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Breeds The link has been copied! The Red Golden Retriever, a captivating and lesser-known variant of the popular Golden Retriever breed, has been steadily capturing the hearts of dog enthusiasts around the world. Its distinguishing feature is the magnificent red coat, which lends the breed an air of elegance and uniqueness. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the appearance, history, and color genetics of the Red Golden Retriever to provide a thorough understanding of this remarkable breed. By delving into the various aspects of this fascinating dog, we aim to help prospective owners and enthusiasts alike appreciate the beauty, charm, and qualities that make the Red Golden Retriever stand out. The breed's iconic friendly and expressive eyes, strong muscular build, and characteristic feathering on the legs, tail, and chest are all present in the Red Golden Retriever However, the coat itself showcases an array of rich red hues that can range from a deep copper to a lustrous red-gold. This eye-catching coloration combined with the breed's inherently endearing disposition makes the Red Golden Retriever a truly exceptional canine companion. The story begins in the 19th century, when Lord Tweedmouth of Scotland embarked on a quest to develop a superior retriever dog. His vision was to create a breed with exceptional retrieving abilities, both on land and in water, as well as an amiable temperament that would make it an ideal family companion. These initial crosses were then further refined by introducing the bloodlines of the Irish Setter and the Bloodhound. The result was a new breed that would come to be known as the Golden Retriever. Exhibiting remarkable retrieving skills, a friendly demeanor, and an affinity for water, the breed quickly gained popularity among dog enthusiasts and hunters alike. As the Golden Retriever breed continued to develop, the Red Golden Retriever emerged as a striking color variation within the breed. This rare and distinctive variant captured the imagination of dog lovers who admired its unique appearance. Over time, breeders began selectively breeding for the deep red coat, leading to the establishment of the Red Golden Retriever as a distinct and cherished variant of the Golden Retriever. Today, the Red Golden Retriever is recognized and celebrated for its stunning appearance, exceptional skills, and loving temperament, making it a highly sought-after breed among dog enthusiasts around the world. The Great Golden Retriever Color Debate Despite the Red Golden Retriever's undeniable beauty and charm, there has been some controversy surrounding the breed's coat color. Some critics argue that the deep red coat falls outside the standard coat color range for Golden Retrievers, as defined by the breed's official standards. The American Kennel Club AKC and other prominent breed organizations recognize coat colors ranging from light golden to dark golden, but they do not explicitly mention the deep red hue found in the Red Golden Retriever. However, many enthusiasts and breeders have embraced the Red Golden Retriever for its unique appearance and the added diversity it brings to the breed. While the breed may not strictly adhere to the traditional coat color standards, it is important to remember that the Red Golden Retriever still possesses the essential qualities that make Golden Retrievers such beloved companions, including their friendly temperament, intelligence, and retrieving abilities. Grooming Essentials for a Red Golden The Red Golden Retriever, like other Golden Retrievers, requires regular grooming to maintain its beautiful coat and overall health. The breed's thick, double-layer coat is prone to shedding and can become tangled or matted if not properly cared for. To keep your Red Golden Retriever looking its best, follow these grooming guidelines: Brushing: Regular brushing is essential for the Red Golden Retriever. Aim to brush your dog's coat at least two or three times per week to remove loose hair, prevent matting, and distribute natural oils throughout the coat. During shedding seasons, daily brushing may be necessary. Bathing: Bathe your Red Golden Retriever every one to two months, or as needed, to keep its coat clean and healthy. Be sure to use a gentle dog shampoo formulated for sensitive skin to avoid irritating your dog's skin or damaging its coat. Nail trimming: Trim your dog's nails every three to four weeks to prevent overgrowth, which can lead to discomfort or difficulty walking. If your dog does not enjoy getting them clipped, you can always try a scratch board. Ear cleaning: Check your Red Golden Retriever's ears regularly for signs of dirt, debris, or infection. Gently clean the ears with a dog-safe ear cleaning solution and cotton balls or pads, taking care not to insert anything into the ear canal. Dental care: Regular dental care is crucial for maintaining your dog's overall health. Brush your Red Golden Retriever's teeth at least two or three times per week using a dog-safe toothpaste and toothbrush. Like the classic Golden Retriever, the Red Golden Retriever is known for its friendly, outgoing, and affectionate nature. These dogs are gentle with children, making them excellent family pets, and their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable. Red Golden Retrievers are also known for their adaptability. They can thrive in various living situations, from rural homes with spacious yards to urban apartments, as long as they receive sufficient exercise , mental stimulation, and human interaction. Their sociable demeanor makes them great companions for other pets and strangers alike, but it also means they may not excel as guard dogs. While they are generally a healthy breed, being aware of potential health problems can help you maintain your dog's overall well-being. Some common health concerns for Red Golden Retrievers include: Hip and elbow dysplasia: These are genetic conditions that affect the development of the hip and elbow joints, leading to arthritis and discomfort. Regular check-ups and maintaining a healthy weight can help manage these conditions. Eye issues: Red Golden Retrievers may be susceptible to various eye problems, such as cataracts, progressive retinal atrophy PRA , and glaucoma. Regular eye exams can help detect these issues early. Regular veterinary check-ups and monitoring for signs of heart trouble are crucial. Cancer: Golden Retrievers, including the Red Golden Retriever, have a higher risk of developing certain types of cancer, such as lymphoma and hemangiosarcoma. Regular vet visits and being vigilant for any unusual symptoms can aid in early detection and treatment. Skin allergies: These dogs may be prone to skin allergies and irritations. Regular grooming and bathing can help keep their skin healthy and reduce the risk of skin issues. Comparing Golden Retrievers and Red Golden Retrievers While Red Golden Retrievers share many characteristics with the classic Golden Retriever, there are some key differences between the two: Coat color: The most noticeable difference is the coat color. Red Golden Retrievers have a deep red hue, whereas the classic Golden Retriever's coat can range from light golden to dark golden. Breed recognition: The deep red coat of the Red Golden Retriever is not explicitly recognized by some breed organizations, such as the AKC, which may create challenges when participating in breed-specific events or competitions. Aside from these differences, Red Golden Retrievers and classic Golden Retrievers share similar temperaments, intelligence, and overall physical features. The Three Types of Golden Retrievers Golden Retrievers can be classified into three main types based on their physical characteristics and country of origin: American Golden Retriever: This type generally has a leaner build and a darker golden coat. They often have a more pronounced tuck-up in the abdomen and a more chiseled head shape compared to the other types. British or English Golden Retriever: The English Golden Retriever is stockier with a broader skull and a lighter coat color, often cream or pale gold. Their eyes are generally rounder and darker, and they have a more level topline. Canadian Golden Retriever: The Canadian Golden Retriever has a thinner, darker coat than the English type and a taller, more athletic build. It is important to note that the Red Golden Retriever does not fall into these three categories, as it is a color variation rather than a distinct type based on geographical origin or physical traits. Some other coat colors include: Light golden: This coat color is a pale shade of gold, often appearing almost cream or white in certain lighting conditions. Golden: The classic golden color is a medium shade of gold, which is often associated with the breed. Dark golden: A richer, deeper shade of gold, the dark golden coat can appear closer to a copper color but is still distinct from the deep red coat of the Red Golden Retriever. Cream: The cream-colored coat, commonly found in English Golden Retrievers, is a very light shade of gold that can sometimes appear almost white. This coat color is recognized and highly sought after in some countries, though it's important to note that the AKC does not accept the cream coat color for conformation show purposes in the United States. There can often be dogs that are labeled as Black Golden Retrievers but they are not what you expect. With its striking red coat and elegant appearance, this breed stands out and leaves a lasting impression on dog enthusiasts everywhere. Although there has been some debate regarding the deep red coat color in relation to breed standards, the Red Golden Retriever possesses all the essential qualities that make Golden Retrievers such beloved companions. Sharing the friendly, outgoing, and affectionate temperament of their classic counterparts, Red Golden Retrievers are well-suited to families, individuals, and first-time dog owners. Their intelligence and eagerness to please make them highly trainable, and they are adaptable to various living situations as long as they receive sufficient exercise and mental stimulation. While it is important to be aware of potential health issues and the grooming requirements associated with the breed, Red Golden Retrievers are generally healthy dogs that, with proper care and attention, can lead long, fulfilling lives. For additional pet-parenting tips, head over to TryFi. And don't forget to check out TryFi's innovative Fi Dog Collar , which offers GPS tracking, activity monitoring, and escape alerts to keep your furry friend safe. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. What is a Red Golden Retriever? While Red Golden Retrievers can grow as big as a normal golden retriever, they are often smaller than most normal golden retrievers. Red Golden Retrievers are very similar to Golden Retrievers in many ways. The main difference besides their coat color is their energy levels. Red Retrievers were bred to aid in hunting birds and are known to be more athletic than standard Goldens. They need to be exercised more often to get all of their energy out. We stand by our pups, which is why we work alongside licensed veterinarians to ensure that our puppies are healthy and always up to date on their deworming and vaccination protocols. We also offer a 2-year genetic health guarantee on all of our puppies. That way, you can rest easy knowing your puppy is healthy and free from genetic defects and congenital diseases. Our mission is dedicated to connecting healthy, beautiful puppies with their forever families. Because their temperament is friendly, energetic, and patient. These pups are known for being loyal, intelligent, and devoted. Due to their higher energy levels they were bred to hunt after all , they do best with active families where they can get a lot of attention and are great with children. Luckily Red Retrievers and Goldens alike are known for their soft mouths since they were bred to hunt birds. The original Goldens came to be as a result of cross-breeding between various different breeds including: Water Spaniels, Yellow Retrievers, Irish Settlers, and Bloodhounds over several generations. In other words, all Golden Retriever subtypes including the English Cream Golden Retriever subtype , are members of the same family, or breed. Oftentimes, cheaper golden retriever puppies can ultimately cost you a LOT more money in the long run because they are more likely to have health issues. Are Red Goldens more expensive? Because of their elegant red coats and rarity, Red Goldens can be more expensive than certain other subtypes of Golden Retriever. Both are very similar in temperament, friendliness, socialness, health, and looks. They differ most in coat color, size, and energy. They are typically the smallest puppies of the litter and are more athletic meaning more energy to burn! How big is a full-grown Red Golden Retriever? The weight range for these sweet pups can be from pounds for full-grown males, and pounds for full-grown females. Additionally, these babies tend to stand at about inches tall, with males being on the taller end of the spectrum. Do Red Goldens shed? Yes, all types and variations of Golden Retrievers shed, and this is entirely normal for the breed. However, it is worth noting that because the Red Goldens often have a coat that is slightly shorter than typical Goldens, some owners claim they shed less overall. Problem solved! Are Red Golden Retrievers aggressive? The good news is— no, Red Golden Retrievers are not aggressive dogs by nature even with their higher energy levels. They still have the same sweet, calm, and lovable disposition which makes them a fantastic addition to any family to give plenty of attention to everyone including yours. Are Red Goldens more calm? Usually not, when compared to other subtypes of Golden Retrievers. While Red Golden Retrievers are much alike to Golden Retrievers with their high patience levels, they are known to have more energy. Are Red Golden Retrievers Rare? The gene manifests relatively rarely compared to other colors. Galen has been connecting quality Golden Retriever breeders with loving families since and is the founder of My Golden Retriever Puppies. He and his wife have four children and love spending time together, traveling lived oversees for 4 years , enjoying the outdoors and connecting Golden families. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. While they share many similarities, the primary difference between the two is their coat color. The Red Golden Retriever has a deep red or mahogany coat, while the traditional Golden Retriever has a lighter gold or cream-colored coat. This color variation is caused by specific genes responsible for coat pigmentation. These genes determine the intensity and distribution of the red pigment, resulting in the unique red coat of the Red Golden Retriever. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. The breed was developed by Lord Tweedmouth in Scotland, who wanted to create a skilled hunting dog that was also a good family companion. Over time, selective breeding led to the development of the Red Golden Retriever, a variation with a darker coat color. Red Golden Retrievers have been used for various purposes such as hunting, search and rescue, therapy work, and as assistance dogs for the disabled. Their charming personality and striking appearance have also made them popular choices for families and pet owners worldwide. The breed has since become one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States, consistently ranking within the top five for many years. The Red Golden Retriever continues to be a beloved variation of the breed, celebrated for its distinctive coat color and exceptional qualities. They Are Gentle Red Golden Retrievers are known for their gentle and friendly nature, making them excellent companions for children. They Can Swim Well Red Golden Retrievers are excellent swimmers, thanks to their water-repellent double coat and webbed feet. Separation Anxiety Red Golden Retrievers can be prone to separation anxiety due to their loyal and affectionate nature. Service Dogs Red Golden Retrievers have successfully been trained as service dogs, thanks to their intelligence, trainability, and gentle temperament. Red Golden Retrievers make excellent pets. Grooming: Red Golden Retrievers have a thick, water-repellent double coat that requires regular brushing to minimize shedding and prevent matting. They should be groomed at least once a week, with more frequent brushing during shedding seasons. Health: This breed is prone to certain medical conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, eye problems, and heart issues. Regular veterinary check-ups and preventive care can help keep your Red Golden Retriever healthy. Energy and Space: Red Golden Retrievers are energetic dogs that require daily exercise to stay physically and mentally stimulated. High-quality dog food, appropriate for their age, size, and activity level, should be provided. The ideal home for a Red Golden Retriever would be one where they can receive plenty of love, attention, and mental stimulation. These dogs thrive in active households where they can participate in family activities and outdoor adventures. A home with a yard or easy access to parks and open spaces would be beneficial for their exercise needs. Red Golden Retrievers are great with children and other pets, making them an excellent addition to families of various sizes and dynamics. Its striking red coat, loyal disposition, and versatile abilities make this breed have captured the hearts of dog lovers worldwide. A Canadian expat, Nicole now lives on a lush forest property with her Kiwi husband and new baby daughter in New Zealand. She has a strong love for all animals of all shapes and sizes and particularly loves a good interspecies friendship and wants to share her animal knowledge and other experts' knowledge with pet lovers across the globe.Read more Advertisement. Health Issues Red retrievers share the average life expectancy of golden retrievers, which is around 10 to 12 years. Sadly, they are also prone to all the same medical conditions that can afflict golden retrievers in later life. Numerous different cancers are common among goldens. So are joint problems such as hip and elbow dysplasia, and hock osteochondrosis. This can severely limit the movement of goldens in their later years, which can make it challenging for them to get the exercise they need. It can also make sleeping become a problem, as the joints sit painfully against surfaces. An orthopedic dog bed will usually be required for senior goldens. You can find more tips for caring for senior dogs here. Golden retrievers, including red retrievers, are also predisposed toward eye problems including progressive retinal atrophy and cataracts. Other common issues include subaortic stenosis, which is an obstruction of the heart ventricle, myasthenia gravis, which is a muscular fatigue disease, and hypothyroidism, which can result in hormonal imbalances. Restrictions The only reason you might want to avoid getting a red retriever is if you are looking for a show dog. According to American Kennel Club guidelines , darker red colors are excluded from the ring. Even if they are allowed to compete, they are likely to lose significant points as a result of their color. Because the red color variation is not considered standard, it is treated as outside the standard of the breed and therefore ineligible to show. Dogs are also prevented from participating in shows if they have been spayed or neutered. Tail docking and ear cropping, also considered surgical alterations to the appearance of a dog, are also banned in some shows, but the rule is not universal. You will find a comprehensive list of golden retriever rescues by state listed here. Adopting A Red Retriever If you are considering adopting a red retriever, there are a few important questions you should ask yourself to ensure that you are ready for the responsibility: Am I ready to take on the responsibility of a dog for the next 10 to 12 years? This is the average life expectancy of a golden retriever. Can I afford to pay for the food, medical care, and other expenses associated with a dog for the next decade? Bear in mind that golden retrievers are relatively large dogs and so eat quite a bit. Can you commit to giving a red retriever the exercise it needs? That means a minimum of 45 to 90 minutes per day, and perhaps more on weekends if possible. Do you have enough time to give a golden retriever the attention it needs? They are not the type of dog that can be left alone for 10 hours a day every day while you are at work. Do you have people who can look after your dog when you are traveling or in the case of other extenuating circumstances? This could be friends or family, or access to and budget for a local dog care facility. Does anyone in your household have a problem with dog hair? Goldens shed a lot, and therefore are not appropriate if anyone in your house has allergies. Regular cleaning will be required to keep the house relatively hair-free, and there will need to be a level of tolerance for at least some dog hair around the home. Red retrievers are golden retrievers with a mahogany coat, as opposed to the more traditional golden coat. This occurs as a natural genetic variation; however, the mahogany-colored genes are recessive, so it is a relatively rare color. As a result, red retriever puppies tend to be more expensive than other golden puppies. They can be excluded by the American Kennel Club from show competitions. The main difference between a red retriever and a golden retriever is coat color. While golden retrievers have a gold-colored coat, red retrievers are a deep mahogany color. There are a few other common differences between red and golden retrievers. Red retrievers tend to be a little smaller, a little more energetic, therefore require more exercise, and have a slightly shorter coat. This means they shed a little less than golden retrievers, but still much more than many other breeds. The three different types of golden retrievers are known as English, American, and Canadian. The difference between the three variations is very subtle. English goldens tend to have a stockier build than the other two types, and Canadian goldens tend to have the thinnest coats of the lot. English golden retrievers also tend to be lighter in color and can have a practically white coat. However, the red retriever variation exists within all three types of golden retrievers. The three different golden retriever colors recognized by the American Kennel Club are golden, light golden, and dark golden. Red retrievers can be considered among the dark golden variation. However, they stand out due to the red hues in their coat, which means they are called red or mahogany instead of dark golden. It is this variation that causes red goldens to be excluded from participating in shows, as it is defined as an abnormal variation of the golden retriever breed. Are Red Golden Retrievers Rare? The gene that makes golden retrievers red is recessive, which means that it manifests relatively rarely. As a result, it is hard to come across a red retriever pup. For this reason, you can expect to pay three times as much to buy a red retriever than a more common golden pup. The Verdict With the distinctively mahogany coat, red retrievers are a natural but relatively rare variation within the golden retriever breed. Aside from their distinctive color, they are pretty much just like all golden retrievers. That means intelligent, friendly, and loyal. However, prepare yourself for an energetic pup that needs a lot of exercise and attention. But they will pay you back in spades with their love and affection. How about you? Do you have a red Golden Retriever? Have you owned different colored Goldens? If so, did you notice any differences? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist.

