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Will they chew it up? Will it be the right size? Will your puppy pee on their bed? However, if you leave them in their crate for too long, they might have an accident. Will your puppy chew their bed? Will it be the right size for your puppy? You could either get a smaller version of the beds listed above, or just get the adult-sized beds and let your puppy grow into them. Getting the Right Puppy Bed When shopping for a bed for your puppy, keep in mind that they may pee on it, chew it, or outgrow it. Getting a golden retriever puppy? Check out the Golden Retriever Puppy Handbook! Beds around 40 inches long will be good for your Golden Retriever. Golden retrievers are social dogs and love to be around their families. How do you wash a dog bed? What makes a good Golden Retriever dog bed? Do golden retrievers even sleep on dog beds? Yes, your Golden may like to sleep on the floor, couch, your bed, or even the sunny lawn outside, but they do appreciate having their own space, too. Should a dog bed be waterproof? Having a dog bed with a waterproof cover will make cleanup easy if you have an old golden who might start to have accidents in the house again. With a puppy, a waterproof cover will be helpful, or you could also have two washable crate beds in case of an accident, similar to how you would have a spare set of sheets for a child. Your Golden may not love their new bed at first. It might take some time to get used to the feel and smell, but you can encourage them to like it by praising them when they get in it, or tossing toys or treats in it. Of course, they could also just be boujie and want a more comfy bed. Does my Golden Retriever really need an orthopedic bed? When we got Oliver his first orthopedic bed, we kept his old crate bed in our room, too. He slept in the orthopedic bed every night, but we rarely saw him in the crate bed. Do Golden Retrievers like blankets? Many goldens do like blankets, but they seem to prefer to lay on them rather than under them. Also, your puppy may enjoy tearing a blanket up more than cuddling with it, so be careful about leaving one in the crate with them. Here are the top ones we recommend:. Measure and weigh your pet to find the size right bed or cushion. Please be aware that doing just one or the other may result in the wrong choice. Example would be a Whippet weighting in at 25 lbs. Be aware, these are approximations. For Beds: Measure your dog in in his sleeping position; from nose to the base of the tail. Sleeping Style:. Does your dog stretch out or curl up when they sleep? Younger dogs tend to curl up more when they sleep because their bodies and spine are more flexible. Older dogs tend to stretch out. Do they like to curl up in a ball or sprawl out? Do they always tuck themselves in a corner, or do they lie down in the middle of the room? Do they look for the most comfortable cushion they can find, or does your dog flop down anywhere, including the hardwood floor? If your dog likes to stretch out, you may want to consider buying a larger bed or mat. When in Doubt: Always get the larger size. A bit bigger won't hurt as long as it will fit in your room. Look at the dimensions not the size and the weight load listed to double check that you are picking the right size. Again it is better to buy too big than too small. The Green Pet Shop cooling mat is a great solution. You can, however, also put it in the fridge for more intense cooling. When looking for the best dog bed for Golden Retrievers, we had to think about practicality and versatility. This one can be used anywhere! Top Features Automatic cooling system. The Active Pets Plush Calming Dog Bed is incredibly soft, making it welcoming and comfortable for your new family member. This cozy donut bed supports better sleep and the soothing material helps to reduce anxiety and nerves in puppies. It allows them to curl up and burrow down so that they feel safe and secure whilst sleeping or napping. Top Features Bed is machine washable on a gentle setting Available in 4 different and relaxing colors: pink, dark gray, beige, and light gray Non-slip bottom so your puppy can burrow and dream as much as they like! YETI is a great brand, offering well-designed and well-made dog products for your pup. This soft, comfortable dog bed has an inner, removable section for traveling and a home base for naps at home. They can be used together for extra comfort or separated for convenience. Perfect for camping trips and long naps. Top Features Waterproof bottom to protect the bed and your pup from damp grass High-density foam core for support and comfort surrounded by a lighter-weight foam for extra cushioning Quilted design allows your pup to get comfortable and burrow down Two-in-one — home base and travel bed Pros Outer cover is machine washable and the plastic bottom can be wiped down Weather-resistant up to a point Dogs love the high-quality material and how soft it is to sleep on Cons You guessed it. As our high-end bed of choice, this dog bed comes with a large price tag. You are getting two dog beds for the price of one though! Perfect for any kind of doggie adventure! Top Features 3 layers of waterproof material and resilient, cotton padding for comfort and breathability Easy to clean — simply wipe down Multi-functional and portable Easy to pack up and transport on to the next activity Comes in 2 different colors: orange and black Pros Breathable which helps with odor control Lightweight and easy to pack up. Bernards, Weirmaraners Setting Up Cratewear Bedding Please keep in mind that there are no standard dog kennel or cage sizes. Our bedding has been designed to accommodate the majority of crates. For the best fit: Place the bumper in the crate first. Start by attaching the Velcro around the back corners of the crate. Make sure you attach the Velcro above a horizontal bar. This will prevent it from sliding down. Don't worry if the bumper is short, the crate pad will fill in any extra space. Depending on the size of your crate, the bumper may or may not come all the way to the front edge. Now you're ready to put on the crate cover. All seams should be in the back of the crate not on the top. Crate covers provide privacy and security dogs appreciate. Caring for your Crate Bedding Set For your convenience the following information encompassing our entire line can also be found on the product care label located on every Pet Dreams dog bed. If you have any questions about caring for or washing your dog bed please don't hesitate to contact us and we'll be happy to respond ASAP! The largest dog breeds from 35 kg e. Bernese, Great Dane … A dog bed with a diameter of at least cm internal length Or for large dogs that like to lie stretched out, a dog cushion of at least cm by 80 cm is ideal. These are the dimensions of the lying surface without the side edge. Often the external dimensions are mentioned. Senior dogs and joint problems Is your dog getting older or suffering from arthritis? Then you better buy a larger dog bed or cushion. The material of the bed or cushion is also an important aspect to consider. Memory foam diminishes the pressure on the joints and is a great choice for senior dogs or dogs suffering from arthritis. Make sure you buy a bed with a low step over entry to allow easy access. .Does your dog prefer to sleep curled up in a ball or sprawled out on the ground? Just like humans, dogs have a favourite sleeping position. If your dog always sleeps curled up in a ball, he'll probably prefers to lie warm and secure in a smaller bed with a side edge. Frightened dogs in particular benefit from a sense of security. If your dog always sleeps in a stretched-out position, a larger size is often ideal. If your dog likes to lay his head on a pillow or edge, it's best to choose a bed which offers the necessary support for his head. Should you buy a size bigger for your growing puppy or not? It can indeed be a good idea to buy a larger bed. Also do bear in mind that puppies may start to chew on the cushion or bed, because they are teething. When combined with a blanket, you can easily turn the large bed into a super cosy and warm den. And last but not least: make sure you choose a washable bed or a cushion with a zipper, as accidents are unavoidable. Are you already familiar with our Dreambay collection? Dreambay dog baskets and cushions are designed with comfort and hygiene in mind. They are made with a combination of polyester fibre and foam. Both the baskets and cushions have a handy zip. This ensures that you can easily remove the cover to put it in the washing machine. The cover is water-repellent, so no foul odours are absorbed. In short, the perfect basket or cushion for you and your faithful friend.
Happy Homes Meet who added our sweet Bex boy to their loving family! He did fantastic! No accidents! No throwing up, cuddled up in my lap the entire way home and went to the bathroom when we took a break.See More Look at this update of Bumble running the sand dunes in Alaska! Sending an update on Bumble. Best dog ever!! Just wanted to let you know I made it to the west coast! I was met by this doodle Benny! See More Our Story What began as a love for dogs turned into a passion for providing others with the absolute best and most loving companions. We want the best lives for our puppies which is why we breed the finest dogs, keep up on vaccinations, dewormings and health checks, and vet the families they will join. They vary considerably in size, color, and coat depending on the attributes of the mama a Bernese Mountain Dog and the papa a miniature — or in some cases — toy Poodle. They love their humans, and require a lot of human attention and love. These sweet-as-can-be and playful pups are the quintessential family dog. They are very smart and sociable and thrive in homes where they can spend lots of time with their humans or other pets, cuddling, playing, and learning new tricks. Available Puppies Micro Goldendoodles Micro Goldendoodles are the wondrous things that happen when an adorable Mini Goldendoodle mama breeds with a Miniature Poodle papa. View Our Available Bernedoodle Puppies! Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Our Standard Bernedoodle puppies are all 1st generation-F1 variety puppies. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Their Standard Bernedoodles life expectancy is years old. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy-going, and calm temperament. Bernedoodles are very loyal and social and love to spend time with their parents. Standard Bernedoodles need regular grooming because of their curly and thick coats. Shedding is very minimal after their first haircut and grooming. This breed is known to be a hypoallergenic choice. Here at Blue Diamond Family Kennels, we specialize in breeding Standard Bernedoodles along with a few other great breeds. We have teamed up with a few other reputable Bernedoodle breeders that breed and raise Bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. On our Standard Bernedoodle puppies page you will see all of our available puppies for sale.
If your bulldog lost much water because of excessive bowel movements, you may give this as a first aid. To be sure, consult your veterinarian for the dosage to give. This bland diet could be plain rice topped with vegetable broth. Rice is low in fiber and easy to digest which is exactly what you want for your bully. Many people may suggest to feed your bulldog yogurt, but remember that yogurt is an allergen for many bulldogs so avoid yogurt, as it may make things worse for you and your dog. Therefore, you may do the following while observing the progress of its health: Let your bulldog fast for 12 — 24 hours. Simply put, do not feed your bulldog first. This will allow its digestive system to heal itself by eliminating the improper contents inside then resetting after everything is expelled. Feeding your dog while its stomach is upset may actually interfere with the process of cleansing. Hydrate your dog while it is fasting to avoid dehydration. As your dog is pooping, it is losing much water. Thus, keep it hydrated during the hour period. Yogurt is a dog friendly food that you can offer your bulldog as they recover from diarrhea. Use yogurts that do not contain artificial sweeteners or added sugar. Yogurts have active good bacteria for the stomach and are a probiotic. Because overeating can make your dog suffer diarrhea, make sure that it eats the right amount of food every meal time. As humans, a bulldog needs to maintain health as it has a sensitive digestive system. Therefore, make sure that you do not feed your bulldog with so much treats with poor ingredients. Also, check the ingredients to avoid giving food that your dog is allergic of. Bulldogs have many food allergies. Some of the most common food allergens are chicken , beef, and dairy. Most dogs love chicken and beef, but bulldogs must avoid these ingredients. Do not make sudden dietary changes. A gradual change in diet, preferably more than 10 days, is much better than treating a diarrhea. Conclusion Knowing the food and medicine to feed your bulldog during times of diarrhea is as important as knowing the first aid treatment you should do to relieve discomfort. As diarrhea is a sickness of the digestive system, food is the key to deal with the root cause of the sickness. Give your bulldog extra rest as they recover and a diet that is gently on their stomachs. Once your bulldog shoes signs of recovery, slowly start introducing foods that will be gentle on their stomachs such as rice. Hopefully with the proper treatment, the diarrhea will pass in a couple of days and your bulldog will be back to themselves. Remember to re-introduce food slowly as your bully friend recovers. Also be patient and loving with your bulldog while they are sick. Post Views: 1, Preventing Puppy Diarrhea Puppy diarrhea is, unfortunately, a reality of pet ownership. Puppies do not have fully functioning immune systems, so they can be a little more sensitive to changes and potential sources of infection than their adult counterparts. Mild cases of diarrhea may go away quickly on their own, but other causes—including infections and parasites—can be a sign of a serious problem. Here's what to watch for and how to know what your next steps should be when your puppy has diarrhea. Some of the most common reasons for diarrhea in puppies include environmental factors, infections, and parasites. Hopefully this helps you find answers to "Why does my puppy have diarrhea? Moving into a new home, meeting new people and animals, learning to walk on a leash , vet visits and vaccinations , that first encounter with the Roomba. All of these experiences can cause stress, and your puppy may get diarrhea because of that. Diarrhea related to stress usually occurs within hours to a day of the stressful event, and generally resolves quickly on its own. Ask your puppy's breeder or previous owner what brand and formula of food she is used to eating, and start off by using that same diet. If you want to switch to a different food, do it gradually over several days, starting with just a little of the new food mixed in with the old and increasing the ratio of new food over time. Some dogs may have food intolerances or, less commonly, allergies to specific ingredients. These can also cause diarrhea. Identifying a food allergy or intolerance is a time-consuming process and will require guidance from your veterinarian. Some common parasites that can infest puppies include roundworms, hookworms , whipworms, tapeworms , coccidia, and giardia. Parasites are most commonly transmitted through poop a dog with worms poops out eggs and larvae, a puppy sniffs poop and inhales them. But some, such as roundworms, can be transmitted from mother to puppies through the placenta. As well as having diarrhea, puppies with parasites may have distended bellies, bloody diarrhea, appear thin, or be lethargic. Sometimes you may be able to see worms in the poop. Your veterinarian can c heck your puppy's stool for worm eggs and other parasites. Always bring a sample along if your puppy is having diarrhea. Once the offending parasite is identified, your vet can prescribe the best deworming medication to resolve the issue. Being treated for worms or other parasites does not prevent your puppy from getting them again, however. Remember how parasites are often spread through poop? Be sure to thoroughly clean your yard, removing all poo to minimize the number of parasitic worms living in the soil and environment. Otherwise, your puppy can reinfect herself from her own poop. All puppies should be on a regular deworming schedule starting while they are with the breeder. Most veterinarians recommend continuing regular, long-term deworming, such as with a monthly product. Dietary Indiscretion and Toxicities Like toddlers, puppies love to put their mouths on anything and everything. Eating the wrong thing can cause diarrhea in a couple different ways. This could range from feasting on the garbage leftover from your cookout to swallowing a chewed-up tennis ball or munching on your amaryllis plant. Eating an excessive amount of rich or fatty foods can cause stomach upset. In cases like these, your puppy may vomit or appear uncomfortable as well as having diarrhea. If your puppy has eaten something toxic, exact symptoms will vary depending on what and how much she ate. If you suspect your puppy has eaten something toxic, or are unsure about the potential threat of her illicit snack, contact an animal poison helpline such as the ASPCA Poison Control Center or the Pet Poison Helpline , , immediately. These services do charge a fee, but it's well worth it to have access to the most up-to-date information on toxicities in dogs. Even nontoxic non-food items can be problematic if they get stuck in your puppy's gastrointestinal tract and cause a blockage. Besides having diarrhea, a puppy with an obstruction may vomit, be lethargic, refuse to eat, and have abdominal pain. Viral and Bacterial Infections Parvovirus, often referred to as simply "parvo," is a diagnosis that strikes fear in any puppy owner's heart. This virus is highly contagious and wreaks havoc on your puppy's immune system and body, causing severe diarrhea, vomiting, weight loss, anorexia, fever, and lethargy. Treatment consists of supportive care to help your puppy fight the disease and target symptoms. A puppy with parvo will likely be admitted to the hospital for intravenous fluids to keep her hydrated, medications, and round-the-clock supervision from her veterinary team. Parvo is often fatal, especially if treatment is started too late. Thankfully, there is an effective vaccination for parvo, and it is included in the routine puppy series. Your puppy will receive several rounds of the vaccine depending on her age. It's essential to get your puppy to her booster appointments on time; even one missed vaccination can leave her unprotected. Once she has finished her puppy series, the following year she can either get a one-year or three-year vaccine. Avoid places with other dogs, such as dog parks, boarding kennels, and popular dog-walking spots until she is fully vaccinated. Only allow her to interact with dogs who you know are vaccinated. If your puppy does get parvo, she will need to be kept away from unvaccinated dogs and puppies to prevent spreading it to them. Besides viruses such as parvo, your puppy can also get bacterial infections in her G. Common culprits include clostridium, E. Your puppy can pick these up from eating rotten food or poop from an infected animal. As she matures and her immune system finishes developing, she will be less susceptible to these tiny invaders. Puppy Vomiting and Diarrhea Vomiting and diarrhea are a dangerous combination. Both cause your puppy to lose water from her body, leading to dehydration. Dehydration can cause permanent damage to her internal organs in a matter of days. If your dog is experiencing this one-two punch of vomiting and diarrhea, you'll want to call your vet right away. When to Call Your Vet If your puppy has diarrhea but is still playful and normal, there is no need to panic. It will likely resolve on its own. Here are the signs to call your veterinarian to schedule an appointment: Diarrhea that lasts more than a day Bloody or black stool. We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Make some vegetable broth mixed with pumpkin. This firms the bulldog stool and relaxes the stomach. They can be given plain rice topped with vegetable broth too. Rice is supposed to be low in fiber, which is what we need for our bulldog to ease their digestion. Many people may advise you to feed your bulldogs with yogurt. You can also feed them with wet dog food. It will help them recover slowly. Let them fast. By doing this, the cleansing of their stomach will not be interrupted. Their digestive system eliminates all the harmful contents and then resets itself after everything is gone. All the inappropriate and undesirable contents come out in the form of poop. Feeding your bulldog while having diarrhea may hinder the cleansing process of the stomach. Keep your bulldog hydrated all the time. They must have lost a lot of water while pooping. As your bulldog is recovering from diarrhea, try feeding them yogurt. It is a dog-friendly food. Remember not to give them yogurt that contains artificial sweeteners or added sugar. Yogurts