black german shepherd puppies los angeles

Or chew on furniture? Although known for their sedate behavior, bulldogs can sometimes have a tendency to bite people, especially strangers. This aggressive behavior can be curbed. If you want to stop this show of aggression, it is essential to understand why they are doing it in the first place. Why do bulldogs bite? All bulldogs go through a biting phase when they are puppies due to teething pain. Eventually, bulldogs grow out of this phase. If a bulldog does not stop biting by 12 months of age, it usually reflects a lack of training or signs of owner protection or jealousy. Photo by The Bulldog Blog How to get bulldogs to stop biting? Here are some reasons why your bulldog might be biting people: 1. Lack of training: If you have recently welcomed an English bulldog to your home, especially one that might be older, they might not have the training yet to not bite, or know that it is a bad behavior. Owner protection: English bulldogs are fiercely protective of their owners. When they detect any threat, they often bite. Jealousy: English bulldogs often crave the attention of their owners. And, if they are unable to get that attention, they might attack whatever object or person is detracting your attention from them, which can be another person or a dog. Now that you know what is causing your bulldog to bite and act out, here are 14 guaranteed strategies to help reduce this behavior: 14 confirmed strategies that will stop English bulldogs from biting In this post, we will discuss not one or two, but 14 verified strategies that can help you prevent your English bulldog from biting. They might not all work for you, but we hope that some of these strategies will be helpful in nipping this behavior in the bud. And the best way to show them that you are upset or displeased by their behavior is to yell at them. Use a stern voice and be forceful. While this strategy might not produce results in the first or second attempt, your bulldog will slowly understand after a few scoldings. Use a squirt bottle A quick squirt in the face whenever your bulldog starts to bite should quickly reduce this bad behavior. Walk Away Bulldogs, like children, can crave attention. And sometimes it can be effective to deny them that attention and just walk away. They will learn to soon associate that bad behavior with you walking away, and stop doing it. Work on socializing your dog One of the reasons why English bulldogs bite is because they are not familiar with the people or dogs that they are snapping at. So, to decrease that anxiety, start introducing your bulldog to other people, children, and animals early on. Socializing them with other dogs and people will help them better identify threats as well. Neuter your dog You might be thinking, how can neutering stop your dog from biting people? Neutered dogs are less aggressive, that is why the probability that they will bite someone or another dog is on the lower side. Be sure to check with your vet on the right time is to neuter your dog. Curb the habit when they are young One of the best ways to prevent your English bulldog from biting is to curb this behavior when they are young. And while it might be cute at the beginning when puppies bite and snap, you should learn to shut down this behavior early on, so that it does not grow into a bad habit. Showing that when they bite you, you get hurt, will help them understand that biting is a strict no-no. In these cases, giving them something else to chew on can be helpful. As a result, there will be no need for the dog to bite or chew on anything else. Help your dog expend energy Sometimes bulldogs might exhibit aggressive behavior because they have pent up energy that they are trying to release. When you play with your dog or take your dog outdoors frequently, it becomes easy for the dog to expend energy and will likely lead to them being less aggressive. Whenever the dog is unhappy or afraid due to someone invading its territory, the likelihood of a bite is on the higher side. You have to look out for body language. If you notice these signs, it is better to give your dog some space, and separate them from any strangers, human or otherwise. It is also helpful to talk to them sweetly and try and alleviate those fears by comforting them. Show your dog who is boss At the end of the day, you are the pack leader, and your dog needs to know that. When your bulldog recognizes that you are the alpha dog in this relationship, he or she will respect you better and will follow your rules. Sometimes the best way to do this is to isolate them for a short time, to show them your displeasure. This is only effective if it is done immediately after the wrong behavior, so that they associate that behavior with this punishment. Opt for professional training Another way is to opt for professional obedience training. But, we do recommend that owners attend some of these classes, as you might learn some tricks as well! Consult a vet If your dog is persistently aggressive, and is not showing signs of improvement, you might consider taking them to the vet. Aggression is a symptom of a lot of diseases and ailments that your English bulldog could be suffering from. Be patient Training takes time, and you need to give your dog and yourself the benefit of the doubt. You have to let your dog absorb things and understand what behaviors are good and what are bad. A dog is not just a pet, but a lifelong friend and companion. English Bulldog is one such breed who is extremely loyal, friendly, brave and have a strong sense of dedication towards their owners. They will stick to you like glue throughout their lifetime. How to teach an English bulldog not to bite? Bulldogs can bite for several reasons, but mostly they bite when they feel provoked or threatened. Puppies bite because they have not yet learned how to play properly with humans. Here are step by step instructions to teach your bulldog not to bite. Sit down and play with your bulldog. Let them bite your hand. Your bulldog should be startled, release, and step back. You can spray something bitter in their mouth to further the consequence if your bulldog is not starting to understand after going through steps a few times. An English bulldog looks scary and grumpy but is very calm and amiable. Many people are afraid of the English bulldogs because of their somewhat aggressive appearance, but they are the friendliest of all breeds. They are lovers and not fighters. Bulldogs make wonderful apartment pets and are mainly low-endurance dogs. But all dogs can have the bad habit of biting. An un-socialized adult English bulldog will also nip and bite. Under these circumstances, you should keep your English bulldog away from other dogs and people. It is important to make sure your bulldog learns not to nip and bite as biting will further the stereotype that bulldogs are dangerous, when they are really not dangerous at all when they are loved, trained, and socialized. How to Teach Your English Bulldog Puppy to Not Bite Every English bulldog goes through the puppy stage and learns to interact with others by biting, nipping, and licking. Biting occurs when your puppy is growing and exploring their environment. Your English bulldog puppy may not hurt you intentionally, but as a puppy he is still capable of inflicting harm to you. If this behavior is not rectified and controlled, your puppy can carry this into adulthood. No, And Here's Why! Your puppy might grow up thinking that there is nothing wrong in biting and nipping humans. As their teeth grow and their weight also increases, the harmless biting which you once found cute can turn into rough bites and play. An English bulldog is not aggressive by nature but like other dogs can show aggression if provoked. They are ferociously protective of their owners and others in the family. If they feel their owner or loved ones are threatened, they can turn defensive and show signs of belligerence. English bulldogs are calm and gentle with their owners but are chary of other dogs and strangers. Therefore, it is imperative to socialize your bulldog properly and make them feel safe around other dogs and people. There are chances that if your English bulldog is inadequately socialized, he will react fiercely to what he sees to be a threat to your safety or their own. Your puppy bites because he does not know how to play with humans and needs to be trained to stop biting. You can hire a dog trainer to do that or can do it by yourself. You should train your dog that it is unacceptable to bite and encourage them to play games with toys. Learn more in our article Help! Bulldog Teething and Biting When your English bulldog puppy is 3 to 6 months old, there are chances that your puppy may be teething. At this time your puppy will put virtually everything in his mouth. They do this because they need something to chew on, to alleviate the pain and discomfort. You can give him ice cubes to numb his gums and mitigate the