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Puppy pads Create a Schedule Golden Retriever pups would do well with a schedule. Dogs live with a routine, and they are easy to train by having one. For this reason, make a schedule of the things you need to do regularly. Eventually, your pup will learn the routine events and will make itself adept at them. It will help you prepare for your pet, especially in the first few days of living together. As you allow your pet to adjust, do your best to create a stress-free environment for it. Always supervise it as it familiarizes itself with its new home. It can even grow louder as they age. Moderate Training Golden Retrievers responds well, especially to positive reinforcement. Squeaky Toys Out of all toys, your pet will love the squeaky ones. For this reason, prepare for a lot of loud squeaks every time your pet is active. Thus, in picking your pet, you may want to consider getting it from the best. Tells you any health problems A good breeder will tell you any significant health problems in any of the dogs he or she bred. Asks more questions than you A good breeder would ask for more items from you than you would for him or her. Not in a hurry to send off A good breeder is not in a hurry to send the puppies off and get your money. He or she will even show you other breeders and veterinarians caring for their dogs. Requires expectations on both sides A good breeder will create a contract that offers not only what he or she expects from you. More than that, he or she will also show what you can expect from him or her. Sends puppies properly A good breeder will never send a puppy in a compartment and without any responsible person to go with it. Works only with one or two breeds A good breeder works only with a single or a couple of species. Shows breeding experience A good breeder shows her dogs in recognized confirmation shows. He or she will also join his or her breed in other breed-related performance events. Other states. Welcome to "Nichols White Goldens" So happy that all the puppies have found their new loving families! Stay tuned for news and future litters! Please check the About Us section to learn more. Amesbury Police Department On behalf of Chief Craig Bailey, the Amesbury Police Department is proud to announce that after months of hard work Whittier has been officially certified as the departments first Therapy Dog! Our business began over a life time of love and knowledge for the Golden breed. We are a family of experienced breeders with a reputation for quality, healthy Golden Retrievers. Our dogs are calm tempered and know for their handsome looks. The Golden Retriever breed is renowned for its easy training style and dedication to its owner and families. Our English Creams range in color from light golden, to pure white, a very rare color. Our pups have been featured in Pets Edge professional sales catalog, veterinarian publications and Boston area news. Amesbury Police welcome therapy dog! Always a treat to see long lost puppies all grown up! More Family Photos. Call or text Dan Very well mannered little puppies : Items Included: If you're ready for a puppy now we could schedule a time for you to come and meet the puppies and see if the match is right for you. These pups are ready to go now so if the match is right - the puppy can go home with your family that day. I'll send you home with a complete medical record and health certificate for the puppy which can be sent directly to your vet for continued care. I'll also send you home with plenty of food and we can discuss feeding plans while you're here. I'll give you enough to continue with the current food or transition into a food of your choice. We do health certifications on the puppies at 6 weeks and around weeks, just prior to going home. This is a point check that includes a thorough assessment of the puppy's general appearance, respiratory system, ears, eyes, integumentary system, digestive system, neural systems, circulatory system including checking for heart murmurs , musculoskeletal system, genitourinary system, lymph nodes, and mucous membranes. These are puppies that haven't been on the planet very long, and we do our best to ensure they are as healthy as possible prior to joining your family.

It was so obvious that this puppy was blue and it was the only one in the litter. It was already sold and so was I. I then met Dawn Malcolm as I was looking for a traditional colored show type stud male. Dawn shared with me that she has a solid blue male and had a strong love for the livers and blues too. That was 12 years ago and our friendship is still very strong. I am glad we joined the Yahoo email group as I met some great people who were as interested in sharing in the goals I have set forth expanding the blue gene pool. With the help of many friends I incorporated various GSD with the blue gene to start my own lines. Over the years all have proven to be a valuable asset not only because of their color but because of their various personalities, health and structure. Some needed physical traits improved, others needed tweaking in the personality department to be what I feel is an ideal companion bred GSD which is what most average families need. She is a blue brindle born here. Many of my others carry the blue gene. Tanzietu - is Tanzies blue fawn daughter, her father is Miner so she carries long coat and can carry liver from her father. She is a puppy and will be included in the program as she matures. How did blue get into the GSD gene pool? The color has been apart of the original gene pool from the start. The puppies born of a blue GSD that are expressing the color blue themselves are born a very striking shade of blue. Shades of blue Blue is a dilution of black. It is lighter than black, and in some cases, it is very apparent that they are still blue as adults. The puppies are born a very pretty shade of blue and many of them turn to almost like a steel gray black as adults. Others are a lighter shade of blue. None the less the gene responsible for blue in the GSD is the D gene. Again, blue is a dilution of black. Therefore blue GSD are unable to produce any black on the dog. Every where traditionally seen black is, is blue with the dog has the D gene. Including the nose leather, eye rims, lips, and paw pads will all be a dark shade of blue and not black. When puppies are young their eyes appear to be very brilliant blue as all puppies are born with blue eyes but they do change over to a light yellow wolf eye or even to an amber orange eye as they mature. Is your GSD blue or carry blue? Feel free to send me a picture of your puppy or dog you feel may be blue. Keep in mind blue is the color, the patterns can be solid, sable, saddle, with and without other patterns panda, brindle, white spotting ect.Do you want to know for sure if your GSD is blue or carries blue? There are several color testing companies out there and we have used a few different companies our selves. The most recent company we have used is Embark. Not only does it test for all colors, it screens for several genetic diseases all in one test. We will be using this on many of our dogs in the next year. Thank you Embark for creating such a valuable tool for breeding. Scroll through the albums and if you do not find what you are looking for please send me a message. Keep in mind you do not have to have a facebook page to see this page. Breeds The link has been copied! Get ready to be blown away by the blue hue beauty of the Blue German Shepherd, a rare and captivating canine breed that's bound to steal your heart! Imagine the iconic strength and intelligence of a traditional German Shepherd, but with a mesmerizing twist: a shimmering, silvery-blue coat that makes them stand out like a sapphire gem in a sea of pebbles. But wait, there's more to this extraordinary pup than meets the eye! These blue bombshells are fiercely loyal, intelligent, and hardworking, just like their classic counterparts. So, if you're eager to learn more about this wondrous woofer, buckle up and join us on a fun and enthralling journey as we explore the magical world of Blue German Shepherds. Trust us, you'll be howling with excitement before you know it! This unique variation of the beloved German Shepherd breed boasts a distinctive silvery-blue coat, which is the result of a recessive gene. Their striking appearance still maintains the classic features of a standard German Shepherd, including their athletic build, almond-shaped eyes, and perky ears. Though they share the same breed lineage, the Blue German Shepherd's fur color sets them apart from their traditional counterparts. However, it's important to note that their temperament, intelligence, and working abilities remain on par with those of their more commonly recognized relatives. In fact, these blue beauties are just as capable of excelling in various roles such as police work, search and rescue, and service dog positions. Decoding the Genetics of the Blue German Shepherd's Coat To truly appreciate the Blue German Shepherd, one must delve into the fascinating world of canine coat color genetics. The blue hue in these dogs results from a recessive gene that dilutes the black pigment, causing it to appear silvery-blue. Both parents must carry this recessive gene for their offspring to inherit the blue coat. In German Shepherds, two pigments determine the coat color: eumelanin black and phaeomelanin red. Various genes control the distribution and intensity of these pigments, which ultimately defines the final coat color. In the case of Blue German Shepherds, a dilution gene d impacts the eumelanin, creating their signature blue sheen. It's essential to note that although blue is a non-standard color for the breed, it doesn't negatively affect the dog's health, temperament, or abilities. Since the blue coat is a result of a recessive gene, it is much less common than the standard coat colors typically seen, such as the black and tan, sable, or solid black German Shepherd. The infrequency of blue coat inheritance means that breeders who specialize in this color variation often have fewer puppies available, making them highly sought after by enthusiasts. Despite their scarcity, it's important to remember that these striking dogs still require the same training, socialization, and care as any other German Shepherd. Their rarity should never be a reason to overlook their fundamental needs as intelligent, active, and loyal companions. Exploring Blue Color Variations While the Blue German Shepherd is already a rare and captivating variation, it's important to note that their blue hue can manifest in different shades and patterns. Some Blue German Shepherds may have a lighter, almost silver-blue coat, while others may exhibit a darker, steel-blue shade. This breathtaking array of blue tones is part of what makes this breed so enchanting. Additionally, the blue color may appear in various patterns, including blue and tan, solid blue, or even blue sable. Each of these patterns further highlights the uniqueness and diversity of the Blue German Shepherd, making them truly remarkable in the world of canine coat colors. The Blue German Shepherd Temperament A Blue German Shepherd's captivating coat color doesn't change the breed's inherent temperament, which is characterized by loyalty, intelligence, and a strong work ethic. These dogs are known for their versatility in performing tasks, be it as police dogs, search and rescue workers, or service animals. However, it is essential to note that this coat color does not change the breed's inherent temperament, which is what makes them such a remarkable and sought-after dog. One of the most prominent characteristics of a Blue German Shepherd is their loyalty. These dogs are incredibly devoted to their owners and will do anything to protect them. This trait makes them an ideal choice for families looking for a loyal and affectionate pet that will provide a sense of security. In addition to their loyalty, Blue German Shepherds are also highly intelligent. They are quick learners and respond well to training. This trait makes them a popular choice for police and military work, where their ability to learn and follow commands is essential. Another defining trait of this breed is their strong work ethic. Blue German Shepherds are known for their versatility in performing various tasks, such as search and rescue, service animals, and police work. They are incredibly diligent and take their work seriously, making them a dependable and valuable asset in any working environment. When it comes to raising a Blue German Shepherd, socialization and training from a young age are crucial. Proper socialization helps to ensure that your dog is comfortable in various situations and environments. This, combined with consistent training, will help your Blue German Shepherd develop into a well-rounded, confident, and friendly dog that is eager to please and protect its loved ones. Exercise and Training for Blue German Shepherds As with any German Shepherd, the blue variation requires regular exercise and mental stimulation to maintain their health and happiness. These dogs are highly active and need daily walks, playtime, and training sessions to keep them physically fit and mentally sharp. Activities such as hiking, fetch, and agility training, or a flirt pole can be excellent ways to engage your Blue German Shepherd and channel their energy. Training should begin early and be consistent, as these intelligent dogs thrive on structure and guidance. Positive reinforcement methods, such as praise, treats, and toys, are most effective for training a Blue German Shepherd. Keep in mind that this breed is known for its high intelligence, so challenging them with new commands or advanced training is an excellent way to keep them engaged and eager to learn. Remember, a well-exercised and well-trained Blue German Shepherd is a happy and content companion that will bond closely with their family, showcasing their loyalty and affection. High-quality dog food, formulated for their size, age, and activity level, is essential to support their overall well-being. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations and monitor your dog's weight to prevent obesity, which can lead to various health issues. Blue German Shepherds are susceptible to the same health concerns as their standard counterparts, including hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat. Regular veterinary check-ups, a healthy diet, and proper exercise can all help minimize the risk of these conditions and ensure your dog enjoys a long, happy life. Balanced Diet A balanced diet is essential to ensure your Blue German Shepherd gets all the necessary nutrients for optimal health. High-quality dog food, formulated for their size, age, and activity level, is recommended to support their specific needs. Avoid giving them table scraps or human food, which can be harmful to their health. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized recommendations, as some dogs may require a special diet due to health conditions or allergies. Weight Management Obesity is a common issue among dogs and can lead to various health problems, including joint issues, diabetes, and heart disease. Monitor your Blue German Shepherd's weight and adjust their diet and exercise routine accordingly to prevent obesity. Follow the recommended portion sizes on the dog food label, and avoid overfeeding or giving too many treats. Regular Veterinary Check-ups Blue German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, such as hip and elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, and bloat. Schedule regular veterinary check-ups to detect any health issues early and get prompt treatment. Ask your veterinarian for recommendations on preventive care, such as vaccinations, parasite control, and dental cleanings. These dogs have a double coat, which consists of a dense, insulating undercoat and a protective outer coat. Regular brushing, at least two to three times per week, is necessary to remove loose hair and minimize shedding. During shedding seasons , daily brushing may be needed to keep your home hair-free and your dog comfortable. In addition to brushing, routine grooming should include regular teeth cleaning, nail trimming, and ear cleaning to prevent infections and maintain overall hygiene. By establishing a consistent grooming routine, you can keep your Blue German Shepherd looking and feeling their best. To groom a Blue German Shepherd, follow these simple steps: Brush their coat two to three times per week with a slicker brush or pin brush to remove loose hair and prevent matting. Clean their teeth two to three times per week with a soft-bristled toothbrush and dog toothpaste to maintain good oral hygiene. Trim their nails regularly to prevent discomfort and joint problems. Clean their ears with a cotton ball or soft cloth and a dog ear cleaning solution to prevent infections. The Impact of Blue Color on Health The blue coat color in German Shepherds is a result of a recessive gene, and it does not inherently affect the dog's overall health. Blue German Shepherds are just as healthy and capable as their traditionally colored counterparts when it comes to their physical abilities and temperament. However, it's essential to choose a reputable breeder who prioritizes the health of their dogs over coat color. Reputable breeders will ensure that their breeding dogs undergo necessary health tests and screenings to minimize the risk of genetic health issues in their puppies. As long as you choose a responsible breeder, the blue color should not impact the health or well-being of your Blue German Shepherd. Interpreting the Significance of Blue in Various Dog Breeds The blue coat color is not exclusive to German Shepherds; several other dog breeds also exhibit this captivating hue. In most cases, the blue color results from the same genetic factors: a dilution of the black pigment eumelanin. Some dog breeds where blue coats can be seen include: Australian Cattle Dogs. This recessive gene dilutes any black pigment on the dog including coat color, nose leather, foot pads, toe nails, lips, etc. It also affects their eye color. Blue pups have a beautiful light gray coat as babies, as they age however is usually darkens up quite a bit, the ones that darken up are called "steel" blues. To the untrained eye, they can be mistaken for regular blacks. There is also "Powder" blues, they tend to lighten up in color and always stay a very noticeable gray color. Powder blues are not seen very often. A blue pup with sable markings We have a couple blues and a few dogs who carry the blue gene. We choose these dogs first and foremost because their temperament, structure and health aligns with the goals of our breeding program. A beautiful unique color is just icing on the cake of an already exceptional dog. Our non-traditional color lines have some of the highest hip ratings in the US! We have produced non-traditional colored GSDs that compete in obedience, agility, nose work, etc. I personally love the non-traditional colored German Shepherds. These colors are been in the breed since the beginning and our foundation girl Rose just happened to be a blue! Final Thoughts German Shepherds can be of different colors — tan, red, sable, liver, black, white, gray, or a mix of them. This article is devoted to one more very interesting and rare variety of this breed — a blue German Shepherd dog. You will learn about the origins of this color in dogs caused by genetics, their appearance and behavior, popular myth and misconceptions related to them, and the possible differences of these animals from other Shepherd dogs. If you are interested in getting a loyal friend of magnificently unusual color and look, this information will be very helpful for you. The dogs are not really blue. It is a diluted black color that looks quite specific. Despite many myths and wrong beliefs, there are not any sufficient differences in the overall look and behavior of such doggies. Moreover, it is not a separate breed as some people may believe. That is why the history of a blue GSD started simultaneously with the history of a German Shepherd as a breed. Sometime in the middle of the 19th century, a retired German Cavalry officer, Max von Stephanitz by name, decided to breed the most perfect canines for his sheep farms. It took him about forty years to complete the process and obtain a working dog that could deal with herding and guarding. Of course, a blue coat German Shepherd is not navy-blue or sky-blue. It looks like its immediate predecessor — a wolf — but only a bit darker. Such a color is also called diluted black. Though, the latter combination can sometimes result in this if both parents do have it. Geneticists argue that it stands for blue or diluted black. This gene can completely block black, resulting in an ultimate blue. They are medium-to-large canines with a lifespan of years. These animals look beautiful and quite aesthetic. They are not allowed for shows, though, in the USA because the American Kennel Club considers the diluted color a big fault. Apart from such an unusual color, they have a different pigmentation of noses, eye rims, and paw-pads. There are some minor variations of this shading, such as bicolor, sable , saddle, or solid blue. You can also come across dark-steel blue or light-powder blue, and other variants. These colors look magnificent, indeed. So, if you are a German Shepherd enthusiast, this dog is right for you. Not all blue Shepherds have blue eyes. Even if a puppy was born with this eye color, it may change to light brown or amber over time. The coat can be either long or medium. It is doubled with a dense protective upper layer and a soft undercoat that helps withstand weather conditions. The blue GSD can shed a lot , so it needs frequent brushing and grooming all the time. Males grow to inches or cm tall, and