consist of good active bacteria for the stomach and are also probiotics. Do not forget to consult your vet about feeding them the yogurt. Measures for Preventing Bulldog Diarrhea The causes of bulldog diarrhea are already known to you now. Bulldogs have a susceptible digestive system, which makes it compulsory for you to check the ingredients. You must not give your bulldog food that has inferior ingredients. Also, check for allergies; if your bulldog is allergic to anything, check the ingredients to avoid allergies. Most bulldogs are allergic to many things, such as beef, chicken, and dairy. Bulldogs love chicken and beef a lot, but it should be avoided at all costs due to allergies. Ensure they eat the perfect amount of food, as overeating can cause diarrhea. Do not change it suddenly, as it can make their stomach upset. If you decide to change their diet, then plan it accordingly. Start by giving them old and new meals together for around ten days. In those ten days, change it gradually and replace the new one with the old one. It is always better to prevent diarrhea than to treat it. They will get used to new meals too. These were some standard measures for avoiding diarrhea. Keep observing your bulldog, and you may know the changes in them. Before You Go Bulldogs have a susceptible digestive system, and diarrhea is prevalent in them. You have to notice their routine to know whether they have diarrhea or not. You should give them proper treatment immediately if you see any symptoms. If you observe any additional symptoms, then rush to the vet immediately. Take care! Leave a Reply You must be logged in to post a comment. At this point I do not think it is the food, but it could be although the food change may be only making the initial problem worse and causing stomach upset too. Whenever you get a new puppy, the first thing on your to do list should be getting a fecal done by your vet. Even if you are not having problems with diarrhea, get one done anyway. Almost every puppy I have bought has had either worms or coccidia. There is no real signs of this except for swollen looking belly and diarrhea. Molly had worms but her poo was not soft so go figure. Otherwise they are playful and happy just like a puppy should be. And they will be hungry. Very hungry. But all bully pups are, so that you can throw out the window. Almost all puppies have internal parasite, coccidia and worms, and if not treated by the breeder lets face it, not all breeders take care of it as they should. Depending on the cleanliness of the kennel there can also be giardia or worse. So if you have not yet, get your pup to the vet and have a fecal done. You can bring some with you to make it easier, just grab a ziplock bag, turn it inside out, and then put it on as a glove. Scoop up as much of the poo as you can grab, and then reverse the bag off your hand and seal shut. Home » Blog » What to do if your pup has diarrhea? As we get a lot of questions about diarrhea, we take a closer look at what could cause that and how you can help your pup and when to ask for help! Why does my Frenchie have diarrhea? Common reasons why your poor pup has the misfortune of diarrhea could be: Eating leftovers causing a viral or bacterial infection. This is why we always recommend you regularly scan your kitchen and dining room, remove leftovers, and ask your family members to do the same. A sudden change in their diet. Make sure you check with the breeder what meals, which type of food your pup has been eating so that this could be continued. Unknowingly providing them with an abrupt change in their diet can cause a reaction that triggers diarrhea. We always tell the puppy parents what we fed their puppy with on the farm, and give recommendations on their future diet. Swallowing a small object. Back to being curious! Your pup may stumble upon small objects left on the ground or at home such as a small plastic toy, which can cause them to have an upset tummy and diarrhea — understandably! An allergy. Pups can have allergies, particularly to dairy or wheat, which can make their system react adversely. Allergies are hard to prevent, this is why we carefully select every TomKings parent puppy from an award winning bloodline so that we build the healthiest and most Frenchie-authentic gene pool for our TomKings babies. It would be loose stools that are watery in consistency and your pup would have frequent bowel movements. Chronic diarrhea — this is associated with more long-term issues such as an allergic reaction or Irritable Bowel Syndrome, which can be worsened by a change in their diet. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email OK, so what do I need to do to help my poor pup? Make sure your Frenchie has plenty of water to drink — this is to avoid any dehydration. As harsh as this may sound — do not feed your pup for up to 12 hours so that their body has time to adjust and flush out the issue. Do provide them with a mild and low-sodium soup like a chicken or beef broth to have as a meal replacement. This still provides your pup with all the necessary water and nutrition they need to get back to bouncing health. After this, — depending on whether or not your puppy has vomited again during this time — do feed them in small doses a few times a day with bland food such as rice or plain, boiled white-meat like chicken. If their health is improving; gradually start to include their usual meals in their diet. Normally, diarrhea is not a serious issue and often gets better over a hour period. However, please do look out for more serious signs such as: A lack of appetite. Use Pedialyte for Hydration Canine diarrhea can cause dehydration because of frequent bowel movements. Therefore, the first thing you need to do is to hydrate your dog. Pedialyte is one of the most recommended liquids for canine dehydration. However, before you give your dog Pedialyte, you should consult your vet. You need to give their stomach some time to adjust. One way to do this is to feed them a bland diet. Feed them Vegetable Broth to Firm Their Stool Vegetable broth with pumpkin is excellent for a bulldog with loose stool because it not only firms their stool but also soothes their stomach, making it easier for them to handle other types of food. Try a 12 Hour Fast Putting your bulldog on a 12 to 24 hour fast allows their digestive system to heal on its own and eliminate all the components that may be causing diarrhea. When you introduce food before the digestive cleansing process is complete, it may interfere with the process and only make the condition worse. During the fasting period, ensure your dog stays hydrated, giving them plenty of water because diarrhea causes dehydration. Try Yogurt Yogurt is also an excellent food to feed your bulldog as they recover from diarrhea. Before you give your dog yogurt, consult your vet. Some bulldogs are allergic to yogurt, and feeding it to them can only cause more problems in their digestive system. How to Prevent Bulldog Diarrhea Helping prevent your bulldog from developing diarrhea is much easier than helping them recover from it. Avoid overfeeding: Only feed them their recommended serving sizes when they are supposed to eat. Prevent them from getting extra food from your garbage and pick up their food bowls when they are done eating. Change their diet gradually: Introduce one new food at a time so that their stomachs can adjust slowly. However, before administering any medication, make sure you consult your vet about dosage and whether or not the medicine is suitable for your type of dog.
These are dogs that are strong, intelligent, alert, courageous, energetic, and loyal. The breed excels as a guardian and these dogs can be trained to perform a range of important tasks. But most of all, this is a dog that protects the ones he or she loves and holds dear. Naming Advice When it comes to naming your German Shepherd, there are a variety of factors to keep in mind. Check out these super cute Pet ID Tags! Personality Finding the right name may not be immediately apparent, and sometimes it takes a while to decide which moniker fits your pup best. Wait for his or her personality to fully emerge before choosing the ideal name. Spend a little time with your new friend and the perfect name will come. Name Length A good rule of thumb is to keep the number of syllables in the dog's name to one or two at most. Three is acceptable but the shorter the name, the easier it is for your dog to hear and respond to commands. Clear communication is imperative for German Shepherds, particularly during training. Avoid Confusion Some names may sound like commands and this will only serve to confuse your pup. If you name your German Shepherd something that sounds identical to those and other commands, obedience is going to be an uphill battle for both you and your pet. Perhaps one of these names will fit your pet best, or maybe these names will help you think of the best possible name for your particular pup. German Shepherds have distinct personality traits and all of these names can reflect those attributes every time you call his or her name. The act of naming your new companion is a crucial aspect of integrating her into your household. The options are manifold. You could decide on one of the most popular female German Shepherd names or choose to go with a completely unique girl German Shepherd name. The process may seem daunting at first, but the perfect name is often closer than you think. To start, you may consider trying out various German Shepherd names for your female canine. Pronounce them out loud, observe how easily they roll off your tongue. Envision yourself calling out that name several times a day. Would you feel comfortable shouting it out in the dog park? The truth is, selecting the ideal girl German Shepherd name can be a daunting task. These charming names could all make for fantastic choices. Browse through them and see which one resonates with you the most. Best Female German Shepherd Names Ideas When it comes to choosing the best female German Shepherd names, the options are as varied and dynamic as these dogs themselves. These top female GSD names perfectly encapsulate various facets of their personality, appearance, and heritage.
For the complete list please see our German Shepherd links page. German Shepherds are excellent family pets. They are loyal and protective of their owners and make great companions for children. The price can fluctuate even more depending on whether the pup is registered with the AKC or not. Purebred German Shepherds that are registered with the AKC typically sell for more money than those that are not. There are many wonderful German Shepherds waiting for homes. Contact the national breed club and ask for breeder recommendations in your area. Good breeders belong to at least one or more of these organizations: 2. A reputable breeder produces puppies with excellent health and temperament; they also take care when matching puppies with new owners. A good breeder will provide you with written documentation that the parents were cleared of hereditary diseases by a veterinary professional. Check online reviews and ratings of German Shepherd breeders in New Hampshire and speak to current and past pet owners before making a decision about which breeder to work with. Ask for a tour of the kennel and make sure all of the parent dogs appear to be clean, healthy, well-behaved and friendly. Make sure you feel comfortable with your breeder and ask as many questions as possible before deciding to buy a puppy from them. A good breeder should want to provide you with all of the information you need and should be available to answer any questions in the future. This can be very helpful because it allows you to see if the parent dogs are well-behaved, friendly towards other people and animals, etc. Breeders who produce healthier pets generally take very good care of them; they spend lots of time socializing the puppies and making sure they are comfortable around new people. If possible, try to observe any interactions between adult dogs at the kennel and young puppies so that you can get a sense of how the breeder raises their puppies. A good breeder wants you to be happy with your new pet and will work with you to answer any questions or address any issues you may have. Questions to Ask Ask for References from Your German Shepherd Breeder in New Hampshire A reputable breeder will have references that you can contact to learn about their experience working with them. Calling the recommended breeders is a great way for you to get in touch with people who have actually interacted with your newly selected German Shepherd breeder. When talking to references, be sure to ask lots of questions. Here are a few ideas: How was your experience working with this breeder? Was your puppy healthy and did it have a good temperament? Was the breeder available for support after you got your puppy? Would you recommend this breeder to others? You should ask if the parents of the puppies are screened for any hereditary diseases at all stages of life. Good breeders will also have their puppies vaccinated and dewormed at an early age. They should also provide you with a health record of your puppy that includes dates of all vaccinations and deworming treatments. Your breeder should also be willing to offer a health guarantee on the puppies. The breeder should be able to provide references from people who have interacted with their kennel. These customer references can give you valuable insight on things like: What was their experience working with this breeder? Would they recommend this breeder to others? How were their interactions with all of the different staff members at the kennel? There are many places you can find a new pet, including animal shelters and rescue groups. That being said, working with a good kennel who is knowledgeable about their breed can make having a new German Shepherd an easy experience for you and your family. If you think that this may be the right breeder for you or if they meet all of our requirements , we encourage you open up your heart and home to one of their lovable pups. Your breeder should have a veterinarian they use and trust. The veterinarian should also do health screenings on the dogs in the kennel and provide routine care for them. There are some unethical breeders who are only interested in making a profit. Some warning signs that you may be dealing with an unethical breeder include: They are not willing to provide references from past customers. They do not health test their parent dogs for genetic diseases. They do not vaccinate or deworm their puppies. They do not have a good veterinarian they use. If you notice any of these red flags, we encourage you to walk away and find a different breeder. German Shepherds make great pets and should only come from a responsible breeder. Asking the breeder about what they know will help you make an informed decision about your dog. The breeder should be willing to share any health tests they have done on the parent dogs, including hip scores and elbow certifications. They should also know if their breeding stock suffers from any genetic illnesses or hereditary problems. Make sure that all of your electrical cords are put away and inaccessible to your puppy. Have a safe place for the puppy to sleep, like a crate or dog bed. Stock up on food, water bowls, toys, and other supplies. Make sure that all family members are prepared to handle training and obedience commands. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to get your new puppy checked out and vaccinated. Be prepared to devote at least 30 minutes each day to exercising and training your new pet. With the right preparation, you and your family can enjoy years of companionship with this wonderful breed. Always take your puppy outside immediately after waking up, eating, drinking water, playing, and resting. Once outside, give your pup about minutes to go potty. Take them outside every 30 minutes or so until they start going potty on their own after only a couple of minutes out there. This will let them know what they are supposed to do while they are still young enough to be easily trained. Puppy Obedience Training Puppy obedience training is also very important and should start as soon as you bring your new pet home. Make sure to use positive reinforcement when teaching your pup basic commands like sit, stay, come, and down. Start with simple commands and then move on to more difficult ones as your puppy masters the basics. With a little bit of hard work, you can have a well-behaved German Shepherd that will be a cherished member of your family for years to come. I love animals and love helping people adopt a pet. It all started when attending Missouri State University and I began volunteering at an animal shelter. We own 20 acres of land with acres of forest behind us. Please feel free to check our Facebook page for news about StormCloud Long Coated German Shepherds We have been raising both long coat also known as long hair and stock coat German Shepherd Dogs since .Presently, we are breeding large mahogany red with black long coated German Shepherds which have proven to produce stunning puppies that are healthy, beautiful and have a sound and calm temperament. Very Exciting News. The temperaments on these stunning pups will be sound, happy and calm! Absolutely just what to look for in a true German Shepherd Dog! We welcome inquiries about all our dogs. Let us know what you desire in your German Shepherd Dog. Each of the females lends something a little different to each litter. This could be color, different types of temperament, Search and Rescue abilities, etc. We invite you to come and visit us and meet our 'Pack'. Feel free to check our website often as things are ever happening! Great new photos of our Long Coat German Shepherd puppies and adults having a blast! We ship to all 50 states! Hi there. We are climbing Welch-Dickey. All rights reserved. Send email to us at stormcloudshepherds gmail. Puppy pads Create a Schedule German Shepherd 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. Still, it would be best to prepare yourself for loud noises when your pet is asleep. Moderate Training German Shepherds are highly trainable. It simply means they respond 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. Questions about German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Hampshire? We have answers. How much do your German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Hampshire cost? Whether you are searching for German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Hampshire or just a fun-loving German Shepherd puppy that falls beneath your budget, our network could be of use. Instead of wasting your time browsing the internet for New Hampshire German Shepherd breeders, why not make use of our expansive network of top-rated breeders? Does Uptown Puppies limit my search? No, in fact your search is not limited at all! When you make the decision to find your new companion through Uptown Puppies, one of the biggest advantages is expanding your search beyond German Shepherd breeders in New Hampshire. Finding a puppy through one of our listings means that you are choosing to work with a top-rated breeder, not one of the unethical puppy breeding businesses that has become common online. How does Uptown screen Shepherd breeders? As opposed to forming a list of search results strongly based on yearly sales or marketing budgets, our strategy is much different. At Uptown Puppies, we only list top puppy businesses and breeders who are able to pass our rigorous vetting process and take our prestigious Breeder Pledge. Why is Uptown Puppies different? Through our vetting process, our team is able to sort through and weed out all of the puppy mills and backyard breeders so that you don't have to. How common are puppy mills in New Hampshire? Puppy mills can actually be pretty large, often falling into the dangerous trap of inbreeding dogs which can lead to serious health issues later in life. What happens if I am looking for a specific size German Shepherd? If you are absolutely prepared to meet your new German Shepherd puppy, Uptown Puppies is the correct place for you to be. How does Uptown work? The Uptown Puppies process is actually fairly simple. Instead of stumbling around online looking for German Shepherd puppies for sale in New Hampshire, all you have to do is browse through our pages of available litters to find the one that is interesting to you. Once you express your interest to the top rated breeder who raised the puppy, all that's left to do is meet your adorable new german Shepherd. How do I trust Uptown Puppies? Our team of professionals are committed to screening each and every puppy business or breeder who is able to list a puppy on our website. What if there are no Beagle puppies near me? The partners in our network are skilled at making travel accommodations for their Shepherd puppies all over the country, meaning you can pick up your new companion at a local airport. No need to worry, puppies always fly in the cabin, not underneath the plane! What kind of dog can I expect when I bring home a German Shepherd puppy? German Shepherds grow up to be big,fun-loving, energetic dogs with a curious, sometimes overly clever personality. German Shepherds, even as puppies are strong, loyal dogs who are always ready for an adventure.
