their bodies. The breed sheds a lot and owners should be aware of the same before bringing a German Shepherd puppy home. As we breed and sell German Shepherd puppies, we ensure that the prices of all our puppies are as low as possible. Irrespective of where you live, you always stand a chance to bring a healthy and adorable German Shepherd home at the most affordable price. It is extremely important to give your pet extensive obedience and socialization training from a young age to help it grow into a well-mannered German Shepherd. It is advisable to provide at least basic obedience training to your German Shepherd to keep erratic behavior at bay. If you want to help your pet grow into a healthy adult and give it a long and happy life, make sure you feed it high-quality kibble. If you bring a German Shepherd home in India, make sure you pay good attention to its grooming needs. While you can groom your pet at home, it is advisable to visit a professional groomer once every few weeks. These visits can be regarding vaccinations, health check-ups, or diagnoses of health complications. If you are looking for a German Shepherd in India, there are two major ways to bring the puppy home. You can either visit a pet shop in your city or reach out to a dog breeder. As compared to purchasing a puppy from a pet shop, approaching a dog breeder is bound to make your journey of becoming a German Shepherd parent easier and better. Here are a few reasons why you should purchase a German Shepherd in India from dog breeders: Buying A Healthy Puppy Unlike most pet shop owners, responsible dog breeders in India focus on the well-being of the dogs at their farms. This lets you purchase a German Shepherd puppy that is fit and fine. Breeders will resolve all your queries about all health complications pertaining to German Shepherds. They will close a deal only when you are completely satisfied with the health of the concerned puppy. Many dog breeders make their clients meet the parents of puppies before they are bought. Complete Knowledge Of German Shepherds The biggest benefit of getting a German Shepherd from a dog breeder is that they will have complete knowledge about the breed. Breeders have no other option but to know the dogs they breed really well to keep them safe and healthy. Any responsible dog breeder in India will provide you with all relevant information about the breed and resolve all your queries. Like all breeds, they have gone through a transition over time. Naturally, what is applicable to the entire breed will also be applicable to your German Shepherd puppy! Choosing The Right Puppy Trusted dog breeders in India help you choose the right German Shepherd puppy according to your needs and preferences. While most breeders will have a variety of different puppies at their farms, they will give you the puppy that best suits your requirements. Seeking Expert Advice Dealing with responsible dog breeders in India gives you access to expert advice from professionals who are aware of the nitty-gritty details about German Shepherds. Whether you have any queries regarding vaccinating the puppy or are clueless about what you should do when it refuses to eat, you can always rely on the advice a breeder has for you. Personalized Support Premium Pet House provides all its clients with end-to-end support tailored to their needs. If you are on the lookout for the best German Shepherd in India, we will guide you at every stage, from the moment you reach out to us until you bring a beloved puppy home. We also provide you with personalized support after you successfully become a German Shepherd parent. We understand the costs associated with becoming a pet parent and do our best to make your purchase as cost-effective as possible. Our team of dog breeders never lets the price be the only deciding factor as you approach us for a German Shepherd puppy. Ethical Breeding Practices Owing to the unconditional love we have for puppies, we cannot even think of harming our furry friends while breeding them! All our puppies are kept in secure and comfortable shelters where they are taken care of by breeding professionals. We make sure you have enough options to choose from. Depending on your requirements, we help you choose from a range of different breed types and color combinations, irrespective of where you are located. They are extremely alert and sharp to notice the presence of an uninvited stranger. Once alert, your German Shepherd will immediately notify you and try dealing with the intruder itself, too. Their muscular build and intimidating barks can scare off potential trespassers, keeping you and your loved ones safe. They Are Athletic And Good-looking German Shepherds are not the kind of dogs who love laying around idle in your house. They are highly athletic and physically active. Their athletic build adds to their looks, giving them a bold and robust demeanor. The look of a fully-grown German Shepherd is comparable to a well-built soldier! This adds to their utility as police dogs and makes them excellent guard dogs. With a German Shepherd at home, you are bound to attract attention whenever you take your pet out for a walk. German Shepherds rank high on all these intelligence types. Their instinctive intelligence allows German Shepherds to perform activities they were bred for herding, chasing away smaller animals, etc. Their working and obedience intelligence make them easy to train by their human parents and guardians. Whether you are planning to take your pet on holiday or shift to a new house, you can expect your German Shepherd to be fully cooperative. This makes it easy for any pet owner to live with a German Shepherd, especially if it is their first pet. The breed carries a no-nonsense personality that is not too demanding and can adjust almost anywhere. They Are Gret With Kids And Families If their muscular build and intimidating looks make you feel as if they do not make German Shepherds good family dogs, you might want to think again! Bringing a German Shepherd home can be the best gift you can give your family! The breed is a great playmate for children and gels well with the elderly members of your family as well. While being monitored, you can leave your puppy with your children for hours and see both parties having the time of their lives! German Shepherds are also extremely affectionate and develop unconditional love and loyalty for every member of your family. They get their loyalty due to their history of being pack dogs. German Shepherds shower their owners with all the love they have once they start getting along with them. The breed is known to develop strong bonds with their owners and their family members, sticking around through thick and thin. Moreover, their high intelligence makes them reciprocate all the love, care, and affection they receive from you. Before reaching out to a dog breeder and making up your mind to parent a German Shepherd, make sure your budget allows you to purchase and maintain the dog for several years. German Shepherds are high-energy dogs who need a lot of exercise every day to burn their calories and stay fit. Ignoring their daily exercising needs can lead to unnecessary accumulation of unused energy, making them irritable and destructive. Moreover, the heavy diet of German Shepherds can make them obese in no time if you do not take them for regular walks. Apart from at least two minute walks every day, it is advisable to indulge your German Shepherd in physical activities all day long. If you already have a pet at home especially one that is smaller than a German Shepherd , you might want to think twice before bringing a German Shepherd puppy home. Its instinct might kick in at any time and the other pet may end up becoming the victim of the same if your pet is not on a leash. Moreover, make sure you keep your German Shepherd away from animals like cats, rabbits, hares, birds, etc. If you are allergic to dog hair, German Shepherd is definitely not the right pet option for you. Twice a year, you can expect your pet to blow its coat, filling your entire home with dog hair. The best way to control the hair in your house is to groom your German Shepherd regularly. They carry their natural instinct of darting toward and capturing prey if they see one. If not controlled, smaller animals around them will not be safe all the time. This prey drive can be controlled by training your German Shepherd from a young age. Make sure your pet gets extensive socialization and obedience training to curb its dangerous instinct and make it behave well when they see potential prey. Still, it is always advisable to keep your German Shepherd on a leash whenever you take it out for a walk. Being high-energy dogs, they require more food than most breeds. Before you bring a German Shepherd home, make sure you consult the breeder about the nutritional requirements and dietary needs of your new companion. Whether you feed your pet dry kibble or homemade food, it should contain the right amounts of protein, fats, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and water. When it comes to feeding your German Shepherd, frequency also plays a major role. The number of meals you feed your pet varies according to its age. Here is the dietary routine you should follow while feeding your German Shepherd at different stages of its life: Below 2 Months While your German Shepherd puppy is younger than two months, you can free-feed it. At this age, you need not worry about the puppy getting obese by eating a lot of food. You can leave the food open for your puppy and have it eat at its convenience. Between 2 And 4 Months As your German Shepherd gets older, you can start feeding it more dry kibble and structure its diet. At this stage of its life, you can feed your pet around four to five meals every day. Between 4 And 6 Months As your puppy gets older, you can further reduce its diet to three meals per day. This is when you should start being mindful of the amount of food it consumes. Overeating at this age can lead to your German Shepherd getting overweight in no time. Over 6 Months Once your German Shepherd gets older than six months, you can start feeding it not more than two meals a day. You can always give it its favorite treats and snacks in between. Keep track of the amount of food your pet eats on a meal-to-meal basis to prevent obesity and other health complications. Major Health Problems For German Shepherds If you are looking for a German Shepherd in India, it is important to be aware of the health complications it can encounter in its lifespan. Get all details regarding potential allergies and health issues from the breeder before bringing your furry friend home. Here are some of the most common health problems encountered by German Shepherds: Hip Dysplasia Hip dysplasia is one of the most common heritable health issues faced by most dogs, including German Shepherds. Hip dysplasia leads to pain and lameness in your pet. Your German Shepherd may or may not exhibit clinical signs of the issue and can live a healthy life despite the complications. However, hip dysplasia increases the risk of arthritis in your pet as it gets older. Moreover, it is not advisable to breed German Shepherds with hip dysplasia further. This is one of the common problems that can be addressed in German Shepherd breeds, especially for larger dogs. The dogs start suffering from the malformation in the joint provided in the Hip region. It is a painful condition for them and it's quite difficult to get rid of. Elbow Dysplasia Elbow dysplasia is another heritable condition common in medium-to-large size dogs. Elbow dysplasia can be treated with surgery or medication. The progressive disease can make your German Shepherd forget where its hind legs are, making it difficult to walk. Gastric Dilation-volvulus This is a health complication wherein your German Shepherd suffers from a bloating condition. It is a life-threatening condition that is common in large and deep-chested breeds like German Shepherds. Gastric dilation-volvulus can occur when your pet eats a large meal, eats rapidly, drinks a lot of water, or starts exercising vigorously right after finishing its meal. The condition prevents your pet from getting rid of this air from its stomach by vomiting or belching, ultimately hampering the blood reaching its heart. In severe cases, its blood pressure drops and it goes into a shock. Common ways of identifying bloat are checking if your pet has a distended abdomen or if it starts retching and salivating excessively without vomiting. Under such circumstances, take it to a vet without any delay. Interesting Facts About German Shepherds Before bringing a German Shepherd puppy home, it is always fun to know interesting facts about the breed to enhance your experience of becoming a pet parent. They were used by the allies for a variety of different tasks, thanks to their intelligence, agility, and loyalty. Staying true to their name, German Shepherds were also used by the German army as capable military dogs. This is one of the reasons why dog lovers hesitate before bringing the breed home or even going near a German Shepherd when they meet it on the road! Despite this reputation, it is important to know that German Shepherds are not dangerous at all. While they are used by the police and military, socialized German Shepherds are extremely affectionate, playful, and loving. Two popular German Shepherds have been featured on this landmark so far. The older furry friend named Strongheart was one of the earliest German Shepherds ever featured on screen. Ace was a popular comic book character who was featured a lot between and .Certain More Interesting facts about German Shepherd puppies are as follows. German Shepherd puppies are an intelligent breed that has a sharp sense of smell. They are highly courageous while protecting the people including the family members and are commonly helping the police Department. The German Shepherd dogs and their ability for detection of the criminals and the weapons. It helps in saving a lot of life and they are trained so. The police department is highly taking the advantage of these German Shepherd puppies for removing crime and utilizing their intelligence for Noble causes. The German Shepherd puppies are protective and loyal at the same time because they are always prepared for safeguarding the family members including the owners without any prior thought. They always have the potential to identify the danger before it can cause serious damage or accidents. These dogs are highly socialized and are often regarded as a loyal companion. They can easily build healthy relationships with friends and dog owners. Most importantly if we would strive hard to deliver property winnings to them, they become more socialized unexceptionally loyal. German Shepherd dogs possess a big personality and they are exit aggressive at the same time when they sense any type of abnormal activities. Although sometimes become dangerous and aggressive they are extremely loyal and friendly when they present at the home. The obedient and heroic personality is responsible for keeping these dogs as the real friends on behalf of the police department and the common public. The German Shepherd dogs also possess admirable characteristics which are highly responsible for considering there in the elegant animals. These dogs also possess lush coats and long hair. They are always filled with great energy and a ready for doing exercises three or four times a day as a part of their address training. There is another interesting fact associated with the German puppies that illustrate that they require less bathing and they can control the infection such as from pests. In case you feel any queries concerning the price of German Shepherd puppies in India,you may feel free to contact us.