their weight varies between pounds or kg. Females are smaller and more gracious. They are inches or cm tall and pounds or kg heavy. The color cannot determine the size of the dog, either. A blue coat German Shepherd does not make a good apartment dog because it is too big and needs a lot of activity and exercise. However, if you can provide your pet with enough room and regular movement, you can enjoy it as your house dog. A lot of energy requires good amounts of exercise. These dogs are intelligent, brave, faithful, and protective. They are quite independent and aloof to strangers if trained properly. That said, private homes and landed properties are the best space if you consider acquiring this animal. These dogs need a lot of socializing and dedicated training. If they do not receive that, they may express aggressiveness and separation anxiety. You cannot even think about chaining them up. Their temperament does not differ much, either. They are incredibly loving and owner-pleasing. That is why you should not leave them alone for a long time. They say that the diluted genes can cause color dilution alopecia. However, this characteristic is true for Dobermans but not Shepherds. They include elbow and hip dysplasia. Dysplasia is a condition when the joints are formed in the wrong way, so they become painful over time. It may even result in lameness. This condition is a characteristic of all big dogs, not only German Shepherds, and it does not relate to their color. Like all other dogs bred from a single bloodline, Shepherds can suffer from specific genetic mutations. They include degradation of the spinal cord which is called degenerative myelopathy. It is a slowly developing and non-painful condition that becomes more obvious when the animal gets older. They are also prone to congenital heart defects, for example, patent ductus arteriosus, pulmonic stenosis, and aortic stenosis. Receiving health certificates from the breeder , including X-ray test certificates, will spare you from the need to spend a lot of money on veterinary care. It is highly appreciated by dog lovers for its stunning color, though breeders are not interested in raising these dogs because such animals cannot participate in shows and competitions. All these factors cause higher prices of such animals. The champion pedigree dogs will cost much more. Those Shepherds who have the show line or protection traits may even cost more. Such dogs do not look intimidating or scary. It goes without saying that their unusual color does not add much to their overall look as an aggressive and dangerous beast. True enthusiasts of this color know well that such animals look very attractive, and their magnificent wolf-like look adds a lot to the overall appreciation and love. Blue Shepherds are not useless just because they are not allowed for shows in America. They can still participate in IPO, nose work, and agility events. Moreover, they can be effective family protectors and companions because they are very loyal and intelligent. This is not a separate breed but just a color variation of a German Shepherd caused by a specific gene combination. The gene affects eumelanin the dark pigment , so no signs of black can be preserved. The diluting gene does not influence the temperament of such dogs. They are not more aggressive or disobedient than any other color of German Shepherds if raised and trained properly. The color of the coat caused by this specific gene combination does not influence health. A blue German Shepherd dog can suffer from the same health issues as other Shepherds of different colors, but there are no additional gene-related health issues. No, it is not. This is just a variation of a GSD caused by a specific combination of genes. The black color is diluted, resulting in a blue-and-gray tint. All the other characteristic features of the breed are the same as for all the rest colors of German Shepherds. Is a blue GSD a rare dog? Yes, it is. Moreover, most breeders are not interested in raising blue-coated dogs because they are not allowed for shows. What color variations can a blue German Shepherd dog have? However, they can have such pattern variations as solid blue, blue and tan, blue bicolor with minor tan spots , and blue sable. Are blue Shepherds purebred? Yes, they are pedigree dogs, but not a mixed breed. They appear in purebred litters among other puppies due to the gene combination but they are as genetically pure as all others. A recessive gene that causes this unusual color has been already recognized by the American Kennel Club as pure, though they are still forbidden or disqualified from shows and appearance competitions. Are there any specific health issues in blue Shepherds? The blue color of the coat does not result in any specific health issues. These dogs are as healthy, strong, and energetic as their counterparts of another color. They may be prone to the same hip and elbow dysplasia and heart and joint problems as other dogs if bred or cared for improperly. Final Thoughts When you want to acquire a blue GSD, you should understand the overall needs and requirements of German Shepherds but not only of those whose coat is blue. You should know how to manage, take care of , and control it. Consider whether you have enough time and patience for everyday reinforcement, training, and exercise. These dogs need a lot of living space because they are full of energy. Keeping them in a small apartment is not the best idea. You should also keep in mind that a blue coat German Shepherd is a heavy shedder, so it has quite specific grooming requirements. Remember that adopting such an animal is not just a fashion statement but a serious responsibility. 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. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. It's true - there are German Shepherds that are blue. In fact, German Shepherd Dogs come in various colors and also in a lot of different color patterns too. Others say that the blue colour is simply a gene mutation, and as such the blue German Shepherds should never be bred from, and overtime the gene should be bread out of the species completely. The blue German Shepherd, technically, a diluted Black Shepherd with 2 recessive genes. The Dd dilution gene affects coat colour in the main, but can also change the colour of eyes and noses. All coat colours and patterns are controlled by a set or group of genes that work together. In standard German Shepherds you will see descriptions and breakdowns that speak of the A genes, which control the black and red colouring in the dog through the release of melanin, and this affects the generic base colour and variations. However, the colouring of the blue German Shepherd is controlled by a different gene, the D gene spoken of earlier. All genes come in pairs, and it takes the presence of the big D and little d pair to produce the blue German Shepherd. The big D produces full strength coat colour and is the dominant gene, and the little d produces a dilute colour, which is the recessive gene. For the Blue Shepherd to be created he needs two copies of the diluted recessive gene, one from each parent, in order to have the diluted blue fur. If both parents have blue fur color their offspring will have it also however it is also possible for the color to appear in regular black and tan German Shepherd Dogs if both parents have the recessive genes. In addition to the above, the Blue German Shepherd takes three variations in blue colour, they come in blue and black, blue and sable and blue and tan, and again it is all dependent on the mix of different genes. Additionally, the blue German Shepherd can also be a variety of lighter and darker blues. Steel blue is the darker shade, and powder blue is the lighter of the two. It can be difficult to identify a steel blue on his own, but when you stand him next to a black German Shepherd, you can easily tell the difference in colour. How do they look? If you've never seen one of these dogs just imagine that everywhere there is black on the GSD normally, that you now see kind of a dusty grey colour. In some cases the blue might look kind of dusty, like someone spilled flour on the dog's coat but then in other cases it might be more of a darker gunmetal colour. Although it is rare and frowned upon by the AKC don't let the blue colour scare you away. A healthy blue German Shepherd is a very handsome animal and has all the same loyal and intelligent traits as regular colored German Shepherds. Many owners who have an unfavourably coloured German Shepherd have suggested that their pups face colour discrimination in events even in competitions where color should not be judged. The males will weigh between 65 and 90 pounds, and they will measure 24 to 26 inches in height from paw to shoulder, also known as the withers. The females will weigh between 50 and 70 pounds and will measure 22 to 24 inches at the withers. Additionally, it is common for the blue German Shepherd to have lighter coloured eyes, such as light blue, golden brown or yellow compared to the darker eyes of normal colored German Shepherds. Again, this is controlled by the recessive genes explained above. Because of their appearance, the blue German Shepherd is often mistaken for a blue Malinois, or with yellow eyes can often look similar to a dark grey wolf. They are super affectionate with their immediate family and enjoy a cuddle on the sofa and lounging around home. The blue German Shepherd is known for their confident and courageous personality. If properly trained and socialized their natural guarding tendencies work great in a home environment. Blue German Shepherds can also be aloof with strangers, or outsiders of the pack if improperly socialized but if raised correctly they are lovely, loyal dogs. The blue German Shepherd, like any other German Shepherd, is a medium energy dog and requires up to 60 minutes of exercise a day. High intensity exercise that tests their mental abilities as well as their physical are their favorite. Your dog would also require mental stimulation throughout the day, such as playing interactive games with his you, patrolling the yard, or taking part in training sessions. Because of their guarding tendencies early socialization is key to a happy hound and household! They are working dogs, and they like to pull if they are not trained properly. We also recommend crate training from a young age. Unlike other breeds, such as the French Bulldog, the colour blue is not indicative of health issues or problematic personality traits. The diluted gene is often linked to health issues in other breeds, such as Colour Dilution Alopecia in Weimaraner, but the blue German Shepherd is not known to suffer any diluted colour related health issues. Simply put, the blue German Shepherd is simply a colour variation, and their health is exactly the same as a traditional coloured German Shepherd. Elbow and Hip Dysplasia is an abnormal formation in the elbow and hip joints which is prevalent in larger breeds of dogs. Over time this formation can cause pain in their joints and can often lead to crippling arthritis in older dogs. Because German Shepherds are susceptible to bloat, it is advised to spread food across several sittings during the day. The exact amount of food will vary on the size of your dog and their activity levels throughout the day. Grooming The blue GSD often has a medium length outercoat with a dense undercoat. Due to the thick undercoat, they are heavy shedders. To keep their coat nice throughout the year you will need to brush them 2 or 3 times a week. During shedding season you will need to brush them every day. You should wash your GSD every 6 to 8 weeks to keep the coat clean and help with shedding. Specialist dog shampoos and shedding products help make managing the coat easier. It is possible for blue German Shepherds to have a long coat but it is very rare. Because their colour is more on the rare side, you may end up paying a slightly higher premium for this colour of the breed. These dogs are rarer than their tan and black saddle siblings i. This can make it difficult to find one to buy. German Shepherds are larger dogs, and can have large litter sizes. With an average of eight puppies in a litter; a blue German Shepherd puppy may show up unexpectantly. If you would prefer to adopt, the German Shepherd Club of America has a list of available rescues and rescue centres all over the country. Adopting A Blue German Shepherd On the other hand, if you are considering rescuing a German Shepherd, then the American German Shepherd Rescue Association has listed rescue centres dedicated to this breed and you may find some blues that need a home. Finishing Up Blue German Shepherds make great family pets. They are fun, intelligent, trainable, affectionate, loyal and protective. If they are socialized from a young age, they are great with children and other pets and will be a lovely member of the family for years. Naturally, all dogs have their own quirks that make them unique, just like all humans, and a blue GSD will be no different. Generally, however, German Shepherds are intelligent and fun to be around and love to spend hours playing in the garden with their family. If you do adopt one of these beautiful pups then it might be wise to let your neighbours know so that they think you have a stray wolf in your yard! For more information about the blue German shepherds, you can consult different social networks of groups responsible for the upbringing and care of the GSD, like the American Blue Bay Shepherd Association. Sign up for promotions, news, discounts, and the chance to win prizes for you and your German Shepherd E-mail Address.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Click here to add your own text and edit me. Welcome to the Sergeant's Boxers website! Thank you for stopping by! We are Cassie and Luke! First off, Boxers are the absolute best family members imaginable. Luke and I gained our first boxer family member in .From the very beginning, we were hooked! We then gained our newest addition, Diva and boy does her name fit her well! We were overjoyed with our family fur-members and wanted to provide joy to other families. That is when we decided we wanted to breed Boxers and bring love and happiness to other families, just as our Boxers brought love and happiness into ours. Our family continued to grow, as did our happiness and joy! We now have 8 boxers and one spayed boxer mix. All are our fur-kids come first and foremost! Diva and Sergeant had their first litter in .Since then, we have learned so much about the breed and about producing healthy puppies. A lot of thought and research goes into each and every breeding. In the early part of , we started showing. This was such a new experience for us, but we enjoyed it so very much! Bailey was our first girl to show and she had a blast! Her face would light up when trotting around the ring. She obtained her International and National Champion Title that weekend and we were so very proud of her! Remington and Diva were a little hesitant at first, but ended up doing very well by the end of the weekend. By the 4th run, they were so excited to get out there and perform! They ran their hearts out and smiled while doing so. It also helped that daddy was there the second day and waiting at the finish line for them : Captain and Benelli went to their first show in June of .Benelli was just 3 months old and competed in the baby class. She did so very well! She gained great ratings that first day and caught the eyes of everyone there! Captain also did very well! He strutted around the ring and smiled the entire time! It was not hard to see that this was something he enjoyed so very much! We couldn't wait to get them back out there for the next show! In September of , we went to 2 shows! The first show was a UKC show. Captain and Bailey competed and had a blast. Captain obtained his UKC Champion. Bailey obtained all of the points needed and is now only waiting for her competition wins. We cant wait to call her a UKC Champion too! Captain gained his National, International and Honors Ch. At only 3 months old, Dawn made it to Best of Show during this show! It is the best feeling in the world to see the smiles on their faces and their eyes lighting up! They all had a blast! Captain obtained his Honors Bronze Champion Title. Both girls did well. They both won first in each of their classes and Dawn won Reserve Best of Breed in all four shows. We were unable to attend due to puppies being at home, but didnt want the girls to miss out on a great weekend of showing! Dawn got first in class for all three shows. Benelli got first in class all three shows. Benelli also got Reserve Best Female in two show and Best female in one show. For being at a show without mama and dad, the girls did so good! Im so proud of them and a special thanks to Angie for talking the girls! We look forward to the upcoming shows and we are so very excited!! Benelli gained another competition win and many points to add towards obtaining her UKC Champion Title! I have no doubt she will obtain the rest of the needed points and competition win needed to obtain her title soon! The girls did great, even with the judges all wearing masks! We can not wait until the next show!! This was Sergeant's first show and he surprised us all!! We had a blast! Results will be posted in each of their files. Sergeant, Harley, Captain and Dawn participated and did very well! Captain even made it to the Best of Show on Sunday! Dawn and Remi did absolutely wonderful! Harley struggled a bit. She wanted to catch the line instead of the lure! Anyways, they all had a great time and we will certainly be back for more! Harley and Captain got to attend the Norman show! Harley won Reserve Ch x3 shows. Captain and our friend Junior handler Alicia Hood won x1 best Junior class! They both did great! Can't wait until the next show! Remi also came out to the show for her very first time! Dawn and Harley also attended and both did well. Captain, of course, tagged along too! Results will be posted once they are posted on UKC site, as I completely forgot to write down results while at the show! Such an exciting sport. Watching them be so excited to chase the lure is absolutely fun times!! We traveled all of the way there to be a part of this amazing show! We earned a total of 9 titles in both Dock Jumping and Precision Coursing! Harley showed in a couple of shows there, but did not place she was too busy worrying about diving and Captain got to strut around in the TOP 10 Boxer ring! Huge Congratulations to these girls!! Information to come! This means that for every litter, Sergeants Boxers will go down the list and offer puppies to the families in order of deposits received. The family may choose a puppy from the current litter or may pass to wait for a later litter. Even if the family initially expressed the desire for a puppy from a future litter early in the conversation, they will still be asked if they would like to select a puppy when the current litter selections start. Selections start at each litter's 6 weeks of age mark. This allows the families to not only pick from color, but also from personality. Please know that these can change at any time and are only listed for reference. This is non-negotiable. Questions about Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas TX? We have answers. How much are Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas TX? This is often the case and can be for several reasons. Do I have to choose from local breeders near me? Not at all! How are breeders selected for your network? This is because we have high standards when it comes to Boxer for sale Dallas and care about connecting homes like yours with only the top notch breeders and business in the industry. Learn more from our Breeder Pledge and find Boxer puppies for sale in Dallas now. You can take a lot of the negative stress out of your Dallas Boxer puppy for sale puppy search by choosing to work with Uptown Puppies. We are highly selective when it comes to breeders and businesses in our network, meaning you can have peace of mind knowing your puppy is coming from an ethical breeder or business. Should I worry about puppy mills? There are plenty of them and they are essentially factories that produce as many puppies as possible with no care for the well being of the animals in their care. These puppies often have health problems down the road. Are there puppies available now in your network? Once you decide to work with Uptown Puppies and look for Dallas Boxer puppies for sale, you can start browsing through available puppies right away and get one step closer to finding your dream companion. Boxers have ancestors that can be traced as far back as B. They were originally bred as hunters and became more popular across Europe in the 16th century before coming to the U. Are Boxers good family dogs? Boxer puppies Dallas are considered great family dogs because of how much energy they have and how much they absolutely love to play! Their playful energy allows them to keep up with any equal energy children in the household! They also bond quickly with all members of the household, and like to take on a guardian role. What can I expect with a Boxer breed? Boxers are so popular and beloved for a good reason, they are charming, playful and dedicated companions who brighten your day with their affection. You can expect for Boxers for sale Dallas to be high energy and always ready for the next adventure to go on. They also will bond with you quickly and are able to be trained easily. How big is a full grown Boxer? Dallas Boxers for sale are a medium to large sized dog breed and range from about inches tall and can weigh in anywhere from pounds depending on the sex. Once your tiny little puppy grows into adulthood, they are a good size for apartment or house living as long as they get out for plenty of exercise!