Breeders VS. The sad truth is that many pet store purchased pups actually come from puppy mills. Basically, there is zero authenticity with pet stores. When it comes to adopting any animal from a pet store, there is an increased risk of unforeseen health or genetic problems. You also cultivate a life-long relationship with the breeder, meaning support is available to you anytime you may need it. With My Golden Retriever Puppies , you have the option to come and visit both the puppy and the breeder in person! Golden Retrievers are an adaptable breed, meaning they are better at adapting to seasonal changes and various types of climate than certain other breeds. Goldens sport a double-coat, which ensures that these sweet pups are able to tolerate slightly colder temperatures than their friends from other breeds. Your pup deserves better than that, which is why here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we ensure high-quality care is taken of your pet at all times. For more about the true price of a golden retriever puppy, you can read our full price breakdown here. Location Information for New York Customers Our home office is located in Ohio, but we understand that long-distance travel can be inconvenient. If you prefer to meet a breeder in person, they may be able to offer private visits at their home. Of course! Here at My Golden Retriever Puppies , we value family and authenticity, which is why we always guarantee our pups through our 2-year genetic health guarantee. Like adopting a Golden Retriever from a pet store, there is an increased risk when adopting a pup from a rescue center or shelter as well. For example, pups purchased through a shelter or rescue center are far less likely to come with the kinds of health guarantees and reassurances that a breeder can provide. What type of Golden Retrievers are sold in New York? We have some good news! Ready to make your Golden Retriever dreams come true? Take a look at our convenient list of available puppies. How do I know which breeders to trust in New York? Our independent network of trusted breeders have already been pre-screened and verified, so that you can focus on what really matters: choosing your dream puppy. Be the first to know when we have new puppies! All Rights Reserved. Read the full disclosure here. Originally bred to retrieve shot waterfowl and serve as gun dogs, golden retrievers are one of the most popular family dogs. Despite their huge popularity and purebred status, you can still adopt purebred goldens from golden retriever rescues in New York state. Before you start researching different golden retriever breeders in New York state, consider adopting or fostering a rescue dog. While it might not seem like it at first, rescued dogs come with certain benefits! If you decide to purchase a puppy from a breeder, be prepared to spend a lot of time on obedience training and house training. On the other hand, most rescued golden retrievers are already fully potty trained and know basic commands. Keep one reading to find out how to adopt a golden retriever in need! Best Golden Retriever Rescues In New York State Highly trainable, friendly, and active, golden retrievers make awesome pets to people of all ages and families with children. Medium to large in size, these athletic and energetic dogs need a lot of exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Whether you are interested in adopting or fostering a golden retriever, you are probably wondering what are the best golden retriever rescues in New York state. Furthermore, most of these rescues are always looking for helping hands and you can always sign up to be a volunteer and help find homes for goldens in need. Without further ado, here are some golden retriever rescues in New Your state you have to check out! Their goal is to find new homes for purebred golden retrievers and their mixes who have been abandoned, mistreated, or lost by their previous owners. This rescue also takes in goldens whose owners are no longer able to continue caring for them. Like most other reputable rescue organizations, GRROWLS is strongly committed to helping prospective owners understand the golden retriever breed. They are also there to help new owners get prepared for bringing a new puppy home and to know what to expect from the first couple of weeks. This rescue has a fairly straightforward adoption process. If you are interested in adopting a golden retriever through this rescue, you will have to fill out an adoption application first. Before matching you with a particular dog, the rescue will arrange a home visit so they can understand your environment and lifestyle. The Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue takes in dogs from different backgrounds. Some of these dogs are well-behaved and cared for pets whose owners have passed away, while some goldens come with a history of abuse or neglect. A thing worth noting about Sunshine Golden Retriever Rescue is that most of their dogs come from kill shelters in the South and are placed as direct adoptions. This means that approved applicants will meet a dog through pictures, email, and adoption coordinator. Operated solely by volunteers, this organization is dedicated to improving the lives of golden retrievers that were neglected, abandoned, or abused by their owners. The Long Island Golden Retriever Rescue provides veterinary care and loving forever homes to all golden retrievers, from puppies to seniors. The best thing about this rescue is that they have been involved in several international rescue operations. This organization has a list of available adoptable dogs on their site and you just need to fill out an adoption application if you are interested in adoption. Once the staff reviews your application, they will contact you to set up a home visit. Like all other non-profit rescue organizations, the New York State Retriever Rescue has set adoption fees. All golden retrievers that come in New York State Retriever Rescue are evaluated and taken to their vets for a complete health exam. Before leaving for their forever home, all dogs receive the necessary shots and have fecal and heartworm tests. And if for whatever reason you can suddenly no longer care for your adopted golden, this rescue will take the dog back and try to find it another home. Bear in mind, since they are located in Long Island, this organization generally only adopts their dogs in a mile radius. Thank you! If you are looking to add to your fur family, consider adopting a dog. You will save the life of that dog and allow another to come into the shelter to be saved. Golden retrievers are well-mannered, loyal companions that love to play. They love meeting new people, and their enthusiasm is contagious. Goldens make great family dogs and hiking partners. Check out all 25 golden retrievers looking for their forever homes and share with a friend. Bruce Wayne Bruce is a 7-year-old sweetheart who is looking for a forever home. He loves to go for car rides and is completely housebroken. This perfect gentleman knows basic commands and just wants a loving home where he can cuddle next to his family at night. The rescue said his transition into a new home would be easier if he was the only dog but he is learning that other dogs mean him no harm. Bruce loves everyone he meets but will bark to alert his family someone is there. If this faithful pup sounds like the perfect match for you, you can find out more by clicking here. The playful girl will need a home with a fenced in yard to play fetch and run around. Does Layla sound like the perfect dog for you? Adopt her. He has the biggest heart and just wants to find a family who will love him the way he is. He gets around just fine thanks to a custom wheelchair. If you are ready to experience unconditional love — adopt him! The six-year-old loves attention and looking at herself in the mirror. She would do best in a home with another dog as she is unsure of loud noises and new things. A patient family with a fenced in yard would be perfect for Peaches. They arrived with three other siblings but these two would love to find a home together. They are incredibly smart, eager to learn, and ready for a forever home. If you are able to open your heart and home to two adorable puppies click here. The seven-year-old gentle giant loves children and people. He does not do well with other male dogs but could live in a home with a female dog. If this handsome boy caught your eye, you can adopt him here. While he still has bursts of energy, he prefers attention over play and has not shown any interest in playing fetch. Adopt him here. He can be a bit bossy so a home with older children or no children would be best. Rocko is too interested in cats to live with them but can live with another dog, after a meet-and-greet. Looking for an adventure buddy? Marley Mae is your girl and she loves car rides. Daily walks will be required but fresh air and exercise is good for everyone. Oliver is a love bug and just wants a family of his own. If you are willing to spoil him with attention and cuddles, apply to adopt him here. Boyd is currently in Texas looking for a loving forever home. Adopt him! The gorgeous pup will shed and is still learning to walk on a leash. He needs a family who will teach him basic commands and house train him. If you are ready for a lifetime of fun and learning, apply to adopt Asher here. Missy is a friendly gal rescue estimates she is 18! She prefers a home without children. Let her show you how to enjoy the little things in life, like a relaxing care ride. If she is the dog you have been looking for, adopt her here. Colin is 7 years young and a total sweetheart. He enjoys walks and meeting new people but also loves cuddling. The affectionate boy does have separation anxiety so he would do best with a homebody. She is 5-years-old and gets along well with other dogs. This loving girl is looking for a forever home. Adopt her! He needs a family that will take the time to teach him how to be a good boy. He is a year-old boy who loves other dogs, cats, and children. He is looking to enjoy his golden years with a loving family. Bring him home! He is missing hair due to a skin infection that is being treated by a vet. This good boy is ready for his forever home. She just wants a family of her own to go on walks and cuddle with. Anyone ready to give her a life of luxury and love her unconditionally can adopt her here. The young boy loves to play with a ball and will do so for hours. He loves people and would do best with a family that prefers to stay in or take him along on adventures. He loves treats and is a quick learner. An active family would be the best fit for Samson as he needs to go on a couple mile walk every day. He gets along well with other dogs and just wants a home of his own. Does he sound like the perfect dog for you? He loves going for walks and to the beach. As soon as he sees his leash his tail starts to wag. While he is always up for adventure, the big fella also loves to relax and cuddle. If you are looking for a best friend who will never leave your side, then look no further. Adopt Harlow here! The golden mix boy is inquisitive and energetic. He needs a patient family who will teach him how to be a good boy and watch him grow into his huge paws. She walks well on a leash and is as sweet as can be. She enjoys playing with other dogs but can be a bit bossy. The sweet dog is looking for a calm and quiet home to enjoy his golden years. He enjoys cuddling and going for short walks. FAQ about golden retrievers and how to start the process of adoption. What is the lifespan of a golden retriever? Golden retrievers are active dogs with a life span of years. How much exercise does a golden retriever need? The breed is part of the sporting group and was originally bred to retrieve ducks and fowls for hunters. They need daily exercise consisting of a walk, a game of fetch, or a trip to the beach. Ideally, they should have 60 minutes of intense exercise a day and a great way to achieve that is through hiking. How to adopt a golden retriever? If you think a golden retriever is the right dog for you, contact your local shelter. Be sure that your lifestyle is a fit for a golden and consider adopting an older dog. No matter what type of companion you are looking for, you can find a perfect fit in a rescue pet. Questions about Golden Retriever puppies for sale in New York? We have answers. Give me an overview of Golden Retriever puppies for sale in New York. The price of New York Golden Retriever puppies depends on several different factors, including breeder experience and coat color so it may vary greatly from breeder to breeder. For example, white, red, and cream Golden Retriever puppies may be priced differently. At our matchmaking service we take a lot of factors into account and allow our customers to connect with ethical breeders companies who offer great puppies within their budget. Your puppy will fly in style, safe and sound for you to meet at the airport. How do you screen breeders? A lot of breeders and companies across the US are willing to join our network and send us applications every day but we approve only the most responsible breeders who passed our strict screening process and meet all of 47 standards covering animal health and care, legal requirements, facilities, and more. Why is Uptown Puppies different from other places? We love animals and take it for granted that all puppies should be raised with love but unfortunately, many breeders care more about their profit than about animal health and welfare. What is a puppy mill? Most puppies bought in store and online come from mills, overcrowded breeding factories that have no regard for animal welfare. The main concern of puppy mill owners is to maximize profit so dogs live in terrible conditions and never leave their wire cages. Answer the questions to tell us all about you and your ideal puppy. What is the MatchMaker process? Our MatchMaker process was designed to help us figure out what kind of dog you are looking for. You provide us with information about your desired breed, size, temperament, and more and we connect you with the best breeders businesses and help you find the right puppy according to your preferences and your lifestyle. How do I know I can trust you? We believe in building lasting relationships with our customers and help them connect with ethical breeders.
He is eager to please and quite agreeable when it comes to trying new games or learning new tricks. However, he is an energetic pooch. The Labradinger craves as much attention as he will lavish on you. As you may expect, the Labradinger has a strong prey drive, especially in pups in which the Springer is dominant. That is, after all, his calling. He also has a high wanderlust potential if he finds something interesting to investigate. We recommend keeping him on a leash. The size and energy of the Labradinger mean that early socialization is imperative. Suffice to say that he is a handful. Training is just as essential. The Labradinger puppy has a moderate tendency to nip. Instead, it has a fatter part in the middle that resembles, well, an otter tail , hence, his nickname. Just be sure to watch any breakable things on the table if he stands next to you on the couch! However, he also is an excellent therapy and service dog. His keen sense of smell makes him a natural for search-and-rescue efforts. The field type is the gundog going after upland game. He has a docked tail and a lightweight coat better suited for this purpose. The bench dog is the one you see professionally groomed in the show ring. His coat is more luxurious, an excellent match for his handsome appearance. You will also have to curb any bad behaviors and cultivate his canine manners. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He has enough energy to keep up with the kids. Both parent breeds are affectionate and kid-friendly. Sometimes, he gets a bit too excited while roughhousing. Aggressiveness is even treated as a fault in the show ring. Cats and other small animals are another story. As we mentioned earlier, the prey drive runs strong in the Labradinger. If they run away, your pup will chase them. The exception to this observation is if you raise your puppy together with a cat. You may even find that the two will become best friends. Every breed has its quirks and unwelcome behavior. That makes learning what you can expect a smart idea for any prospective pet owner. The reason is that the rate of growth differs between small and large breeds. The former matures quickly, while the latter may not reach its adult size until well over 12 months. We suggest feeding your pooch a high-quality food that will ensure he gets everything he needs. Despite how active the Labradinger is, the Retriever in him has a high propensity for gaining weight. We recommend two things. First, offer treats as a training aid only. Make sure that the kids know that, too. Second, monitor his weight. Remember that the feeding instructions on the back of the bag are a suggestion only. You have his playful nature going for you on this score. An hour of playing frisbee will do the trick. This pup is quite food-motivated so that you can use it to make the lessons go down easier. Another thing to note is that this pooch is sensitive. Stick with positive reinforcement only. Occasional baths are also a good idea if there is more Labrador in your pup. Sometimes, he seems indestructible. As far as congenital issues, there are a few for which there are health screenings. We strongly encourage you to buy only from breeders who do them, given the popularity of both breeds. Minor Conditions. Colors — Black and tan Eye Color — Brown Exercise — Springador need plenty of exercise very long walks and runs and playtime in the yard several times a day. Training — The Springador is a very easy to train dog! Socialization — Positive exposure to other people and dogs daily for best socialization. The Spanador is a perfect apartment dog! The Springador is renowned as one of the best family dog breeds to own! They have medium to long hair and are small to medium-sized dog breeds. The Springer Spaniel Lab mix is also a great dog for beginners, but also beware that they can suffer from separation anxiety. If you are a hunter, then this breed is great for bird hunting retrieval services. Other than hunting, this breed is, all in all, a great family pet that wants nothing more than to follow you about wherever the family goes. Common Names for Springer Spaniel Lab Mix Springador Springer Spaniel Labrador mix Exercise Requirements of the Springador Both parent breed are working dogs; they need a medium amount of brisk walking, jogging, and or running, along with playtime in the backyard during the day. When walking, releasing the dog off the leash is inadvisable. These agile hunters could quickly take off into the underbrush to chase a bird here, a chipmunk there, a squirrel here and pretty soon, they are lost. In her youthful days, we had a Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, who fancied herself a hunter. She would go tearing off after something that caught her attention. She could be gone in and instant, dashing into the woods with her little bark leading us here and there. Back to the Springador, proper exercise is the key to a great life with the Springador! To teach your dog good manners will make your life with your dog much more enjoyable. So take your Springador for puppy training, which is a great way to begin socializing them. Then regular outings to town will help to acclimate them to different sounds, smells, people and animals. Avoid Dog Parks!! Avoid taking your puppy to the dog park. The dogs in the dog park can be rude and even aggressive. One bad experience can scare your puppy for life. The dog park can also be a carrier of disease and germs to your puppy. Plus puppy training time can be a fun bonding time for you and your fur baby. When training the puppy, do not give up on the commands, but rather keep repeating the same command for the same action. There are differing opinions on the different training styles. Some use clickers but never treats. Others use treats, but not clickers, and other variations. So read up on different approaches to see what fits you and your dog best. We prefer to use a combination of several simple methods, and alternate between them. For more on dog training , this might help. Also called Labradingers or Labradinger Retrievers, Springador pups often take on the colors of a Labrador — yellow, black, and chocolate — and become fairly large. They may also develop the curly hair and white markings that typify Springer Spaniels, though! Sporting Dog Roots Your Springador will definitely live up to their roots as sporting type dogs, being a workhorse Lab combined with a hard headed Springer Spaniel. But purebred dogs are your best bet if you are looking for a working dog to do a specific job. Labs were originally bred to retrieve fish from hooks or traps for their owners. Over the generations they became known for being the best dog to have with you if you were doing any kind of shooting. They are skilled at running, swimming, fighting, and following their sense of smell. Springer Spaniels are an old breed; the Romans are said to be responsible for their original European distribution. Springers are sporting dogs, bred to retrieve and flush out game. They are known for being elegant, active, and friendly — and for causing lots of trouble! Their determination to reach their prey can override their interest in listening to your commands. Sporting dog breeds have been combined for generations by game keepers and farmers. Dog handlers keen to have a dog that can do it all. The classic Lab temperament is sweet, friendly, active, easy to train, and easy to socialize, and tends to shine through in Sprinador mixes. Appearances, Size and Weight Springador dogs have even leg to back ratios, long muzzles and wide happy expressions. Their tails are long and broad, and their ears hang low around their faces. Springer puppies can weigh from lbs. They range from about .Springer spaniels are slightly smaller than Labs, at inches. They weigh around lbs. A Springador full grown, being a mix, can take on the smaller size of Springer Spaniels, or grow to be as big as Labs. You just never know with cross breed dogs! They may have white markings. They tend to have medium-to-long coats that are somewhat dense. This makes their fur more waterproof. The hair can range from straight to wiry and curly. They are high-shed dogs in-season, so if you are allergic these are not the dogs for you! Springador dogs should also be groomed frequently. They will need the long hairs on their legs and ears clipping to keep them free of undergrowth! The Springador Temperament Labradors are friendly and outgoing, and mix well with others. They do bark to sound the alert, but are even tempered on the whole. English Springer Spaniels are friendly and playful. They are also known for being hardworking, steady, and obedient to a point. Springador dogs are incredibly driven when it comes to prey, due to their working roots. Novice handlers find it hard to control them outdoors or under distracting conditions. You should avoid casual walks off leash unless you have taught them to come when called in every scenario. Recall is everything and takes a long time to proof with a dog this driven. Your Springador will have lots of energy, be prone to noise and sadly nervous aggression too in some working lines. Stamina is a key part of their personality. Springador Training All dogs can benefit from basic obedience training and socialization at an early age. They are easy to train, and react well to positive reinforcement. Springer Spaniels especially are very energetic and have a high prey drive, which means they should get recall training from a young age. Springadors can be headstrong! These dogs, because of their Labrador blood, will pull on the leash if possible, so training them not to do that will help save your arm! Also, Labradors stay puppy-like for a long time. This is another good reason to train your Springadors. You may wish to consider advanced training — agility, or therapy, for your Springador. They like to work, and their high activity levels make this good enrichment for them. Springador Exercise A small apartment may not be the best place for your Springador. With so much energy to spare, they really need space to roam. Their minds must also be exercised, so we do recommend agility training or retriever training to keep them stimulated. Springer Spaniels especially are not happy when left alone much, so you should take that into account as well. Springador Parent Health Tests Because Labs and Springer Spaniels are prone to similar inherited diseases, you might not see the health advantages as much in the Labrador x Springer cross as with others. The pups of any mixed breed dog will have similar concerns to their parents, so keep that in mind as you shop for Springadors. But it is impossible to know exactly how those health problems will manifest in a cross-bred puppy. It is important, always, to have a health screening for your dog, and to know its family health history whenever possible. Make sure that both parents have good hip scores, clear eye tests and are PRA clear. The Lab parent should also have good elbow scores. However, in general, both dogs are robust and healthy breeds. Also, purebred dogs may not live as long as mixed breeds. But the longevity of your English Springer Spaniel Lab mix depends on a number of factors, including diet, environment, and quality of life. It also depends on genetics, so when you choose your Springador, consider the health of both parents and their families. Your dog may live anywhere from years. By keeping your Springadors healthy and happy, you can ensure they live as long as possible! As with all interactions with breeders, do your research. If you can, visit the home where your potential pup is growing up. That way, you can meet the parents, see the conditions where she was raised, and view for yourself how the breeder interacts with the dogs. Remember to ask the breeder for health certification for the dogs. A breeder with integrity will have no problems with this. Always meet the mother when buying a puppy. Springador Puppies Remember that if you want to buy cross-bred puppies, they are at risk for the same health problems as their parents of either breed. You could get more Lab, or you could get more Springer Spaniel qualities. This goes for their health issues, their temperament, and their physiology. Springador Rescue If you are willing and able to rescue a Springador, rescues do exist. You may also be able to fix a mix inside a shelter, too. You will also have less choice when it comes to age, gender, and other aspects of your new dog. Training or re-training may be required. If you want to rescue a Springador, you may have to be patient to find the right animal for you and your family. The dog you want might not be waiting in a shelter yet.