pain. When your puppy is teething, you can also give him things he can chew on. You can give him old washed rags kept in the freezer, hard rubber balls, or nylon bones. When your puppy bites you hard just yell as loudly as you can and pretend to be hurt. This will startle your puppy and ensure that he releases pressure. You must continue this until your puppy starts refraining from nipping and biting. This way your puppy will learn that biting can be a hazard to their friends and humans. They will learn that skin is sensitive and should be only pressed down lightly. Eventually your puppy will become gentler to you during their playtime. When your puppy bites you stop playing with him. Avoid petting, talking and even looking at your puppy. Never show aggression or give physical punishment to the puppy while training him. He will become defensive and grow up to be more aggressive. Remember to praise your puppy for good behavior. Socialize your English bulldog puppy to be more comfortable around strangers also. Socializing will help stop your puppy biting your feet and the feet of visitors. You can walk your puppy to dog parks and public places. You can also visit your family and friends with your English bulldog puppy to help him develop trust with them. English bulldog puppies easily get excited with movements. So, if your puppy sees you moving your feet or any sudden movement, he will swoop into attack. Stop right there and this will make your puppy settle down. When puppies see children running around, they also want to run and play with everybody else and could bite their feet. Use dog commands like Sit, Stay, and Down. Always keep treats in handy while training your puppy to motivate him. If this does not work, then simply walk away. To discipline your adult bulldog, you must leave him alone. Still, if your dog persists to bite, you can seek professional help to curb his habit of biting and nipping. Lastly, do not try to put your adult English bulldog into situations he is not very comfortable in or those which will provoke him. If you know your dog does not like other dogs, keep him away from those dogs. You can also use a spray bottle to spray something with a bitter taste into their mouth when your bulldog bites. I have seen people use lemon juice. Be aware that excessive lemon juice will cause an upset stomach and possibly diarrhea for dogs, so find something else with a bitter taste that is safe for dogs to teach them a negative consequence for biting. The bite force of the English bulldog is pounds per square inch psi. Psi shows us how much pressure is exerted on one square inch of space. This is enough to cut muscles and break bones. English bulldogs have extremely strong jaws and muscular and sturdy bodies. English bulldogs also have a very low center of gravity and can easily take you down. They were bred specially to fight the bulls. Their powerful jaws can cause a lot of damage. With appropriate training and by acting properly around your puppy, you can help him grow out of his habit of biting. Training your adult English bulldog will take some time. Training an adult English bulldog will be relatively difficult, but it is not impossible. So, be patient and try to build up this new behavior with trust and love. Persistence and hard work will go a long way. You will surely see results and all your efforts will yield a very obedient and loving companion for life. Pup pup hooray! Post Views: 2, We earn a commission if you click this link and make a purchase at no additional cost to you. Pretend To Be Injured Whenever your English bulldog puppy biting and growling at you, pretend to be injured by his bites. When the puppy bites, you yell loudly and pretend like you are hurt a lot. This will shock your puppy, and he will release the hurt immediately. You can continue doing this until he retrains himself from biting you or growling at you. By repeatedly exercising, your puppy will learn that it is hazardous to bite their friends and humans. As time passes, your puppy will learn to become gentle during playtime and get to know that skin is a sensitive part and must not be pressed. Avoid Your Puppy If your puppy bites you while you are playing with him, stop playing at that very moment. When you stop playing immediately, he will realize that he has done something bad. We were playing on the couch, and he bit me. After repeating this every time he bit me, he finally understood that biting is bad. What will happen is he will suddenly become defensive and will become aggressive in the future. These small things are very important and must be kept in mind while training your puppy. Never forget to praise him for his good behavior. Socialize Your Puppy Socialization is very important for the English bulldog puppy to get comfortable with everyone. Your puppy should feel comfortable around friends and strangers. Socialization helps your English bulldog puppy biting and growling not to bite visitors. These etiquettes are necessary, especially when you take your puppy to parks and public places. Save Yourself from Puppy Attacks Puppies are very curious about everything happening around them. They get excited when they see some movements happening around them. You may have noticed your puppy walking moving around your feet whenever you walk around them. If they see any sudden movements, they will immediately attack. When this happens, stop right there and let your puppy settle down. When the puppies watch the children running around, they get very excited and start running and playing. There are chances that your puppy may bite the kids or anyone they are playing with. To avoid this, whenever you see your puppy come running towards you, give him his chewy toy to play with. Never forget to motivate your puppy by giving him his favorite treats. Always keep the treats in your hand while training. When I was training my puppy, I used to have these soft puppy treats all the time. These were his favorite treats, and due to them, he used to perform all the tasks that I gave. Everyone must follow one more important thing , all these exercises, and recommendations in the house. The puppy needs to be comfortable with everyone in the family. So everyone must spend some time with the puppy to become familiar with him. There will be times when the puppy will have to spend the whole day with other family members, and then it will be easier for both dog and the family member. These tips and recommendations are really helpful if you follow them thoroughly. Training your puppy at the correct time is the key to stopping him from doing bad behavior. Adult Bulldog Biting and Growling Sometimes adult bulldogs are also seen biting and growling at humans. I will give you some normal tips about training your adult bulldog. The tips are as follows: Teach your adult bulldog the same discipline you would teach your puppy bulldog. This will make him realize that you are hurting. Leave him alone for a while to get him in the discipline. With correct and appropriate training, you can stop your English bulldog puppy from biting and growling. It would help if you acted properly around your puppy in order to teach him. As the training will continue, he will definitely learn the difference between harming and playing. Training your adult bulldogs can be quite a difficult job but not impossible. So, have patience and train your English bulldog puppy will love and compassion. You will surely have positive results. Related Articles:. Manydogs said: This is normal puppy behavior-some are worse than others. Replacing the arm with a Nylabone, or a chew to that he can not swallow any parts of, NO rawhides a good idea. You could try a spray bottle of water,it works with some-and always say "no bite" with any method. A can with rocks in it,that makes noise, is also another method,used to distract them from biting. If he has something in his mouth, and you pull at it,to him it's a game, and he will pull back. If he has a grip on something that he shouldn't, you could try having a small treat to give him if he lets go,when you say "no bite"then give him something he can bite on! I know it is very hard when you have young children and a pup,and EBD pups are worse than most other pups,when it comes to biting. It will take a lot of patience,and being persistant to get through this, but it will all be worth it. Until he learns,and has lost his baby teeth, do not let anyone play tug of war with him,because that would encourage him to bite more. Hang in there-we have all been through this,and it does get frustrating at times. My pups were obsessed with my shoes while I walked,so I got a pair of tennies on sale,and gave the pair to the pups! This,too, shall pass but not for awhile! I have never used their crate as punishment,as I did not want them to hate it. They sleep in their crate at night. I had a small pen it folds up that I put them in when I needed a break. Sometimes when they get tired,they get wound up,like kids do.