Bernedoodles come in a variety of sizes and colors. Color is heavily determined by the Poodle parent and what colors are in its pedigree. Their colors can be pure black, black and white, black and brown or the tri-color look that the Bernese has of brown, sable, brindle, chocolate and phantom. There are typically three types of coat. The curlier the coat the less it will shed. Most Bernedoodles have the wavy type coat that is low- to non-shedding. Straight Coat: Like the Bernese coat, it may have a slight wave to it. This coat will shed, less than a Bernese, but noticeably. It is rare to see a Bernedoodle with a straighter coat, however, the straighter the coat, the more it will shed. This type of coat is minimal- to non-shedding. Curly Coat: This is the most similar to the Poodle coat and should not shed. The curlier the coat, the less it will shed. Since most Bernedoodles shed little, they need to be brushed regularly to prevent matting For lower maintenance, you can have their hair clipped every few months, depending on the desired look. This can be done professionally or you can learn to do it yourself. Brushing your bernedoodle will make shedding less noticeable. Puppies should only be taken to the groomer after it has had its full set of vaccines. They should be taken as soon as you can, to get them use to the groomers and the process of being bathed, ears cleaned and nails clipped, or if you choose to do this yourself. There are no guarantees what type of coat a Bernedoodle will have. Bernedoodles are not fully hypoallergenic but do tend to be allergy-friendly. Most people allergic to the dog dander, usually tend to be fine with a Bernedoodle. However, this is not a guarantee. An F1B does tend to be even more 'allergy friendly'. It really depends on what size the Parents are in its pedigree. We can only estimate weights according to parents size. Females do tend to be smaller than males. These are only ranges and a puppy can be out of the expected range when crossing two different breeds. The Standard Bernedoodle is bs in weight and inches in height. The Mini is lbs in weight and inches in height. The Tiny is lbs and inches in height. Our Bernedoodles are from excellent bloodlines and all Pedigree information traces back to their AKC lineage. Our Dams and Sires have obtained extensive health clearances prior to being bred. These dogs will have a higher success rate for non-shedding, and are recommended for families with allergies. F1 Bernedoodles all have loose wavy coats that are typically minimal to light shedding, while F1B Bernedoodles coats can be loose wavy just like the F1 or curly and there are both coat types within the F1B litter. The F1B Bernedoodle is typically minimal to non-shedding. The coat of a Bernedoodle can vary from straight, loose wavy or curly. An F1 Bernedoodle will have a loose wavy coat, while an F1B Bernedoodle litter has both curly and loose wavy coats within the litter. The coat colors of Bernedoodles can vary based on the color genetics of the parents. We will also have Parti Bernedoodles. Daily walks are a must if you don't have a safely enclosed area for them to run freely. The Bernedoodle can be independent and does great being with family engaging in play, then happily laying on their own with a toy. It is still unknown how long Bernedoodles will live as it is a newer cross. The expected lifespan is hoped to be years. As with any dog, socialization and training should start while the dog is still a puppy and continue throughout its life. Look for a puppy kindergarten class locally or join the AKC S. Puppy Program , training based on positive techniques. You do not have to be an AKC purebred puppy to participate in their S. Puppy Program. Find a class here. This is a great place to start socializing and training. A well-socialized, well-trained Bernedoodle makes a wonderful family companion. Early socialization and training establishes those lifetime bonds between the family and puppy as these programs teach you how to communicate with your new puppy and get started on the right foot. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. What IS a Bernedoodle? These are NOT mutts which implies a breeding between unknown breeds or not carefully planned. These are designer breeds that are bred for a specific purpose. We produce an incredible bernedoodle that displays the qualities of both our champion line Standard Poodles and the Bernese Mountain Dog pedigrees. The advantage of a carefully planned mixed breed is that you get the added advantage of a phenomenon called "hybrid vigor". This process shuffles new combinations of genes that helps to increase longevity and decrease the usual ailments that impact many purebred dogs such as various forms of inherited types of cancer not all cancers have a genetic basis such as small and large cell lymphoma which is usually a result from environmental exposure. The bernedoodles are super healthy and are not as prone to the same issues that Bernese mountain dogs and standard poodles are. As a result, you have a family member for a lot longer and that will live a vibrant and healthy life if properly cared for diet, exercise, and family integration are all important components toward helping the dog to live a long happy life with you.You can see the links above about the qualities of Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs as both are extraordinary breeds in their own right and for many, purebreds of these may be a great option as well. We prefer the Bernedoodle as they get the best of both breeds, incredibly loyal, goofy, smart, playful, intelligent, and has one of the best dog personalities we have seen in a family dog. The Premier F1 Standard Bernedoodle is a low- to mostly nonshedding we use standard poodles that do not carry the improper coat alleles and Bernese mountain dogs that have thick wavy curly coats.If you want a guarantee on non shedding, then you should try to select an F1b or F1bb bernedoodle. Both look amazingly similar to the F1 standard bernedoodles but maybe a little smaller. We will produce about 2 F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodle litters per year for those wanting a more curly coat in their bernedoodles. Premier Bernedoodles love to be with the family and do not do well in enviroments of isolation. Wherever the family is, that's right where they want to be. They are stunning dogs, and you'll likely get alot of attention and people asking you what kind of dog you have. They are beautiful and along with their incredibly gentle personalities, you will have an absolutely stunning dog. They are a perfect companion dog that love to go on walks through the city or hikes in the woods or mountains or a swim at the beach. They love it all and will be at your side the entire time. They don't tend to wander away as they prefer to be with you.They equally love just hanging out with you on the couch watching your favorite movie or watching you reading a book. They really love it all as long as you're a part of it. They are so loyal to the family. Bernedoodle puppies do have energy like most puppies, and this will continue thru about years of age at which time they really mellow out. They are not nervous nor hyper but will need some off leash time where they can really stretch their legs and run. The old motto "a tired puppy is a good puppy" always prevails! Just make sure they have a lot of fresh water and a cool spot to cool off afterward. Due to the the recombination and shuffling of new genetic variations, they do show some variation in their coloration however they also all have a common morphology that tells you it's a bernedoodle. Although we do take deposits on a first come, first pick basis, we will know the puppies well, their personalities, and can help select a puppy that best fits your lifestyle and what you are looking for. We only use Standard Poodles and Bernese Mountain Dogs to produce our Premier Bernedoodles so that any dog we accept into our Premier Bernedoodle program have passed stringent health tests, display family oriented personalities, and exhibit the best of conformation so that our bernedoodles are absolutely beautiful. Be very cautious when purchasing a purebred or bernedoodle without doing your due diligence as the puppies will always be cute, but will exhibit the personalities of the bloodline used later in life.Therefore, use a reptutable breeder that has invested in the dogs they use for their breeding programs and that raise them as their own family members. They should be able to produce their pedigrees as well, and should have both parents on site so you can see how they react to you. We are very Type A when it comes to the quality of dogs which makes it more difficult to give referrals. We are always going to be biased and believe that the wait for a Premier Bernedoodle is worth it and you'll be very happy you did! Also you can visit your local humane society and help rescue a dog at the shelter.If you have young kids be sure to get a younger dog from the shelter that can adapt to your family. But if you're looking for a unique new family member, a Premier Bernedoodle will be a true delight. Colors and Fur Our Premier Bernedoodles will be traditional tri-color much like a Bernese Mountain Dog , abstract tricolor similar to a traditional tricolor with less white in the face , sable similar to a traditional tri-color but has more reddish-browns due to the poodle genetics we use , phantom, merle, merle tricolor, or bi-colored brown and white, black and white, or shades thereof. Our F1b's will consist of black and whites, traditional tricolors, abstract tricolors, and lots of variable brown and reddish brown and whites. Color never reflects temperament and personality so usually most people don't really care too much what color they are. They are all really beautiful. Although there's variation due to the hybrid vigor present as a result of the recombination of genes in many arrays, there is definitely a bernedoodle appearance that is fairly consistent. If you let the hair grow, they will look like big shaggy dogs that you can't help but to give a big hug to. And they enjoy every minute of it! Our Premier Bernedoodles will tend to have wavy curly coats due to the coat types we require in our bernese mountain dogs which helps to minimize or eliminate shedding.We do make sure that our standard poodles do not carry the genetic marker known as the "Improper Coat" allele or IC for short. Wavy curly coats do require a little more grooming as compared to straight, but many, straight coats shed more.Although they are considered to be large, they don't act like a large dog in the house. They are generally very careful and calm natured as adults however they do have some puppy-fun energy thru the puppyhood stages and thru 3 years of age. They love people and other pets! We do thorough genetic testing of our adults that we use in our breeding program to assure that you are purchasing the healthiest of bernedoodle puppies. Our Bernese mountain dogs come from very long-lived blood lines in Western Europe and these longer lifespans is one of the many reasons we obtain our Berners from several specific populations known for their longevity. Obviously we can't guarantee lifespan as there are many variables outside of our control not to mention, environment, stress, climate, food, etc. But track record seems to show a longer lifespan. What's the Difference? An F1b is an F1 standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle or could be a backcross to a Bernese mountain dog but we generally use the poodle as the backcross. An F1bb is an F1b standard Bernedoodle backcrossed to a standard poodle. Behaviorally they are all very similar with the F1b and F1bb's being slightly smaller than our F1 standards and tend to have slightly curlier coats to a tight wave. If you're looking for a smaller standard Bernedoodle these would be a great option. Pictures are posted below with the other pictures. We continue to get lots of praise from those that have purchased our F1b and F1bb standard bernedoodles. Is the Bernedoodle for Everybody? I would like to think so, but if you do not plan on being with your bernedoodle and keeping it with you, in your home, as part of your home, this is definitely not the dog for you. They thrive on being with the family and not isolated we believe this is the case for all dogs, and especially bernedoodles. Any of our puppies kept in a permanent kennel situation, on a tether, or the like, will violate the terms and conditions of our puppy contract and will have to render the puppy or dog back to Premier Doodles see puppy contract in link above. We definitely support crate training, but these dogs are not meant to live their life in a crate nor kennel! If you want a pet that prefers to be in isolation, you may want to consider a nonsocial pet perhaps a Betta fish! Yes we have done a lot of the hard work the first 8 weeks as we do extensive early neurological stimulation bio-sensor and Puppy Culture program, along with starting crate training and housebreaking, BUT, they are puppies and will need your undivided attention for the next weeks as they work towards being completely housebroken and earning more privileges. They have been communicating with their siblings for the past 8 weeks using their mouth. During their normal daily interactions, you will occasionally hear a loud "yelp" in response to one biting another too hard. This yelp usually ends the mouthing behavior. Now puppies have fur and people generally do not. When you bring your bernedoodle home, they will likely display some degree of mouthing behavior toward their human family. This will usually stop this behavior. We then redirect their desire to mouth to something more appropriate like a chew toy and after a few seconds of cooperating we praise them. The good news.We have a Puppy Guide under our tab "Puppy Central" on how to unpack this process so that you can have success. If you put them time in early, they will have this knocked out in a few days. The rule of thumb is to get them outside ALOT.Be sure to purchase two Midwest XL crates can get from our Puppy Store , one for the back door and one next to your bed. The power of meiosis specialized cell division event that occurs in the reproductive organs, ovaries for females and testes for males and crossing over assures that each offspring will be diverse and different and this difference will be noticeable in color and a little bit in behavior. All will be superior, but some will be more playful and others less so, some will mouth more than others, etc. Available Puppies.Check out our "Available Puppies" tab at the top to find out how to get onto our Master List for a future puppy! F1b Bernedoodles are also known as second generation mixes. They are the result of breeding a first generation Bernedoodle with a purebred Poodle. But, in a second generation, these boundaries change. F1b Bernedoodle Appearance Two individual f1b Bernedoodles can look quite different from one another. The best way to predict how puppies will look is to examine the two parent dogs being used. Remember that one parent will be a first generation Bernedoodle, and the other will be a purebred Poodle. First generation Bernedoodles have equal influence from the Poodle and Bernedoodle. So, they can look very different. Some may already look very similar to Poodles, but others may resemble their Bernese Mountain Dog parent more closely. The goal of an f1b Bernedoodle is to resemble the Poodle parent more, particularly in their coat type. Generally, second generation mixes will have a more curly coat, and will be closer to the Poodle size than the giant Bernedoodle size. How Big Do They Get? Purebred Bernese Mountain Dogs are a giant breed. They usually grow from 23 to 27 inches tall, weighing from 70 pounds to as much as pounds. Most Bernedoodle mixes will use a purebred Standard Poodle. This variety will grow to at least 15 inches at the shoulder, weighing from 40 to 70 pounds on average. First generation Bernedoodles will fall somewhere in between these two sizes. It will entirely depend on the traits they inherit from the two parent breeds. Generally, they will be larger than your average Poodle, but smaller than your average Bernese Mountain Dogs. They may still be larger than your average standard Poodle, especially if your f1 Bernedoodle was closer to the Bernese Mountain Dog size. To achieve a smaller f1b Bernedoodle, breed your Poodle with a smaller first generation Bernedoodle. F1b Bernedoodle Colors There are a huge number of colors that your f1b Bernedoodle could be. But, it will still be influenced by the parents. Bernese Mountain Dogs can come in the following color combinations: Black, rust, and white.