This fact alone makes it difficult to judge whether or not your pug is going into labour. Because dogs can't verbally communicate the changes in their body or the feelings they're experiencing, owners of expectant female dogs must be vigilant in observing the physical signs of impending labour. While the signs that a pug is about to have puppies can vary from dog to dog, there are several telltale signs of labour common across all dogs that pug owners can watch for. A pug can't tell you what's going on with its body. Consult your calendar. Pugs are pregnant for an average of 63 days from the date of conception, but this varies from dog to dog. Pugs can give birth anywhere from 50 to 75 days after the date of conception. Become more alert and observant of your dog around the 50th day of gestation. Check your dog's temperature. The average temperature of a pug when taken rectally is between .A dog's temperature drops below degrees approximately 24 hours prior to labour. Look for vomiting over a period of two to three days. Hormonal changes and the need for an empty stomach during birth encourage an upset stomach and vomiting in pugs two to three days prior to labour. Monitor your pug's food intake. Expectant pugs will typically reject food the day before going into labour. Watch for signs of nesting. Expectant dogs seek out isolated spots to give birth to their puppies. Dogs in nature, including pugs, are den animals. As such, they search out quiet, comfortable, protected spots to go into labour. Pugs about to go into labour may drag blankets, socks, shirts or other fabric items to their chosen spot prior to giving birth. Observe any changes in behaviour. Pugs about to have puppies may follow you around and stick close to you at all times. Other expectant pugs may become snippy or slightly aggressive prior to the birth of their puppies. Pugs become extremely restless and uncomfortable a maximum of 12 hours before having puppies. Note any odd actions. Pacing, panting, whining and shivering without provocation are signs that the pug is entering the first stage of labour. Look for a gush of straw-coloured fluid coming from the pug's vaginal canal. This is a sign that the placental water sack has ruptured. The first pug puppy is usually born 10 to 30 minutes after this occurs. WARNING Seek emergency veterinary medical attention immediately if your pug does not start labour within 24 hours of a significant drop in body temperature, appears to be in a great deal of pain or takes more than a four hour break between delivering each pup. These signs are indicative of a complicated labour that could have deadly consequences for your dog or her pups. Some Final Words It is possible but it is also a rare event. This physical feature can cause complications for the mother. The usual method for Pugs to give birth is through a C-section. This method is determined by having an ultra-sound or an x-ray done prior to the birth of those puppies. This is the preferred method if you want the mother and her puppies to survive the birth experience. The cost of a C-section varies between vet clinics and animal hospitals. However, there are risks involved with a C-section. The anesthesia can have a negative effect on those puppies. Then, they may get cut during the incision. This accidental cut can cause the puppies to bleed to death if not caught in time. Finally, if the tools used are not sterile, then your Pug and her babies may get an infection and die. What Do Pugs Eat? Click here to find out. The Pug dog breed is not that much different from other dog breeds. Their pregnancies last the standard 53 to 63 days depending on certain factors. The size and health of the mother are two of those factors which may alter the timetable somewhat. The birth process comes in 3 stages. The first stage is when the mother loses her appetite, be restless, and may vomit. This is all being done at the time the uterus begins to contract. This stage lasts about 12 to 24 hours. The second stage is the actual birthing of the puppies. The mother will have her babies between 30 and minute intervals giving everyone time to clean the pup and get it moving. The final stage is when the placenta shows up. This happens generally when the last puppy is born. There are some difficulties that may arise if you have your Pug give birth at home. If you are not ready for these difficulties, then it is advisable that you let the vet handle the birthing process for you. Can Pugs Eat Banana? The ages of both the male and the females are a bit different. The female should go through about 3 heat cycles before they get pregnant. This gives your mother-to-be a chance to fully develop physically and get ready for the rigors of puppy birth. This puts the female at about the age of 18 months. On the other, the male reaches sexual maturity at about 12 to 15 months. That is when you should start to use your male dog as a breeder. After your female has had her first litter, let her wait one season before breeding her again. This gives her a chance to recover from the previous litter. If your female is 6 years old or older, then it is time to stop her from having more puppies. The males do not face these restrictions. Some Final Words While a Pug can have up to 9 puppies at a time, it is best to wish for a lower number of puppies. That way your female stands a better chance of surviving the pregnancy and bringing you more litters as the years pass. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Introduction Pug giving birth for the first time can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It can also be quite a challenge, so it is important to be prepared. Before the birth, you should talk to your vet to ensure your pug is healthy and ready for labor. During labor, you will need to be present to help ensure a safe delivery. After the birth, you should check on the mother and the puppies to make sure they are healthy. With some preparation and care, you can help ensure a safe and successful delivery for your pug and her puppies. What to Expect When your pug gives birth for the first time, you should expect an exciting yet challenging experience. Preparing beforehand is key to making sure you and your pug are ready for the big day. During labor, your pug will need your support and the birth process can take several hours. Make sure to keep your pug comfortable and monitor her health, and for the puppies, make sure they are eating properly and are growing well. With the right preparation and care, your pug and her puppies can have a successful first birthing experience. You should also get the birthing crate ready and make sure you have a thermometer, towels, and hot water bottles on hand. During labor, you should stay with your pug and help her out as much as possible. Make sure to contact your vet if you have any questions or concerns. Make sure your pug is in good health and up to date with vaccinations. Have all the supplies you need ready and at hand, including some extra food and a few blankets. Contact your vet to make sure they are available in case of an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the birthing process so you know what to expect. Your vet will be able to answer any questions you have, and give you advice on what to expect during the birth. They will also be able to administer some medications to help with labor and delivery, if necessary. If your pug has any underlying health issues, your vet will be able to advise on how best to keep them safe and healthy during their pregnancy. During Labor During labor, your pug may display signs of restlessness, pacing, panting and discomfort. If the labor process seems to be taking longer than expected, contact your vet for advice. During labor, keep your pug comfortable and provide encouragement, but let her do the work. Offer her food and water in small amounts as she may not have much of an appetite. If it seems too slow or too fast, contact your vet for advice. Birth Process Once your pug enters labor, expect her to deliver her puppies within hours. It is important to be patient and monitor your pug during this time. Ensure she has access to food and water and plenty of clean bedding. Note any unusual discomforts your pug expresses and take her to the vet if necessary. During the birth, it is important to stay with your pug and support her. Check the puppies for any signs of distress and help to move the puppies from the birth canal if needed. Be prepared to provide assistance with the delivery of any stuck puppies. Be patient and remain calm and comforting during this process. After the puppies are born, be sure to check and record how many were born, the gender of the puppies and any other signs of distress. Keep a watchful eye over the puppies and make sure that the new mother is adequately caring for them. Congratulate yourself for a job well done! Make sure the area is kept warm and that the mother is able to nurse the puppies. Monitor the puppies regularly and keep an eye out for any complications. Make sure to check the puppies for any deformities or health issues, and keep them clean and free of fleas. Bathing them can help keep them healthy, as well as helping to prevent fleas. Feeding them a high-quality puppy food will also help them develop properly. Keep the puppies in a quiet, safe environment, and make sure they have access to plenty of toys to keep them active and engaged. Socializing them is also important; spend a little time each day playing with them and getting them used to human contact. This will help them become well-adjusted, friendly adult pugs. Recovery Recovery is an important stage of the birthing process. For the mother, it is the time to replenish strength and energy after labor. She will also need to rest and stay in a quiet area to ensure she recovers well. To ensure a smooth recovery, provide your pug with a comfortable nesting place, clean bedding, and plenty of fresh food and water. For the puppies to thrive, their mother needs to be in good health. Offer your pug plenty of love and attention, as emotional support is just as important as physical care. You may also need to help her with feeding her pups until they are able to eat on their own. It is important to keep the puppies and their mother in a clean and safe area. Make sure to keep the puppies warm, as they are unable to regulate their own body temperature. Look out for signs of infection or illness in both your pug and the puppies. After delivery, it is normal for the mother to be exhausted and weak. It is also normal for her to lack appetite. She may also feel disoriented and be in pain. Make sure she is given a warm, clean place to rest. Keep a check on her temperature and monitor her urination and defecation regularly. Make sure she is well-hydrated, and give her meals that are rich in vitamins and minerals. If your pug is having trouble recovering, contact your veterinarian immediately. If you notice any signs of distress or unusual behaviors, keep a close eye on her and, if necessary, seek professional help. Monitor her activities and make sure that she is not straining herself. With proper care and attention, your pug should make a full recovery. Make sure the mother has plenty of food and water, and keep the puppies safe and comfortable in a warm and clean environment. You should also be aware of any health issues the puppies may have. Check their eyes, ears, and fur for any signs of infection, and be sure to handle them with care to avoid any accidental injuries. If you notice any unusual behaviors or signs of distress, take them to the vet for further examination. Take some time to socialize your puppies with other animals and people, so they can become comfortable with them. Post Views: .Pug pregnancy symptoms and early signs Pregnant Pug symptoms We understand how difficult it can be to determine whether your Pug is pregnant or not. Luckily, there are several early signs of a Pug pregnancy. Below is a list of pregnant Pug symptoms and early signs: A pregnant Pug will not eat as much as before. At times, she may not want to eat her meals at all. This usually happens around 2 weeks or 14 days after being inseminated. Instead of being energetic and playful, a pregnant pug starts to feel lethargic and tired. These symptoms and early signs are just a few we listed. Many veterinarians and Pug breeders will perform a series of tests and exams to fully confirm that your Pug is pregnant, including blood work, ultrasounds, and x-rays. How can I tell if my pug is pregnant? Here, we will explain two main methods that will provide you with full proof that your Pug is pregnant. Pug ultrasound 25 days after conception If you suspect your Pug is pregnant, call your vet and bring your Pug to the vet. At the vet, a Pug ultrasound will be performed. Usually, the ultrasound can be done as early as 3 weeks or 21 days after partnering. There are pros and cons to using the ultrasound method. While it should be painless, it can also be uncomfortable for the pregnant Pug. Some Pugs may tense up and feel vulnerable with the vet touching their belly. All of this can stress out your precious Pug. Pug ultrasound can also be costly to owners on a budget. Blood test at 35 days 5 weeks after conception Another way to fully confirm that your Pug is pregnant is by having a blood test. The blood test is vital to confirm whether your Pug is pregnant or not because it can help to detect pregnancy hormones in Pugs. There are also pros and cons to getting a blood test. The con is that if the blood test is done too early on, it may not always be accurate. Take a Pug that is less than 5 weeks or 35 days pregnant as an example. If blood work is done, it may show a negative result even though your Pug is in fact pregnant, albeit at the early stages. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! What is the most reliable Pug pregnancy test? While the Pug ultrasound is more expensive than the blood test, it is definitely the most accurate way to confirm that your Pug is indeed pregnant. Keep in mind that it is best to wait 25 days post-partnering to get the ultrasound done or else the ultrasound scan might be a complete waste of money as it may give you an incorrect result. The ultrasound scan images can also show you how many puppies your Pug is expecting. How long are Pugs pregnant? How long are Pugs pregnant for? By the third week of the pregnancy, your pregnant Pug will start to show signs of pregnancy we mentioned before such as not eating as much, skipping meals here and there, stomach getting bigger, and feeling more tired and lethargic than before. In addition to these early signs, you can also expect the following in your pregnant Pug: Your Pug may have canine morning sickness. Instead of eating less and losing appetite that occurs earlier in the pregnancy, your Pug is now gaining back her appetite and may in fact eat more than normal. Your Pug may not want to walk, play, or exercise as much as before. Seeking comfort and care during the pregnancy, your Pug may want you to pet her more and cuddle with her more. During the 4th week, you may notice a clear discharge from your pregnant Pug. Again, some pregnant Pugs may experience one of these symptoms while others may experience all of these symptoms. No two pregnant Pugs are alike so the pregnancy symptoms will vary. Since this is just the early stages, it can be hard to tell. Month 2 Things get more exciting and interesting during the second month. This is when the signs of Pug pregnancy really start to speed up. For instance, between the 32nd day to the 35th day, the fetuses will start to have toes and eyelids. The pregnant Pug is in for a ride because the fetuses are developing very quickly during month 2. On the 50th day, we highly recommend that you bring your pregnant Pug to the vet for an X-ray. This X-ray will inform you of how many puppies your pregnant Pug is expecting. This information is crucial because it helps you as the owner or breeder to prepare and plan according to the litter size. This is normal behavior that pregnant dogs naturally exhibit because they are trying to look for a comfortable and safe spot to give birth to their puppies. We recommend that owners and breeders add comfortable and soft cushions and bedding for their pregnant Pug. This will help the Pug feel more safe and secure during her pregnancy and leading into labor. At this stage, here are some signs of Pug pregnancy you can expect: Eating more than her usual amount. Around the 45th day, your pregnant Pug will lose her appetite for food again and eat less than usual. A significant weight gain due to pregnancy. Urinating more often than usual. Month 3 The third month is both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially for first-time owners and owners that did not expect their Pugs to become pregnant. At this point, you know your Pug is definitely pregnant. During month 3, the Pug will be giving birth to her puppies. Here are some signs to look for during month 3: As the puppies inside the pregnant Pug move into position, her waist will get slimmer than before. As the pregnant Pug prepares for pregnancy during days 61 and 62, she may not want to eat as much as before. Instead of lethargy, your Pug will start to circle around, become restless, and may even get agitated. We will share a bit more tips so that you are prepared and know what to do while your Pug is pregnant. How long do Pugs stay pregnant? Pugs will stay pregnant for about 58 to 68 days. You can expect a Pug to be pregnant for an average length of about 63 days and this is from the date of her conception to the date of delivery. Owners and breeders can expect both behavioral changes as well as physical changes. Pregnant Pugs does not want to see or socialize with other pets or dogs in the house. It may seem that your pregnant Pug is lethargic, but she may in fact be calmer than usual and less tense than before. Try to keep her space nice, tidy, and comfortable. Expect your pregnant Pug to sleep more often and in different places around the house. How to prepare for a Pug pregnancy Preparation is key when your Pug is expecting. Puppy kibble is great because they are nutritious that would be helpful to the developing puppies inside her. Expect your pregnant Pug to feel lethargic and tired and may not want to walk or exercise as much. This is natural so owners and breeders should not over-exert their pregnant Pug. Your pregnant Pug may also have a difficult time breathing and may pant heavily so avoid over-exerting your precious pregnant Pug. On month 3, start preparing and make her crate comfortable and secure. Pug pregnancy and birth: How do Pugs give birth? Your vet will help you determine whether C-section is the best option. C-sections can be costly for those owners on a budget. Before the C-Section, the vet will administer the anesthetic first. This costly birthing method is one of the reasons why Pug puppies are so expensive. Natural birth So, can Pugs give birth naturally? Yes, if after consulting with your vet, both you and your vet agree that the natural birth is fine. By this time, her nest should be ready for her to give birth in. She will then lie down and pant heavily as if she was just running. This is normal. She is breathing heavily and her heart rate starts to increase. Labor can be strenuous and long. Sometimes the first puppy may not appear until 12 hours into labor. Once she has delivered her puppy one at a time , the mommy Pug will immediately nibble at the sack and lick the gooey sack away from her puppy. This is important because it allows the newborn puppy to breathe. Some mommy Pug may start to eat away at the umbilical cords and sack. Final thoughts If you suspect your Pug is pregnant, try your best to figure out when your Pug first became pregnant. This way, you can prepare and feed her accordingly. If you have a pregnant Pup, I hope this article was helpful and I wish you both all the very best! No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Pug Dog Pregnancy Overview Whether you are purposefully breeding or your Pug may have accidentally become pregnant, this page will guide you through the basics of what to expect, how to know a Pug is pregnant, the labor process and care. Signs that a Pug is Pregnant You might be wondering if your Pug is pregnant and perhaps you can not get an appointment with the vet immediately. A dog's pregnancy is a fast one compared to humans; therefore a dog will show signs of being pregnant very quickly. The following are signs and symptoms that a Pug is pregnant: Week 1 - At this early stage, there will usually be no signs. Towards the end of Week 1, some dogs may have slight nausea that causes a decreased appetite. Some will be minimal, causing you to question if there are truly changes: She may be more tired than usual Her stomach may seem slightly swollen She may clean herself much more than normal Her nipples on her tummy seem larger than before During Week 2 there may still be some 'morning sickness' that causes nausea. This is often fleeting and a stronger, more heartier appetite will emerge as she transitions into Week 3 Week 4 - Signs are now very clear: The Pug's stomach will be distended, clearly showing that she is carrying a litter Her nipples will be enlarged and darkened as her body prepares for nursing; some that were previously flush with the skin will now be popped out. For those that have had been bred before, nipples may hang down as they fill with colostrum She will have strong nesting tendencies, wanting to prepare for the impending birth. Her appetite will have increased greatly. Pregnant dogs often eat up to twice as much as normal at this point. Weeks 5 and 6: Nearing the end of the gestation period, a Pug may shows the following signs: She may tired out very easily now The Pug often wants to remain at home and will usually be less social. This will be comprised of not just the pups each will be under one pound, weighing only mere ounces but also will fluids water, amniotic fluids and tissue amniotic sacs that surround each fetus. Wubbzy after giving birth - nursing her newborns Photo courtesy of Laura Velez Pug Pregnancy Facts A Pug will