Bernedoodles are a carefully-bred combination of Bernese Mountain Dogs and Poodles. Bernese Mountain Dogs, originating from Switzerland, were first used for driving cattle and to protect farmyards. They are robust and powerful, renowned for their ability to pull many times their own weight. This history creates the image of a hardy, strong worker, yet their owners know them best for their placid, sweet nature. They are also large dogs known for shedding lots of hair. The Poodle is a small dog that is non-shedding, but is known for being more high-strung. They are known and loved for their intelligence and prancing nature. When we cross-breed, the result is generally an intelligent puppy who is a gentle, sociable, enthusiastic companion. They are gentle with babies and toddlers, yet energetic enough to play in the yard with teenagers. They are also sensitive to the elderly, which makes this dog perfect for any family! The Mini Bernedoodle is a very dedicated dog, and does not like being left alone for long periods of time. This makes this dog well-suited for homes with plenty of activity, or for those who have someone in the house most of the day. They are generally very tolerant of other pets. With the energy they have, this dog will be perfect for your hiking or jogging companion. A good rule is to exercise them 5 minutes for every month of their age. For example, a 4 month old puppy will be able to take a 20 minute walk without tiring him out. We work hard to socialize and train our puppies to be well-mannered and obedient. In spite of this, they may still have some behaviour issues if you do not continue training. They will do best with continued guidance and direction. It is our pleasure to present to you the Mini Bernedoodle! We hope you adopt one today! Welcome to Kentucky Mountain Doodles Hope you enjoy our new and improved, user friendly website. Same great business, just a different look. What we offer… In Depth House Training For almost four years now, we've been offering multiple different levels of house training. These options range from introduction to beginning in-house training all the way up to advanced, fully house-trained puppies. Transportation Services Getting a puppy to you will be no issue at all! If you are unable to come pick the puppy up in person, we have two wonderful ground transport teams that can bring the puppy right to your door. Both of these companies are fully licensed and insured, with a love for travel and fur babies. Our Story… Over 19 years ago, we began our journey by breeding and training Labrador Retrievers, which turned into Labradoodles. We no longer breed Labradoodles, and we only have the occasional Aussiedoodle litter. Being a small family-owned business, we only have a few litters per year, which allows us to keep our main focus on producing the very best, highly trainable, hypoallergenic, and non-shedding puppies. View Our Available Puppies! You should not confuse Mini Bernedoodles with Standard Bernedoodles. Our adorable Mini Bernedoodle are of the F1 variety. All the doodle moms are purebred Genetic Tested Bernese Mountain dog females. Our mini Bernedoodle pups usually end up weighing pounds and around inches tall when full grown. Most Mini bernedoodles live to be around years old. Mini Bernedoodles have become really popular because they shed very little after they shed their puppy coat, they are very hypoallergenic. We have specialized in breeding Mini Bernedoodles as well as a few other breeds for many years. They are a big part of our family and farm. We have also partnered up with several other reputable breeders that raise mini bernedoodle pups that meet our very strict criteria and genetic testing. We usually have a good selection of very high quality doodle puppies. So if you live near Frankfort Kentucky and are looking for a healthy and beautiful Mini Bernedoodle puppy then checkout our available pups now by Clicking Here. Below are a few of our Mini Bernedoodle Pups! See more details About the F1 Bernedoodle breed. As a result, the puppy's height and weight can vary substantially. Breeders have a choice of standard, miniature, or toy poodles. Standard weights and sizes range from 70 to 90 pounds and 23 to 29 inches. Small: "; lbs. Coat F1 Bernedoodles are well known for their hypoallergenic coats, which they have. F1 Bernedoodles shed very little since their coats are typically curly and wavy. Curly coats require routine brushing and cutting to prevent tangling. Black, black and brown, black and white, black, white, and brown are the most common color schemes for F1 Bernedoodles. Different colors are possible for F1 Bernedoodles. Each F1 Bernedoodle's look is subject to change because of the breed's crossbreeding aspect, which results in each litter having genetically unique parents. Character F1 Bernedoodles are extremely smart, devoted, and kind. Children should be socialized as early as possible since they might be wary of strangers. Temperament The F1 Bernedoodle is typically outgoing and energetic. They enjoy spending a lot of time with their human families and get along well with children. You'll notice that they have trouble being left alone for long periods because they need to be in close contact with their human family all the time. F1 Bernedoodles make wonderful family pets since they are friendly and compassionate. Due to the high intelligence of the Poodle parent, the F1 Bernedoodle can perform as a therapy dog with the proper training. Care F1 Bernedoodles require only minimal maintenance. Because the Bernese parent contributes to frequent and seasonal shedding of all coat types, brushing your F1 Bernedoodle a few times a week is encouraged. Bathing is advised when required. F1 Bernedoodles shed extremely little on puppies with curly or wavy coats, but the less common straight-coated variety sheds a little more. Regular eye checkups, dental cleanings, and ear cleanings should all be a part of your schedule. Training Puppies of F1 Bernedoodles frequently exhibit a slight headstrongness. The importance of starting socialization and training with your Bernedoodle puppy as soon as possible can't be overstated. Speak in a firm, clear voice with a caring, encouraging tone when training your F1 Bernedoodle. They are incredibly bright and have a personality they want to please, making teaching them easier. Although they might need to hear your instructions a few times, young pups usually obey commands with no problems. Give your dog plenty of meaty, bite-sized treats to promote excellent behaviour and obedience. Being harsh with F1 Bernedoodles will drive them to flee from you because they are susceptible to your tone and manners. Activity The F1 Bernedoodle is a crossbreed that has a medium level of energy. Daily exercise, play, and social interaction are suggested. The typical speed of an F1 Bernedoodle is a slow trot, so most people shouldn't have any trouble walking one.

The poodle's bright demeanor and people-pleasing nature make him an excellent pal for humans and peacekeeper among other pets. Standard poodles are the most athletic and agile of all the poodle types , and they take quickly to training. Poodles also have the privilege of being low odor and among the least-shedding of all coated dogs. So they're pretty much perfect, right? Not so fast. The timid poodle can border on neurotic at times, and he's easily stressed out by noise and any amount of chaos or conflict. Poodles can also be time-consuming and expensive to groom. But if you can deal with these quirks, you'll be rewarded with a loyal, lively pet who loves to make you happy. Appearance Poodles are known for their curly coat, long pointed nose, and small dark eyes. They're also famously associated with one of the most ornate dog grooming styles ever—the topiary continental clip, which leaves curly pom-poms of hair carefully shaped around the joints and chest. Those unfamiliar with poodles might be surprised to find that the flamboyant continental clip is largely seen only on show dog poodles—family pet poodles usually go with the more subtle sporting clip, which is a short and fuss-free style. You'll most often find poodles with white, black, or brown coats, but they exist in a wide range of shades from apricot to silver. Miniature poodles are between 10—15 inches, and toy poodles are under 10 inches. Standard poodles can weigh between 50—70 pounds, with female dogs tending to weigh less than the male ones. The standard is the largest and strongest of all the three poodle types. Temperament Poodles are loyal, smart, and playful. And while they're friendly pups, they will bark to alert you to any noises or visitors. The breed's response to unfamiliar faces can range from friendly and engaging to shy and reserved. These highly intelligent dogs also seem to have a sense for reading their owners' body language and expressions, making them intuitive companions. Their sensitivity doesn't stop there; they're also prone to getting pretty emotional themselves. Poodles are hypersensitive pooches who can be easily startled by touch or sound, so watch out for bouts of anxiety. These happy, high-strung animals love to romp around, bounce, run, and play nearly non-stop as puppies and young dogs. But their activity levels do change with maturity, and you can expect them to calm down a bit between 18 months and 2 years of age. Standard poodles are also generally more calm than miniature and toy poodles. Living Needs Poodles need tons of exercise and opportunity for movement, so access to a spacious fenced-in yard is ideal. If you don't have a big backyard to offer your pup, make sure you make plenty of time for walks and visits to the dog park or another pet-safe open area for them to run and play. If you're a nature-lover, a poodle is a great pick. They're naturally adventurous and love the water , so they make excellent outdoor companions. Try not to spend too much time away; this curly companion thrives on time spent with his people and poodles can develop separation anxiety issues if he doesn't get enough attention. They're gentle and polite with kids , but because of their hypersensitive nature they can be easily overwhelmed by small, loud children and will need time to decompress. Poodles are better suited for families with older or no children. Similarly, if your home is often chaotic, noisy, or conflict-prone, your peaceful poodle may develop some anxiety issues. Poodles much prefer and appreciate a calm, quiet living arrangement. Care The poodle is the original "hypoallergenic" dog breed thanks to his single-layer coat that doesn't shed much though remember that no dog is percent hypoallergenic. If you or someone in your family suffers from dog allergies, a poodle could be the pup for you! But heads up: His coat, low-shedding as it may be, requires a lot of attention. And, even if they are taking the dog to a groomer, they will still need to keep up with daily needs, including brushing. Most owners have their poodle's coat cut to one short length, in a grooming style known as the sporting clip. Poodles who are left with their manes to grow need meticulous daily brushing —once their curly coats become matted, the only solution is to shave them down and start over. Unless you're taking up the clippers and teaching yourself to groom your poodle, you'll need frequent grooming appointments. It's an expense you'll want to keep in mind when considering adding a poodle to the family. Poodles are extremely active, athletic dogs who need plenty of daily exercise and love long walks. They're up for adventure and love to stay busy, so it won't be hard to keep them moving. Most poodles love to swim, and swimming can be an excellent workout for your curly cutie. They also love playing fetch and can get some of that abundant energy out chasing after balls and sticks in the backyard. Thanks to their high intelligence and people-pleasing nature, poodles are fairly easy to train and enjoy making their humans happy. Keep training upbeat and encouraging, with lots of praise and consistency to get your eager-to-please poodle in his