puppy boxes cheap

We deliver anywhere in Wisconsin to your door or meet you at a bordering state. We also have delivery options outside of Wisconsin shipping nationwide with a puppy nanny service. Our crazy home includes several wonderful golden retrievers and Mini Goldendoodles, adorable and snuggly Bernese Mountain Dogs and Mini Bernedoodles, an awesome Mini Sheepadoodle, and three lively baby daddy miniature poodles. You can meet all of them on our Doodle Parents pages. Doodle Dog Hill is a great place to raise a family, especially by the lake, where the views are amazing, the water relaxing, and the sounds soothing. It is a Destination Doodle Retreat! We invite you to look around our website to meet our parents, see our available puppies, and read about what others say about the puppies they have adopted into their homes. The prices for our Mini Doodles are as follows, regardless of gender or color. They will be socialized and ready to integrate into your family. They travel home to you with health documents, health guarantees, first vaccinations and worming treatments, and a puppy starter package. All make wonderful additions to your family and a comfort or therapy pet. If you have any questions, we would love to hear from you! Find Us. We specialize in breeding Mini Goldendoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other high quality breeders that raise mini goldendoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! Not all mini Goldendoodles are equal, there are a few different versions to choose from each having a little different genetic background based on the pups parents. We will explain all the differences in Mini Goldendoodle puppies and how they are bred below. We raise all versions of the mini goldendoodle breed. F1 Mini Goldendoodle Pups. A F1 puppy is also known as a First Generation puppy. The puppies mother is a Golden Retriever and the pups dad is a Mini Poodle. This version of mini goldendoodle usually has soft wavy or curly puppy fur. They will shed until they lose their puppy fur, after shedding they will shed a lot less, but will shed. This version is partially hypoallergenic and usually requires low maintenance. F1 mini goldendoodles usually need to be groomed every 6 months along with daily brushing to keep their curly hair from matting and getting tangled. The dogs usually grow up having great temperaments similar to golden retrievers. They usually get about inches high at the shoulder and range in weight from pounds. F1b Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1b is known as a second-generation mini goldendoodle with the pups mother being already an F1 Goldendoodle and the pups dad being a mini poodle also. So the difference between F1 and F1b is that the mom is not a golden retriever but an actual F1 Goldendoodle. They also have very soft curly hair but with almost no shedding. This F1b version is semi-hypoallergenic and a better choice for anyone who has pet allergies. The F1b also should be brushed on a daily basis but will need to be groomed more frequently then a F1. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is recommended to keep their coat in perfect condition. F1b Mini goldendoodles get around 18 to 20 inches tall at the shoulders and range between pounds in weight. F1bb Mini Goldendoodle Pups. An F1bb goldendoodle is also known as a third-generation mini goldendoodle. This mini goldendoodle version has a coat more similar to a poodle than of a golden retriever. This is because the pup is more of a poodle than a retriever. Making it the very best version for anyone with pet allergies. A 6 to 8 week grooming schedule is required to help prevent knots or matting. This version is super intelligent and loving, and usually seems to have more energy than the other versions of Mini goldendoodles. This version is usually smaller in size, weighing around pounds and only getting inches tall at the shoulders. The smaller size makes them a great size for smaller homes and apartments. So if you live near Wisconsin Rapids Wisconsin and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Goldendoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Goldendoodle Pups that have been adopted! What is the temperament of a Goldendoodle? Goldendoodles are gentle and affectionate dogs with an easy-going temperament. They are extremely intelligent, and according to the Goldendoodle Association of North America , they score in the top 4 of the smartest breeds. They have an extremely social personality and love to be with their fur parents. Testimonials Our experience with Fisher River Doodles was excellent! Our boy Winston is healthy, loving and energetic-all things puppy! Tammy was outstanding with communicating our puppy status, growth and development. She sent videos, pictures and video chatted several times as we waited for our boy to come home. Tammy really understands the breed and was able to answer all of our questions. What really impressed me was how accommodating she was and how quickly she would return messages. She is extremely invested in her dogs. We were able to visit Winston and found the kennels and puppy enclosures to be clean, safe and entertaining for the babies! The puppies are socialized and raised around children! Tammy loves her dogs and we loved our experience with Fisher River Doodles. I would highly recommend Fisher River Doodles to anyone looking for a top notch dog and a top notch experie Jan Mickelson Our experience with Fisher River Doodles was so great. Tamara is knowledgeable and accommodating. She updated us with pictures and how the pups were doing. Several times when I reached out for an extra photo Tamara would call with a video chat so we could see our little guy in action! We were able to come visit our puppy around 5 weeks and felt so welcomed by her and her family. She also had a separate Facebook page for families who have a pup from Fisher River so you can see updates from other families and see your puppies brothers and sisters. Gus has a great temperament and is so loving. We would definitely go through Tamara and Fisher River again!! Molly Paulson Would recommend this place a thousand times! We had a great experience getting our first family dog here. Tamara and her family are so nice, and welcoming when going to visit the doodles! They answered every question we had in person and over messenger in a timely manner. Within minutes on messenger Soo nice! They truly have a heart of gold and care for all of their doggos so much, and it really shows. Tammy is extremely knowledgeable and ensure puppies health is top priority! I would recommend them to anyone. She is a very knowledgeable breeder, quickly responds to any questions and makes sure that the puppies are all healthy. We have had Willow about 2 weeks now. She is healthy, friendly, energetic, fun and full of pure enjoyment! We really appreciate the time she gave us. We need to make sure it was the right decision for our family. They also answered all my questions throughout the process. I would highly recommend getting a puppy from them. Our Oscar has just totally fit in with our family!! Thank you so much. She checks in to see how Raven is doing and is always here to help if we need it. She truly has a love for her fur babies. My children enjoy going to her house to play with her fur babies. They have so much yard to run and play. Kaelyn Sineni We love our sweet girl Ayla!!! Beautiful pups and super smart. Call Now Message us You can message us anytime of the day as well and we will be sure to get back to you as soon as possible. We will be posting on there as well with information on litters. We are located in the rolling hills of West Central Wisconsin and are situated on 40 acres with plenty of room to roam. We have been raising quality puppies since .All of our breeding dogs are family pets their entire lives. We have no kennels. Our puppies are born in our living room where they are cuddled and cared for by our family until they are ready to go. They come with a 2 year health guarantee, wormed, dew claws removed, the first set of puppy shots, and vet checked. We specialize in Mini and Petite Golden Doodles. Mini Doodles range in size from 25 to 45 lbs. Petite Doodles range in size from 15 to 25 lbs. Coat colors range from lighter cream to medium cinnamon, or the unusual darker red. Their coats vary from light silky waves to soft curls. F1's are a cross between a miniature poodle and a golden retriever. F1b's are a cross between a miniature poodle and an F1 Goldendoodle. Their size ranges from 25 to 40 pounds and 16 to 24 inches tall. They are a cross between a miniature poodle and an F1 Miniature Goldendoodle. Their size ranges from 15 to 25 pounds and 13 to 17 inches tall. If interested in one of our puppies the first step is to fill out an application online or by mail. After acceptance of the application your position on the waiting list for your choice of a puppy is secured with a .We accept payment in the form of money order, cashiers check or cash.

All dogs are unique and grow at their own rate. Pro Tip: Check out our complete guide to puppy care to ensure your Lab gets off to a great start. As a medium to large breed, Labrador Retrievers need at least one year to reach their full size. A general rule of thumb suggests your Lab should be at or close to its full size by their first birthday. However, bigger-boned Lab puppies can keep growing and filling out their chest up to 18 months old. How big should a 6-month-old Labrador Retriever be? The average Lab weight at six months old is about 40 to 55 pounds for males or 30 to 35 pounds for females. Please keep in mind that these numbers are averages, and every puppy will grow at a slightly different rate. How much bigger will my Labrador Retriever get? There are three ways to predict the size of a Labrador Retriever at maturity: Age. Labrador Retrievers typically reach their full height and weight around their first birthday. Larger Labs may need up to 18 months to fill out their chest, but any weight gain after 12 months should be minimal overall. If your Lab is less than a year old, they are likely still growing and putting on muscle to reach their adult size. Paw Size. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, then they are probably still growing, as this is a classic puppy feature. Lastly, if you purchased your Lab through a breeder, you can contact them for a more exact height and weight estimate. What is the size of a full-grown Labrador Retriever? A full-grown Labrador Retriever weighs between 65 and 80 pounds and stands about .The average weight of a full-grown female Labrador Retriever should be about 55 to 70 pounds, standing at .Make sure to consult with your veterinarian to ensure that your Lab is maintaining a healthy weight for its body size. The Labrador Retriever growth rate should be indicative of its athletic body and muscular build. Did you know. ? Their webbed paws made them strong swimmers, along with their otter tail, which acts like a powerful rudder when retrieving ducks. English nobles spotted the dogs and brought them home across the Atlantic, where breeders continued to refine the breed into its own variation. Between their friendly demeanor, adaptability, and outgoing disposition, they make ideal family members. As cherished members of our families, Labs deserve the best care. Unfortunately, like many other purebred dogs, Labrador Retrievers are more susceptible to various health issues. Some of the most common examples include:. Print Start training your hunting dog now! Thirteen-week-old puppies are challenging. If you have heard of the terrible twos for toddlers, a three- or four-month-old puppy is very similar. They are still puppies and therefore are still cute, do some fun and hilarious things, but they are also very troublesome. Here is the training for your week-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post six of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Bubba Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy Here are the things we worked on this week while training of Bubba. Crate training At this point, I consider Bubba crate trained. We are no longer actively working on crate training her, it is just a natural part of her life. She goes in and out of the crate without issue, is quiet in the crate and sleeps soundly in her crate throughout the night. We put her in the crate around 9 pm and take her out at 6 am. She also spends time in her crate each day between periods of training or play time. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking will be an ongoing process for the next couple months at least. Bubba rarely has accidents, and we know they will become less and less over time and will eventually just stop. Looking for more information on housebreaking? Obedience training your week-old puppy At three-months of age I start formal obedience with our puppies. We started formal obedience with Bubba last week and this will continue for the next several months. The key command I work on first is SIT. While we have already been working on SIT inside the home, moving this command outside and in a more formal setting will challenge Bubba. Formal obedience will be done on leash with a chain collar. In the past, I have enforced SIT with a push down on her bottom. Now, at this age, I will start using my dog training tools and will introduce the use of a heeling stick. Each time I give a correction with the heeling stick I say the command before and after the command. Currently Bubba will sit still for around seconds before getting antsy. Sometimes she gets distracted by her own tail, which is funny. I do some movement with my body to add distraction and firm up her SIT. My movement helps Bubba learn that just because I am moving, that does not mean she can. Over time I will add a lot more distractions, but I add them slowly based on how well Bubba is understanding what I expect of her. But so vital. Getting a good consistent reaction to the HERE command will require a little more maturity. Eventually, we will use an electronic collar to achieve quick responses to our obedience commands. But we want the puppy to be a bit older for before we start with the electronic collar. For now, I must be content with taking Bubba outside on lead and using a long lead for doing fetching and marks. She is starting to understand when I am not happy with her behavior. Luckily, Bubba is very tractable. I have already seen some adjustment in her behavior just from my stern commands and corrections. While I am not a big fan of treat training, I know that it is very effective to get a puppy responsive to the HERE command. I have started working with treats I use little kibbles of her dog food to get a better response from Bubba on HERE outside. Introducing your Labrador puppy to hunting elements We continue to introduce Bubba to various hunting elements. So far, we have introduced her to water and swimming, decoys on land, and a live pigeon. These introductions have all gone well, so this week we added a few more introductions. Introducing your puppy to boat on land There are several ways to hunt ducks and geese. Some hunt from a boat and some hunt from land. We take great care to make sure our dogs are trained to hunt from both. To do this, we start with an introduction to a boat on land. The surface of a boat can be slippery, and many dogs do not like to get into the boat at first. With retrievers this is generally easy to overcome by throwing retrieves from the boat. Bubba jumped into the boat with a little encouragement. She has been well socialized with walking on top of various items and surfaces, so the boat was not a big challenge for her. While Bubba was in the boat, I threw a bumper for her to fetch. When she brought it back to me, I had her jump back in the boat and repeated this a few more times. This is a trained behavior; it is not natural for a retriever to do this. The first step toward teaching your puppy or dog this behavior is to teach HOLD as a command. You can wear a leather glove if you are worried about damaging your hand. Be prepared to have a bit of a fight on your hand. Your puppy will not like this the first few times and will likely resist strongly. After a while your puppy will not fight it so hard and may even willingly SIT and hold your hand. Once your puppy starts getting adult teeth, you will want to stop this training since the teething process is painful and your hand will cause them more pain and will do more harm than good. Increased distance for assistant marks Bubba continues to get assistant marks each day. We have begun to increase the distance but are still limited to the length of our check cord until we can get a consistent response on the HERE command. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy Your week-old retriever is capable of learning quickly. Set boundaries and enforce infractions with a quick correction. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Training your week-old Labrador puppy? Between 8 weeks and 10 months, your puppy has a ton of growing to do, and they change drastically from month to month. Each stage of growth requires specific attention, exercise, and diet, so there is much to learn and pay attention to these different growth stages. There may be behavioral challenges while your pup adjusts to their new life without their mother and siblings. This period of adjustment can sometimes lead to fearful and timid behavior, and your puppy will need as much attention and affection as possible. They should be eating 3—4 small meals a day at this stage. You can begin basic command, leash, and potty training at this point too. Although the schedule is not complete this is a critical period to begin socialization and making sure they are calm and friendly with other dogs, just make sure they are also vaccinated. We highly recommend making training a part of their daily activities at this age. Biting can be an issue at this stage too, as they will begin teething, and they will start exploring and chewing whatever they can find. Chew toys and consistent command reinforcement are both vital for avoiding this behavior. The good news is that your puppy will grow out of this habit at around 6 months old. Your lab should also be house-trained by this point, but there may still be the occasional accident. Remember to be gentle but firm when this happens, and your pooch will likely move through it swiftly. They will begin losing their baby teeth at this point, and biting and chewing may reach its peak. Firm but gentle commands, chew toys, and loads of patience are essential at this stage. Your puppy will be testing the limits and may start showing dominance, ignoring known commands, and asserting more independence. You can now drop their meals down to two meals per day, but be sure that they are not eating too quickly. Your puppy will start to closely resemble an adult at 6 months, but remember that mentally, they are still puppies and will need loads of direction and training. Females may enter their first heat at 6—7 months, so keep a careful watch for stray males. They will still display puppy tendencies and traits and have a ton of excitable energy, but they should be fairly obedient and well-trained by this stage. Be sure to give your Labrador plenty of exercise at this stage to help keep them from misbehavior. They will have reached their full height by now but may still gain weight and muscle mass in the coming months. Unless you intend on breeding, you should consider neutering and spaying your puppy to avoid wandering and unwanted pregnancies. While some breeders recommend that you wait until a year old, this is a perfectly suitable time to perform the procedure. They may still gain weight and muscle mass but much slower than during the past few months. They will still display puppy characteristics and even test boundaries, but all in all, they should be obedient and well-trained by now. They will have a ton of energy and still enjoy playtimes and loads of exercise. While they are at their full height at this age, some Labs may appear lanky and still have weight to fill out in the coming months. When Do Labradors Stop Growing? All dogs are unique, and the question of when they stop growing is largely dependent on the individual. Anecdotally, your Lab should have reached their full weight by 18 months and full height by 9—12 months. Most breeders agree that your Lab will stop growing at some point during their second year. Even so, any weight gain during their second year will be minimal, and they will have done the majority of their growth by their first birthday. Mentally, they are out of the puppyhood phase of testing boundaries and disobedience by their first year— if correctly trained. If you have been consistent in training thus far, your Lab should be friendly, obedient, and well-behaved from their first birthday and into adulthood. In males, neutering can sometimes result in a calmer, more relaxed dog, and this, in turn, will slow down his need for exercise and may result in weight gain. A study in showed that dogs neutered before 37 weeks may gain more weight, while dogs that had the procedure after 37 weeks had a slower growth trajectory. The difference was minimal, though, and there is no reason to assume that these procedures have much of an effect on growth rates in dogs. Dangers of Growing Too Quickly or Stunted Growth While some puppies may grow quicker or slower than the agreed-upon average, this is usually nothing to be concerned about due to the individual and unique nature of dogs. However, if your pooch is gaining weight rapidly or not gaining enough, there may be deeper issues to look into. If your dog is from working or hunting stock, they may be smaller than average Labs and are usually lighter for work in the field. Size may also be genetic, and if your Lab comes from small parents, they will be smaller than average. The same may be true of heavier-than-average Labs—if their parents are large, they will likely be similar in size. However, larger-than-average weights may also be due to overfeeding or a lack of exercise , or a combination of both, so be sure to keep their exercise and feeding habits consistent. Image Credit: rebeccaashworth, Shutterstock Growth Distinctions of Different Labradors Although they are designated under the same breed, there are two different types of common Labradors: English and American. English Labradors tend to be stockier and more muscular than their American counterparts and have a thick, waterproof coat , while American Labs have a slender build with a slightly finer coat. English Labs are slightly shorter, topping out at around 22 inches, but their stocky and muscular build often makes them heavier than American Labs. In fact, English Labs have been known to weigh up to 20 pounds more than American Labs without being considered overweight. American Labs are known to be slightly more active and energetic than English Labs, while English Labs tend to be less excitable and more laid back. English Labs are by no means lazy, though, and they still have plenty of energy and stamina to go around. Conclusion: Monthly Labrador Growth Pictures Hopefully, this guide has helped you understand the growth rate of your Labrador puppy and given you a better idea of what to expect during the different stages. See also:. Hello from 2 year old Molly and me. The first thing to be said is that Reggie is a normal 13 week old puppy. His biting is not agression, though that doesn't,make it any less painful and unpleasant. He is just a baby and babies learn through their mouths. When Molly was Reggie's age my hands were covered with fresh blood, and scabs it various stages of healing. I, like you was in despair, nothing I tried worked. She grew out of it at about 18 - 20 weeks. She learnt bite inhibition during that awful period, an essential skill for a large dog with big teeth and powerful jaws. Today I would trust her mouth anywhere. The advice you have been given on toilet training is spot on. I know it is difficult to remember to take him out every 20 minutes of so, and to find the time to do so, but dedication pays off. Molly was about Reggie's age this time two years ago. I remember standing in a cold, dark garden pleading with a little,furry scrap to pee when all she wanted to do was chase leaves etc. You might find it helps to give him the majority of his food in filled and frozen Kongs and other toys. Make him work for his food. He will enjoy it and it will give you some peace. The early waking is a real pain, it is a question of his maturity. It feels like it will never end and you long for your old life back, but like many things it does pass. You can teach him some simple commands like sit, give paw and many others. Involve your son in this. I always teach a verbal command and a hand gesture. Kids love this. It is quite a sight seeing a four year old waving her hands imperiously at a dog while telling her to "sit". Puppy training development after 6 months It is very tempting to get carried away with puppy training. Your young do is so willing to please and such fun to be around. It is important to go at a happy pace for you both. Positive reinforcement training is the right choice for your puppy because there are no negative consequences to getting something wrong. But you can still both suffer from burnout and frustration if you try to reach the later puppy training stages without totally aceing the earlier developments. Your Puppy Training Schedule This may not be exactly the same for each puppy, especially with retrieving which is more Labrador specific. However, it gives you a rough idea. Constantly changing direction. Stopping frequently for cuddles and rewards. This means I blow the recall whistle whenever the puppy runs towards me, no compulsion, and no whistle unless the recall is already underway. Socialisation: Lots almost daily of outings to different places rural and urban carried Visits to family and friends. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow mouthing. Working with food: Learning how to take food gently without snatching or grabbing at the treat pot. I still give the puppy lots of encouragement by running away as soon as I blow the whistle. Socialisation: More socialisation, at least twice a week to busy public places. Bite inhibition: Discourage hard biting, allow gentle mouthing. Retrieving: Encourage chase and pick up retrieve drive. Hand touch: I teach all new puppies to touch my hand with their noses. This is a great foundation for other skills. Recall: Puppy recall continues, reduce my run to a walk, avoid any distractions. Still frequently blow the recall whenever the pup runs towards me of her own free will. Socialisation: From ground level after vaccination. No other leash walking at all Bite inhibition: No biting, gentle mouthing allowed. Retrieving: Continue to build drive. Positions: I introduce three positions — sit, stand, down. What to expect from your 3 month old puppy Most three month old puppies will be sleeping through the night. And will be having less potty training accidents in the house. There are a few potty training problems that arise at this age, and they are all covered in 15 potty training problems solved. Biting is a big shock and a big problem for many new Lab puppy parents so do check out our complete guide to biting , and join the forum for help and support. Help encourage your puppy to stay in their bed while you are eating. I have a pot of dog treats on our kitchen table, and whenever we sit down to a meal, the puppy gets a treat each time she steps into her basket. Just a treat for stepping in there. What to expect from your 4 month old puppy Your 4 month old puppy will be pretty much potty trained, but accidents still happen if they are left alone too long. Biting is usually starting to subside now, and many four month old puppies will be able to mouth at your hand without hurting you. At this point I start to discourage all mouthing. I teach every puppy to let me touch her face or approach her with my hand, food, a leash etc while holding eye contact and not grabbing at me, or at what is in my hand. This is the age at which people often start to push forward with training. Your 4 month old puppy is capable of quite a lot. There is nothing wrong with teaching your puppy different cues and even some tricks. I recommend you still avoid long duration activities at this point as they are a common stumbling point with puppies young enough to have a short attention span. A ten second sit is ample. Add mild distractions Recall: Fade additional cues. Begin to whistle the pup and stand still. Add mild distractions. Clicker train to polish this in more mouthy puppies. No commands are needed for this. Gradual introduction of distractions. Advanced puppy training begins in earnest This is where I start a programme of sporting training with my Labs. You can begin raising your standards and expectations, asking for longer and more complex behaviors. Teaching your puppy to walk to heel nicely for longer distance and past all kinds of distractions and temptations. Or teaching your puppy to sit and stay for longer periods of time, and even while you go out of sight or while other dogs play nearby. What to expect from your six month old puppy Six months is a common time for people to have a lot of questions and to be struggling with a few challenges. This is now a very bouncy, quite powerful and rapidly maturing young dog. And you may need to patch up a few holes in his training or manners. We have a great article for owners of six month old Lab puppies. Save to Pinterest The Stages of Puppy Growth and Development Month by Month The following are the stages of puppy growth and development, starting at birth and ending when your dog reaches adulthood. The Neonatal Stage 0 to 2 weeks This is the newborn puppy growth stage that lasts until two weeks of age. At this developmental stage, puppies are blind and deaf. Expect puppies at this point to sleep almost constantly and their mother will take care of everything, keeping them warm, feeding them, and keeping them clean. The Transitional Stage 2 to 4 weeks At this puppy growth stage , they will start to open up their eyes and respond to sounds, light, and movement around them. You will also notice a puppy at this point starting to get more mobile, although they will still tend to crawl instead of walking. They do, however, have enough strength to stand up, but will stumble a lot. A puppy in this developmental stage will just be starting to recognize their siblings and mother. Lab puppies open their eyes at about two weeks old. By this time, Labrador puppies will have their eyes fully open and most will be at least partly open. Ears open at this point too and your puppy will begin to hear. Period of Awakening of Senses 3 to 4 weeks At this period , a puppy develops various senses rapidly. They start to get fully alert and aware of their environment and may recognize you and other humans that are frequently around. The Socialization Period 4 to 7 Weeks Once a puppy is around four weeks old, they start to learn the most important things in life-related to social development. They will learn to not bite all the time and how to interact with their siblings. Interactions with humans are especially important between five and seven weeks. This is also the time they will start to understand discipline thanks to their mother. She will start weaning her puppies and teaching them manners, like acknowledging she is in charge. As the owner, you can start introducing food to your puppy when they are around four weeks old. Start small and begin to give them more food as the mother continues to wean them. You should also continue handling the puppy every day. However, be sure not to separate them from their siblings or mother for over ten minutes each day, since this can lead to issues with training and socialization. Dogs who are separated too soon may also be nervous and more likely to bark and bite. During this period, let the mother dog take care of discipline; you should not correct the dog for mouthing or housebreaking mistakes until later in life. To help ease them through this process, avoid traumatic events, loud voices, or harsh discipline. You should also make sure your pooch has plenty of human contact during this stage. If you want, you can start leash training and even teach simple commands such as sit, down, stay and come. In terms of development, you will notice that your puppy can sleep through the whole night and starts to develop better control of its bowels and bladder. Most vets suggest that new outings should wait until they are fully vaccinated. We rub the Calmeroos Puppy Toy on littermates and mom to get their scent. When we get home the Calmeroos Puppy Toy helps our puppy feel comfortable and adjust more quickly to his new environment. Many puppies will go to their new homes at around 8 weeks old. We recently put together a blog post on our sister site detailing what you can expect from an 8-week-old puppy. The Juvenile Stage 3 to 4 Months At this point in development, a puppy can be compared to a juvenile. They will be more independent and may ignore the basic commands that they know very well. If this happens, firmly and gently reinforce the commands and other training. You may also notice your pup starting to test your authority by play biting or similar actions. You can also redirect your dog to a toy that they can bite. Either can end up teaching your pooch that it is okay to fight with you and challenge your authority. The Ranking Period 3 to 6 Months When your puppy is between four and six months old, you should expect them to be somewhat bratty, showing more willfulness and independence. They are more likely to test your limits and may try to show dominance over children or other family members. If they fail to listen to you or come when called, it can be dangerous as it puts them at risk of injury when in public. It can also hurt future responses to you, making them less likely to listen. This is also when your dog will be teething, so give them toys like frozen dog Kong toys to relieve pressure and pain. Chewing behaviors will also start growing at this point so look for some safe chew toys to keep your dog entertained. This is when hormonal changes start to occur and is the ideal time to spay or neuter your pup. UC Davis published a study comparing the long-term health effects of neutering in Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers. Adolescence 6 to 18 Months After six months, your pup is already in the final stage of puppy development but is still young. This is a fun and exciting time for your pooch since they will be learning, full of energy, and exuberant. During this time, it is important to remember that even if your puppy now looks like a grown-up dog, they are still a puppy, at least in its mental capacity and emotional maturity. Work to slowly increase training and other activities. You can even work on advanced training such as agility or herding. Another option is to simply keep training them to ensure they interact in a non-aggressive and non-threatening way with other animals. It is also possible that your dog will go through another fearful period of time at some point after they reach six months. You can speed up the process with counter-conditioning and desensitization. It fits very well and is quite apt! Final Thoughts With the knowledge of how and when your new puppy will develop, you are better able to meet their needs. Provide socialization at the appropriate times and be sure to give your puppy plenty of social interactions with their siblings as well as humans and any other pets in your home. Your dog should reach maturity at some point between one and two years old with plenty of variation based on breed, Labradors are considered mature at between 2 and 2. 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. Colby Colby Morita has been raising and training guide and service dog puppies for over 13 years. Colby has been writing to the PuppyInTraining.

Keep on reading to learn everything about French Bulldog puppies! French bulldogs All you need to know about Frenchies: a short summary History in a nutshell French Bulldogs were first bred as a smaller version of the English Bulldog in the 19th-century England. They were particularly popular among lacemakers in Nottinghamshire, who initially kept them to chase rats but soon fell in love with their small size and calm, friendly nature. After the Industrial Revolution, they had to move to southern France where lacemaking was still done by hand and took their dogs with them. Frenchies soon got popular in the circles of French artists, actors, writers in Paris as well as rich Americans visiting the city. In fact, they loved Frenchies so much that they took them to the US, where they finally got recognized by the AKC in .Frenchie Characteristics French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds thanks to their fun, adaptable, friendly nature and distinctive look. You can easily recognize them by their flat, heavily wrinkled faces and large, erect bat ears, which make them absolutely adorable. Despite having the strong, muscular body of a bulldog Frenchies are small in size: adult males usually weigh 20 to 28 pounds while females are 16 to 24 pounds. Frenchie Colors Frenchies come in a wide variety of different colors and patterns. There are standard French Bulldog colors like black, fawn, cream and patterns like pied and brindle, which are considered common for the breed. Rare and unique colors like blue and lilac, as well as patterns like tan and merle have gained more popularity in recent years. Frenchie Personality French Bulldogs probably have the biggest personality among all the dog breeds. They are funny, friendly and insanely affectionate, making them the perfect companions for anyone. They are also highly intelligent and need a fair amount of mental stimulation. Frenchies are like small children: simply irresistible! Giving only high- quality food, ensuring regular training and exercise, finding a good vet and not exposing them to too much heat is also essential to provide a long and happy life for your French Bulldog. They are little clowns who always do something silly to make you laugh! They are amazing companions who get along with everyone in the family from small kids to older people, other dog breeds and even cats. Shall we go on?! The exact amount usually depends on various factors like the color, gender and age of a puppy as well as the breeder you get your puppy from. Breeding Frenchies requires a lot of time, effort, care and money, so those who are dedicated to only having high-quality and healthy French Bulldog puppies will ask a larger sum starting from 4, USD. Colors and patterns considered common for the breed like black brindle and fawn have the lowest prices ranging from 4, to 5, USD, while blue, lilac and merle which are more unique and harder to produce come at a higher price as well ranging from 6, to 8, USD. Isabella and fluffy Frenchies are the rarest, most valuable and most expensive from 8, to 30, USD. When it comes to age and gender, younger female Frenchies usually cost a couple of hundreds more than older male puppies. What's included in the price? Me What is a Blue French Bulldog? A blue French bulldog is a variation of the French bulldog breed, known for its distinctive blue-gray coat color. French bulldogs are a popular breed of domestic dogs, known for their small size, muscular build, and wrinkled faces. The blue coat color is a result of a genetic mutation that results in a dilution of the black pigment in their fur, giving it a blue-gray appearance. What makes them blue? The blue coat color in blue French bulldogs is the result of a genetic mutation that dilutes the black pigment in their fur. This mutation affects the melanin pigment in the hair follicles, resulting in a blue-gray appearance. The mutation is caused by a recessive gene, which means that a blue French bulldog must inherit two copies of the gene one from each parent in order to express the blue coat color. Are Blue Frenchies really blue? Blue French bulldogs are not actually blue in color. The blue coat color is a misnomer, and these dogs are actually gray-blue or silver in appearance. The blue color is the result of a dilution of the black pigment in their fur, which gives it a bluish hue. Silver Blue: This is a lighter shade of blue that is similar to silver color. Dark Blue: This is a deeper, almost black, shade of blue. Blue Brindle: This is a blue coat with a brindle pattern, which is characterized by streaks of dark fur interspersed with lighter fur. Blue Fawn: This is a blue coat with a fawn-colored undercoat, giving the dog a blue-gray appearance with a lighter underbelly. French bulldogs are known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful. They are typically good with children and other pets and make great companions for families and individuals alike. They are also relatively low-maintenance in terms of exercise needs, making them a good choice for apartment living or for people with limited time for dog walking. Grooming Grooming your blue French bulldog is important for maintaining its health and appearance. Brush your dog regularly to remove loose hair and reduce shedding. Use a slicker brush or a rubber brush to remove tangles and mats. Bathe your blue Frenchie as needed, using a dog-specific shampoo. Be careful to avoid getting soap in their eyes or ears, and rinse thoroughly to remove all soap residue. Use a cotton ball or soft cloth to gently clean the inside of their ears. Brush his teeth regularly to maintain their oral health and prevent tooth decay and gum disease. Blue Frenchies get on well with children Blue French bulldogs generally get along well with children. French bulldogs are known for being friendly, affectionate, and playful, and they tend to be good with children. They have a gentle and patient temperament, making them a great choice for families with kids. Size Blue French bulldogs are a small breed of dog and typically weigh between 16 and 28 pounds, with males being larger than females. They stand 11 to 13 inches tall at the shoulder. However, French bulldogs are generally a compact and muscular breed with a short, stocky build, and are well-proportioned for their size Lifespan The lifespan of a blue French bulldog is typically 10 to 12 years. Like all dogs, the lifespan of a blue French bulldog can be influenced by several factors, including genetics, diet, and overall health. A French bulldog can appear blue due to a genetic dilution of the black pigment in their coat, causing a blue-grey hue to appear. Are Blue Frenchies rare? Yes, Blue Frenchies are considered a rare coat color and therefore may be more expensive and difficult to find. What is the temperament of a blue French Bulldog? The temperament of a blue French Bulldog can vary, but generally, they are friendly, playful, and affectionate dogs. They are known to be loyal companions and are good with children. Why should I choose Tomkings Kennel? We at TomKings Kennel are committed to the health, well-being, and responsible breeding of French Bulldogs. We put the needs of our animals first, and strive to produce healthy and well-adjusted pets that are well-suited to their new homes. We test our breeding dogs for genetic health issues and work to prevent the spread of inherited diseases. We also provide proper veterinary care for our dogs, including regular check-ups and vaccinations. We carefully plan our breeding programs to produce healthy, well-adjusted offspring. We also limit the number of litters our females produce to ensure that each animal receives the proper care and attention. We provide our dogs with clean, safe, and comfortable living conditions. We also provide our pups with regular exercise and socialization opportunities. We are transparent and open in our communication with potential Frenchie owners. We are happy to answer all your questions and provide information about our breeding practices and the care we provide to our puppies. We have a deep love and commitment to the French Bulldog breed and we work to promote and protect the health and well-being of the breed as a whole. We produce all of the brindles in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , fawns and sables in golden, red, blue, chocolate, lilac , creams, pure coats and tan points in black, blue, chocolate, lilac , and pieds in ALL of these beautiful colors! Call Us Are you ready to own the most popular dog breed in the U. We appreciate you visiting our site, whether you have been here many times in the past, or if this is the first time you have paid us a visit. We hope that the time you spend with us will be enjoyable, and that you will feel it is worth your time and effort. Of course, we invite you to come back as often as time permits, as we have provided a lot of information regarding the French Bulldog, and we doubt if you will cover everything in one visit. Under Owner Information, you will find a lot of information to help you determine if the French Bulldog is the breed for you. There are also FAQs for New Owners, if you have made the decision to adopt one of these wonderful dogs. Under Owner Info, you will also find several products that we use and highly endorse. We then have the unpleasant talk about scammers, who are rampant in the puppy arena, especially regarding French Bulldog puppies. If you see a deal that sounds too good to be true, there is a .It breaks our hearts every time we are contacted by someone who has been scammed, or nearly scammed. Please be careful. Lastly, under Owner Info, you will find information regarding our contract and our guarantee, which we believe is one of the best available, and it is the least we will do in the unlikely event that there is a problem with one of our dogs. Under Our Frenchies, you will find information regarding our breeding males, our females which have puppies on the ground, and retirees that are ready for their forever homes. We are very proud of the breeding male and females we have assembled. You can click on Former Puppies and scroll down to see a few examples of all of the various colors that Frenchies come in that we have produced in the past. We know that the different colors can be a bit confusing, so we have tried to make it as straight forward as possible. The only problem is that there are so many gorgeous colors that they come in, a decision regarding color preferences can be difficult .Also, under Our Frenchies, you can click on New Puppies to see all of our currently available puppies, along with a list of the litters that are born, but not yet introduced. We have placed multiple puppies in every state of the union except Hawaii, as they have a very long quarantine period. We have been using very responsible puppy nannies for years to deliver puppies to major airports all over the country, for very reasonable rates. We would love to work with you to place the perfect little Frenchie in your home. Some of our puppies, especially very specific requests, are placed with clients on our waiting list, but many are available to potential clients that are looking for puppies right away. If you are looking for a high-quality Frenchie puppy, please contact us and we will send information which will help you determine if we might be the breeder for you. We will do our best to help you adopt the Frenchie of your dreams. We do not post earlier videos. All of the puppies shown in the videos will have had their vet checks and will be available for adoption with the exception of a few that we may belatedly decide to hold back. Generally, those that we will be holding back will not be included in the videos. As a reminder to each of our Waiting List clients who have passed on prior puppies due to poor timing, when you are ready for your puppy, please let us know so we do not bypass your name when we are placing new litters. Meeting the puppy Nanny was easy and smooth at the airport! Hank was love at first sight. Happy Holidays! Just thought I would write to give you an update on our Dieter. Thank you again for doing what you do, and raising such amazing dogs! Dieter is loved by all who meet him, and he has met several people on his adventures this year. He is such a mischievous, but entertaining boy. He is the sweetest, craziest, cutest, cuddliest, puppy! Hi everyone! Just wanted to give you guys an update on Hank Mowgli. He is the center of every minute in my girls day. There were tears of joy and excitement — it was wonderful! Night went well — I had my hand in her kennel so she could sleep — she would make sure it was there and then fall back to […] Danielle, Rich and Rowan Hi BlueHaven!! Hope all is well! Rich and I would like to thank you for the care and love you put into your breeding program. Rowan is a healthy and fun-loving Frenchie! We hope all is well in your neck of the woods. All is well here. Originally, when we listed our preferred colors, we did not select brindle, but as you can see, once we saw GiGi, […] Catherine, Nick, Kolbie, Natty, and Dieter Dieter had an awesome first night. Hope you had a Happy Thanksgiving! Just wanted to send an update on Pearl formerly Sinah. At nearly 4 months old now; Pearl is doing very, very well. She had her 3rd series of shots and vet check last week and is perfectly healthy.