be pregnant for an average of 63 days, a range of 60 to 65 days is considered normal If your Pug is pregnant for more than 67 days, be sure to bring her to the veterinarian The average sized litter for Pugs is 4 to 6 puppies, though this can vary from 1 to 9 and still be considered normal. An x-ray ultrasounds are not typically done performed after 6 weeks the fetus's bones are not calcified before then will show you how many puppies there will be - this is very important so that you know that all came out during the birthing process Possible Risks 1 Since a Pug dog has a large head in comparison to its body, there is a chance that the dam will need to have a cesarean section. As soon as you know your dog is pregnant, you must have your veterinarian keep a close eye on her progress. Her hips and pelvis will be evaluated and judged if there is enough width for a natural birth. Your vet may choose to plan a C-Section or wait to see if there are any warning signs that the pups will not fit through the birth canal based on how many fetuses there are and their predicted size at the time of delivery. Their appetite will increase around week 3 or 4. Do not be concerned about feeding her too much at this time; she will crave the necessary calories needed for her pups and it will be your job to supply them. Everything that your Pug eats will be transferred to her growing puppies; therefore she should be allowed to eat as much as she wishes, when she wishes. Do please be sure to keep these meals and snack on the healthy side. While pregnant dogs do need a bit more fat in the diet, the goal is to increase nutrients while keeping food wholesome and healthy. Following home cooking suggestions, adding fresh raw baby carrots or steamed potatoes can be nutritious add-on ingredients to her diet. Supplements- There is no need to offer her additional vitamins and mineral supplements; and in fact doing so can cause health issues to both her and the fetuses. Do not give her extra calcium - This has been shown to: Increase her odds of developing eclampsia - a dangerous, life-threatening condition involving seizures and high blood pressure More difficult delivery Joint abnormalities in the puppies "Tiny little newborn Pug puppy" Tinkerbell Photo courtesy of: Laura Valez Activity - Unless there are any exercise restrictions set in place by the veterinarian, you will want to continue to walk your Pug daily at a nice pace; albeit perhaps a bit slower. This will allow her to stay fit and becoming sedentary can lead to a sore joints and muscles. Do not allow her to jump down from the sofa or any other height that would cause a jarring this should be the rule for all Pugs. During the final 2 weeks - depending on how many pups she is carrying - she may have trouble maneuvering around and walks can be put on pause at this time. Comfort - If your Pug has been sleeping in your bed, she will need her own personal space now. Her instinct to nest will be strong and the pregnancy will cause her to want to retreat to a 'nest' to rest. A quality canine bed with one or two soft baby blankets these are a good size for a dog to use as nesting materials , set in the corner of the family room will do just fine. Be sure to not set her up too far away from the 'action' as this will cause her to feel isolated and stressed. Other Dogs - If the sire is in the house, separate the two dogs starting at the beginning of Week 5. He can re-join her when the pups are 4 weeks old - with your supervision. Once they are fully weaned, he can have full access. If your pregnant Pug seems to be bothered by the presence of other dogs in the house male or female , surround her resting spot with portable baby gates. Your Dog Giving Birth At Home If it is determined by your vet that your Pug is able to give birth at home, you can prepare for this by sectioning off a quite corner in a room or creating a whelping box by placing a large canine bed inside a good-sized cardboard box with one side cut out for access. The bottom of the whelping box can have plastic layering placed down, followed by layers of clean newspaper; as the papers become bloodied and soaked with fluid, they can be quickly removed, revealing fresh paper. Supplies In the prepared room, be sure to have all supplies close at hand. If possible, have an assistant with you since this is not a job that one should handle alone. The items that you should have are: -Clean towels. The gestation period of a pug is very similar to other dog breeds. Anything between 58 and 68 days is considered typical, with the average length falling at 63 days from conception to delivery. Pug pregnancies may be relatively short but they go through stages like any other. By week eight you should already be prepared for labor. The best way to get to the bottom of this mystery is to visit your vet for diagnostic testing. If she is pregnant, congratulations. The gestation period for pugs is relatively short when compared to humans. Week 1 — Conception Care for mamma pug as normal Usually no signs Possible mild nausea and decreased appetite Some vomiting or discharge is normal Week 2 — Cell development. Embryo moves to the uterus. Continue with her normal diet and exercise as normal She might be more tired than usual You might notice slight swelling of the belly and nipples Possible continued nausea and sickness Week 3 — Fetus development approx. Still no need to change her routine Mamma pug might be hungrier and sleepier than usual Week 4 — The fetus is shaped like a very small pup with spinal and facial features 1. It is not possible to gauge the sex. She may get tired very easily She will probably want to stay at home and be less social She may retreat to a quiet, comfortable spot You can opt for a scan to determine the sex and see how many puppies are arriving Week 6 — Mamma pug will start to show and get visibly bigger by the day. The puppies are now developing their own unique markings. Provide a warm, quiet, and comfortable space to give birth Week 7 — The pregnancy has reached its 42nd day. The puppies are almost fully developed. Some pugs give birth prematurely so be prepared for early labor. Mom will be demonstrating nesting behavior Week 9 — Time to give birth! Be ready to help your pregnant pug when she does into labor. Much like other breeds, pugs have multiple puppies with each litter. Pugs average between four and six pups with each litter. But remember, this is just an average. You might want to opt for a diagnostic ultrasound scan to identify how many puppies are growing. Any number of puppies, from as few as one to as many as nine is possible. The number of puppies will impact labor. A large litter can place a lot of strain on the mother and a cesarean may be needed. Ask your vet for more information. Nurture her with nutrition Make sure your pregnant pug is getting a sufficient and nutritious diet. Pregnant pugs eat a lot. Expect a marked increase in her appetite and offer her larger, more frequent, portions of food accordingly. Usually, the largest appetite increase is observed at three to four weeks. But do not deny a pregnant pug their much-needed calories. She will be craving sustenance to keep her pups growing and should be allowed to eat according to her appetite. Something owners can do is control the quality of the food they offer a pregnant pug. This is an important time to keep things healthy. Give her foods jam-packed with nutrients. Avoid supplements at this time. This is a hotly debated issue. Some people swear by the benefits of nutritional supplements for pregnant pugs, calcium in particular. But research has suggested that doing so can actually cause undue harm, increase risk factors, and cause difficult deliveries. Focus on healthy foods and plenty of water. Provide safety and comfort Pregnant pugs might start to crave quiet time alone. She will need space to start nesting. Let her spend as much time as she needs preparing her nest and resting before the labor. You might want to invest in a comfortable bed and soft blankets. Set up a cozy corner away from any busy thoroughfares but not so isolated that she will feel lonely, nervous, or stressed. If she starts to seem nervous, surround her nest with baby gates to offer her extra privacy and comfort. Separate mamma pug from the sire if living under the same roof. This should be done at around the five-week stage. He can rejoin mom and the litter once the puppies are a bit older in a safe, supervised environment. Around the 4 week mark is just right. Maintain an appropriate exercise regime Though exercise is still important for a pregnant pug, it must be moderated. Overexertion could be extremely harmful. Ask your veterinarian if they would recommend any restrictions for your pug in particular. The most important thing is to steer her clear of jumping and strenuous activities. They will be able to tell you whether your pug is suitable for a home birth or if she will require a cesarean section in practice. Prepare a quiet corner with a whelping box. There are many tutorials online that will help you prepare a suitable birth environment. Check out this one below: In general, a whelping box usually consists of a large box with a comfortable dog bed placed inside. One side of the box can be cut out in order to give you access and help mom out if needed. Clean newspapers are the perfect bedding and easily replaceable when dirty. Make sure you have everything you need for when labor arrives. Be prepared early, as some pugs go into early labor. Keep supplies at close reach and arrange for someone to help you once the labor starts. The following items are labor must-haves: Cleaning spray.
Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. 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. If this is the case,…. 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. Gundog expert Jayne Coley summarises the early training routine that she followed with her own young labrador, Trade. Register for our newsletter To continue reading this content please register for our newsletter. You have to adapt your training to suit the type of puppy you have. The steps below summarise the training routine that I have followed with my young dog, Trade, who has an easy-going temperament. I began to train him properly in the New Year when he was 9 — 10 months old, though I usually wait until the shooting season is over when I have time to do a little each day on a regular basis. Step 1: Foundations By the age of 9 — 10 months, Trade had been toilet trained, knew his name and came back when I called him. He had been well socialised and behaved in company on a lead, was used to going out in my vehicle and had learned to swim. Trade has never been chastised for carrying something he should not, e. I then place the item out of reach. Crucially, by this age we had built up a good bond before formal training began. Step 2: Heelwork It was so wet and muddy at home so I started training on the patio and in our yard where the pup is restricted to a certain area and there are no distractions. We began with heelwork on the lead. To keep the exercise interesting, I walked in straight lines, did figures of eight, included the occasional tight turn and altered my pace. This all helped to keep Trade focused on what we were doing. If he didn't sit immediately, I repeated the command whilst pushing his bottom down with my left hand. Once confident with this routine, I put a lightweight collar on him and progressed to walking to heel off the lead, using my hands to encourage him to keep his head up and concentrate on me, when necessary. If he did move, I calmly walked up to him and, holding his collar, took him back to the exact spot he moved from in a quiet but positive manner. I slowly built up the distance until I could walk around him in a huge circle. Once he did this perfectly, I introduced the recall. Instead of always walking back to him, I would call him back to me, encouraging him to come straight to my hands which were cupped gently in front of my hips. Once I was happy with this, I began to mix up heelwork with sit and stay, and recall. When he didn't move, I quietly picked the dummy up myself. Gradually — over several days — I built on this until I could throw a couple of dummies, one at a time, over and around him and he remained steady. It is always important to lift the pup's top lip out of the way when you put a dummy in his mouth. Trade was reluctant to do this at first, but with patience and perseverance over several days, he accepted it. Slowly, I built on this until I could walk away backwards the length of the lead and call him to me, concentrating on perfecting a good delivery, using my hands to encourage him to bring the dummy right to me with his head held nice and high. Step 6: Retrieving Next, we worked on being sent for a retrieve. I then bent down and pointed my right hand towards the dummy whilst looking at the top of his head to make sure he was looking past my hand at it, before saying his name positively and at the same time letting go of one end of the lead so that he instinctively ran forward and picked the dummy. Initially, I sat back on my heels, which encouraged him to run straight back to me. Slowly we built on this until the lead was no longer needed. Sometimes I would send him for the dummy, sometimes I'd pick it up myself, or I'd walk him to heel in the opposite direction before sending him. On other occasions, I would stand well back from Trade and throw a dummy over his head, call him to me and then send him for the dummy from my position. I like to vary things as this keeps him interested and wondering what I am going to do next. He was at first a little unsure, so I repeated it in a lighter tone, to which he responded. In return, I praised him quietly. Always remember, training a dog is like building a house — it is imperative that the foundations are put down properly, otherwise, sooner or later, cracks will appear. Keep it light and encouraging when you praise, and low and gruff when you scold, so your puppy knows the difference. Especially if you have a boisterous puppy. Keep everything calm and relaxed, and do things in your time. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Print Raising a retriever puppy like the pros Your Labrador puppy can seem small and fragile during those first few weeks home from the breeder. Labrador puppies will learn quickly about acceptable and unacceptable behavior those first few weeks, if you, the owner, are willing to set and enforce boundaries. Here is the training you should be working on with your week-old Labrador puppy. About this series of posts This is post three of a step-by-step training and socialization program for Labrador puppies. If you read our first post , you know that this series follows our training of Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to raise and train her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. In this case, Bubba will be with us for almost a year and a half. Training and socialization for week-old Labrador puppy — week three home Your week-old puppy has been with your family for approximately 3 weeks now. This week you should start noticing some bigger changes with your puppy. Here are some of the changes I notice with Bubba. First, she is growing fast! Bubba is almost ready for a new collar already. I have loosened her current collar twice, and there is no more room to expand it. She is also learning a lot. Bubba is also becoming more personable. She likes and has more interest in people now and wants to be petted and scratched more often. Training equipment for Lab puppy We added a couple new training tools this week. But a thicker check cord will also work. We use this check cord for longer outside marks and assistant-marks which I will discuss more in a bit. Puppy sized canvas or light-weight plastic bumpers In week two, we introduced formal retrieving in a hallway in the house. In week three, we move outside with retrieving and introduce assistant throws, so it is helpful to have a few more bumpers. Puppy training that will continue Much of the training I have been working on for the past two weeks with Bubba will continue into this week and beyond. Dog training is not something that has a definitive end-date. For instance, you teach your puppy to SIT and then you must work and practice that command daily or weekly, often for months before the response to the command is solid. But even once the response is solid, you cannot completely stop training. If you stop training, even an older dog, the dog can lose the previous training. So, realize that you are never done working with your dog, especially on obedience training. Some areas that we will continue training Bubba on are: Crate training Bubba is doing great at crate training. She rarely makes any noise while in her crate and settles down quickly after being put into her crate. In the upcoming weeks, we will work towards getting Bubba to enter her crate on command. Looking for more information on crate training? Housebreaking Housebreaking Bubba is going well. We have caught her in a few accidents, but she already seems to understand that she is not supposed to go potty inside. This does not mean that she is done housebreaking. We still expect accidents and will for a few months, so we watch her carefully while she is running around in the house. We also praise her for behaviors like going to the door and tapping the door or whining at the door. These behaviors are rewarded with us taking her outside to go potty. When she goes potty outside, we praise her and then take her right back in. We want her to start understanding that these cue behaviors will get her out to go potty and that is all. Looking for more information on housebreaking? But we will also add a few new ones. We will use this while teaching our puppy the SIT command. It also will be used going forward, anytime we are done working on structured obedience work. We will release the dog from formal work with the OKAY command. But we also use it to mean go to a certain place, such as on a mat or stand. Or, when we want her to go into her crate or kennel. This is an associative command, meaning the puppy will learn the command through our repetition of the word as we tie it to a behavior. But over time, she will make the association and will perform it on her own. This is very important especially if you ever plan on doing more advanced training with your retriever. You will use whatever your dogs name is. A few commands that we will continue to work on this week We will continue to work on obedience commands this week and in the weeks to come. Each week we will expect a little more and better compliance and performance to the command. She is sitting when I put the leash and chain collar on her and when I am taking it off. This week we also added SIT before eating. We only make her SIT for a few seconds; we are working on control. She does not SIT on her own yet, but she will be doing that within a week or so I would guess. Right now, I grab her collar and say SIT. In week three, I have a slightly higher expectation. On walks, I make her walk right beside me for a minute or two using the HEEL command before releasing her and letting her run back and forth a bit. This tells me that she understands the command. Then release her. If every time your puppy comes to you, you put her away or take something away from her, soon your puppy will not want to come to you. You must work hard to make coming to you a good experience for your puppy. So, call her, praise her when she comes and release. Remember: Never use a HERE command if you are not in the position of being able to enforce the command. Make every effort to socialize your puppy You should continue to take steps to socialize your week-old puppy. Anything you can think of. The more things and situations you expose your puppy to, the better your puppy will be equipped to adjust and learn in the future. Learn more about socialization. Hand throws with a puppy bumper you are throwing out a bumper done outside will carry a lot more distraction than retrieves in a hallway. Just pick up the bumper and try again tomorrow. When retrieving outside, make sure you have a long foot rope attached to your puppy. Never try to do retrieves outside without a rope. You will have problems and encourage bad behaviors. You must have a way to get the puppy to come back to you, otherwise you should not be doing retrieves outside. Once your puppy is doing well retrieving outside, you are ready to introduce assistant marks. Introduction to assistant marks The most important thing we worked on with Bubba this week is assistant marks. Assistant marks are retrieves where someone else is throwing the bumper, not you. This teaches your puppy to watch out in the field for a mark. It is very rare that a duck will come from behind you, fly over your head and you shoot it. The ducks and pheasants will be falling in front of you, so the dog must learn to look out and watch for the mark. We start assistant marks on very short grass with white plugs so that the puppy can clearly see the item on the ground. We hold the puppy in a SIT position facing a thrower who is about 20 feet from you. When your puppy picks up the bumper, immediately start calling her back to you. Remember, you should have the foot check cord on her so you can pull the puppy in if needed. Then, take the bumper from her, throw it behind you, make your puppy sit facing the thrower again and repeat. Only do retrieves and then call it a day. Soon your puppy will learn this game and love it. They will start facing the thrower on their own and sitting and waiting for a mark. Final thoughts on training for your week-old Labrador puppy week-old puppies are so eager to learn, so be sure and take advantage of this enthusiasm to teach new concepts and enforce previous ones. Continue to teach your puppy to handle more and more pressure and correction while maintaining a good attitude. Lastly, assistant marks are a big deal. Once a dog learns this part of the game, you can work to increase the distance and complexity of the marks. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!