groove. Relative to other breeds, the poodle is easy to potty train. It also often leads to a dog who enjoys learning and wants to participate in other activities," Hunter Mayer says. Check with your veterinarian about the appropriate recommendations for dog food brands and ingredients, how much and how often to feed your dog , and other dietary concerns. Health Poodles have a lifespan of 12—15 years and are generally healthy dogs. Additionally, reputable breeders routinely test breeding stock for health issues, so if you're taking care to research the breeder you're working with when picking a purebred dog, you should know the dog's lineage and what health problems if any run in the family. Standard poodles are also prone to contracting Addison's disease , an issue with the adrenal glands, as well as a life-threatening condition called bloat , which is an accumulation of gas or fluid in the dog's stomach. Keeping regularly scheduled veterinary appointments will help you stay up-to-date on your pup's health and well being. History The name "poodle" most likely comes from the word pudelin, a German-language reference to the breed's fondness for water, according to the AKC. The breed originated in Germany as duck-hunting, water retrieval dogs. The flamboyant continental clip haircut style that most associate with the poodle has functional origins. Because the dogs were jumping into freezing water to retrieve their owners' hunt prey and too much heavy hair would weigh down the dog, owners would strategically clip the fur on their limbs to give them freedom of movement while swimming, leaving longer hair near the dog's organs and joints to protect them in the cold water. Courtesy of Presidential Pet Museum The poodle's friendly temperament and lovable looks eventually caught the attention of members of French nobility, and the breed soon became popular throughout Europe. Poodles' natural elegance and trainability also made them the stars of many European circus acts. The standard poodle was eventually bred down to the miniature and toy poodles we also know and love today. In fact, the poodle is the only breed with three size classifications. Fun Facts The poodle is the national dog of France despite the breed originating in Germany. The French call the breed caniche, which means "duck dog. Was this page helpful? They have a distinctive thick, curly coat that comes in many colors and patterns, with only solid colors recognized by breed registries. Poodles are active and intelligent, and are particularly able to learn from humans. Poodles tend to live 10—18 years, with smaller varieties tending to live longer than larger ones. Similar dogs date back to at least the 17th century. Larger Poodles were originally used by wildfowl hunters to retrieve game from water, while smaller varieties were once commonly used as circus performers. Since the midth century, Poodles have enjoyed enormous popularity as pets and show dogs — Poodles were the AKC's most registered breed from to , and are now the FCI's third most registered breed. Poodles are also common at dog shows, where they often sport the popularly recognized Continental clip, with face and rear clipped close, and tufts of hair on the hocks and tail tip. History A 17th-century engraving of a Poodle Most cynologists believe the Poodle originated in Germany in the Middle Ages , from a dog similar to today's Standard Poodle. Numerous works by various German artists from as early as the 17th century depict dogs of recognisably Poodle type. As new breeding practices were adopted, the variety became set as a toy-sized replica of the original. Not universally recognised by the world's kennel clubs , the Medium Poodle is recognised by the FCI and most Continental European kennel clubs. A pet owner can anticipate grooming a Poodle every four to eight weeks. Their individual hair follicles have an active growth period that is longer than that of many other breeds; combined with the tightly curled coat, which slows the loss of dander and dead hair by trapping it in the curls, an individual Poodle may release less dander and hair into the environment. However, researchers have generally not found a difference in allergens across breeds. The FCI additionally recognizes the Scandinavian clip. Poodle hair can also be "corded" with rope-like mats similar to those of a Komondor or human dreadlocks. Though once as common as the curly Poodle, corded Poodles are now rare. Corded coats are difficult to keep clean and take a long time to dry after washing. They were common historically, but became less popular in the early s, and are excluded from many registries. Phantom Poodles may also have a full face of the secondary color. Your browser does not support the audio tag. Description The Standard Poodle is a medium- to large-sized dog. When groomed to show dog standards the body is meant to give off a square appearance. It is approximately the same length as the height at the withers. The skull is moderately rounded with a slight but definite stop. It has a long, straight muzzle. The dark, oval-shaped eyes are set somewhat far apart and are black or brown. The ears hang close to the head and are long and flat. Both the front and back legs are in proportion with the size of the dog. The topline is level. The tail is set and carried high. It is sometimes docked to half its length or less to make the dog look more balanced. Dewclaws may be removed. The oval-shaped feet are rather small and the toes are arched. The coat is either curly or corded. While it does not make the written show standard, some breeders are breeding parti-colored Poodles. See grooming for different types of Poodle clips. Temperament The Standard Poodle is proud, graceful, noble, good-natured, enjoyable and cheerful. This highly intelligent dog is one of the most trainable breeds. Some can be trained to hunt. The Standard Poodle is generally lower energy and often calmer than the smaller varieties of Poodles, but will become high strung if you do not give it the proper amount and type of exercise. It is sensitive to the tone of one's voice and will not listen if it senses that it is stronger minded than its owner, however it will also not respond well to harsh discipline. Owners need to be calm, yet possess an air of natural authority. It are not the type of dog to live outside in a kennel, as it enjoys being with its owners and dislikes being alone. It is generally friendly toward strangers, and is excellent with children. The Standard Poodle is good with other dogs. Some can make good guard dogs. Make sure you are this dog's firm, consistent, confident pack leader , providing daily pack walks to avoid separation anxiety and other unwanted behavior issues. Height, Weight Height: 15 inches 38 cm or more. Weight: Males 45 - 70 pounds 20 - 32 kg Females 45 - 60 pounds 20 - 27 kg The sizes of the official AKC-recognized Poodle breeds are determined by height, not by weight. The Standard Poodle is over 15 inches at the highest point of the shoulders. Health Problems A long-lived breed, Poodles are, nevertheless, subject to many genetic diseases. Runny eyes, cataracts and progressive retinal atrophy, which may cause blindness. Hip dysplasia and ear infections are also common. They are prone to Von Willebrand's Disease. Brown Poodles tend to become prematurely gray. Prone to bloat , so it is wise to feed your Standard small meals a day, rather than one large one. Living Conditions If given enough exercise, Standard Poodles are relatively inactive indoors. They will be okay in an apartment if they are sufficiently exercised. A small yard will suffice. Exercise The Standard Poodle needs to be taken on a daily walk. Although they adore water and love to go for walks, Poodles are not demanding as far as exercise goes, so long as they get their walk in. They however, will keep in better spirits and be fitter if given regular opportunities to run and play off the leash in a safe area. The Standard retains its sporting instincts, has great stamina, and needs more activity than the smaller varieties. Life Expectancy About or more years Litter Size About puppies Grooming Extensive grooming is needed if the dog is to be shown. Poodles must be bathed regularly and clipped every six to eight weeks. Clean and check the ears frequently for wax or mites or infection and pull out hairs growing inside the ear canal. The teeth need regular scaling. Since the coat does not shed it needs to be clipped. There are several different types of Poodle clips. The most common for pet owners is an easy care clip called a "pet clip," "puppy clip" or "lamb clip," where the coat is cut short all over the body. Popular show clips are the English saddle and the Continental clip, where the rear half of the body is shaved, bracelets are left around the ankles, and pom-poms are left on the tails and hips. The AKC standard allows for a dog under a year old to be shown in a show-style puppy clip which has special requirements such as a pom-pom on the end of the tail. Other clip styles are the modified continental clip, town and country clip, kennel or utility clip, summer clip, and the Miami of bikini clip. Poodles shed little to no hair and are good for allergy sufferers. Origin The Poodle has been known throughout Western Europe for at least years and is depicted in 15th century paintings and in bas-reliefs from the 1st century. France has taken a claim on the origin, but the AKC gives the honor to Germany, where they say it was used as a water retrieval dog. Other claims have been Denmark, or the ancient Piedmont. What is certain is that the dog was a descendant of the now-extinct French Water Dog, the Barbet and possibly the Hungarian Water Hound. The name "Poodle" most likely came out of the German word "Pudel," which means "one who plays in water. They would leave hair on the leg joints to protect them from extreme cold and sharp reeds. The hunters in Germany and France used the Poodle as a gundog and as a retriever of waterfowl and to sniff out truffles laying underground in the woods. The French started using the breed as a circus performer because of the dog's high intelligence and trainability. The breed became very popular in France, which led to the common name "French Poodle," but the French people actually called the breed the "Caniche," meaning "duck dog. In the 18th century smaller poodles became popular with royal people. The three official sizes are the Toy, Miniature and Standard Poodle. They are considered one breed and are judged by the same written standard but with different size requirements. Some of the Poodle's talents include: retrieving, agility, watchdog, competitive obedience and performing tricks. Less - The Standard Poodle is a medium-sized , squarely built dog with a distinctive harsh curly coat that may be presented in any of several traditional Poodle clips or corded. The ears are long, drop, and densely feathered. The tail is normally docked, set high, and carried erect. The length of body sternum to point of buttocks is equal to the height withers to ground. The Standard Poodle carries himself with an air of dignity and pride. Another essential characteristic is proper temperament. The breed is noted for its high intelligence, trainability and sense of humor. Poodles are highly social and require human companionship and regular, close interaction with family members. Because of their great intelligence and the joy they take in human companionship, Poodles excel in performance events of all sorts. They are extremely affectionate with children. In 18th and 19th century Europe, the Poodle served a wide variety of purposes, including duck hunting, guiding, and later circus performing, from whence the modern grooming style likely arose. The Poodle became a popular pet for the French aristocracy, and in time was officially adopted as the national dog. Poodles were imported to America in the 20th century. The origins of the poodles are still discussed with a dispute over whether the poodle descends from the old French Barbet breed or from Germany as a type of water dog.