Intelligent Pug Characteristics Pugs are extremely playful and love to interact with their owners. They also get along well with other animals, especially cats and other dogs. They're most known for: Friendly Easy going Health Issues Because these dogs have only been bred for a few years, there has been no study on whether there are any specific health issues being produced from these crosses. In order to get a better idea of which health problems a puppy might face, you must research the parent breeds involved, and take a look at health issues that are common to them. The average reported lifespan of these dogs is between 12 to 15 years. Boxers can be prone to cardiomyopathy , bloat, hip dysplasia , and hypothyroidism , among other possible health threats. Pugs can be prone to obesity, breathing problems , eye problems, and skin problems. Boston Terriers are prone to eye problems , heart problems, epilepsy, and skin problems. Fox Terriers can be prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, congenital hypothyroidism with goiter, and primary lens luxation, among other health issues. Rat Terriers can be prone to allergies, dental problems, and patellar luxation. Corgis are prone to eye problems, glaucoma , and progressive retinal atrophy. Beagles are prone to epilepsy , intervertebral disk disease, and tumbling puppy syndrome. English Bulldogs are prone to a long list of health concerns, including obesity, heat stroke, elongated soft palate , heart disease, and more. Keep in mind that a particular pup might never face one of these health issues, but the possibility could be there in the gene pool, so it's good to be aware. Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. The breeding procedures used to create this mix are extremely controversial. Many " miniature " dogs have been heavily inbred, so it's not uncommon for them to develop genetic disorders or become ill at a young age, even from a reputable breeder. The miniature Boxer is also a high-energy breed that requires a hands-on owner. They aren't meant for owners with sedentary lifestyles or those who reside in apartments. Because the miniature Boxer sheds, it may not be suitable for those looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed. If you understand the cons, there are many pros to this breed. Since they are smaller than Boxers, they are less expensive to feed and easier to care for. They require slightly less exercise than the original breed and can do well in smaller spaces, even if they aren't ideal apartment dogs. This mix is family-friendly, intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. Also, they're relatively affordable to purchase as puppies. Finding Miniature Boxer Puppies for Sale When looking for a breeder of miniature Boxers, make sure you do your due diligence. Before you decide to do business, take the time to investigate the breeder fully to make sure you'll receive exactly what you're paying for. There are many unscrupulous breeders producing designer dogs, and you want to make sure the breeder can provide a health guarantee. The breeder should demonstrate that they are breeding to create dogs with excellent health and temperament. Because these dogs are not recognized by the top registry organizations and are not bred in large numbers, you may have to search for them online as well as locally through sites such as Craigslist to see if you can locate a breeder. Cost of a Miniature Boxer Puppy Because these dogs are not popular yet, they can be relatively expensive. Dog Clubs The miniature Boxer is not a recognized breed, but it may become one as some point in the future. If you'd like to register your pet with a dog club, both the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Certified Pet Registry take registrations for various crosses that produce this type of dog. Spend Time With These Dogs Before you bring one of these pups home, spend some time at several breeders' kennels so you can get to know the dogs in person. This is the surest way to find out if a Miniature Boxer will fit your lifestyle, as well as which particular cross you prefer. Getting a puppy is a commitment for the life of the dog, so be sure about your choice. Because the Boxer is a rather large dog for technically being a medium breed , the growth rate for Boxer puppies greatly varies. Until a Boxer dog is 2 years old, you will not know the adult weight, size and physique that your dog will have. Just as there will be dogs that are larger than the breed standard. If there are no underlying health conditions with your Boxer, as long as a dog is receiving all of the proper care, these smaller dogs can be just as healthy. This is often caused by damage to the pituitary gland. Females will have a height measured floor to shoulder of inches cm and a weight of pounds kg. Therefore, if a male is 53 or 54 pounds 24 to .Adult females can be 48 to 49 pounds .Low Growth Hormones A low production of growth hormone may be caused by several factors: A lack of developmental growth of the pituitary gland Cysts on the gland Infection of the gland Tumors Growth hormone has many effects within the dog's body including controlling the growth rate, maintaining the hair coat, and bone and teeth development. Boxer Dwarfism If a Boxer truly has canine dwarfism, would be caused by a health condition known as achondroplasia. With achondroplasia, the bones of the dog do not grow to otherwise normal and expected size. There is a dysfunction with the fibroblast growth factor receptor gene. What are the Signs? The difference between a dog that is smaller than breed standard and a Boxer dog that actually has dwarfism, is that not only will the size of the dog be affected, but the proportion of the dog as well. This is rare with the Boxer breed and is more common with breeds including the German shepherds, Basset Hound, Beagles and others. A Boxer dog with dwarfism will not grow at the proper rate and proportion. The dog will generally be much smaller in size than the other dogs in its litter. Treatment Options Studies have been done to see if the growth hormone that is give to humans would work with dogs. This has had very limited and varying success. For those who wish to try this treatment should be aware that it is very expensive and there are no guarantees. Surgery has been performed on some dogs to attempt to resolve issues with bone deformities; though results are not usually very successful. Dogs that are experiencing pain from misshapen bones may need to be given anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications. Some people are crossing a Boxer with a Boston Terrier and calling the dog a Miniature Boxer; when in fact the dog is a crossbreed. Even stranger than that, some are crossing a Rat Terrier with a Pug and for some reason calling that dog a Miniature Boxer though some do call it a Puggat In regard to a purebred Boxer dog , there is no such thing as a purebred Miniature Boxer. There is no reason for a legitimate breeder to purposefully try and create dogs that are smaller than the standard. Since buyers do want Boxers that fit the breed standard, it would not be logical to pair together 2 smaller-than-average Boxers in order to produce smaller-than-average puppies. So while you may see advertisements or hear about Miniature Boxers, there is no such thing and of course, this dog is not -and never would be- recognized by any legitimate Kennel Club. It is only the American Canine Hybrid Club and its counterparts in other countries that 'recognize' these 'designer' dogs. It just depends on what genes they get from what parent, Boxer or Boston Terrier. Due to their smaller size, Mini Boxers can be good apartment dogs. However, they do need a bit of exercise, so you will need to meet their exercise needs. Dwarf Boxer vs. While this gene is very rare in Boxers, it is possible. Usually, these Boxers have shorter legs than their larger family members. However, dwarfism can cause all sorts of health problems. It can cause bone deformities. On the other hand, miniature Boxers are bred by mixing a Boxer with a smaller dog. This results in a somewhat smaller dog that may or may not look like a Boxer. Their coat can vary somewhat depending on what traits they inherit. They will have short coats that will likely be very fine. Their fur will always be straight and smooth, as both of their parents have this coat type. They are typically black, fawn, or white. White is a bit less common than the other coat color options. Many of them have brindle coat markings. However, some of them are solidly colored. Temperament: Are Miniature Boxers good family dogs? They like family and people. Because of this, they are extremely good companion dogs. They are mostly purchased as companion dogs for this reason. They are also very gentle. They are good with children, even those who tend to be a bit rough. However, the smaller dogs can be a bit scared of children because they can be injured by smaller children easily. Socialization is important. Despite their loyalty, these dogs are not particularly prone to social isolation. They are typically fine with being left by themselves for moderate amounts of time. They are fine with most other animals, including cats. Some early socialization is recommended. However, they are usually very gentle with all animals. These dogs are typically very people-friendly. But, they can be a bit territorial around strangers in their home. With proper socialization, they are typically not aggressive. However, they can be a bit aloof. They are a good watchdog in some situations. Typically, these dogs are moderately easy to train and are quite intelligent. They are not particularly stubborn, either. How to take care of your Miniature Boxer Miniature Boxers are pretty easy to take care of and only require minimum care. They are somewhat intolerant to heat, so they should not be left outside during the hotter months. But like all dogs, they do need some exercise and some coat maintenance. They have high activity levels and need to be worn out daily. These are quite high energy. You will need to take them on moderate length walks preferably twice a day. Playtime outside can also be relatively helpful, especially if your yard is fenced-in. Dog parks and fenced back yards are a great option for these canines. This breed does tend to wander quite a bit. Because of this, you should not let them roam free. You should not exercise them in the heat, as they are prone to heatstroke. Instead, take them for walks early in the morning or late at night during the summer. Grooming: Do Miniature Boxers shed? They do shed a moderate amount. They are not hypoallergenic by any means. They require daily brushing to remove the dead hairs and help keep them clean. This will prevent the hairs from ending up all over your house. You should check their ears regularly for a build-up of debris. If there is dirt and wax build-up on the outside of the ears, you will need to clean them with a damp cotton ball. Dogs with floppy ears seem to have the biggest problem. Dental health is also very important. Regular exercise can help rub them down, but they will need to have them ground down regularly. Eye examinations should be done regularly as well, though your dog should not need their eyes cleaned often like some other breeds. You do not need to bathe your canine very often. They only need to be washed when they get physically dirty. Feeding: How much should a Miniature Boxer eat in a day? Because their size can range so widely, the amount of food your particular dog needs will vary. Generally, they need about 2 cups every day. However, this can vary a lot depending on their size. Because they are very active dogs, they will need a high-protein diet. This may cost a bit more, but it will help your canine keep the lean muscles they need to stay active. Is the Miniature Boxer healthy? Because it is a mixed breed, the Miniature Boxer is healthier than many of the other canines out there. However, it is prone to quite a few health conditions. This is largely because neither parent breed is super healthy. These dogs can be prone to bloating. This is a serious condition that involves the stomach twisting and filling up with gas. This requires surgery and can be life-threatening. They are also prone to hypothyroidism, which involves the dysfunction of the thyroid gland. Dogs with this condition will need life-long medication to replace the thyroid hormone. Cardiomyopathy is another serious condition, but this often is corrected through diet and medication. It can be life-threatening when not treated. Bigger Miniature Boxers may be prone to hip dysplasia. Proper nutrition into puppyhood is essential to prevent this. Overfeeding can cause the puppies to grow too fast, which can cause problems later on. For one reason or another, Boxers are also prone to cancer. If the Miniature Boxer has a shorter snout, they may also have breathing problems. These can range for minor to severe. This can cause issues related to heat, exercise tolerance, and even anesthesia complications. Epilepsy and heart problems are also common in Boston Terriers, so they may occur in Miniature Boxers as well. For dogs with lots of wrinkles, dermatitis may also be common. This occurs when the wrinkles rub against each other. As you might imagine, this can cause sores, which may get infected. Some heart problems are common in these dogs as well. They may develop dilated cardiomyopathy, though this condition is also linked to diet. Ensuring your canine gets enough protein-rich food can help prevent it. Subaortic stenosis and mitral valve dysplasia are both also common. They may develop Progressive Retinal Atrophy, which can cause blindness over time. There is no cure for this disease and it usually develops in both eyes. Canine glaucoma may also occur. For dogs with short noses, they will have Brachycephalic Syndrome. This can cause all sorts of problems with their breathing. The only treatment is a surgical correction, but these dogs are sensitive to surgery when they have this condition. It is only used in major conditions because of this. Patellar luxation involves the displacement of the kneecap. This may be common in smaller dogs. Allergies are common in these dogs, so we highly recommend changing their food often. Dogs become more sensitive to food as they eat it. By switching it often, you can avoid them becoming sensitive to a particular protein. These dos are also somewhat prone to these conditions: Demodicosis. But in a smaller frame. Miniature Boxer dogs appeal to people who love the full-sized breed, but perhaps lack the space to house one. The three main ways of creating a miniature Boxer are: a mixed breed, introducing the dwarfism gene, and breeding from runts. But, these methods of creating smaller versions of popular breeds can have unwanted side effects on their health. Your Miniature Boxer The Boxer is a beloved dog breed in many households around the world. It is prized for its famous looks and enthusiastic behaviors. Breeders simply intend the mini Boxer to be a smaller version of the full-sized dog we know and love. But, smaller Boxer, or Boxer-like, dogs can be achieved by out-crossing with smaller breed. Breeders do this by deliberately introducing the genes for dwarfism from another breed. Alternatively, they selectively breed from several generations of runts from purebred Boxer litters. This is small compared to a 70lb full grown male Boxer. With small snouts, round faces, and large eyes. But, their strength and agility is nothing to mess with. It is not for the faint of heart. But they are sometimes challenging to control. They take up a lot of space at home and on the couch. And eat a lot of food too. Miniature Boxers are appealing because they hold the promise of being easier to manage, feed, and care for. Many miniature Boxers are mixtures of Boxers and other, smaller dogs. So, they are not strictly Boxers at all. They could possess characteristics of both parents. Not just the Boxer. This means there is no predicting whether your mixed breed miniature Boxer will have the Boxer-like traits you are looking for. The mix is likely to be much smaller than a purebred Boxer. The overall outline and facial features of a Boston and a Boxer are very similar. As a result the mix will likely still look like a small Boxer. But, Boston Terrier Boxer mix puppies are certain to have very flattened faces. Dogs with flat faces are very vulnerable to brachycephalic airway syndrome. This is where the structure of the skull makes it hard for dogs to breathe, and regulate their body temperature by panting. This issue is uncomfortable and miserable at best. But at worst it can be lethal in hot weather. Beagles rarely weigh more than about 22 pounds. So a Boxer Beagle mix is likely to be much smaller than a purebred Boxer. Beagles are popular dogs for families because they are good-natured and energetic. They are bred to be healthy working dogs. So, they are usually free from the conformational defects of the Boston Terrier. Beagles tend to make a lot of noise. As with Boxers, they need significant amounts of exercise. This high-maintenance mix is not for the faint of heart. But it might fit well with an active family who enjoys an outdoor lifestyle. Introducing the Dwarfism Gene Another way that miniature Boxers may be developed by breeders is through introducing genes for dwarfism. Dwarfism in dogs a hereditary condition known as achondroplasia. Affected dogs have disproportionately short limbs. This gives them a shorter stature. Achondroplasia is uncommon in Boxers. But it is a standard characteristic of other breeds, such as the Corgi. By refinement over several generations, later puppies might have a high proportion of Boxer ancestry but retain the short legs. But, this usually has serious implications. Health Implications A dog with dwarfism may have misshapen or under-developed bones. As well as other structural abnormalities. It can also cause a reduction in overall lifespan and quality of life. Introducing the dwarfism gene to a Boxer breeding line is not the most humane way of getting a miniature Boxer. Breeding From Runts A runt is the smallest member of a litter of puppies. Some runts are small but healthy. They may catch up in size with their littermates. Others are abnormally small. They can remain below the normal healthy weight range for their breed their whole life. Some breeders pursuing a miniature Boxer might mate two unusually small Boxers to create a litter of equally-tiny puppies. This is a method of shrinking the dog breed while maintaining the temperament and appearance of a Boxer. The Pitfalls Unfortunately, abnormally small puppies might also be the result of underlying congenital health issues. As newborns they are likely to have difficulty getting their fair share of milk from mom. This is linked to a weakened immune system in later life. Which can make them prone to issues in pregnancy and whelping. As with many dog breeds, the Boxer faces some a high prevalence of some hereditary health problems. Such as heart disease, degenerative myelopathy, and certain cancers. Recent generations have become increasingly brachycephalic as well. Increasing the risk of respiratory disorders. Miniature Boxers can be prone to these problems too. As well as the drawbacks of the process used to create them. The other parent should be a smaller, healthy breed with similar traits, like the Boxer Beagle. Visit the puppies and meet both of their parents before you commit to bringing one home. Ask to see where the puppies are living. They should be inside the home, clean, and warm. Both parents should clearly be loved pets, who know their name. Adopting a Miniature Boxer Alternatively, look into adopting a miniature Boxer. Many shelters receive their fair share of Boxer crosses. Including Boxers crossed with smaller breeds. And Boxers crossed with Corgis and other dwarf breeds. Or they were unable to keep up with their vet fees. Adoption fees tend to be less than those charged by a breeder. But a breeder will be able to give you specific information regarding the parents of your miniature Boxer. This can be beneficial if you are looking for a miniature Boxer that was bred from healthy parents. And in the most humane ways possible. Similar Breeds.

The first step helps you determine why your GSD is barking and then address the underlying issue rather than reprimand the behavior. Top reasons your dog might bark at unknown people might include: Trying to greet the person but having poor greeting manners. Showing territorial behaviors, like protecting their home or yard. Seeing strangers as potential threats. So, they often bark when they notice strangers near their home or yard to protect and alert. They warn their families to threats by barking at people, even when they are not near their home or close to their yard — yet your dog hears them. Your dog will still remain watchful and aware of dangers, even if you discourage excessive barking. The goal is to help them understand the difference between non-threatening objects and threatening objects. If you think your GSD is becoming aggressive, then read up on deterring aggressiveness in your German Shepherd. Harsh punishment—such as hitting, kicking, or using shock—increases aggressiveness in some situations. Other times, owners may use a shock anti-bark collar as a method of punishment for barking. Using painful anti-bark collars and muzzles should be a last resort. Try more positive methods first before adding in negative punishment. Put the treat right up to their nose and let them smell it. Praise him and give him the treat. Repeat this procedure regularly over a period of several days until your dog starts understanding what the command means. Gradually extend the waiting period to five seconds, then 10 seconds, then 20 seconds and then 30 seconds and longer. Finally, work up to the minute mark for the waiting time until the reward. If your German Shepherd barks at strangers when he is outside the house, for example, during walks, then begin a desensitization program. This is a way to find their threshold when they start barking and to work on decreasing the distance to the stimulus the stranger they bark at. Use treats that are soft, like cheese, tiny pieces of fresh-cooked chicken, or even homemade dog training fudge. Reserve these treats only for outside training times, which makes them more high value to your GSD. Be on the lookout for: a stiff body hair standing erect on the back and shoulders attentive staring at the stranger or nuisance object When you see your dog showing these signs, move away from the stimulus stranger. Hold the treat in front of their nose so they can smell and see the treat. As he looks at the treat and walks past or away from the stranger, give him the treat before he has time to bark. You are looking to get their attention away from the distraction. Check out the following for the best German Shepherd training commands for the ultimate in behavior modification. Remember that learning a new behavior takes time, especially a self-rewarding behavior like barking. This means your dog may take weeks and weeks of training to curb its desire to bark at strangers. Keep rewarding them with pea-size pieces of soft treats when outdoors and when they look at you and sit or performs a command you ask , instead of barking. Territorial and alarm barking arise when your dog sees or hears something that excites them. This is why your German Shepherd barks at the living room window or along the fence as strangers walk by. The fastest method to stop barking at the window or in the yard is to control their environment. In your yard, install privacy fencing or place reed fencing to fill in the gaps in the fence and cut off views to adjoining yards or activity in the street. Indoors, leave the curtains or blinds closed. Keep your dog away from the areas where strangers walk past, like your front door and rooms near the street or sidewalk. If your dog barks at strange noises, then install a white noise machine to help blur the background sounds that cause them to bark. Use this guide to exercise your German Shepherd and meet their physical needs to reduce unwanted behavior. Changing a self-rewarding behavior like barking at strangers can take weeks or months of diligent practice. Many forward-thinking German Shepherd owners, like yourself, who want to teach their dogs to listen to them and avoid unwanted behaviors with positive training did so by joining an online training program that uses scientifically-backed protocols found in the online Brain Training for Dogs program. Imagine learning how to control your German Shepherd with kindness, compassion, and science. The step-by-step obedience videos help teach your dog to listen to you and, with time and training, to listen to your quiet command and stop them from barking at strangers. Take a moment to look over the online training program and learn how to use brain training for better behavior. You and your dog deserve a break from their barking to have some fun! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. While nearly all dogs bark, the frequency and loudness can vary greatly. And given how big the GSD is, you may be wondering if they will cause a lot of noise. When properly trained, the German Shepherd only barks when needed or when they sense a perceived threat. In addition to training and socialization, there are quite a few factors will determine how much your GSD barks. Continue reading to learn how to minimize the barking while keeping your German Shepherd both happy and anxiety-free. Barking is not always undesirable in a dog. Rather, it really depends on the purpose of the dog. In addition, barking can be useful for say, a small herding dog. But for owners who simply want a dog as a pet, barking can be a nuisance. And when it becomes a bit too excessive, it tends to drive owners crazy. And when it comes to being vocal, German Shepherds have a tendency to express themselves slightly more than most breeds. But why is this the case? I have a 17 mo. My difficulty is that she barks in the car at pedestrians and even passing cars. It is how they communicate. Combine their deep, louder barks with a higher frequency and you might have a problem on your hands. But, this does not need to be the case. If you train a German Shepherd and socialize it early on, it will be less likely to bark. In fact, since German Shepherds are so intelligent, they respond extremely well to training. So, we could even say that a properly trained and socialized German Shepherd tend to barks far less than other dogs. But when the training is ignored, you may have a dog that seems like they bark more than others due to their loud and deep barks. However, what factors can make the problem worse? German Shepherds bark because of their territorial instinct Almost all creatures have some form of territorial instinct, and German Shepherds are no exception. It is an instinct that most dogs possess. But because German Shepherds are natural guard dogs, this instinct is even more unavoidable. Encroach on what they consider their turf, and they may feel an instinct to bark until you go away. In fact, German Shepherds are one of the more territorial dogs because they were bred to protect their people and home. If you want a guard dog, this instinct can be cultivated to turn a GSD into the perfect sentinel. Generally, socializing a GSD early on should handle most of this. In general, it makes them more comfortable around everyday stimuli. But without proper socialization, their guard dog or territorial instincts will kick in and they may very well start barking at everything and anything that comes close to your home. This is likely because your German Shepherd is bored out of his or her mind, and simply needs something to do. If we are bored, we might take a nap. But a bored German Shepherd will more likely bark at birds, loud noises, squirrels, or shadows, simply for something to do. The key to keeping them from boredom is to keep them busy. German Shepherds need to be busy busy busy. That is what they are bred to do and love to do. A tired dog is a good dog. For this reason, we recommend owning a GSD only if you are prepared to commit to ensuring they get both mental and physical exercise daily! The good news is that this tends not to be a constant state. Various factors like seeing a familiar friendly dog, getting ready for the a delicious treat, or greeting the owner can provoke excitement, and thus, barking. Though these barks can be loud, they are less a sign of aggression and more a sign of a sudden mood boost or increase in energy. Even with training, there may be little you can do about this. But even so, there are ways to minimize this. For these situations, you might want to focus on training your German Shepherd to bark less when they feel excited. Allowing some vocalizations is ok, as letting your German Shepherd express itself is still a very important thing. But it is important to have trained your GSD to know when enough is enough. As with all training, the sooner and earlier you start on this, the better. German Shepherds can bark because of aggression or anxiety Though these can be different sensations for your German Shepherd, we decided to include them in a single section. After all, both of these emotions are signs that a German Shepherd might not have been socialized properly. Keep in mind that German Shepherds are prone to high anxiety. This is especially true when it comes to separation anxiety. These dogs have the instincts to protect their owners, so their whole lives tend to revolve around them. With no one in the house, your GSD not only can grow bored and bark more because of that but they might feel anxiety. This is one reason why German Shepherds are great for families. Large families are more likely to have someone at home at various points in the day, which can comfort a German Shepherd. But the more people, the merrier! These methods work with a GSD rather than against it, and aim to increase its joy while decreasing anxiety. Not only will these methods increase stress, but they may even make the problem worse in the long run. Instead, the best approach will always be to use positive reinforcement and calm consistency. Treats or encouragement are far more effective in training than harsh words or punishment. The same goes for all animals, and not just German Shepherds. Fear is almost never the way to go with a GSD. The pain and discomfort from the collar can lead to increased anxiety and aggression, which may show up in other behavioral issues. This may also lead to trust issues and hurt the relationship of the owner and dog. Punishment may discourage one behavior, but it does so at the cost of overall well-being and the psychological health of the dog. As easier as it is to click a single button to stop the barking, we do not suggest this at all. Instead, when needed they should only be used for short periods of time. But if you do find yourself needing to use a muzzle at any point, we strongly advise to choose a high-quality one that will be comfortable for your dog. Always be aware of your German Shepherd to see if they are struggling to breathe. Sure, shouting at your dog might stop them from barking in the moment, but it will only raise their overall anxiety and aggression. This means you are only contributing to the problem of their barking rather than working to solve it. We advise against this short-term fix. Instead, use a patient, consistent, and compassionate effort toward training your German Shepherd. It may take more time and effort, but it will be by far better for you and your dog in the long run. With some positive reinforcement and plenty of treats, your German Shepherd will show huge improvements rather quickly. And yes, it is painful for your German Shepherd. All of these reasons together should be more than enough to convince you not to take this route. Instead, we again stress that training is the way to go. If you are willing to spend the money on a surgery, it is a better idea to instead hire a professional trainer to work with your dog. The cost will be comparable and will produce better, more humane results. How would you like it if your parents surgically removed your ability to speak? This is more or less, the same. Here are the barking facts. Age: Most German Shepherds may start sounding out proper barks around four months of age. However, they will start vocalizing as early as weeks old. Since they start so early on, it is also vital to properly socialize them during this period. Helping your German Shepherd know when to bark and when to stay calm will carry lifelong benefits for both the owner and the dog. Noise Level: If you have ever heard a German Shepherd bark, you know they pack an auditory punch. With such an intimidating bark, it comes as no surprise why this breed makes such a great police dog or a deterrent against potential intruders. Share in the comments below what your situation is like with your German Shepherds. Do they bark a lot or are they silent as a mouse? You can also share tips or tricks that you used in training your German Shepherds to vocalize less! However, there are ways for both children and a GSD to thrive in a household. Are German Shepherds Easy to Train? But you may be wondering, how easy is it to train a German Shepherd? Are German Shepherds Dangerous? And while German Shepherds do have such a bark, does it really make them dangerous dogs? Post navigation. German Shepherd dogs are known to be vocal. Compared to other dogs, this breed will often let you know about their wants and needs. This dog breed is also energetic, driven, and the most adorable. The common age for German Shepherd dogs to start barking is when they reach months. However, this breed will start vocalizing in weeks. Given the biological structure of a German Shepherd dog, it is natural for its bark to be a lot louder than any other dog. It is always better to know why your German Shepherd dog is barking. Many reasons trigger your GSD. Below is a list of possible reasons that might help you understand your dog better. The dog believes that it is his job to keep the family safe. German Shepherd dogs get alarmed for the slightest sound, moving vehicles, or even for tiny creatures like squirrels or birds in the garden. They think all of these aforementioned are threats to his family members and himself. The first instinct is to chase the sounds away, resulting in the dog barking out loud! This undesirable behavior can be avoided by socializing your German Shepherd well. Excitement Dogs are generally cheerful animals. They do not know how to control their emotions. Sometimes the only way to express and let out the feeling of happiness is to bark. This type of behavior is seen mostly with German Shepherd puppies. They are excited to see you! You know how you scream and jump and hug when you see someone you like? Unnecessary barking can even be for a high-value treat or when they see a friendly dog. This can be done by training him with the help of some yummy treats; eventually, the German Shepherd will learn to control its emotions. German Shepherds are known to be dogs with high energy levels. When they feel lazy and laid back, barking comes to the rescue. Boredom can result due to lack of attention. A tiny pat on the dog and a little playtime in the garden is what your GSD needs. A playful and busy dog is always a happy dog. Feeling Lonely Be it a puppy or a full-grown adult German Shepherd; they feel lonely if they are left alone in your living room. This feeling of loneliness can go from being just sad to intense levels of separation anxiety. Taking your German Shepherd on a walk or socializing more can help this condition. Anger or Anxiety German Shepherd dogs are prone to anxiety. Anxiety coupled with the feeling of fear will make your GSD bark or even bite, for that matter. Making a German Shepherd angry will make him feel nervous. Annoyance is also a reason to make a dog angry. Repeating actions that they do not like or engaging in activities that your GSD gets triggered can cause them to be annoyed. Annoyance often results in a dog barking to express his feelings. Sometimes dogs do tend to bark or howl in a painful way to let the owner be aware of the pain they are going through. The nuisance barking can be due to an underlying health issue. This is often considered a common coping mechanism with any dog breed. Know Your German Shepherd Better — Body Language Guide Most dogs communicate by barking when they want to say something, but knowing their body language is an added point to understand your dog better. It is a sign of submission. The dog knows that you are the boss! Biting Teeth Or Snarling This is a sign of aggression against something. It could be a neighboring dog or a street dog, a cat, a stranger and the list goes on. Right after this, your German Shepherd will start barking nonstop. Knowing what is irritating and distracting him from that can stop unwanted barking. When your dog is in a playful mood, it is always wise to play with it or give a toy to him—not playing when he wants to can lead to a sad or lonely dog which would trigger excessive barking. If your GSDs tail is very high, it means that your dog is very excited, on alert, or even a sign of dominance. It especially shows that he is in charge of the house to other animals or dogs. With this tail position, GSDs often bark out loud. Tail hanging down means that he is relaxed and chilled. Nothing bothers him, so you know you should not aggravate him by annoying him. Tail raised and wagging fast; we all know what this means. This means they are very happy and excited to see someone or feel in a specific way. When your GSDs tail is stuck in between the legs, he feels scared—often coupled with a lot of barking. Fear can cause your GSD to feel very uncomfortable, so you might want to change this feeling for him before his barking worsens. If you see this body language from your dog, just know to give him some space. This is mostly to soothe itself to sleep, or your dog is just having a moment so let it enjoy the time. This is the star question of my article. I understand no matter how much you love your pet, the undesirable barking of the German Shepherd will most likely ruin your peace. There are many ways to overcome the German Shepherd barks. This involves a lot of patience and training. Obedience training must start at a young age. First things first, stop praising when your German Shepherds bark. They are obedient dogs. Chances of them listening to a simple no are high. If your barking German Shepherd stops barking, praise them with a high-value reward. The dog will know that not barking is a self-rewarding behavior. You could get the help of a clicker to train your dog. Clicker commands are easier to follow in dog training. How much training is required to train your dog will depend on each dog. Some German Shepherds are fast learners born with calm behavior, whereas some are born with notorious genes. Another easy way to stop barking behavior is to ignore the barking. The German Shepherd will eventually understand that barking does not do any good when you ignore the barks. They understand simple commands even when they are puppies. It is always better to use positive reinforcement training methods. Training sessions should start in the morning or evening, a more quiet and peaceful time. Find the root cause for the excess barking of your German Shepherd. It would help if you started by triggering his undesirable behaviors. When the dog starts barking, you should command it to stop barking. Once the dog stops the barking, make sure to give it a treat. The next step is desensitizing your dog to whatever triggered its barking. When you see your German Shepherd being sensitive to a particular thing, desensitizing it can stop or reduce the barking next time. Get your German Shepherd to get used to it very often. For example, suppose your dog is sensitive to moving cars. In that case, you can take him on walks and give daily exercises to familiarize your dog with moving cars. It is important to provide this mental stimulation at least every other day to effectively train your dog. Negative reinforcement methods are always discouraged because they inflict pain or suffering. Using shock collars or e-collars on your German Shepherd could make them more aggressive. Do not opt for surgical methods which involve removal of the larynx. It is sad to see dogs go through painful surgeries and be voiceless just because barking is a nuisance. How selfish! Muzzles are not advisable in training dogs. Dogs by nature are animals who need to bark. I mean it! Finally, stop punishing your German Shepherd just because it barks. The first step is to make sure that it is not a medical condition. If that problem is cleared next is to see if the GSD is feeling comfortable enough. If being uncomfortable is the reason, give it some time to familiarize itself. Sometimes aging can be a reason for your GSD to not bark. The level of barking differs from the type of personality. German Shepherds are naturally protective and may bark at night as a form of guarding their territory. This barking can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, such as cats, strangers, or other small animals. Yes, German Shepherds bark more than other breeds because of their strong instinct to guard and protect, as well as their natural inclination towards vocalization. It is recommended to start training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age, as they are intelligent and able to learn basic commands easily. However, it is beneficial to start training from a young age, as puppies are able to pick up new skills quickly. No, it is never too late to train a German Shepherd Dog. With the right training techniques and plenty of patience and affection, German Shepherds are always receptive to learning new behaviors, regardless of prior training. To address excessive barking, pet owners should consult with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist to determine the cause of the behavior and create a behavior modification plan. German Shepherds typically bark the most when they are puppies and young adults, but can continue to bark throughout their lives if not properly trained. Final Thoughts German Shepherd barks are a problematic issue worldwide with all German Shepherd owners. Not only barking but GSD owners encounter other undesirable behaviors. Unsocialized dogs will take their time to stop excessive barking. In contrast, puppies trained from smaller days will pick up training methods proactively. Even though the German Shepherd barking problems are unbearable they are amazing watchdogs. When your dog stops barking unnecessarily and progresses through its barking problem, make sure to appreciate your GSD. With appreciation and so much love, you can bond better, which will ultimately result in living a stress-free loved life with your German Shepherd Dog! Okay, some breeds don't, but only a few sticklers will argue against the statement "Dogs bark. Some of us know more than others just how bad it can be, especially if you live in a neighborhood with close neighbors, or an apartment. So, what can you do about it? First off, dogs bark for a plethora of reasons. To fix the behavior, you have to start with the problem, and the problem is "Why. The average dog sleeps around 11 hours a day. A tired dog is less likely to bark when you're away at work, so make sure your dog has an adequate amount of physical and mental exercise before you leave. Another big reason is a lack of socialization. A dog that has had positive experiences with people during the socialization process and is taught to ignore them as background noise won't bark at everyone as they simply make their way down the street. Sometimes, something as simple as meeting the mail carrier in a positive way is enough to get a dog to stop barking at them. Use this method to include all different types of people of varying ages and any contraptions that they may be associated with, like bicycles and skateboards, etc. Don't respond to demands from your dog. If your dog barks or whines in the crate, the door doesn't open until they're quiet. If they bark at you to get a treat, you don't give them a treat until they're quiet. A lot of people train their dog to bark at the door to go out, only to realize their dog likes to come in and go outside nonstop. They end up barking all day long. So be careful to not only not respond to their demands when they bark, but not to create your own barking Frankenstein's Monster! This may seem counterproductive considering what I just said about being careful not to create your own Frankenstein's Monster of barking, but.Hear me out before you judge! Teaching a dog to bark on command isn't teaching your dog to bark for no reason or a reason that they choose when to use. You use your command for them to bark when you want them to, they bark, you reward. If you're diligent in your work of training your dog, your dog surely knows what "no" means. Instead of saying "bark," when they bark without you asking them to, say "no bark. Using a "quiet" command is similar to a "no bark" command but a little different. The first entails teaching to control a dog's barking in a roundabout way. Teaching a "quiet" command is a bit more negative, but nothing extreme at all. It simply involves waiting for them to bark and saying in a firm voice "quiet. When they do that, reward. If they start barking again, repeat the process. If that sounds too easy, or you think you know it won't work on your dog, you might be right. But no worries, you just have to find a way to break their concentration from barking to giving their attention back to you having your dog's attention is called "engagement". If a firm, yet normal voiced "quiet" doesn't work in getting them to turn their head to look at you, say it a bit louder and sharp. If that doesn't work, whistle. That'll be your "quiet" command, then reward when they look to you. If that doesn't work, put a long leash and collar on them, when they bark, correct them while saying "quiet. We already went over boredom and anxiety, but what if the exercise doesn't work? No worries, there's a solution for that! T oys and puzzle games. Fill a Kong with treats mixed with peanut butter and freeze it overnight. You instantly have a toy a dog can play with for hours before getting all of the goodies out of it. Sodapup licking mats also do well in this category. You can also use treat dispensing toys of your dog's choice and leave them around as well. As for anxiety, close the windows and blinds, and leave on the radio or TV. Make it feel and sound like you're home and limit outside stimuli. So do as much as possible to minimize the very presence of such stimuli. Get help. There's a lot of help out there for you. If your dog is good for half the day because you go on a morning run, but starts barking halfway through the day? It may suit you and your dog better to hire a dog walker. If you're out of your depth training wise, that's okay too. You can always hire a trainer or look into doggy daycares. If you find a tip or trick or technique or toy or idea that works for you, that isn't found here in the span of this article, that's great! Share it in the comments! Share this article while you're at it. If you love dogs, and dog training, and you don't learn something new every day, make that a new goal. There's always something else to try, or one more thing you can do to fix an issue, or lessen the symptoms of it at the very least. Don't give up! Thank you for reading, and please leave a like and share. Do German Shepherds Bark? Yes, They Do! German Shepherds do bark. Without proper training and socialization, a GSD can bark a lot. Why is this? The answer is simple. It is because the German Shepherd dog was bred and developed to do a specific type of work, herding, and protection. Today, German Shepherds are no longer needed as much to serve as livestock herding and guarding dogs. So the breed is now sought after to work in serving, guarding and protecting. One of the many ways German Shepherds excel at this job is with aggressive barking. The loud, ferocious sounding bark that an adult German Shepherd can make is often enough to keep potential predators or criminals of any species at bay. The sound of a German Shepherd dog barking can change markedly from puppyhood to adulthood, even though this is a relatively short amount of time. But as a German Shepherd puppy grows into adulthood, the bark sound deepens and becomes more resonant and forceful. Your dog may also discover that they can howl and start to howl as well, especially at night. You have already learned that German Shepherds as a dog breed have a long and regal history of serving as livestock herding and guarding dogs and as service and protection dogs for people. But can there be other reasons why a German Shepherd would bark a lot? There can be several other reasons that might cause your GSD to bark more than usual. Your German Shepherd is bored A bored dog of any breed is often a barking dog. Dogs can get bored just like people get bored. Barking is a way your dog communicates to let you know they are bored and want some activity or a job to do. This type of barking is unlikely to resolve on its own. Boredom can also lead to other undesirable behaviors like digging and chewing things around the house! This is a dog breed that truly has been bred and developed to live and work alongside their people. Some dog owners think it is sufficient to get a lonely German Shepherd another dog to have as a playmate. They want to be with you. For this reason, it is important not to bring a German Shepherd into your home and life if you are not able to be present and available to your dog for the majority of each day. Your German Shepherd is sick or hurt While dogs have evolved to have many tools to communicate with people, talking in human words is not one of those tools. So your dog has to resort to other ways to let you know if they are hurt or sick. One of those ways can be barking. The health issue may be external or it might be internal. For example, some dogs that are having dietary issues or hormonal issues might become more aggressive or irritable and bark more. Mood changes are one of the primary signs that your dog may be developing an underlying health issue, and barking more is one of the primary signs of a mood change. Your German Shepherd feels threatened If your German Shepherd feels threatened in any way, you can expect your dog to start barking. The same holds true if your dog perceives that you are being threatened. Because the German Shepherd has such a strong guarding and protective drive , your dog will always be on the lookout for potential threats and will likely bark as a way to alert you. Your German Shepherd is excited Just like kids, puppies can easily become over-excited. As puppies, German Shepherds may bark when they get worked up through play, training sessions or exercise. Even as adults, if your GSD gets very excited about something or someone, including a favorite visitor, a tasty treat or the presence of another dog or animal, you can expect to hear some vigorous barking. Your German Shepherd is anxious or afraid Even though the German Shepherd is an intensely big, strong, powerful dog, these dogs are just as vulnerable to becoming anxious and afraid as the next dog, especially during the puppyhood stage of life. A well-trained, well-socialized German Shepherd is going to be less likely to exhibit fearfulness or anxiety, but this may still be a problem if your dog is suddenly left alone a lot. As well, unexpected changes like a move to a new home, the addition of a new family member human or animal , a change in your schedule or seasonal events such as fireworks that are less common can all trigger anxious or fearful barking. Your German Shepherd needs more training and socialization You have probably already noticed that the need for strong, early and ongoing training and socialization is a common theme throughout this article. This need is not just because the GSD is a very strong and powerful dog. It is also because the German Shepherd is an intensely people-oriented dog. For this, extended training and frequent socialization are required. As the American Kennel Club AKC points out, early and ongoing training and socialization will turn an unruly puppy into a well-mannered adult dog. When a GSD is provoked, barking is a natural and instinctive response. While a well-trained German Shepherd is less likely to get provoked, if the circumstances are perceived as being extreme, it can still happen. Examples here include but are not limited to these types of situations: The nearby presence of a female dog of any breed in heat. Another dog getting too close to the fence. A dog-ignorant person or small unaware child taunting or teasing your dog. Barking is one big reason why German Shepherd dogs get relinquished to rescue shelters or sanctuaries. Sometimes this is because a former owner realizes they simply chose more dogs than they are equipped to handle. Other times this is because the owner thinks that an adult dog cannot be trained to become a well-socialized member of a community and family. In most cases, this is not the issue. Rather, it is either that the German Shepherd has a history of past neglect or abuse or simply that the dog has never been taught what is and is not acceptable behavior. Here are some great training tips to manage your German Shepherd barking. But if you are having a specific issue with barking, the first thing to do is to identify what the root cause is — you can refer back to the earlier list here for some of the most common triggers for problem barking. Not only does positive reinforcement always work much better than negative reinforcement punishment methods but positive training is essential for an intelligent, large, strong breed like the GSD. It is the only safe way to train your dog. Use a clicker tool as a training aid Using a clicker — a small handheld device or even a click from your tongue in a pinch is a great way to train only the behaviors you want your dog to exhibit. The goal is to pair the rewards, whether that be a treat, a pat, praise or something else desirable, with the click sound so your dog knows what to do to get the reward. Because the German Shepherd is among the smartest of all dog breeds, you can expect your dog to notice if you slack off the training even slightly. Maintaining consistency is the number one thing you need to do to ease issues with problem barking. So aiming for the goal to eliminate barking is not just nearly impossible but would likely result in a very emotionally unhealthy GSD. If you need a dog that does not bark, the German Shepherd is not the right breed for you. So now you know that the German Shepherd dog is more vocal. You also know that training can help resolve barking issues. Yes, it is completely normal for German Shepherds to bark a lot, as it is their natural instinct to do so. They tend to bark a lot in order to express their feelings and emotions, and they might also bark due to excitement. If your German Shepherd is bored, you can also expect them to start barking, as they usually need some form of mental stimulation to keep them entertained. These are intelligent and highly trainable dogs that are eager to please, so training is definitely an option here. If you want to get your German Shepherd to stop barking, you need to find out why they are doing so in the first place. If your dog is territorial and barks at new people, you should try to assure them that new visitors and occurrences are not a threat to them. To train them to understand otherwise, ignore them when they start to bark. Repeat this until they become calmer with strangers. If your dog is barking out of boredom, make sure that you are providing them with enough mental and physical exercise. Be sure to take them out for a walk every day, and find other ways to keep them occupied through the use of toys and additional training. For aggression, you should always reward calm behavior with a treat. When your dog is showing aggressive behavior, stop praising them and start ignoring them. German Shepherd Barking: Curse or Blessing? Is