best dog food for a boxer puppy - 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. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. Since German shepherds are large, active dogs and are known to have hips that give out, it's important to make sure they have good nutrition throughout their lives. Make sure to buy healthy food that is not full of filler ingredients. For example, make sure you are feeding a quality food that contains animal protein and doesn't use corn for protein. You can feed your German shepherd dry or wet food, or a combination of both. If you choose to feed your German shepherd homemade meals, it's important to talk to your veterinarian about what they need to include. This will help ensure that the dog will get a balanced diet. Try to resist giving your dog table scraps, especially if it is begging for them. People food can be unhealthy for the dog and can impact its interest in its healthy food. As your dog ages, it will have different nutritional needs. Feed your dog a food that is designed for its specific age, such as a puppy food when it very young, an adult food when it is in middle age, and senior food when it is in old age. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source There are also specific formulas you may need to consider at some point, for example, special foods for large breeds or weight control food for overweight dogs. Talk to your vet about what food will work best for your dog. Because your vet will understand your specific dog's health issues, they may want it to get specific nutritional needs met. Instead, mix the foods together, gradually increasing the new food and decreasing the old food over the course of several weeks. Look at the packaging of the food to determine the suggested serving size. This should be based on the size and age of your dog. You can also talk to your veterinarian about how much they think your dog should be eating. It is best to divide your German shepherd's daily food into 2 or more smaller meals. Giving smaller meals helps to minimize the risk of bloat, which is a life-threatening swelling of the abdomen. Go to source When you feed your dog several times a day, your dog will need to relieve themselves shortly after each meal. Never exercise a German shepherd right after they eat since this could increase the risk of bloating. In addition to feeding it healthy food, the snacks you feed your German shepherd can have an impact on its health. Pick low calorie treats that are satisfying for dogs, including crunchy vegetables and kibble in a feeding toy that slows the dog's consumption down. Dogs can drink a lot of water every day and it's important that they do to prevent dehydration. Fill up its bowl with clean water every day and leave it where your dog has access to it. Also, check up on the bowl throughout the day, if possible, to make sure there is plenty of water available. However, German shepherds should drink small amounts of water throughout the day, instead of drinking a large amount at one time. Gradually hydrating throughout the day will ensure that the dog doesn't get bloat. Dehydration can be a threat to your dog's health. Signs that it might be dehydrated and needs more water include excessive panting, loss of appetite, and dry nose or gums. If you see these symptoms, give your dog water immediately. Go to source Advertisement. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are amazing dogs with perfect guiding skills and prominent intellect. If you have decided to get one for your home, be sure that you will obtain an obedient, loyal, and reliable friend. However, you need to know the main principles of German Shepherd puppy care to understand how to raise your dog healthy, energetic, and well-trained. Consider whether this dog breed is for you. Home conditions play a great role, so ensure that your GS puppy will feel great at your home. Consider such things as feeding , house training, socializing, exercising, playing, bedding, teaching obedience, grooming, and medical treatment. This guide will help you to find out more about this fascinating breed and how to deal with it with less effort. German Shepherd Puppy Care Starts with the First Minutes You can select your German Shepherd either as a puppy from a reputable breeder or as an adult dog in a dog shelter. Remember that your relationships with your fluffy friend start with the very first minutes of your acquaintance. Bringing a Puppy Home Suppose you have chosen a puppy from a breeder. Now, the first task is to bring it home. Bring someone with you to facilitate the task. You can use a puppy crate. So, ask your breeder to introduce the puppy to it several days before you take it home. However, taking a young puppy from its mother and siblings is always a big stress. Do your best to reduce it. If it is purebred, you may need a copy of a pedigree certificate. It is important if you want your dog to participate in shows. If you take the puppy home in a car, try to reduce the stress from new odors and experiences by letting it explore the inside of a vehicle to get used to it for a while before you drive. The puppy can start whining, so you may want to put it on your lap. However, puppies usually feel carsick and frightened, so they may make a mess. If your trip is long, you may stop and let your puppy stretch and relieve itself. You have already prepared it for a new tenant. This preparation should involve taking away all electrical wires, dangerous materials, tiny and sharp items, and everything your puppy can chew or swallow. You will also need chew toys, and a good cleaning detergent because accidents can happen during the first days. Learn the basics of how to care for a German Shepherd puppy before you bring it home. You may need to know how to arrange an area for sleeping , playing, and relieving. Start with introducing your little one to the potty place outside, and then bring it inside. Your doggy needs to get used to its new home first. So, let it explore the room meant for its stay first. If your puppy starts chewing furniture or house items, give it a chewing toy. Your new friend wants to see a pack leader in you, so it is essential to take this role from the very first minute. You can do it right now because further on it may try to challenge this role. Speak calmly but firmly, call the puppy by its name, and encourage it. If you have young kids, explain to them how to deal with the doggy. Introduce other pets to it. If you have a cat, it is likely not to care much about the puppy. Your cat will just sit and observe. Though, if you have other dogs, they may show a sort of aggression. So, you may need a muzzle for your dog at first to protect the puppy. When you see that they start getting on well, you may take off the muzzle. After that, you can feed your pup. Offer it some food that it is used to. After eating, take the doggy outside for relief. Wait for minutes and then take it back inside. Young puppies need to be fed several times per day, and they should have a lot of drinking water in a separate bowl. It may be the start of house training. However, accidents may happen, so do not scold or punish it. You also need to take your pup outside after every playing session. Try not to feed the doggy before it goes to bed, or you will have a sleepless night. Your puppy needs a special place for bedding. It may be a crate or some mat in a designated part of the room. Your little dog will go to it as soon as it wants to take a nap when it understands that it is its bedding. The First Night at Home Is Challenging The first night in a new place is a challenging and stressful experience for a puppy. It may start crying and whining because it is a pack animal and its instincts prompt it that staying alone is hazardous. So, you need to be in contact with your little one all the time. Avoid giving it food or drink immediately before going to bed because it will end in a mess in the room. Play with the pup for a while to make sure it is tired and ready to sleep. Take it outside before sleep and praise it if it is successful in doing its job. It will be difficult to eliminate this habit in the future. The best way is using the crate. Though, keep the crate not far from you to keep an eye on the pup. You can put it in your bedroom for the first night to make it feel comfortable. Give the puppy a treat before placing it into a crate. The puppy may want to potty at night, so take it out every three hours. You may need to take it out just once during the first nine months of age. You should offer optimal conditions for health, well-being, and daily activities. Month One Breeders are usually fully responsible for the care of a puppy during its first month. There is a strong risk of infections from adult animals and people that can lead to death. The mother is responsible for hygiene. At the age of 3- 6 weeks , breeders should carry out the first deworming. If there is a risk of infections, the puppies should receive their first preventive vaccination. More about 6 week old GSD puppy care. Month Two At this age, a puppy can have its new owner. Weaning from a mother is always significant stress, so if you take the puppy from the breeder, try to distract it with toys and continuous communication. When at home, the doggy needs a determined place for living. The ideal option is to keep it in an enclosed space with a special booth. When you want to keep the dog in a kennel, use straw or hay for its bedding. You can leave your pet unattended for a while during this time, but not for a long time to avoid stress. Moreover, it can start gnawing on something dangerous, get poisoned, and die. Do hair brushing times a week. Do not bathe the puppy before the vaccination. Even adult German Shepherds should not be washed more than 3 times per year. If there is a need for more frequent washing, do not use shampoo. Clean the ears and teeth 1 or 2 times per month. Monitor the eyes. If some redness or tearing appears, contact the vet. Vaccinate your puppy against plague, infectious hepatitis, parvovirus enteritis, parainfluenza, and leptospirosis at this age. Do deworming 2 weeks before the vaccination. Observe a 3-week quarantine after the first vaccination before walking outside. Do not bathe the puppy, change its diet, or do much exercise during this time. More about 2 month old GSD puppy care. Months Three-Six The puppy grows quickly during this time. Its limbs become longer, and the doggy is getting stronger. Start regular walking with the puppy. The first walks should be no more than 5 minutes, but at the age of 4 months , you can walk with it for minutes already. Up to 6 months, it is advisable to walk times a day, but when the puppy gets older, 2 long walks are enough. Take your puppy outside in your arms for the first walks, and then offer it moderate runs and games. Take care of its musculoskeletal system from the first months. The second vaccination is needed at the age of 3 months , and the next one is after the change of teeth. The teeth change at months, so the ears may drop down during this period because of a lack of calcium. German Shepherd dogs are known for their athletic capabilities, intelligence, and loyalty, making them one of India's most sought after breeds. Dog lovers are enamoured by the German shepherd's majestic appearance, intellect and guarding abilities. If you have decided or have recently become a German Shepherd's parent, you should be grateful to have such a loving and loyal companion who will stand by you no matter what in the years to come. However, parenting a German Shepherd is not an easy feat. Multiple factors need to be taken into consideration before you are confident that you will be able to provide for the needs of this dog. Parenting a German Shepherd is a highly gratifying affair, but the first step is choosing your puppy and caring for it. It needs to be planned out carefully to ensure that you and your dog spend all your days enjoying maximum satisfaction. This article will run you down through all the crucial decisions and actions that must be taken, starting from whether you should parent a German Shepherd, all the way to how you can care for your puppy. Is a German Shepherd is right for you? Before answering this question, it is imperative to check if parenting any German Shepherd is right for you to begin with. This breed is a very demanding one. It requires plentiful exercise to remain physically and mentally healthy. Without adequate playtime and activity, dogs of this breed can become destructive. So the question here is, do you have the facilities required to give your German shepherd this level of exercise? Do you have a yard, a park or a lawn near you where you can exercise your dog? Do you have the time to take them out on frequent walks? German Shepherds are usually suitable for people who engage in high-intensity sports such as running and bicycling. Will you be able to engage in such activities for the benefit of your dog as well as you? Similarly, German Shepherds are highly sociable animals and thrive in interactive environments. They need other dogs or people around them most of the time. Does your daily routine allow you to be near your dog for long periods of time? If you plan to leave your German shepherd at home for hours a day while you are working, this breed may not be suitable for you. Dogs of this breed are also prone to excessive shedding, and you need to be ready to find a lot of dog fur all around you. Being a large breed, feeding and taking care of these dogs are time and money intensive. They live long lives and can suffer from health problems too, and thus, caring for them can be an expensive affair. Thus, these are some of the questions that need to be answered to gauge whether a German Shepherd is indeed right for you to begin with. With these conditions in place, this breed may not be ideal for first-time dog parents. Coming to the type of German Shepherd that is right for you, this breed can be classified into two categories - work line type and show line type dogs. The differentiation is based on the heritage of the dogs of this breed and the purpose for which they were bred. Show lines were mainly bred for their look, colour and body type. Work Lines were primarily bred for their health and personality rather than to look a certain way. The line you choose depends on what you really want to be doing with your German shepherd. Work lines should be chosen if you seek a family pet or want some type of function to be performed because this type is known for its trainability, knowledge and skill. However, if you are more concerned with your dog's appearance, then going after show lines might be more appropriate. It must be mentioned, though, that it is possible to find show line dogs with the same characteristics as work line dogs and vice versa if they have been bred by individuals who are concerned with their appearance as well as health. Beyond work and show lines, age is another essential factor to consider. A good breeder would not offer puppies that are lesser than 8 weeks old as they still require their mother's milk as well as other social skills. Puppies who have received this from their mothers will be less likely to engage in destructive and unruly behaviour. First and foremost, verify that the puppy's parents have good health and desirable temperaments. Then examine the puppy in terms of health and hygiene by checking the eyes, ears, teeth, skin, coat, paws, etc. Study the gait of your puppy; it should be even. With German Shepherds, in particular, it is vital that you choose a pup that does not have undesirable traits. Visit the breeder at least four to five times before making a decision. Choosing a pup from the litter that is neither the timidest nor the most dominant would be wise if you want a bit of both traits. A German Shepherd puppy that is well built, energetic and sociable would be ideal. Next, to gauge the temperament of a puppy you want to select, you could perform a few simple tests, such as making eye contact with them. If they hold contact, it reflects confidence. It might be a sign of nervousness and anxiety if it looks away. Clapping your hands is another simple test. If the puppy runs away, it can be judged as timid, but it can signify that the pup wants to be friends if it approaches you. Similarly, other tests include calling the puppy to pet it, introducing it to a new toy, making a sudden noise, lifting the puppy and holding it above your head, or grabbing its paw. The reaction of puppies to such actions can provide much-needed insight into a puppy's temperament and help prospective dog parents make the right choice. On the one hand, if you prefer a dog that isn't prone to undermining your authority, it would be sensible to choose a moderately submissive puppy. On the other hand, if you want a dog for protection, it would be wise to choose a tough, trainable, and courageous puppy. After four to five visits, it would be possible for you to judge correctly - the personality and various character traits of the puppy you're interested in. As German Shepherds have highly individual personalities, you might bond more with one German Shepherd than the other. Lastly, before making a final decision, it is always good to ask the breeder for their opinion, as good breeders often have vital information about their puppies and can provide valuable insight into their characteristics and temperaments, thereby ensuring that you exactly find what you are looking for. Bringing Your German Shepherd Puppy Home Once you have established a rapport with a puppy and have made up your mind about becoming a dog parent, or a dog parent to another puppy, take a friend or companion with you who can help you clean up if your puppy is carsick. If you intend on making your puppy comfortable in a crate, give the crate to the breeder a few days before you bring the puppy home so that the breeder can help it acclimatize itself to the crate. The first day at home will be a traumatic experience for your puppy as it is away from its family. Thus, ensure that your puppy has a place to be comfortable and relaxed, with an adequate amount of food and water. It would be wise to spend some time exclusively with your puppy initially, such as an extended weekend plan so that your bond can grow. Be sure to collect your puppy's adoption contract and veterinary records. Furthermore, find out the exact kind of food that the breeder was giving the puppy you just adopted. Giving your pup entirely different food during the first few days can be traumatic for them. With their unfamiliar sights, smells, and sounds, your home and car can frighten your puppy, leading it to stress out and get anxious. Anticipate this and give your pup some time to adjust to the new environment. The first few days can be demanding as a dog parent because you need to adapt to changes in your schedule with the arrival of your puppy. Similarly, the puppy, too, can cry, whine or get overly affectionate, which can be regarded as coping mechanisms to deal with the sudden change in environment. During this time, make sure you don't scold your puppy or be overly affectionate either. Before bringing your newly adopted puppy home, it is essential for you to puppy-proof your home! Go down on all fours and check for sharp objects, hazardous materials, or any other dangerous substance that your puppy might end up chewing or swallowing. Cover your electrical outlets as well. Stock your home with food that your puppy has been eating while under the breeder's care. Keep an adequate amount of food and water, water bowls, treats, and grooming tools such as brushes, shampoos for puppies and nail clippers. Cleaning detergent for stains and smells will also come in handy in case of any accidents. Decide on that area of the house that will be where your puppy spends most of its time. This step is crucial as constantly changing your puppy's place can lead to disruptive sleep patterns and cause stress. German Shepherds, being extremely active, will tend to run across your halls, and in such cases, an accident or two are bound to happen. In such cases, it would be a good idea to restrict your dog's movements to areas that can be cleaned easily. Furthermore, German Shepherds have sharp claws and can ruin expensive hardwood floors, so it would be wise to keep them away from such flooring. As mentioned previously, your puppy will be nervous during the first few days. Frequent bathroom breaks will be a necessity for your pup, and thus, keep an area designated just for this purpose. Also, let your dog run around the house and acquaint itself with its surroundings. If your dog is chewing or biting furniture in a puppy-proofed home, you could offer a toy as a distraction. If you have children, teach them how to properly handle your puppy without being too rough. If you have other pets, give your pup a chance to meet and acknowledge them. Be careful while introducing your puppy to other puppies and grown dogs. However, most dogs are not aggressive with puppies, so it is doubtful that you will face problems on this front. Between eight and sixteen weeks of age, Puppies require plenty of clean water to drink and many meals a day. They also have small bladders and hence, will urinate often. Since they expend a lot of energy during the day, they will take several naps. It would be recommended to begin a daily routine for your pup and stick to it. Since German Shepherds require a lot of physical activity, taking them out in the mornings and evenings for an adequate amount of time religiously would be necessary. The faster you get your pup accustomed to a routine, the more beneficial it is to better sleeping schedules and better mental and physical health. When you begin house training your dog, be sure to praise them when they relieve themselves in designated areas but refrain from punishing them if they fail to do so. Remember that your home is a new environment for them, and thus, it will take a while to house train them. Training Your German Shepherd Puppy. Training your dog from the day they come home is very important. Clear rules should be set that should not be broken. For example, if you do not want your dog to get on the bed, do not let them come on the bed ever. Allowing them sometimes and then not other times gets confusing for your dog, and they may not be able to learn the desired behaviour effectively. Training your puppy can be divided into two stages, each with different objectives. The first stage of training needs to take place when your pup is between eight to sixteen weeks of age. In this period, socialization, house training and crate training goals must be accomplished. The second stage of training needs to occur when your puppy is three months of age until about 9 months. The main objectives of this training phase are obedience training, impulse control, and recall. From 8 - 16 weeks Goal: Socialization German shepherds are very protective of their owners. This makes it essential to make them see that other individuals are not necessarily threats. This period is critical to expose your puppy to different people in non-threatening situations. This can help them grow more confident around strangers instead of becoming hostile. Socialization creates a strong foundation for the rest of your puppy's training. One example of socialization comes from the grooming requirements of this breed. German Shepherds need to be groomed regularly so that they don't shed a lot. Thus, introducing them to groomers at