Like many large breeds, a German Shepherd dog is not considered fully grown until they are about 18 months old. Female German Shepherds continue to fill out until they are around two years old, while the male German Shepherd growth rate continues until they reach two and a half years of age. Males are larger and require more time to fill out their chest and abdomen. As you can see by the German Shepherd weight chart, these dogs can continue to grow until they are three years old, but the majority of growth occurs within 24 months. If your GSD is older than 36 months and continues to put on weight, contact your veterinarian to ensure weight gain does not lead to obesity. How big should a 6-month-old German Shepherd be? A six-month-old German Shepherd puppy will be quite large, as many German Shepherds undergo massive growth spurts between two and five months old. By six months, a male German Shepherd will weigh 53 pounds on average, whereas a female will weigh about 46 pounds. How much bigger will my German Shepherd get? There are a few ways to gauge how much bigger a German Shepherd will get. First, check your puppy's age. If your GSD is younger than two years old, they definitely have room to keep growing! Another way to tell if your pup still has a lot of growing to do is their paw size. Do their paws look large compared to their legs and body? This is a classic adolescent feature of a dog and means your pup is likely still growing! Most of the time, a dog will not grow bigger than its larger parents. What is the size of a full-grown German shepherd? An adult male German Shepherd is typically 24 to 26 inches tall, while adult female German Shepherds are 22 to 24 inches tall, according to the American Kennel Club German Shepherd Standard. The estimated full-size varies significantly between sexes. In terms of weight, an adult male German Shepherd weighs anywhere from 75 to 90 pounds. A female German Shepherd weighs notably less at 55 to 70 pounds. Please keep in mind that these numbers are only estimates to give you an idea of how much bigger a German Shepherd puppy may get. Some dogs will be both smaller and larger than these weight ranges when fully grown due to a variety of genetic and environmental factors. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. Preventive care is key in helping your German Shepherd live a healthy and long life. Helping your dog maintain an optimal weight is one of the best things you can do for their health. Taking your German Shepherd to regular veterinary appointments is one of the best things you can do to ensure that they are healthy and feeling their best. Compare German Shepherd health insurance plans before they get sick or injured. They are also more susceptible to gastrointestinal tract and hip issues. A veterinarian should regularly assess your pet for these health problems and run tests for anything they may be more prone to due to their breed. Treatment for many conditions, including bloat and GI issues, can cost thousands of dollars. Dog insurance is a wise investment that can give you peace of mind by covering pet emergency expenses. Wellness plans are also available to help cover the cost of vaccinations, vet exams, microchips, and more. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Get Peace of Mind Today Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Final Thoughts It is important to know that a 4 month old German Shepherd differs from a puppy of an earlier age. Here, we want to tell you about these differences, about the changes in diet, exercise, and interaction with people and other animals. These doggies are very cute but they do not look like young puppies anymore. They are pretty massive animals that overgrow one foot of height. It is about pounds kg for males and pounds .It means that a puppy gained another 10 pounds during the last month. The puppy grows rapidly. Your boy can be inches cm and the girl inches cm at the shoulder. The coat has changed. They start shedding a lot like an adult dog, too. So, it is very important to brush them regularly — everyday brushing is necessary during this period. The skin is rather sensitive, so loose hair can cause allergies when it contacts the skin and the air. Teething continues. Adult teeth are replacing the milk ones. That is the process lasting for more months. The ears start perking up. Though, they are not stably erect at this age. The ears also can perk up and then fall and lay flat. It is a norm. Puppies at this age do not have strong cartilage. It will strengthen at the age of 5- 6 months. However, if your puppy lives in an environment with very loud sounds, its ears can flatten out because the noise does not allow them to perk up. You should do obedience training, a lot of walking and jogging, playing in the backyard, and other activities. Your puppy already knows that it should be protective of the members of your family. However, it can bark a lot because it is time to develop its vocal cords. Teach it not to do this so much. It is very easy to train a 16 week old German Shepherd puppy because it has a strong desire to please you. Remember that you need strict discipline because your pet can display signs of disobedience at this age as any teenager does. Your 4 month old GSD sleeps about 18 hours per day. Though, the number of hours can depend on the environment because it does not sleep so much if it has many things around to explore. Nevertheless, some puppies prefer short naps in the daytime too. In any case, let your pet have a good rest. Discuss these changes with your veterinarian to pick out the most appropriate daily schedule for better rest. Your puppy can walk effortlessly for about a mile 1. It is always ready to go outside and accompany you wherever you may go. Though, do not overload it with walking. Several walks during the day are a better option. It should get about 2 hours of active playing every day. The puppy learns a lot during its first four months. Everything seems an adventure to it. It is an exciting experience for both your doggy and you. Though, its behavior can be a bit unpredictable at times. So, you need to control it. In general, your 4 month old GSD puppy is entirely healthy, and it continues growing quickly. You need to weigh and measure your pet every time you come to the vet, or you can do it yourself at home. You may also need to get a DNA test to know what health issues to expect from your doggy when it is over 5 years old. This age is the proper time for having the third set of vaccines because they have had the first two already. The third set includes DHPP and rabies. Even if your puppy is healthy and active, you need to continuously watch out for possible disorders. You need to show your puppy to the vet, if you notice such things as changes in behavioral and sleeping patterns, sneezing and coughing, runny eyes or nose, losing weight, decrease in appetite, and other digestion issues, such as diarrhea or vomiting, red and swollen gums, heavy breathing, and excessive urination. Keep your doggy clean and protected. You do not need to bathe it very often — it can be harmful to the production of the natural oils that protect the skin. Brush your puppy every day now because of its excessive shedding. This is connected with the change of the coat from the puppy to an adult one. Grooming and brushing are very important parts of the care. You may also need the help of special grooming salons. Feeding Your 4 month old GSD is a good eater because it grows a lot. It should be fed not fewer than 3 times a day. It should take cups of kibble of natural food per meal. At the end of the fourth month, you can start the transition to two feedings per day. Do not rush to switch your pet to adult food. You can do it only when it is 6-month-old when its growth slows down a bit. You can also offer your GS puppy some treats. Never give your puppy human food or human treats — the latter is rather dangerous and can cause severe health issues. Avoid overfeeding, too. Your dog should not suffer from obesity when it is an adult because there are bad health conditions caused by it. If you decide to feed your puppy a natural raw diet, be careful about its nutritious value and high quality. It can consist of meats, vegetables, and fruits, but nothing fatty and toxic like junk food. Training There are several behavioral problems that you need to handle. The first of them is, of course, potty accidents in the home. Unfortunately, such accidents are pretty common at this age. You need to train your pet to do all its business outdoors. Since German Shepherds are very clever, it will understand very soon what you want from it. You need to be patient and persistent, though. Never show irritation or anger when an accident happens. You need to be encouraging if your puppy does everything correctly during its potty walks, but never punish it if something has gone wrong. One more unpleasant thing at this age is biting and nipping your hands or feet. You need to control it while playing to prevent the formation of a biting habit. Never scream or shout at your pet when it bites you. Your little one can be frightened, and the problem may become worse over months. It will let your puppy know that it is doing something wrong. Chewing furniture or things around can also be frustrating. Your puppy is teething, so it is a common thing now. Chewing helps it remove the milk teeth easily. Keep most things in your house out of its reach. Buy some chew toys, for example, a rubber bone or ball to discourage chewing things. A 4 month old German Shepherd puppy can bark excessively at all unknown or suspicious objects. Barking all the time can become a serious issue for you and your pet over time. Teach your doggy not to bark at something unfamiliar. It only means that your pet needs more training and socialization. Your Shepherd dog at this age does not look like that cute fluffy toy-like cub you once saw and liked. It begins to shape as an adult dog. Now, it continues to grow rapidly. So, the males can be inches cm and the females grow as tall as inches cm at the shoulder. How much should a 4 month old German Shepherd weight? Follow the weight of your pet by measuring it regularly. The puppies at this age grow very fast, so they tend to overeat. You should give your pet so much food to let it grow healthily and free from obesity. You can see that your doggy has gained about 10 pounds since the previous month. How much should a 4 month old German Shepherd eat? Your puppy should eat cups of kibble per one meal three times per day. It grows very fast, so it needs a lot of nutrients and minerals for its ears, teeth, and coat. If you feed it natural food, you can add some supplements for puppies to its meals. How far can a 4 month old German Shepherd walk? However, it does not mean that you need to walk it for such a distance every time. Consider two walks of half an hour per day if you want your puppy to grow healthy and strong, and develop all its perfect physical characteristics. Final Thoughts You can see that raising a 4 month old German Shepherd puppy and taking care of it is a responsible and complicated task. You need to know all the peculiarities of this age, so we hope that this article will help you. You should be very patient and persistent to train your dog, do a lot of exercises with your pet, socialize it, and make friends with it. In a while, you will obtain the most loyal, intelligent, and protective friend for your family and yourself. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Female German Shepherds may be slightly smaller, averaging 10 to 12 inches in height and 31 to 35 pounds in weight. However, there is some variation between individual dogs, so these numbers should be used as a general guide, not a hard-and-fast rule. German Shepherds are a large breed of dog, and they continue to grow and fill out until they reach maturity and become adult German Shepherds at around the month mark. During this time, they may gain an additional inch or two in height and 20 to 30 pounds. After they reach adulthood, their size will remain relatively stable. It means they have high energy needs and require a diet rich in protein and calories. The amount of food will vary depending on the age and activity level of the dog. Feed your puppies three times daily and adult dogs twice daily. For example, a highly active German Shepherd may need up to 2, calories daily, while a less active dog may only need 1, calories daily. A rule of thumb is that for each pound the dog weighs, this requires about calories daily. Regardless of the caloric intake, all German Shepherds should have a diet rich in protein and low in fat. Physical and Behavioral Changes At four months old, German Shepherds are just beginning to enter their teenage years. Here are some physical and behavioral changes you may see in your four-month-old German Shepherd. First, their energy levels will start to increase. Ensure you provide plenty of opportunities for exercise, such as walks, runs, and interactive games. Second, their coats will begin to change. German Shepherds have two coats — a dense undercoat and a softer outer coat. This process can take several months, so be patient while your pup grows into its new look. German Shepherds are known for being loyal and obedient dogs, but they may start testing boundaries at four months old. Finally, their behavior may become more independent. Be consistent with puppy training and rewards; your pup will quickly learn what you expect from them. Positive Reward-Based Obedience Training Reward-based training is an effective way to teach your dog obedience commands. It is especially well suited for puppies, who are often motivated by food. For a 4-month-old German Shepherd puppy, you can start by teaching basic commands such as sit, down, and stay. Once your puppy has mastered these commands, you can begin to add more advanced tricks to their repertoire. As your puppy learns new tricks, be sure to offer them plenty of rewards in the form of treats, praise, or both. Your puppy will soon respond to your commands with patience and consistent practice like a pro. Fur Care One of the most distinctive features of a German Shepherd is its lush, thick fur. Fluffy fur is cute but requires special care to ensure that it stays healthy and looks its best. For example, German Shepherds should be brushed frequently, at least once weekly. It helps to remove tangles and knots and can also help to distribute natural oils throughout the coat. However, avoid over-bathing, as this can strip away protective oils and leave the coat dull and dry. Nail Care Another essential part of grooming is nail care. German Shepherds have relatively quick-growing nails, so trim them regularly. If left untrimmed, the nails can become overgrown and uncomfortable for your pup. In extreme cases, they may even start to curl under and grow into the pads of the feet. You can do this at home using a dog nail trimmer or take them to a professional groomer. Either way, avoid cutting the nails too short, as this can be painful for your pup. Dental Care Another important aspect of grooming is dental care. German Shepherds are prone to dental problems, such as plaque buildup and gum disease. In addition, you can give them special dog treats designed to clean their teeth and promote oral health. It can be done at home using a dog ear cleaner and cotton balls. Apply the cleaner to the inside of the ear, and then use the cotton ball to wipe away any dirt or debris. If you notice any of these symptoms, take them to the vet for further treatment. Chew Toys for Your 4-Month-Old German Shepherd At four months old, a German Shepherd is still in the teething stage and will need to chew toys to help relieve the pain and discomfort of growing new teeth. The best chew toys for 4-month-old German Shepherds are those made of durable material that can withstand a lot of chewing. Nylon and rubber are two good options. You should also look for chew toys specifically designed for teething puppies. These toys often have ridges or nubs that help to massage the gums and promote healthy teeth growth. In addition to helping with teething pain, chew toys can also help prevent boredom and destructive chewing behavior. Be sure to provide your pup with plenty of chew toys to keep them happy and healthy. For example, a German Shepherd is susceptible to hip and elbow dysplasia , which can cause joint pain and mobility issues. They are also at risk for bloat, a severe condition that can occur when the stomach twists or fills with gas. German Shepherds are also susceptible to skin allergies and ear infections. Luckily, there are ways that owners can take to help prevent these health problems. For example, feeding your German Shepherd a high-quality diet and providing plenty of exercises can help reduce the risk of hip and elbow dysplasia. Keeping their stomachs empty before vigorous exercise can help prevent bloat. And regular grooming can help reduce the risk of skin allergies and ear infections. They will be able to provide you with more information and answer any questions you may have. Most of this sleep will be during the day, with short naps between play periods. It is usual for puppies as they are growing rapidly and their bodies need lots of rest. At night, four-month-old German Shepherds will typically sleep for several hours. If your puppy is sleeping more or less than this, it is best to consult with your local veterinarian to rule out any health problems. Puppies need short bursts of energetic play several times daily, while adults can handle more prolonged periods of moderate activity. Your German Shepherd should be getting at least 30 minutes of exercise per day at four months old. It can be through walks, runs, or interactive games. If possible, try to break up their training into two or three shorter sessions throughout the day. As they get older and more confident, you can gradually increase the amount and intensity of their exercise. Just make sure not to overdo it, as this can lead to joint problems later in life. Also read:. Well, at the 4-month age mark, the German Shepherd puppy should be expected to have fully developed