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. Quickly place your dog in their designated potty area. Praise them when they urinate or mess in the correct area. You must always watch them when they are loose in the house, or else they will have an accident. Follow this guide on potty training your German Shepherd , step-by-step, for a stress-free experience. Enjoy Gentle Daily Exercise German Shepherd puppies have lots of energy but still need gentle exercise. Your breed is highly active and loves the challenge of new activities! But these activities must consider their age. Start with a shorter walking session and work on building up the time and distance as your dog matures. Increase distance very slowly to avoid injuries to your dog. Begin with only 5 minutes of slow walking for every month your pup is old. An 8-week-old pup can walk 10 minutes at a time. A week-old pup can handle 15 minutes of walking at a leisurely pace. Your large-breed pup needs time to let its bone fully fuse and to gain an increase in strength. Here are a few more safe, healthy German Shepherd puppy exercise for steady growth. This is the same program I used for my GSD and she now jogs a 10k routinely. Mental Exercise and Training are Essentials Without proper mental exercise, your dog becomes bored. Boredom leads to destructive and annoying behaviors such as: excessive barking biting and nipping you and your guests mouthing your hands or digging up your yard Brain games mentally stimulate your dog. These games require your dog to figure out a small task to receive a reward. Mental activity is shown to help keep dogs more engaged in their environments and prevent boredom. They help control unwanted behaviors from boredom. I started my German Shepherd with this activity flip board dog brain puzzle. As your dog becomes proficient in a game, you make the game more challenging. There is no end to how easy or hard you can make these games! Learn the Joys of Grooming Start puppies out with grooming gloves, which are gentle and easier on their skin. GSDs need a brushing routine that keeps them and your house free from excessive loose hair and helps their skin stay healthy. Use these grooming gloves on your puppy while in a quiet area. They are soft and gentle and create a positive association with future grooming. Offer tasty treats to keep the grooming upbeat. Use a soothing voice and tell them how good they are. Above all, help make grooming and brushing positive experiences from the very start to save yourself and your dog stress later. A baby German Shepherd that tolerates and even enjoys a daily brushing is a dog that is easier to keep in better health and experiences less frustration when you bring out the grooming tools. While a puppy gets immunity through nursing in the first weeks of life, the immunity wears off shortly. Therefore puppies get a series of shots during their initial vaccination schedule. Vaccines prevent illness and keep your pet safe from disease. Your breeder should give your pup their first vaccination series before you bring them home. Bring this vaccination history with you to your vet on your first visit. Your Priority of Care What to Do 1. Make your house puppy ready for your new dog Prepare their sleep area, have the right supplies on hand, and make sure any hazards are put away out of reach. Communicate the essentials Have a list of words printed out so that you and your family know what to say to help your puppy learn what you want and what he needs to know. Meet their daily needs Your puppy has a lot to do each day for their basic care, so understand what routine you must develop for them to thrive. Set sleep routines Having a sleep routine in place keeps your puppy from becoming too unruly. Teach potty training Start from day 1 to teach potty and house training by using a structured schedule. Daily gentle exercise German Shepherd puppies need gentle exercise so avoid running, jumping, or jogging with them until around 18 months or so to prevent joint issues later. Brain training and mental stimulation Your smart breed needs to keep their mind occupied by using a training program to brain train their obedience skills and include mental stimulation with fun games and puzzles. Early introduction to grooming A grooming glove is your best friend for a safe, easy introduction to later brushing and coat maintenance. German Shepherd Puppy Care for Life While there are many aspects to puppies, this guide is a great start on learning how to take care of a German Shepherd puppy so you feel confident with your new puppy. These early encounters set the pattern of his future relationship with you. Use these ideas to make your German Shepherd love you and give them plenty of love and affection throughout the day. With proper care and attention, you and your GSD will enjoy a long, happy life together. Want more help with your German Shepherd puppy care for even smoother sailing? Are you prepared for any unusual and surprising behavior changes? Do you know what training your dog needs and when? She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. 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. My 11 week old GSD is constantly whining. What am I doing wrong? My 11 week old GSD Cullen is always whining. He whines in new situations which i would expect. But he whines when we are in the car which he has done that dozens of times. He whines when he sees me when he is hungry, when has to go out.He also constantly wants me to pick him up, and is always under my feet. I do not mind the under my feet thing as much because he always is with me and if he does wonder off he comes right back. I want to make him more confident. I have stopped picking him up except when he can not climb into the car. Did I do the right thing? How do I make him more confident? He seems fine when I am not around.Total German Shepherd: This is pretty normal in many puppies but all your German Shepherd puppy needs, well, a big part of it, is more socialization. You need to get your puppy out and around more people, animals and in lots more different safe physical situations stores, parks, houses, you name it, on pavement, bricks, grass, tile, hardwood floors, stairs, ramps, etc. Remember, even if he's fairly large, an 11 week old GSD is still a very young baby and needs encouragement and guidance to help grow up into a more calm and confidant dog. He is fearful of new things and being alone and this is fairly common but needs to be overcome to become a happy adult. Socialize your GSD puppy - get him and you into a puppy training class the best money you'll ever spend - and you'll be well on your way to a happier, more confident German Shepherd dog. Good luck.

Be careful of this website Be careful of this website, it's an advertising website and if you have a problem with a puppy the reviews are moderated, I purchased a French bulldog and drove 6 hours to the breeders home in paradise pa named Omar and Maime Blank after staying in a hotel and arriving the next morning, I was told of several health issues including a knee that pops out according to the vet check and three hernias. My son was waiting and I did not gave the heart to tell my ten year old son we didn't get the puppy. The breeders know it was for my young son, and said nothing about the health issues in any way, knowing that after I travelled I would probably buy the puppy if my son was with me as I said he was excited. I was not offered s discount in anyway and the health guarantee was changed from One year to one month. As my son held the puppy in his hands with a smile I just bought the puppy and could not hurt my son as we recently lost a pet as we told the breeders. These heartless breeders should not be allowed on greenfield and I will tend to my expenses as I will keep this puppy and endure the expenses but the fact is these people are very dishonest. I thought the Amish were known for being honest, I guess not I'm Naive. Date of experience: April 28, LL. We were not able to see his living conditions. They brought him right out to us. Upon getting the puppy in the car, we noticed a very strong odor. He was covered in feces. After a 2 hour drive, we got him home and put him directly in a bath. Unfortunately, we could not get the feces out of his paws. We isolated him and took him to the groomer the following morning, Friday, January 29th. The groomer told us that his urine did not look right. We took him to the vet that day. Vet said he may have worms. Gave us oral meds to give him. This entire time, my puppy has been sleeping, lethargic, will not eat or drink. Woke up Saturday morning to a whimpering, little sad pup. Took him back to the vet, who told me he had a fever and to go directly to the hospital. He was admitted. So far he had fever, he was anemic, he white cell count was off the charts, and he has a hernia. I was given an unfit for sale certificate. How could anyone do this to a living thing? What kind of conditions was he living in? What happened to his other litter mates? What about the vet bills? What about the grooming bill to get the feces out of his paws? Who is going to help us now? Who is going to cover the bills for this puppy? This was supposed to be a great experience for my children! This has been a nightmare. I'm sitting here on Monday February 1st, waiting for the vet hospital to call. This pup was in our house for a total of 36 hours. Our journey to Old Amish country was for business, not pleasure. When you think of Amish country industry, one conjures oak furniture, quilts and perhaps farm stands. Few may realize that the Amish also flourish when it comes to breeding puppies. Like many people seeking special companions in the Northeast and Midwest regions of the United States, we drove hours, invested hundreds of dollars and loads of emotional energy into this pilgrimage to a unique religious and cultural landscape. She was an Amish-born canine Doodle princess. Her given name: Alisha. Dreams of a Dog Deferred For years, my year-old asked to get a dog. We spent hundreds of hours discussing the idea, researching breeds and considering when and how to obtain a canine companion. We tried visiting local animal shelters and discovered a majority to be fearsome pit bulls, a breed our entire family dislikes. I tried using the popular site Petfinder to locate rescue dogs and found few available after several wild goose chases. That app would often shuttle me to animal shelters in other states, and dogs we pursued were already adopted. The Petfinder site also seemed slow to update and clunky to use. Doodles are often intelligent, good natured and hypoallergenic. German Shepherds and Pit Bulls be damned. Golden Retrievers and Labradors? Watch out. Doodle popularity is coming to dethrone your breed next. Meanwhile, we heard positive things from people who found pets from the Amish in Pennsylvania. One weekend in January, I restarted the search for a puppy and came across the Lancaster Puppies website, downloading the iOS app. When I changed the filter to Pennsylvania, more than cockapoos surfaced. I Love HER! Let us rejoice and be glad in it. And she was located in Quarryville, Pa. The description on the profile of Alisha explained her heritage — daughter of a cockapoo mother named Roxy and a toy poodle stud a seeming misnomer — and other details. Their voice mail said they would return calls on Monday. My daughter prayed that night that we could adopt Alisha and peppered me with questions nonstop. With a cheery voice, she said we were first in line to adopt Alisha and we were lucky to have called the day they listed the puppies — before many other people called about Alisha and her two siblings. Molly enjoyed her new luxurious furniture. We made plans to mail a check. It was too late. Another woman was in line to adopt Ashley. My daughters felt the woman was rude to Esther and expressed their disgust multiple times, also hoping she would drop out of contention for the second puppy — to no avail. Later, Esther gave me details for a new friend who could receive a Zelle payment. I asked this woman, Lauren, about the puppy industry in Amish country. My conversation with Lauren also confirmed that Esther and her family were legitimate. All we do is show the puppies and give them our information and then you can call. It was clear that some animal rights activists despise the Amish dog breeding industry. Sadly, dogs are considered livestock, a cash crop and just another source of lucrative income for the Amish. It said the communities often sell their dogs directly to the public through Lancaster Puppies, Greenfield Puppies or a mix of online classified sites such as Puppy Find. One video suggested some Amish breeders perform cesarean sections and other procedures on dogs rather than hiring a veterinarian to do so. Some sites made undercover videos that aim to expose inhumane treatment, showing dogs in cages without proper medical treatment. Snopes concluded that the statistic cannot be proven and that many commercial breeding kennels in Lancaster had closed. Other sites say some Amish puppy mills house dozens or hundreds of dogs in pole barns or outbuildings, where dogs live in overcrowded, stacked cages. They allege that the dogs are force-bred at every heat cycle. They say veterinarian care is minimal because it costs money. I filtered all puppies on the app from Quarryville and did a series of random checks to see how many puppies Esther and Isaac listed. I saw only two small batches of puppies, which made me feel good. I noticed some other sellers have many more batches for sale. I appreciated how personable and honest Esther was on the phone. We talked about the puppy mills problem at one point, and she welcomed me to ask questions and write about this topic. She also welcomed our family to pick up the puppy and meet their family. To me, these were all good signs. I also saw signs that parts of the Amish community were working toward better practices for puppy breeders. A story from The New York Times showed the Amish community was facing backlash and boycotts over its ambitious dog breeding goals and questionable methods three decades ago. As bad press exposed the practices, regulations took effect in some locations, and some norms also changed as more Amish families saw dogs as pets rather than just livestock. One story in Gannett newspapers in Indiana and Kentucky in reported how the Amish were aiming to restore their dog breeding reputation. Purdue researchers advised the breeders to let dogs run in the yard to exercise and socialize more and found the dogs looked and behaved better. The project aimed to develop certifications that would go beyond U. Department of Agriculture mandates on food, water, housing and climate. The Amish have always used horses to pull their buggies and help with farm work, meaning horse breeding has always been part of Amish culture. And the site said some Amish people are active in the exotic animal trade, breeding parrots, zebras, foxes and hedgehogs. Perhaps Netflix will consider a series on Amish exotic breeders once it exhausts its appetite for portraying tiger breeders such as Joe Exotic and Carole Baskin? Many people recognize Old Order Amish for their horse-drawn wagons and their 17th century appearance that includes mostly dark-colored clothing, beards for men, head coverings for women in public and a prohibition on zippers. Those are fine. He wondered aloud if Alisha would be troubled riding in an automobile powered by an internal combustion engine rather than horses. The Amish in America grew out of conservative Anabaptist communities that started in Switzerland in the s. They follow the teachings of Jakob Ammann, who spearheaded a split with the Mennonites over the issue of excommunication. The Mennonites take a softer approach to excommunication. As we arrived in Lancaster County, I felt refreshed. The clean air, rolling pastures and orderly, well-made buildings reminded me of bucolic countryside in Europe, such as in rural Germany or Switzerland, where the Amish originated. I also sensed a pleasant absence of marketing, technology and materialism. As we passed the schoolhouse, my year-old daughter chimed in. The Old Order Amish are known for being separate from the dominant society and cautious of technological innovations, according to Edsel Burdge, Jr. And they area growing in number. Another 6, live in Canada and about live elsewhere. The birth rate for Old Order Amish is more than triple the U. Many Amish families have 5, 10 or more children. They scampered in the yard, playing and bonding with the tiny puppy while I chatted with Esther and Isaac. Their own house dog, an older Yorkshire Terrier, pranced around the yard. They told me they first started owning and breeding Siberian Huskies, a favorite dog for Isaac, in the early s. That was pretty decent pay. The big boom for their business occurred as apps began making markets between breeders and buyers. Most people now are from out of state. I mentioned I saw they had recently had clients from Brooklyn, Ohio and many other places. From their perspective, Petfinder and other apps that connect stray dogs and rescued dogs to owners is a wonderful service. They also know America has more demand for pets beyond the stray and rescue market. And the demand is very helpful for Amish families, trying to sustain their family, their farm and their faithful way of life. Isaac and Esther said they are glad to see the awareness of puppy animal welfare growing in the area. A non-profit group called PAWS includes a large group of Amish men who work with animal welfare advocates to educate people about the law as well as how to have decent care for dogs. Isaac and Esther gave us a tour of their farm, including the workshop where Isaac and his children fashion beautiful, hardwood furniture with clean lines and, sometimes, a distressed farmhouse look. They showed us the barn where they keep their horse and buggy. Dogs at the Amish farm had access to the outdoors, heated and cooled kennels and lots of exercise and fresh air. And they showed us their dog kennel with half a dozen Siberian Huskies on one side and half a dozen small dogs like Cocker Spaniels and Shih Tzus on the other side. Each dog had its own fenced in area and the ability to run through a pet door to an outside area. The dogs seemed happy, healthy and energetic. They barked and ran excitedly when seeing my children. I was glad to see the dogs also ran on safe, flat floors rather than on raised chicken wire platforms like animal rights videos showed of puppy mills. Esther pointed out an air conditioning machine that keeps the kennel cool in the summertime. Our conversation was interrupted momentarily by my 5-year-old daughter running up and making an important announcement. They suggested people do basic things like get in contact with sellers, make sure people are doing more with puppies than just giving basic food and water. They say to make sure that worming and vaccinations are up to date and certified by a veterinarian. You would think we know how to do it. But we keep learning. As we walked around the farm, I enjoyed chatting with Isaac about growing up as the son of a Baptist pastor in South Dakota and the fact we are in different wings in the broader Christendom. Another enjoyable moment in our conversation was when I explained that I hoped the dog would help my kids stay off technology devices. And, in that moment, I realized the Amish were prescient and inoculated from the plague of big technology companies that has wrought an explosion of addictive algorithms and legions of substandard of content. I asked if that was true and if it is now changing. Now, they see more people caring about the puppies and realizing they are pets. They say the PAWS group has helped with that perspective shift. A horse and buggy the Stoltzfus family uses for transportation. A coffee shop at a grocery store in Quarryville, Pa. Driving home with