Adopting a German Shepherd Pitbull mix from an adoption center is the best thing you can do. It can be life changing — not only for the dog but to you as well. He requires a low-to-medium maintenance level due to its short coat and a moderate amount of shedding. Brushing his coat can be done weekly, or three times a week if you are the type of person who is greatly bothered by scattered dog hair. Make sure to clean his ears often since this area is common to accumulate dirt, moisture, and bacteria. Nail trimming should be accomplished every few weeks to keep his paws clean and healthy. Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd Health Problems Provided that he is given the proper care and is living a healthy lifestyle, this crossbreed can live up to 12 years. Every breed is susceptible to specific health issues, and so it is essential that as a dog owner, you are aware of these things so that you know how to take care well of your dog accordingly. It is worth remembering that the Pitbull crossed with German Shepherd may suffer from the following diseases. Hip Dysplasia: The German Shepherd breed is genetically susceptible to this condition, and the possibility of passing it to its offspring is highly possible. The disease is characterized by malformation of the hip joints which may cause lameness and ongoing pain. Atopic Dermatitis: It is an inflammatory skin condition which may be triggered by exposure to certain environmental factors such as grass sprayed with pesticides and mold spores. To avoid this condition from affecting your pup, make sure to keep your house clean. Also, keep an eye for increased use of pesticides at dog parks. Skin Irritation: The Pitbull German Shepherd is prone to skin irritation, which it inherits from the Pitbull side of the family. They have a more sensitive skin, which can react strongly to insect bites, such as fleas and ticks. Generally, feeding him cups of good quality dry food daily in combination with nutritious homemade diet would be sufficient. A well-balanced diet covering all the essential nutrients, including an appropriate protein and calorie intake, is vital in an active breed like the German Sheppit. On average, the German Shepherd Pitbull needs calories for males, while calories for females. Its core ingredients include ground brown and white rice, lamb meal and chicken meal. It has all-natural ingredients infused with additional minerals and vitamins. Its main components include chicken, real beef and salmon meat products. Blue Buffalo Wilderness: If your Pitbull German Shepherd has food allergies, this dog food is the right choice for you. It is a grain-free turkey and potato recipe dog food supplemented with antioxidant-rich kibble. This dog food is formulated to minimize food sensitivities while maximizing the nutritional value dogs receive. Wellness Simple Limited Ingredient: This dog food is formulated for dogs with sensitive stomachs. If your pooch is still a munchkin, you should go through best puppy food brands. Senior, gray-coated dogs require different diets. Your pooch takes genes from two parents. This means you could also take into account buying the best dry dog food for small dogs or best large breed dry dog food. Pitbull Crossed with German Shepherd Exercise Requirements The Pitbull German Shepherd mix is an active and high-energy dog, so it might get destructive if he gets bored. This breed love to move around and therefore enjoys doing exercise activities. It is recommended to exercise him at least 90 minutes daily. Their exercise requirement is not just a guideline, but it is crucial that they are met. Without enough exercise, this breed may fall into a pattern of aggressive and destructive behaviors, such as excessive barking, unwanted chewing, and digging. Mental stimulation exercises should also be part of your routine to keep them from getting bored and further improve its social interactions. You can provide your pet with interactive dog toys. While it is true that they come from parent breeds with remarkable high intelligence, you should be warned that training them can be a bit overwhelming. Patience, attention, more time and positive reinforcement are the key components that owners should abide by in training this crossbreed. This is for your dog to learn the proper etiquette at a young age and avoid developing unwanted behaviors when it grows up. Remember to keep the pace of the training slow as your pup is still young and its body might still be fragile. After a year or two, however, you can increase the pace. Moreover, take note that an experienced trainer is better than a novice trainer. You need to be strong and authoritative. Otherwise, this dog will try to dominate you. Gentle yet firm treatment is the way to go with the German Sheppit puppy. Use Positive ReinforcementEven if this mixed breed has a tendency to become stubborn, avoid taking extreme measures. Using negative punishment-based training will not do any help, he might just end up not respecting you as a leader. Make it a regular routine to reward him whenever he does something right. Implement simple rules that they can follow and in return, give them praises and treats for obeying the rules. Training your German Sheppit consistently in a positive method will provide you with pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Puppy socialization has been proven to reduce developing aggressive behaviors, anxiety, and fearfulness later on in their adulthood. You just have to introduce and desensitize your dog to different people and environments. You can try doing the following: Puppy classes Playing at dog-friendly parks Make him attend doggy daycares The above activities ensure that your dog interacts with a range of fellow dogs and people as well on different environments, which may include on and off leash interactions. Include Mental Exercises on Their TrainingThe Pitbull mixed with German Shepherd is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing aggressive and other unwanted behaviors. Mental stimulation activities can be in the form of games or puzzles. German Shepherd Pitbull and Families With consistent proper training, exercise and correct socialization, the German Shepherd Pitbulls are incredibly loyal, friendly and affectionate towards family members, making them an excellent choice as a family pet. This crossbreed can even be the perfect breed for children, especially that its parent breed Pitbull was previously known as a nanny dog. Young kids, especially those under 8 years old, may play rough with dogs and they may tire them out or provoke them unknowingly causing the dogs to react in aggressive behaviors. Children should be taught to love and respect all members of the family including your four-legged family companions. This dog loves to spend time with you and other family members. So give love lots of affection to your German Shepherd crossed with Pitbull and expect an unconditional love in return. A good idea would be to adopt older, cuddly German shepherd Pitbulls rather than younger puppies. The German Shepherd dog breed is considered one of the most intelligent dogs in the world. These two factors have contributed to the popularity of this breed. If you are interested in acquiring a new pet, the German Shepherd Pitbull mix breed is a great option. Being intelligent does not always mean that they learn quickly and can understand your commands, but a German Shepherd Pitbull mix breed will surely do just fine as a pet. In fact, their intelligence level is such that they do well even in a basic obedience training course. These dogs have a strong love for their owner and can also be used as guard dogs. The German Shepherd Pitbull is known to be loyal and trustworthy. If you give your new pet proper care and attention, it will be more likely to trust you. However, there are other issues that you have to consider before choosing the best German Shepherd Pitbull mix breed. This breed of dog is known to be aggressive and destructive when it comes to eating. You should also avoid feeding them doggy food. They can also get easily tired and lose their appetite after a while. For this reason, you must give them regular exercise and daily exercise in a fenced area. Lack of exercise will make your dog lazy dogs are more destructive than those who are constantly active. You should train your dog with treats rather than using physical force when training for training and other training purposes. You must teach your dog to obey by rewarding him for good behavior. They can also be trained using vocal commands instead of barking and fighting when their owner is away. The German Shepherd Pitbull has a very good temperament and will be an excellent pet. In fact, they have great personalities and are fun to be around. Also, they are low maintenance and you can take care of them even if you do not have much time. When looking for German Shepherd Pitbull mix puppies for sale, you should keep in mind that these dogs do not have the same personalities as all other breeds. They have a friendly and lovable character but they are also playful and can be over eager in certain situations. If you want to get a dog that can be your best friend but also needs some time for you to be his only companion, then German Shepherd Pitbull is the right choice for you. Aside from their personality, you should also consider that German Shepherd Pitbull has a very good temperament and will be an excellent pet. These can be very affectionate dogs, but they also have to be controlled with care, as they can be quite temperamental. They have a love of attention and are quite demanding while being incredibly intelligent dogs. The cost can vary, depending on the breeder. Typically, the cost of German shepherd mix puppies can range anywhere from one hundred to five hundred dollars. Some reputable breeders can offer registerable German Shepherds at a lower price. This is because the breeder wants to only show dogs that are good purebreds. The cost is negotiable and can come down as the buyer develops more information