their traits and various personalities, as they should be a lot more mature. This is why training should also be easier as you should be able to fully distinguish their various traits and personalities to map out a proper training program for them. Again, proper training and socializing is needed at this stage. Exercises are also highly recommended for the German Shepherd at the week mark. This should include physical exercises to keep them fast, agile, and strong while also increasing endurance. Mental exercises should also be included at this stage to keep your puppy sharper than always. Exercises are also needed to keep the 4-month-old German Shepherd puppy from being very destructive, especially in smaller environments or households and apartments. At this age, your German Shepherd puppy should feel a lot more protective of its owners than usual, and this can lead to some flashes of violent energy and vigilance. In terms of curiosity and learning, by 4 months of age, your German Shepherd puppy should be pretty keen on soaking up new experiences and knowledge, as such you would most times find them searching for various opportunities to run off exploring the environment. This should make the processes of socialization further easy for each German Shepherd puppy owner. While in their protective phase, It is natural for the 4 month German Shepherd puppy to attempt to bite you. As stated earlier, this is a natural and normal process that happens during the teething stage for the German Shepherd puppy. This should help keep them healthy and strong. In this set of vaccinations, they should receive rabies shots and DHPP. German Shepherds are known to be heavy shedders, and at this stage, they should be shedding pretty heavily, this is because they should be going through a change from puppy hair and fur to more adult hair and fur. This is why you would need to regularly groom them, comb out all loose hair and keep them looking good. A steel comb is perfect for combing through the German Shepherd puppy fur. Always make sure they take proper baths with proper shampoos at this stage in their lives. This is why you would need to be a lot more focused and persistent with your training program. Generally, the German Shepherd should be a lot more attentive to training sessions at this point so it should be a little easier if you make use of a proper training method. It has always been advised to use the positive reinforcement method of training for German Shepherds. Patience is also a highly required skill when training your German Shepherd puppy at this stage. And for socialization, as stated earlier, your puppy should be a lot more curious than before so provide them with a safe and controlled environment for them to explore. New environments, textures, sounds, and faces can help your German Shepherd puppy become a lot more confident. A 4-month-Old German Shepherd puppy should look a lot less like a puppy but a lot more like a young adult. This does not mean they any longer retain that puppy-like cuteness, that they had at 2 months and earlier. The weight of the German Shepherd puppy should be a lot higher as it is expected to be at least half the weight of a mature German Shepherd puppy so anywhere between 30 to 40 pounds for males. Female German shepherds should be slightly smaller at 28 to 35 pounds in weight. The height of the male German Shepherd should be between 12 to 15 inches. And for the female, it can range from 11 to 14 inches in height. Also, the breeding purpose does have an influence on the overall height or size of the German Shepherd puppy as puppies from working lines are often slightly smaller than the Show line German shepherd puppy. Your German Shepherd puppy should be a large dog at this point, sitting at a possible 30 to 40 pounds of weight and over 12 inches of possible height. With that being said, their appetite should also be high. This is why the feeding schedule can be slightly changed to include an extra feeding session a day, to make it three sessions in all. If your German Shepherd puppy is a lot active during the day, then the calorie count should be between and a day. And if it is less active, the calorie count should be between to each day. The feeding kibble should be quite healthy and contain the appropriate nutrients. This should be a good start, as the puppy gets a little older you can make the transition to 2 cups per meal. Ensure you do not feed your German Shepherd puppy junk food. At 4 months of age, the German Shepherd puppy does require a lot of sleep to stay functional. They should be going through a lot of changes both physically and mentally at this stage, which can lead to exhaustion pretty fast. As such, it is expected that you provide each German Shepherd puppy at 4 months of age between 17 hours to 20 full hours of sleep each day. This can be carefully integrated into the puppy schedule by allowing them to take small or short naps in between play time or walkouts. Sleep at night is quite crucial for the 4-month German Shepherds, this is why they do need to take longer night sleep than usual. They should be allowed to sleep early and you can influence this by allowing them to take their dinner early. No late-night feeding. As we have already specified, exercising your German Shepherd is a sure way to tire them out and help get rid of that excess pent-up energy that might be quite destructive if not released properly. So, exercises are pretty important for German Shepherd puppies. Exercises for the 4-month-old German Shepherd puppy can come in less organized forms or short bursts of play, this can be done for several hours in the day to keep the German Shepherd quite entertained and happy. You can also set aside 30 minutes to 45 minutes each day to fully exercise the 4 month German Shepherd. You can do this with light walks each day. This can be broken down into two separate sessions. As the German Shepherd puppy gets older, this exercise duration and intensity can change a little to make them a lot more fit and healthy. In addition to physical exercises, the German Shepherd is an intelligent canine that can handle good mental exercises. A puppy puzzle can be used on a German Shepherd of 4 months old. Just make it clear that there is a reward for solving the puzzle to keep the German Shepherd puppy interested throughout the process. With that being said, it is essential that you are patient when dealing with your German Shepherd puppy. German Shepherds are known to bite, especially during the teething stage, they can also proceed to chew furniture and other household equipment if left unchecked and untrained. To stop all these and many more, you would need to employ a much more effective training method to help keep them in check. The positive reinforcement method is quite good. It involves patience and the use of reward systems to keep the puppy in check. Be careful not to overdo it when rewarding your German Shepherd puppy at this stage in their life as they can get pretty spoiled pretty fast. German Shepherds are very intelligent dog breeds, so training using this method should do a lot of wonders. At 4 months of age, your German Shepherd puppy should be closely monitored for any changes as this is about the time frame for any possible defects to start showing signs. If you are updated on your medical records and vaccination records, then congratulations on a job well done. You can do DNA testing on your German Shepherds to be able to monitor whatever possible defects might be with your puppy. If you obtained your puppy from a proper and reputable breeder , this should not be a problem, however, it is still recommended that you carry out the necessary health testing.

We have created a list of the Best German Shepherd Breeders in Texas to help you find a healthy puppy. You can ensure that our list will not include any backyard breeders or puppy mills. Nobleheim German Shepherd Breeders is the perfect place to find a happy, healthy German shepherd puppy with excellent working qualities. Which shows their worth as a good dog breeder. The German shepherd puppies from Nobleheim are the perfect addition for anyone who needs a friend that will always have your back. Each puppy comes from a lineage that has been carefully selected through both tests and trials that ensure you that, they get the top quality puppies from this breeder. The quality of their dog is a top priority for Nobleheim German Shepherd. The litters of Nobleheim German are bred from V and VA-rated males with pedigrees that show evidence of quality. All pups come with a health and genetic guarantee that you can count on. That means that any pup you will get from this breeder, comes from an elite breeding program. Additionally, they have extensive experience and expertise raising dogs, which means you know your pup will be healthy! To learn more about the full pricing information about Elite GSD puppies contact them directly. The Von der Otto only breeds the highest quality German shepherd and they work very hard to maintain the integrity of this breed. All their puppies come with a written guarantee, microchip, AKC papers for registration as well as pedigree information available at the time of purchase; also included in this package are worming treatment records and shot schedule instructions right from birth! They are committed to producing loyal, healthy puppies with personalities and conformation that meet the Standard of Excellence set by the SV breeders association in North America. A well-socialized pup bred by passionate people who care deeply about helping you find your perfect pet! Furthermore, they offer a variety of German shepherd dog training services, including puppy crate training, housebreaking, leash training, and a full range of obedience training and behavior modification. All of the German shepherd puppies in Texas are raised and bred according to SV standards. Every puppy receives routine veterinary care, checkups, vaccination and comes with a health guarantee that you can trust! Henry and Terry Gimpel operate this kennel. Both have been working with German Shepherds since .They value the fine structure, genetic health, and soundness of the breed, as well as their work ethics. They are dedicated to producing the best German shepherds around the US for their clients. For more information about their dogs and puppies, visit their website. German Shepherd Breeder Info:. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas are not hard to come by either, as long as you know where to look. We give information about how to buy a German Shepherd puppy, these are the basic knowledge and short guide to get the best German Shepherd puppies. First, you must look at your nearest local shelter, as an animal lover or dog lover, we have to save as many dogs as possible, they deserve a second chance and a good home. At the animal shelter, you can get it for free or pay as much as you can to help them to keep the place running. Second, you can get it to your local dog breeders in this article is in Texas. Third, if you have already decided where to go then the last thing is properly to check your puppies to the vet and get vaccines, check for a vital area in case there is a problem, and how to properly care for a German Shepherd by consulting to the vet and the breeders. Black and silver German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas will give you a good selection to choose from. If you are looking for puppies, you should be aware that these puppies are generally very active. A good thing about these dogs is that they tend to be healthy and can make excellent pets. You just need to know what to look for when you are purchasing one of these puppies for sale in Texas. A lot of people who choose to have these black and silver German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, know that they can go through the entire process of bringing them home and can also get them neutered. This is something that most of the people who are interested in adopting German Shepherds would like to do because it can save them from the troubles of caring for one of these dogs. If you want your new dog to be healthy and to be active, then you should consider adopting one of these puppies for sale in Texas. When you are looking for a good quality pet, then you need to be sure that you are looking for one that is healthy. You should be aware that these puppies are dogs that love to play and will enjoy a lot of playing. They will usually start playing soon after they are brought home. Therefore, you should be ready to go through all the steps of taking care of one of these puppies for sale in Texas. These puppies are active dogs and will usually need exercise. You should be prepared to go through a lot of work and physical labor. You should also be prepared to provide your dog with a lot of attention and love. Some of these puppies will have special dietary needs as well. You should be able to find one that has been specifically formulated for a particular dog. You should also be prepared to put a lot of time and effort into taking care of this puppy. If you want to have an active dog that is healthy and can keep yourself busy, then you should look for a dog that is a black and silver German Shepherd puppy for sale in Texas. Several health issues can affect a German Shepherd. These problems include hip dysplasia, arthritis, osteoarthritis, heart disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, and vision problems. Because of these health problems, you should be sure that you take a lot of time and effort in looking for a black and silver German Shepherd puppy for sale in Texas. You should be aware that the health problem that these dogs suffer from may be serious. If you do not do enough research and take precautions, then you could end up with some serious health problems. The best thing that you can do is to take the time to ensure that you do enough research and understand the health issues that these dogs are prone to. This will help you to adopt a healthy dog. If you are looking for a dog that will make you happy and will be healthy, then you should consider one of the black and silver German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas. Although you should have to put a lot of effort into raising them, you should still be able to get one that is healthy and has a good temperament. If you do not take care of them, then they will not be able to make you happy. One of the hottest dog breeds around the world is the German Shepherd dog. The German Shepherd is also very much popular in the United States as well as in many other countries. German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas can be very expensive, especially when you are buying from a private breeder. Private breeders usually only carry dogs from one breeding pair. This means that if you want a purebred German Shepherd dog with blue eyes and white markings, you are not likely to find them at a breeder near you. The breeders who do carry breeding pairs only have one or two in their possession. So, if you are looking for an all-black German Shepherd puppy for sale in Texas, you will probably have to travel to another state. You may also want to check out a German Shepherd rescue if you are looking for the right dog. These dogs are usually older and may be in good health. They may have lost their family, but have been taken in by a loving and caring family. The dogs may not be spayed or neutered and their background may not be as clean as you would expect. So, you may have to work a little harder to find an all-black German Shepherd for sale in Texas that is healthy and has a clean background. If you are looking to purchase a German Shepherd, it is best to do a little research before you make your final decision. Some dog breeders do not want to sell to people who do not understand their history and are not aware of the breed standards. So, it is best to find out this information before you buy it. Or, the breeder may be able to provide you with the information on their website. Once you have all of the information you need to make an informed decision, you will be ready to start looking for a German Shepherd for sale in Texas. It is best to visit at least a couple of different breeders before you make your decision on which one to purchase from. The more breeders you visit, the better chance you will have of finding the perfect puppy for you and your family. When it comes to finding a German Shepherd puppy for sale in Texas, there are many different reasons why you may want to purchase one of the many available breeds. One of the best reasons to purchase one of these dogs is that they are very intelligent and have a very strong need for attention. So, if you do not have a lot of time to spend with your dog, this may be the perfect choice for you. They can easily become bored and unhappy if they are not well-cared for. Black and silver German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas are easy to find because there are so many of them. These dogs were originally bred in Germany as a companion dogs to the military and are highly intelligent and energetic. The first place you can look is Germany, and the genealogy of the dogs can help you figure out what you should look for. Germany is home to the largest breeding facilities for these dogs, and a lot of time has been spent breeding them to produce these beautiful dogs today. You might be surprised at how easy it is to locate these great dogs. Some of these dogs are even registered with the American Kennel Club, and some of them are also considered purebreds. The puppy you buy should also be well-socialized and have had a great socialization program. Many people will take a dog home and not have any experience with him. If you want your German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas to be as well-socialized as possible, you should consider training them from an early age. You want your puppy to be able to work out all of his issues at an early age since this will make it much easier for him in the future. Training sessions can be very effective and will help to teach your dog what he needs to know. Share this:.