Born 6. Buy Now Rehoming Thomas The only reason why im rehoming is because our landlord wont accept pets so i need to rehome him asap. Buy Now Puppies available 4 week old puppies available soon. I'm located in Elmira MI. I'm willing to meet halfway. .Both mom and dad are great dogs that love being around our 3 kids, 2 cats and many chickens. These puppies will be great family pets with very calm loving temperaments. Buy Now Doodle puppies Two puppies one male one female. Mom is cocker-jack and dad is medium sized bernedoodle. Puppies have been socialized with dogs, cats, and kids. Buy Now Mini olde english bulldog french bulldog cross Mini olde english bulldog. French bulldog and olde english cross. Perfect size dog not to big not to small. Bree is a beautiful blue brindle. She is very sweet and smart. Two series of vaccines and multiple wormings. Contact us if you would like more information. Up to date on shots and dewormer including vet check. Great with kids and other dogs. Located in xxxx. Sam is a beautiful brindle with a sweet disposition. He is currently 5 lbs of cuteness. Mini olde english bulldogs are a great family edition. I currently have 5 females and 3 males available. They will be treated for worms and fleas. If interested email me at xxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. Mostly potty trained with the exception of some night time accidents. Will grow to be loyal protective family members. Ready for their furever homes! Born February 11, first shots and worming. Ready for their furever home. Elderly mother in law is unable to take care of her due to bad hip. She is a sweetheart and needs a new forever home! Puppy has all updates shots and is potty trained. They are 5 weeks old so wont be ready to go for at least 2 weeks. I will give them their initial shots and deworm once completely weaned before pick up. The Golden Shepherd tends to be a friendly, energetic, and affectionate dog that is loyal to their family and tends to be protective of them. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, they are recognized by other notable organizations like the American Canine Hybrid Club, Designer Breed Registry, and more. A Golden Shepherd tends to bring the all-around friendly personality of the Golden Retriever and the intelligence and devotion of the German Shepherd into one dog. They love their families and tend to get along with everyone including children. These dogs are not necessarily suspicious of strangers, but they are alert and will tend to bark if they see something they feel you need to know about. Golden Shepherds are moderately adaptable dogs. Because they are high-energy, they tend to do better in homes with yards where they can run. They can adapt to apartment living as long as plenty of time is dedicated to giving them the daily exercise they need. They tend to do well in most climates. But, as with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Because Golden Shepherds are devoted to their families and thrive on spending time with them, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. A mixed-breed dog can inherit the potential health issues common to one, both, or neither of their parent breeds. As a larger, barrel-chested dog breed, the Golden Shepherd, like their parent breeds, is also at a higher risk for bloat. The Golden Shepherd is a highly trainable dog breed. They are intelligent, eager to please, and pick up on things quickly. This makes them a good fit for owners of all experience levels. Puppy training classes can still be a great idea because they offer opportunities to socialize a puppy while also strengthening your bond with them. The Golden Shepherd will have a thick double-coat that sheds moderately year-round and more heavily twice a year as seasons change. A quick daily brushing, especially during seasonal shedding sessions, will help remove loose fur to make your dog more comfortable and also help keep more fur contained to a brush instead of everywhere else. Bathing is on an occasional, as-needed basis. Monthly nail trims are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long or causing issues. Plus, if anything is starting to happen, you can get the vet before it gets more serious. Because many dog owners overlook this, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day is ideal. The Golden Shepherd comes from two high-energy dogs, so they require a lot of daily exercise to be happy and healthy. Daily walks plus playtime and time to run are the minimum. But, a Golden Shepherd will likely be up for more activity if you are. A trip to the dog park for some off-leash time, playing frisbee or chasing a ball, hiking, swimming, running, and more can all help this dog expend some extra energy. You want to keep their activity low-impact as they are still growing, but once they finish growing, try different activities to see what you both love doing together. You could even try training them for dog sports! A fully-grown Golden Shepherd usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Golden Shepherd generally lives for years. Currently, we do not have any Golden Shepherd puppies available, but we can alert you when new Golden Shepherd puppies are available! Just enter your email address and click submit! Please enter a valid email address! Related Breeds.
TSBR is to provide for the welfare, shelter, and adoption of lost, abandoned, neglected, or homeless dogs and puppies, specifically; The American Kennel Club AKC 30 defined sporting group breeds - Retrievers, Setters, Pointers, Spaniels, Vizslas, Weimaraners, and Spinone Italianos; to promote the responsible care of companion animals, to actively promote spaying and neutering as the most humane means of animal control; to support heartworm education and treatment; and to provide training and education to the public related to topics such as animal welfare, responsible dog ownership, and breed information. It was a scary few weeks but we are both safe now and hoping to find someone to love us as much as our dad did. I'm a young Labrador and my favorite place in the whole world is my foster mom's lap. She said I'm too big to be a lap dog, but I think she's mistaken. I like to play with my canine foster brothers, chew on my toys, and have shown no prey drive. At just a year and a half old, this exuberant young fellow is bursting with energy and enthusiasm. With the playful heart of a Labrador and keen intelligence, Kristof is the perfect blend of fun and loy.With his glossy black coat and heart-melting eyes, this young pup is more than just good looks. He's an adventurer at heart, always eager to expl.Oakley was there first and had been raised from puppyhood and thought that her family had just brought her birds to play with as most sporting breeds have an affinit.I just need a home of my own to show off my skills! Round here they call me an Aussie Doodle x. Oh cookies would be awesome too! Just come meet me.Thus, it will do good for both you and your pet. First, however, you must pick your future pet to adopt from a good rescue. Rescue should have active and preventative programs to reduce animal killing. The Rescue or Shelter must have an aggressive public education about overpopulation. Further, they should exert efforts to apply differential licensing. Thus, a good rescue should comply by neutering all animals before going to their new homes. All these should always direct towards the well-being of the animals. A clean and comfortable place means the animals are also well-cared. Further, it echoes a skilled, compassionate, and good hygiene and healthcare program. How do I pick a good rescue Golden Retriever? Thus, you may want to do the following in choosing a good Golden Retriever. Observe the dog Most shelters have an observation room for you to do this. If it has none, just do your best to find some quiet place. As soon as the dog gets comfortable, you may start observing. The Golden Retriever should be friendly. It should come at you with no hesitation, sniff you, or even jump for attention. If you see it exhibits exciting behavior, like tail wagging, it means it wants you to pet him. Thus, you need to give it different tones and noise, especially with your voice. Touch the dog with caution Shelter or rescue dogs are usually under stress. Thus, you always need to be cautious when touching it. You may also see how it reacts when you touch it. A Golden Retriever likes getting touched or petted. Thus, if you cautiously touch it and begs for more, it can be a good sign for you. Other things you can note would be tail-wagging and endless sniffing and licking. Play with the dog Since Golden Retrievers are playful by nature, you should also play with the dog. Moreover, you need to take note of how well it interacts as it plays. Golden Retrievers are born to play. Thus, it should get excited upon seeing a ball or any other toys. At other times, excitement means circling and moving enthusiastically. Walk with the dog Golden Retrievers like to walk, so you may want to test that out as well. Observe how it reacts when on a leash or when it sees other dogs, people, or anything on the road. A good Golden Retriever does well with walking. So anything it sees around, like cars, bikes, or even other people and animals, would draw its attention. Let the dog interact with other dogs or animals. It may or may not be possible, but you may ask to observe how the dog interacts with other animals. It will also be necessary if you have other pets at home. Golden Retrievers play and interact well with other pets. Thus, if you have a pet at home, it would be great to take it to the shelter and allow it to play with the dog. Summary There are numerous dog shelters in Texas where you may adopt a Golden Retriever. We all know that adoption includes a slew of processes, activities, and criteria. As a result, we compiled a list of shelters to save you time while looking for Golden Retriever rescues near you. If you intend to rehome or adopt one, you will already have a starting point. This way, you may be sure of receiving the most excellent Golden Retriever for adoption. Other States. GHGRC supports the dedicated volunteers who work hard to help Goldens in need and find them new homes. We thank all those who adopt dogs from rescue, bringing them into their homes and hearts. GHGRC does not endorse or recommend any particular rescue organization. Please take your time to evaluate the practices of any organization before adopting from them. Please take your time to carefully consider any specific dog before adopting. The Golden Retriever Club of America National Rescue Committee provides additional information on adopting from rescue, and nation-wide listings of Golden Retriever rescue groups. When adopting from a rescue, you should expect to be required to complete and submit a detailed adoption application. Some organizations may require a home visit before approval to adopt. Organizations vary in their policies regarding adoption to families with young children; some may make exceptions, others will not. Rescue organizations make every effort to carefully match potential adopters with dogs needing homes. Dogs are often promoted on a group's web site. While you may find a particular dog appealing, please respect the experience and knowledge of the rescue if they determine that dog is not well suited for your situation or visa versa. Dogs in breed-specific rescue programs are generally fostered in volunteer's homes. Once a rescue organization determines you may be a potential match, you can expect to visit with the dog and its foster "parent. While dogs land in rescue through human error and no fault of the dog, many are young adults that had not previously been given sufficient time, socialization or training. They may need time and attention and basic obedience training. Some rescues focus on pure-bred Golden Retrievers. Others with have both pure-bred and Golden mixes. You should NOT expect to adopt a puppy purebred Golden puppies are very rare in rescue and generally spoken for quickly. You should not expect to adopt a young adult with perfect training and perfect housemanners.Please consider adopting a senior 8 yrs or older or special needs dog. Their time with you may not be long, but it can be rich in love and very rewarding. When it comes to finding the perfect rescue, you want to make sure that the owners and the business itself are legitimate and are a great fit for you. Most rescues provide the proper care of their animals while they stay there, but some might not be as lucky. Referring to this list in your searches can help you to navigate all of the rescues in Texas in order to find one that can provide you with the perfect Golden Retriever dog to add to your family. There are quite a few Golden Retriever rescues in Texas, so it might be a little bit overwhelming at times trying to find the perfect rescue to go to without having to visit every single one in person. Golden Ribbon Rescues Golden Ribbon Rescue is a great rescue to go with because they are a non-profit organization whose main goal is to find homes for all Golden Retrievers in the Texas area. The whole team is extremely knowledgeable in the pet industry, specifically in Golden Retrievers. You know that the team loves what they do because they are all volunteers, so they truly show up every day simply because they care for the animals. I trust this rescue to provide great quality Golden Retrievers that are looking for a new home. They are a great rescue that provides care and shelter to Golden Retrievers throughout Texas. Address: W. Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue Golden Beginnings Golden Retriever Rescue is another rescue that provides an amazing place for Golden retrievers to stay until they are adopted by their new owner. This rescue is a part of many different events and they are constantly bringing awareness to the Golden Retriever breeds all over Texas. Their rescue works specifically with GFax: golden Retrievers and they offer services such as adoption, surrendering your animals, events, and volunteering opportunities. This rescue has left its mark on the community especially since they are constantly hosting events and showing up to support their community. They have dogs readily available and you can fill out adoption information online on their website super easily! Clearly, they are an amazing rescue that helps their community daily. Address: P. They specialize in getting Golden retrievers into rusting and loving permanent homes, while also educating the people on proper ownership and care for their Golden Retrievers. One cool thing about this rescue is you can do a virtual meet and greet with dogs in their rescue. They also typically always have dogs available and they make it easy by allowing you to fill out an adoption application online. They are an all-volunteer rescue organization that uses any profit they receive to go back into caring for the animals. Supporting a rescue like this one is perfect because you know the people behind the name are nice and helpful. This rescue is one that we recommend if you are in the North Texas area. Golden Retriever Rescue Alliance Golden Retriever Rescue Alliance is yet another non-profit volunteer-based organization that helps to keep Golden retrievers in a safe space until they are adopted by their new owner. They work specifically in the Texas Fort Worth area and they have readily available dogs up for adoption at all times. They use any funds that they get, whether that be donations or fees, to put back into the business to care for the animals. They are a great organization that helps find adoptive owners for these Golden Retrievers that need a home. They also have other services such as volunteering, fostering, and surrendering your own Golden Retrievers. Their website gives a lot of information and the adoption application is available on their website as well. They, like most of the other rescues, are a non-profit organization as well. They specialize in Golden Retrievers and they care for these Golden Retrievers until they are adopted by their new loving owner. They rescue any Golden Retrievers in the area that are strays, abandoned, or need medical attention. While they are in the care of the rescue, they provide any veterinary care needed all while giving them food, water, and a warm place to stay until their new owner can take them to their forever home. They consistently have dogs available and you can even see pictures and information about them online. They focus on rescuing these stray Goldens or allowing people to surrender their Golden Retrievers to a safe and caring place until they can get adopted. The whole organization was made around the goal to help Golden Retrievers and to be able to rescue as many of them in the Texas area as possible. They run their business solely on volunteers and this makes the experience even more exciting. They use any donations and profits to go straight back into the care of their animals, so you can ensure that these Golden Retrievers are treated perfectly while they are in the care of this rescue. They offer services such as volunteering, surrendering your dog, adoption, fostering, and much more. Remember that when you are finding a rescue you should find one that aligns with rescuing Golden Retrievers and ensure that they have an ethical business. Finding a Golden Retriever rescue center that provides all of the necessary information and care for the animal can be tricky sometimes. Overall, finding a rescue to adopt a Golden Retriever in Texas should not be difficult, so we hope that this article made the process a bit less frustrating and you at least have somewhere to start in your search for your furry friend.