a young age and to tools like blow dryers and nail clippers can help achieve this goal of adapting to social environments. Furthermore, to improve their mental development, expose your puppy to new sights, sounds and smells to help their confidence improve. Goal: Crate Training Training your puppy to sleep or stay in a crate can be difficult at first as they might face separation anxiety. Crate training is necessary if you prefer sleeping alone or washing the utensils in the kitchen and need your puppy to stay in one place for a couple of minutes. Patience is key to achieving this goal. Help them get over their separation anxiety with the help of treats and toys. You can also use your crate for feeding purposes to help your pup get more acclimated to it. Goal: House Training A strict schedule can help get your dog house trained. When your pup is around 8 weeks old, it should be taken outside for a bathroom break every two hours or so. At 12 weeks, it should be taken every 3 hours and around 16 weeks, every 4 hours or so. Begin teaching your puppy how to eliminate on cue by looking for signs such as sniffing the floor or circling a particular spot, or going to an area where it has made a mess before. Using a command to push your puppy to go outside to relieve itself can be helpful. Remember to praise your pup when it obeys such actions. From 3 - 9 Months Goal: Obedience Training German Speherds are acutely intellectual and have a commendable work ethic. Training that has begun early and consistently can help your puppy's best traits and features emerge with time. Dogs of this breed are excellent at obeying commands, and you can begin this type of training by teaching basic commands such as stay, down, and up. They can even be trained to walk on a leash easily during this period. Goal: Recall When obedience training is done right, the goal of recalling or successfully calling your puppy to come to you becomes relatively easier. Achieving recall takes patience and practice. It should be done diligently and on a daily basis, using treats and toys as incentives. Achieving this goal can come in handy during emergency situations as well. Goal: Impulse Control German Shepherds are highly susceptible to boredom, often resulting in excessive and inappropriate chewing, barking, chasing, etc. They also have a tendency to chase down cars and even cats. Such impulses need to be controlled as they can otherwise lead to destructive and problematic behaviour. Training for impulse control simply means getting your puppy to pay attention to you when required. You can begin such type of training by getting your puppy to sit before eating or using commands during playtime, which makes them focus on your voice only. Treats and toys could be attractive incentives to encourage your pup to respond positively to commands. Feeding Your German Shepherd Puppy. Remember to follow the breeder's diet in the initial days and gradually change this diet to incorporate different foods. Milk should not be given to puppies at this age as it can cause diarrhoea. Puppies need to be given food rich in protein, calcium and fats as they are still growing. Their food needs to be higher in calories when compared to the food given to a grown dog. When you give your puppy a food bowl, give it a specific window of time to finish eating, such as 10 or 15 minutes. After this period, remove the bowl. This will help your pup understand that it has to eat during a specific period of time only, which is a valuable component of obedience training. Between 4 to 6 months of age, you can start feeding your puppy increased portions of food four times a day. Foods such as meat and vegetables would be ideal. Treats should only be resorted to during training and not as actual food for mealtimes. Make sure to never give leftover human food to puppies as they contain spices, salt, sugar and so on, which are very unhealthy for dogs. FAQs: Are german shepherd puppies hard to take care of? Not just german shepherds, all puppies are hard to take care of initially. This is because it is exactly like getting a newborn baby home. There will be sleepless nights, vet visits, training, creating and sticking to routines and so on. However, these efforts will eventually pay off, because once your pup is trained, they will be socialized and can adapt to your lifestyle easily. How many times should a german shepherd puppy eat a day? For up to four months, puppies should be fed three to four times a day. Post this period, gradually reduce the number of times your pup is fed. After eight to nine months, two meals a day will suffice. Where should my german shepherd sleep? German shepherds are highly sociable animals and should not be left alone for too long. Puppies should be trained to sleep in a crate or share the bed with you if you so desire. As they grow older, they can be allowed to sleep in a crate, or in an area specially designed for them. What are the best foods for german shepherd puppies? Like other puppies, they too require meals that are high in protein, grain-free, rich in good quality fats without any chemicals, artificial additives etc. Is it okay to feed a german Shephard 3 times a day? Up to eight to nine months of age, it is okay to feed your German Shepherd three times a day. However, feeding them twice a day is more than enough beyond this age. The amount of food ultimately depends on your dog's age, size, weight, and levels of physical activity. When do german shepherd puppies stop biting and jumping? It is perfectly normal for your puppy to constantly bite, chew, or jump for the first four to six months. However, while teething is normal, you must redirect your puppy to chew on toys and other things that are appropriate instead of household furniture. Do not wait to think issues will be resolved after months. Get professional help from day 1 to teach your pup the right behaviours. As a breed, however, German Shepherds often show these other traits: Easily bored if not given something to do, which may lead to barking or chewing Can be rambunctious and rowdy, especially as a younger dog Overprotective of family and territory if not socialized properly Can have an unstable temperament if not bred properly, including excessive barking, hyperactivity, or aggression Suspicious of strangers Prone to a number of health problems She is a faithful companion that can excel at most anything. With early socialization and confident leadership, she is a cheerful and dependable addition to any family. The German Shepherd Dog originated in Germany in .The German Shepherd has consistently been one of the most popular breeds in the United States since the early s with a rise in fame then attributed to canine film stars Rin-Tin-Tin and Strongheart. GSDs are favored working dogs because of their strength, intelligence, versatility, and obedient natures. The German Shepherd is unmatched in her devotion and courage. She is eager to serve a greater cause with her human companions. The German Shepherd is a generally healthy breed with an average lifespan of years. That is why we have summarized the health concerns we will be discussing with you over the life of your Shepherd. By knowing about health concerns specific to German Shepherd Dogs, we can tailor a preventive health plan to watch for and hopefully prevent some predictable risks. That does not mean your dog will have these problems; it just means that she is more at risk than other dogs. We will describe the most common issues seen in German Shepherd Dogs to give you an idea of what may come up in her future. This guide contains general health information important to all canines as well as the most important genetic predispositions for German Shepherd Dogs. At the end of the article, we have also included a description of what you can do at home to keep your GSD looking and feeling her best. Unfortunately, your German Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to have problems with her teeth. Dental disease starts with tartar build-up on the teeth and progresses to infection of the gums and roots of the teeth. Infections German Shepherd Dogs are susceptible to bacterial and viral infections — the same ones that all dogs can get — such as parvo, rabies, and distemper. Many of these infections are preventable through vaccination , which we will recommend based on her age, the diseases we see in our area, and other factors. Obesity Obesity can be a significant health problem in German Shepherd Dogs. It is a serious disease that may cause or worsen joint problems, metabolic and digestive disorders, back pain, and heart disease. Instead, give her a hug, brush her fur or teeth, play a game with her, or perhaps take her for a walk. Everything from fleas and ticks to ear mites can infest her skin and ears. Hookworms, roundworms, heartworms , and whipworms can get into her system in a number of ways: drinking unclean water, walking on contaminated soil, or being bitten by an infected mosquito. Some of these parasites can be transmitted to you or a family member and are a serious concern for everyone. The Vida Veterinary Care doctors will also recommend preventive medication as necessary to keep her healthy. Spay or Neuter One of the best things you can do for your Shepherd is to have her spayed neutered for males. In females, this means we surgically remove the ovaries and usually the uterus, and in males, it means we surgically remove the testicles. Spaying or neutering decreases the likelihood of certain types of cancers and eliminates the possibility of your pet becoming pregnant or fathering unwanted puppies. Performing this surgery also gives us a chance, while your pet is under anesthesia, to identify and address some of the diseases your dog is likely to develop. Routine blood testing prior to surgery also helps us to identify and take precautions against common problems that increase anesthetic or surgical risk. This means your Shepherd is more at risk than other breeds. When a dog bloats, the stomach twists on itself and fills with gas. The twisting cuts off the blood supply to the stomach and sometimes to the spleen. Left untreated, the disease is quickly fatal, sometimes in as little as half an hour. Your dog may retch or heave but little or nothing comes up , act restless, have an enlarged abdomen, or lie in a prayer position front feet down, rear end up. Preventive surgery in which the stomach is tacked down or sutured in place so that it is unlikely to twist is an option. If you see symptoms, take your pet to an emergency hospital immediately! Digestive Disorders Several inherited conditions can cause recurring vomiting, diarrhea, or weight loss in your Shepherd. These conditions include pancreatic or intestinal disease, food sensitivities, and food allergies. Some of these problems may begin very early in life. To help prevent these conditions, feed only a high-quality pet food we can help you choose the right diet and, most importantly, avoid snacks and table food. The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific digestive disorders your pet may encounter. Bleeding Disorders Your breed is prone to a bleeding disorder called hemophilia. This is an important test, as we may not know your pet has this disorder until severe bleeding occurs during surgery or after a serious injury. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency The pancreas has two major functions: regulating blood sugar and helping digest food. Digestive enzymes are produced by the exocrine part of the pancreas. GSDs are at an increased risk of having too few digestive enzymes, a disorder called exocrine pancreatic insufficiency. This causes inadequate digestion and absorption of nutrients leading to weight loss; foul-smelling, greasy diarrhea; and a dry and flaky coat due to his inability to absorb dietary fats. Lifelong dietary supplementation of digestive enzymes is an effective therapy. While it may seem overwhelming, each condition can be diagnosed and treated to prevent undue pain and suffering. The disease is caused when the jelly-like cushion between one or more vertebrae slips or ruptures, causing the disc to press on the spinal cord. If your dog is suddenly unable or unwilling to jump or go up stairs, is reluctant to move around, has a hunched back, cries out, or refuses to eat or go potty, he is likely in severe pain. He may even experience sudden paralysis—he may drag his back feet or be unable to get up or use his back legs. Call us or an emergency clinic immediately! For less severe cases, rest and medication may resolve the problem. And as with so many other diseases, weight control helps reduce the risk of IVDD. You should also provide ramps or steps for your pet from puppyhood on to prevent your dog from stressing his back by jumping on and off of the furniture. Both hips and elbows are at risk for dysplasia, an inherited disease that causes the joints to develop improperly and results in arthritis. You may notice that he begins to show lameness in his legs or has difficulty getting up from lying down. We can treat the arthritis—the sooner the better—to minimize discomfort and pain. Surgery is also sometimes a good option in severe and life-limiting cases. And keep in mind that overweight dogs may develop arthritis years earlier than those of normal weight, causing undue pain and suffering! Growing Shepherds can suffer from a painful inflammation of the long bones in the legs called eosinophilic panosteitis, or pano or eo-pan for short. It usually starts around six to ten months of age and shifts from leg to leg. Panosteitis usually causes no permanent damage, but requires pain medication. If your dog has this condition and develops an abnormal gait to compensate for the sore leg s , rehabilitation exercises may be required. Epilepsy There are three types of seizures in dogs: reactive, secondary, and primary. Secondary seizures are the result of a brain tumor, stroke, or trauma. If no other cause can be found, the disease is called primary or idiopathic epilepsy. This problem is often an inherited condition, and German Shepherd Dogs are commonly afflicted. If your friend is prone to seizures, episodes will usually begin between six months and three years of age. An initial diagnostic workup may help find the cause. Lifelong medication is usually necessary to help keep seizures under control with periodic blood testing required to monitor side effects and efficacy. Note the length of the seizure, and call us or an emergency hospital. Heart Disease German Shepherd Dogs are prone to multiple types of heart disease , which can occur both early and later in life. Veterinary dental care and weight control also go a long way in preventing heart disease. Unfortunately, German Shepherd Dogs can inherit or develop a number of different eye conditions, some of which may cause blindness if not treated right away, and most of which can be extremely painful! We will evaluate his eyes at every examination to look for any signs for concern. Cataracts are a common cause of blindness in older Shepherds. Many dogs adjust well to losing their vision and get along just fine. Surgery to remove cataracts and restore sight may also be an option. In affected breeds, inflammatory cells infiltrate the cornea the clear part of the eye , which then darkens with exposure to ultraviolet light, and may lead to complete blindness. Doggie sunglasses are also an option to help reduce sun exposure. Cancer Cancer is a leading cause of death in older dogs. Your GSD will likely live longer than many other breeds and therefore is more prone to get cancer in his golden years. Many cancers are curable by surgical removal, and some types are treatable with chemotherapy. Early detection is critical! The healthcare chart included in this care guide lists the specific cancers your pet may encounter. This is a common problem in dogs, and your Shepherd is more likely than other dogs to be affected. The condition usually develops slowly, and the early signs are easily missed. Symptoms include drinking and urinating more than normal, increased appetite, and reduced activity level followed later by a potbelly, thin skin, and hair loss. Treatment usually includes oral medications and requires close coordination with us to ensure correct dosing. Neurological Disease A genetically linked neurological condition, known as wobbler disease or wobbler syndrome, causes a wobbly, drunken gait in affected pets. Wobbler disease is the result of a narrowing of the vertebrae in the neck that pinches the spinal cord and associated nerves. When pinched, the nerves do not send signals to the brain as they should causing the pet to be unable to feel his feet. The first signs you will often notice with wobbler disease are unstable hind legs, stumbling, and sometimes falling. Treatment options include medications, neck braces, rehabilitation exercise programs, and surgery. It affects GSDs more frequently than other breeds. If your dog has this disease, he will become increasingly weak and disabled in the hind legs, eventually suffering from paralysis in his hindquarters, which also leads to incontinence. Rehabilitation, exercise, acupuncture , and dietary supplements can be helpful, but there is no cure for degenerative myelopathy. A genetic test is available to determine whether your dog is at risk for this heritable disease. Diabetes Diabetes mellitus is a fairly common disease in dogs. Any breed can be affected, but German Shepherds have an above average incidence. Dogs with diabetes are unable to regulate the metabolism of sugars in their bodies and require daily insulin injections. Diabetes is a serious condition and one that is important to diagnose and treat as early as possible. Symptoms include increased eating, drinking, and urination, along with weight loss. If he shows signs, we will conduct lab tests to determine if he has this condition and discuss treatment options with you. Treatment requires a serious commitment of time and resources. Well-regulated diabetic dogs today have the same life expectancy as other canines. Anal Gland Problems German Shepherds are prone to a painful, longterm condition in which the area around the anus becomes inflamed or develops sores. Signs include bleeding, constipation, licking of the area, smelly discharge around the rectum, and straining or apparent pain when defecating. This condition can be difficult to treat and requires lifelong medications, prescription food, and sometimes even surgery. Allergies In humans, allergies to pollen, mold, or dust make people sneeze. In dogs, rather than sneezing, allergies make their skin itchy. The feet, belly, folds of the skin, and ears are most commonly affected. Symptoms typically start between the ages of one and three and can get worse every year. Licking the paws, rubbing the face, and frequent ear infections are the most common signs of allergies. The good news is that there are many treatment options available for these conditions. Taking Care of Your German Shepherd Dog at Home Much of what you can do to keep your dog happy and healthy is common sense, just like it is for people. Be sure to adhere to the schedule of examinations and vaccinations that we recommend for her. Another very important step in caring for your pet is signing up for pet health insurance. There will certainly be medical tests and procedures she will need throughout her life and pet health insurance will help you cover those costs. Routine Care, Diet, and Exercise Build her routine care into your schedule to help your GSD live longer, stay healthier, and be happier during her lifetime. We cannot overemphasize the importance of a proper diet and exercise routine. Supervise your pet as you would a toddler. Keep doors closed, pick up after yourself, and block off rooms as necessary. She needs a thorough brushing at least weekly most of the year. Twice a year she blows her coat and loses crazy amounts of hair; daily brushing is recommended during this time. German Shepherd Dogs generally have good teeth, and you can keep them perfect by brushing them at least twice a week! Clean her ears weekly, even as a puppy. She has a high prey drive, so she needs to be leash walked and a fenced yard is a must. Feed a high-quality diet appropriate for her age. What to Watch For Any abnormal symptom could be a sign of serious disease or it could just be a minor or temporary problem. The important thing is to be able to tell when to seek veterinary help and how urgently. Many diseases cause dogs to have a characteristic combination of symptoms, which together can be a clear signal that your German Shepherd Dog needs help. They are very loyal, intelligent and love to be kept active, so can be easy to train. They suit very active households as they need a lot of exercise every day. They are great dogs for owners with a lot of experience and time as, like most dogs, they can get bored easily. Unfortunately, German Shepherds do have a range of health issues due to the way they have been bred, which can end up being costly to owners and cause serious problems for the dog. Common health problems in German Shepherds German Shepherds are great dogs for the right owners, but they are at risk of certain conditions and illnesses common with the breed. Making sure the parents of your puppy have had the relevant health screening can reduce the chances of your puppy being affected by some of these upsetting conditions. This means that these types of dog have been bred over many years to look a certain way, but that these changes to the way they look have started to cause them health problems. For German Shepherds, this is mostly due to the shape of their back legs and hips. There is a screening test for this. There is a screening test. Inherited eye diseases — including cataracts and multifocal retinal dysplasia. There are screening testing for these. Epilepsy — a brain disorder causing seizures. Pituitary dwarfism — a hormone deficiency which causes severe growth problems and reduces lifespan. Haemophilia A and B — bleeding disorders that stop blood from clotting and cause wounds to bleed more than they should. Screening tests are available. This list is not exhaustive, and there are many other conditions that German Shepherds have been shown to be prone to. German Shepherds and barking As with any dog, German Shepherds are likely to bark. Their main purpose was for herding and guarding so they can be quite vocal when people walk past or enter or exit the house, but how much noise they make will vary from dog to dog. Training and socialisation Regardless of the age of your German Shepherd when you adopt it, you need to have clear boundaries to help keep them safe and happy. As with all training — consistency is key! Everyone in the family needs to follow the same rules. German Shepherds are very loyal to their owners and can be protective of their family. They can have a strong guarding instinct, so careful training and socialisation will be needed to prevent any guarding or aggressive behaviours. As with any dog, your German Shepherd will need to be well socialised with people, other animals and different objects and environments from a young age. Try to keep the time your German Shepherd is alone to an absolute minimum as they thrive on company and will worry about you if you leave them too long. You should never leave any dog alone for longer than four hours. Exercise Be prepared — German Shepherds are very active dogs! They need plenty of exercise to keep them happy and occupied. This will also