Breeds The link has been copied! Few dogs are as intelligent and loyal as German Shepherds. With its athletic build and remarkable drive, this working breed makes excellent companions, herding dogs, police K-9s, and therapy animals. How much does a German Shepherd cost? The price of a German Shepherd puppy can vary a lot from one breeder to another. German Shepherds are active and need plenty of stimulation. Flea and tick preventatives are a must-have. You might face additional costs such as pet insurance, training classes, boarding fees, or dog walkers. Puppies tend to cost more due to the high demand. However, professional breeders charge a lot more. Professional breeders usually conduct health testing for the parents. Elbow and hip dysplasia and degenerative myelopathy are the two main tests to look for when adopting a GSD puppy. Prenatal care for the mother can be expensive. These costs can include bloodwork, ultrasounds, and X-rays. Most breeders raise the puppies for the first eight to 12 weeks. They provide nutrition, a living space, socialization, and sometimes early training. Puppies typically receive veterinary care, including a first round of booster shots and a deworming treatment. Colors German Shepherds can come in a few different colors. Black and tan and black and cream are the most common GSD colors. However, there are rarer colors, like black and silver, sable, or black. These colors meet the official breed standards, and a puppy with an unusual color can be worth more. Bloodline and Purity One of the key factors that influences the cost of a GSD puppy is the parents and their pedigrees. A breeder will look at how well the parents match the AKC breed standards. Both parents should be the right height and color. They should have a muscular morphology and the proper head shape. Breeders who are able to trace the ancestry of a litter over several generations and document that all the ancestors are purebred GSDs will charge more. You should also expect to pay more if a breeder can provide health testing information over several generations. Titles are another important factor. Show dogs can receive V, VA, or VA1 titles if they do well at an event and judges determine they meet all the standards of the breed. An IGP3 title indicates that a dog can protect its owner. Parents with IGP or IPO titles produce puppies that are worth more since breeders consider these animals to have excellent potential for training. A breeder who has an excellent reputation and many positive online reviews will attract more prospective dog owners and can afford to charge more. You can protect your dog with a microchip, but there are other steps you can take. The Fi GPS tracking dog collar helps you keep your dog safe. The design is highly resistant and waterproof for durability, and the collar comes with a battery that lasts three months. You can track your pet anywhere and locate them easily if they get lost. There are a few things you should know about this working breed. Personality of the German Shepherd German Shepherds are fiercely loyal. They make excellent guard dogs thanks to their protective instincts. They also make amazing pets who will give you lots of affection. GSDs are reliable and hardworking dogs who thrive if you constantly give them new tasks and challenges. These dogs are extremely versatile. German Shepherds have amazing potential and tend to do extremely well in training thanks to their drive and intelligence. However, they require consistent training and handling since they can be mouthy, chase prey, or become overprotective without the right training. Size and Weight German Shepherds are medium to large dogs. When it comes to weight, a healthy male will weigh 66 to 88 lbs. Lifestyle and Activity Levels German Shepherds are a working breed. Their origin dates back to the 19th century when dog breeder Max Von Stephanitz developed a new dog by breeding different herding dogs. Like all shepherds, GSDs have a strong need to stay active. Due to their athletic build, these dogs need at least two hours of exercise every day. Going for walks might not be sufficient. Your GSD will thrive if you provide plenty of opportunities to use their athletic abilities, including jumping, swimming, or running. Approximate Lifetime Care Costs The total cost of owning a German Shepherd is difficult to estimate since every animal is different. German Shepherds can be expensive. Here are a few tips to help you lower the cost. Look for a breeder who cares about the animals and who does health testing on the parents, but everything else is extra. You should also consider adopting a dog with an unknown lineage. Check local shelters or go online to look at classified ads. Check classified ads to find owners rehoming their pets. If you decide to get a German Shepherd, think about using the Fi GPS dog collar to keep your dog safe, and make sure you can bring your puppy home if she gets lost. Get more expert advice on pet-parenting by visiting the Off Leash blog at TryFi. TryFi's The Fi Dog Collar is a must-have for any pet parent, it's a GPS tracking collar that helps you keep tabs on your dog's location, activity, and sleep patterns, and alerts you if they escape your backyard. Try the Fi Dog Collar today! The link has been copied! You might also like. Think of the right breed you want, your space, time, and lifestyle. Most of all, consider if you can afford to buy a GSD. This article will focus on the cost of buying and raising a GSD so you know what to expect and how much funds to allocate ahead of time if you finally decide to buy a GSD. German Shepherd Puppies Price Range The following price range is from reputable or responsible breeders who can show bloodline certifications and proof of health testing so expect the initial purchase price to be high. Owning a purebred German Shepherd will always come with a high price tag because breeders often charge high prices for purebred dogs in order to ensure that they find good owners. Additionally, this price can be even higher if the German Shepherd is a show dog or comes from a kennel known to produce prize-winning dogs. Purebred GSD s have certain genetic traits or appearances like their parents and other ancestors. This means purebred GSDs belong to the same breed. So if you buy a purebred puppy, you already have an idea about his general physical appearance and behavioral characteristics. Czech German shepherds have been used for working purposes because of their strength and intelligence. If you want to buy a good Czech GSD, you need to find a good breeder. Is It Normal? All GSDs can be born either black, grey, or white and can change color as they grow but black german shepherds are born black as the name implies until they reach adulthood. Also, expect to pay a pretty penny if you want a show quality black GSD. Finding a good breeder who has puppies available is not easy since it is such a rare color. Why Does the Cost Vary First of all, the price depends on the breeder. It also depends on the pedigree and colorings of the German shepherd puppy. Well-reputed breeders price their German shepherds by considering their expenses in breeding, raising, training, and showing their dogs. Of course, German shepherd puppies bred for show quality are more expensive than dogs bred for companionship or family pets only. Sometimes the only difference between the two is their color. Most of the time these organizations health screen German shepherd puppies before placing them for adoption. It is advisable to set aside a monthly budget for your GSD. Food The amount of food you give depends on your GSD. Just make sure you give a balanced diet rich in protein and healthy fats. Because German Shepherd puppies are constantly exploring their environment most of the time, they eat more high-energy food than adult GSDs. They need to eat smaller meals each day. Aside from their main meals, treats are also important to have a healthy and happy German shepherd puppy. Shelter Since every GSD deserves a good home, you should provide your German shepherd puppy with a comfortable bed inside your home. For your GSDs outside, you may provide a kennel for them and make sure their shelter is cozy and free from dirt. Expect to pay a hundred dollars for annual exams and vaccinations. However, too many vitamins can also have negative consequences so before giving any supplements, ask your vet first. Other factors to consider Aside from making sure they have enough food, comfortable shelter, and keeping up with the vaccination schedule of your GSD, there are other miscellaneous additions to consider. Take into consideration obedience training; grooming essentials brushes, combs, toenail clippers, and shampoo toys, and other unforeseen problems. You may also go to professional dog shows to meet with several breeders. Take your time to meet them, visit their homes, and get to know their dogs. Buy from a reputable hobby breeder, experienced breeder, or responsible breeder. You can recognize if the seller is a responsible breeder if he has clean facilities, well-fed dogs with complete records and certifications. Conclusion Finding the best breeder of German Shepherds is not easy. Do your research and avoid impulse buying because if you purchase a German shepherd puppy that is improperly bred, he may grow up with health and behavioral problems, such as disabilities and aggression. Start preparing your budget or save up now to buy the GSD of your dreams. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Apart from recurring costs such as dog food, toys, and grooming essentials, a great chunk of your finances must go to routine veterinary care and pet insurance. Annual check-ups should be done on adult German Shepherds to check their physical condition and ensure they are healthy dogs. This involves listening to the heart and checking the ears and eyes. The typical lifespan of a GSD is 7 to 10 years. Other Potential Expenses Owning a dog is already comparable to parenthood. German Shepherds, much like any other dog breed, have other needs that go beyond food, water, and shelter. Your dog will be watched over, fed, and socialized with other dogs. Grooming Services: For your GSD to have a well-maintained coat and appearance, you should take them to a professional grooming salon. They will be cleaned, trimmed, and pampered as they deserve. Emergency Treatment: Dogs grow up so fast. As your German Shepherd puppy gets older, they are more prone to health issues like hip dysplasia. Sudden injuries can also happen that will require immediate medical attention and treatment. This will allow them to join various dog shows and other competitions. Places to Find German Shepherd Puppies for Sale and Adoption Once you plan everything out financially, you are ready to find places where you can buy your German Shepherd puppy. Cheap German Shepherd dogs can be bought from puppy mills or a backyard breeder. Buying from responsible breeders is the best option to get healthy puppies that will grow up to be strong adult dogs. To help on your quest, here is a list of breeders certified by the American Kennel Club that offer high-quality German Shepherd puppies: Vom Ragnar German Shepherds — This is a small kennel located in Illinois dedicated to breeding show-quality German Shepherds with sound temperament and the best condition because they have their puppies undergo health testing. This breeder strives to match their GSD pups to the most suited families. Mittelwest German Shepherds — As a well-renowned breeder, the owner ensures that they only produce show-quality German Shepherd puppies that can serve as show dogs, guard dogs, K-9, and much more. They also import and ship their dogs worldwide. West Coast German Shepherds — If you are located in California, this breeder can offer you a health-tested German Shepherd puppy coming from the best bloodlines. Buying the cheapest puppies online seems tempting, especially if you are on a budget, but you might spend more in the future due to medical expenses. To easily distinguish a responsible breeder from a puppy mill or backyard breeder, check out our puppy buying guide. Are you considering adopting a German Shepherd instead of buying from a breeder? If you are, this list can help you find the perfect GSD pup for you: German Shepherd Rescue and Adoptions — Based in North Carolina, this non-profit organization was established to protect and promote the German Shepherd breed. German Shepherd Rescue of Orange County — This volunteer organization is all about placing unwanted, neglected, and abused German Shepherds into permanent, loving homes. Applicants are encouraged to meet up with their chosen dog prior to adoption. Matching their rescue dogs to a suitable owner is their top priority, along with the restoration of their health. For more chances of finding your lifelong companion, check out this list of the 10 best German Shepherd rescues. You can surely find one in your location! Adoption is the cheapest alternative to getting a German Shepherd Dog, and this is more suggested than buying from backyard breeders. Buy high-quality items. You will spend more on replacing them rather than having good products that can last for a longer time. Purchase supplies in bulk. When buying food or treats for your pup, make sure to stock up by buying them in bulk. This can save you a lot of money than buying small bags of kibble or cans of wet food. Keep your dog in excellent shape. To avoid expensive veterinary bills, keep your German Shepherd puppy fit and healthy. Do this by feeding them high-quality dog food equipped with the right nutrients. Groom your GSD at home. Instead of going to a professional groomer, learn to groom your German Shepherd puppy at home. All you need to do is buy the basic grooming tools and research how to groom your dog effectively. Plan your finances accordingly so no one will have to suffer in the long run. They are highly intelligent and loyal dogs that will protect you at all costs. Buying one from a reputable breeder is worth the hefty purchase price than purchasing from backyard breeders or puppy mills. On another note, you can adopt from a local rescue organization, but make sure to ask about any current health conditions that the dog may have. Aside from the financial aspect, make sure you are prepared for the full responsibility of being a German Shepherd puppy owner. Now you know how much German Shepherds cost, are you ready to own one? Share your thoughts in the comments below. My passion for animals started at a very young age as I grow up on a farm with several horses, cows, cats, chickens, and dogs on our property. Leave a Comment. Less - The German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs , well-balanced, muscular dog, slightly longer than tall, with a medium length coat, erect ears, and a low-set natural tail that normally reaches to the hock and is carried in a slight curve like a saber. The outline of the German Shepherd Dog is made up of smooth curves rather than angles. The head is in proportion to the size of the body, strong without appearing coarse or fine. Gender differences are readily apparent. The German Shepherd Dog is confident and fearless, willing to be approached, yet a certain level of aloofness towards strangers is acceptable. When working, the German Shepherd is alert and eager, adapting well to new tasks. Lack of confidence is a serious defect in the character of a German Shepherd. The structure of this breed was designed for efficient locomotion, particularly at the trot, so poor movement is another serious fault. History Less - The German Shepherd Dog is a relatively young breed, developed almost single-handedly in the first half of the twentieth century by a German cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz, president of the Verein far Deutsche Schaferhunde S. Using a variety of German sheepdogs as his foundation stock, von Stephanitz developed a distinctive breed in a very short period of time, due in large part to the authoritarian practices of the German dog fancy at that time. Von Stephanitz emphasized utility and intelligence in his breeding program, enabling the German Shepherd Dog to switch easily from herding duties to other fields of work, particularly military and police work. All things German were shunned and popularity slumped. After the war, however, movie star Rin-tin-tin stimulated interest in the breed again. The striking good looks of this breed, combined with its remarkable intelligence and loyalty, have made it a favorite working and companion dog. If your breeder had not run these genetic tests on your dog—or if you adopt a German Shepherd from a rescue or shelter, you can run the Embark Dog DNA Test using a simple saliva test you can perform at home. Dogs with CLAD, type III typically exhibit symptoms such as recurrent ear infections, skin infections, pneumonia, and other respiratory infections. Dogs with DM first lose coordination in their hind legs, then they lose muscle mass and eventually the ability to walk. It is caused by a lack of one of the proteins needed for blood to clot properly. Dogs with hemophilia A will often suffer from uncontrolled bleeding, most commonly into the joints. Uric acid is a waste product that is normally eliminated from the body through the kidneys. When the kidneys are not able to remove enough uric acid, it builds up in the blood and can cause health problems. Dogs with hyperuricosuria are at risk for developing bladder stones, kidney stones, and other health problems. P-glycoprotein is involved in the transport of drugs and other molecules across cell membranes. Drugs that are known to cause adverse reactions in MDR1 dogs include digoxin, ivermectin, loperamide, and milbemycin. There are several different types of MPS, each caused by a deficiency in a specific enzyme needed to break down mucopolysaccharides. It is caused by a genetic mutation that impairs the ability of the blood to clot properly. This can lead to frequent and sometimes severe bleeding events which can be difficult to control, even with the help of medications. Dogs with this condition are at an increased risk for bleeding and may require lifelong monitoring and medical management. Symptoms include weight loss, decreased appetite, vomiting, and increased water consumption. Affected dogs have problems with the development of their skin, hair, nails, and teeth. They may also have problems with sweating and the function of their tears and salivary glands. Dogs with this disorder usually have a very thin coat of hair, often with areas that are bald or have very thin hair. Their skin may be dry and cracked, and they may develop sores on their skin. Nails may be abnormally shaped or missing altogether, and teeth may be missing or poorly developed. Dogs with X-linked ectodermal dysplasia often experience overheating. Attend a sanctioned dog show and talk with breeders and competitors for recommendations. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations regarding reputable breeders. Check the Facebook page of the breeder and read through the comments. Remember, however, that comments can be deleted by the page owner. The breeder should be happy to share the name and contact information for customers. Ask questions. Lots of questions. The breeder should be glad to share the test results from the health tests and screenings and should be happy to let you meet at least the mother if not the sire as well of the German Shepherd Dog puppies. Ask how often the dogs are bred. Ask to tour the kennels. Are they well maintained? Do the dogs look healthy? Beware of operations that will not let you tour the kennels and breeders that want to meet you in a parking lot to hand over the puppy. Be prepared for questions. The breeder should ask YOU questions as well; be suspicious if the breeder has no questions about your past history with pets, your living situation, etc. The breeder should want to know how much experience you have with herding breeds, what your training plans are and your plans for exercising the dog. Ask if the breeder will take the German Shepherd puppy—or adult dog—back if necessary. Ask for a contract. If medical problems are diagnosed, the breeder should readily take the pup back and provide a full refund. German Shepherd breeders may adopt out of the area but, nonetheless, you will want to go to the breeder to meet the parents, view the kennels and bring home your puppy in person. This will add to your expenses—but breeders that transport a puppy by air are putting the dog at risk. If you want to buy a German Shepherd Dog from an online breeder, please think again. There are numerous scams; people spend thousands of dollars for a dog and never receive a puppy. AKC warns potential pet parents to be wary of any seller asking for payment by Venmo, in gift cards or as a wire transfer. Dogs purchased from puppy mills can mean years of heartache and expensive veterinary care—and perpetuation of a cruel industry. The pros of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder: You may be able to select a puppy—including a choice of gender. A reputable breeder will be passionate about German Shepherds and will a resource for years to come. The cons of purchasing from a German Shepherd breeder You will pay far more for a cattle dog from a breeder than a rescue or shelter. If you find a breeder who has German Shepherd puppies for sale at prices much lower than you are seeing from other breeders, you must suspect you are dealing with a backyard breeder who has not done health screening, with an online seller who is operating a puppy mill or with someone who is running a scam. You will need to wait until puppies are available. You will need to do your own due diligence to select a reputable breeder. German Shepherd Dogs in rescues are far less expensive that those at a breeder. Puppies under a year old will be the most costly. This group provides funding to a network of GSD rescues — they do not have dogs themselves for adoption. They have a list of affiliated rescues that can help located adoptable GSDs in your region. A breed rescue is, like the name suggests, a pet rescue that is specifically for one breed of dog. These are generally small non-profit groups that operate through a foster system of volunteers who love the breed. German Shepherd rescues specialize in German Shepherds of all ages; some have primarily purebred German Shepherds while others may also have adoptable Belgian Malinois and Dutch Shepherds. How to Find Breed Rescues Along with the list mentioned above, many breed rescues list their adoptable dogs on large adoption sites such as:. If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety.

We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy! We have answers. German Shepherd cost will vary based on a number of different factors, as breeders may charge differently for experience, pedigree, coat color or type white German Shepherd puppies for sale in Houston , and even gender. We eliminate that risk using our strict screening process, a binding Breeder Pledge, and a powerful MatchMaker system that matches great breeders and businesses with great families. Does Uptown Puppies breed their own German Shepherd puppies? Instead, we focus on making connections between dog-seeking families like yours and the ethical breeders and companies you can count on to bring you on the healthiest, happiest puppies. With Uptown, you can skip straight to the fun part of finding a dog. What is a puppy mill? Puppy mills are almost like factories for dogs, where dogs are bred on an industrial scale for the sole sake of profit. Do you have Houston German Shepherd puppies now? As the Uptown partner network expands and grows, odds are great that we can help you find your dream dog. Basically, MatchMaker is how we ensure that the right dogs are going to the right families. How can I be sure Uptown is trustworthy? Puppy mills and dishonest breeders are all over the web. Just have a look at some of our Alumni to see the difference a bit of love can make.