Molly to New Jersey. Several horses and buggies parked in the lot and I saw one older Amish man riding an electric wheelchair, causing me to wonder how he got special dispensation. Inside the grocery store, a vaulted pantheon-style wall featured a large mural depicting lush Amish farms and a train passing through the bucolic scenes. The world and they that dwell therein. A cheerful mural with a religious message inside a grocery store in Quarryville, Pa. Young Amish women work the kitchen and the cash register. We voted at dinner one night on a new name with the winning nomination coming from my daughters and secured by persuasive speeches. Esther called me a day later to see how the puppy was doing and to ask if I could send them a copy of the article when it is published. I said, yes, I can mail a copy. She suggested I could perhaps fax them a copy. Such a practice would limit the integrity and independence of the author. So I respected their wishes as well. I felt my life was enriched from my trip to Lancaster County and my time with them. I hope my family can visit again before long to see more of the landscape, culture and food. Emmy and her new puppy, Molly. She seems puzzled by cell phone cameras and tilts her head in a cute way when she hears music or videos. Her experience with the Stoltzfus family and her fellow dogs in the kennel prepared her to sleep well at night and to understand boundaries better than most puppies. She wakes up ready to play with kids in my house the same way she woke up ready to play with kids at the Stoltzfus house in Quarryville. Positive messages inside the coffee shop and grocery store. Any Any A link has directed you to this review. Its location on this page may change next time you visit. How do I know I can trust these reviews about Greenfield Puppies? We require contact information to ensure our reviewers are real. We use intelligent software that helps us maintain the integrity of reviews. Our moderators read all reviews to verify quality and helpfulness. So I thought of either getting the puppy now or in 10 years. When I was looking at Greenfield, there was a bunch of pictures up, so I picked the puppy that looked the happiest and the most interesting to me. I named him Jax and he's now three months and two weeks old. More The entire process with Greenfield was an overall pleasant experience. The payment was easy and they helped me get in touch with the breeder. My communication with Greenfield and with the breeder went smoothly as well. I would definitely recommend them because the service was great, fast, quick, easy, and effortless. More Thanks for your vote! Then I happened to find the Greenfield Puppies website and I read the reviews and most of the reviews were good. I saw that there was a lot of puppies that found a home, so I found it to be legit. I decided to call one of the owners that had the puppy that I wanted. He was very nice and kept in touch with me until I was ready to purchase the puppy and we went on from there. More The Greenfield people were very nice and polite and they kept in touch with me, like when they came to ship in the dog to me. The prices were very affordable. Our lives changed tremendously with our new dog and my kids are in love with him. We made sure we went through all the measure that we did with the first dog we had. We got him a dog tag and a collar and everything with the phone number and address because anything can happen. The water container that they had in the crate did not fit, so there was no possible way she had any water. Thanks Tori 6 Thanks for your vote! Report Response from Greenfield Puppies April 29, Tori, The water container is attached to the front of the crate and must be approved by the airline at the time of check in. Also, we use puppy training pads to absorb any accidents on the way. Are you certain that there was no training pad anywhere in the crate at the time of arrival? We take all measures possible to ensure the puppy is comfortable on the trip to you so this is quite shocking. It looks like it was shipped with Delta and they always offer a puppy water between connecting flights. If you would like any further clarification please let us know, we are very sorry you were not pleased with the arrival of your puppy. I was heartbroken and after a year decided it was time for another pup. I responded to an ad from an Amish breeder, and since my pug of 12 years came from an Amish breeder I decided to make the 3 hour trip. More Keep in mind not all Amish breeders are puppy mills, you have to check these things out. Just as my pug's breeder the ACD pups were inside their house with mom, who was their family pet, and dad, who was also a family pet, was out in their barn working their chickens rounding them up. They only had the 2 ACD and 1 older sheepdog in their home along with the litter of 6 pups. She had no problems at all from day one and she is my baby girl she's too smart for her own good. Again you have to beware, there are a lot of Amish puppy mills, but from what I've seen on Greenfield Puppies, the Amish breeders they advertise only breed one type of dog typically, and the parents are family pets. The puppies grow up with children and other animals so they are socialized. As long as you do your homework you'll be fine. Much better than buying a sick pup from an unscrupulous pet shop charging thousands of dollars. Oh, that's the other thing. And I'm sure they had giardia and worms, if not congenital problems or even parvo, which breaks my heart to see. I bought the dog from a breeder and she's 14 weeks old. Greenfield Puppies arranged the shipping. I happened to be in town, but if I weren't I wouldn't have known what to do because I had to show my ID to get her. That aside, they handled everything greatly. It was nice and easy. I would absolutely recommend them. Thanks for your vote! More I was skeptical but I read a lot of the comments and almost everything was positive. Greenfield Puppies communicated with me about exactly what would happen and when the puppies would arrive. Everything was by email, but they said I could call if I have any questions. I did and they answered the questions. The process was so smooth. I knew there were going to be some kind of problem, and there was nothing. They went and picked up the puppies. I live in Vermont and they got a really good flight. The Greenfield group was helpful, responsive, and answered all my questions. They made sure the puppies were okay from beginning to end and that the puppies were clean and well-fed. They communicated with me afterwards and made sure that the puppies arrived safely. They asked me whether there had been any problems. Everything was perfect. They look like little stuffed animals and are the cutest things you can possibly imagine. It was surprisingly a good experience. I can express how wonderful they were. Their farm was just amazingly beautiful. It was like something from a movie. I was pretty sure, then, that we were in luck. Linda and David were lovely to us. We were coming from Boston. We ended up getting rear-ended and were running an hour late. My cellphone also went dead. I was very concerned that we might miss them or something. We were greeted by Daniel and our new puppy. We also met the puppy's mother. We fell in love with our new family member immediately. She was beautiful, clean and healthy, which we had confirmed by our vet the very next day. More Daniel gave us her medical records, that were up to date with the vet's name and address. He also supplied us with a week's worth of dry dog food that our puppy was eating. This way we could gradually introduce our dog food to her diet, without disturbing her digestive system. We are over the moon with happiness. Thank you, Linda and Daniel. I previously went through PurebredBreeders. We enjoyed him so much that I started looking at Greenfield's website. Once I started looking at all their cute puppies, it was hard not to get one. My husband started looking and I told him that if he kept looking at their website, I would get a puppy from them. He did so two more times, and so I got one, and it went very well. I wanted the white one with a little more of the Cavalier, and that's exactly what we got. I'm just surprised at how different he is from our other Cavapoo whose mother is a Poodle. It's ruby red and more of the Poodle side. The mother of this Cavapoo is a Cavalier King Spaniel. They usually get 10 to 12 pounds and he's already at 9. More What I really liked on the site was seeing them running around playing because of short video posted there. I like that because there were 4 to 6 other puppies in this litter, and I could've had any of them and would've been happy. The staff at Greenfield Puppies were very helpful too. They were straightforward when I had questions, and explained what was going to happen and what the process was. Everything they said that would happen, happened, and it went great. We got our puppy in a real timely manner, and I'm surprised at how easy it was. It was a wonderful experience. We had picked another puppy initially and then we decided to go with an English Springer Spaniel then we contacted Greenfield and we set up the shipping arrangements and they shipped it for us. It was a very good experience. They are very professional, very thorough, and very helpful. The puppy we named Freddie is very well taken care of and in very good condition. He's a good boy. Thanks Richard 2 Thanks for your vote! He's black and white and seven and a half months old, and he's a very, very good dog. I got lucky choosing him. I just found this breeder, saw JJ's picture, and that's all it took. He's a very lovable lap dog, just what I needed. The only thing was air travel for him took all day so he was really stressed when I picked him up. There was a layover that wasn't accounted for or planned and that caused him to be in the kennel a little over 12 hours. He did fine but it was a little long for him. That's not really bad, it's just something that I have never had any experience with pet travel. It's hard to find Miniature Goldendoodles rescued and Greenfield came up when we searched on google. We looked at all the pictures of puppies and it was nice to have a bigger selection to choose from. I had narrowed the ones that I liked down to five which I showed to my husband and let him decide. Greenfield Puppies dealt with the shipping of the puppy and when we contacted one of the breeders to get some more pictures of the puppy, they took some pictures and sent them to us. Greenfield made it easy and painless to get our new puppy. The puppy was named Lord Rex by my son and he's super great with my kids. He loves them and gets along with our other dogs and has adjusted really well. My kids love him as well and they play with him a lot. I liked how Greenfield's website was organized. It seems to be up-to-date and had good information and we got a poodle-German Shepherd mix. We named him Teddy and he's four months old and fantastic. We travel a lot and he'd go to a lot of games with us. It was super easy and convenient with Greenfield Puppies. I live on the West Coast and they're out East, and even their shipping was super simple. His name was Polar when we got him, but we call him Wiley now. But we were really upset with the way he was shipped to us. His flight was at noon and he didn't get to us until because of delays. He had just a little bit of food in there with him and one piece of newspaper. And he had peed all over it and pooped all over it. Granted we can't fix that because it's a puppy, he's going to have accidents. But nothing had even really lined his container because the airport said that they were supposed to put a lot of shredded paper in there just so he's not standing in his own poop and pee. He ended up covered in it because he had nothing to go on. And he wasn't zipped tied in so anyone could have reached him and just took him. Other than that, we are really happy with our puppy and Greenfield Puppies was good. Report RyanYucaipa, CA.

We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We put these two on our puppies from day 1 to get used to the feeling of a leash and collar. We have some more detailed information on best leashes and collars for your puppy below. I would advise against trying during the first 2 or 3 days in your home as they have enough to deal with getting used to a completely new environment and family. But by getting them used to a collar and leash at 10 weeks old, they will be comfortable wearing them by 12 weeks when you can start to walk them outside. How long will it take to get them used to a leash and collar? Some take hours, some take days, most will be comfortable by the end of 2 weeks as long as you take care to introduce them to it methodically. I have two highly informative buying guides for choosing the right size and style of leash and collar for every situation that you can find here: How to choose the right collars and how to choose the right leash. Otherwise it will be too heavy and uncomfortable. Choose a small, lightweight collar. The lighter it is, the easier it will be to get used to. Choose a wide, flat collar and not a thin round one. So get a wide flat collar, but one that is as light as you can find. Choose a collar with quick and easy to use clips and not a buckle fastening. You need to get the collar on and off as fast as possible and not have to fiddle with it. This makes the experience is as stress free as possible. Opens in new window. Be patient. It may take hours, it may take a couple of weeks, not all puppies learn at the same speed. So be patient and eventually they will get it. Try to act as though wearing a leash and collar is no big deal and is completely normal. Calm energy from you promotes calm energy in your puppy. They can become snagged on things and cause strangulation. For a puppy that constantly chews on the leash, spray it with Tabasco sauce, bitter apple or one of many other pet-safe bitter-tasting sprays available to deter their chewing. What you want to do is the first time you put it on, leave it on for just 5 minutes then remove it. Repeat this every half hour or 45 minutes for the first couple of days. Then leave it on for 10 minutes in each hour for the next day. Then 20 minutes in each hour the next day, and so on until you can leave it permanently on. By day 6 or 7 most puppies are used to their collar and comfortable wearing it for hours at a time. A puppy will learn at their own pace. To have the best chance at the quickest success, use the following tips and techniques. Any tighter than this is uncomfortable for your puppy and may even restrict their breathing. Any looser than this and they may be able to slip it off. This is why a plastic clip fastening is best as you can do it in a second. Some will remain quite calm rarely! A few will go absolutely crazy, scratch at it, roll around and make a huge fuss. You need to ignore their struggling. Just ignore all the fuss. To help combat this, you can use the power of distraction. Put the collar on before you feed your puppy one of their meals. Or put it on and then offer to play with them and their favorite toy. Also: You should only take the collar off when your puppy is calm and relaxed. Obviously you want to avoid this. So use food, training or play to distract them and get them into a calm state before you remove the collar. Then they will offer calm behavior to get it. You have to wait for calm. And you should also avoid giving treats when you take the collar off. Now, once your puppy is comfortable in a collar, you can move on to training them to get used to a leash. How To Get Your Puppy Used To A Leash ikostudio The following tips will get your puppy used to a leash and lay a great foundation to build upon for future leash training. You will learn to avoid developing bad habits that lead to pulling later on and develop good habits that help in future training. First of all, make sure your puppy is comfortable and confident wearing a collar, then in a secure and familiar room of your home you can attach a leash. As with the collar you want to almost ignore them. No encouragement, laughing or telling them off if they chew at or try to remove it. If the need arises, you can calm your puppy by using distraction. Call them over to you, ask for some obedience commands or offer them food or a toy and it will redirect their focus and attention away from the leash. Leave it laying just outside of their confinement area where they can see it but not get at it and use it as a chew toy, or place it near to their food bowl when eating so they can see it but will be too busy eating to want to play with the leash. We want them seeing the leash around to learn its nothing to fear, without being able to play with or chew on it. A good tip is to practice this from the minute you get your puppy home, a couple of weeks before ever attempting to attach the leash. Now you can start to pick up the other end. Instead, hold the leash and follow your puppy around, keeping the lead slack for them as you both go. It pays to have a pocket full of treats so if this does happen you can grab their attention and lure them toward you with a treat. You should practice this a few minutes every hour for a day or two. The first few times you lead them, have a treat in your hand or one of their favorite toys and use it to lure them around the room with you. Now put your puppy on the leash. Just encourage them your way you by calling their name and slapping your thigh. Make a HUGE fuss to make it a massive reward that they came to you. They will come eventually, just wait until they do and then praise and treat enthusiastically. Now repeat steps 1 to 4. Step 6: Repeat this exercise 5 to 10 times per session, each hour of the day and repeat for a few days until your puppy consistently moves toward you when they feel the slightest bit of pressure on the leash. This will not take long and once it is learnt it will benefit your future leash training massively! Step 2: As soon as they stop freaking out give total release of all pressure on the leash and give warm praise and a treat. This rewards them being calm. A few repetitions will teach them that outbursts get them nowhere and being calm gets the leash to slacken off and earns a treat. Step 3: Once your puppy has learnt to be calm to earn a loose leash, they have to do a bit more to earn their treat. Repeat this a few times. Step 4: Now only reward them for coming even closer. They will soon catch on to the fact that being calm and moving toward you earns praise and a treat. You can now follow the processes of stopping them pulling on the leash and leading them around the room as described earlier in this article. So try to avoid the following: Pulling on the leash yourself: This will achieve absolutely nothing. Additionally, dogs like most animals fight against restraint so when you pull, it just makes most pull harder. Also, your puppy pulls, they go forward. You pull back a bit, then eventually give in, they still go forward. So they learn your pulling is only temporary anyway and their pulling gets them where they want to go. Rushing forward to slacken the leash when your puppy pulls: This teaches the puppy that pulling works! When you snap or jerk a leash, you loosen it first, then snap it tight to startle a dog and get their attention. But when used incorrectly and too often, your puppy pulls, feels the leash go slack and then gets yanked back. Not good. We want them to think the pressure on the leash is totally released when they move toward us, so never add any back in although this is usually only a problem when using a long leash to be fair. Well, maybe this works to a degree. But by following the techniques described in this article, the process will be as stress free as possible, and you will have laid the foundations for training your puppy not to pull on the leash later, instead of them learning bad habits that you then have to break. Are you having problems getting your puppy used to his collar and leash? What techniques have your tried? 