stop them from barking out of boredom or having a nibble on the furniture. Your German Shepherd will need a minimum of two hours of exercise every day. This should include walks and off-lead exercise in a safe area, with extra playtime and training on top to give them a good variety. You can find out how much exercise your dog needs , or even find exercises you can do together online. Our vets recommend spreading exercise across the day rather than trying to do two hours all in one go. German Shepherds are a great breed if you enjoy long walks and spending loads of time exploring outside. If there are times when you are unable to give them the exercise they need, then arranging for a relative, friend or dog-walker to come and help would be essential. Grooming Be prepared for a lot of shedding because German Shepherds have such thick coats! Ideally, you should give your German Shepherd a brush or comb down a few times a week to keep their coat looking healthy, prevent matting and reduce the build-up of dead hair especially if they have a longer coat. You may want to take them to a professional for bath time because of their size. Will you give now to help people and pets in need? As the cost of living continues to rise, vet care could be out of reach for many. Donate to our emergency appeal now to provide vital vet care to pets in need and keep families together during this crisis. Donate German Shepherds and children Adult German Shepherds can range from being calm and patient to bouncy and boisterous, depending on their personality, training and socialisation. Some can make great family pets in homes with children of all ages, but dogs should always be supervised around young children. Make sure you can recognise the signs of unhappiness or anxiety in your dog to help avoid any conflicts. German Shepherds and other pets To help them be calm and patient, it's best to socialise your German Shepherd with other dogs and pets from a young age. Some can be a bit bossy with other dogs as they get older but with proper care, training and socialisation this is unlikely to become a problem. German Shepherds are usually fine with other family pets they have grown up with. Your vet will be able to tell you how much your dog should be eating. You should feed them a good quality, commercially available, complete dog food. We usually recommend splitting their daily allowance into two meals. If you give your dog the occasional treat or use treats for training, remember to take this into account and reduce their daily allowance. You should try to feed your dog at the same time every day to get them into a routine. Remember to leave at a gap after eating and before exercising. Beware unusually cheap puppies as they could come from a puppy farm. These breeders must do extra health tests and meet high standards. Set up costs Puppy vaccines — if you rescue a dog, reputable centres will often vaccinate them for you. Remember that ongoing booster vaccinations will be needed to continue their immunity. Neutering — you should usually arrange for your dog to be neutered at around six months old, though your vet will be able to advise you exactly when is best. Check prices at your local practice as these will depend on your vet and where you live. Some rescue centres will neuter any dogs they rehome, saving you this cost. Equipment — including a collar and tags, lead, harness, dog beds, dog bowls, pet-safe toothpaste and toothbrushes, grooming brushes and toys. Keep in mind that all these will need to be replaced with wear or damage or if your dog outgrows or damages them! Ongoing costs Food. Preventive healthcare — budget for routine vet visits to help stop your dog getting ill and catch any problems early. They need annual check-ups, vaccinations and regular flea and worming treatments. Check if your vet offers a health care plan as this can help spread the cost throughout the year. Accessories — including lots of poo bags, replacing worn toys and grooming accessories, buying doggy toothpaste and any other extras they might need. Other costs Training — basic training is very important and dogs can benefit from formal classes. Some dogs may have, or develop, behavioural problems which might need professional management. Boarding — you may also need to budget for boarding or dog sitting costs if you are planning to go away from home on holiday. If you are having difficulty with veterinary costs, you can check if you are eligible for treatment at PDSA here. Fun facts The first guide dogs for visually impaired people were German Shepherds. They were originally bred to be herding dogs, an instinct which still remains strong in the breed. They need lots of exercise and plenty to do to stop getting bored. Make sure you have enough space and time to give them the exercise and attention they need to stay happy and healthy. Rehoming centres There are plenty of rescue centres across the country where you may find a German Shepherd. Breed-specific rescues that specialise in German Shepherds are also out there. Good rescue centres should let you know of any health and behaviour problems. Breeders If you buy from a breeder, make sure your puppy will be well socialised and have all necessary screening tests, health checks and vaccinations. We recommend looking for a Kennel Club Assured breeder as they meet higher standards. All of these take time in the early days. However, as the puppy matures and reaches adulthood, looking after a German Shepherd gets a little easier. Nonetheless, a young adult will need around 2 hours of daily exercise. Without anyone to fulfill this role, a German Shepherd will not be happy in your home no matter what kind of care you provide. You should only get a German Shepherd if: Your house has a backyard. Or you have enough space and enough dedication to take him on lots of walks to expend his pent-up energy. You have a family or regular company. German Shepherds mimic their owners, and if you are asocial, your dog might turn inwards and become aggressive to other people and pets. You have enough time to dedicate to your dog every day. If you leave him for extended periods every day, your dog will develop separation anxiety. Avoid getting a German Shepherd if you cannot be around him. You are an active person. If you enjoy outdoor activities, like walking or hiking, and love socializing, a German Shepherd will complement your life. More importantly, your new dog will be happier with you. You can afford their monthly expense. Monthly costs for food, treats, vet fees, toys, etc. Prior to this, you have the initial costs of a crate, bed, leash, harness, travel crate, playpen, etc. But if it is, then you will have a lot of fun and a fulfilling experience caring for your GSD. To care for a German Shepherd, you must feed him a highly nutritious diet, exercise him daily for 1. Ongoing training, twice-weekly grooming, and vet check-ups are all part of caring for a GSD. An adult dog needs to be fed twice per day to discourage bloat and ensure proper digestion, whereas a growing puppy will need feeding times a day at regular intervals. Your dog will need 1, to 2, calories per day depending on his weight. If you adopt a senior German Shepherd, he will need only 1, calories at a weight of 90 lbs. However, in most cases, owners looking for a guide to care for a German Shepherd have adopted a younger puppy. This UK study found that one disorder of GSDs recorded by vets included obesity, alongside joint issues and arthritis. I prefer going with breed-specific products made by trusted brands. You can then switch to the adult variety. Do you want to learn all about the best diet for German Shepherds? This is good because it allows you to anchor the command and familiarize your dog with the norm of going outside to go potty. German Shepherds will usually be fully house trained by six months and may only need to pee every hours. It also has the option of single or double doors. An asocial dog is a wolf to our subconscious. Your job is to promote curiosity by encouraging him to follow you around. Have tempting treats just around the corner. Egg him on to follow you by danging attractive playable objects like a tug rope. This is also a good time to start bringing home objects that the puppy is likely to witness outdoors. This builds a bridge of familiarity between the outdoors and the indoors. If you expose him to other humans during this period, including children, he becomes friendly. A German Shepherd exposed to humans at a young age is less anxious and gets treated better as a consequence. Some new dog owners make the mistake of waiting until their puppy is grown enough to go on walks then take them to meet people. By then, the pup has already built an idea of an in-group and sees all strangers as the out-group. You should carry your puppy and get him to experience different sights, sounds, smells, and noises as soon as you get him. Have friends and family pet him before he develops a biting reflex. With enough positive exposure during this stage, your pup will likely see human presence as a good thing. Stage Three: Other Dogs Your friends will want your new puppy to visit. To socialize your German Shepherd with other dogs, you need to reward him for being quiet and calm around them. Before full immunization, carry him to the dog park and let him observe the other dogs. Reward him for good behavior and speak calmly and with praise. Remove him from the situation if he growls or barks, and calm him down. Once he is calm, try again. Sufficiently Exercise Your German Shepherd Young German Shepherds are very energetic, and if they do not get a productive outlet to release their excess energy, they can become destructive. To avoid scratched furniture and chewed-up rugs, you should exercise your GSD sufficiently for his age. An adult dog will need around 2 hours of daily exercise. As a rough guide, a German Shepherd puppy needs 5 minutes of exercise twice a day for every month of age. So, an 8-week-old puppy can exercise for 10 minutes twice daily, while a three-month-old can exercise for 15 minutes twice daily. Follow this rule until the puppy is fully grown. Common mistakes to avoid when exercising the dog are: Taking a dog on walks outside before he is fully vaccinated — A puppy should not be taken out for walks until 2 weeks after the final vaccinations which are usually given between weeks .Letting the German Shepherd jump too early — Exercising a German Shepherd puppy entails being careful not to damage his growth plates. They can safely jump after they are fully grown at 18 months old. Not making exercise fun — If you treat exercise as simply that, your German Shepherd will not have fun. He can pick up on your mood, so you should make exercising enjoyable for you both. Mental exercise is easier to turn into a fun routine. From training a GSD to do party tricks to giving him fun puzzles to solve, there are many fun ways to provide mental stimulation for your German Shepherd. When your dog is bored, he might start bothering you by engaging in destructive attention-seeking behaviors. GSDs are among the smartest dog breeds, with the average dog being as intelligent as a two-year-old human. This puzzle doubles as a treat dispenser, which automates the reward mechanism. What I like about this specific product is that it comes in different levels of difficulty. With levels 1 through 4 produced by the same brand, you can reliably amp up the challenge level as your German Shepherd gets smarter. You can check out this article for some great tips on how to exercise your pup, 7 Fun Ways to Exercise a German Shepherd Puppy. During playtimes, you and your doggo are engaged in low-effort, enjoyable activities. Games are the bridge joining mental and physical exercise to constitute play. Here are some of the games you can play with your German Shepherd: Fetch — This is good for building rapport between you and your dog, improving his response time, and conditioning him for obedience. Hide and Seek — Playing hide and seek with your dog also improves his tracking skills. You train your dog to pick up a scent and follow clues. Tug of war — Playing tug of war with your German Shepherd can be a lot of fun. However, as your dog grows, you might find the game challenging once he is 90 lbs! So, bear this in mind if you play this game with your young pup. Cups and treats — This is a game where cups are turned upside down, and a treat is hidden underneath one cup. You quickly shuffle the cups changing their position, and the GSD gets a treat for pointing out the right one.
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best dog food for a boxer puppy - Tumble dry low or lay flat to dry. Measuring your dog is the best way to know your dog's costume size, ensure a proper fit and keep your pup safe and comfortable. Here are three simple measurements you should know before purchasing any outfit for your pet. Chest, neck and back length are the 3 most important dog measurements. Consider adding an inch or two for breathing room. Measure Measure from the base of the collar to the base of the tail. Measure Neck Measure around the neck, right in the middle where a collar would normally sit. Consider adding an inch for comfort. Helpful Tips As you can see, taking your dog's measurements is quite easy once you know how. So what's next? Purchasing that cool costume of course! And because we want you to enjoy dressing up your dog as much as we do, we put together a list of things to keep in mind while you wait for that awesome new outfit to arrive. Maximum Comfort Add a couple of inches to the chest and back length measurements to ensure your pup is nice and comfy. Size Up If your pup's measurements fall between sizes, order the larger size instead of the smaller one. Other Styles Consider some clothes and costumes may need additional measurements i. Treats, belly rubs and praise are the way to a pup's heart when trying on doggy clothes for the first time. The goal is to give them a positive experience while wearing their new outfit and not force your dog into something that causes anxiety. Always be patient with your furbaby and if they just decide they rather rip up their brand new costume and use it as a chew toy, maybe dog accessories like a bandana or bow tie would be more suitable for their personality. Have your pup's measurements in hand? Watch How It's Done Willow shows us how to get the right measurement for your furbaby. Need Help? Not sure if it will fit your pup? Message us on Facebook. Reached out to the store to make sure my pet's name and number were correct because my dog's name is spelled differently. Great customer service and really love how soft the hoodie is. Emily R. We purchased the dog suit for our family photos and our Frenchie looked so handsome. The fabric of the suit is a flexible so it was a very comfortable fit. Erin M. Saw one of the cute dresses on Facebook and thought I'd give it a try for my Maltese. My angel looks adorable. Fits great and she's getting so many compliments on the outfit. I really love it! Abigail M. Filter Dog Halloween Costumes Face it. Your dog is more of a party animal than you'll ever be. If it were up to him, he'd be drinking punch straight from the bowl within the first five minutes of the party, followed by a run across the dance floor to chase that person dressed like a cat. That's why you shouldn't deny your pet the pleasure of dressing up for the holiday, just like his master! You'll find fun dog Halloween costumes here! Fortunately for you, we a have myriad of great dog costumes for your pet to choose from. If your dog's got the rhythm in his heart, then you can dress him up as one of the great musicians of the century, like Elvis or Michael Jackson. If your dog is more of the superhero type, he can become Batman or Superman. He can even help you on some Ghostbusting missions in one of our Ghostbusters pet costumes. Whatever his fancy is, we're sure to have something that will let your pooch get in touch with his inner party animal with our dog costumes. Search through our large selection of pet costumes for the best puppy outfits around! Dog Costumes Life without your pet is just too hard to imagine! Your furry little friend gives you love, companionship, and endless hours of entertainment. Your pet could be the life of the party if he just had a silly outfit to wear! From Star Wars to Wizard of Oz , your dog can join any kind of party with one of these adorable outfits. If your pooch is a fun-loving canine, then he might be ready for one of our dog costumes. Just check our list below of some of our favorites! Of course, make sure to check out our other lion costumes , so you can match your pet by going as a group costume with your pet! Hot Dog Costume for Dogs Now, this hot dog costume may be a little confusing to your little doggie. Normally, your pup likes to eat the hot dog, but in this funny outfit for dogs, your pet becomes the hot dog. The hot dog portion of the costume is even made out of a faux leather material to give your pet an appetizing look! Dog Spider Costume Does your dog ever chase after bugs? Does he leap and bound across the living room trying to eat that rogue fly that found its way into your home? Well, then perhaps your pooch likes to pretend that he is a vicious arachnid, hunting for his meal. Insects in your home had better beware! Shark Puppy Costume Have you ever seen your dog dreaming? You know how it goes. They start making some goofy noises, and then their legs start twitching. Well, your dog might be dreaming of being the apex predator of the ocean, hunting down all the fishies that are smaller and weaker than him! Of course, you pup could just be dreaming about eating an endless array of hamburgers that fell on the floor… Minion Dog Costume Now, this is a costume that accurately portrays how most dogs view themselves! Your average dog sees himself as your ultimate helper, much like the Despicable Me Minions are to Gru. However, the Minions from the animated film often find themselves causing more trouble for their master than helping much like your clumsy pup. Gru still loves them anyways and lets them tag along during his misadventures. This Minion dog costume should help you bring your pup on all your misadventures as well. It comes with a jacket and hood that help make your puppy look like a creation from the depths of your laboratory. No lightning bolts are necessary to jolt this costume to life. It also looks great with any of our mad scientist costumes. Costumes for Cats Cats are quite the enigma. Even experienced cat owners will tell you that sometimes, their cat just does things that cannot be explained, but that never stops us from loving the fluffy little animals. For those of you brave enough to try, we do carry many outfits that are that can be worn by cats. Those that do enjoy wearing clothes will look ultra-adorable in our costumes for cats. Search through our selection of pet costumes to find something your kitty won't hate to wear. Dress them up in cat Halloween costumes that one time a year or even for an every day look. Just think about it. You must feed him and provide him with suitable drinking fluids. You must provide him with adequate entertainment, or he will become dissatisfied and subsequently tear up the curtains. You even clean his poop up. Cat Bat Wings Have you ever been suspicious of your cat? He might just be a vampir in disguise! Well, now you can with this cat bat wings accessory. Cat Lion Costume Your kitty sees himself as a wild jungle king, even if he spends most of his time napping in sunbeams. He sees himself as a ferocious lion, who uses his masterful hunting skills to track down any prey, even if he IS still afraid of a lone cucumber. Well, we suggest making a compromise, by letting him wear this cat lion costume , which is based on the cowardly lion from the Wizard of Oz. Some cats are afraid of them, since they resemble their well-known foe, the cucumber. A few cats actually eat them. Even fewer cats… dream of becoming one! Now, your ferocious little kitty can become her favorite fruit when she dresses up in this cute cat banana costume. Star Wars Dog Costumes Have you ever wondered what kind of character your dog would be if he were in the Star Wars movies? Would your puppy be an agent for the Galactic Empire, wearing a Stormtrooper outfit? He could even be an Imperial Walker, so you can dress up like Darth Vader and become a real live version of the classic meme. Well, whatever role you think your pooch would play in the Star Wars movies, we have a costume that will help him unleash his inner star power! Just check out our list below. Ewok Dog Costume Wicket might be one of the easiest associations you can make with your pet! After all, Ewoks are small, furry, adorable, and they have an intense desire to protect their home from bad guys. Just use this Ewok dog costume to get his look down right. Bantha Dog Costume Is your dog the kind of wild beast that Tusken Raiders would like to take along with them on arduous journeys on Tatooine? Then your pup is probably a bit like a Bantha! Banthas are loyal creatures that carry the Tusken Raiders around on their backs and this Bantha dog costume is an easy way to transform your pup into one of the critters from the movie. Your dog can look like the assault vehicle used by the Empire in The Empire Strikes Back when he wears this Imperial Walker dog costume. Just make sure to help him fight off the Snowspeeders that will be gunning for him when he wears this cute costume. You can also take him for a walk dressed as Darth Vader for great comedic appeal. Jedi Dog Costume Sometimes your dog is your only hope when a situation goes sideways. Like when your plate tips over and your entire dinner falls onto the floor? Yoda Dog Costume Is your pooch wise beyond his years? Does he like to lurk around in swampy areas like Dagobah? That little green guy liked to get muddy and hang out with all kinds of creepy creatures in the depths of Dagobah. Dewback Dog Costume Maybe your dog is a little bit more of a bad guy! Well, then he probably needs an outfit that more accurately reflects his allegiance. Your dog probably imagines himself as being a great service to the Empire and no creature is of more service to the Empire as the big, lizard-like creatures called Dewbacks! These critters transport Stormtroopers all across the deserts of Tatooine and this Dewback dog costume is a great way to make him feel just like a Dewback. This quick guide will tell you step-by-step how to dress your large or small dog into a Halloween costume. Ears in Head Piece Some costumes come with a headpiece, so you may want to start by putting that on your pup. Fasten Head Piece The next step is simple as long as you have a compliant pooch! If you fasten it too loosely, it may easily fall off. If you do it too tightly, it may be uncomfortable for your pet. Head Piece Attached When the headpiece is completely attached, your dog should look like a wacky character of your choosing! Make your final adjustments to ensure that the piece is secure on his head and not too tight. If your pooch is uncomfortable, or not used to wearing headwear, he may try to take it off, so comfort is key. Check to see if there are any Velcro straps in the front and fasten them. Remember that candy unless specifically made for dogs is not good for dogs, so you might want to bring a few treats of your own if you plan on taking him with you or your kids for a round of trick or treating in the neighborhood.