Their environment is relatively barren—with no playmates or toys. They're a puppy or adolescent and don't have other outlets for their energy. They're a terrier or other breed that was bred to dig. They're an active breed who needs a job to be happy. They've recently seen you gardening or working in the yard. What to do Expand your dog's world and increase their people time in the following ways: Walk your dog at least twice daily. Lack of exercise is a leading cause of behavioral problems. Play with them using active toys balls, flying disks as often as possible. Teach your dog a few commands or tricks. Practice these every day for five to 10 minutes. Take a training class with your dog and practice what you learn daily. Keep interesting toys in the yard to keep your dog busy when you're not around. Rotate the toys to keep things interesting. Hunting prey Dogs often dig in an effort to catch burrowing animals or insects who live in your yard. This may be the case if the digging is: Focused on a single area rather than the boundaries of the yard. At the roots of trees or shrubs. In a "path" layout. What to do Search for signs of burrowing animals, then use safe, humane methods to fence them out, exclude them or make your yard or garden unattractive to them. What not to do Don't use any product or method that could be toxic or dangerous to your pets or other animals. Anything that poisons wildlife can poison your dog too. Top 10 pet tips Sign up to receive our exclusive e-book full of important information about caring for your pet, including training techniques and answers to frequently asked questions. Get Your Copy Comfort and protection In hot weather, dogs may dig holes to lie in the cool dirt. They may also dig to provide themselves with shelter from cold, wind or rain or to find water. Your dog may be digging for comfort or protection if: The holes are near the foundations of buildings, large shade trees or a water source. Your dog doesn't have a shelter or their shelter is too hot or cold. Your dog lies in the holes they dig. What to do Provide your dog with the comfort or protection they seek. Bring them inside more often and make sure their outdoor shelter is comfortable, protected against extreme temperatures and has access to water in an un-tippable bowl. If your dog is still a dedicated digger, try setting aside a digging zone. Attention Any behavior can become attention-getting behavior if the dog learns that they receive attention for engaging in it. Remember, even punishment is attention. Your dog may be looking for attention if they dig in your presence or have limited opportunities for interaction with you. What to do Ignore attention-seeking behavior and give your pooch lots of praise for " good dog " behavior. Also, make sure your dog has enough walk and play time with you on a daily basis. Escape Dogs may try to escape to get to something, to get somewhere or to get away from something. Your dog may be digging to escape if they dig under or along a fence. What to do Figure out why your dog is trying to escape and remove those incentives. Make sure their environment is a safe, appealing place for a dog. To keep your dog in your yard: Bury chicken wire at the base of the fence. Be sure to roll the sharp edges away from your yard. Place large rocks, partially buried, along the bottom of the fence line. Bury the bottom of the fence one to two feet below the surface. Place chain link fencing on the ground anchored to the bottom of the fence to make it uncomfortable for your dog to walk near the fence. Work with your dog on behavior modification to stop their escape efforts. What doesn't work Regardless of the reason your dog is digging, don't: Punish your dog after the fact. This won't address the cause of the behavior and will worsen any digging that's motivated by fear or anxiety. Stake out your dog near a hole they've dug or fill the hole with water. Next steps: A digging zone If your dog is a dedicated digger, set aside an area of the yard where it's OK for them to dig and teach them where that digging zone is: Cover the digging zone with loose soil or sand. Or use a child-sized sandbox. Make the digging zone attractive by burying safe items such as toys for them to discover. When they dig in the digging zone, reward them with praise. If you catch your dog digging in an unacceptable area, interrupt the behavior with a loud noise and firmly say, "No dig. Make the unacceptable digging spots unattractive at least temporarily by placing rocks or chicken wire over them. If you've tried all these strategies and still can't solve your dog's digging problem, keep them indoors with you and supervise them during bathroom breaks in the yard. You may also want to consult a behavior professional for additional help. Tom Thorpe Blog Golden Retrievers are classified as a sporting dog breed. Usually, they are task to retrieve small animals. Yet, as the breed develops over time, there are still some doggy characteristics that remain intact. One of these is the digging behavior of the Goldies, but why do Golden Retrievers dig? In this blog post, I listed here some of the reasons behind the digging attitude of the Golden Retrievers. Also, included here are different tips and approaches that you should do in order to eliminate this negative trait of the Goldies. But, it may not be surprising because dogs, especially the Goldies really love to do it. Knowing the reasons behind the digging issue of the Golden Retriever is generally important in order for us to deal with this doggy problem properly. Check below why do Golden Retrievers dig: Instinct Tracing on their bloodlines, the Golden Retriever has an innate nature of being an excellent hunter. Along with the development of breeding the Goldies, their instinct in fetching small animals for their master is highly remarkable. Golden Retrievers will usually dig deeper to find the haven of small animals even without any training. Call the service of the Goldies if you have any rodent problems at home. For sure, they will definitely never fail you with that digging project. Boredom Another reason why do Golden Retrievers dig is because they are looking for ways to focus their attention. Dogs also get bored for some time and once they get into that state, they will find anything to make them preoccupied. If there is no source of stimulation that they may find, the Goldies will use their paws to do the exercise — the digging. So, it is actually always a good idea to take them out for a daily long walk at the park. Aiming for attention Dogs like the Golden Retrievers usually spend most of their time in the backyard. In order to deal with that, they will sometimes be settled with an angry shout. As much as possible, do not reward your Goldies digging behavior with negative attention especially if you need to leave them outside the house. Rather, it is very crucial to praise positive behaviors. Anxiety Why do Golden Retrievers dig? Well, it turned out that one of the reasons for Golden Retrievers digging is due to their compulsive behavior. If ever the Goldies become nervous, they will usually dig. They typically do that because, for them, digging is one way to relax and release their anxious energy. However, if you notice that digging is a new behavior of your Goldies, try to analyze if something from your routine has been changed. For example, there are new neighbors arrived in town. Because of that, the Golden Retriever is just trying to lay down their space. So, what they will do is to dig in your backyard. Overheating When the hot season is already in, the Golden Retriever may begin digging the soil in your backyard. They may be looking for a cool place underground. Normally, Golden Retrievers have thick coats making them feel warm during summer. Well, if the hole that the Goldies are digging has the same length of their body size, it is actually an indication that the dog is really wanting to cool down. Overfeeding One reason behind Golden Retrievers digging is feeding them with too much food. The hole will serve as their reservoir for their leftovers. This is another doggy behavior that may also be attributed to their instinct. For them, this is a good way to save food. So, if your Golden Retriever is burying food on the ground, it is a strong indication of overfeeding. Now, that you already have an idea about the various reasons why do Golden Retrievers dig, then resolving the digging issue would be fair and easy. However, some pet owners are having difficulty in stopping this damaging doggy behavior. This is primarily due to the absence of any clues why they are digging. This may be very helpful for those dogs that are not showing any clues at all. Consider playing with them within your garden or give them some toys to play with. In case you notice that your Goldies is trying to bury small toys, teach him that digging is a bad doggy behavior. Instead, praise him for playing the toy in a much pretty acceptable manner. Basically, doing that will result in reinforcement of good behavior to your Golden Retriever. Aside from that, you can also resolve the reasons behind your Golden Retriever digging issue. However, if they really need to be in the yard all alone, try to provide a small designated area for him outside. This area is where his digging attitude would be allowed. Another good idea is to make an area for them which is filled with loose soil or play sand. This way they can still do the digging and may bury their toys. Put a sandbox or a particular area of soft soil within your yard. Place some of your Goldies favorite toys into the sand. Make your Golden Retriever be familiar with this special digging area for them. Give them a reward the moment they use that area. Repeat doing this process and be consistent until they learn in doing so. Yet, doing that will permit them to reinforce their instincts. The good thing is that it will execute out in a safer approach. If the digging problem of your Golden Retriever persists, the best approach for this is to make the yard a little bit hard to dig for your dog. Consider putting some rocks on the ground or incorporate some chicken wire so that dog digging may be prevented. And if their digging behavior is one of the problems, worry no more as there are some training approaches that you may consider doing. Check them below and see which one would be helpful for you in eradicating the reason for your Golden Retrievers digging. It actually works by teaching the Goldies to connect any negative circumstances into a positive ones. For example, if your Golden Retriever will be left alone in your house, a treat or a toy will be given to him. The counter-conditioning approach is actually a big help for doggy diggers. Remember, most of them are anxious. And for every passing time, their stress will be reduced by those key situations because they already know to relate them into positive actions. Positive reinforcement technique usually depends on you to be in the garden even for a little while. Immediately give them praise and treats once your Goldies show behaviors in a manner that you really want them to do. In relation to the reason behind the Golden Retrievers digging attitude, consider giving a toy to your Goldies that they would most likely bury. This action is a good thing to do once you notice that your Golden Retriever is burying some items into your yard. Afterward, give them a command to sit or stay. In case, they refuse the drive to move away and bury the toy, it is a good indication to reward them. Eventually, reduce the frequency of providing treats. Do these until you get to a point that they totally comprehend the ways on behaving in the garden. Most pet owners are considering crate training for their dogs. The method goes by leaving the Goldies in the crate where they are allowed to relax and be safe. Proper crate training is generally important if you consider using the limitation method to your digging Golden Retriever. Make your way out to the yard with your Goldies and watch what they are doing there. Once you notice any signs that they are preparing for a dig the second time around, immediately call them back to you. Ball playing, praising them for a job well done, or providing a treat — all these rewards are generally good. Yet, regardless of the reward, try anything that the Goldies loves and, for sure, they will respond well on that. In case your Golden Retriever dig a hole without your awareness, remember not to punish them right away. Better to ignore your Goldies as you patiently fill the hole which is a result of their digging behavior. Afterward, take your Golden Retriever inside the house and let them out when you feel that you are ready for a new training session. Why do Golden Retrievers Dig? Boredom — Then Keep Them Busy It is discussed above that one of the reasons behind the digging behavior of Golden Retrievers is their boredom. There are times that the Goldies do not get proper stimulation during the day. Digging is one way for them to create their own fun and become active. But, for this doggy digger, digging is a great pastime for the Golden Retrievers especially the bored ones. Fortunately, there are things that you can employ to make your Goldies busy. Here are some of those: Daily walking and playing The adult Goldies really require even a single hour of daily exercise. Brisk walking or playing with them in the yard will do the work here. Teach them the nosework Aside from digging, one of the natural instincts of the Goldies is sniffing. So, to deal with this properly, introduce to them the nosework. Nosework is actually a group of simple games that aims for allowing your dog to bring out the most powerful senses inside of them. The bottom line here is to educate your Goldies to monitor various smells. If you opt to employ this game to your Golden Retriever, they will stimulate their brain and get all their energy intended for the hole-digging. Introduce this nosework game through the following steps: Initially, hold both fists hiding a treat in just one hand. Afterward, try to hide treats with a strong aroma around your house. Alter the level of difficulty in finding the treats. Hide some in easy to find areas and others in hard-to-find places. Instruct your Goldies to find them inside the house. Make some encouragement as they are searching for it. Praise them more as they sniff out lots of treats. Moreover, it is good idea to elevate the level of difficulty the moment your Goldies gets better at sniffing. Better to practice consistently here to reduce the anxiety of your Goldies. This will also be one way for them to get rid of their extra energy. A: Since it is in the nature of the Goldies to dig, one way for them to do this to their owner is to paw at you. Well, just like digging, their main reason for doing so is to get your attention. So, if ever you feel their paws touching you, feel very confident that they want you to stop from the things that you are doing. From there, it is better to direct your focus on them. A: Generally, Golden Retrievers begin to calm down once they reach the age of 2 to 3 years old. This is actually the stage when they are shifting from their puppyhood to the adult stage. And the moment they turn four, they tend to become much calmer. But, in terms of energy levels, the Goldies still have the high energy compared with the other doggies. Yet, there digging behavior still persists. Proper training is all you need to address it. A: The Golden Retrievers are considered full grown, when they reach a particular weight and height. For males, they actually grow up to 23 to 24 inches with a weight of 65 to 75 pounds. Their female counterpart can get as tall as .Once they reach the age of 1 year old, the Goldies already achieve their full height. But, it does not have any direct effect on their natural instinct for digging. Final Words The reasons why do Golden Retrievers dig can generally be traced back to their natural instinct of retrieving smaller animals. Aside from that, there are also other reasons that are linked to these negative doggy behaviors. Being their pet owner, it is our full responsibility to train them properly so that digging would not be as disastrous as it can be. In fact, some of the strategies needed here would likely create healthier and happier Goldies. Keep reading and we will list and address a number of reasons that can be motivating your golden retriever digging. Providing extra exercise is the most effective way to stop golden retriever digging. Attention seeking — Golden retrievers like human companionship and attention, more than most other breeds in general. This is more common than you might think, and be sure your dog probably realized how effective this was to get you attention, and will likely try it again when he wants your attention. Determining the ideal amount of food your golden wants is the best way to stop golden retriever digging, when is it motivated by saving food purposes. Temperature control — It is common to seek cooler places in hot days, because of this dogs will dig holes roughly their size, in the shade or under something that provides cover from the sun to cool their body temperature. Hunting instinct — Golden retrievers were bred to retrieve ducks and other small animals during hunting season and games, although this activity is usually initiated upon command by the hunter and owner of the dog. Den instinct — We all know dogs are driven in large part by instinct, and one of these instincts motivates dogs to dig holes under or facing shelter. Anxiety — Very much like us, dogs also experience anxiety triggered by many reasons, an expected walk on the park, a bowl of delicious treats, or on the negative side, some traumatic experience whose feelings were triggered by some recent event. In order to relieve it some dog will engage in repetitious behaviors because they often relieve stress. Either way, as general rule of thumb there is techniques and training to stop golden retriever digging. They focus on partially or completely removing the motives behind digging, and most importantly, adjusting your dog behavior with simple training and positive reinforcement so that he no longer sees digging as an positive and rewarding behavior. The most effective and easier approach to stop your golden retriever from digging is to direct his energy to other interests, they love to play games, ball throwing, fetching are among their favorites, join with your dog on these activities and others of this kind. After some times like this, he will learn that those times in the yard mean fun and playing, but not digging. Other things you might try is to fence the most sensitive parts of the yard, gardens and vases with flowers. You can also spray the areas he commonly chooses to dig, some people use the strongest pepper they can find instead, others plan a special kind of plant which smell is too strong for dogs to handle. Post navigation. Golden Retriever also by their nature love digging. The most common reason dogs dig is to bury or uncover bones or toys. So,Why Do Dogs Dig? Why Do Dogs Dig? On very warm days, some Golden retriever dogs dig and lay in a hole to escape the heat. Some breeds, such as terriers, were bred to dig up and kill rodents and other small animals, and they certainly haven't lost the instinct. In many cases, digging may be the dog's way of trying to escape confinement or boredom. While we know digging is instinctive in Golden retriever dogs , we often wish they wouldn't do it. Compulsive diggers are frustrating. Their owners don't want to punish the dog for doing what comes instinctively, but they also don't want their yards to be filled with holes. Fortunately, there are ways you can stop your dog from digging. Before you can end this behavior, you need to understand why dogs dig. If your Golden retriever dog digs only when left alone for long periods of time, the dog is probably trying to combat boredom. An exercise session before you leave will tire the dog out so that he will sleep part of the time you are away from home. Be sure to leave your dog plenty of toys that engage his mind as well as his body, so that he can keep himself occupied while he is alone. Pet supply stores have a large variety of chew toys and dog games. So, How to stop dogs digging? Reward you dog for digging in the assigned area. It is important to understand that digging is part of their nature and will take time to get out of this habit. Consistence training, however, can help them get out of their digging habits. Like all other dogs, Golden retrievers are also guided by a set of responses and if the trainer disapproves the habit of digging, Goldens will soon learn that the action is unacceptable and will restrain itself from digging. Lack of exercise, boredom, separation anxiety , and things like that could be the reasons for Golden Retriever digging habit. Solutions to these problems for example, if digging is due to lack of exercise then you may take your dog for a walk, engage it in other work, or play with the dog to help it come out of this feeling. By doing so, you may be able to stop the digging entirely. If the dog is digging because of boredom or separation anxiety, then you can buy some toys for the dog and can even spend some time with your Golden Retriever entertaining it. However, some Golden Retrievers dig without any particular reason, that is, they dig for the sake of digging. In that situation, you have to take care and train the dog out of the digging habit. To take Golden Retrievers out of digging habits you may restrict their access to the yard and invest in obedience training classes. Diverting the attention of Golden Retriever while they are in the garden, such as playing with them or giving them something to chew can help them come out of the digging habit. Great attention has to be paid when the Golden retriever dog is in garden, you have to look after it and immediately reprimand your Golden Retriever when it starts digging. It is important to make him realize that for what he is being rebuked. If you rebuke him