about the dog. First of all, how long has your dog been living with the family? It would also be helpful to ask the breeder if the dog comes from a purebred mother and father, as well as breeding history. Knowing where the mother and father were and if they were of acceptable quality and temperament can give you a better idea of how the offspring will act and whether or not they will match your desired traits. You should also consider how many other dogs the German Shepherd you are considering adding to your family. Having other dogs is okay; it just makes finding matches easier, but you want to keep in mind that the mix may have some behavior issues as well. Pit Bulls who display aggression toward humans and other dogs are more likely to have problems when it comes to adoption and becoming long-term dog owners. You also need to find out what type of kennel or place where the German Shepherd pitbull puppy came from. Many times, these animals are kept in doggie mills and by rescues. If the animal has been raised in an abusive environment, it can be difficult or even impossible to find a good purebred rescue that will take the dog. German Shepherds and Pitbulls are similar in many ways. They both are active and curious dogs that need a great deal of attention and exercise. Both dogs also need a lot of time spent with their families, which is why German Shepherd puppies are often much more expensive than purebred Pit Bull mixes. In the end, choosing between these two dog breeds is completely up to you and your home, and your budget. In summary, both parents should be outstanding. The German Shepherd Pitbulls have a greater chance of developing health problems if the dam is the mother rather than the father. The best choice for your German Shepherd puppy should be one that is strong and healthy, has excellent temperaments, and comes from parents that have bred properly and have been registered with the American Kennel Club as purebreds. They have a very strong herding instinct and have been known to become very protective of their owners. While these traits make them great dogs, they make them a little difficult to adapt as people who are not used to owning dogs with such aggressive tendencies. However, if you are willing to put in the work and make an effort to learn the ropes, you can find a wonderful German Shepherd Pitbull mix for sale that will fit perfectly in your family. The biggest obstacle you will encounter when looking to adopt a new pet is likely going to be temperament. Most German Shepherd puppies and German Shepherds are very temperamental, but there are some signs that you can watch out for to help you determine if this new pet is truly what you want. One sign to look for to help you determine if your new pet has aggression issues is if it does not come to you immediately when you call its name. You should also watch out for this aggressive behavior if you adopt a large breed German Shepherd. One of the biggest reasons why German shepherd pitbull mix puppies for sale are so hard to find is because many people do not realize the health problems that come from owning these dogs. Some people think that the American Kennel Club approves of the mixed breed, but the truth is that the breed is rejected by many professional dog trainers because of its aggressive nature. Although these dogs have some of the finest traits of a purebred dog, they have many health problems that make them poor choices for many families. Here are a few things you should know about the health problems that come with owning these dogs: German Shepherds mix with different breeds of dogs, just like any other dog in the world. This makes them more susceptible to certain health problems. One of the most common health problems German face is allergies. It is extremely important to make sure that your new German Shepherd Pit Bull mix puppy does not have any allergies. German Shepherds need special human training to be as healthy as possible. They were intended for the job of protecting sheep and because of their small size, they were meant to do that. But they are not always used to handling other dogs and may not respond well to training. Even though they are great dogs, they have short tempers and are known for being stubborn. When adopting a German Shepherd mix breed, you should know that you will most likely have to put up with a little bit of this personality disorder, but you must be willing to accept it to ensure that the dog will grow into a healthy adult dog. The older animals will be more settled and have had time to get familiarized with each other and your household. It is also good to choose an animal that has already been socialized in a group of other dogs, rather than adopting a puppy that is completely new to you and your family. Most importantly, be prepared to spend more time with these dogs because they love companionship and will become a part of your family. The AKC only approves puppies and does not test them for temperament or health problems. To be eligible as a German shepherd pitbull mix puppy, the dogs must meet specific criteria. They must be purebred German Shepherds and be registered with the American Kennel Club within their breed category. Any reputable breeder from the American Kennel Club will provide proof of registration for their German shepherd mixes for sale. German Shepherd dogs are famously gentle with humans but they can be aggressive towards other dogs if they are not treated well. Because of this, the American Kennel Club requires prospective owners to purchase a registration certificate for each of the breeding pairs so that the dam and the sire have been given a chance to be used in future matches. Share this:. Any puppies that qualify as a German Shepherd Mix are a cross between a German Shepherd and another dog breed. In a mixed breed, you can get any mix of characteristics in the parent breeds. German Shepherds tend to be strong-willed, intelligent, playful, and loyal. To get a full idea of what to expect in your puppy, be sure to ask the breeder about the other dog breed in the cross and check out the mother dog in-person to get a general idea about size and temperament. On the German Shepherd side, you have an independent dog with high intelligence and a playful spirit. German Shepherds make great family pets and are born protectors. Because of their protective instinct, they can be suspicious of strangers. Socialization early and often can help curb this suspicion and make them more open to new people and situations. German Shepherds also tend to be loving and have a lively personality. The German Shepherd Mix can have any or all of these characteristics plus any characteristics from the other parent breed in the mix. Before buying a German Shepherd Mix puppy and bringing them home, be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed. If the puppies are being family-raised around children, you should be able to get an idea of how they will do in a family setting that includes children. The German Shepherd is a moderately adaptable working dog that was bred to guard, work, and herd. They do not tend to do well in apartments and are best-suited for houses with yards. GSDs prefer to be with their families and do not like to be alone. They also tend to prefer cooler climates as they are sensitive to heat. With a German Shepherd Mix, you could get a moderately adaptable dog that is just like a purebred German Shepherd. You could also end up with a dog that is more like the other parent breed. Talking with the breeder about the other parent breed can give you a good idea of what to expect. German Shepherds can be prone to elbow and hip dysplasia. You will need to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an idea of any other health concerns to be aware of in your German Shepherd Mix. Health screenings, clearances, and the genetic history of the parents can help allay concerns about potential health conditions. On the German Shepherd side, training and obedience classes are highly recommended for novice dog owners. Although GSDs are highly intelligent, pick up on things quickly, and train fairly easily, they can be stubborn with an independent streak. Regardless of the other parent breed in the cross, you should be prepared to enroll in obedience and training classes with your German Shepherd Mix. The experience will be beneficial to both you and your puppy and will also offer some opportunities for socialization. You will still want to ask the breeder about the other parent breed in the cross to get an understanding of what to expect during the training process. Professional grooming a few times a year and the occasional bath is also recommended. Regardless of the coat type, your German Shepherd Mix will need to have their nails trimmed monthly and their teeth brushed regularly. Not every dog will allow you to do this, so try to get a tooth brushing session in at least a few times a week to reduce tartar buildup. This will help prevent dental problems like tooth decay and gum disease. Plus, it will help cut down on bad breath! German Shepherds tend to have a high activity level. They were bred to run, herd, guard, and protect, so they are used to working and having a job to do. They are definitely not a lazy dog breed! Be sure to talk to the breeder about the other parent breed in the mix. You will still want to go in prepared for a high energy dog with the understanding that your German Shepherd Mix puppy may have an activity level closer to the other breed in the cross. If both are high energy dogs breeds, expect to end up with a high energy dog. A German Shepherd is a large dog breed that generally weighs between 55 and 90 pounds. They also usually stand between 22 and 26 inches tall at the shoulders. The other dog breed in the cross could result in a smaller or larger German Shepherd Mix. A German Shepherd generally lives for years. You should be able to expect a similar range in your German Shepherd Mix, but the other dog breed in the cross could affect this range. Featured German Shepherd Mix Article.