your German Shepherd barking too much? And yet…do you secretly like that he is keeping the burglars away? Following, I want to share with you tips and techniques that can help you have peace and quiet as well as protection from your German Shepherd dog. The secret, and I will spill it out now, is to use positive training methods. These are efficient, fun and can be used to raise a dependable and friendly dog that will bark on command if needed. I have met several German Shepherd dog owners that tell me they want their dog to be friendly with kids, family and friends -but not with strangers. This is a hard concept to understand, specially if you are a dog. Besides, you do NOT want a dog capable of hurting people near kids, family and friends. I think this is a pretty neat compromise that is also fairly easy to train. Stop nuisance German Shepherd barking If you found this page, it is entirely possible that your hound already has a barking problem you would like to fix before moving on to teaching him to bark on command. This is an important step because, although many barking problems are mild, some do require special attention. For example, German Shepherd barking due to anxiety is something that needs to be properly addressed to help the animal relax and be friendly around anyone, specially friends and family. If, after reading this section, you realize your dog has a true aggression problem and barking is just the tip of the iceberg, I highly recommend you find a professional and positive dog trainer in your area to help you one-one-one - Search the APDT for one near you. Step 1: Why is my German Shepherd barking? You must become a detective and figure out why is your dog barking. Below you will find some of the most common reasons and links to step-by-step tutorials to solve barking in your GSD. Observe your pet carefully, make notes, ask neighbors and family members what they have seen. Pay attention to what is happening in the environment that triggers barking: what is the body language of your German Shepherd telling you? This will help you get an accurate diagnosis and choose the right training program. Step 2: Use the appropriate training program to stop German Shepherd barking! The following barking problems should be addressed before formally teaching your dog to bark on command and sometimes this is not recommended at all. Fearful German Shepherd barking German Shepherd anxiety may first appear as a barking problem. These are dogs that are truly afraid of something and pushing them to face their fears will only make matters worse. The best techniques involve slowly teaching your dog to change the emotion state of fear to one of joy in the presence of the fear trigger. Most fearful dogs will never become completely relaxed, so you will always need to be on the alert and manage the environment to prevent aggression from arising. I highly recommend you do not train a fearful dog to attack or bark on command. Resource guarding in German Shepherd dogs Also known as food aggression, resource guarding is a type of fear, in this case it is the fear of loosing something. Common things dogs will guard are toys, furniture, and even the owner. Follow this link for more information on this issue. Stress and anxiety barking in German Shepherd dogs Dogs can become stressed just like we do and high stress levels can trigger excessive barking. This link talks about common stressors and how to get rid of them. The barking problems mentioned below can be addressed at the same time as you teach your dog to bark on command. In fact, you will be using your hounds natural barking to start training it. So, find the category your dog falls into, read the corresponding article and then come back and read the step-by-step guide to teach your dog to bark on command Step 3. This is important because you will most likely be doing steps 2 and 3 at the same time. I am so joyful about life I need to bark! These are dogs that may bark at the doorbell, out of excitement when you are trying to put the leash on, or they bark at other dogs to make social contact rude, but social nonetheless. A good dose of impulse control exercises and providing a different source for energy outlet can go a long way! German Shepherd barking to alert of a possible intruder! I left this one for last because although it can become nuisance barking, this is the kind of barking most owners want in their German Shepherd dog. This article explains how to tone it down if it is upsetting you or the neighbors too much! German Shepherd barking for attention! Most dogs like attention, some clever dogs can even train their owners to get it on demand! Take away the attention while the dog is barking or teach an incompatible obedience command to solve this problem! Bored German Shepherd barking You must understand that German Shepherd dogs were bred to work in the fields all day long every day of the year! Start entertaining your bored pet with these ideas! Step 3: Train your German Shepherd to bark on command! Now that you have solved any problematic and excessive German Shepherd barking problem, it is time to teach your dog to do it only when asked to. Practice, patience and consistency will ensure your hound responds reliably. By now, you must have figured out what makes your dog bark and you will use this to make him speak! The example below is for doorbell barking dogs, but you can adapt the protocol as needed and use the barking trigger that makes your dog talk. You will need: 1 helper, barking trigger available, treats. Your dog will most likely bark at the sound of the doorbell! It is time to reward your dog! Say your marker word and maybe rub your pooch under his chin, but avoid the use of food treats we will need them for the quiet part! Barking is usually fun on itself for dogs, that is why praise is usually enough. As soon as he is quiet use your marker word for praise and then give him the treat. You are using the training method capturing for both commands. Repetition is what helps your dog understand what you are asking of him. Repeat the above steps times for a few days. It's kind of like training "stay" , but with shush instead. To test it, ask your helper to ring the bell with a few seconds of delay to give the dog time to process and respond to your voice command instead. Your GSD understands the command when he barks after you say it but before the doorbell sound or whatever trigger appears. For a command to be reliable , you must also practice it without the trigger and in many different situations: different times of the day, different places, with different people approaching, different background noises, etc. The idea is to help him understand under which circumstances it is OK to bark and when it is not. Be consistent: always ask him to bark when someone walks through the lawn, and always ask him to quiet if someone simply walks on the sidewalk. German Shepherds do bark more frequently than other dog breeds. German Shepherds were bred to be livestock dogs that herded and guarded valuable livestock. This means that the breed was designed to be vocal, as they needed to be loud enough to both herd animals and alert farmers of potential danger to their flocks while scaring away potential predators. However, most modern German Shepherds are not working dogs; they are companion animals living in homes, where loud, frequent barking is not considered a valuable trait. Besides being known for more frequent barking, German Shepherds are known for a distinct barking sound. Their barking sound is low, loud and can sound quite aggressive. Since the breed was intended to herd and guard animals, it needed a loud, forceful bark that guided livestock while also scaring away wild animals that might harm sheep and other livestock. Unfortunately, this intense and resonant bark clashes with the companion lives that most German Shepherd dogs live today. We should note that German Shepherds have a distinctly different bark when they are still puppies. A German Shepherd puppy will have a bark that is higher in pitch and can sometimes even sound shrill and pitchy. As the dog grows older, their tone will deepen, creating the distinct, intense bark that we know the breed for today. There are two factors at play here: behavior issues causing excessive barking and lack of training and socialization. First, you need to rule out any potential behavior issues that are causing excessive barking. Remember, because their instinct is that they are working dogs, they will get bored quickly just being a companion. This can be ruled out by taking your dog to a veterinarian. Feeling lonely or wanting attention; German Shepherds were meant to be around humans and livestock all day, so if they are alone for most of the day, they will become lonely and bark more often. It is best to avoid leaving German Shepherds alone for hours at a time, especially regularly. In some cases, this attention seeking behavior can come with negative consequences, such as digging or chewing. Territorial; These dogs are very protective of their owners and their home turf. Sometimes their bark may indicate they feel like they are in danger or maybe even their family is in danger. Startled or surprised; They will also bark if loud noises or unexpected movements suddenly startled or surprised them. If your German Shepherd is barking excessively, you should carefully consider if any of the above behavioral issues apply to your dog. In addition to the above behavioral issues, you may need to engage your German Shepherd in more training and stimulation. Finally, your German Shepherd may bark because they are excited and happy! Yes, but you need to be realistic about the outcome. While they will never stop barking completely, they are very intelligent, which means they accept training well. The benefits of professional bark training for this breed is that you can work with a professional who has experience working with dogs and sometimes even specifically working with German Shepherds. Read on to the next section if you are thinking you may tackle the training yourself.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Do you want to learn how to exhaust a German Shepherd to tire them out so you can stop feeling worn out and stressed? So, how do they do it? They use essential dog skills, which you can learn easily right here. Below, I will show you exactly how to exhaust a German Shepherd even a puppy to not only tire them out… But to calm them down, too. German Shepherds have one of the highest exercise needs and are considered not only athletic but highly intelligent. These two traits, coupled together, make for a breed that may seem hyper and overactive. Some might even refer to their dog as having ADHD. Instead, they probably need a more creative daily routine to help them meet their breed-specific needs. Can you teach your German Shepherd how to be calm? Calm is hard to train a German Shepherd to perform on command. Being calm is a learned behavior that takes time to master and requires daily interaction and ongoing training to perfect. How to Exhaust a German Shepherd Learning how to tire out and exhaust a German Shepherd is a process that you can learn. But it does require time, effort, and grit. Stick with the program for a few months to see the best effects. Your German Shepherd is a well-muscled athlete whose body structure is designed for endurance. Think you can outrun and outdistance your German Shepherd? Never forget that your dog is first and foremost an athlete and must be challenged regularly and exercised in a variety of ways daily. Instead of focusing on walking your German Shepherd, consider all of the options you can introduce to your working breed dog. Follow these steps for a rounded exercise plan: For puppies, let them enjoy off-leash exploration in your yard or use a long line leash in a safe area and encourage them to explore at least 20 minutes daily For adults, try hill walking to increase muscle, or using fallen logs, tree stumps, and other natural obstacles and having your dog move around and jump over them to improve coordination and balance Find a physical game your dog loves, such as tug, and play it for an extra 15 minutes in the morning and evening Offer them mind games, described below, to have them use up their mental energy Find new activities to enjoy together with your German Shepherd, such as backyard agility or dog parkour You can create a breed-based exercise program that includes a variety of physical movements, like the German Shepherd exercise routine found here , to help you learn new exercises that engage your dog. When they master one of the mind games, you can increase the difficulty with a different and harder challenge. Exhausting their mind through mental challenges encourages calm, thoughtful play. Playing mind games also includes: reduces boredom are great for small spaces are perfect for bad weather days increase confidence and problem-solving skills Mental stimulation and mental exercise are best played 2 to 3 times daily for 5 to 10 minutes each session. Add in a mental enrichment session in the morning before you leave for the day and after their last walk to help calm them down for the evening. Wondering what mind games your dog will like? Or, how about learning how to play these fun mind games for German Shepherds to reduce boredom? You can always find new toys your German Shepherd will love for some exciting games together! Step 3: Let them sniff to calm themselves. Are you guilty of pulling your German Shepherd along on their leash outside, rushing them through the routine, and hurrying them along? Did you know that sniffing is exhausting work for your German Shepherd because they have to mentally process the source of the smell? Compared to the meager 5 million olfactory receptors in our human nose, German Shepherds have around million scent receptors source! Sniff to Calm Routine Try adding in more time to simply let your dog sniff and enjoy the smells around them. Try this sniffing routine to help calm a hyper German Shepherd: Set aside at least 15 minutes of your walk for sniffing. You can split this time during the beginning, middle, or end of the walk as you see fit. You can even visit a new path or trail to allow your dog to follow their nose for different scents. If you want to let your dog off-leash to sniff but keep them safe and close, then consider using a long line leash that allows your German Shepherd to sniff around freely while staying safe and nearby. Step 4: Encourage appropriate daily chewing. Chewing is actually beneficial to hyper, overexcited German Shepherds that need to calm down. Kong toys to the rescue! When they become too hyper, focus their attention on the Kong toy. I love to keep multiple stuffed Kong toys in my freezer. Freezing the Kongs increases the time it takes for my German Shepherd to earn her meal, so she stays calmer for longer, and working for her food tires her out. Feed your German Shepherd from a Kong toy for at least 1 of their daily meals to give them an outlet for their hyper energy. This is one of the daily essentials that I use to help exhaust my German Shepherd. Kong toys for German Shepherds are an essential item when tiring out your dog. The guide not only shows the most durable Kong toys, so you spend less money, but also the exact ways to use the Kong to prevent and lessen unwanted behavior issues. If you want an even more chewing variety, then choose from this list of German Shepherd Toys for Bored Chewers. Step 5: Build and practice new tricks and training skills. Or, do they only know their commands inside the house? Do you train your German Shepherd daily? Spend at least 10 minutes a day, preferably broken up into smaller minute fragments spread throughout the day, working on polishing up their old skills and learning new tricks. If you need a refresher on the basics, you can get step-by-step instructions here: German Shepherd beginner obedience at home. Even more tiring for your German Shepherd? Take them to different, safe areas on a leash, work on what they know, and see how well they perform. Start in your home, then try different rooms, in the backyard, front yard, or while on your daily walks. You can then see what you can polish up or add to their skill set. The German Shepherd is a dog built for endurance, athleticism, and tireless work. Every week, you add just a few more minutes of running to your routine. The same is true for trying to tire your German Shepherd through physical exercise alone. What adding more exercise does is simply build a more powerful and athletic German Shepherd. Your German Shepherd is more than a well-oiled athletic machine. Give all their senses a workout to truly tire out your German Shepherd. The best way to exhaust a German Shepherd depends on their age, health, and unique personality. But, as a general rule, you can use the following exercise formula to help you exhaust and tire out your German Shepherd. Adult healthy German Shepherds need a minimum of 60 minutes of physical exercise, but most adult German Shepherds do best with minutes of exercise, split throughout the day. This time should include about 15 to 30 minutes of high-intensity physical activity, such as tug or off-leash running. Also, include at least 15 to 30 minutes of mental activity and brain training, a daily chewing session preferably with a food-filled frozen Kong. And last but definitely NOT least, set aside 15 to 20 minutes of your day or longer to enjoy one-on-one time with your German Shepherd to help them bond with you. Exhausting and tiring out your German Shepherd means a complete and balanced routine that you perform daily over a long period of time. Consider that your German Shepherd puppy might not need you to exhaust them if they seem too hyper and wound up. Puppies need lots of sleep and rest and may act wild, crazy, and uncontrollable when what they really need is a quiet place to rest and get a nap. Always give your puppy the opportunity to find a place where they can rest, away from the bustle of the family. Many German Shepherd puppy owners have had success feeding their dogs a stuffed Kong in their crates or beds when they have a lot of energy, which encourages calmness and helps them to tire while in their resting place. Try giving your hyper German Shepherd puppy a frozen Kong to help with teething and give them an outlet for their hyper energy or a way to help calm themselves and drift off to sleep. Running your puppy while their bones are not fully fused can cause lifelong damage and put them in pain. Your German Shepherd puppy needs the right amount and type of exercise for their age. Examples of good exercise for German Shepherd puppies include: playing with other dogs and puppies of similar energy levels while supervised self-directed play indoors and out in safe areas short walks that gradually lengthen over time, preferably on grass As your puppy grows, you can slowly introduce more activities, such as going up and down stairs, jumping onto soft surfaces, and swimming. Try the following routine when looking for safe exercises for your German Shepherd puppy. The workouts listed in the post work on the essential physical movements your puppy needs to master while protecting his or her soft joints. There are more fun games to tire out your German Shepherd here you might miss out on! A properly stuffed and frozen food-filled Kong can keep a dog busy for minutes or more while tiring out their minds. And puzzle games will provide your German Shepherd with a way to work out when the weather is less than ideal to release some of their energy and improve their problem-solving skills. In other words: Tiring out and calming a German Shepherd requires a healthy balance of both mind and body exercise. Knowing how to exhaust a German Shepherd means thinking smarter, not harder. Spend time not only with physical movements but also with mental enrichment, as well as their innate desire to chew and sniff. While it takes some time to see the benefits of adding these tips into your daily life, the new routine will give you more freedom with your German Shepherd and help prevent annoying behaviors. They might seem tired the first few days, but German Shepherds have extraordinary athletic abilities and are known for their quickness to adapt. The end result of all your running and jogging? A German Shepherd is capable of learning almost anything, even being calm. How awesome is that? Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. If a hyper dog gives you anxiety, it could make your dog even more agitated. Some of the things you can do to signal your calm demeanor are as follows: Lower your voice — Speaking in a low baritone makes your calmness more noticeable to a German Shepherd. Minimize physical movement — Do not wave your arms or move too much when getting your GSD to calm down. Your physical stillness can inspire internal peace in your dog. The goal of you being calm and showing it to your German Shepherd is to get him to control the excess energy. But if you do this step right, step 2 will be safer. In either case, your dog is not in an ideal state to exercise around the public. As long as you have a backyard, you can let the German Shepherd Dog run around, exhaust at least some of his pent-up energy, and then take him on a long walk. But if you have the German Shepherd as an apartment dog and neglect his exercise, getting him to calm down safely can be rough. Look into getting him a physically engaging dog toy and let him play with it while you sit next to him, calm as a cucumber. Do Not Reward Hyper Behavior German Shepherd puppies are cute and manageable, making owners inadvertently condition them to be hyper. When you come back home, your dog is likely to be excited. Your puppy might jump on you, and you might pat him. This transaction rewards the dog for being hyper, reinforcing the behavior. And as the puppy grows, you have to reckon with the consequences of having a large dog trained to be over-energetic. Treat your German Shepherd puppy as a fully grown large dog when setting boundaries. And regardless of whether your GSD is a puppy or an adult, you can always start holding back on rewarding behavior when the dog is hyper. Usually, attention is the unintentional reward humans give when a dog is hyper. To avoid rewarding a German Shepherd for being too energetic, you should ignore him when he starts acting up. Reward the Dog With Attention For Being Calm If you ignore your German Shepherd unless he is barking or displaying hyper behavior, you might unintentionally incentivize him to be more excitable. Even negative attention can be satisfying to a GSD that is usually ignored. And when a large dog crosses a certain threshold of hyperactivity, you cannot afford to ignore it. When All Else Fails: Use Calming Products As mentioned earlier, rewarding the dog while progressively getting calmer can instill the importance of being relaxed in your canine. If all of the previous natural techniques fail, you can try calming products. Usually, these products are meant to help the dog feel less anxious around loud noises like thunder or fireworks or help with separation anxiety and travel sickness. Some of the most effective calming products on Amazon for GSDs are: Zesty Paws Calming Dog Chews — Calming chews work unbelievably on German Shepherds because they have over 40x the scent perception capacity as humans. These soft chews help with hyperactive and aggressive behavior. It releases oxytocin and helps the dog calm down when it is anxious. This study of 32 dogs found that aromatherapy diffused lavender odor for canine travel-induced excitement calmed the dogs down. Speak with a low baritone voice and drawn-out words to soothe the dog and reward him for calming down. You may use products like a calming jacket, scent, or calming chews if needed. Above all, the most healthy way to calm your GSD is to spend time with him and give him plenty of exercise to exhaust that excess energy. I know that was something I thought all the time when Allie was a young pup. Unfortunately, every German Shepherd is different so there is no exact answer that will work for every GSD but this article can give you a guide. Working line German Shepherds especially are made to have a job, thus they require a lot of exercise and activity or they will be hyper. Ways to help your German Shepherd to calm down 1. Proper Exercise Exercise is key to helping your German Shepherd calm down. A daily exercise routine will help your GSD burn off energy which will help them to be calmer. Check out this article on 21 ways to exercise your German Shepherd for ideas. Exercise is also important because it helps to prevent destructive behavior. A tired German Shepherd is less likely to be mischievous and more like to quietly lay on their bed and rest. Because German Shepherds are working dogs, you should aim to give your adult German Shepherd at least one-two hours of exercise each day. Puppies should be exercised multiple times a day but for shorter durations. Check out this article on how long to exercise a German Shepherd puppy for more detail. Training Training is important for two reasons. One it helps you have more control over your dog when needed in everyday situations; and two, it is a form of mental stimulation that will tire your dog out. Participate in some type of training with your dog and you will find your dog is exhausted afterwards. For a puppy try a basic obedience class, for an older dog maybe try agility or Schutzhund. Many forms of training also involve exercise which is a win-win for you! You can also teach your dog new tricks at home at any time. Tricks training is a great way to bond with your dog as well as calm them down. Mental Stimulation German Shepherds aim to please and love to work. They also love to learn new things, in fact, they need to learn new things. Training is one form of mental stimulation, but puzzle toys are another. These toys usually involve the hiding of a treat in a manner where your dog has to figure out how work around the device to get to the treat. If you are interested in some great puzzle toys for German shepherd click here. Dogs should be socialized sufficiently as a puppy. The extra benefit of socializing your dog with other people or animals is that those other parties will tire your dog out for you. If you set up a doggie play date, the dogs will play and play by the time they get home they will pass right out. Some options for socialization include, doggie daycare, taking your dog to the dog park, doggie play dates, field trips to new places, or having a friend or family member who has time to spend the day with your dog. Trust me all that socializing is exhausting! Of course, when I got her home I suddenly realized I was in over my head with my first German Shepherd. She was hyper and I never seemed to be able to tire her out for long. A short rest and I do mean short and she was back to being bananas! My beautiful Black Germa Shepherd! I asked her vet when she was about a year old, when will she calm down? I was told around 5 years old! I was thinking 4 more years! I noticed the calming down process began around age 7. She was and is still is very active, but she could rest longer and be content. Some of the activities I used to do with her at age 1 where she would bounce right back in 10 minutes would tire her out for a longer time period. Now, at 9 years old — she is still NOT a super calm dog. However, she is the calmest around me. We can be active or relax together. Let other people come around and she is back to being a crazy young puppy full of excitement jumping up and down ready to play. Final Thoughts So when do German Shepherds calm down? German Shepherd calm may not be the type of calm you are thinking. They will calm down somewhere between the age of but may never be a full couch potato. Each dog is different and some may calm down earlier or later. Keep in mind that German Shepherds may never be as calm as another dog breed but they will get calmer over time. When I look back at it now, life would have been so much more boring with a calm German Shepherd: When did your German Shepherd calm down? Let me know in the comments.