after he has completed digging, it would not help. Another common reason for a Golden Retriever dogs digging habit is to get a relief from heat. Especially during the summer time in some parts of the world Golden Retrievers dig to stay cool. Through digging they try to cover themselves from dirt which is cool and moist as their coats are pretty thick. So, to stop your Golden Retrievers from turning to digging, you must keep your dog in a cooler place and plenty of water to drink. If you can give your Golden dog a pool where he can splash around can also keep them away from feeling the need to dig. You must know that a Golden Retriever loves water more than digging. Though there could be many aversive ways of controlling Golden Retriever digging habit, but the results for those are greatly varied. Supervising and obedience training classes are the most recommended methods when it comes to digging. You may have to make an extra effort with compulsive diggers. If your Golden retriever dog constantly digs in flowerbeds, you might need to put up a physical barrier to prevent the dog from entering the flowerbed. Remote punishment is a technique that seems to work well in this case. This can be as simple as a short blast of water that gets the dog's attention the moment he starts to dig, or any activity that will distract the dog when the digging begins. Why do Golden Retrievers Dig? My backyard is full of holes. Since bringing my Golden Retriever home, all he has done is dig, dig, dig! At the end of my wits, I did some research to find out why he keeps on digging. So, why do Golden Retrievers dig a lot? Digging is an instinctive behavior for every dog breed. Many factors can cause digging. Stress, overheating, and an urge to hide things can all lead to Golden Retriever digging. Finding out exactly why your Golden Retriever is putting holes into your yard is the only way to get them to stop. There are many reasons why your dog might be digging holes, and some of them may surprise you! Dogs dig for all sorts of reasons. But there are some more common causes of digging that you should look out for. Once you do, you can start to tackle the problem! Here are a few ideas why your dog might be digging up your yard: 1. Instinct Golden Retrievers are excellent at hunting. Years of breeding has given them the instinct to fetch small prey for their masters. Even without training, many Golden Retrievers will dig up the nests of small animals. If you have a rodent problem, your dog may be trying to help you with their digging! Boredom Bored dogs will find almost anything to occupy them. Your dog might have extra energy and be using digging to burn some of it off. Without enough stimulation, your Golden Retriever will take exercising into their own paws. Attention Many dogs spend the whole day alone in the backyard. Some of these dogs are desperate for attention, and will settle for an angry shout. If you need to leave your dog outside, try not to reward their digging with negative attention. Instead, praise their positive behaviors! Anxiety Some nervous dogs will dig as a compulsive behavior. Digging can be a relaxing way to channel anxious energy. If digging is a new behavior ask yourself if anything has changed in your routine. Have new neighbors moved in? Your dog may be trying to assert their space by digging at the boundaries of your house. Overheating In the hot months, your dog may start trying to dig a cool underground den. Golden Retrievers can get pretty warm in summer because of their thick coats. If you see your dog digging a hole the same length as their body, they might be telling you that they need to cool down. Many dogs have this instinct. It developed so a dog would be able to save food for later. If you notice your dog burying their food, you are overfeeding them. How to Stop Golden Retriever Digging So you know why your dog is digging, but you have no idea how to stop them. There are many ways to get your pup to leave your backyard alone. Occupy your dog with fun games like fetch or tug-of-war. Let your dog get used to being outside without feeling the compulsion to dig. Soon they will begin to see the yard as a fun place to play, instead of space for digging. Try to have lots of appropriate toys for your dog in the yard. Soon your dog will learn that digging is not appreciated. Introduce the digging area to your dog and reward them when they use it. Be consistent and keep repeating this pattern until they learn. If your dog is still having problems with digging, try making the yard less easy to dig in. Put rocks on the ground, or even use chicken wire to prevent your dog from digging. Research shows that negative reinforcement will not stop your dog from misbehaving. Instead, try to catch your dog before they start an unwanted behavior. You can then redirect their destructive urges into a more positive outlet. If your Golden Retriever is not active and engaged, they may decide to make their own fun. Unfortunately digging holes is the favourite pastime of many bored Goldies. Luckily there are all sorts of things you can do to keep your dog busy! Adult Golden Retrievers need at least an hour of vigorous exercise every day. Walks and games are great ways to get this time in, but there are also other ways to keep your pup active. If your Golden Retriever loves digging and sniffing in the dirt, why not teach them nosework? Nosework games are simple, and let your dog use one of their most powerful senses. At the core, these games are all about teaching your dog to track smells. Practice until your dog is able to find the treat on command. Hide strong smelling treats around the house. Make sure some are easy to find and some are harder. Give them lots of praise as they sniff out the treats! You can ramp up the difficulty as your dog gets better at using their nose. Try to give your dog fun tasks and stimulation every day. They will be happier and less likely to take out their stress by digging in the yard. Related Questions Why is my Golden Retriever digging on their bed? Dogs dig on their beds for comfort, or to mark their territory. Other dogs dig out of a nesting instinct, and will soon settle in for a nap afterwards. Why is my Golden Retriever chewing on things? Most dogs chew! Chewing is an important way for your dog to keep their teeth clean and strong. Some dogs can also chew to relieve anxiety or get rid of extra energy. If your dog is young, they may also be teething. Trusted by millions of dog lovers worldwide. Golden Retrievers are a highly active breed which needs at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise per day. This includes playtimes and walks. So, the dog finds an alternative channel to take out his energy, that is, he digs up the yard. In this section of the blog post, we would like to go through a few ways in which you can stop your dog from wrecking your precious plants. Distract, Distract, Distract Dogs are instinctively driven to dig. However, you can still stop your furry friend from killing all if your plants by using the power of distraction. You can get him a ball, a rope toy, etc. Get a Sandbox: People with Golden Retrievers that love digging have found success with sandboxes such as the Little Tikes Turtle Round Sandbox which will keep your dog occupied while fulfilling his digging instincts You should try to exercise your dog to stop him from digging. This, too, works well and is a nice way to distract your dog from unwanted behavior. Here are some things to try out: Take him for a walk: Golden Retrievers love their walks! These dogs love going on long walks with their humans. You can tire your dog out by taking him out. If your dog likes to dig at the same place for some reason, the best way to get him to stop is by using certain digging deterrents. You can partially bury rocks or chicken wire in the area where your dog dogs a lot to make him stop Burying cayenne or citrus peels or adding some vinegar to the soil will make your dog stay away from the area You can have a motion-sensing sprinkler system installed to get your dog to behave Use thorny plants to keep your canine away! This includes rodents, squirrels, cats, etc. One of the biggest signs of this is when your dog is digging near trees. In this case, you should ask the pest control services to investigate the area to keep the pests out. Fencing your property is also another good idea which works. Positive Reinforcements Work! Positive reinforcement is something that increases the probability of a response from occurring again. In this case, when your dog stops digging holes, you should shower him with love and affection. Treats, too, act as excellent positive reinforcement. We highly recommend you try out the three techniques that we have mentioned above to try your Golden Retriever to stop digging. However, this activity can drive you nuts and ruin your beautiful garden and plants. There are a lot of ways in which you can teach your dog to stop digging. We recommend that you try distracting your dog as that works the best. Have questions? More Training. But rather than give up and pave over every lawn space around you, there is a range of things you can do to stop your Golden Retriever from making a mess of your much-loved garden. Digging Never Used to Be an Issue! Lots of puppies love to investigate every new inch that is presented to them, and for most dogs, this is where the fascination with digging will start. While smaller puppies will gently nudge plants and scratch under fences, as they get bigger…so will the level of destruction! Why Does My Dog Dig? There are lots of reasons why dogs dig, and thinking about why they might be doing it is a big step towards getting them to stop. Here are a few of the more common reasons Golden Retrievers dig: Instinct: Golden Retrievers were originally bred to help their owners during gaming season by retrieving small animals for them. If your dog senses new neighbors, they may also dig near fences to release stress and assert their territory with the new people and animals. Boredom: Golden Retrievers need lots of exercise and are a very active breed. A few inches below soil level can be a good couple of degrees cooler than on the surface, so if your dog is trying to dig a hole roughly the length of their body, they may be trying to cool down. This is instinctive behavior, so you may need to adjust the amount of food you feed your dog if they start up with this habit. You could play with them in the garden, and give them toys that they may instinctively try to bury, but teach them it is bad to dig, and praise them if they play with the toy in a more acceptable way. You will need to train them to only dig in the area you have set up, but it will allow them to indulge their instincts safely if you chose to go down this route. Training Methods There are a few well-established methods that have worked well for numerous owners with a digging dog. Counter-Conditioning The idea behind this training method is to teach your dog to associate negative situations like being left alone if you go to work with something very positive, like a treat or a favorite toy. This method can be a great help if your dog is digging because they are anxious, as over time, they can become less stressed by key events as they learn to associate them with the new positive actions. Positive Reinforcement This is one of the most common methods of training puppies and dogs, and can work really well when trying to stop unwanted behaviors. This method relies on you being around in the garden for a while, to quickly give praise and treats if your dog behaves in the way you want them to. If your Golden Retriever is burying items in the garden, try giving them a toy they are likely to bury, and then tell them to sit or stay. If they resist the urge to run off and bury their new found treasure, then reward them. Lots of owners choose to crate train their dogs, and this means you can leave your dogs in their crate, where they will be calm and safe until you can get back to supervise them. Supervision Whenever you can make the time, sitting outside with your dog is a great way to stop digging becoming an issue. Head out to the garden with them, and watch what they do…the second you see any signs of them getting ready to dig, call them over to you. If they respond well and come running, now is the time to praise and treat them. Spend time with your dog outside to observe them. Sit with your dog near places they frequently like to dig — if you see them circling, sniffing or starting to whine, then move to step 4. At the first sign of any digging, call your dog to you, and reward them if they come. If your dog digs in this area, remember to praise and reward them for digging in the correct place. If your dog manages to dig a hole, stay calm, fill it, and end the time outside until you feel ready for the next training session. The most important thing to remember with any type of training, is that you need to stay calm, and keep positive. Sometimes, dogs can have very complex reasons for digging that may not be as easy or simple to solve. Start by considering why your dog might be digging, and from that point you can work out which training methods might suit you and your situation. 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About 6 weeks ago my husband was asked to take a move with his employment, to which we have agreed. After some discussion with his employer we have recently been allocated a move to the Moreton Bay region between North Brisbane and the Sunshine Coast. We are currently in the process of winding up our work and lives here in Toowoomba following 13 years of being significantly established in the community. This is where I commenced my breeding program about 10 years ago and also where most of my breeding dogs are in guardian home families. Due to our current circumstances, I have closed our waitlist until further notice and plan to take a break from breeding to allow us the time to relocate and find a suitable property on which to continue my breeding program. At this stage, there is the potential of this process taking anywhere from months depending on if we decide to build in the Moreton Bay Area. The other contributing factor to my break from breeding is the declining health of my senior parents who live in Northern NSW. I wish to be free enough to do regular visits to assist them in the coming months ahead. For the last years I have been working in close connection with a fellow breeder, Sonia Dewdney, from Cider Fields Labradoodles, located about 30 minutes from my location here in Toowoomba. Sonia has an excellent reputation in the breeding industry and in my opinion would be one of the leading Labradoodle breeders in Australia. We have a similar focus with our dogs. Sonia has kindly offered to take on my waitlist and to continue my breeding program with my own breeding stock moving forward until I am in a position to pick up where I left off. Please feel free to give her a call or have a look at her website www. At this stage, she is taking a break over the Christmas and New Year period and with her first litter of puppies due in the second half of February .We would like to take this opportunity to wish you all a wonderful Christmas and New Year from all of us here at Wisteria Labradoodles. Enjoy the photos of some of our up and coming breeding dogs. The trick is to caramelise garlic, ginger and lemongrass with a smidge of sugar before adding the coconut milk. Poached Salmon Poached fish has a bad reputation. The mere mention of it conjures up visions of pale, overcooked, flavourless fish swimming in murky water. Poached fish never tasted so good!! I miss the flavour you get from searing. So my method of making poached salmon involves lightly searing first THEN poaching in the same skillet. Coconut Curry Sauce — real easy! I think even those with sophisticated South East Asian palettes will still be mighty impressed with the flavour of we manage to get in this so quickly and with so few ingredients! The one thing that some supermarkets may not carry is Chilli Garlic Sauce which, as the name suggests, is a spicy garlicky paste. Caramelisation makes all the difference! So here are the 2 key things in this recipe that add depth of flavour into this otherwise simple sauce: Sear the salmon first. This is a cooking fundamental — never waste those precious golden bits from searing things! Caramelise the aromatics garlic, ginger, lemongrass with a touch of sugar. A healthy, Omega 3 rich dinner on the table in 20 minutes!!! Download powerpoint Figure 4 Geographical distribution of dog bite studies by main areas of focus. Adapted for use from Teelion www. Permission for use was granted. The size of each dot correlates with the number of studies which met inclusion from that US state, with the smallest dot representing 1 study and the largest dot representing 10 studies. Discussion A systematic literature review was performed to determine existing research gaps related to pediatric dog bite injury. Our goal was to identify the areas that should be prioritized to address this major public health concern, as dog bites remain a leading cause of injury in children. In our review, very little published material addresses the prevention of, or psychosocial consequences, associated with pediatric dog bites. Studies analyzing these aspects are needed as pet ownership continues to grow and the likelihood of children interacting with dogs in their daily lives becomes inevitable. Education and prevention Five of the 43 studies within our review did focus on dog bite education and prevention in children using an experimental design. It is reasonable to suggest that education of either the child or parent would play a large role in preventing dog bite injury, but as evidenced by our review, it is rarely addressed by healthcare providers or research. Second, children lack cognitive skills required to recognize and understand how to behave appropriately around dogs. Results showed improvement in basic knowledge of how to behave more safely with dogs, but children did not recall lessons from the dollhouse simulations nor implement safer behaviors when exposed to the live dog. However, this time they only introduced the live dog interaction after the modules were completed, whereas children interacted with the live dog both before and after their module education in the previous experiment. Again, children demonstrated a significant gain in knowledge and recognition of safe behavior but did not improve their scores related to dollhouse simulation or live dog interaction. In general, dog owners have shown a lack of familiarity about features associated with dog aggression toward children. In Tucson, only two-thirds of the dog-owning parents surveyed believed that infants were at risk of a fatal dog bite. Two-thirds also felt it was safe to leave a 4-year-old child unattended with a dog, and most did not realize the increased prevalence of dog bites among children in general. Authors strongly suggest that owners, through their selection and treatment of dogs, may be able to reduce the likelihood that a dog will bite in the future. Additionally, they urge pediatricians to advise parents that failure to neuter a dog and selecting a male dog of specific breed may increase the chances of a bite in the household. It is important to gain insight on the policies and legislation that are in place in the cities and surrounding communities we live in. Public health law research directed at correlating whether the law has an impact on pediatric dog bite injury would allow for the opportunity to guide lawmakers in the changes and decisions they put forth based on this issue. Additionally, it allows us to educate the public about the laws governing dog ownership and work to prevent dog bites from a novel angle. A gap clearly remains in successfully translating pediatric knowledge into behavior and how interactions with dogs can impact beliefs about injury vulnerability. Additionally, the caregiver must be provided with the necessary education and exhibit the willingness to participate in a safe, positive relationship between themselves, their child and their dog. Psychosocial burdens related to dog bite injury When considering the psychosocial burden placed on children following a dog bite, only eight studies within our review included a behavioral health component either in the study design or discussion. With .By putting our efforts toward identifying how to alleviate psychosocial disturbances caused by a dog bite injury, we would hope to return these children to some sense of normalcy in their daily lives. As clinicians, we must identify how to safely introduce these victims back into a life where dogs exist in order to return them to a functional daily existence. Limitations of the study This systematic literature review has several limitations. First, we used the most relevant medical databases PubMed, Medline, Scopus for this study and did not include other lower yield databases. This could have allowed us to miss additional studies. It is possible though, that some intervention studies may have been screened out using this exclusion. These limitations may contribute to selection bias and possible under-reporting or over-reporting of findings within the literature. In conclusion, our systematic review of published literature on pediatric dog bite injury yielded thorough coverage of the epidemiology, injury pattern, and treatments associated with dog bites. Key evidence gaps remain in preventing dog bites from occurring and addressing the psychosocial damage inflicted on the child. To make the biggest impact on what remains a major public health concern, we need to direct research efforts and innovations towards addressing these evidence gaps. It is important to advocate for state and county laws which improve injury prevention in dog attacks, to necessitate parental education at the time of obtaining a dog, and to support the use of educational initiatives led by veterinarians and primary care physicians. Data availability statement.