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. We even have all types of golden retrievers for sale! At My Golden Retriever Puppies, we pride ourselves on our golden retriever price being fair and affordable for high quality puppies. However, if you want to meet a breeder, contact them to meet at a different location. Breeders will typically offer private visits at their home to meet puppies. Visit our puppies page to find a puppy to meet. 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 Houston? 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 Houston? 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. We have answers. A Houston Golden Retriever price will depend on different variables specific to the breed and the unique dog. For instance, English Golden Retriever puppies Houston could be slightly more expensive since they are not as common. In general, Golden Retriever breeders Houston with the highest level of experience can also be more expensive than breeders with less experience. We will match you with Houston Golden Retriever breeders that take your price range into consideration. We do have breeders and businesses we work with in the Texas area. If you are looking for a Golden Retriever for sale Houston, we will start our search there to find your perfect pup. Do you have purebred Golden Retriever puppies for sale Houston right now? Yes, Golden Retriever puppies Houston are waiting to meet you through our fast and simple MatchMaker process! All you need is a few minutes to take our MatchMaker quiz and you have started the journey to find your newest family member. Uptown Puppies puts the focus on finding the best possible placements for adorable puppies and willing homes. By connecting highly vetted and experienced breeders within our huge network, we are able to make it both quick and stress free knowing that you will get a well cared for puppy that will fit seamlessly into your unique lifestyle. How do you choose breeders to work with? How does this process work? We get to know you through a short questionnaire and match you with breeders and companies within our network based on your responses. You can meet your new best friend in no time! Why should I choose Uptown Puppies? You should choose Uptown Puppies so that you can be confident in the quality and compatibility of your new furry best friend! We stand by our satisfied customer reviews as well as our Breeder Pledge requirements.

The range of amounts is based on the activity of your Golden for the day, either low, moderate, or high level of activity. Golden Retrievers should have scheduled times to eat daily. The scheduled times will help them with their energy levels and keep them healthy. You can schedule their eating times as to what works best for your schedule. For example, feeding them before you leave for work and then when you get home. As a puppy, they will eat three times a day, so you will need to find times in those first few months to feed them more often. When they are an adult or senior, the scheduling of feeding times will be easier because they will only eat twice daily. For a Golden Retriever puppy, the best feeding schedule is once in the morning, noontime, and in the evening. For example, you could feed their first meal at am, lunch at noon, then dinner at pm. Planning their mealtimes around your mealtimes will often make it easier for you and the puppy. Make sure to give them plenty of time after eating to got to the bathroom a couple of times before heading to bed. Hopefully, this will help them sleep for a longer period. After about six months, your Golden Retriever can go down to two daily feedings. This usually occurs once in the morning and once in the evening. They can usually last about 12 hours between meals. If it goes past 12 hours, they could become nauseated. Golden Retrievers can experience food allergies often caused from proteins in dairy or meat products. If your dog experiences symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea, or itching they may have a food allergy. They warn that feeding dogs any raw animal-source protein could cause illness because it has not gone through a process to remove harmful pathogens. However, a raw diet can be healthy if you are willing to go through the extra cleaning processes of the meat. This is a lot of work and difficult to do correctly and safely. We do not recommend it without expert veterinary help. Before starting a raw diet with your Golden, be sure to consult a veterinarian. Find one that is familiar with raw foods and can help with the proper handling of the foods. If you work hard to make sure your homemade foods are rich in the vitamins and minerals that a dog needs, then it might work for your Golden Retriever. It takes a lot more time to find recipes and make sure it has all the nutritional value of a store-bought dog food. If you are willing to research expertly formulated recipes internet is making it easier to do this , and take the time to cook for your golden then go for it! Consulting your veterinarian is a must before starting any homemade diet. A veterinary nutritionist should also review your plan before starting. Feeding your Golden Retriever table food is not the best practice but a small amount of dog healthy table food is fine. Some example table foods that are healthy for them are carrots, blueberries and plain yogurt. Just be aware that feeding them too much table food can throw their entire diet out of whack. They may not be getting enough vitamins and minerals like they do from their dog food. Conclusion Making sure your Golden Retriever is getting the right foods at the right amounts will help them live their best life. There are many choices of foods with all the right ingredients. Be sure to choose one that works best for you and your Golden. Consult with your veterinarian on which food will bring the most nutritional value to the health of your Golden Retriever. If your Golden is experiencing any health issues related to changing foods, visit your veterinarian. If this article was helpful, please consider sharing this post on Facebook with the button below! She is board certified a specialist in canine reproduction. In her day job, she is a leader in a small biotech where she and a team of veterinarians and scientists work to develop new medications for pets. She enjoys sharing her knowledge of this wonderful breed of dogs. She and her husband have 2 children, 3 dogs and one cat. They love camping and hiking and she can often be found with her head in a good book. Recent Posts. Golden Retrievers are very food motivated. If your puppy seems to be getting fat, you may need to switch to the lower end of the above recommendations. Alternatively, if their ribs are becoming too prominent, you should work to the upper ends of the guidelines. Golden Retriever puppies have much smaller stomachs than adults. This means their daily food allowance should be split into smaller, more frequent meals. Rather than just feeding them once in the morning and once in the evening, as you might plan to do eventually, their food will need to be split into 3 or even 4 portions, like so: 8 — 12 weeks: 4 meals a day 3 — 6 months: 3 meals a day 6 — 12 months: 2 meals a day However, like the feeding charts, this should only be used as a guide. Feeding too much food at once can lead to cramping, vomiting, diarrhea, and discomfort for your puppy. How to Choose the Best Golden Retriever Puppy Food Puppies need a balance of certain nutrients and vitamins to support their growth — not just as much food as possible. In fact, simply giving as much food as possible is linked to certain joint-related health problems. So, when searching for a high quality puppy food, there are a few key ingredients you might want to search for. This includes a real meat source, and the correct amount of nutrients like calcium and iron. Commercial Food vs Homemade Food There are pros and cons to every type of puppy food available. Dry food is long-lasting and easy to use during training, but can contain filler ingredients. Wet food is palatable and easy to serve, but can be more expensive and harder to use during training. Homemade food is often very appealing in terms of taste for our dogs, but is the most likely type to contain nutritional imbalances that can lead to serious health problems. So, they will continue to grow and develop physically until somewhere between 12 and 18 months. You may want to transition your puppy to a new food when you bring them home, rather than whatever your breeder was giving them. Ideally, you want to make the change over the course of a week. Replace a very small amount of their old food with their new food at mealtimes. Over the week, you can change these amounts by decreasing their old food and increasing the new. By the end of the week, they will be eating only the new food. Changing abruptly can cause stomach upsets and symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. But, Golden Retrievers should generally look lanky rather than chubby. But, the most successful rewards in this type of training are often food, such as kibble or small chunks or meat and cheese. Doing all of your training in the morning can lead to stomach upsets if your puppy ends up eating a large amount of their daily allowance all at once. Instead, try and complete shorter training sessions before each mealtime, and give whatever allowance is left for each meal after training is done. This can also benefit your training, as a hungry dog will be more motivated to work for those treats! Learn more » Congratulations on your new golden retriever puppy! You now have a beautiful, smart, and loyal dog who will love you for life. To make sure they grow into a healthy and happy companion, you need to feed them the right amount of food. At months old, which is usually when they are ready to leave their mother, a golden retriever puppy should be eating 3 cups of dog