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. There are so many things someone is looking for in a canine companion. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Mississippi 1. The dogs come with a month hip guarantee, a month eye guarantee, and of course, a general health guarantee! But while they specialize in breeding gorgeous pups, what really sets them apart is their health guarantees. The dogs come with month hip, elbow, and eye guarantees and lifetime genetic health guarantees! If you want a hunting dog, shopping at Choice Chocolate Labs is an outstanding choice. They breed high-quality British Labrador Retrievers that excel as hunting dogs. Expect to go on a waitlist and to complete a rigorous application process. Sporting Life Kennels wants to ensure that each of their pups goes to the best possible home. They also offer top-notch training courses for your Labrador Retriever, which can make everything easier for you. Each dog comes with a full AKC registration and a month health guarantee, which is among the best in the industry. All their pups come with an AKC partial registration, and you have the option to purchase a full registration. Moreover, they have a month hip guarantee, and they can deliver your puppy to you or you can pick them up in person. Related Read: English vs. Choosing a dog can be hard, but when you think about all the joy a dog will bring to your life, all the thinking and planning is worth it! 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. These predictable, durable, steady breeds, like Labs and Goldens, are great with kids and offer the whole family more dog to love. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for almost forty years. Our industry setting Puppy Guarantee makes buying one of our pure-bred Labrador retrievers one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Labrador Retriever owners from around the country. Visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-the-minute puppy information at .Located near Laurel Hill, NC, we deliver our world class Labrador retriever puppies and adults to locations as far away as Alaska. We can easily deliver our guaranteed Labs to your location in or around Shreveport. For details, call Woody or Judi at .Labrador Retriever Puppies and Children In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Labrador retriever can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Dogs help children to be more cooperative and sharing. For children, a close relationship with a dog is a proven benefit in study after study. For instance, in research with preschool children, psychologists at Oregon State University found that teaching children to care for a puppy enhanced their social skills. Sue Doescher, a psychologist involved in the study. And that transfers to how other kids feel. Be sure to read the rest of her article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Labrador Retriever Description Labrador Retriever puppies have long been regarded as the most suitable pet throughout the world and is the most popular breed in the U. It is a remarkable working companion often used in physical assistance and personal protection. Highly intelligent, good-natured, very willing and eager to please, they are among the top choices for service dog work. Its loyal and friendly temperament makes it an outstanding pet; reliable and superb with children and other dogs. The Lab features a strong jaw set in a broad head with strong legs and shoulders which add to its fast pace. They also have webbed feet to aid in swimming. The coat is straight, dense and short with the outer coat being a bit coarse and the undercoat thick and soft making it almost completely waterproof. Their coat also comes in multiple colors including black, chocolate, silver, or yellow. Discover more about our Labrador Retriever puppies for sale below! Disposition The Labrador Retriever is loyal, playful, alert, curious, patient, and good-natured. Labrador Retrievers have a distinct elegance, carrying themselves in an upright, proud demeanor but with a friendly expression making them so endearing. One of the most popular breeds in the U. They love to play, especially in water, never wanting to pass up the opportunity for a good swim. Exercise Labrador Retrievers require a lot of exercise and playtime as they have a high degree of stamina, energy, and strength. Labs love to exercise so be sure that you like to exercise too. Adult Labs are very strong so train them while they are a puppy to heel on the leash, and not to bolt out of doorways and gateways before their owners. They can also become destructive without enough mental and physical exercise or if they are left too much to their own devices. Training The Lab is highly intelligent and willing to learn, always loving a job to perform so your job as a trainer will be easy. However, you need to be a calm, knowledgeable owner giving consistent and committed leadership to your Labrador Retriever using motivational training methods. They crave human leadership and need to feel as though they are part of the family. Your Lab may be reticent with strangers unless socialized, so train and socialize your Labrador while they are still puppies in order to avoid negative behaviors as they get older. Labrador Retrievers love to eat and many owners need to keep the food out of reach and even under lock and key because this breed will find a way to get to the food with or without the owner; sometimes eating until they get sick. Grooming The Lab is an average shedder with a smooth and thick, water-repellent double coat. As with all dogs, trim their nails and brush their teeth regularly. Origin The Labrador Retriever is from Newfoundland and was bred to work with fishermen. They were trained to work in the water to pull in the fishing nets and to retrieve fish that came loose from the lines. In the 19th century, this breed was brought to England where they were crossed with various breeds of Spaniels, Setters, and other Retrievers to advance their hunting skills. Today this breed shines in hunting, tracking, retrieving, search and rescue, military and police K-9 units, narcotics detection, assistance and guide dogs, and field trial competition. See store for details on a particular puppy. American Canine Association.
Train your Frenchie here! You should start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Puppy brains are a lot bigger than we think — they soak up so much good information despite their young age. French Bulldogs can be a rather independent breed of dog. In fact, we sometimes might feel like we need them more than they need us! What age can I start to train my French Bulldog puppy? You can start training your French Bulldog puppy as soon as you get them home. Build positive training experiences with Zigzag! We can start you off with a personalised training programme straight away in the Zigzag puppy training app , in fact, you can even use it before you bring your Frenchie puppy home as we have a pre-puppy section. Before bringing your French Bulldog puppy home, you can also get in touch with our Zigzag puppy experts with any of the many questions you may have! While blingy collars and outfits might be top of the list, there are some more sensible things you need to get your French Bulldog puppy that will help with your training. Here are my top picks for getting prepared for training your Frenchie. My favourite all-rounder is the Rapid Rewards treat pouch , it comes in many colours and looks stylish when on. The Mikki treat pouch is also good and a bit cheaper. You can go to town and choose pretty colours and designs for Frenchies! A lead — Around 2m is a good length for a lead. A training lead is a good idea as you can change the lengths of them to suit. A comfortable mat or a piece of non-slip vet bed. Treats The more smelly, the better. Have a look at the best puppy treats here. Chews and chew toys — lots of them! Our faves for Frenchies are West Paw Toppl and hollow buffalo horns for stuffing food into, and cow ears and pizzles for edible chews. Two identical toys : Excellent for swaps — your French Bulldog puppy will be super playful and enjoy the retrieving games in the Zigzag app. Originally, French Bulldogs were bred from English Bulldogs, who had a shady past as bull-baiting dogs. People enjoyed their cheerful nature and kept them as companion dogs after these awful blood sports were prohibited. When the need for these workers declined in England, their skills were still required in France, so the workers relocated, bringing their dogs with them. Relocate your training to Zigzag! When they arrived in France, they were adored by shopkeepers, butchers, and, most infamously, Les Belles de Nuit — the ladies of the night! What does this have to do with how I train my French Bulldog? Knowing the characteristics of the breed will help you better train your Frenchie puppy and understand why they behave the way they do. Here are a few things to keep in mind: Frenchies are incredibly loving and enjoy being in the spotlight. They can have a lot of energy possibly even more than a lot of energy and enjoy an active home life. Lack of stimulation WILL foster self-employment; provide them with items to rip up and pull apart to keep them out of trouble. By the way, if you leave them to it, they WILL go into your recycling and have a field day. Frenchies often think they are big dogs, thus they often do well playing with dogs larger than them. They look dashing in them too! December 6, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? Quickly rising in the popularity ranks to spot number two, the French bulldog or more commonly known for their nickname Frenchie is a bundle of cute, silliness, and affection! This compact, low-activity, lap companion is a perfect fit for puppy parents that like a relaxed lifestyle! How do you know if the French Bulldog is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on French Bulldogs! When it comes to French Bulldogs, not where they originally come from! These pups actually made their way over to France from England and were actually Toy Bulldogs. During the mid s, lacemakers from Nottingham, England traveled to Paris bringing along their toy bulldogs and cross-breeding them with bull-baiting bulldogs to gain those tall erect bat ears Frenchies have today! Soon, their popularity in France spread as more Parisian women introduced these pups a staple into city, cafe-culture. What are French Bulldog Breed Characteristics? French Bulldogs have short snouts, round adorable bodies and short legs, square-shaped faces but the most undeniably French Bulldog quality.Although these characteristics breed standard, French Bulldogs come in a variety of colorings including white, cream, tan, grey, black, brown, blue, multi-color, fawn, brindle, merle, lilac, and combinations of each of these! What are French Bulldog Personalities like? These pups have silly personalities, love to play, and can settle right up next to your lap. Unlike the common yappy small dog stereotype, Frenchies are quite affectionate and even-tempered. They love their human families, seek companionship, and enjoy playing with their people. If you were looking for a pup that was thrill-seeking and had a protective quality to their nature, French Bulldogs are far more content with a walk, quick game of tug-of-way or fetch, and would probably rather play with new people and dogs than be protective. While they are relatively easy-going, they can have a bit of a stubborn streak so be prepared with obedience training and to coax your Frenchie with some treats! Much like their early days, French Bulldogs are a great choice for puppy parents living in urban, city environments like apartment buildings. Frenchies, while they love to play, are what is known as a brachycephalic breed. High activity can cause them to overheat and they will have difficulty panting to cool off. While the idea of letting your French Bulldog puppy cool off in water seems right, no swimming for these pups. If you live somewhere with a pool or close to a lake, be mindful of your Frenchie, and even keep a protective float or vest on them! All in all, a home that provides space in a room to play, or walks around the neighborhood or in a park are just what Frenchies need to burn off their energy and keep entertained! How to Care for Your French Bulldog! French Bulldogs, like many short-snouted dogs, can suffer from respiratory issues such as wheezing, snoring, and over-heating in warmer temperatures. While their short coats are generally low-maintenance, French Bulldogs can suffer from eye infections and infections in the folds of their skin. Keeping their eyes clean, regular brushing with a rubber glove, and making sure their skin is completely dry after bathing can significantly help prevent these issues! When you first bring home your new French Bulldog puppy, set up an initial visit with your veterinarian to discuss French Bulldog breed nutritional needs, preventive care, and schedule their vaccinations! Thanks to their adorable looks, French Bulldogs receive a lot of affection from their humans. Basic Obedience and Tricks French Bulldogs are fun and easy-to-train breed! However, some Frenchie parents may find bouts of stubbornness such as refusing to take another step on a walk or not coming when called! If you start to experience this with your Frenchie puppy, try to keep them on a leash while under supervision at home to have them follow you and start to establish leadership. Since these pups love a good playtime session, teaching them some fun tricks is a great way to keep them engaged while still working on listening and following your lead! Potty Train Right Away With the right consistency and patience, all puppies can be potty trained! Some French Bulldog puppies may take a bit longer to master pottying in a specific spot so start from the very first day your puppy comes home! Pick a designated spot, start bringing your puppy there every time they have to go potty, and supervise them at home, or crate them at night to prevent accidents! As companion dogs, French Bulldogs can develop separation anxiety so establishing crate times during the day and at night will help your puppy start to feel comfortable being alone and boost their level of confidence. Set times for feeding, play, puppy training, and sleep will provide your puppy with routine and structure, encouraging good behaviors and fewer chances of your puppy developing bad habits. A daily schedule also makes certain things such as potty times far more predictable for you and helps to speed up the potty training process. Lastly, a set routine creates a well-adjusted puppy that will grow up confident, healthy, and happy! One of the best things about a daily puppy schedule is that you can establish one that aligns with your own! Teach them "Drop-It! One of the fastest and most fun! Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! The education of the French Bulldog is sometimes forgotten. They are can lazy dogs, but they are also eager to learn. The upbringing must be done with patience and determination. The French Bulldog is a small dog with a big ego, so it should be treated in the same way as a large dog. Because of the size, we often forget to treat the French Bulldog like a normal dog. It is important that he knows his place in the ranking. When raising your french bulldog puppy, he will need to learn his place in your family. Learning social skills We have done our best to get the puppy used to as many things as possible: people, children, other animals, sounds such as from the vacuum cleaner, radio, TV, microwave, toys, water, the car, etc. This is a good start, but the socialization period continues for 6 months. The primary socialization was done by the breeder or so it should be… , but the secondary socialization period will have to be done by you as the new owner. You will notice that your puppy can still become shy and anxious, so go on walks with your puppy as much as possible. Certainly, do not get angry if he responds anxiously, but do not go overboard in comforting too. If you get angry, you increase his fear; if you comfort him, you reward his fear. Show who is the boss Stay consistent with your Frenchie: if you forbid anything from your puppy, you will also have to keep forbidding it once the Frenchie is mature. It is also very important that everyone in the family applies the same rules. Never make a low posture when playing, not even with a small dog like the French Bulldog. If you have small children who are still crawling, then the puppy can see him as kin. Never leave your children alone with your French Bulldog. You determine the beginning and the end of an action or game. Ignore your Frenchie if he is pushy to ask for attention by pushing his nose or his paw. Always let your dog come to you, do not go to your dog yourself. Prevent the dog from entering or leaving the house first. Let the dog sit, and then go outside yourself first. It is certainly advisable to do puppy training possibly from 10 weeks. You can do this perfectly yourself. General interaction When raising your french bulldog puppy, always be consistent. Stay calm and patient. Do not show hesitant behavior, but be confident. Make sure you have a good tone in your voice: commands and rewards are clearly different. Command: neutral tone — correction: low tone — reward: high tone. If you give a command, the dog must execute this. Repeat the command and help your Frenchie. There is no point in repeating the command endlessly or getting angry and start yelling. If your dog performs a command correctly, reward him. Immediately correct unwanted behavior. A dog can only remember things for a few seconds, so he will no longer know why you correct it if you wait too long. After the correction, you let him do something and reward him for doing well with your voice. Problem Behavior: Unwanted growling There can be several reasons why a dog growls at forbidden things, such as teeth coming through, fear, boredom, and lack of exercise. Give your French bulldog different toys to prevent him from nibbling on your personal items. Make sure that the toys offer sufficient challenges, such as a toy from which something tasty comes out when it is in a certain position. If you see your French Bulldog growl at a prohibited item, take it from him and give him one of its own chew toys. Reward him if he accepts the toy. Good socialization can do wonders here. Reward the dog by giving him a special treat and a chew toy to keep him busy if there is a visitor, for example. French Bulldogs are very vigilant by nature, and sometimes it is difficult to prevent them from barking when he hears a suspicious sound. It is, of course, possible that you appreciate this characteristic. Yet it is not fun if he barks for a long time. It is very important to reward your Frenchie if he does this correctly. If your French Bulldog wants to warn you that someone is coming or if he hears a suspicious noise, then reward him for the warning. Then let him know that it is enough and reward him if he stops. Aggression Aggressive behavior may never be tolerated. There may be countless reasons why your dog wants to bite, but there is never a valid excuse. As a puppy, your dog must learn that they are not allowed to bite, even when playing. The most important measure to correct aggressive behavior is to make it clear that you are the boss. Suppose your dog bites, you can think about the possible factors that influence his perception of his place in the pack your family. However, if your French Bulldog thinks he is the pack leader, the problem cannot be underestimated, and it is nevertheless advisable to seek professional help. Your veterinarian, a dog trainer, or a behavioral therapist for dogs can advise you. This was PART 4. Disclosure HappyFrenchBulldog. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Contact Have questions about our content? Contact us at info [at] happyfrenchbulldog. Footer Nav. Thanks Emily! Frenchies are one of the cutest, most agreeable breeds around. That said, there are some unique challenges when raising a French Bulldog into a well-rounded canine. Overcome Stubbornness Early Frenchies are adorable. It seems like they know it too. They can be stubborn and even manipulative if you let them. Many people try to take advantage of training them with food, but often they end up with an overweight dog who only listens when they have a treat ready to go. Instead, you should begin training your Frenchie as soon as he or she comes home. Crate training from an early age is the best way to help them learn not to go potty inside the house. Far from being cruel, however, giving your dog a crate gives them a den that mimics how they live in the wild. More importantly, few dogs will want to use the bathroom in their home. Introduce them to the crate slowly. There are two big rules to using a crate properly that many people neglect. The first is using the crate as a punishment. If you have children then let them know that the crate is off-limits. This helps reinforce the crate as a positive thing for your dog. Some of the problems associated just come from the exceptionally short muzzle of French Bulldogs. Other problems also crop up frequently in the breed, such as allergies and food sensitivities , unfortunately. You should always watch your Frenchie for signs of becoming obese. Likewise, you need to pick and choose your battles when it comes to walks. Bad weather conditions can cause your Frenchie to have trouble breathing during your exercise session. Read more about the French Bulldog diet. Things like dehumidifiers and air conditioners can help dogs who are home all day. Water should always be available as well. Water is a non-negotiable requirement for any dog, just make sure they have ready access to it. Keeping Frenchies Healthy and Happy While French Bulldogs have some unique challenges to their husbandry, you can help to raise a healthy and happy dog without having to go to extreme lengths. Give the above tips a shot and always do your research when you think something may be amiss. If you do that, then you and your dog are sure to have a wonderful life together! She started this site as a hobby project to help dog owners find answers to the questions she had while owning her first dog. Pin5 5 Shares There are so many misconceptions about Frenchies, and I hope you find the real-life experiences I write about on the blog helpful in dispelling some of them. But there is an element of truth to one common opinion when people say Frenchies can be difficult to raise and train… so how hard can it be? How hard is it to raise a French Bulldog? French Bulldogs have a reputation for being stubborn dogs so you would think they would be hard to raise. As a Frenchie owner myself, I think generalizations like this are very misleading. We often look back and compare it to having a baby and toddler again. It was honestly that hectic at times with stuff getting chewed, pee and poop all over the kitchen floor, and him running away and not listening to us. It took a while to get him toilet trained, he was very bitey, and seemed to take longer than we expected to be trained. However, I think much of it comes down to how hard you work, plus some other factors. This can be due to genetics and their treatment before you picked them up. We took Claude to our local vets and it helped us raise him and train him to be very calm. You can find a list of my training guides lower down the page. They are not and need exercise and walks to be happy. Mental stimulation: Healthy and happy puppies need to have active brains, not just physical activity. Health and care: Keep them clean, feed them a good diet, and keep up to date with their vet appointments and treatments. In a moment, I will break those down a little further, with tips on how you can put these all into action with links into the guides for each one. Is raising two French Bulldogs more difficult? Whilst we only have one Frenchie, we will often look after another one. The reason is, you can find that they will learn from each other, and mimic good and bad behaviors. That can make training a little easier. Read this if you are thinking about getting a puppy. He knows what time to wake up, when his food should be out, and when walk times are. Dogs like things to be predictable! Have plenty of toys Keep your Frenchie mentally active, and you will help to raise a happy and healthy dog. You can take them for walks twice a day, but they will also need indoor playtime. You can buy toys that challenge them mentally and others which just rely on classic games such as tug of war… see the 18 best Frenchie toys I recommend. Your Frenchie puppy will love to play with plenty of different toys. Include them in everything Claude has become part of our family which means including him on everything that we do. When he gets left out of something, he looks really put out. Taking them out from a young age post-vaccinations exposes them to all the different elements early on that will help them to grow up as well adjusted dogs. The remainder is vet approved food that is packed full of all the nutrients he needs. When he does have snacks, we make sure they are things like healthy fruit and vegetables. Below you can access lists of safe and dangerous foods for Frenchies to print off and keep.
Made from genuine leather for durability and style Soft padding for extra comfort Strong and secure brass hardware Handcrafted for a luxurious look and feel Available in various sizes and colors Cons: Higher price point compared to nylon collars May require more maintenance to keep the leather in good condition The Soft Touch Collars Luxury Real Leather Padded Dog Collar is an excellent choice for those who prefer a classic and elegant look for their German Shepherd. Made from genuine leather, this collar is both durable and stylish. The soft padding ensures your dog's comfort, while the brass hardware provides a secure and strong leash attachment. Although it's pricier than nylon collars and may require more maintenance, this handcrafted leather collar is a luxurious option for your German Shepherd. These top 5 German Shepherd collars each offer unique features and benefits. However, the other collars on this list also provide excellent options depending on your preferences and budget. By considering the specific needs of your German Shepherd and your desired features, you'll be able to find the perfect collar to keep your furry friend safe, stylish, and comfortable. With numerous collar options available, it's crucial to consider specific factors to ensure you select the best collar for your loyal companion. In this article, we'll discuss the top five factors to consider when buying a collar for your German Shepherd. Size and Adjustability The first factor to consider when selecting a collar is the size. German Shepherds have an average neck size ranging between 18 to 24 inches, depending on their age, sex, and individual growth. Measure your dog's neck using a soft tape measure, allowing for two fingers of space between the collar and the neck for comfort. It's also essential to choose a collar that is adjustable. Adjustable collars usually come with a buckle or sliding mechanism, making it easy to modify the collar's size as needed. Material and Durability While German Shepherds and shepadoodles share certain traits, their collar needs can differ. German Shepherds are strong, active dogs that require a collar made from durable materials. Common collar materials include nylon, leather, and metal. Nylon collars are favored for their durability, affordability, and ease of cleaning. Leather collars, on the other hand, present a timeless aesthetic and robustness but may demand more upkeep to maintain the leather's quality. Metal collars, like choke chains or prong collars, should be approached with caution and only implemented under the direction of a skilled trainer. Choose a collar that can withstand your German Shepherd's strength and energy while remaining comfortable for daily wear. Safety Features Safety should be a top priority when selecting a collar for your German Shepherd. Reflective or brightly colored collars can improve visibility, especially during early morning or evening walks. Some collars also come with breakaway features, which can be beneficial if your dog gets caught on something while exploring. If you're concerned about your German Shepherd wandering off or getting lost, consider a collar with GPS tracking capabilities, like the Fi Collar. This advanced feature allows you to track your dog's location in real time and provides peace of mind. Collar Type There are various collar types to choose from, including standard buckle collars, martingale collars, and head collars. Each collar type serves a different purpose, and it's essential to choose the one that best suits your German Shepherd's needs. Standard buckle collars are the most common and suitable for daily use. Martingale collars are designed to provide more control for dogs that tend to pull on their leash, while head collars are ideal for dogs that require additional guidance during walks. Style and Personalization While style may not be the most critical factor, many dog owners enjoy selecting a collar that reflects their dog's personality or matches their aesthetic preferences. Collars come in various colors, patterns, and designs, allowing you to choose one that suits your taste. Additionally, many collars offer personalization options, such as embroidery or engraved tags, which can display your dog's name and your contact information. This adds an extra layer of security and can help reunite you with your dog if they ever get lost. When choosing a collar for your German Shepherd, considering factors such as size, adjustability, material, safety features, collar type, and style will ensure you select the best option for your furry friend. By keeping these factors in mind, you'll be able to find a comfortable, durable, and secure collar that meets your German Shepherd's needs and keeps them safe during their adventures. The Fi Collar is a smart collar that not only provides the durability and comfort German shepherds need but also offers cutting-edge technology to help you keep track of your dog's activity and location. This feature is particularly helpful if your German shepherd has a tendency to wander or if you're worried about theft. Activity Monitoring The Fi Collar also monitors your German shepherd's daily activity, helping you ensure they're getting enough exercise and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. You can even set daily activity goals for your dog and monitor their progress through the Fi app. Durability and Comfort German shepherds require a collar that can withstand their strength and energy. The Fi Collar is made from high-quality materials, such as chew-resistant bands and a secure metal buckle, ensuring it will last through your dog's adventures. Plus, the collar is comfortable for your German shepherd to wear daily. Customizable and Stylish The Fi Collar is available in various colors and sizes, so you can choose the perfect fit and style for your German Shepherd. Get the Best German Shepherd Collar Today When it comes to finding the perfect collar for your German shepherd, the Fi Collar offers the best combination of durability, comfort, and advanced technology. Keep your loyal companion safe, healthy, and stylish with a Fi Collar. Don't wait any longer! Get the best German shepherd collar for your furry friend today by visiting Fi's website and discovering the Fi Collar difference. Your German shepherd deserves the best, and Fi is here to provide it. Conclusion: In the journey of caring for a German Shepherd, attention to detail makes all the difference. Recognizing the importance of accurately determining the neck size goes beyond mere aesthetics or the fit of a collar. It's a testament to our dedication to their comfort, safety, and overall well-being. As we've explored in this guide, understanding the 'German Shepherd Neck Size' holds significant value, impacting various facets of their life and health. As responsible guardians of these noble canines, it's our duty to ensure that every aspect of their care, no matter how nuanced, is meticulously addressed. In doing so, we not only foster a stronger bond with our furry companions but also ensure they lead a life marked by comfort and dignity. For more helpful articles about pet-parenting tips, check out the Off Leash blog at TryFi. Want to know more about TryFi. This is the fastest way to find your dog after an escape. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. However, the average measurement is around 11 to 14 inches, so you should pick the collar size accordingly while adding around 0. Top 3 Collars for German Shepherd Puppies on the Market When it comes to pet collars, there are several options on the market. However, choosing the right one for German Shepherds puppies can be quite tricky. PetSafe Martingale Collar Kicking off the list with this collar from PetSafe, which is one of the overall best options on the market. This collar is a martingale one, which is specifically great for most untrained German Shepherd puppies, which are popular for their playfulness, curiosity, and eagerness to run around. The PetSafe collar features a high density nylon webbing construction, which makes it practically indestructible no matter how hard the puppy pulls it. Additionally, the buckle of the collar is quite sturdy and reliable while making it very easy to put the collar on and off. The collar comes in various sizes, including a small size that is suitable for German Shepherd puppies in addition to a strap width range that extends from 0. Top Features Excellent for hyperactive and curious puppies Highly recommended by vets and trainers 2. Blueberry Classic Collar This one is a classic collar that is ideal for relatively trained puppies that are generally calmer and more composed. Blueberry used high density polyester while making this collar, which makes it durable and reliable while taking your dog on a stroll. The collar has a strap width of 0. We also like that it comes in a huge variety of vibrant colors, so you can choose the ideal one for your little doggie. Top Features Available in a variety of amazing colors The D-ring is relatively large for easy attachment to leashes and harnesses Accurate and reliable sizing chart for referencing Helpful Dog Health Resource: Note: Our Health is 1 Priority. It should be no different for your dog. But you need to help him. The Ultimate Guide to Dog Health is the answer. This handy guide will help you recognize the symptoms of the health problems above. Get the knowledge to stay ahead of these terrible issues that can rob your lovely dog from vigor and life. This collar has a genuine soft leather construction, giving the collar a remarkable level of durability while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing look. Additionally, the collar has a rolled design that keeps the collar comfortable to wear. Besides the standard leather colors, the collar is also available in various color options to match your taste. As for size options, the 12 to 14 inch one should be ideal for most German Shepherd puppies, but there are several other sizes for unique cases. His online resource contains Hundreds of Excellent Dog Training Videos that will take you step-by-step through the process of developing a healthy, happy well-behaved dog. German Shepherds puppies usually have a neck size of around 11 to 14 inches in circumference. This means that a collar that ranges between 12 to 16 inches should be good enough for your puppy. For example, what one manufacturer considers a small collar, another might label as a medium. Loosen the tape enough space to fit a finger or two between the collar and the neck. Things to Keep in Mind While Buying a Collar for Puppies Besides sizing, here are a few more aspects to consider while buying a collar for your German Shepherd puppy: Type There are several types of collars out there. But when it comes to German Shepherd puppies. The two we recommend the most are standard and martingale collars. Standard collars are regular collars that you wrap around your puppy's neck, then attach to a leash while having a walk. The martingale collars are ideal to train hyperactive puppies that like to pull the leash to maintain good behavior. On the other hand, the classic is better suited for trained or naturally calm puppies. Material There are several materials to consider while buying a collar. Each one has its unique features. Polyester: Fairly affordable and very comfortable to wear, but not as durable as nylon. However, if you want a more adjustable collar, you should consider a prong buckle with notches. Paul S. Paul has been creating content for the dog niche for many years. The information he shares comes his first hand experience growing up in dog lovers household and then owning multiple dog breeds of his own as an adult. Paul enjoys doing the hard research to collect, analyze and present our dogtemperament. Breathable Puppy Collars Made of high-density polyester, this breathable puppy collar is comfortable for your puppy. It has a color with different prints. The collar is stylish because of its high-quality material. It is perfect for daily walks, training, and indoor wear. Your puppy will truly be outstanding wearing this collar. It has a quick-release buckle that is made of metal and plastic. The buckle is an easy one-hand operation, making it convenient. This collar does not weigh down your puppy because it features lightweight. Pros It is made of high-density polyester It has colorful prints One can choose from different patterns The buckle is easily loosed Cons Joytale Reflective Dog Collar If you are looking for a budget puppy collar, we recommend the Joytale Reflective Dog Collar. This collar is made of nylon, padded with neoprene rubber. It is soft, flexible, and durable. This collar dries fast when your puppy gets it wet. The collar is reflective to ensure you can find your playful puppy at night. The visibility also keeps your pup safe. You cannot go wrong with sizing when it comes to this collar. It gives you options of five different sizes to choose from. The plastic buckle is shaped to give your puppy comfort. The edges of this collar are not hard. The collar has a simple design that is suitable for everyday wear. The collar can withstand any weather. The collar has an adjustable clip that releases the buckle quickly without struggle. Pros It is good for sensitive skin The material is soft. Rated 5. There are plenty of options available for this breed. What Size Collar for German Shepherds? German Shepherd Temperament German Shepherds are popular as pets for a reason. Many German Shepherds also come from different genetic lines, with dogs from working lines that have high-drive temperaments, while others come from show lines that are more soft-tempered. While both of those types of Shepherds can be skittish and even aggressive at times, their high intelligence and trainability have allowed more generalized breeders to breed dogs with soft and calm temperaments. There are plenty of options available—including leather, nylon, and martingale. Leather Collars for German Shepherds Calmer and more obedient German Shepherds will benefit from a leather collar, which can provide a combination of durability and comfort. Also, for German Shepherds with super sensitive skin, leather collars are the best option. Nylon Collars for German Shepherds German Shepherds that are calm and have a good temperament will also benefit from a nylon collar. Martingale Collars for German Shepherds Martingale collars are clinching collars that tighten when the leash is pulled by the dog or the owner. If your dog likes to pull or slip out of collars, you can find martingale collars that keep the dog comfortable while giving you more control. Regardless of the size or temperament of your German Shepherd, our selection has what you need to balance control and comfort. Sign up for Doggie Deals By signing up, you will receive an email every week with new deals only for Mimi's Doggie Deals subscribers. We believe that your dog is a reflection of yourself. 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puppies for adoption golden retriever - An ultra sound is inconclusive until around 30 days and a x-ray will not show anything till around 45 days when the calcium in the puppies bones solidifies. This leaves very little time to get prepared. So let's discuss some important Poodle pregnancy facts. This is Curly, who is 19 months old and 51 days pregnant. Let's first clear up some myths and look at some Poodle pregnancy facts. A female Poodle may become pregnant: Any time after her 1st heat, no matter how young she is At any age, no matter how old she is, as long as she is still entering heat.Starting at about week 2 it will become firm. By week 4 it will be noticeably swollen. Her mammary glands will become enlarged Some inverted nipples that you may not have even noticed will "pop out" She will clean herself more thoroughly than usual Nesting behavior may begin. Some dogs will gather toys and other articles from around the house, showing maternal instincts toward them. She may also drag pillows, blankets and other soft materials to a quiet corner of a room to build a 'nest'. Her appetite should increase There may be minor to moderate clear discharge. This usually begins by week 4 or 5. Litter Size The average size litter for a Toy Poodle is: 3 pups The average size litter for a Miniature Poodle is: 5 pups The average size litter for a Standard Poodle is: 6 pups Do keep in mind that these are averages. It is common for a Toy Poodle to have just 1 puppy and while it is rare, she may have up to 5. The largest Poodle litter ever recorded is.Charlie named for Charlie's Angels was in labor for 23 hours, giving birth to 10 female puppies and 6 males. And believe it or not, this was an unplanned breeding. The sire, Magnum another standard Poodle broke through 2 wooden fences to get to Charlie when she was in heat. Caring for a Pregnant Poodle Once you suspect that your Poodle may be pregnant, you will want to have this confirmed. There are several ways that the veterinarian can do this, at different stages: A blood test can test for pregnancy and will be most reliable by day .An ultrasound can pick up fetal heartbeats by day day .An x-ray should be performed to determine exactly how many fetus are growing so that you will know how many to expect. This is not done until late in the pregnancy, usually after day 45, since bones are not sufficiently calcified until this time. Moderate daily exercise should continue throughout the pregnancy while excluding any more intense activity. Walking will allow the dam to maintain muscle mass and keep her body in top shape in preparation for labor. Her appetite will increase by week 2 or 3 and by week 5 nutritional needs nearly double. While food should not be denied, the focus should be on offering a well-balanced, healthy diet. Adding an egg once per day as well as a scoop or two of cottage cheese is a good way to offer a bit more protein. Pregnant dogs should not be given any extra calcium via supplements as this can predispose a dam to the dangerous health condition of eclampsia a life-threatening drop in blood calcium levels that can happen when the dam is nursing. The home environment should be as stress free as possible and the pregnant Poodle should be allowed to retreat and rest as she pleases. You may wonder how much weight a pregnant Poodle gains. For example, a toy Poodle that was 8 lbs. A standard Poodle that was 55 lbs .While the majority of delivers are without complications, you will want to be prepared for any situation. You will need: 1. A thermometer 2. Sheets, towels or clean newspapers 3. Floss or thread 4. A whelping box - This can be a cardboard box, lined child's wading pool for standards or even a canine bed Perla beds work quite nicely 6. Heating pad 7. Having an assistant be there with you is always a good idea. How to Know it is Time All dog breeds carry the puppies on average for 63 days; however a Poodle pregnancy can last anywhere from 59 to 65 days and still be considered normal. You will know that labor is to begin in approximately 24 hours when your dog's internal body temperature drops. For this reason, at least one week before the due date, start taking your Poodle's temperature twice per day. While some digital thermometers will beep, if you are using a standard type, leave it in for 3 minutes. At this time, you should be prepared to remain with your Poodle, set her up in the whelping area and separate any males dogs in the house so that they cannot reach her. If your Poodle does not go into labor within 24 hours after her body temperature drops to below F, you will want to alert the veterinarian. Stages of Labor There are 3 main stages of canine labor. Stage 1 During the first stage of labor the cervix will dilate and contractions will begin. This element of Poodle labor can be painful and a dog may express this by: Acting restless. However, this period can vary slightly, with some pregnancies being a bit shorter or longer. An interesting, and somewhat challenging, part of toy poodle pregnancies is predicting the litter size. Due to their petite size, it can be hard to accurately estimate the number of puppies they might have. Ensuring that the expectant toy poodle receives adequate care and nutrition during this time is paramount for a healthy delivery and a thriving litter. Toy Poodle Pregnancy Basics Gestation Period Toy poodles, like all dogs, have a gestation period of approximately 58 to 65 days. During this time, your pregnant toy poodle will go through several changes, both physically and behaviorally. You may notice her growing belly, increased appetite, and even some mood swings. Breeding and Conception Toy poodles typically have their first heat cycle between 6 and 12 months of age. During this period, the female toy poodle becomes receptive to mating and can conceive. Ready to Adopt Puppyspot Poodle Adoption 5. They have placed over , puppies into homes in the US! See Poodle Puppies Available When it comes to selecting a suitable mate, toy poodle owners should opt for a healthy, compatible partner with a good temperament. Conception usually takes place within 48 hours of mating, leading to the start of the gestation period. Pregnant toy poodles should visit the veterinarian regularly throughout their pregnancy to ensure both the mother and puppies are healthy and developing properly. In summary, understanding the basics of toy poodle pregnancy can make the process smoother and more enjoyable for both you and your canine companion. Recognizing Early Signs of Pregnancy Physical Changes In the early stages of pregnancy, a toy poodle might display several physical changes. Another indication of pregnancy could be weight gain. Aside from the nipples and weight gain, one of the first signs of pregnancy in a toy poodle is a change in the appearance of her vulva. It may become enlarged and even show a discharge. A swollen abdomen is often noticeable too, as the puppies start to grow and take up more space inside her. Behavioral Changes Apart from the physical changes, your toy poodle may also exhibit some behavioral changes during early pregnancy. Keep an eye out for changes in appetite. Lethargy is another common symptom of pregnancy in toy poodles. So, if your little furball seems to be spending more time snoozing and less time playing fetch, puppies could be on the way. You know what they say: let sleeping poodles lie—at least until the pups arrive. All these signs and symptoms can help you recognize early signs of pregnancy in your beloved toy poodle and allow you to provide her with the best care possible. Keep in mind that each dog is different and might experience pregnancy differently, much like people. So, buckle up for the next exciting adventure in the world of toy poodles. Confirming Pregnancy in Toy Poodles When it comes to determining if your toy poodle is pregnant, there are several ways a veterinarian can help confirm the happy news. The vet will conduct a physical examination on your toy poodle, checking her abdomen and looking for any early signs of pregnancy. They may also recommend a blood test to confirm the pregnancy hormone levels. Just think of it as the doggy equivalent of a stick test! Ultrasound An ultrasound scan is a reliable, non-invasive method that veterinarians use to confirm toy poodle pregnancies. The ultrasound can usually pick up signs of puppies as early as days into the pregnancy — talk about seeing the little ones before they even learn to bark! This will allow the vet to assess the fetal health and give you a more accurate due date. X-Ray As the pregnancy progresses, your veterinarian might suggest an X-ray to get a clearer picture of the developing puppies. Monitoring Your Pregnant Toy Poodle Health and Nutrition Caring for a pregnant toy poodle involves focusing on their health and nutrition. A pregnant poodle may experience morning sickness; however, a balanced and nutritious diet can help mitigate it. For example, inverted nipples may occur during pregnancy. Physical Activity and Exercise Regular exercise is necessary for a pregnant toy poodle. It helps maintain their health and well-being during the gestation period, which typically lasts around 63 days. Physical activity keeps toy poodles in shape as their embryo-settling process takes place. Ensuring that your pregnant poodle gets regular walks and moderate play sessions can contribute to a smoother whelping experience. But keep in mind to monitor their energy levels and adjust the exercise routine if needed. Too much physical activity might be strenuous for your pregnant poodle. When preparing a whelping box, make sure it has enough space for your toy poodle and her puppies while keeping them safe and warm. In conclusion, monitoring your pregnant toy poodle involves keeping an eye on their health and nutrition, ensuring regular exercise, and preparing for whelping by setting up a comfortable nesting space. Similar Posts. The reason the X-Ray takes a bit longer is that the new pup will not show up on there until the bones are formed. You can also use this as a method to see how many puppies will be in the litter. Typically, by that point, pregnancy will already be confirmed through other methods. But the X-Ray is an excellent way to see how their growth is progressing and is crucial to understanding how many pups there are. Knowing how many puppies to expect is important, so you know if she has finished with labor or if there may be a