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. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. These tips will also help you to advance your dog so that, eventually, you can trust them to be off the leash in a safe area. Don't release your dog until they can demonstrate knowledge and obedience on the long leash and in many different settings. To begin with, walk them in the house and in the yard. Dogs learn 'contextually and by repetition'. These hints will help you to become the pack leader. Be certain that this is only reason that your dog will follow you. Make time to walk your dog Whether you walk your dog in the morning or evening will be influenced by your program. Whenever you exercise your dog, the walk should allow for 'focused time' and 'free time'. Two leashes will facilitate this. If they are under 12 months old, take some water with you. Also take a back-pack and a treat belt available on Ebay. I recommend no more than thirty minutes of walking in total for a dog under 14 months old as their growth plates are not set until this time. Be careful of overly vigorous activity, particularly if you have an older but playful dog. I don't recommend running for more than very short bursts for the same reason. Healthy hips and elbows are critical for a healthy, active and long life. Use two leashes - a long leash approx 7m and a short leash approx 1m Start your walk with the labrador pup on a short leash. The short leash will help you to direct and guide the dog. This allows you to maintain full control over your dog. Set up your walk for success. Start by getting the dog to sit or at the least be stationary and under your control. As you begin, keep your dog behind your body alignment. Be patient and encourage your dog. Do not show aggressive frustration. This will only cause confusion and fear or aggression. If your dog is not complying, stop and reset. You are the master Walking in front of your dog demonstrates that you are the master or the pack leader. You should be first out the door. The dogs should exit the compound only at your command. This is essential whether you are walking 1, 2 or more dogs. If your dog controls the pace and direction of the walk, they are the pack leader. Your dog should be beside or behind you during the walk. Dogs learn contextually The next two hints are important training essentials. Firstly, labradors learn contextually and their training in not immediately transferable to a new environment. Using the same disciplines and routines, train your dog the same way in different settings. This will entrench your expectations. Correct immediately Secondly, a labrador has about a five second retention of information. After five seconds the dog has lost any association between your assertiveness and their behaviour. If they disobey you, you must correct them within five seconds or not at all. If the dog is disobedient or simply does not understand, reset and start again. The long leash I'm a big fan of the long leash. A long leash will help you to correct bad behaviour at a distance. After a period of training with the short leash, remove it and connect the longer lead. Keep the leash in your hand, releasing it slowly and progressively. As they master this, you can back away while the dog is 'sitting and staying'. Reward your labrador pup with vigorous affection and a treat. After this, you should allow them to wander and sniff around. All this time you will keep your dog on the long leash and under your control. Be sure that the free time is less than their focus time. During the socialisation phase, 8 - 16 weeks, you will need both leashes as you expose your labrador pup to other dogs. As you walk your dog, you will come across small and large dogs that are aggressive. Walking on either leash will give your complete control. And it will ensure safety at all time. You new labrador pup has no innate road sense. Walk them, getting close to roads. Expose them to vehicles so that they do not panic. Reward your dog for good behaviour. Remember that dogs register tones and frequencies, not words. Use higher tones to affirm, reward and encourage. You approval is the greatest reward for a Labrador. Direct eye contact without high vocal affirmation will be interpreted as aggression. Use lower growling tones to reinforce disapproval. Try to avoid 'No' as a command. It is too general and therefore confusing to the dog. Always reward and reinforce obedience to specific commands. Use food treats to begin with, however you must gradually phase them out. Your vocal affirmation and affection should be your longer term goal. As your dog maintains the proper behaviour, reward them with treats. Reward your dog after the walk I recommend that you reward your labrador pup after the walk. Let them have a drink firstly then give them a portion of food that is less than a meal but more than a treat. It will not take long for your dog to anticipate the whole experience. When you appear with the leashes, they will become very enthusiastic. If you adhere to these eight hints and maintain the discipline of your training, you and your dog will value and enjoy the experience. Finally, remember to pick up after your dog. Don't go on a walk without your poop bags on hand! Find a vet you can have confidence in. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Then you get a reality check. Walking nicely on a leash is not an instinctive behavior, and your Lab is just as likely to try and pull you in whatever direction they choose. Until they start getting into their senior years, Labs are excitable, curious, and powerful animals. Labradors are well known as strong leash pullers. But, like any desirable behavior, your dog can learn and you can teach. If your Labrador pulls like a rambunctious plow horse, read on to find out how to get back on the straight and narrow. There are times when a dog will attempt to assert itself as the leader of the pack, and some people believe that pulling is just such an attempt. The simple truth is dogs are overcome with excitement and overwhelmed with sensory input when they get outdoors, especially someplace other than their own backyard. Over stimulation Before long, your dog is so caught up in seeing, smelling, exploring and peeing, that all training goes right out the window. Even the act of pulling itself can be rewarding if your Lab likes the feeling of a little extra exercise. Freedom and autonomy in the great outdoors! Now your dog knows that pulling on the lead pays off in spades. But once the association is made between the leash and going for a walk, it becomes one of the single most exciting objects in the world! Once all four paws are on the floor or the dog is sitting; whatever your preference then move to attach the leash again. If the bad behavior continues, you back off once more. Why leather leashes? Short Practice Sessions A simple way to preserve your patience is to keep the length of your training walks to a minimum. The more time you spend with your dog pulling you along, the more likely you are to become exasperated. Nothing good will come of that for either of you. You need to be in the right frame of mind to convey reinforcement to your dog. A good idea is to choose a short route in your neighborhood, and walk it repeatedly. A familiar walk is still a pleasant one, though considerably less stimulating. Your dog will be less distracted if he sees the same things repeatedly. Burn Off Extra Energy in Advance Dogs in general, and Labradors in particular, have a lot of energy and they need to expend it in some manner. Short walks will not be enough to keep them satisfied, and they may be inclined to try to make up for it by pulling extra hard. Have an exercise session before your training walks to help combat this problem. Have some fun throwing a ball around the yard, or get in a good game of tug-of-war before heading out on the town. I always figured playing toss with a tennis ball was enough, but three things sold me with the Chuck It. You can launch the ball further with less effort. Keep Up the Pace Being a fairly large breed, your Labrador will have no trouble outpacing you without much effort. Reward Good Walking You know from your other training sessions that your Lab loves treats! When the walk is going just the way you want, offer praise and a tasty reward. Do this frequently to keep reinforcing the good behavior. And make sure they are compact and easily chewed treats that can safely be eaten on the go. When your dog starts to pull, you stop walking! If your dog is already proficient at coming when called, even when there are distractions, this may be the method for you. This technique may be difficult for smaller individuals, the elderly, or anyone with a physical disability. Ask your dog to come to you and give the sit command. At this time, resume your walk. If they continue to walk along beside you, repeat your praise word and offer another treat. Keep doing this periodically. Should they start to pull again, come to a stop and repeat the first step. When they pulls towards an object, stop as you did before. Call them back and have them sit. Again, offer the word of affirmation, but do not give a treat. Instead, walk to the item they want to inspect and have let getting to the object be the reward. Load up your pocket with treats, or carry a treat bag on your belt. Keep several in your hand at all times while walking, and replenish from your reserve. Cut them up into smaller pieces to make perfect training treats! Every few seconds, pop a treat in their mouth. Should they start to veer off or get ahead and start pulling, the walk stops. As with the previous method, call your dog back to you and get them to sit. When they do, give praise and then resume the walk, once again with the treats held in front of the nose. After a bit of uninterrupted practice, say a week or so, stop carrying treats in your hand, but have them nearby. Keep offering them frequently. Begin offering treats less frequently; start by giving a reward every 5 steps or so, and then gradually space them out over larger distances. Be aware, this method should only be used if your dog is not wearing a head halter or slip lead. The idea of this technique is to surprise your dog when they reaches the end of the leash. First, start with a verbal warning cue for your dog when they are about to run out of slack. Give praise and a reward as you continue to walk. Keep walking in the opposite direction, and praise your dog as they catch up to you. Once your Lab is back beside you, resume walking in the original direction. Repeat this step as necessary. The idea is to teach your dog that walking too far ahead and pulling leads to an unpleasant sensation, and diverts the walk away from where they want to go. Use this method if positive reinforcement is not having the desired effect. Watch for signs that your dog is under extreme duress; cringing, cowering, yelping or any other outward display of fear or pain are clear indications that this method is not working. Desist immediately and try something else. Collar Tug Like the previous method, this technique also uses a bit of negative reinforcement, and should not be used in conjunction with a slip lead, or a head halter. Again, this should only be tried if positive methods are not proving fruitful. As before, when your dog is approaching the end of the leash, administer a verbal warning. The force of the tug will depend on the size of your dog, and it may need to be repeated before you really get their attention. In the case of my own dog, his neck muscles are far too strong to make this effective, and the same may hold true for your own Lab. Exercise extreme caution with this technique. Choosing a good collar and leash will help as you teach your Lab to walk nicely. The Classic Collar Of course a traditional collar is perfectly acceptable, either with a buckle or snaps. For a selection of classic collars recommended by us, please click here. Harnesses A harness is a good option, especially for anyone who has had difficulty walking a dog using a collar. Many dogs will respond to pressure around their neck by pulling even more in the opposite direction. Pull that one out at parties and impress your friends! Head halters and no-pull harnesses can be very helpful during training. They make your dog easier to control, and discourage pulling almost entirely on their own. Be warned, though, that they should not substitute for actual training if you really want your Labrador to learn to walk on a loose leash. While your dog will walk perfectly well when using this equipment, they are unlikely to repeat this behavior with a traditional collar. Choosing a Leash Make sure you give some thought to what leash to buy. When yours truly bought his first leash, the selection was based on color and not quality, a decision I regretted when my very eager puppy snapped the leash and made a run for it! This gives enough length to give your dog a bit of freedom, but keeps it short enough for you to maintain control and have them close enough to praise and reward. Click here to see a selection of leashes as recommended by us. Things to Avoid No decent dog owner wants to hurt their dog, and yet pain-inflicting devices are all too commonly used for training. As mentioned earlier, negative reinforcement can be helpful if used cautiously and sparingly. However, to use it as your sole method for loose leash training is not acceptable. Choke and prong collars deliver strong doses of pain to a dog in order to deter them from unwanted behavior. It is extremely difficult to control the amount of pain generated during a correcting move with such a collar, and the force delivered invariably exceeds the required amount. It is our very firm belief at Labrador Training HQ and in the dog community in general that these items are cruel and barbaric. Avoid them at all costs. The good news is the repetition can be fun and rewarding. You and your dog will get plenty of exercise and quality time together, and opportunities for socialization and training , too. Labradors are strong and energetic dogs, especially in their youth. They love to get out and explore, and this desire coupled with their devotion to their owners, make loose leash training, well… a walk in the park. Get out and enjoy! Are you having trouble with your Lab pulling on leash? What have you done to help get your dog to stop pulling? Tell us your experiences in the comment section below. A very good, 4-part guide with steps to follow to train a loose leash walk. I highly recommend checking this out! You might want to try some yourself? 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. How to leash train a Labrador. Labradors can pull like trains Everywhere you go, you will see dogs on leashes. Others have a rather different style. You will see their owners, hurrying along with one arm stretched desperately out in front. A stressed hand grips an outstretched leash, and at the end of it a dog fighting for air. Front feet scrabbling at the pavement, this dog is intent on choking himself! One way to help resolve this unpleasant situation, is to teach your dog to walk on a loose leash. And you can do that by waiting them out. Where you just stand still and refuse to move forwards while the lead is tight. But this can take a very long time with a determined puller. Please avoid retractable leashes. Make sure the leash is attached to a body harness , which is much safer for a strong pulling dog. Later on, your dog will not need frequent feeding to maintain his loose leash, but to begin with generosity is the key. An event marker A clicker is used to accurately tell your dog exactly when she did what you wanted her to. It is a very helpful aid in the training process. But you can equally use your voice. If you have to drive your dog to a deserted car park or quiet street so be it. A hard surface tarmac or paved is ideal is helpful as it enables the dog to quickly find and pick up the treats. How often to train your dog Set aside at least ten minutes for this training and do it at least twice a day. Three or four times a day is even better. Try not to miss a day, at least for the first week How to leash train a Labrador Take your dog to your chosen training location and attach the lead to his collar or harness Step 1: Start Set off walking forwards Step 2: Stop As soon as your dog to gets to the end of the leash this may be almost immediately , stand still Step 3: Wait Now wait for the dog to give you some attention. Drop a treat just behind you for him to collect as he reaches you. Start walking forwards Step 1 again as soon as he has gathered his treat from the ground. The dog will probably then charge past you to the end of the leash. You know what to do. STOP walking. Make like a tree. Pause, gather your thoughts. Rinse and repeat the steps from 1 through 4. Make a little kissy noise with your mouth for example. As soon as he looks at you drop a little food on the ground then turn away from him. The idea is that when he eats the food he will be in the right position just behind you, and that this position will become attractive to him. Start associating a kissy noise with food, at home, in the garden, and elsewhere. Your rewards may need to be upgraded to something more attractive and smelly. He should be hungry and eager to eat. Making progress with loose leash walking The first few sessions will be a bit boring. There will be waiting, and hanging about. Hang on in there, you need to be determined. Just focus on the fact that you have simply had enough of letting your dog drag you around. It may take three or four sessions before the dog figures out there is no point in charging past you, starts to pay you more attention, and watch where you are walking. But these occasions will become fewer and further between. And you will be able to walk longer distances and get to where you want to go, without stopping and changing direction every two seconds. All you have to do is stand firm when your dog gets it wrong, and reward him when he gets it right. You can do this. It takes a little patience, but you can do it. Introducing distractions to loose leash walking Just like any other skill you teach your dog, you need to start in a distraction free area. But there comes a point, when the dog has really grasped what you are teaching him, when you need to introduce some distractions into your training. Dogs eventually have to learn to walk past other dogs, people and the neighborhood cat, without charging about like lunatics. It helps to start with any distractions at a distance and to set up training exercises where it is easy for the dog to win because you have some control over the other participants. You can do this with friends or at a training club. Write it down At the end of each session, I suggest you make a note of how you got on. Rewarding good behavior As your dog gets better at walking on a loose lead, it becomes tempting to forget the rewards altogether. This is a sure way to see your efforts undone. Always carry a few treats on you when you are out with your dog. Reward him from time to time when he is being good. He deserves it. Before you learn how to leash train a Labrador This is a simple exercise designed to help people who are struggling with a dog that pulls them around on a lead. This is because every forward movement your dog makes on the end of a tight leash is a reward for him an reinforces the pulling behavior. There are various ways to tackle this You can drive your dog to his exercise area You can stop exercising the dog outside of your own garden whilst you train him to walk to heel You can use an anti-pull device whilst you are not training him Just remember, you can teach an old dog new tricks. And if you stay calm and patient, your Lab will get there in the end too.