Let us provide you with a Labradoodle puppy and a forever friend. About Us The start! Tonia LeFrancois owner of Triangle Labradoodles started this dream with family in mind! Her son was born with several allergies that would keep him from having a puppy. Tonia feels that every little childs life is not complete with out a puppy. After months of research we found the Australian labradoodle to be the best fit for us. With the help of Jenny Blume at Swinging gate kennels we provided our family a loving female named Aspen. Aspen stole every heart in the family and know her son has his best friend! Now we would like to offer that option to others so they too can have a dog in their family. This is why here at Triangle Labradoodles we want to provide quality pets to other familes that need a best friend. With this in mind all puppies here at Triangle labradoodles are raised in our home with 3 children as part of our family so they will fit in well with yours. Staying true to the vision of those who founded this incredible breed is an important element of our breeding philosophy. A proud member of the Australian Labradoodle Club of America, it is our goal to provide the most loving environment possible for our puppies. We will only work with the best breeders available to provide the highest quality and healthiest doodles around. We will strive for a low volume high quality approach for producing puppies. We are not a kennel and all puppies are raised in our home as part of the family. The Australian Labradoodle is different from all other labradoodles. Dogs from this cross typically were bred to each other over future generations, whereby the Australian dogs are also know as "Multi-generational" Labradoodles. The resulting labradoodles subsequently have been bred to each other, continuing the multi-generational tradition. Even when the other types of Labradoodles are bred on for generations, the result is not an Australian Labradoodle, as the attributes of the infused breeds were not included in their ancestry. The Australian Labradoodle Club of America was founded exclusively to foster and protect the original Australian Labradoodles that have come directly from Tegan Park and Rutland Manor breeding stock, or their offspring. Our mission is to maintain and improve the quality and soundness of the Australian Labradoodles, and to carefully monitor the further development of the breed. All member breeders are carefully screened to help ensure the future of the Australian Labradoodle. Our member breeders must breed to the highest standards. We have Breeder Mentors to assist member breeders and to help new breeders get off to a good start. The goal was to join with breeders across America in the development of a pure breed dog and to unite these breeding programs for one common cause, the preservation of the Authentic Australian Labradoodle. Our breed is in its final stage and is renowned for its amazing traits and has proven to be consistent and reliable. Its intuitive nature, uncanny ability to sense and in some cases self teach the art of being a medical alert dog, the direct eye to eye contact and their desire to please makes them one of the most trainable dogs in America. This breed is hypoallergenic, non shedding and is one of the most sought after dogs in America. Our goal is to protect and improve the breed health as we move towards pure breed status. Contact Us. We have always had dogs, from keeshonds to basset hounds to cocker spaniels but especially labs and now poodles!! We have made Durham NC our home for over 25 years. We started River Home Doodles because we love dogs and want to share the joy of having a fur-ever friend!! He's a powerful athlete with great retrieving instincts. He's also taught himself how to open doors with every imaginable handle. Penny lives for "squirrel patrol" always on the lookout in the woods nearby. She's graceful and fast. We are so excited about their upcoming litter! They're going to be one of a kind pups. We're Healthy! Healthy parents mean healthy pups! Our adult dogs have regular checkups at Northpaw Animal Hospital in Durham NC and are up to date on all of their vaccinations and screenings. Penny and Sadie are seen by their groomer regularly. Optimal Nutrition We feed and recommend Royal Canin foods, which provide optimal nutrition. It costs a little more, but they're healthier as a result. We are proud to be Royal Canin partners. Puppies go home with a Royal Canin introductory starter kit! Both Penny and Max have been cleared. Biosensor Routine The Biosensor Routine is a series of five simple exercises. They are performed on each puppy once a day, starting at three days of age. The main advantage of F1 breeding is they have the highest possibilities of hybrid vigor, which means they will be healthier with fewer genetic defects. A well-bred F1 gets the best balance from both the Lab and Poodle; they have a sweet and playful temperament and are intuitive, quick learners often used as therapy dogs. The coat of a young F1 will change over time. There is a transition from a short and soft puppy coat to the longer adult coat - this means they "doodle" increasingly as they mature. A F1 Labradoodle has a low-shedding coat. They typically have a curlier shorter coat than the F1. Their coat will be close to hypoallergenic much like a Standard Poodle. All Reservation Fees are good for 1 year from the time they are submitted. What is an Australian Labradoodle? He mixed Labrador Retrievers with Poodles. The current bloodlines were perfected by the owners of Tegan Park and Rutland Manor based in Australia. A natural by-product of this being a conspicuous lack of dog odor! Their even temperament makes them excellent candidates to become service dogs and is also a big part of what makes them exceptional family dogs. They are highly intelligent and are a preferred breed for their excellent health. Our puppies range from 18 lbs. Our dogs are incredibly loved and extensively health tested. Our dogs will never live in kennels — they live in our home or a guardian home as a member of the family. Happy, healthy, well loved and cared for parents produce healthier puppies. Our goal is to operate with the highest integrity, while producing genetically exceptional, structurally sound, well-adjusted puppies who are ready to become a loving part of your family. These methods include early neurological stimulation and creates an enriched environment early on for your puppy to grow in. Our in-home puppy play area includes early training for problem prevention such as emotional resilience, exercises using therapy toys and sound desensitization. Your puppy is introduced early to many scary sounds including loud thunderstorms, lightning, and doorbells ringing. We start potty training our puppies using a bell on the door at 4 weeks and we initiate crate training at 6 weeks. By 8 weeks, the puppies are ready for their new homes with their loving families. We strive for excellence in our dogs, our customer service and in the relationships we build with the families who entrust our family with raising their new baby. You can rest assured and trust our program for transparency, prompt communication and excellent customer service. We understand the level of trust our prospective puppy families place in us and we take our responsibility seriously. Your name is placed on our wait list in the order your Reservation Fee was received. You will remain on the waitlist until you have been offered and accepted a puppy to adopt that meets the temperament needs and preferences of your family. If we do not have a puppy of your sex or color preference, you may choose to defer to a future litter. Final payment is due by the time the puppy is 6 weeks old and the puppy can go home at 8 weeks. Ready To Get Started? Microchipping Full socialization in home environment keeping Puppy Culture principles in mind Litter registered with the Worldwide Australian Labradoodle Association Comfort blanket with mom and littermates' scents on it to help comfort them in the first few days away from our home. A 3lb bag of puppy food. Crate that your puppy was crate trained in starting at 6 weeks old. You will remain on the list until you have chosen a puppy to adopt. If we do not have a puppy of your sex or color preference, you may choose to defer to a future unreserved litter. Springdale Labradoodles does not guarantee placement on our waitlist until the puppy Reservation Fee has been received. We will reply to your inquiry promptly. Springdale Labradoodles does not guarantee placement on the wait list for any litter until the puppy Reservation Fee has been received. Breeder always has the first pick. We want our puppies and their new families to have the best chances for success! We do NOT ship our puppies in Cargo under a plane, as we do not believe it is in their best interest. You are welcome to pick your puppy up at our home, or we may be able to meet you if you are coming from one of the states mentioned above. Out of state and unsure how to get your puppy home? To make for a smooth trip for you and your puppy, we will ensure that your puppy is acclimated and ready to travel in a soft-sided airline carrier prior to going home. Don't want to fly? No worries! We have our very own puppy Flight Nanny! Our experienced flight nanny will personally fly your puppy to you on his lap with love and deliver your puppy into your arms at your closest airport. Additional fees apply and will be paid directly to the puppy nanny once travel arrangements are confirmed. We will be as flexible as we can in helping you receive your Springdale puppy. Travel fees are determined on an individual basis. We do everything possible to make the transition from our home to yours as easy as possible! With respect to the well-being of the puppy, our veterinarian does not perform early spay and neuter ESN , as she does not believe that it is in the best interest of young puppies. We follow her advice. We do our best to ensure that our puppies go to wonderful forever homes. If a dog must be relinquished, you must return the dog to Springdale Labradoodles. We have a professional flight nanny service available. Please contact us for details. Making a reservation earlier will help to keep the delivery fee lower. We raise high-quality Mini Labradoodles as well as a few other breeds. We also have partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini labradoodle pups that meet our strict genetic criteria and testing. So we usually have a good selection of very high-quality puppies. View Our Available Puppies! F1B Mini Labradoodle Puppies are a second-generation cross or hybrid. The father is a Mini Poodle and the mother is an F1 Labradoodle. The F1B Minature Labradoodles usually have soft hair that is usually wavy or curly. Thes puppies are considered semi-hypoallergenic since they shed minimally. These puppies can be a good fit if a person that has mild pet allergies. Once F1B Mini Labradoodles reach 6 months old they require to be groomed once every 8 weeks or so to keep their fur healthy and to stop matting. Adult F1B Mini labradoodle dogs range in size from 14 inches in height and pounds in weight. The average life span is typically years of age. The F1BB puppies usually have curlier coats and will be totally hypoallergenic. Once the F1BB pup is 6 months they will need regular grooming every 6 to 8 weeks. F1BB Puppies are usually slightly smaller than F1B puppies and range from 12 inches in height and pounds in weight. Mini Labradoodles are known for their intelligence and the ability to be trained very easily. They make amazing family pets and love to participate in family activities like swimming, hiking, camping or just playing tag in the yard. This breed is also a good choice for people who live in apartments as long as they get at least minutes of exercise a day. So if you live near Durham North Carolina and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Labradoodle puppy that can be delivered to you then check out our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are some Mini Labradoodle pups that have been adopted.

It will be on the higher side when the dog is still small because it will need more frequent visits to the vet, shots, and you will likely have a stronger drive to purchase your new puppy lots of toys. As the dog gets older, vet visits will drop off dramatically, and it will have plenty of toys, so you will only need to purchase food and treats, bringing the cost down considerably. Some shots are highly recommended but still optional, while the rabies shot is a legal requirement in the United States. You will also need to purchase a monthly flea and tick medication like Frontline to keep your dog free of parasites, especially if it spends a lot of time outside. Foods with corn listed as the first ingredient will be less expensive, but they are primarily empty calories that will cause your dog to gain weight and feel hungry again more quickly. You can keep up with your pet using inexpensive brushes and combs to keep the coat looking nice and reduce shedding. A thorough brushing every few days should be enough. We also recommend brushing the teeth of your Golden Retriever as often as possible with a pet-safe toothpaste to help slow the progression of dental disease, and you may need to trim the nails on occasion if you hear them clicking on the floor. A professional groomer can help you keep the dog looking nice and is usually not that expensive. Most Golden Retrievers will only need their monthly dose of flea and tick medication that will also help protect them from heartworm. Some people try to avoid this medication, but the cost of eliminating a flea infestation and Lyme disease medication can be much more expensive. When you need it, you will be glad you have it. There is no need for litter boxes, aquariums, heat lamps, humidity concerns, etc. Your dog will be happy by your side in any weather. Monthly washing of the bed liner and any towels it uses frequently is all that is required. Products like the Bark Box can be a great way to keep your dog entertained at a relatively low cost. However, there is a high likelihood you can find one at a local animal shelter for significantly less. Saving Money on Golden Retriever Care The best way to reduce your healthcare costs when owning a Golden Retriever is to pay close attention to the recommended portion size on your food package. You should also avoid giving too many treats, or your dog will become overweight, which can lead to several health problems that will increase your costs. Monthly expenses can be quite low compared to other pets that require you to maintain habitat temperatures and humidity. Breeds The link has been copied! Golden Retrievers are one of the most popular dog breeds in the world and for a good reason. They make wonderful family pets due to their friendly personalities, endless loyalty, and high intelligence. However, before bringing one into your home, it is essential to consider the costs associated with owning a Golden Retriever. In this article, we'll explore the question, "How much does a Golden Retriever cost? The overall price of a Golden Retriever can vary widely depending on a number of factors, such as the dog's age, lineage, and location. However, it is crucial to keep in mind that buying a puppy is just the beginning of the expenses associated with owning a Golden Retriever. In addition to the initial price, routine vet visits and vaccinations are necessary to keep your Golden Retriever healthy and prevent illnesses. These costs can add up quickly, especially in the first year of your dog's life when they require more frequent check-ups and vaccines. Your dog will typically require annual check-ups and routine vaccinations throughout their life. You can also choose to microchip your pet for additional security measures. Another ongoing expense associated with owning a Golden Retriever is grooming. While Golden Retrievers are relatively low-maintenance when it comes to grooming compared to some other breeds, they do require regular brushing and occasional baths. So, you will need to set aside adequate funds for this care. A Golden Retriever puppy cost can vary. The overall price will depend on whether you choose to purchase from a breeder or adopt from a rescue organization. However, it is essential to note that some breeders will charge more for puppies that have exceptional bloodlines or rare coat colors. If you choose to adopt a Golden Retriever puppy from a rescue organization, the adoption fee is usually much lower than the purchase price from a breeder. It is important to note that adoption fees will usually cover the cost of veterinary care, food, and shelter for the puppy while in the rescue organization's care. Often if you choose to adopt from a rescue or dog shelter, the pet will come into your family already spayed or neutered and up to date on all vaccinations. Color One of the most significant factors is the color of the puppy. Golden Retrievers typically come in shades of gold, but some may have a slightly darker or lighter coat, which can create variations in their price. For instance, puppies with lighter-colored coats may be more expensive than those with darker coats. Bloodline Puppies with a pedigree from a well-known champion bloodline are often more expensive than those without a proven lineage. This cost difference is because they are likely to have a superior appearance, temperament, and overall health characteristics. Often dogs from such lineage come with documentation and official paperwork to verify their background. A quality breeder who has invested time and resources in breeding and raising quality Golden Retrievers may charge a higher price for their puppies. This reason is that they are more likely to provide you with a healthy and well-socialized puppy. Estimated Size Finally, the estimated size of the puppy can impact the cost. Typically, male Golden Retrievers are larger than females, and puppies from larger litters may be smaller than those from smaller litters. Owing to that, puppies from a smaller litter may be more expensive as they tend to be in higher demand. Overall, it is essential to consider all of these factors when looking to purchase a Golden Retriever to ensure that you get the best value for your money. As we've discussed, the cost of purchasing and maintaining a Golden Retriever can quickly add up. However, investing in a GPS-tracking dog collar is one way to protect your investment in your furry friend. A GPS-tracking dog collar can help make sure that your Golden Retriever doesn't wander too far from home or get lost. This feature is especially important if you live in an area with a lot of traffic or wildlife, where your dog could be at risk of injury or getting into dangerous situations. A GPS tracking dog collar can help you quickly locate your dog if they do manage to escape, allowing you to bring them home safely and quickly. No doubt a GPS-tracking dog collar is an additional expense, but it can provide peace of mind and protection for your furry friend, making it a worthwhile investment for any Golden Retriever owner. It can give you the confidence to let your dog explore and play freely while still being able to keep an eye on their location and well-being. Incorporating the Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar into your Golden Retriever's routine can help ensure their safety and security while enjoying all the joys of owning this beloved breed. The collar has a long battery life and is water-resistant, making it durable enough to withstand daily wear and tear. The collar also offers activity tracking, which can help you monitor your dog's exercise habits and ensure they are getting enough physical activity to stay healthy. Golden Retriever Breed Guide The Golden Retriever is a popular breed known for being friendly and having an affectionate personality. They are intelligent, eager to please, and have a gentle nature, making them excellent family pets. They are typically very patient with children and get along well with other animals, making them an ideal companion for families with kids or other pets. Golden Retrievers are considered to be a medium to large breed in terms of size and weight. Males typically weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand in inches between 23 to .Alternatively, females weigh between 55 pounds to 65 pounds and stand in inches between .Golden Retrievers have an average lifespan of 10 to 12 years, but with proper care, they can live up to 14 years. Golden Retrievers are an active breed. They frequently require multiple sessions of daily exercise to stay in peak shape. They enjoy many types of outdoor activities, including swimming, fetch, and hiking. These dogs make great companions for those who enjoy an active lifestyle. However, they can also adopt a more laid-back lifestyle if they don't receive regular exercise. The lifetime care costs of a Golden Retriever will often depend on factors such as their health, age, and lifestyle. Budgeting for these costs and planning accordingly to ensure that your furry friend receives the care they need throughout their lifetime is essential. There are several ways to reduce the cost of owning a Golden Retriever. One option is to adopt a dog from a local animal shelter or rescue organization. Adopting a dog can be significantly less expensive than buying a puppy from a breeder, and it also helps to reduce the number of dogs in shelters. Another way to save money is to consider adopting an older dog instead of a puppy. Older dogs may have already gone through the training process, which can save on the cost of obedience classes and training supplies. They may also be less demanding in terms of exercise and may already be house-trained, which can save on cleaning and flooring expenses. When buying a Golden Retriever puppy, it's crucial to find a breeder who will always prioritize the health and life quality of their dogs. A breeder should be able to provide you with health guarantees, documentation of the puppy's lineage, and proof of vaccinations and other necessary medical treatments. Moreover, it's also a good idea to visit the breeder's facility and meet the puppy's parents, if possible, to get a sense of the breeding environment and the temperament of the puppies. While it may be tempting to choose the cheapest option when buying a Golden Retriever, doing so can lead to additional expenses down the line if the puppy develops health problems that require expensive medical treatment. A reputable breeder may have higher upfront costs but is more likely to produce healthy puppies with fewer genetic health issues. This initial extra cost can ultimately save you money and heartache in the long run. By taking the time to research breeders and consider all options carefully, you can save on the initial cost of owning a Golden Retriever while still providing a loving home for a furry companion. Conclusion: The Cost of Owning a Golden Retriever In conclusion, owning a Golden Retriever can be a fulfilling experience, but it is crucial to consider the upfront and ongoing costs that are commonly associated with owning one. By understanding the factors that impact the price tag of a Golden Retriever and exploring ways to reduce those costs, you can ensure that you are providing the best care for your furry friend without breaking the bank. Lastly, you will want to consider how to protect your newest family member and the investment that comes with them. The Fi GPS Tracking Dog Collar is a cutting-edge style of technology that offers dog owners an extra layer of protection for their furry friends. The collar uses GPS technology to track your dog's location in real time and sends alerts to your phone if your dog leaves a designated safe zone. This feature can be beneficial in the event that your Golden Retriever ever goes missing or wanders off, giving you the ability to quickly and easily locate them. 