puppy stuck in the birth canal. Jessica Romine on Care. Speak with your vet about what type of panel would be most appropriate for them. Caring for Your Poodle During Pregnancy Once you know your poodle is pregnant and have gone through the proper exams and tests to be sure she is healthy and happy, it is time to get the home ready and begin your regiment of daily care for her. Poodles are incredibly loyal, intelligent, and alert. This makes them excellent mothers, and also helps them get ready for motherhood. They are highly instinctual on top of it all. So, there is some good news in there for you, as her caretaker. She will take care of a lot of this on her own. Like in their nesting moments, they inherently know how to be mothers. She will still need support from you, and you will need to adjust how you do some activities with her, but her instincts will take over when it comes to a lot of this. Exercise for your Pregnant Poodle Any healthy dog, no matter the breed, needs a lot of exercise and stimulation. The only major change you will want to make is to exclude any high-impact or intense activity. In general, poodles are highly active and love to be physically and mentally stimulated. So their exercise is already relatively low to moderate impact. While she is pregnant, you will want to really make sure to eliminate anything too intense from her daily activity. But daily walks and mild playtime will be great for her. Purina recommends three to five short walks per day. Walking is low impact, gets her fresh air, and bonding time with you. As she gets ready to be a mother, she still needs to feel that bond and closeness to you. It is a way of showing her support during her pregnancy. Walking will also help keep her heart healthy and maintain muscle mass. She needs her body to be in top shape to be ready for labor. Leading up to labor, she will also want her body to be healthy so she can feel her best during times that will be tougher. This will not be a comfortable few months leading up to the birth. But slow, short walks will make her feel better and stay healthy. With an increased appetite in pregnant poodles, moderate exercise daily will also help keep off extra, unwanted pounds. She will, of course, gain weight during this process. But the key is to make sure she is maintaining a balanced lifestyle. Sudden weight gain from eating too much and not exercising enough is not balanced. Keep an eye on her weight and speak with your vet about healthy weight ranges throughout her pregnancy. Make sure exercise is a top priority, and she gets all the fresh air and activity that she needs. Remember, she may also be a bit more lethargic. So this is one of the times you will have to take the reins. While her instincts may tell her that she needs to be active, her body may not always react accordingly. We all need an extra push from time to time when it comes to getting outdoors and being active. This is no different. Your dog is going to rely on you to encourage her and help her stay active during this time, even if she may not be feeling like keeping up with her daily walks and exercise. While she will be hungrier, she also needs to make sure all her nutritional needs get met. Think about how you eat and the changes you make based on what your goal is. If you want to gain muscle, you will probably add protein. For your pregnant poodle, balance and nutrition are essential. Puppies and kittens stay on a special diet for their first year of life because their bodies need particular nutrients to help make sure they are growing properly. They are growing a puppy inside of them, and they need proper nutrition to keep themselves healthy, which also helps keep the puppy healthy. I feed my dog high-quality food from Pet Plate. Pet Plate is a premium dog food subscription service that provides freshly cooked and pre-portioned meals completely customized for your dog. I really love the fact that Pet Plate delivers the highest quality meals to my door without me ever having to think about it! Check out Pet Plate here to find more information and see if Pet Plate is right for you and your pet. A monthly topical flea, tick, or heartworm medication would be one of the exceptions. This should be continued as it will help prevent your dog from passing anything along to the newborn pups, and it is entirely safe. Always speak with your vet about these decisions first. Extra Protein By giving your dog some extra protein during pregnancy, you will be helping her in a few different areas. Protein gives extra energy, which will be welcomed and appreciated by your pregnant poodle. It also promotes healthy, strong muscles. Since she may not be up for the same level of exercise she was getting before, this can help her maintain muscle mass, so her body is ready for labor. She will also feel full faster, so it will help her keep a healthy weight while still getting all the food and nutrients she needs. It should contain at least 29 percent protein and 17 percent fat. High amounts of soluble carbohydrates and a low fiber content are important to ensure adequate energy intake and to avoid hypoglycemia low blood sugar in late pregnancy. Adequate intake of calcium between 1 and 1. You want to make sure the brand is trustworthy and uses all-natural ingredients. If you can go with an organic option, it will help maintain the integrity of the food and ingredients. Your vet will make sure the type of food is well-balanced and explicitly geared towards pregnant dogs. The vitamins, minerals, and macronutrients are all crucial factors in making sure mom and pups are all healthy throughout the pregnancy and after birth. Healthy Weight Gain for Pregnant Poodles It is considered healthy for a little weight gain from poodles during their pregnancy. The extra weight from the pups will already be causing additional stress on joints and make things a little harder on your mom-to-be. So making sure additional and unnecessary pounds stay off will be crucial to her health and happiness. Ideal is the keyword here. If your dog was already over or underweight, adjust that number accordingly. When you speak with your vet, ask about their ideal weight. Once you confirm what their ideal weight is, you can also figure out what their ideal pregnant weight is. This is also something your vet will know, but it is essential for you to understand it so you can monitor it at home. This one is up to you. Preparing for the Birth If you are planning on having the puppies at home, you will want to be prepared for every situation and ready to bring them to the vet at any moment if there are complications. Speak with your vet ahead of time on birthing practices and things to be prepared for. This is not something you want to have to improvise during. Having a checklist, a plan, and everything ready will be paramount to the healthy birth of the new pups. If you have to take your dog to the vet for the delivery at any point, that is something to prepare for, as well. Taking Them to the Vet This is not an ideal situation if she has begun the labor process but may be needed if something goes wrong and medical attention is required. If you have an extra person with you, this will all be much easier. It is a scary moment for the mom, and she will want someone comforting her, while someone else is driving. You also want to make sure she is safe and secure in the car in case of sudden stops or accidents. Keeping her in a crate with lots of towels and blankets will be the safest way to go. The Poodle Home Birth Checklist Provided everything is going well, you will be able to do everything right in your home where your dog will be most comfortable and feel safe in her own territory. Miniature poodles do have a higher chance of needing a C-Section than standard poodles, but in most cases, a home birth will be just fine. Make sure you have everything you need on-hand and ready to go at any point once you are nearing the expected date. Use this Toy Poodle pregnancy calendar also known as Toy Poodle gestation period to find out more. From this web page, you can in addition learn about just how to care for your pregnant Toy Poodle with suggestions to have them as healthy and relaxed as possible. The eggs slowly move down to the uterine horns. Also, your canine should not display any type of uncommon behaviour unless something is going wrong. During this phase, you ought to engage, play and also feed your pet dog as you usually do. Her embryos need to be well protected in the uterus as well as tender pet grooming must not cause any complications. Weight increase in onset of pet pregnancy is not advised for good health. Generally, changes in their diet and supplements are not needed yet, unless stipulated by your vet. Toy Poodle Pregnancy Week 3 Nidation During this stage, the young puppies are secured in membrane that provides them with nutrients. Although, your Toy Poodle may start to create a larger appetite so you may wish to feed her a little much more. Get an ultrasound for your Toy Poodle at your local veterinarian clinic to see the size of the litter, their overall health status and for a reliable birth date. You can likewise see if there are any abnormalities or complications that require to be dealt with. The embryo is now referred to as the foetus. During this foetal phase, your Toy Poodle canine will certainly start to put on a lot of weight. To manage the weight gain, its advised you feed your Toy Poodle more, and also consult with your vet on the exact amount to give. Toy Poodle Pregnancy Week 6 Turning Point During this stage, the pups will develop a lot more distinct body organs and tissues, even claws. Nonetheless, you may see a drop in appetite yet this results from discomfort from the pregnancy. Getting your pet to eat the correct foods is essential throughout the gestation period and also providing her numerous smaller dishes during the day, over 2 bigger meals, will assist a great deal. Toy Poodle Pregnancy Week 7 Hair Growth During this stage, the young puppies will certainly develop a lot more distinct organs and tissues, even claws. However, you might see a decrease in appetite but this results from discomfort from the pregnancy. Getting your dog to eat the correct foods is important throughout the gestation duration and giving her several smaller sized dishes throughout the day, over 2 larger dishes, will certainly help a great deal. Toy Poodle Pregnancy Week 8 X-ray During this phase, the puppies will develop much more distinct organs as well as cells, even claws. However, you may see a decrease in appetite but this is because of discomfort from the pregnancy. Getting your canine to eat the correct foods is important during the gestation period and offering her multiple smaller sized meals during the day, over 2 bigger meals, will aid a lot. Toy Poodle Pregnancy Week 9 Delivery Time During this stage, the puppies will certainly develop more distinct body organs and tissues, even claws. However, you may see a drop in appetite but this results from discomfort from the gestation. Getting your pet dog to eat the correct foods is very important during the gestation period and also providing her multiple smaller sized meals throughout the day, over 2 bigger meals, will certainly aid a lot. The normal gestation period for Toy Poodle is approximately 9 weeks from conception, however this can vary by several days. With a planned Toy Poodle breeding, it is best to make a note of the exact date of mating. If there are two matings, make a note of the dates and expect birth to occur between 63 and 65 days later. Like all dog breeds, Toy Poodle dogs exhibit a variety of symptoms and signs during gestation period, like changes in appetite, decreased activity, weight gain, enlarged nipples, behaviour changes, and nesting behaviours. How do you know when your Toy Poodle dog is about to give birth? During the first stage of labor, your Toy Poodle dog will begin to experience uterine contractions and she may also start pacing or digging. In most cases, your Toy Poodle will pant or shake. What can I do when my Toy Poodle dog gives birth for the first time? When your Toy Poodle dog goes into labour for the first time, the best thing you can do is quietly monitor her whilst keeping your distance.
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puppies for adoption golden retriever - Incredibly active dogs, the best way to keep a golden happy and healthy is to take them on regular walks and outings. But how long should a Golden Retriever be walked? A Golden Retriever should be walked at least 1 hour every day. If easier for the dog owner, walks and exercise time for goldens can be broken up into two minute sessions daily. This, of course, is the recommended walking time for a healthy adult Golden Retriever. Keep reading to find out more! This article may contain affiliate links and loyalgoldens may earn a commission if a purchase is made. Unlock your goldens natural intelligence and see just how quickly problem behaviors disappear. This is the best at home dog training I've ever used! Their job was to retrieve downed waterfowl, such as ducks and upland game birds during outings with their owners. These hunting excursions could last hours or even days, and golden retrievers were created to be able to last out in the field for long periods of time. These hunts included regular amounts of walking, running, climbing, and swimming. Even though most golden retrievers today are usually domesticated house dogs, they still have the genetic profile of a working dog and have been bred to be high-energy and very active. A long walk helps a retriever to relax its energetic mind and take in all the sights, sounds and smells they experience along the way. A golden retriever could literally walk all day long and cover dozens of miles. Fortunately for us, that much walking is not required. Ideally, a good walk for a golden can be 30 to 60 minutes in length. The daily walk with your golden retriever can be done all at once, or it can be done for shorter periods of time, multiple times a day. The speed of the walk should be pretty fast. A brisk walk is necessary because golden retrievers are difficult to fully tire out. Running with your golden, however, is not a requirement. How Long to Walk A Golden Retriever Puppy Golden Retriever puppies require daily walks as well, but you will want to reduce the duration and length, depending on their age. Golden retriever puppies require short 10 to 15 minute walks or no more than about 5 minutes per month of age. As a golden retriever puppy grows you can add an extra few minutes each month to your regular walking routine. Doing so will guarantee your puppy grows into a strong and healthy dog. Providing the proper amount of puppy exercise is also a great opportunity to introduce your young pup to other people and dogs. A regular shorter walk gives them a chance to become better socialized, which will make for a happier adult dog in the long run. Walking a Senior Golden Retriever For senior dogs, try walking approximately 30 to 45 minutes daily. As golden retrievers age, their bodies go through physical changes and begin to slow down. However, their joints need to remain mobile and their weight still needs to be monitored. So, they need to be walked, but not too much or it could be detrimental for their health and cause hip dysplasia. Dogs love routine. Try to plan a walk at the same time each day. Consistent walking throughout the week is considered healthier than one long weekend stroll. Discover how to train your Golden Retriever by playing games : 21 games to play with your Golden that will make them smarter and better behaved! Besides walking regularly, it is also important to have some high-intensity exercise and play to help exhaust your golden retriever and retain their muscle tone. Golden Retrievers need three types of regular exercise to thrive and be happy. Long walks — The longer the better within reason. Purposeful high-intensity activity and play — Activities such as playing fetch, swimming, or running off-leash. Mental exercise — Mental stimulation is a form of exercise as well and is absolutely necessary for a healthy golden. Find out which toys golden retrievers love to keep them mentally stimulated in our article here. The average adult Golden retriever needs at least 1 hour of exercise a day, ideally more. Their genetic bloodlines can also influence how much exercise a golden retriever requires. Golden retrievers coming from a working stock would need much more exercise than golden retrievers bred to be lap dogs. Failure to provide ample physical exercise and mental stimulation to a golden retriever can contribute to loneliness and behavioral problems. This can include aggressive actions, digging, constant barking, and even running away to have their own fun. Golden Retrievers are very food-driven breeds. Not exercising