There are two of us here at Puppy Love. This enables us to have several dogs in our breeding program and still ensure that each one gets the love and attention they deserve. We raise our dogs in our homes where they are part of our busy families. We both have five kids each who help to love and train our dogs and socialize the puppies. When we purchased our first Australian Labradoodle about 12 years ago, we were surprised to find that everything we had been told about this wonderful creature called the Labradoodle was true! They are friendly and fun loving, making them a wonderful family pet for children as well as adults. They are highly intelligent, easy to train and very intuitive, making them great for animal assisted therapy. We have sold many puppies over the years for therapy purposes to families who have kids or adults with special needs and also for therapy use in health care or educational settings. They truly are amazing animals and they will have you wrapped around their little paws before you know it. We breed only true Labradoodles or the Australian Multigenerational Labradoodles. We do not breed any early cross labradoodles or any labs to poodles as we have found that there is not enough consistency in temperament as well as coat. We like to be able to ensure that all of our puppies will have great personalities combined with fleece or silky soft coats that are allergy friendly. Not all Labradoodles are Created Equal! Our labradoodles are members of our families and have really enriched our lives. We want to bring them, a wonderful family pet and companion to your home. If you have allergies and have previously been unable to enjoy a dog for a pet, our puppies are the perfect choice for you. We only breed pure Australian Labradoodles. Because these are multi generational dogs, they have a much better, hypo allergenic, very little to non shedding coat. Most of the early crosses have a tendancy to shed. With multigenerational Labradoodles you get the benefit of may years of selective breeding by the breeders that started it all in Australia. In terms of Labradoodles, you really do get what you pay for! We are not a kennel. Our Australian Labradoodle puppies are hand whelped in our home and spend the first weeks of their lives in our Master Bedrooms where they and the moms feel the most safe and secure. At 3 weeks they move into the main living area of the house. From here they can see and hear just about everything that goes on in our homes on a day to day basis. Our children, who range in ages from toddler to young adult help to love and socialize the puppies until they are ready to be adopted and go home with you. Puppies raised in this environment make the best pets because they have been given the best possible start. They will enjoy running with you, swimming with you, they are great at fetch, highly intelligent and easily trained. When you are all done playing, what the Labradoodle enjoys the most is a nice, warm cuddle with you! Start your summer off in the best way possible by adding a new puppy to your family. Get out and enjoy the beautiful season with your new best friend! Contact us for details. Testimonials Our experience with Puppy Love Labradoodles has been a very good one. Right from our first call from Darice asking us all kinds of questions about our home life so that she could decide if we were the right people to purchase one of their puppies. We could not be happier with Darice and her family's professional and caring help. No questions have gone unanswered. We would not hesitate to buy another puppy from them. Contact Details. Both, Summer and Peaches litters should have the same outcome as far as color and parti patterns as their coats are nearly genetically identical. Waiting list are always changing. This will fall strictly on the dates your deposits were received to make it as fair as possible for everyone! Many times life gets in the way and families just need to postpone to the next litter. Let me know if you have any questions. Anderson Doodles normally only accepts 6 reservations per litter. Deposits are transferable to future or different litters. Pricing found here! They stay in our main family room where they are exposed to normal household noise and in just a few steps I can check on them. We also use begin a method called Puppy Culture. For more information on this method and items available for your purchase to continue this amazing training please visit the link below: Puppy Culture link Once the puppies are approximately 2 weeks old they begin begin to use a indoor litter box. Note they do not go outside until they are 6 weeks of age due to health risk before they have their first vaccinations therefore the housebreaking process will begin when they are 6 weeks of age. At this time they become familiar with the outdoors and regular schedule to help get the them acquainted with housetraining before they go to their new homes at 8 weeks of age. Abstract and Solid Goldendoodles. Maria Krieger- male. Calgary Calgary first responder and dog breeder battle over month-old Australian labradoodle service dog A dispatcher diagnosed with PTSD after taking a call about a girl killed by a C-Train says she fears she may never see her service dog again amid a custody battle that raises questions over what it means to be an animal's "guardian. Greenslade agreed to be Milllie's guardian, which is a designation somewhere between owner and foster parent. Hannah Greenslade A dispatcher diagnosed with PTSD after taking a call about a girl killed by a C-Train says she fears she may never see her service dog again amid a custody battle that raises questions over what it means to be an animal's "guardian. The issue is that Greenslade agreed to be Milllie's guardian, which is a designation somewhere between owner and foster parent. According to several dog breeder websites, a guardian is someone who agrees to provide a loving home to a breeding dog, either a female or a male, until that dog's breeding obligations are fulfilled. Afterwards, the guardian is provided full ownership. Usually a contract is signed, but in this situation, there was no formal contract issued or signed. Rather, their agreement was made over several texts and evolved over time and now neither side can come to a common understanding. They've been apart now for more than three weeks while Millie is at the breeder's in Cardston. So I wake up, she's not there, I have a panic attack. Hannah Greenslade Guardianship One of the biggest benefits to being a guardian is cost. The guardian ends up paying far less for the dog than what an owner pays. In Greenslade's case, she was not required to pay anything. She says she just had to pay for food, vet costs and anything not related to the breeding program. Greenslade alleges the owner of Puppy Love Labradoodles, Kelsie Payne, is reneging on that agreement. Payne, however, argues that agreement was based on false information and says Greenslade is unwilling to find common ground. Payne spoke to CBC News with her lawyer present. Litter debate Both sides agree their original text agreement was for Millie to have four litters. She says she later learned Millie couldn't be registered unless she was spayed. Certification would allow Millie to travel on planes and enter certain places that require the official designation. Greenslade says that initiated several back and forth text discussions with Payne that eventually led the breeder to agree to limit the number of litters to just one. Millie had her litter of nine pups last month. Greenslade says it's time to return Millie but Payne won't release her. Payne offers a different perspective. She says she initially agreed to what she thought was "support dog" training as long as it wouldn't interfere with the breeding program and was assured by Greenslade that it wouldn't. Then when Greenslade told her it was PTSD service dog training, she says she agreed to the training because she felt sympathetic to Greenslade's situation. She says she then agreed to the one litter because she says Greenslade told her Millie needed to be fixed by the age of two in order to be certified. If Millie had another litter she wouldn't be able to be fixed until she was over the age of two. But Payne says she has since learned that Millie could be certified past age two. Greenslade now says she was misinformed about the age limit. Puppy offer Payne says knowing Millie didn't have to rush out of the breeding program in order to be certified she says she suggested keeping Millie for one more round of breeding, to ensure the breeding line would continue, and then giving Millie to Greenslade. But Greenslade says she declined the offer. She says she finds it too hard to be apart from the dog. Each time Millie is bred, she must leave Greenslade for two months until the puppies are weaned. Payne says she's also offered to give Greenslade one of Millie's puppies to start over. Greenslade also declined that offer. Dogs not easily replaced Brian Archer is with the Citadel Canine Society, a national non-profit organization that provides trained service dogs, or access to trainers if they have their own dog, to first responders and veterans who are suffering with PTSD. Citadel Canine Society worked with Greenslade to train Millie. Archer says he reached out to Payne to explain the seriousness of breaking off Greenslade's and Millie's relationship, but he says he wasn't able to convince the breeder. He says part of the magic of a service dog is that its connection with its partner can't be trained, so he says if you take that away, the individual has to start all over. He says that has the potential to lead to dire consequences for the person suffering PTSD. Would-be guardians have much to consider The owner of Prairie Doodles, Gail Groeneveld, who also runs a guardian program, says these types of disagreements are rare but happen so she says it's important people know what they are getting into before they sign up to be a guardian. She says there's no question that dogs in guardian programs belong to the breeder until they are fully released to the guardian. And she says its important people research the breeder and read over the contract beforehand. Business considerations Greenslade says, based on texts from the breeder, she believes the issue is money. But Payne says it's not just about money, it's also about ensuring Millie's breeding line continues. She says it's too early to know whether one of Millie's current pups will have the quality of health and temperament needed to keep it going. Payne's lawyer says his client has done everything to try to ensure they can both be happy, and get what they want, but Greenslade has rejected their suggestions. Greenslade says she is still considering her options. She has also retained a lawyer. Her family has started an online fundraiser to pay for legal fees. She says she has no plans to give up Millie. I was hoping that she would have a change of heart and just give me the dog," said Greenslade. Clarifications An earlier version of this story referred to the dog as an Aussiedoodle. In fact, it is an Australian labradoodle. Dec 06, AM MT.

How long should puppies stay with their mother? The ideal window is between 8 and weeks-old. They are healthy and adorable, and you want to bring them home as soon as you possibly can. However, the time your puppy spends with their mother and siblings is critical for development, and so it's important to make sure they spend this growth period with their litter. The first month For the first four weeks or so, puppies depend on their mothers for everything. This milk provides all the nutrition the puppies need for the first few weeks after birth. Weaning to solid foods Puppies start to experiment with solid food as early as 3-weeks-old. They still nurse, and mothers continue to produce milk for up to 10 weeks. Some nursing is for nutrition, but it is also a comforting, bonding activity for the puppies. Most puppies are fully weaned to solid food between 7 and 10 weeks of age, although the transition can occur earlier. Learning to speak dog Just as important for puppy development is learning proper canine etiquette and communication as part of a litter. For example, as early as 3 weeks of age, puppies start learning from their mother and siblings to eliminate away from where they sleep, which helps with housebreaking later. The pups are practicing hunting and communication behaviors that they need to perfect. One of the most important skills that puppies learn through play is bite inhibition and not chomping down too hard. If a puppy bites too hard, the other will cry out, signaling that the bite was too rough. Moms will do the same thing or may gently correct the puppies for getting too rough. This is a critical lesson to learn before heading out into the world, as other dogs will be far less tolerant of inappropriate puppy play than Mom! Biting is also a common problem behavior that can land a dog in a shelter or worse later in life. Puppies will also practice a variety of vocalizations and body language, learning to communicate with their siblings and mother. Socialization Puppies have an early critical socialization period from approximately 5 to 14 weeks of age. During this time, puppies are open to learning and experiencing new things, and the things they learn will affect how they go through the rest of their lives. Breeders and other caretakers should be exposing the puppies to novel sights and sounds on a regular basis. Puppies destined to be working or sporting dogs should be exposed to things they will encounter in their future roles, such as sheep wool for herding dogs, a variety of materials and obstacles to climb over for agility dogs, and training scents for future drug and bomb detection dogs. These safe exposures should continue after you bring your puppy home, but early socialization with litter-mates and the mother are also important for building confidence. The puppies will observe how their mother responds to new people and things and then mimic her behavior. If Mom is relaxed and friendly around new people, the puppies will likely be comfortable with strangers. Research has found that puppies who are separated from the litter too early are more likely to show fear, aggression, anxiety, resource guarding, reactivity and inappropriate play biting than puppies who stay with the litter for at least eight weeks. The ideal time The exact time that is best for a puppy to go to its new home can vary by situation, but most breeders and veterinarians agree that 8 weeks of age is a good minimum. Some states have laws in place preventing puppies from being sold any earlier. Eight weeks after birth, the puppy is eating solid food on their own, they have benefited from socializing with litter-mates and observing mom, and they are well within the ideal timeframe to bond with new owners. Breeders may also opt to keep the puppies until 10 or 12 weeks of age. Toy breeds in particular are often kept with the litter until they are 12 weeks old because they are so small and fragile. This gives the pups extra time with the litter, and still has them going to their forever homes in plenty of time to form a strong bond with their new people. And anyone who has welcomed an adult dog into their home knows that dogs of any age will still bond with their new owners as long as they have had socialization with people! Keeping the puppies longer does mean more work for the breeder, since they are responsible for all the puppies during those extra weeks. But if the breeder is putting in that time and effort to give the puppies a great foundation, then the extra time with their litter can be very beneficial to both you and your new puppy. How old must a puppy be to leave its mother? Also, understanding the consequences of adopting a puppy before it is ready to leave its mother. The best age to get a Labrador puppy is 8 weeks old. Let me cut straight to the chase and mention that you should never adopt a Labrador puppy until it is at least 8 weeks old. Even experts recommend adopting a puppy in the 8th week, not even in the 7th. Now, you might be wondering why 8 weeks is so important. Can you take a puppy home at 6 weeks even when you are willing to provide the proper care? Labrador is a very popular and friendly dog in the United States, everybody wants to own a Lab. When can you take a puppy home The best age to take a puppy home is 8 weeks or older. It is not suggested to take a puppy home any earlier than 8 weeks. Taking away a puppy from its mother at an early age will cause apparent issues in development. No matter the level of your care and love for a puppy. Labrador puppies learn from their mother You may wonder why you should adopt a Labrador puppy at some specific age. There are some clear-cut reasons why dog breeders never allow people to adopt Labrador before the 8 weeks. As owners, we should respect this learning period and wait to bring home a puppy at 8 weeks old instead of an early age. Discipline Puppies learn from their mothers. Labrador puppies learn to behave well and get disciplined by their mother even before they are 8 weeks old. At a young age, Labrador puppies throw tantrums that a stern dog mother can handle. Nutrients Not just the behaviors, but Labrador puppies learn to live in every kind of environment from their mother. Therefore it is highly recommended to adopt Labrador after the eighth week. Understanding how to be a dog A dog will learn about new behaviors when it is well aware of its hierarchy and languages. Labrador puppies learn from their mother to communicate and relate with other dogs. Playing correctly, chasing, and having safe interactions is what they learn at the age of 6 to 7th weeks. Adopting a Labrador puppy before the proper age of 8 weeks will be a bad decision. At what age is a dog no longer a puppy? After knowing the right age for adoption, the next point is to know what age is a dog no longer a puppy. So, as a dog parent, you will be able to provide proper food and training for your dog. While adopting a Labrador puppy, keep in mind that this puppy period will last 2 years. It means Labradors are considered mature dogs between the ages of 2 to 2. Noticing new habits and behavior in a 2-year-old Labrador is quite typical. Start training your dog according to its age and maturity to make it a well-behaved Labrador. Furthermore, some points are crucial to discuss when you are about to adopt a Labrador. Photo by Shane Guymon on Unsplash How old should a puppy be to take home? The time of adopting a puppy may vary for some breeds, such as for a Labrador 8 to 12 weeks is the right age. While others 11 to 12 weeks is an excellent age to adopt some puppies. Unfortunately, even at 8 weeks old the puppy is still getting important training from their mothers. We know that puppies are highly active even in the 8 weeks, but they still have some fear and anxiety issues. If you bring home a puppy that is 8 weeks or younger, your puppy might interpret their new transition as traumatic and may get aggressive when you bring it home. Bringing your puppy home If you bring an 8 to 12 weeks old puppy home, it is recommended you follow the steps below. Vaccination Regular vaccination is highly recommended to protect your puppy from viruses. Toilet training Soon after bringing your puppy home, you should start its potty training. Also, teaching your puppy about the basic commands is highly recommended for developing a well-managed puppy. Crate training Along with potty training, crate training is required when you adopt a puppy. In this way, your puppy will sleep in its place without destroying your home. Have food and toys Make sure you have puppy food ready and some puppy-appropriate toys for your new puppy to play with. Consider having some training treats too. Training Classes No matter what is the breed of your puppy, training sessions are highly recommended. Teach your puppy basic commands like no barking, sit, stay, come, etc. Hire a dog trainer or teach your puppy by yourself. Translation missing: en. June 8, Liz Palika Dog breeders and behavioral specialists feel that the week range is the adequate age for most dogs to leave their mother for their new homes. Unfortunately, in talking with other dog trainers, behavioral consultants and behaviorists, we all agree we're seeing a trend of puppies leaving mom and littermates far too young. A puppy who leaves his mother and littermates at five to six weeks of age, or worse yet, even younger, is going to suffer for that throughout his life. Adopting Eight Week Old Dogs Is Typical The traditional age for puppies to leave their mom and littermates and go to their new home has been eight weeks of age. At eight weeks of age most puppies are able to eat well, no longer need to nurse or eat supplemental formula, are mobile, and are aware of their world. They are well socialized to the people in their household and hopefully have also met other animals in the home. They have been exposed to a variety of sights, sounds, and smells and while they pay attention to these things, they are not afraid. At eight weeks of age these puppies are ready to leave their mother and siblings