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. One or both of this puppy's parents have undergone genetic testing. One or both of this puppy's parents are hip certified. One or both of this puppy's parents is OFA Heart certified. This puppy has had early neurological stimulation exercises. It is also important to understand there are different types of golden retrievers which may affect pricing. For example, if you decide to choose the lowest golden retriever cost option, those puppies almost never have the necessary 3rd-party assurances or veterinarian procedures like dewormings, vaccinations, health-tested parents, or a thorough health checkup. These missing costs and services will be your responsibility, making the total cost ultimately the same. Not to mention the added stress on you these extra expenses and issues create! Adopting vs. Please note that depending on the shelter, you may have to pay additional costs for your Golden certain shots and procedures. Depending on if the golden retriever is a boy or a girl may affect the price as well. Some male vs female golden retriever differences may make you prefer one over the other. This will ultimately save you time and money on your golden retriever price because breeders often pay lower veterinary rates than individuals do. Distemper, for example, is a highly contagious disease that attacks the gastrointestinal, respiratory, and nervous systems of dogs. Unfortunately, there is no cure — just a lot of expenses and stress which really adds to the overall cost of your Golden Retriever puppy. It is wise to ask your vet for guidance on this decision. Talk with your vet about the procedure, when you should get it done, and how much it might cost. Dental Care for Your Golden Retriever Golden Retrievers, like many dogs, can be prone to dental issues such as plaque buildup, gum disease, and tooth decay. These cleanings typically involve scaling, polishing, and potentially extractions if necessary. Some insurance providers offer optional dental coverage as an add-on or as part of more comprehensive plans. If dental coverage is included in the policy, it typically covers a portion of the costs associated with dental cleanings, extractions, and other necessary dental treatments. This typically includes services such as bathing, brushing, trimming, nail clipping, ear cleaning, and sometimes additional services like de-shedding or dematting. Some groomers may offer package deals or discounts for regular appointments or bundled services. This monthly expense may seem like an additional cost, but it can be a worthwhile investment when considering the potential savings on veterinary bills for treatments, surgeries, and medications. By having pet insurance in place, you can ensure that your Golden Retriever receives the necessary care without straining your finances in the event of unexpected health issues. Puppy Training and Socialization Classes Attending puppy training and socialization classes is highly recommended for the comprehensive development of your Golden puppy. These classes provide structured learning environments, social interaction, and essential obedience training. By enrolling your Golden Retriever puppy in these classes, you ensure they receive the necessary foundation for good behavior, social skills, and overall well-being. The cost for food will depend on the size, age, and activity level of your companion. Fortunately, the cheaper brands of dog food can be just as good as the more premium brands as long as they meet the standards of AAFCO and are made with minimal processing. When making your decision, make sure to avoid artificial ingredients and preservatives where you can, since they could cause health problems for your dog.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. What to Feed German Shepherd Puppies: A Healthy Feeding Guide One of the first things you need to know about what to feed German Shepherd puppies is, right from the start, to choose a high-quality puppy-specific food for large breed puppies. What to feed German Shepherd puppies—feed German Shepherd puppies a diet that is: Specifically created for large-breed puppies. What do German Shepherd puppies eat? New owners are given a host of choices when bringing home their new pups. You can choose to offer one or the other, or even opt for mixed feeding. Dry Kibble Kibble is the most popular and economical choice for German Shepherd puppies. Plus, the major manufacturers offer a complete and balanced diet in many different flavors, with or without grains, and even limited ingredient diets. Kibble can be moistened either with water or broth. Here are the advantages and disadvantages of kibble when it comes to feeding German Shepherd puppies: Advantages Easy to purchase at most stores and online. Keeps for longer than other food options. Quick and simple to serve with little clean up. Disadvantages Can be difficult for some puppies to chew, causing them to not eat enough. Wet Food Here are some advantages and disadvantages of feeding German Shepherd puppies wet food : Advantages Softer and potentially more palatable for picky eaters. Contains more water content than dry food, which can help keep your puppy hydrated. Can leave dogs feeling fuller for longer due to the water content. Can be more expensive than kibble in the long run. Requires more preparation time. Mixing Dry Kibble and Wet Foods Feeding our German Shepherd puppies is no easy task, and deciding between wet and dry puppy food can leave us scratching our heads. But what if we told you there was a middle ground? Mixing wet and dry puppy foods can be an option worth considering, but it comes with its own set of advantages and disadvantages. Wet food contributes to increased water intake, ensuring your furry friend stays well-hydrated. Allows you to provide a diverse array of nutrients, contributing to a balanced diet for your growing German Shepherd. Disadvantages Might make it trickier to regulate portion sizes accurately, potentially leading to overfeeding and weight issues. These diets exclude foods that have been cooked or processed in any way. There are also some advantages and disadvantages to feeding a German Shepherd puppy a raw food diet: Advantages Raw diets consist of uncooked, fresh ingredients that retain their natural nutrients, potentially promoting better health for your puppy. Some puppies with food sensitivities might find relief on a raw diet as it eliminates common allergens found in processed foods. Disadvantages Preparing a balanced raw diet requires careful planning to ensure your pup gets all the necessary nutrients in the right proportions. Raw diets carry a higher risk of bacterial contamination, potentially affecting both your pup and you. Sourcing high-quality ingredients and properly storing them can be costly and time-consuming. Homemade Diets For large breed puppies, like German Shepherds, homemade diets must be carefully formulated, just like commercial foods. To create a homemade diet recipe specifically for your dog, it is preferable to consult a veterinarian who holds a board certification in veterinary nutrition. Unfortunately, research has shown that many well-intentioned dog owners still overfeed or give their dogs an unbalanced diet, which can be harmful. By cooking at home, you can skip additives and preservatives often found in commercial dog food. Disadvantages Without proper knowledge and planning, homemade meals may lack essential nutrients, leading to nutritional imbalances. Preparing homemade food demands time and effort, which might be challenging for busy pet parents. Mishandling raw ingredients can lead to contamination, causing health issues for your puppy. Remember, these charts help provide a guideline, but each dog is an individual. For example, if your dog has had a busy day of training and playing, they may need a few extra calories for dinner. This helps ensure they are growing as expected, and if not, you may need to alter the recommended feeding amount. As a rule of thumb, most German Shepherd puppies will eat as follows in this chart: Age. What foods should your German Shepherd avoid? Foods your German Shepherd should avoid include avocados, chocolates, onion and garlic, artificial sweeteners, and raw potatoes. Some more toxic foods are grapes and raisins, bones, yeast dough, moldy food, and raw tomatoes. In severe cases, these foods can prove fatal. Read on! Foods Your German Shepherd Should Avoid Given that different varieties of foods are available in our homes, either manufactured or homemade, they all have varying effects on your canine friends when ingested. These effects include mild diarrhea, irritation, and vomiting. Additionally, your German Shepherd should only eat these foods in moderation since they have long-term adverse side effects if eaten too often. YELLOW will be the foods that cause moderate to severe effects once ingested by your furry canine friend. They may cause severe stomach upsets, difficulty breathing, vomiting, and diarrhea. If your dog consumes these foods, you should immediately consult a vet. RED will show the highly toxic foods that your pup should never consume. But since they can trigger mild discomfort, only give them in moderation. Such foods include bacon, sausages, fatty meats, and fruits with high-fat content, such as avocados. When ingested, these fatty foods cause mild stomach upset and diarrhea. Additionally, fatty foods trigger calorie build-up, causing weight gain. Do you want an obese German Shepherd? Milk and Dairy Products Did you know that most canines are lactose intolerant? Well, now you know. Being lactose intolerant means that they lack enough lactase enzymes in their digestive systems to break down the lactose sugar in dairy products and milk. This deficiency causes digestion issues, notably stomach upset and loose stool. Furthermore, lactose intolerant canines convert the excess lactose in their body into fats, causing excessive weight gain. Cat Food If you have a mixed home with both canines and felines, chances are, your German Shepherd has occasionally snuck a few bites of cat food without you knowing. As Vets Now explains, cat food is rich in proteins, calories, and fats, which are nutritional elements not ideal for dogs at least in those amounts. After eating cat food, your German Shepherd may suffer mild stomach upsets, vomiting, or diarrhea. Additionally, if you feed your canine friend feline food on a long-term basis, you may put him at risk of obesity. Worst of all, his cat food consumption might evolve into a life-threatening condition known as pancreatitis. According to MSD Manual , salt not only leaves your pooch excessively thirsty or dehydrated but also causes sodium poisoning. Some of the notable signs of this condition include dehydration, frequent urination, fever, vomiting, diarrhea, and seizures. Sugary foods, such as candies, baked foods, and fruits with high sugar content like pineapples , are not ideal for German Shepherds. Large amounts of sugar can cause tooth decay, diabetes, and uncontrolled weight gain. Bread Bread is good for your canine friend but only on an occasional basis. However, bread consumption should be in moderation because it contains a high-calorie content that may cause excessive weight gain. Another point of concern when feeding bread to your German Shepherd is the potential for other toxic ingredients in it, like xylitol, raisins, or grapes. Raw Meat and Eggs Are you a dog owner who believes in a raw diet for your canine friend? Well, you may be shocked to learn that not all raw foods are good for dogs! According to Purina , raw meat has salmonella spp and E. Coli, which leads to salmonella poisoning. Additionally, raw eggs contain Salmonella spp and Avidin, a toxic enzyme that inhibits vitamin B7 Biotin absorption, responsible for coat and fur health in your dog. Keep a close eye on him and take note of any symptoms that appear to persist. Most of the mild symptoms often go away on their own and are not too harmful to your dog. Yellow: Moderate to Severe Discomfort These foods can cause moderate to severe health issues if eaten regularly or in high amounts. These herbs, which happen to be members of the Allium family, form the basis of many culinary masterpieces that delightfully cheer human taste buds. VCA Hospitals lays bare that these herbs are toxic to dogs, with garlic being the most poisonous. The consumption of any of these herbs causes severe stomach upset accompanied by nausea and mouth irritation. Additionally, eating this fearsome foursome combination can lead to an inflammation of the gastrointestinal tract. Furthermore, a high level of Allium toxicity can damage the red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia, which leaves your German Shepherd short of oxygen. Therefore, whether raw, cooked, powdered, or frozen, always keep these members of the Allium family away from your pup. Additionally, avocados have high-fat content, putting your canine at risk for weight gain. These nuts are believed to be toxic to your pup, even if he consumes just a tiny bit of them. The resultant effects are severe vomiting, diarrhea, shaking, seizures, and muscle weakness. Tomatoes and Potatoes Tomatoes and potatoes are both members of the nightshade family. And while ripe tomatoes and cooked potatoes are safe for dogs, unripe and raw variations can be toxic. The explanation is simple: unripe tomatoes and raw or green potatoes contain a high concentration of solanine, an ingredient toxic to dogs. Solanine poisoning can cause abnormal heart rate, severe stomach upset, muscular weakness, and breathing difficulties. Grapes and Raisins Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs. When ingested, they can cause severe lethargy, vomiting, dehydration, diarrhea, abdominal pain, and seizures. Additionally, this type of poisoning reduces blood flow into the kidneys, which may ultimately cause kidney failure. The toxicity also includes grapes and other forms of raisins, such as raisin cereal, grape juice, granola, raisin bread, sultanas, currants, and alcohol. Cherries Although most German Shepherd parents consider the flesh of the cherry safe to eat, it can cause a stomach upset. Additionally, the pit, leaves, and stem contain cyanide, a toxic element that causes rapid or difficulty breathing, paralysis, convulsions, and excess salivation. Consumption of toxic wild mushrooms causes tremors, ataxia, severe stomach upset, seizures, and muscle weakness. In extreme cases, mushroom poisoning can damage red blood cells, causing hemolytic anemia. Recommendations If your German Shepherd eats these foods, you most likely need medical care. Rush your German Shepherd to the clinic for immediate diagnosis and treatment. Once you suspect your German Shepherd has consumed these toxic foods, immediately remove him from the area where the food is. Additionally, the vet may also ask for a sample of the food. However, alcohol has the same effects on dogs as it has on humans. Unfortunately, it may only take a small sip of an alcoholic beverage to cause fatal effects for your German Shepherd. Alcohol poisoning in dogs can cause a significant drop in blood sugar, severe vomiting, salivation, diarrhea, loss of coordination, respiratory failure, and excessive thirst. Alcohol can also damage the liver, eventually causing death. Yeast Dough We all know that raw yeast dough rises and swells once in the oven. And if your pup ingests it in the raw form, the same thing continues to happen inside his stomach. The dough continues to rise, causing bowel obstruction and an excessively bloated stomach. Excessive bloating can trigger gut-twisting, which can lead to death. Here, the dough ferments, releasing alcohol, which causes alcohol poisoning. Generally, chocolate contains theobromine, a toxic substance that metabolizes slower in dogs than in humans. However, if eaten in large amounts, it can cause excessive panting, dehydration, urination, seizures, tremors, and heart problems that can lead to death. Caffeinated Beverages Caffeinated beverages include coffee, tea, and energy drinks. These drinks contain moderate to large amounts of caffeine, which acts as a stimulant causing hyperactivity, increased heart rate, restlessness, and severe vomiting. Extreme caffeine poisoning can damage the liver, which eventually leads to death. Xylitol Have you ever heard of xylitol? You can find it in some baked foods, peanut butter, ketchup, sugar-free candies, gums mints, and toothpaste. When eaten by your German Shepherd, this highly toxic substance causes a rapid drop in blood sugar level, muscle weakness, lethargy, and seizures. A high level of xylitol toxicity can even cause liver damage or lead to death. Cooked Bones To some dog owners, cooked bones may sound safer than raw bones, based on the belief that cooking kills bacteria and reduces toxins. And if your German Shepherd chomps down a cooked bone, it can easily break into shards. Worse of it all, they can cause deadly perforations in the throat and gut once swallowed. Corn on the Cob By itself, corn is safe for your German Shepherd to eat, especially given its excellent fiber content. And while a corn cob may seem harmless enough for use as a toy, it can easily kill your German Shepherd. These foods have a high toxicity level and can easily kill your favorite German Shepherd quickly. Once you suspect your German Shepherd has eaten one of these foods, remove them from his reach and take a small sample with you. Conclusion Although this guide is not exhaustive, it offers a deep insight into the foods you should keep away from your German Shepherd. Keep a close eye on your German Shepherd. You might discover some symptoms that indicate poor feeding. Is cat food bad for dogs? Hidden Dangers! Over the counter vitamin supplements 4. Some candy brands do too, so always check the labelling. Certain peanut butter brands Show me a German Shepherd who does not love peanut butter. Some brands of peanut butter can be dangerous. Licensed from StockUnlimited. However, some peanut butter brands include xylitol. This substance is toxic to dogs and needs to be avoided at all costs due to poisoning. Corn on the cob Corn on the cob is not among the poisonous foods for German Shepherds, but it is dangerous due to the cob part. These can lodge in the throat of your dog and intestines, so should be avoided at all costs. Sweetcorn is fine, as this will be easily digestible though. Cooked bones Dogs love to eat bones. Everyone knows dogs love bones, but there are dangers with this food type, particularly with puppies. When bones are cooked, they become brittle and can break apart. This means that when German Shepherds eat cooked bones, small slithers can perforate their internal organs, leading to big risks to their health… with possible fatal consequences. Avocado Fruit is a great food for German Shepherds, but not all fruit! Avocado is one such, as it can be bad for German Shepherds but only when prepared in a particular way. Avocados contain a poisonous toxin called persin which when eaten in large quantities can lead to vomiting and diarrhea. However, persin is mostly concentrated in the avocado skin and pit, rather than the fleshy part. Grapes and raisins Another group of fruits that can be poisonous to your German Shepherd are grapes and raisins. They are a toxic food for German Shepherds and can lead to kidney failure when eaten in large quantities. However, these two nuts which are potentially toxic to dogs. What can German Shepherds not eat? Walnuts are definitely on that list! Licensed from StoryBlocks. When eaten at volume, both can result in diarrhea, sickness, and the possibility of canine pancreatitis. The side effects of Macadamia nuts are very nasty and rank high on the list of poisonous foods for German Shepherds… the poisoning can result in hyperthermia, tremors, vomiting, and lethargy. Cherry, peach, and plum pits Due to the size of pips and seeds like this, they can become lodged in the intestines of dogs. There are also trace elements of cyanide in the pits of some fruits like peach and plum. Mustard seeds Mustard is so vomit-inducing to German Shepherds that vets sometimes use it to make dogs sick up for medical purposes. The seeds in particular are very toxic as they contain poisonous elements to dogs. Coconuts and coconut oil A little bit of coconut is unlikely to harm your German Shepherd, but the milk and white flesh of a coconut is known to cause stomach upsets in dogs. The reasons coconut water should be avoided is due to the potassium in it, at high levels too. Yeast dough When ingested, yeast dough will heat up and then start to rise and create gas. Alcohol This is good time to talk about alcohol dangers and how dangerous this drink can be for dogs. Alcohol is the most toxic drink that would be bad for a German Shepherd. Alcohol consumption can make your German Shepherd have diarrhea, vomit, difficulty in breathing, tremors, a lack of coordination, abnormal blood acidity, central nervous system depression, and even a possible coma or death. Hops On a similar topic, the hops that are used in home brewing kits are also a dangerous ingredient for German Shepherds to eat. There are compounds in the hops that lead to malignant hyperthermia. Coffee, caffeine, and tea Drinks with in are bad for German Shepherds. If your German Shepherd has licked up a couple of coffee granules, chances are he will be fine. Nutmeg Myristicin us a toxic substance with trace amounts found in nutmeg. When dogs eat it in large amounts it can lead to various problems including abdominal pain, increased heart rate, seizures, and even the possibility of hallucinations. Moldy food If your dog has access to trash, be very careful. Moldy food is bad for German Shepherds as it can contain mycotoxins. Mycotoxins grow on moldy food and make it poisonous when ingested. Bad food for German Shepherds In addition to the foods that are bad for German Shepherds, there are others. Whilst they are not strictly considered poisonous and toxic, you should avoid them due to the potential negative side effects. For example, weight gain. Milk and dairy products Many German Shepherds will be lactose intolerant, meaning dairy products can make them sick. Blue cheese Given that you know dairy is bad option for dogs, it should come as no surprise that some cheeses can be dangerous. Avoid the blue cheeses, Roquefort, and Stilton. They have roquefortine C which is known to cause very bad reactions in dogs. Blue cheese is a food that can make German Shepherds sick. This can include symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. In more extreme cases your German Shepherd could develop seizures and tremors if they eat a lot of blue cheese. However, there is some research to suggest that bacterial infections such as Salmonella and E. In fact, this is one of the worst foods for German Shepherds, and can result in a range of health problems. Dogs that have too many snacks with sugar content are at risk of developing diabetes, weight gain, and even decayed teeth and gums. Sugar can also upset delicate German Shepherd tummies too, so something to avoid at all costs. Food high in salt and sodium content Just like lots of sugar, the same applies to salt content. Food that is high in sodium can potentially poison your German Shepherd… but is most likely to lead to them getting extreme thirst and increased urination in the volume it would be in dropped food. If your German Shepherd does eat lots of salt, the warning signs are very severe and include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high body temperature, and seizures. Fatty foods Fatty foods such sausage, bacon, burgers , and fried food can result in upset stomachs. If your German Shepherd gets to eat these tasty snacks over a prolonged period of time, it could even result in pancreatitis. What plants are poisonous to German Shepherds? There are also things your German Shepherd should not eat outdoors including the following toxic