enough to burn off the calories they eat can eventually lead to them being overweight. Obesity can lead to extreme tension on the joints, possible injury to internal organs for example, the heart , and diabetes. Exercise is the pill that cures most golden retriever mental and behavioral issues, and a good long walk is at the top of the list. Generally, golden retrievers are obedient and typically have a strong recall if they are trained correctly. Proper dog training is the key to being able to successfully let your golden run off-leash. Alternatively, you can use a retractable dog leash to allow more flexibility while still retaining control during walks. A leash like this will give your golden plenty of room to run and explore, while staying in your control. To be safe, make sure the added weight is no more than 10 percent of their total body weight. Doing this is more than enough to fatigue a dog with endless energy, and it will help to strengthen their muscles without overworking them. Another option to increase resistance and wear your dog out and you too! Choosing a walking route with some challenges will increase the amount of exercise your dog gets from an outing. Hard surfaces such as these can be jarring on both the joints and paws. Instead, walk your retriever on a lush lawn or playground. Many major cities have dog walking areas or dog parks that are deemed safe. These waterproof booties will protect your dogs feet from the hot pavement, as well as ice and snow. Spread a little bit of this on their paws and it will take care of any cracking pads on their feet. This can be an issue on some trails and beaches, as well as sidewalks in the city. They are also incredibly smart, meaning they need to keep their minds busy as well as their bodies. To avoid boredom, it is imperative to have sufficient physical and mental activity. A minimum of 60 minutes of exercise per day, including walks and purposeful play, for muscle building and mental relaxation is required for a happy and healthy golden retriever. Not doing so can result in an anxious and frustrated dog, which creates behavioral problems such as barking, digging, escaping, and overall aggressive behavior. Because golden retrievers are also vulnerable to being overweight, regular walking and a balanced diet can help regulate their weight and reduce their risk of obesity. Jumping You probably noticed that all of the things above are unwanted behaviors. This can lead to heart problems, joint problems, and other potential health problems. These following suggestions for exercising your pup will cover both mental and physical exercises. Play tug with your golden Another good game to play with your pup is tug. This is also a great opportunity to work in some training, as you can teach your golden to drop it , take it, and even have them do sits or downs to resume the game. Play chase This is a great game to play, especially with puppies, since most puppies love nothing more than to chase or be chased. Get your dog hooked on chew toys Teaching your dog to love to chew on chew toys is one of the best things you can do for your puppy. Chewing releases feel-good endorphins and channels their chewing energy into an appropriate toy, instead of something in appropriate, like your household items. It can also help them relax, and put overtired puppies to sleep. Play with a flirt pole Using a flirt pole is great for young puppies because it allows them to chase and pounce a toy while you stay a safe distance away from their razor-sharp teeth. Oliver loves it, plus it takes a ton of mental energy to figure out how to get all of his kibble out of it. Other puzzle toys include the Kong Wobbler , snuffle mats , and food balls. This is a win-win since he loves the puzzle toys and it takes more energy to work for his food than to just gobble it up from a food bowl. Play hide and seek This is a great game that combines training and a little bit of exercise, but it does require that your golden knows how to stay. Just be sure to fully dry them off because goldens are susceptible to hot spots. Take your golden to doggy daycare After a day of daycare, Oliver is usually wiped out for the night, as well as half of the next day. Set up a doggy playdate If you have any friends that have nice dogs, or if you meet anyone in a local Facebook group, try to set up a doggy playdate. Your golden will love it! This is especially good for young puppies, since they need to be socialized with other dogs and you can make sure the other dog is up to date on their vaccines. Conclusion Since golden retrievers were bred to hunt out in the fields and marshes all day, they need a lot of exercise. How much exercise does your golden need per day? Have any questions about exercising your golden retriever? Let me know in the comments below. Related articles:. Read the full disclosure here. All dogs need exercise to live a fit, healthy and fulfilling life. No matter the breed, no matter how large or small, no matter their age, they all need exercise. But some need more than others. So what are the Golden Retriever exercise requirements? Golden Retrievers Are A High Energy Sporting Breed As the name suggests, the Golden Retriever is a sporting breed initially created to retrieve fallen game for hunters in the Scottish highlands in the 19th century. Retrieving in the Scottish Highlands, with its mountainous landscape pot-holed with ponds, lakes and streams is very physically demanding work. So when they set out to create the Goldens, they had to be a high energy, sturdy breed with lots of stamina and an affinity for water. They needed a dog that could travel large distances, hiking and swimming in rough terrain for the best part of a full day. And with this breed, this is exactly what they got. They need physical activity. They become very destructive , chewing , digging, and running around your home and garden like little tornadoes. Too full of pent-up energy to be able to concentrate and behave themselves well and some will even try to escape their home and garden at every opportunity. Only now, all that food will just turn into fat and lead to poor health and weight issues. Yes, Golden Retrievers are very prone to obesity. Usually a combination of their owners doing two things: Giving in too often to those expertly crafted begging routines. Not giving their pooch anywhere near a sufficient level of exercise. Excess weight leads to a variety of problems such as heart disease, increased risk of diabetes, high blood pressure and damage to their hip and elbow joints. Keeping your Golden at a healthy weight is the responsibility of any caring owner. This rule basically states: A puppy needs no more than 5 minutes of exercise for each month it has been alive. So a 3-month-old puppy needs only 15 minutes exercise per day, a 5-month-old needs 25 minutes. This exercise is a proper, structured exercise. Meaning brisk walking on leash, gentle games of fetch. Puppies are growing fast and their bones and joints can be easily damaged by over-exercising. Follow the 5 minute rule and encourage very little jumping or vigorous exercise! Continue the 5 minute rule until your golden is nearing one year old. As a general rule to follow, a healthy adult Golden retriever exercise needs consist of a good hour of exercise every day. But the genetics of your dog could mean you need to increase or decrease this. Those retrievers from a working field line will be more energetic and have higher exercise needs, perhaps as much as 2 hours per day. Whereas those from show lines could get by on 45 minutes. But all Goldens need regular exercise, at least twice per day or they will become bored and probably destructive. Try to provide different forms of exercise such as hiking, running, swimming, playing fetch…you need to stimulate their minds as well as their hearts and muscles. They will take every bit of physical activity you throw at them and then be able to do much more. You will tire yourself out long before you can tire them! Some Golden retrievers suffer arthritis and other joint pains as they age. If this is the case with your dog, please speak to your vet and follow their advice. With some ailments exercise can make things worse and you do not want that for your dog. Like humans, dogs are individuals and age differently. Just be mindful of not asking too much of your elderly dog. They can still enjoy walking long distances and swimming, just avoid jumping hedges and chasing balls for an hour straight. Believe me, you will know! In all cases, if your Golden has behavioral problems and seems highly strung and out of control, the first thing you should do is have them checked by a vet for health issues. And if they receive a clean bill of health then the simplest of cures for a better behaved dog is to exercise them more. Try it for a few days, you just may be surprised at the results: An exercised Golden is a calm and happy Golden! Conclusion Golden Retrievers are a high energy sporting breed and require a lot of exercise. A lack of it can lead to a variety of health problems, hyperactivity and behavioral problems! So for a healthy and happy dog…and owner…provide your beloved puppy with just as much physical activity as they need and deserve! Jogging alongside you, running along as you cycle, going for long hikes , the occasional swim and sessions of playing fetch all qualify as good Golden Retriever training. You will stay fit and active and happy together. You May Also Like. Sep 13, Sep 20, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Our goldens are such high-energy dogs. In order to stay mentally and physically healthy, they require exercise. They need more exercise than many dogs. Of course, the amount and type of exercise will vary based on their age, genetics, health, and overall health and fitness. He may become destructive or he may gain weight. So, to keep him healthy and happy, he should be well-exercised. Even adult goldens may chew the wrong items like your furniture and dig in your garden when under-exercised. Or they may bark excessively, jump on counters or people even when trained not to, or be mouthy. Also, he may gain too much weight. This can lead to heart disease, risk of diabetes, high blood pressure, and damage to hips and elbows. A dog who receives enough exercise has toned muscles. Exercise also keeps his body and metabolic system functioning properly and engages his mind. Of course, puppies, adult goldens, and seniors will require various amounts and types of exercise. But generally golden retrievers, being sporting dogs meant to work, need more exercise than many breeds. Genetics enter into the equation. This can also help you determine what type of exercises to include in his regimen. So a three-month-old puppy should receive no more than 15 minutes of exercise up to two times a day. And break up the time he plays. For example, have a short minute walk and, after a break, a three-minute fetch session. Then, after another break, a two-minute training session. Vary the activities. Doing all these activities will not only help your pup exercise, but it will also help further your bond. My rescued golden retriever Riley came to me when he was about six months old. To say that he was energetic would be an understatement. He would jump on us, be mouthy, and generally destructive when he arrived. Of course, he needed training. But I also had to meet his exercise needs so that we could have a great relationship. So I took him on long walks, played fetch with his Kong ball, played tug and release, and played with puzzle toys. He also played with my other dogs. And he went to daycare two or three days or half-days per week. Between mental and physical exercise, he became the great dog he was meant to be. He enjoys life, loves everyone, and is very well-behaved wherever he goes. But he was worth it. Of course a young adult or one from hunting lines may need more. They may even need an hour-and-a-half or two hours per day. Just like us, goldens are individuals. But others may still be very active at 10 years old. Of course, some goldens are still very active at that age and beyond. But how much and the type of exercise they should engage in depends on their general health. The same is true of goldens with disabilities. They still require a sufficient amount of exercise according to their needs. Types of Exercise for Your Golden Of course both physical and mental exercise are required to have a healthy dog. There are many choices that will help your dog be fit and happy. Always monitor your dog to see if he seems too tired or appears to be injured. Stop and seek veterinary advice. Start out slowly and add time over many sessions as your pup can handle it. Vary the exercises. Some can be performed inside as well as outside. So even on a rainy day, you can sufficiently exercise your dog and meet his needs. Walking or Running Of course, you should first teach your dog to walk on a loose leash before exercising him on a leash. Walks at a natural pace are best for most goldens. Start with short walks, increasing them over time. Avoid walks on the hottest or coldest part of the day. Always walk on safe footing and avoid slippery or sharp surfaces. Of course, running is another matter. The pounding may be too much. Running on soft running paths or level grass can be alright for some dogs. Of course, a full vet checkup should occur before starting any running program with your beloved golden retriever. Some people jog with a dog. Others may skate or ride a bike with their golden alongside. Of course, some dogs enjoy hiking with their people. There are many sights and smells for a dog to enjoy. Play Groups Your puppy or dog can also get a lot of varied exercise playing with appropriate dog playmates. Dogs romp and wrestle together. You can set up your own or join in to well-run dog playgroups or even dog daycares. Playing With Your Dog You can play fetch with your dog if he knows how to retrieve and give up the toy on cue. He may even fetch a favorite ball. Or play tug with a toy like a rope or fleece toy if your dog will take it and release it on cue. The options are limitless. You can play hide and seek with your golden while inside. You can heel with him, have him come on cue, or teach him to wave! Mentally Stimulating Toys There are many activity toys you can buy or you can make your own. Some are puzzle toys where your golden seeks out kibble or treats. Or treat-dispensing balls. If you or a friend has a swimming pool, you can teach your dog to swim. They make life vests for safety. Start him in shallow water and build from there, with you accompanying him. Always make sure that he knows where the steps are and how to get out of the water. My golden Spencer used to like to swim in the bay when we vacationed at the shore. He was a great swimmer, but he wore a doggy life vest and I had him on a long-line for safety. There are also dog facilities like boarding and daycares and vet hospitals that have facilities where your pup may swim. Swimming provides a great cardio workout as well as being easier on joints than many land exercises. This can be good for dogs with joint problems and arthritis. In fact, aqua therapy is often used for dogs who need physical rehabilitation from injuries or surgery. The following suggestions can be performed in competitions or just for fun and exercise. You can even join a dog training club or take courses to learn how to perform these activities. There are so many choices, including: Lure coursing, where a dog chases after a plastic bag attached to a lure that whizzes by on a specially designed course. Sight hounds often participate in this sport. Scent work, in which a dog finds something by scent. Agility, where a dog learns to run a designated course with tunnels, weave poles, dog walks, and teeter totters. Flyball, where a dog learns to jump over a course of jumps and retrieve a ball. Rally obedience, in which you train your dog to walk through a course accompanied by you. He performs certain tasks at each sign on the ground that you encounter. He may have to sit and lie down and perform other obedience exercises throughout the course. Dock diving is a sport in which goldens and labs excel—usually being water-loving dogs. He stays on the dock, awaiting your command. He then runs along the dock and flings his body into the water to retrieve the toy. In competition, the goal is to have the longest jump possible. You should be able to feel his ribs without seeing them. Some occasional zoomies are natural. And he should also be able to listen and pay attention to you and to perform known commands, Too much exercise can be as bad as not enough. Final Thoughts Just like us, goldens need physical and mental exercise to remain healthy. It will also further the bond with your four-legged best friend. How much exercise does your golden receive? What activities have you tried? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation. Excessive ball throwing and catching. Fast-paced walks. Walking on hot days. Running a puppy alongside a bike. Dogs and puppies should not be exercised immediately before or after eating, as this can cause problems such as bloating. How to Exercise A Golden Retriever Puppy Providing puppies with the opportunity to exercise is a very important aspect of their healthy life. Not only does exercise have multiple health benefits, but it also gives them a good opportunity to socialize and bond with their owner. Check the temperature outside to avoid overheating. Make sure they wear a proper collar and tag. Make sure they are comfortable with their collar and leash. During Eeercise One way to help your puppy get exercise is by having them on a leash with you and following these tips: Walk at a normal pace. Stop to rest if your puppy keeps sitting down and continue when they get back up. Avoid over-exercising. You can also allow your puppy to exercise without a leash. Allow your pet to run freely in a safe environment, such as a backyard or designated dog park. Having them off the leash is a good way for them to regulate their own pace and exercise they want but do watch for: Watch out for signs of fatigue, including panting, slowing their pace, and lagging behind you. Watch for overheating signs such as excessive panting, drooling, vomiting or agitation. Keep your puppy hydrated. Signs that your dog is overheating and what you can do to help After exercise After your puppy has finished his exercise, make sure to offer them plenty of fresh, clean water and allow them to rest. After they have calmed down and rested, you can offer them a healthy treat or feed them. Exercise For Your Puppy In addition to giving your puppy short, daily walks, here are some other options of exercise that your pup will enjoy. Swimming Swimming is a great exercise for all dogs as it helps strengthen and tone muscles. Get your puppy familiar with water first after they are 3 months old. Fetch Golden Retrievers are meant for retrieving, so a good game of fetch will come naturally to them. Just make sure to watch for any signs of tiring. Dog toys that move There is a wide variety of interactive toys for puppies that are highly stimulating and can help with exercise. Play with other dogs Having your puppy be around other dogs is a good way to give them an exercise buddy while they work on important social skills. Whist Golden Retrievers instinctively know how to retrieve, they need to be trained from a very young age to catch. Signs Your Puppy is Getting Too Much Exercise Exercise keeps joints limber, promotes good range of motion, maintains muscle mass, and can help prevent injury. But too much of it can actually cause injury. Watch out for signs of over-exercise like sore muscles, behavioral changes, and joint injury. Sore Muscles Sore muscles are a sign that your pup is getting too much exercise. Refusing or struggling to go up and down the stairs. Refusing to eat because it hurts to lower down. If you notice signs of soreness, give them time to rest and lower the amount of exercise they are getting. Continuing to exercise, at this point, can lead to injury. Behavioral changes If your puppy usually enjoys going for walks with you but starts to shy away from walking or whimpers when you begin the walk, this is showing you that something is not right. Inconsistent conditioning can lead to changes in behavior as well as injury. If there is a joint injury, your puppy will begin to limp or favor one leg over the other. Another sign that is said to be a sign of joint injury is if you notice your dog putting its head down while walking on the good leg but lifting its head when walking on the bad leg. Heat sickness Heat exhaustion is a concern during the warmer months. Younger dogs have difficulty regulating body temperatures, so too much exercise can cause them to overheat. Signs of heat exhaustion are excessive panting, disinterest in eating, and drooling. Stopping suddenly can also scrape the bottom of the paws, causing the outer layer of the pad to wear off. It is good not to drag your dog while they are leashed, instead, be patient with them and listen to their cues. Golden Retrievers are popular dogs for outdoor activities. That is why we feature them here at Outdoor Dog Fun with these articles:. Without adequate exercise, few puppies will be able to control their energy. Families see an out-of-control puppy and immediately think exercise is the answer to their problem. Often it is, but exercise can also be overdone. There is a balance. The information below has exercise guidelines for large breed puppies along with a broad range of various ways for your puppy to get that exercise. Make sure that you have a fenced area or that you are far from any place that cars or other dangers might be. For off-leash strolls, let the puppy set the pace. If he lies down, let him rest. Here are a few general guidelines. Keep in mind that puppies that are used to active lifestyles can handle longer excursions. Conversely, puppies that have not had opportunity to exercise off leash need to start off at a slower pace. For your average puppy, start off with minutes for an 8-week old puppy. Increase to up to 20 minutes for week old puppies. By the time your puppy is 6 months, the time can be increased up to as much as 45 minutes and for a month-old puppy, you can go for as long as an hour as long as you are going at a slow pace with plenty of opportunities for your puppy to sniff around. If you miss a week or two of the work, decrease your distance when starting back and gradually build up the distance again. This long distance exercise must be off-leash so that your puppy can take breaks and slow down as needed. The puppy must set the pace. Forced running on a leash is never good for a growing puppy. Leash Walks as Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Leash walking can be a good form of exercise when certain criteria are met. First puppies need to be trained and socialized to the environment. Second, leash walks need to be done in a certain way. Leash walking can be overdone. One of the biggest causes of growth plate and soft tissue injury in young puppies is repetitive exercise. Leash walks for puppies must be broken up with training sessions or opportunities for free off-leash play or time to sniff around on the leash. At 3 months, you can go for 20 minutes and at 6 months, you can walk up to 30 minutes. You must be much more careful with leash walking since you and not the puppy control the pace. Leash walking provides an excellent way of combining a little bit of physical exercise with mental exercise, obedience training, socialization, and environmental desensitization. It is a fantastic way to introduce a puppy to his world. It gives a bit of exercise while at the same time giving opportunities for socialization and training. However, strolls on a leash are not enough. Puppies must have an opportunity to run and play. Again, off-leash walks are best if your goal in your walk is to provide adequate exercise. A week old Golden Retriever puppy will have a neck that is about 12 inches. Get a collar of any brand that includes 12 inches in the size range. An adult female will have about an 18 inch neck. A male adult will need a collar that fits a 20 inch neck. Similarly running on a treadmill or any other types of forced running are not appropriate forms of exercise for a golden retriever puppy. Free Play as Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Free play is always an excellent form of exercise for a golden retriever puppy. Dogs and puppies of all ages can play as long they like in your safely contained yard. If your puppy is playing with another dog in the family, make sure you supervise their play until you are sure that they play well together and that the older dog is not too rough. End the play if the other dog is getting too rough, if your puppy is starting to annoy the other dog, or if your puppy shows signs that he is ready to quit playing. Strange dogs are not worth the risk. Getting on the ground or running around with your puppy can be one of the best ways to exercise your puppy. Fetch and tug can be options if played within certain guidelines. Whether you are playing tug or fetch or just running around with your puppy, there are a couple of rules that need to be followed. Instead, ignore him. Wait until your puppy is behaving. Then, once you begin playing with your puppy, periodically, stop the game and make him gain control of himself before resuming the game. Ask him to do a simple behavior such as a sit or a down. Then start playing again. We recommend teaching your puppy the game of fetch at a young age. Going and getting a toy, bringing it back, and giving it to you is easier to teach when they are young. Chasing balls causes puppies to twist, roll, jump, and tumble while trying to grab a moving ball. Instead, use toys. Then, combine your game of fetch with a game of tug. Tug is discussed in detail in another section. Once your puppy has learned to tug, teach your puppy a release command. Save longer throws for your dog until after he is over 2 years of age. Teach The Wait Command Once your puppy has learned to bring a toy back to you reliably, you can begin teaching your puppy to safely retrieve a ball. Before moving from a toy to a ball, teach a wait command. Playing fetch with a dog with a wait command is a tremendous exercise. It not only provides physical exercise, but it also provides a super opportunity for a puppy to learn self-control. Here is how to teach it. I like to use what is called a pull tab. A pull tab is a very short leash that you attach to a collar. Pull tabs are typically 6 inches or shorter. A pull tab is long enough to give you control over your dog, but short enough for the dog to be able to run and play with it dangling from his collar. Once the dog relaxes and I require a sit as well , throw the ball. When the dog is dependable with regard to waiting on the release, you can do away with the tab. Having a dog wait before chasing a ball is a necessity with puppies because it eliminates the problem of the dog twisting, turning, and diving for a moving object. Fetch is a great exercise for an adult. Once a dog is over 2, you can begin throwing balls and even add a Chuck-it ball thrower to your game. Tug as a Form of Exercise for a Golden Retriever Puppy Tug is a very good exercise for dogs of all ages except for during the stage when puppy teeth are coming out and new adult teeth coming in to replace them. Make sure you stop before he looses his first teeth at around 4 months. Tug can then be resumed when all adult teeth are in. The most current training recommendations for tug no longer include the idea that the dog can never win and that you must always be in charge. This is not true. Consider a child racing his Dad down the street. The Dad lets the child win and the child beams. It gives the child confidence and makes him want to be faster and better. The same holds true with puppies. Let them win when they do a good job! The Release Once a puppy is tugging vigorously and understands the game, you can teach a release cue. Teach this by making the tug toy become motionless and no fun. Just keep the toy still until the dog opens his mouth on his own. Then immediately give the toy back to the dog and start the tug game again. Begin integrating the release into your play session in such a way that you are giving the toy back far more often than not. The dog needs to associate his releasing the toy with a restart to the game, not an end to it. It encourages forced running, jumping, and twisting, all bad for the growing puppy. Frisbee throwing can be dangerous for any dog, but especially for a puppy. We personally never play frisbee with our dogs. There are many other better exercise choices. Digging Digging is actually a very good exercise for a puppy though it may not be so good for your lawn! If you should have a place that your puppy can dig, maybe a soft spot in the corner of your yard, train him that that place and only that place is his digging spot. Puppies Should Avoid Full Flights of Stars Your Summer Brook puppy will be trained shortly before changing homes to safely navigate a set of 3 or 4 steps. If your set of steps is more than half a full flight, we require that you carry him up them until he is 4 months old. Even after this, we recommend keeping him off the steps as often as possible. Dogs tend to get excited and fly down them, often leaping over 4 or 5 of them at a time. This can result in injury. As with so many other repetitive or impactful activities, we highly recommend waiting until growth plates are closed. Baby gates can be a huge help until that time. Swimming Swimming is super exercise for a Golden Retriever puppy and most dogs enjoy playing fetch in the water. See our website page on teaching a puppy to swim for more information. This includes jumping up on and off of furniture until he is fully grown and growth plates are closed. Growth Plates and Exercise We have mentioned quite a few times on this page the importance of limiting certain activities with your puppy until his growth plates are closed. Some of you might be wondering what growth plates are and why they matter with regard to exercise. What Are Growth Plates? Growth plates are soft areas that are at the ends of the long bones in puppies. These growth plates gradually get thinner until they completely close. The closure of growth plates is brought on by hormonal changes during puberty. When growth plates close, they harden as they calcify and the rapid cell division stops. The growth plates become what is called an epiphyseal line. The epiphyseal line is sturdy and not so prone to injury as the growth plates. These are collectively referred to as soft tissue. In an adult, when there is a soft tissue injury, a sprain will result. However, in a puppy, the soft tissue is stronger than the growth plates. An injury that would only cause a sprain in an adult dog could cause an injury to the growth plate in a puppy. The soft tissue can actually pull the growth plate apart. Growth plate injuries can sometimes not heal properly and keep a dog from growing straight and strong which can subject him to problems for his entire life. Conclusion Although you need to be much more careful with the type of exercise you provide your puppy, exercise is still very important to a growing puppy. Appropriate exercise is key to building strong bones. Another key to good puppy development and a relaxed puppy is mental exercise. Give your puppy appropriate physical exercise and give your puppy a long life with healthy bones and joints. For more information on our puppies, see our page on Golden Retriever puppies. Primary Sidebar Breeders and Trainers of English Golden Retrievers We focus on breeding and training beautiful English Golden Retriever puppies with health tested champion parents, great pedigrees, and fantastic temperaments. Leash training begins not with your dog but with your mindset. Goldens are intelligent, people-pleasing dogs. Begin your leash training — and every walk after that — with a calm mindset, and your dog will follow. The leader goes through the door first, so work on proper door etiquette until your puppy or dog has the right idea. This sets up your walk to succeed from the beginning. If you allow your dog to pull you over to greet the dog across the street or to sniff that really lovely tree, your dog is the winner in this tug of war. Instead, when your dog starts pulling, stand in one spot. Beginning this training with puppies makes stopping easier, but plant your feet even with a full-grown dog. Reward walking correctly Choose a very small type of treat your dog only gets on walks and use this to reinforce good behavior. Every so often as your dog walks correctly, praise your golden and dish out a treat. Eventually, wean your dog off the treats but always praise good behavior. Goldens respond really well to this type of verbal confirmation. Walk often Make walks a regular part of your routine. At least once a day, preferably twice, walk your dog for a period of 15 to 30 minutes. This routine is a huge part of keeping your golden leash trained for walks. Put it in your calendar or set a reminder on your phone — whatever it takes to get outside. Remember to always use positive reinforcement. Yelling or other punishment types of motivation could backfire. Your golden may end up with more energy or fear of walking. Step 1: Put the leash on your golden while in the house. If your golden is afraid of the leash, reward him with treats when he allows you to put it on him. Step 2: While inside, walk back and forth with your dog, stopping when he pulls on the leash. This method begins to teach your golden what to expect.