and go to their new home. Nine to Ten Week Old Pups are Typically The Best Age Since some puppies tend to go through a fear period at eight weeks of age an awareness of the world around them that can cause anxiety , many breeders and new owners would prefer to wait one or two more weeks. I brought home Hero, and before him Bones, at nine and a half weeks of age, because I felt that the puppies at that age were a bit more mature and ready for their new lives. One to two weeks can make a big difference. Other dog trainers and behaviorists agree: nine to 10 weeks of age is absolutely fine. In fact at this age, the puppy is past the eight week fear period, if he had one, and he's a bit more confident now. Developmentally, he's ready to learn, explore and figure out what his new life is going to be. Those who breed toy breeds especially, including Chihuahuas, Papillons, and other tiny dogs, will keep the puppies until they are 11 to 12 weeks of age. These tiny puppies can be quite fragile physically and may be slower to mature mentally and emotionally as babies. A few more weeks with their mother and littermates, as well as the people they know in their family, is often best for them. Larger puppies, however, shouldn't wait this long to go to their new homes. Nine to ten weeks of age is fine but any older could be problematic. Not only do large breed puppies grow rapidly, they are also stronger and rowdy, potentially making it more difficult for new owners to bond with this excited, big puppy who is jumping, pawing and otherwise making life difficult. Also, a week-old large-breed puppy is still a dependent baby; by 12 weeks he's changing. It's much easier for new owners to bond with an eight—to week-old puppy. The mother dog has so much to teach the new puppy ; lessons that will affect him all his life, and his littermates teach important lessons as well. If the mother dog has passed away, the littermates need to remain together. To Learn Key Social and Behavioral Traits Puppies who leave their canine family too early will show immediate behavior problems. They will be fearful of many things and show a lack of confidence. They can also be slow to bond to people or will go the other direction, attaching so strongly to their new owners that they will panic when left alone. The ability to soothe himself, to relax when left alone, is missing with most of these puppies. Biting is common. The mother dog teaches the puppy to control his biting as do the puppy's littermates. When puppies go to their new home, some biting is to be expected, as all puppies experiment. But when deprived of these early lessons, the puppy will bite more and harder, and teaching him that biting is not allowed is more difficult. This important transition time ensures that puppies receive all the appropriate nutrition from their mother. This will support the long term health of the puppy. Additionally, interrupting the weaning process too early has behavioral side effects for young dogs. Suckling, even past the need for milk can be a source of comfort while a puppy grows accustomed to eating only solid foods. Taking Puppies Too Young is Illegal In Some States In 26 states , the age at which puppies may be separated from the mother dog or sold is defined by law. Of those, 22 say that puppies must be eight weeks old before they can be sold. Three states—Wisconsin, Virginia, and Maine—require that puppies must be seven weeks old. Some states focus on the age that a puppy can be separated from his mother. Illinois, for example, requires that a puppy be at least eight weeks old before he can be taken from his mother. The laws vary as to who these laws apply to, with some focusing on dog breeders, kennels, and other commercial facilities. Other laws apply to anyone selling puppies, including those on Craigslist. Before buying any puppy, the more you know the better. If an unscrupulous person produces puppies and knows that he can sell them early at six to seven weeks or earlier and avoid paying for food, veterinary care, or other costs, then that cycle will continue. But if more people say no, then perhaps that cycle of human behavior can be changed. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. But why is this? Many studies performed have shown a resulting increase in aggression, over-reactivity, learning problems, fearfulness and anxiety in puppies removed too early. The puppy may throw a tantrum and feel hard done by, but the mother will be stern…although they always follow the discipline with a little nuzzling and some love :- This early and regular dishing out of discipline teaches the puppy about right and wrong, that actions have consequences and bad behavior is punished. If this learning is taken away, the puppy may develop behavioral issues and not accept direction and commands from its owner later in life. This can making training harder and ultimately lead to a less controllable dog. Also, the puppy will itself be the victim of too hard biting, so it gets some first hand experience of how painful it can be. This teaches the puppy that biting too hard hurts and results in bad consequences, so they slowly learn to control their bite. If taken away before these lessons are learnt, the puppy will bite too hard not knowing any better and this can be very dangerous as the puppy matures into a larger and stronger dog. You would have to go through the process of teaching bite inhibition yourself and this can be difficult and even painful work! They learn about hierarchy, canine body language, posturing and vocalizations barking, growling etc. They also learn about things like chasing and how to play correctly with other dogs, also how to interact fairly and safely with other dogs. By removing a puppy too soon, it will miss out on this vital education, will be under-socialized to other dogs and this can easily result in the puppy being fearful of other dogs or just plain not liking other dogs later in life. They Learn Tolerance To Touch A dog needs to be tolerant to touch for health and hygiene reasons and the safety of those around it. And a vet will need to touch a dog all over during a medical examination. So you really need your Labrador to be tolerant of humans touching it all over. A puppy will constantly be bumped, nudged, pawed and climbed all over during its time spent with its litter-mates. This teaches the puppy not to be afraid of touch, to get used to it and be more tolerant. But if a puppy is taken too young it misses out on all this touch and could grow up disliking touch in certain areas of its body. This can result in behavioral issues and even aggression when being touched which for obvious reasons is very undesirable. The things a puppy is socialized to during its first 12 weeks have a profound effect on its level of confidence and levels of fear later in its life. From about 7 weeks onwards, the puppy is very inquisitive and its willingness to approach unknown things and people is at its peak. This period declines at about 12 weeks of age and almost completely ends at 14 weeks where fear begins to creep in as a natural trait essential to survival if it lived in the wild. This is also the time when a Labrador puppy will form their strongest bonds with the humans they spends their time with. Bringing a puppy home at 8 weeks gives you just 4 weeks to do this, bringing one home at 10 weeks gives you only 2! A lack of decent socialization can result in the puppy being fearful of things, places and of human contact. This will put the puppy at greatest ease with the people and places where it will spend its future life. You may wish to bring your puppy home earlier than 8 weeks, but for all the reasons above, you should avoid this entirely. So be very suspicious of the breeder if this is their wish. This is so they themselves can provide a further week of socialization during this critical time and for the puppy to spend more time with their mother and littermates. So for the benefit of you and your Labrador, leave them with their mother and litter-mates until 8 weeks of age. Most dogs will happily bond with and love a new family if given the chance and can be valuable and loving companions. Disclaimer All content on this site is provided for informational and entertainment purposes only. It is not intended to be nor can it be considered actionable professional advice. It must not be used as an alternative for seeking professional advice from a veterinarian or other certified professional. Please consult a professional before taking any course of action with any medical, health or behavioral related issue. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Reasons for rehoming early At 5 weeks old your puppy still far too immature, physically and psychologically, to leave their mother. Your six week old puppy is weaned, but they still have many doggy lessons to learn from both their mother and their littermates. Like so many aspects of puppy health and welfare, much hinges on whether or not you have found a good, responsible breeder. But those additional two weeks allow the breeder to complete the weaning process and make sure that the puppy is properly settled on solid food. From 6 — 8 weeks pups also still need to learn some important life lessons from their moms and littermates. There are legal requirements governing the sale of puppies in some 25 states in the USA. Most of these laws stipulate that puppies should be over 8 weeks old when they go to their permanent homes. In the UK, law related to puppy breeding, and the age at which they may be sold, was passed in .So what is the purpose of this legislation and why is 8 weeks so important? Why do kennel clubs recommend puppies are not re-homed before 8 weeks? Puppies just start finding their feet and moving around at around four weeks. The mother starts spending less time with them to help them become more independent. Their digestive systems are still immature and they need time to adjust to the solid food. And be protected from stress. With younger puppies, three or four weeks old, the situation is even more serious — and your puppy may die. We get many sad letters here from people that have bought puppies this young and whose puppies are very sick. This is where the lessons not to bite hard start. There are two issues here that need separating. Six weeks is a popular age for many people to want to bring home their Lab puppy. And breeders who sell very young puppies will often explain, quite truthfully, that their six week old puppy is already weaned. But in much of Europe, Australia and North America, most pedigree puppies are not sold until they are around 8 or even 9 weeks old. A few breeders may want puppies to be even older than this. Physically puppies can and do leave their mothers this young, and even younger, though not all such very young puppies will survive. Are they even weaned yet? If your breeder tells you your puppy is already weaned at six weeks old, they are almost certainly telling the truth. The six week old pup still has a very immature digestion and is vulnerable to stomach upsets. More reasons not to rehome pups at 6 weeks But there are other, very important, reasons to leave puppies with their mother for a couple more weeks. And with their brothers and sisters. Most of these have to do with their social and psychological development. This is when the mother teaches her pups most of their doggy manners. From 6 — 8 weeks puppies also really start playing with their littermates — and boisterously. They nip, bump and even roll each other over while they play. All puppies bite. This is a normal part of puppy play. But puppies have to learn how hard they can bite in fun, without actually harming anyone. And one of the most important ways that puppies learn not to bite is from their littermates. This is when puppy play gets rougher and tougher and the puppies teach one another not to bite too hard. During this time puppies also develop a sense of themselves and their bodies as separate from others. Furthermore, much like year old human toddlers, pups from weeks start testing the limits of their own independence. Behavior problems in puppies separated from their mothers too early A study published in compared reported behavioral problems in dogs rehomed at weeks, with those who went to their new homes at 8 weeks. The dogs who were separated from their litters early showed far more of the following behavior problems destructiveness. Why The 8-Week Minimum? Jul 25, Feb 3, This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Everyone loves a puppy; they are soft, adorable, pocket-sized, and full of fun. Typically, people try to bring their puppy home as soon as they can once it has been born, but that is not always best for the puppy. So, when can puppies leave their mom safely without having their development affected? Generally, eight weeks is the minimum age a puppy should leave its mom. Before eight weeks, the puppy is going through a serious developmental process both physically as well as mentally, and it needs its mom and littermates with it in order to go through these processes successfully. The puppy will experience its main developmental stages between one and two weeks, then again at around two to four weeks, then once more at about four to eight weeks. Allowing your puppy to go through these stages alongside their mother is essential to providing your puppy with the best shot at becoming a well-behaved and socialized adult dog. Read on to find out why eight weeks is the minimum age puppies should leave mom and what you can set your home up with to make their transition to your pack easier! A Quick Look At Puppy Development To understand why eight weeks is the minimum age puppies should leave their mom, it is important that you understand what happens during their key developmental stages and why having their mom with them is so beneficial. In this stage, the puppy is blind, deaf, has no teeth, and is completely reliant on its mom taking care of it by moving it around, providing it with milk, checking it for intestinal distress, cleaning it, and providing it body heat. To take a puppy away from its mom at this age is almost guaranteeing that the puppy will die from starvation, exposure, or simply giving up. Caring for a puppy without a mother at this age requires specialized vet training. Some breeds of dogs, like Labradors, will open their eyes and ears at about two weeks of age. This may make them seem capable of leaving their mother earlier than eight weeks. However, they still should not be removed until the first eight weeks are up. If you are caring for a mom and a litter of puppies, this stage is one of the most rewarding to watch. Puppies will start opening their eyes and recognizing shapes, light, and things moving around them. At this stage, the puppy is very sensitive to sensory changes. New smells, loud noises, and changes in the environment all have a serious impact on their development. It is vital that this stage is uninterrupted by being moved to a new home and that the puppy does not leave their mother. The puppy needs to be surrounded by the smell of its mother and littermates at this stage, and removing that from them will cause major distress that will affect their personality. They are strong enough to stand up and walk around unaided by their mom. At this point, mom is leaving the whelping box or puppy cage for longer periods of time, and her puppies are being introduced to solid puppy food! This is also the time when the puppies are socializing with their littermates intensely and learning what to do and what not to do. For example, they are learning that playing is super fun but biting hurts and they should not do that. Their mom is now in the role of disciplinarian and is teaching them manners. To an onlooker, it may seem strangely harsh, but she is communicating as gently as possible and punishing them in a way they will understand. During this time, the mom will start producing less milk and weaning her puppies. They will start eating solid puppy food more and more as they get less and less milk. Puppies at this age are explorers and are learning new sights and smells that are separate from their mom and littermates. Puppies start craving attention from humans at this stage. They will start being more independent of their littermates, sleeping through the night, and controlling their bladder and bowels, and they will stop constantly seeking out their mom. They are now ready to go to a new home. Between eight and twelve weeks of age, some puppies go through the fear stage. At the beginning of the eighth week, it is difficult to say whether the puppy is going to go through a fear stage. However, by ten weeks of age, a breeder or rescue center will know whether the puppy is in the fear stage or not. If the puppy is in the fear stage, then it is advisable to wait until the end of the twelfth week to send the puppy to the new home. This is because a big change like that during the fear stage can cause serious behavioral issues later on in life. What Is The Fear Stage? For some unknown reason, a puppy that undergoes the fear stage becomes afraid of everything new and old. The puppy may have had a favorite toy up until this point and all of a sudden, the toy terrifies them. The puppy may have loved its littermates and played with them nonstop, but suddenly, the puppy cowers in a corner when they are near. If you have adopted the puppy at eight weeks and they suddenly enter the fear stage, it is important that you work with them through it and do not abandon them. They will be afraid of loud noises, punishments, big changes, sharp smells, and strange objects. Here are some things you can do to ease their fear stage: Provide them with plenty of contact time. Love and cuddle them often throughout the day. Play with them. By physically playing games, they are distracted from their fear and can start to enjoy life in their new home. Start teaching simple commands to them. This helps to mentally distract them from their fear. It will also make their later training easier. Place their bed in a calm and quiet area of the house so they are not constantly disturbed by other people and pets. There are many things that you need to bring a puppy home. Some of them are essential, and others are more non-essential luxury items. However, there are a couple of things you absolutely should have prepared to make the transition from being with their mother and littermates to your home easier. First, take a soft toy and a blanket with you when you pick your puppy up, especially if they have a mother and littermates present. Do the same thing with the soft toy. I love Calmeroos Plush Heartbeat Toys because they come with a heat pack and emit a subtle heartbeat. Puppies can be dirty or flea-ridden when they arrive at your home. Sometimes, they can come from a well-known breeder or adoption center and be spotless but mess on the way home and need to be bathed and combed as soon as possible! This way, they will smell nice and fresh. If your puppy has fleas, then they need to be treated for them as soon as possible, as fleas can become life-threatening to puppies. Puppies at eight weeks are still in their chewing phase and will love to get their teeth into anything they can. Provide them with a chew toy or chew sticks that are safe for puppies. Have some food ready for them when they get home in a nice, stable stainless steel bowl like this one Amazon Basics Stainless Steel Dog Bowl. A stable bowl like this one will not be tipped over easily, which will not frighten them. Finally, remember that puppies mess, even if you are super diligent at their house training. Be sure to buy some Amazon Basics Dog and Puppy Pads to keep in their sleeping area to reduce the amount of clean-up you have to do. In many states, it is illegal to adopt a puppy younger than eight weeks old. However, some states do allow you to adopt from six weeks of age. It is always a good idea to check on your state law before adopting any animal to ensure you are abiding by the laws and do not run the risk of your puppy being taken away from you. What happens to puppies who leave their mom too early? Puppies who are separated from their mother and littermates too early are susceptible to a number of different behavioral and physical problems now and as they develop into adult dogs. Puppies who are separated too early can suffer from aggression and be prone to constant barking. Why could I only get my Chihuahua at 12 weeks old? These dogs grow more slowly than other breeds like Labradors , Golden Retrievers , and German shepherds. Breeders and dog lovers alike all agree they are too vulnerable to go to new homes until they are slightly bigger at 11 to 14 weeks old. Rolling Over On Puppies Leaving Mom… Eight weeks is the general consensus among professionals on when puppies can safely leave their mothers. At eight weeks old, puppies should be fully weaned and moving about independently. Between eight and ten weeks, they will be ready for a new home and a new adventure! Taking care of a puppy on its first night is stressful for you and them! However, it can be fun and exciting, too. 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.