Life Span Did You Know? As a cross-breed, the Miniature Schnoodle is meant to take on the best traits of both parent breeds, but they can end up with any combination of traits from one or both of the parents. Overall, Mini Schnoodles tend to be loyal dogs that are devoted and affectionate to their families. They also tend to have a very friendly disposition and a playful, energetic personality. Miniature Schnoodles are popular family pets and they often make good therapy dogs too. The Miniature Schnoodle is a small, cheerful, playful, and loving ball of fluff. They are intelligent dogs with a friendly, happy disposition and a gentle nature. Mini Schnoodles tend to get along with just about everyone including children, other dogs, other pets, and strangers. They tend to be a great addition to any family and a great companion for single owners too. The Mini Schndoodle is affectionate, loving, and devoted to their families. They thrive on affection and attention from their favorite humans and tend to bond closely with them. A Mini Schnoodle can also be prone to jumping up and ignoring personal space because they are so friendly and excitable. Training and socialization early on can help curb this behavior and channel it more positively. Mini Schnoodles are highly adaptable dogs. These little dogs may be energetic, but they adapt well to larger homes as well as apartments. They tend to thrive wherever they are as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. They also tend to do well in most climates. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may need to bundle up to stay warm when winter sets in. But, having the right mix of winter dog products on hand can be a big help. Because a Mini Schnoodle tends to bond so closely to their families and owners, they do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. With a mixed dog breed, they can inherit the potential health concerns from both, one, or neither of their parent breeds. Reputable breeders will screen their stock to avoid passing genetic issues on to puppies. Also, you can talk about any relevant health clearances or test results. Both of the parent breeds of a Miniature Schnoodle are highly intelligent, eager to please, and highly trainable dog breeds. So, your Mini Schnoodle should also be a highly trainable dog that learns quickly. Oftentimes, your Mini Schnoodle will master basic commands and be ready for more advanced commands and tricks quickly if they are challenged and motivated. Although they are a good fit for dog owners of any experience level, puppy training classes can still be a good idea as they tend to offer great opportunities to brush up on training skills and to socialize a puppy. The Poodle is known for their low-shedding hypoallergenic coat, which is one of the reasons why there are so many Poodle mixes. There is no guarantee that a Schnoodle will inherit a full Poodle coat. Poodle coats need daily brushing to remove tangles and prevent mats. They also need professional grooming every weeks. On the Schnauzer side, weekly brushing is sufficient. However, they need regular bathing, stripping, and clipping to maintain a healthy coat. This usually means professional grooming every weeks. Checking ears on a weekly basis is usually a good routine for helping to prevent ear infections. Miniature Schnoodles tend to have moderate exercise requirements, but they also tend to match their energy levels to yours. Daily walks plus some playtime or extra activity is usually enough to keep this dog happy and healthy. But, if you want to do more, your Mini Schnoodle probably will too. Who knows? Your Mini Schnoodle might love taking trips to the dog park, going for a swim, learning to play frisbee , going on hikes, and more. A fully-grown Miniature Schnoodle usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. A Mini Schnoodle generally lives years. Although Mini or Miniature Schnoodle is the most common name for this designer dog breed, they are also sometimes referred to as a Miniature Schnauzerdoodle, a Mini Schnauzerpoo, or a Schnauzer Poodle Mix. Featured Mini Schnoodle Article. Dog Breeds Schnoodle Breeder Wow, what a breed. Intelligent, playful, and affectionate are only a few words to describe the personality of the wonderful designer mix. The smarts of the Schnoodle is one of the most desired traits. The Schnoodle has the ability to learn numerous tricks, and because of there high intelligence, can be potty trained almost instantly. The Schnoodle's beautiful looks is also a sought after quality. The Schnoodle has a blocky body type and a square muzzle, leaving this adult dog with a muscular and confident look. The texture of the Schnoodle's coat can range from course, like it's mother, the miniature schnauzer, or smooth, like its father, the miniature poodle. The Schnoodle's no shed and low dander coat is a must for allergy sufferers. The Schnoodle's hair color as puppies can vary in many ways. Black, silver, and faded apricot or sable are popular choices of solid colors. Black and tan, or a solid color with black tips is also a desired color combination among puppies. In some cases though, the Schnoodle's hair color can change drastically by the time the puppy reaches one or two years of age. Schnoodles natural ability to be happy, affectionate and very playful will make it an easy choice for choosing it as your next canine companion. Schnoodle puppies are a cross between a Schnauzer and a Poodle. If Hollywood starlets have them, you know Schnoodles must be a good dog! Typically, they range in size quite substantially, depending on the type of Poodle and Schnauzer from which they were bred. There are three recognized sizes of both the poodle and the Schnauzer, from the Toy Poodle to the Giant Schnauzer. The most common size of Schnoodle is the Miniature, which generally weigh in at between 11 and 16 pounds. These puppies are stunners! They may have either a rough and wiry coat like a Schnauzer or a soft, Poodle-like coat, or something in between. In some cases, they even have alternating patches of soft and coarse hair! Schnauzer puppies are available in a variety of colors including black, brown, grey, white, apricot or a combination. Why should I buy one of your Schnoodle puppies? This breed is fiercely loyal and very smart. They are loving, playful and alert, making them a suitable companion or a fantastic family pet. Although Schnoodles may tend to bark in protest if you leave the house, they can easily be trained not to do this. Schnoodles get on well with everyone, including children, strangers, and other pets. They require only a weekly brushing and will only need to be groomed a couple of times annually. Schnoodles generally have a lifespan of between 12 and 16 years. Note that they may require a special diet, but this is easily manageable with advice from your veterinarian. And because they are a hybrid or cross breed , your Schnoodle puppy will generally have fewer health problems than pure breeds, which is definitely a plus. Schnoodle puppies are full of life, intelligence and an eagerness to please, all qualities that make these puppies easy to train. Schnoodles have been known to compete in a variety of dog sports, including dog agility and flyball. Take your Schnoodle for a walk and give him plenty of exercise and he will love you forever. Swimming and tug-o-war are among their favorite activities. We have a variety of adorable Schnoodle puppies for sale. Contact us and find your Schnoodle puppy today! Schnoodle Litters For Sale. The Schnoodle is the result of the mating of the Schnauzer and the Poodle. Our mini and Giant Schnoodle puppies are .Since this is a hybrid mix between two of the most intelligent dog breeds, you can expect this breed to be far more intelligent than most. Both the Giant Schnoodle and the Miniature Schnoodle have few health issues and the longest lifespan of the other hybrid breeds. The Schnoodle learns very fast and is able to stay on task making the Schnoodle an excellent choice for service or therapy positions. Most clients like the Schnoodle because of its hypoallergenic coat an the fact that the Schnoodle does not shed. We love them because they are easy to train,eager to please and come in a variety of color pattern. The Schnoodle Puppy all sizes and all colors. The Miniature Schnoodle is approximately 15 inches in height and weighs pounds. The Giant Schnoodle stands 27 inches in height and weighs upward of 60 pounds. The Schnoodle coat is meant to resemble the Schnauzer puppy, soft and wavy. First generation litters typically keep the soft and wavy coat throughout their lifetime. The coat should not be wiry like an adult Schnauzer nor have tight curls like the poodle. The Schnoodle coat should be a good balance of both breeds and above all non shedding. Schnoodles look terrific in beards, like their Schnauzer parent. You can keep it clean by trimming it often and cleaning it after meals. The amount of grooming depends on the coat of the individual Schnoodle. The Schnoodle enjoys a good brushing a couple times a week. Overall the Schnoodle is low maintenance. You will want to check the ears, and the eyes of your Schnoodle often to make sure they are clean and nails should be trimmed regularly. The Schnoodle loves to learn, and they are easy to train. The Schnoodle is a branch of the working dog class and would appreciate a job to do. Past Schnoodle Puppies from Feathers and Fleece Farm have went on to do a number of jobs such as assisting brain injury clients, retrieving diabetic test kits and peanut detection just to name a few. Most commonly the Schnoodle is used as an alert dog. Letting families know that there is a stranger on premises. No matter what the job is the Schnoodle is ready to assist and please. We have imprinted each Schnoodle puppy so they are ready to take on their new position in the family. They can grow to be quite large, with males reaching heights of up to 28 inches and weighing up to 80 pounds, and females reaching heights of up to 25 inches and weighing up to 70 pounds. Giant Schnoodle puppies will typically have a fluffy, wavy coat and are known for their intelligence and loyalty. We are loving and grooming each puppy daily for their new life. There is no predetermined date for weaning or departure. We breed only health tested parents with quality features, like a muscular build and a blocky head with a short muzzle. Highly intelligent. Use the search tool below and browse adoptable Miniature schnauzers available! The featured businesses and breeders of Cheappuppiesforsale have a whole lot of experience when it comes to making arrangements for out-of-state buyers. So even if your perfect pup is too far away to drive, you can speak with the breeder to organize a flight and pick up your new furry friend from a local airport. History Miniature schnauzer Puppies The Schnauzer is a breed of dog that originated in Germany in the 15th and 16th centuries. They were originally bred to be a versatile farm dog, and were used for a variety of tasks such as hunting, herding, and guarding. The breed was further divided into three sizes: the Standard Schnauzer, the Miniature Schnauzer, and the Giant Schnauzer. These three sizes were recognized by the American Kennel Club in the early 20th century. Today, Schnauzers are popular pets and are known for their intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. They are used in a variety of roles, including as companion animals, therapy dogs, and service dogs. What is the temperament of Schnauzers Schnauzer puppies, like all puppies, can be playful, curious and energetic. They can be highly trainable and intelligent, but also may be stubborn at times. They are known for being protective of their family and can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization and proper training is important to ensure that they grow up to be well-behaved and well-adjusted adult dogs. They tend to be loyal and affectionate with their families, but may be reserved with strangers. It is also important to note that their temperament can also be influenced by genetics, early life experiences, and training. Are you looking for the perfect F1B Miniature schnauzer puppy to add to your family?? Then look no further he is the one you have been looking for. He is super social sure to attract attention everywhere you go. This fella is great with kids. He enjoys running around the yard playing with the children he is currently being raised with. He is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Schnoodles have a wonderful temperament, are very smart, loyal, and make excellent pets. They love toys and live for play-time. Schnoodles typically have curly or wavy hair that is kept at one length. Grooming your Schnoodle regularly is important; you can either take your Schnoodle to a professional groomer, or learn how to do it yourself. Of course, as with all dogs, it takes time and consistency to teach them right from wrong. Schnoodles can also be trained to participate in a variety of dog sports, such as agility, obedience, and flyball. Some Schnoodles have also become certified therapy dogs, visiting the elderly and the sick to bring a little comfort and cheer. But they love being outside, whether for a nap in the sunshine or a romp in the snow. She plays with toys like a kitten, pouncing on them and shaking them vigorously. And at night, she sleeps in the closed crate very well. She is already giving us lots of reasons to smile; we love her immensely. Adopting Cali was a good move for the Patton family! Thank you for everything. Size Matters While Schnoodles come in all sizes, our Schnoodles are just the right size to fit in your lap. Since our Schnoodles are created by breeding a Toy Poodle with a Miniature Schnauzer, they average 15 pounds and 9 to 13 inches high at the shoulder when full grown. Personality Plus We believe that the Schnoodle inherits the best characteristics of the Schnauzer and the most endearing traits of the Poodle. The Schnauzer is sturdy and solid and can be somewhat stubborn and independent. The Poodle is very smart, agile, and active. The Schnoodle retains the loyalty of the Schnauzer and fun-loving playfulness of the Poodle. A World of Colors Schnoodles come in all colors, including: Black. Home About Us Take a photo tour of our kennel. Take a photo tour of our kennel. Photos of our kennel are shown at the bottom of this page. Our kids are now grown and out of the nest so our dogs are the only kids or I should say furkids we have at home now. We have 7 grandchildren who play with and puppy approves all our puppies before they go home. We have raised schnauzers since and try our very best to provide the best quality of puppies to families who we hope will have many, many years of love fun and memories with their puppy. We try hard to send home a well-rounded puppy that is outgoing and ready for the big new world. Many of you buy a puppy and it has to be shipped and you never really have any idea where it comes from. We are hoping that this gives you a feel for the care and attention we pay to our dogs. Visitors are always welcome but we do please ask that you call ahead and make sure that someone is here. Our home phone is .Spay or neutering at 8 weeks old, microchipped, 2-year total genetic health Guarantee. As well as 2 weeks of training before going home after they are weaned from their mother. When you click on a page for expected litters or current litters for sale the price for that litter will be shown at the top of that page under the mother photo. We work on no bark, no bite, and no lick. We take a lot of pride in our kennel and our dogs and try to do everything we can to make sure our dogs are happy, outgoing, friendly, and most of all healthy. I have been in your shoes this year and purchased 3 new puppies online. The puppies came to me in great condition and I have no problems with any of them BUT I still wonder how they were raised, where they were raised and the conditions that they were raised in. I cannot stress enough to anyone who is shopping for a new puppy and visiting different web sites on the web to make sure you can see the mothers and fathers to the litters that are offered. Make sure that your questions are answered with knowledge and confidence in the breed and openness to anything you may ask. If you are close enough to go and visit the kennel you are interested in making sure that you can visit the kennel see all the dogs that the breeder has and if not BEWARE. When a breeder tells you that no one can go in their kennel, it is usually because they do not want you to see what conditions their dogs are being kept in and what it looks like where they raise their puppies. When a breeder tells you that you are not allowed in the area where the dogs are raised because of diseases that you may bring in that is just another excuse to hide their conditions. We have all clients who come visit us as they enter the kennel walk on a pad at the gate with disinfectant on it, and again before they enter the building or outside kennel area as well as clean their hands with cleaner. We do ask that you do not pet the dogs while you are in the kennel. With these precautions taken, there is no reason that you should not be able to tour our entire kennel. I do though ask everyone the day they are planning on visiting not to visit another kennel or pet shop before arriving at our home for their visit with us. If you are not able to visit a kennel when looking for a new puppy, make sure that you can see current photos of the kennel and also the area where the mothers and puppies are kept.