plants. The toxic compound in avocado is called persin. Persin is not as much of a risk to a big dog as a German Shepherd. What is incredibly risky is the fat content in avocado and the enormous inner seed. If your GSD happens to swallow that giant seed, it can easily obstruct the bowel that could be life-threatening. The high-fat content in avocados puts your dog at risk for pancreatitis, another life-threatening health condition that causes the pancreas to become inflamed and shut down the digestive process. And raw avocado should never be fed to your German Shepherd for all of the reasons listed here. Garlic, onion, chives, leeks VCA Animal Hospitals is very clear that these four popular herbs — garlic, onions, chives, and leeks — are all toxic to dogs, including German Shepherds. This can be especially important to know because dogs are not just adversely affected by the fresh herbs. Dried, powdered, liquid, cooked, and even frozen versions of the same will have the same toxic effects. In the same way, anything you cook that has these herbs as ingredients should never be fed to your dog. The side effects to watch for include vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, wobbly balance, drooling, bloating or abdominal pain, reddish urine, increased heart rate, and breathing rate, panting, pale gums, and collapse. Fruit seeds or pits When it comes to the topic of fruit seeds and pits, German Shepherd owners often find a wealth of confusing information online. Canine Journal clears up the confusion by explaining which fruit seeds and pits are toxic to dogs. Apple seeds, peach pits, and plum pits are toxic because they contain a compound called amygdalin that converts to cyanide. Avocado pits are toxic due to a compound called persin and they are also a choking hazard. Persimmon pits are dangerous because of their size. Mushrooms Not all mushrooms are toxic to dogs, but those that are can be fatal quickly, as Preventative Vet explains. Wild mushrooms that grow in the yard are the most common causes of fatal toxicity in dogs. Your German Shepherd may be attracted to the fishy smell or odd appearance of mushrooms in the yard and eat them before you even realize what is happening. It is always a good idea to walk through your yard and remove all the mushrooms you see, even if you are not sure if they are toxic or not. Also, be cautious when letting your GSD play in open fields where wild mushrooms may be growing. Xylitol Xylitol is a common sugar substitute found in many foods, candies, and gums made for people. It is extremely toxic to German Shepherds and all dogs! As VCA Animal Hospital explains, if your GSD eats even a small amount of xylitol, it can cause side effects ranging from liver failure and low blood sugar to seizures and death. Be aware that xylitol also occurs naturally in some produce, including raspberries, plums, corn, oats, and other foods. But the synthetic form is much more toxic because it is so concentrated. Caffeine, alcohol Caffeine and alcohol are not even the best choices for people, but they are downright dangerous for dogs. The Pet Poison Helpline states that even the small amount of caffeine in a teabag or used coffee grounds can quickly cause dangerous health complications for dogs. The Pet Poison Helpline states that alcohol is even more toxic in even very small quantities. And alcohol can be found in some surprising places, including raw yeast dough, baked goods with added liqueur and medicine cabinet rubbing alcohol. But numerous dogs in distress showcase that these nuts should be avoided at all costs. Common symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, fever, weakness, lethargy, and collapse. Cooked bones Cooked bones may sound safer than raw bones because any lingering bacteria or toxins will be neutralized through the cooking process. But cooked bones are much more dangerous because they splinter so easily. The heat weakens the structure of the bones and if your dog chomps down on a cooked bone, it can break into shards. Corn left on the cob Vets-Now highlights the dangers of letting your German Shepherd chow down on corn left on the cob. While the corn cob might seem like a harmless enough treat or toy. This means they can easily cause a gastric blockage that can turn fatal. Corn itself is a healthy enough treat for most dogs when fed in moderation. But always remove the corn from the cobb. Of course, if you also have a cat in your family and your German Shepherd happens across a bowl of cat food, they might just eat it. But cat food has the wrong mix of nutrients for dogs and large dogs in particular. Cat food typically is much higher in protein, fat, and carbohydrates than food formulated for dogs. But German Shepherd dogs, in particular, tend to suffer from sensitive stomachs. If your GSD eats fatty food that is heavy on protein and carbs, you can expect gastrointestinal distress. This, in turn, can lead to pancreatitis, a dangerous health condition that causes the pancreas, an essential digestive system organ, to become inflamed. Pancreatitis can become serious and even life-threatening very quickly. It causes a great deal of pain and can cause the pancreatic tissue to start to die off. You may want to print out a copy of this list to keep handy for your use and to give to loved ones who may watch your dog from time to time. This is the best way to make sure your German Shepherd eats only healthy, dog-safe food. Recommended Reading. Check Price on Amazon Macadamia Nuts German Shepherds can not eat macadamia nuts as just a handful of raw or roasted nuts can make a dog very sick due to their toxicity. Macadamia nuts can cause severe weakness in the back legs, high temperature, vomiting, and muscle shakes, depending on the number of nuts ingested. The unknown toxicity in macadamia nuts also known as Australian nuts affects nerve and muscle function, and some dogs may also develop pancreatitis inflammation of the pancreas due to the high fat and oil content in the nuts like Avocados. Signs and symptoms usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion. Moldy Food Moldy food, such as moldy bread, pasta, nuts, cheese, and other decaying produce, is bad for your German Shepherd. Moldy foods contain mycotoxins, and a specific mycotoxin called aflatoxin can cause liver failure. Symptoms are vomiting, restlessness, incoordination, seizures, and high temperature. Invest in a dog-proof trash can such as the iTouchless Pet-Proof Trash Can from Amazon which prevents your doggo from opening the lid. Mushrooms Wild German Shepherds should not eat mushrooms as they can be toxic. There are thousands of mushroom species, and while only a small percentage are known to be poisonous, should your dog eat a toxic one, it could make him extremely ill or even prove fatal. Signs and symptoms of mushroom poisoning depend on the species eaten. Look out for vomiting, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, and changes in thirst or urination kidney failure. Some mushroom toxins will affect dogs very quickly within minutes , while others will not produce signs for up to 24 hours. A small amount of washed white mushrooms from the store are generally safe, such as the white button or Portobello varieties. Nutmeg German Shepherds should not eat nutmeg as it is toxic to dogs due to the compound myristicin. If a dog ingests a substantial amount of nutmeg, the poisoning can cause hallucinations, disorientation, increased heart rate, dry mouth, stomach pain, and possibly seizures. Your dog would have to ingest a considerable amount to cause severe toxicity. Onions, Shallots, Leeks, and Chives German Shepherds should never eat onions, shallots, leeks, and chives either cooked, raw or dried as they are poisonous to most pets if consumed in large amounts. These foods that belong to the Allium family, like garlic see above , can also cause nausea or vomiting, diarrhea, stomach pain, and breathing problems. Symptoms of the poisoning may have a delayed onset. Potato Raw or Green German Shepherds can not eat raw potato or green potato as it is poisonous to dogs. It contains a toxic compound called solanine, and if your dog eats a large amount, it will affect his nervous system. Symptoms to look for are blurred vision, vomiting, diarrhea, low temperature, and slow heart rate. White potatoes belong to the nightshade family of vegetables, which includes tomatoes. They produce solanine as a natural defense to deter insects. It is okay to feed your German Shepherd a small amount of cooked potato as the cooking process drastically reduces the levels of solanine. Rhubarb Leaves German Shepherds can not eat rhubarb leaves as they contain oxalic acid, which is toxic to dogs. Your dog may experience drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, tremors, and changes to thirst and urination. However, they would have to ingest a considerable quantity to cause poisoning. The stalks of the rhubarb plant are safe for German Shepherds in small quantities and can be good if your dog has constipation. If you grow rhubarb at home, you must be careful and ensure your German Shepherd is never unsupervised, as acute renal failure can occur. Salt German Shepherds should not have too much salt, as eating too much salt can make your dog seriously thirsty and lead to sodium poisoning or dehydration. Excessive thirst or urination may occur, and salt can cause potential damage to the kidneys. Salt poisoning is a serious concern as death may follow. Symptoms of too much salt include vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, high temperature, and seizures. I suppose you only need to think of how thirsty you become after eating salty popcorn, pretzels, or chips, hence why I never feed my German Shepherd these types of snacks. Star Fruit German Shepherds should not eat star fruit as this exotic fruit is highly toxic to dogs due to oxalic acid. Signs and symptoms include vomiting, diarrhea, blood in the urine, and increased thirst and urination. Your German Shepherd may become sick after eating only a tiny amount of this fruit and he may show symptoms within the hour. Tomato Green German Shepherds can not eat green tomatoes as they contain a toxic substance called solanine which can cause heart problems, difficulty breathing, and severe stomach upset. However, they would have to eat an awful lot to get to this stage. A small amount of green tomato will cause GI upset at worst. While the ripened red fruit of the tomato is generally considered safe for dogs, all of the green parts of the plant stems and vines and unripened tomatoes need to be avoided. Solanine is also found in raw or green potatoes see above. Xylitol Sweetener German Shepherds can not eat xylitol sweetener and all foods containing xylitol as it is toxic for dogs. Early symptoms include vomiting, lethargy, and coordination problems or seizures. A noticeable trend in poisonings has emerged due to the increasing popularity of xylitol as a sweetener in several products. It is found in many products such as candy, gum, baked goods, diet foods, and toothpaste! I no longer let my dog lick my fingers after cleaning my teeth — another one of the hidden dangers! You also need to be aware that some peanut butter brands contain xylitol and so always check first or buy an organic brand with nothing added. Yeast Dough German Shepherds can not eat yeast dough. It then swells inside, and as it expands, it causes a bowel obstruction or a bloated stomach which can potentially twist. This then becomes a life-threatening emergency requiring abdominal surgery. Additionally, when the yeast ferments the dough to make it rise, it produces alcohol, leading to alcohol poisoning! The obvious signs are bloating or a distended abdomen. Your dog may suffer from retching, lethargy, weakness, collapse, and shock. Walnuts Black German Shepherds can not eat black walnuts as they are highly poisonous. Black walnuts contain an unknown toxin that can cause seizures and tremors. Another danger is if the walnuts have been lying on the ground for a while and turned moldy. Mold is an additional toxin. The only nuts that are okay for German Shepherds to eat are peanuts, almonds, and cashews. However, these must be given in moderation due to their high-fat content, as they can cause stomach upset and diarrhea. Feeding your dog foods high in fat content can also lead to pancreatitis or obesity. As there are a wide variety of nuts, I wrote this article on German Shepherds and nuts. Your German Shepherd might find and swallow something dangerous no matter how careful you are. If you think your dog may have eaten something toxic, you must take emergency action by contacting your vet professional for advice. These are the emergency instructions to follow if your German Shepherd ate something toxic, courtesy of the Pet Poison Helpline: Immediately remove your dog from the area, and make sure no other pets or kids! Then, safely remove any remaining poisonous material from their reach. Check to make sure your dog is breathing normally and acting fine otherwise. Collect a sample of the material and the packaging, vial, or container, and save it — you will need all that information when you talk to your veterinarian or a Pet Poison Helpline expert. Do NOT give your dog any milk, food, salt, oil, or other home remedies! Also, never induce vomiting without talking to your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline — it may be detrimental or contraindicated! Get help. Program your veterinarian phone number, an ER vet, and the Pet Poison Helpline phone number in your cell phone, so you will always have immediate access to help. From your experience, what is the most common food involved in accidental ingestion in dogs that causes poisoning that you see in your practice? Xylitol appears to be in so many products these days. Have you witnessed any cases of xylitol poisoning? One I remember was a dog presented to the emergency clinic after having eaten some sort of diet food with xylitol in it. He was brought in because he had a seizure at home. We found his blood sugar was very low. He ended up recovering well after being treated for a few days in the hospital. The best thing to do if you think your dog has ingested something toxic is to call an animal poison control center immediately. These people are amazing! Tell the veterinarian at the poison control center what your dog ingested and how much he got. They will give you specific instructions on what to do next. What have you found to be the most prevalent reason for dogs ingesting toxic foodstuffs? What is your best tip to poison-proof a home? Use child-proof cabinet locks if your dog is very crafty. Keep your garbage containers in a locked cabinet or pantry. We can feed our dogs some human foods as long as they are given in moderation. Below are some safe foods for your dog to try, and you can check out my comprehensive article on 34 human foods that German Shepherds can eat for tons more ideas. Lean Meats German Shepherds can eat lean cuts of cooked meat as long as all the visible fat is removed. My German Shepherd enjoys chicken, turkey, pork, beef, and lamb. Ensure that there are no bones in the meat before you give it to your dog, as cooked bones are dangerous for your German Shepherd. It is also best to avoid processed meats like bacon, sausage, and ham due to their high salt or seasoning content; however, an occasional tiny piece will cause no harm. Fresh Fruits Slices of apples, bananas, and watermelons make tasty treats for your dog. However, you must take out any seeds or pits from fresh fruit like apricots, nectarines, peaches, plums, etc. These contain cyanide, which is toxic to your dog if consumed in large quantities. Check out my detailed post for more info on what fruits German Shepherds can eat. There is certainly plenty to look at — as I listed 29 examples! Vegetables It is okay to let your German Shepherd have a healthy snack of carrot, green beans, cucumber, or sweet potato. Many other vegetables are safe to give in moderation too. However, there are some that you may wish to avoid! This giant guide explains the health benefits of each vegetable and advice on how to feed them to your dog. Cooked Rice and Pasta German Shepherds can eat cooked plain rice or cooked pasta. Cooked, plain white rice can be a good option if your dog has an upset stomach as it is easy to digest and quick to prepare. Dairy Products Dairy products, such as milk, cheese, plain yogurt , or ice cream, are generally safe for German Shepherds to have in minimal quantities; however, eating too much dairy can cause diarrhea or vomiting. This is because dogs have low lactase levels — a digestive enzyme that breaks down the sugars in dairy products. Dogs with lactose intolerance should not eat dairy products. However, my German Shepherd is OK with an occasional small amount of milk or ice cream. In fact, the way she laps up milk, you would think she was a cat! Fish German Shepherds can eat fish. There are some concerns about longer-living species of fish like tuna, mackerel, or swordfish containing higher levels of mercury, so if you choose these types, then only occasionally feed a tiny amount. As a special treat for my German Shepherd, I like to give her fresh salmon, which she devours! German Shepherds should not eat ice cream as it is high in sugar and fat and many dogs cannot tolerate the lactose it contains. Can German Shepherds Eat Pizza? German Shepherds should not eat pizza as it is high in fat, salt, sugar, and calories and offers no nutritional value. Although a tiny piece of plain pizza dough may be OK, many toppings are toxic, such as onions and garlic, or unsuitable such as highly-processed meats, high-fat cheeses, and spices. Can German Shepherds Eat Eggs? German Shepherds can eat eggs and they are an excellent source of protein. They are also incredibly nutritious and contain healthy fats, iron, vitamins, minerals, and Omega.Most owners prefer feeding cooked eggs but talk to your vet if you would like to feed raw eggs to negate any risks. Final Thoughts You now know what foods are poisonous to your German Shepherd and what to do if he accidentally eats something toxic. I take no responsibility should you decide to give your GSD a raisin cookie or a swig of beer! You should always discuss any decision to give your dog any foods not explicitly intended for them with your veterinarian. Related Posts You May Like:. Macadamia nuts Chocolate and Caffeine Chocolate, coffee and caffeine contain methylxanthines which can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, excessive thirst and panting, abnormal heart rhythm, seizures and even death. Darker chocolate contains more cocoa and a higher concentration of methylxanthines. Even small amounts of these foods can be highly toxic to your dog. Xylitol The artificial sweetener Xylitol is found in sugar-free gums and candies and even some peanut butters. Xylitol causes an increase in insulin and leads to low blood sugar, vomiting, and lethargy. Toxicity can quickly progress to seizures and liver failure. Walnuts and Macadamia Nuts All nuts contain high levels of fats, which can lead to German Shepherd stomach problems and even pancreatitis. Small amounts of some nuts may be tolerated by your dog, but walnuts and macadamia nuts must be avoided. These nuts contain certain toxins that can cause seizures and other neurological problems. Certain Fruits Grapes and raisins are toxic to dogs and can cause kidney failure, even in small amounts. Peaches, pears, apples and other fruits that contain pits or seeds that are dangerous for your German Shepherd. The fruits themselves are completely safe, but the seeds contain cyanide. Citrus fruits can also be dangerous if the seeds or peels are ingested. Many fruits and vegetables CAN be safely enjoyed by your dog. Potential Poisonous Plants Other Problem Foods While the below foods are not considered poisonous, they can cause gastrointestinal problems. German Shepherd stomach problems can range from merely unpleasant to life threatening. High Fat Foods High fat foods including bacon and other fatty meats, nuts and coconut can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs. Ingestion of high fat foods can also lead to pancreatitis, which can be fatal if not treated. High fat foods can also quickly add up to too many calories, leading to weight gain and possible worsening of arthritis and other joint problems. Dairy Dogs are generally lactose intolerant. Avoid giving your dog too much milk , ice cream or cheese as it can cause discomfort and diarrhea. Yeast dough is problematic because it will continue to expand once ingested, causing severe gas and pain. The ethanol produced as the yeast ferments is also very dangerous for your dog. Certain Bones and Chews All chicken bones and cooked meat bones should never be given to a dog, as they can splinter and cause choking, obstructions, or damage to the digestive tract. Pressed rawhide poses similar problems if your dog swallows larger pieces of this popular chew. Final Thoughts Although there are plenty of foods that are safe to feed your German Shepherd, avoid these foods above to keep your pooch healthy for years to come. Click here if you are interested in learning about what foods German Shepherds like to eat. Where you surprised by any foods listed in this article? Let me know in the comments! Not cream from cans or tubs chemical preservatives, sugars, xylitol. As with humans, saturated fats are unhealthy fats for German Shepherds and should not be eaten. However, they will feel pretty grim and will likely have an upset stomach for a day or two. Mold contains mycotoxins, which are toxic to German Shepherds, causing agitation, fever, loss of coordination, seizures, tremors, and vomiting. Salt can be toxic for your dogs, even in small quantities sea salt in other foods section for more details. Ice Cream Ice cream has too much sugar in it for you to share with your German Shepherd. Anything with a chocolate flavor is potentially toxic to them, as are certain nuts, which can be found in some ice-creams. If you are looking for a refreshing frozen treat for your German Shepherd, freeze some watermelon or berries instead. Fruits That German Shepherds CAN Eat German Shepherds are not carnivores; they are omnivores; this means that you should include a certain amount of non-meat foods in their diet. You can add a portion of this in the form of fruits. Fruits should only be given to your German Shepherd in small amounts and should be introduced slowly. Fruits contain antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that are great for the overall health of your German Shepherd. They can also be used as treats, either fresh or frozen. Dried or canned fruits are missing the most beneficial vitamins and nutrients and have high sugar concentrations, so avoid giving your German Shepherd dried or canned fruits. Fruits are also packed with natural sugars. You can use them as energy boosters on long walks. However, even though these sugars are natural, they can cause problems for your German Shepherd. Avoid feeding fruits to German Shepherds with diabetes, pancreatitis, excess weight issues, etc. Certain berries have low sugar counts and can be given in larger amounts. It is safe for your German Shepherd to eat the flesh of most pitted and seeded fruits. However, the pits and seeds themselves are choking hazards, potential intestinal blockers, and can also be toxic. Fruit pits and seeds contain cyanide compounds, which can cause cyanide poisoning in German Shepherds, symptomized by drooling, hyperventilation, and vomiting. Peels and rinds can also be a problem in fruits such as bananas and watermelon. A good rule is that if you would not eat the peel or rind, you should not feed it to your German Shepherd. Most citrus fruits are fine to feed to your German Shepherd, but you need to be cautious with the amount. Citrus fruits contain citric acid, of which your dogs may be intolerant.