Below is baby english bulldog puppies week by week. Variables such as temperature, air movement, and nutrient intake must be tightly controlled. Puppies are kept separate from their mother to ensure they are not laid on nor neglected. Your English Bulldog Baby at this age, most often do not have their eyes open yet. Instead they rely on their sense of hearing to know where their mom is and the other littermates. Week 3 The third week of life is a big week as major, physical development and progress are made during this week. The baby bulldogs should begin cracking their eyes open and begin developing their new found eyesight. Increased visibility adds a small level of independence that is certainly appreciate. The young puppies are now able to locate their mother and nurse more consistently on their own. During this week, we most often make the decision to leave the litter with their mother permanently. Mom will take on the responsibility of not only nursing the puppies but also cleaning up after them. This also means we are able to get a full night of sleep! What do we look for in a good Bulldog mother? Bulldog mom has to have a genetically clean pedigree history. We make sure each bulldog line that we produce has the best chance to stay healthy and happy. Bulldog mom has to have a great personality. We demand that all the bulldogs we own are extremely confident and great with both children and other pets. Breeding bulldogs with great personalities is very important as many social traits are passed from the parents to the baby. Bulldog mom has to have a great maternal instinct. Because the babies are so vulnerable we try to select and keep female English Bulldogs that show endearing and caring traits towards their babies. Week 4 Week four is our walking week! While bulldog puppies do begin to walk earlier at times, typically during week four we begin to see some major walking. The new found mobility is a joy to watch but does present some different types of responsibility as our bulldog puppies certainly can get themselves into trouble! During this week, we will start to perform some basic socialization steps to ensure that they are prepared for their new homes. Week 5 The puppies are now able to run, chew, and yes, sometimes bite! With the physical progress there are certainly ample teaching opportunities to develop these little guys into well behaving bulldogs. During this time we continue to analyze each puppy socially and develop unique, social profiles of each bully. The puppies start to focus less on physical survival and devote much of their time to playing with their littermates. This is a great learning environment for the puppies! This mushy treat quickly becomes a favorite for the pups. A robust bulldog puppy can now weigh around 5 pounds. The puppies will also undergo their first round of vet checks to ensure they are developing physically sound bodies. Socially, we continue work with the puppies to ensure they are exposed to the many different environments of the new homes they will be going to all while balancing a high level of biosecurity to ensure they are not exposed to harmful diseases to ensure for a healthy English Bulldog! The puppies are now old enough and confident enough in themselves to begin developing expectations. Being held and being fed are no longer special occasions rather they are rights to life that are demanded. We continue to provide the high level of care that we hold ourselves to while developing flexibility within each bulldog pup. Week 8 The theme for week 8 is adoption preparation. We will make a decision with our vet the age in which the bulldogs are able to be taken home. The primary variable within this decision is physical development. Most of our bulldogs will go home right around the end of week 9 all the way to week .It simply depends on the bulldog. At this point we encourage our adopters to finish prepping for their puppy. Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Training and Socialization Back to Top During the first eight weeks of life, puppies are extremely dependent on their mother, because they need special care to grow healthy and strong. The mother will provide her puppies with the nutrition they need by nursing them until they are fully weaned and are less dependent on her to survive. During this period, puppies open their eyes for the first time, generally when they are between 10 and 14 days old. Over these crucial first weeks, puppies grow out of infancy and learn to explore and play. They will begin to socialize with each other and with other members of their household once they're physically able to do so. From interacting with their littermates to humans, the period of four to seven weeks is the ideal time to introduce your puppy to numerous people, as this helps the pup grow into an outgoing, friendly, and secure dog. Just be sure that anyone handling your young puppy knows to do so gently. Their eyes will begin to open in the second week of life, usually between 10 and 16 days of age. However, they won't be able to see clearly at first. The eyes will gradually open wider, revealing grayish-blue eyes with a hazy appearance. Puppies' eyes will continue to develop over the next several weeks, reaching full vision around eight weeks of age. Puppies' ears begin to open around the time that the eyes do, generally around 12 to 14 days old. Their hearing will continue to develop until the puppies are around five weeks old. Newborn puppies cannot fully support their weight for the first two weeks of life, so they crawl around on their bellies, paddling and pushing with their legs and building strength. Most puppies will be able to rise up on their forelimbs around 5 to 6 days of age and will begin to use their hind legs around two weeks old. They usually begin to walk with a wobbly gait around 18 to 21 days of age. Puppies need to be stimulated to urinate and defecate for the first several weeks of life. Mom does this by licking the anal and genital areas. If you are raising an orphaned pup, you can use a warm, damp cloth or cotton ball to stimulate the area. Puppies gradually develop the ability to urinate and defecate on their own around three to four weeks of age. Puppies are born without teeth. Their baby teeth, or "milk teeth" will begin to come in between three and four weeks of age and continue to develop until about eight weeks of age. Behavior Changes For newborn puppies, the first two weeks of life are all about sleeping and eating. After 14 days of age, physical changes open up a whole new world. They begin to see, hear and walk. By the age of 21 days, they begin to explore the world and learn about being dogs. This is also when the socialization process begins. Puppies learn how to interact with other dogs by interacting with their mother and littermates. Human socialization with gentle handling is important at this time as well. Around seven to eight weeks old, the first "fear period" will begin. This is a time when most puppies seem to be afraid of new things. Anything you can introduce them to before this time may help make the fear period go more smoothly. Health and Care Mom will still be taking on most of the care for her puppies until they are fully weaned between five to eight weeks of age. However, her puppies will become less and less dependent on her after three to four weeks of age. You may find that the puppies wander out of their little "nest" and try to check out more of the house. It may be best to keep mom and pups in an exercise pen when you are not home. The first few weeks of life are a time of vulnerability for the puppies. If a puppy is not growing at the same rate as its littermates, it should be seen by a vet as soon as possible. In addition, any sign of illness , no matter how subtle, should be taken seriously. Food and Nutrition For the first three weeks of life, puppies get the nutrition they need from their mother's milk. If the puppy was orphaned or needs supplemental nutrition, puppy formula can provide the necessary nutrients. After baby teeth have erupted, around three weeks old, the puppies may be ready to begin weaning. Mom may naturally begin this process as she feels those puppy teeth nipping at her teats. A good way to transition the pups to dog food is to bring out some canned puppy food or softened puppy kibble use warm formula or water to soften the kibble. Be sure to choose a dog food intended for growth. You can encourage them to eat it by offering a taste from your finger. As puppies get used to the puppy food, they will gradually nurse less and less. Most pups are fully weaned by six to eight weeks of age. Training and Socialization Puppies between one to three weeks are still too young to respond to training or socialization. Though their brains are still developing, they are capable of learning some things. Of course, it is still important for these young pups to remain with their mother and littermates until eight to twelve weeks of age. As early as three to four weeks of age, you can start to introduce the crate and start some basic potty training. Even if the pups will be getting homes between eight to twelve weeks of age, you can start laying the groundwork for training. The time between four to seven weeks of age is an early socialization window. Although the puppy must remain with its mother, it is now ready to be exposed to new sights and sounds. It should start meeting people of all ages and appearances. This includes children who know how to act around dogs and will handle the puppy gently. More from The Spruce Pets. I recently reserved an English bulldog puppy. He was born 4 days premature by C-Section and has 7 other littermates. His mother is a red and white, kc registered family pet and his father is a kc registered red and white stud dog who participates in shows. My puppy opened his eyes around 2 weeks old and started walking around 3 weeks old. Fast forward to now, he is 6 weeks old tomorrow. When we saw a video of him walking at 3 weeks old, he seemed to have some weakness in his back legs but we passed it off as normal because he had only just started trying to walk. His siblings seem to have some leg issues too. Another pup in the same video had one leg that seemed to go out to the side, as if stretching. They walk on wooden floor and the grass outside. They are being weaned onto puppy food and are drinking from a bowl etc. Everything else with my puppy is fine, his eating and drinking habits, his toiletry habits etc. They are all booked in to see the vet on Monday and then I am viewing my pup on Tuesday. I am just looking for some piece of mind. Should I be concerned about his legs? Is this true? Any help or advice is welcome and appreciated. Thank you in advance. May 5, French Bulldog puppies can be similar to babies when they are first born; they typically require much attention and care. At birth, puppies are blind and deaf and usually snuggle together to keep warm since they cannot regular their body temperature. If you have a French Bulldog or are looking to acquire one, you may be interested in what happens before taking one home. When French Bulldogs Are First Born When the puppies are born, breeders and shelters ensure they cry and breathe properly. Then a veterinarian does a complete examination to check for any abnormalities. The average birth weight of the puppies is anywhere between 10 to 18 ounces. For the first few weeks or so, Frenchie puppies sleep most of the time. Then, for just a little bit of time, they typically will nurse when they are awake and somewhat alert. Heat lamps or another external heat source are available if puppies are not in direct contact with their mother. Whoever is watching over the French Bulldog puppies usually has a busy time assisting mothers every few hours and tending to make sure the puppies are latching and growing and being stimulated to go to the bathroom. Keeping a close watch on the puppies this way is because they are so tiny. The Frenchie mom could accidentally smother one, unaware, so they need to be looked after. French Bulldogs 10 Days to Two Weeks Old When the puppies are around ten days, they still sleep very often, but finally, they start to open their eyes and do some exploring. Being around the other dogs from the litter aids in socialization. When they reach a full two weeks old, their ears open, and they can hear. They cannot walk yet; their primary method of moving is crawling, similar to an army crawl. With exploring and hearing sounds, the world is opening up more for them, so they can begin venturing into new places and spaces. They also graduate from making only small whimpers to yelps, whines, and barks. But you will find that soon enough, their legs will stop being shaky, and they will move right along and walk with ease. They may also stop nursing at this age, though some Frenchies may continue to nurse until closer to six weeks of age. After that, their teeth begin to grow out and become more active and playful. They are also only strictly handled by a few people who do proper sanitizing. The puppies can chew on dry puppy food and build out their nutrition at four weeks old and start trotting and running. They can be handled by people with clean hands and have more freedom to explore inside. French Bulldog Puppies Five Weeks to Seven Weeks Old By the time French Bulldog puppies get to five weeks old, they can start exploring outside with less supervision and have increased playtime with their siblings. Their teeth also become more prominent, and they begin to chew a lot including on fingers, so be careful — those teeth are sharp! At six weeks, they have even more energy and enjoy playtime and a little more less sleep time. They are reaching more milestones, including growth at around 5 pounds. They also get another thorough veterinarian examination where they will receive vaccinations, which they receive again around nine weeks of age. It is an exciting endeavor to get a new puppy into the house, but also crucial to remember to puppy-proof things that the dog may chew or not leave out anything that the puppy could get into that poses a danger or hazard. They do sleep a lot, but French Bulldogs have a lot of energy that they want to burn off when they are awake. Understanding growth stages and how much exercise to give your Frenchie from puppy to adult dog is helpful for longevity. French bulldogs are prone to medical issues as they age, but ensuring exercise will help reduce their chances and prevent problems from occurring too soon. Socialization — Frenchies, like most dogs, need socialization to adapt to new situations and places and be more well-adjusted. So, taking your dog for frequent walks where it can explore other people and animals is helpful. Dogs who can coexist in harmony tend to be happier and friendlier and have less tendency to suffer from depression. Behavior and Training — walking your French Bulldog helps establish boundaries so that you can train them to be more obedient and follow your lead. It allows for bonding and building a connection with your puppy, and you can reinforce good behaviors when out walking together. Stimulation — Frenchies are prone to separation anxiety if left alone indoors and without exercise. Please keep your dog mentally active and give it more attention by walking it frequently in a routine. Walks of around 20 to 30 minutes should suffice and give your pet the ability to explore, socialize, and be stimulated. Consider breaking up the time and walking your Frenchie a couple of times each day, or having one of those times centered around play, to ensure that your French Bulldog is getting all of their walkings in and using that energy. As French Bulldog puppies start discovering their abilities to move around and be alert to their surroundings, they become more in need of walking and forms of stimulation. Prepare for the weather outside when you take your puppy for walks. As your Frenchie ages, walks may be cut shorter depending on how your dog is feeling. However, be sure not to overexert if you sense it needs a break, and take them as often as necessary. Every French Bulldog needs to walk and be active for good health and a long, happy life with its owner. Share on facebook. Home » Blog » What happens with your Frenchie in their first few weeks What happens with your Frenchie in their first few weeks You certainly want to know about every minute of your sweet puppy. Last year we did a documentary about our breeding program in which we showed where our Frenchies live and we also wrote about how our program has grown over the years. In this article, we share with you how we help our little puppies on the TomKings Puppies farm, from the first moments of their lives until we find a forever loving family for them. The vet checks if everything is fine and we take them home. The average birth weight of a Frenchie is 0. Their size strongly depends on the size of the litter; when there are a fewer of them they can be as big as a two-week-old puppy from an other litter. Newborn puppies are deaf and blind and absolutely helpless so we are here to assist their mother to nurture them. In the first two weeks They are breastfed every 3 hours, and then their mom stimulates them to pee and poo. Not all mothers are eager to do this, in which case we assist them with a dam, warm cotton towel. The puppies spend the rest of their time sleeping they often seem to be dreaming! Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email They are so cute as they love to huddle together, but we also keep them warm with an external source like an infra lamp. As the puppies are very small, there is a threat that the mom accidentally smothers one or more of them. In the first 4 weeks We make strict precautions to keep the newborn babies sterile to avoid the risk of them being infected. They sleep in the house with us, and only a small circle of carers are allowed to touch them who use lots of hands sanitizing. As the mother has less and less milk we gradually switch to give them milk from a bottle and then crushed food. The puppies open their eyes when they are days old, and then they are able to hear — a whole new world opens up for them. At the age of weeks, the little explorers start crawling and then the first few shaky steps. At this stage, they are already very playful and start love-biting each other. The body wrinkles may be visible on their legs, and the skin may seem a bit baggy on their body, but it is still challenging to determine the actual build of the puppy. Their builds become a bit more apparent as they begin to stand and walk, giving you a glimpse of their stance. The nervous system is rapidly developing at this time, and vision is also beginning to grow. Interaction matters, even at this young age. This sets the stage for how well they will bond. Their builds become more apparent, and the skin and wrinkles really begin to develop. Baby teeth are usually all in around weeks. This is when many pups will go through the finger-chewing puppy stage. They eat more every day as they go through various stages of digestion in preparation for the first solid food introduction around this time. They begin to fill out as they transition from milk to dry food and complete the weaning process. At about 8 weeks, your puppy has just started getting used to sleeping through the night. You may notice that their legs look a bit long and thin. This is because their legs are generally the first area of growth in preparation for the weight they will maintain throughout their lives. Your puppy is ready for adventure and has a great passion for exploring and playing with toys and their littermates. You can begin training your puppy at the latter part of this age. With this, their heads may appear too small for their bodies, which is perfectly normal and usually only lasts a few months. As a 16 week old English Bulldog, your pup is entering adolescence. Hold on for this. You might see chewing, not listening, and barking. You will see a resurgence of teething as the puppy teeth fall out and the adult set comes in. Much like humans, this can cause pain and irritation as the teeth push through the gums. Here again, you may see that their legs appear long and skinny for a month or two, and the entire process starts again. Adolescence is at its peak, around seven months. You may see an increase in rebelliousness, stubbornness, and not listening. For the most part, puppyhood has completed its course. The stages of growth for your English bulldog above are all estimates. There are certain ailments that are common in the English Bulldog. In fact, because of drastic changes in appearance over the years, they are susceptible to a large number of diseases and more than many other dog breeds. Feeding them nutritious food will help keep them within the target weight appropriate for their age. This plays a part when it comes to maintaining that healthy weight range. Getting your dog out for a walk also gets you out and active as well! Spaying And Neutering Weight gain and lethargy are common worries following either surgery, but a causal link has not been found between the two. Many times the surgery takes place when the puppy is in the midst of rapid development and growth, so the weight gain could simply be caused by normal development. However, consider consulting your veterinarian about any worries or questions you might have. A male English Bulldog typically weighs more than a female English Bulldog so expect this discrepancy. Having your Bulldog get overweight can lead to hip dysplasia, cancer, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, liver disease, diabetes, or even heatstroke. By the time they turn one, most English bulldogs will stop growing. However, most of their growth and development has taken place during their first year of life. Are English Bulldogs good pets? English Bulldogs are wonderful pets to have as they are loyal and a great conversation starter. At what age do English Bulldogs start walking? Around week 4, English Bulldogs start to walk.