food divided into three meals per day. This is based on a typical large-breed puppy food. Different brands will give a feeding guide on their packaging. However, how much and how often to feed your golden retriever will keep changing during this time of rapid growth. Golden Retriever Puppy Feeding Timeline Image Credit: PxHere All puppies are different as are the foods, but some general guidelines for feeding your golden retriever during their first year are: 0—6 weeks: A golden retriever puppy can start eating solid food when they are 3—4 weeks old. Give them a total of 3 cups of dog food per day by their third month, 3 to 4 cups by the time they are 6 months old. The AKC recommends waiting until large breed puppies are at least 12 months old before switching them over to adult dog food and more likely 18 months. The amount will depend on their weight and activity level, but a rough guide is 1—2 cups per meal. Image Credit: Kinek00, Shutterstock Large breed puppies like golden retrievers should eat three to four small meals a day for the first 3—6 months of their lives. Smaller portions spread throughout the day are easier on their tummies and help prevent bloat, a serious condition that can be deadly for dogs. It also helps them maintain their energy level throughout the day. Puppy food has more calories and fat to support their growth, as well as extra vitamins and minerals for their developing immune and nervous systems and bones. The protein source matters, too. Puppies need animal-based proteins like chicken, beef, or lamb for their growing muscles. Choose a Large Breed Formula: Large breed puppies grow quickly, which means they need extra support for their bones and joints. Formulations for large breeds contain the correct calcium and phosphorus ratio for strong bones and glucosamine and chondroitin for healthy joints. They can help you choose the right food for your puppy based on their age, weight, and activity level. But puppies need to be fed on a schedule to prevent them from overeating and becoming overweight. How do you know if your puppy is getting enough to eat? After that, their growth will start to slow down. He Has a Healthy Appetite: A healthy puppy is interested in food and eager to eat. He Has Plenty of Energy: A well-fed puppy is full of energy and ready to play. Make the most of mealtime with these tips: 1. It also helps other aspects of puppy training, such as potty training and crate training. Image Credit: Alena Marchuk, Shutterstock This means leaving food out all day for them to graze on whenever they want. Leave food down for 10 minutes and then pick up what is not eaten. If they have not eaten anything, offer it again in an hour. Slow them down by scattering their kibble around the bowl, using a puzzle feeder or snuffle mat. This will help them learn to eat slowly and enjoy their food more. If your puppy is not drinking enough water for your liking, try adding a bit of broth to their bowl to make it more appealing and help them stay hydrated. Resist the Urge to Sneak Them Table Scraps Puppies are experts at giving those big, soulful eyes that make it hard to say no. But resist the temptation to give them table scraps or human food. Aside from teaching them bad manners, it can also lead to health problems, like obesity. A lot of human foods are not safe or healthy for dogs. For instance, garlic and onions are toxic to dogs. Oily food can upset their stomach, and carbs add a lot of calories. This helps them learn that mealtime is a specific time and place and not something that happens all over the house. Let Your Puppy Eat in Peace. This includes other pets in the house and small children who might want to bother them or try to steal their food. Otherwise, meals can become a stressful experience for your puppy instead of a happy one. Conclusion Feeding your golden retriever puppy the right amount of quality dog food will establish a strong foundation for their health and happiness. In addition, make mealtimes more meaningful by turning them into lessons and bonding moments between you and your dog. The puppy phase is over before you know it, so enjoy it while it lasts! Read the full disclosure here. Being a large and energetic dog, your golden retriever has a ravenous appetite and can eat a lot. However, overfeeding is never good and could be avoided with the help of a golden retriever feeding chart. Knowing how much to feed your golden retriever is always tricky but essential for their well-being and health. Goldens are prone to obesity and joint problems, which can only be exacerbated with an inadequate feeding plan. So, stay with me to find the right feeding plan and meal schedule for your goldie. Most first-time owners think their puppies should be chubby. In truth, golden retriever puppies are supposed to look lanky and act like they are always hungry when fed the correct amount of food. To encourage proper growth and development without making your pup obese, you will have to know how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. For example, cheaper foods use fillers and have a smaller amount of calories, thus you will have to feed more than you would when using premium large breed puppy foods. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. We all want our golden retriever puppies to be healthy and happy. We envision them running through a verdant field chasing a ball. Full of energy with the beautiful, lustrous golden coat. But, just like us, eating the proper food in the proper amounts will help your golden properly grow and thrive. After all, what we eat impacts how healthy we are. How much you should feed your golden retriever puppy will vary depending on the quality of food you feed, his age, his weight, his general health, and his activity level. Your golden will be growing for up to two years. And the amount of food during that time will have to be adjusted depending on his needs. Because most people feed kibble to their pup, this article will focus on that. Kibble is convenient and cost effective. Instead, they should be lanky and full of energy. They should love to eat their food with gusto. Instead, you should be able to feel his ribs when you pet him there. There should just be a thin coating of fat under his skin. And he should have a defined waistline. Of course you should check with your veterinarian to make such adjustments. And remember a young puppy should get only so much exercise a day. Their joints and bones are developing and can be damaged if the exercise is too extreme. Assuming you have an eight-week-old puppy, he should receive three to four meals a day. From eight weeks old until about five or six months old, three meals per day are advisable. Of course, feed at the same intervals every day and split the total amount per day in half to be given at each feeding. After about six months of age through adulthood, two feedings per day are the norm. Always check with your vet regarding how much and how often to feed. These are just guidelines. Feed him at the same distraction-free location so that he focuses on eating. As much as goldens love to eat, a young golden puppy is also very easily distracted. This can lead to possible health problems, including joint and bone problems. Goldens can easily become overweight. Free feeding can also lead to a picky eater. Some puppies figure out that if their buffets are always there, and they can just go graze at will. Most foods you purchase will have guidelines on their bag or box. When you first get your puppy, feed him the same food that the breeder or rescue fed him for a few weeks. Then, if you want to change his food, do so over at least 10 days. Add more of the new food and subtract more of the old food each day. After about five days, you should be giving him approximately 50 percent of the new food and 50 percent of the old food. Switching food over such a period of time will help prevent stomach upsets and diarrhea. Overfeeding will result not only in him becoming overweight but it will also make him grow too fast. Periodically—even weekly— test whether you can still feel his ribs without them protruding. You can then increase the amount he eats. You should also feed his last meal of the day at least 90 minutes before his bed time so that he can digest his food and potty before bed. A well-balanced, high-quality food should provide all the nutrients he requires. Golden puppies require a formula made for large-breed dogs. Puppy formulas for large-breed dogs regulate their growth. Eating too quickly can lead to digestive upsets and even bloat, which can be deadly. I rescued my golden retriever Riley when he was about six months old. To say that he ate as if it were his last meal would be an understatement. He had a voracious appetite. I bought one of the maze bowls to slow him down. The kibble is placed between each section of the bowl, and he had to forage for his food. It worked! He ate at a more normal pace. Of course, dogs should be given free access to fresh water. Other Feeding Options Although I concentrated in this article on feeding kibble to your new puppy, there are other options. There are some drawbacks to them because they may not be nutritionally complete, may be cost prohibitive, or may be too time-consuming to make. Wet Food Canned food alone or mixed with kibble is an option. But wet food alone is very expensive. He may become a picky eater. Feeding raw is controversial. Dehydrated raw foods reduce some of the risks. The ratio of calcium to phosphorous is crucial to puppy development. Homemade Diet Cooking for your best friend can be very appealing. And many people do. You know what ingredients and their quality are. But it has its drawbacks. Of course, the amount you feed is important for his growth rate and general health and well-being. But there is no one-size-fits-all in determining how much to feed a golden retriever puppy. Any amounts you see are just guidelines. Adjust them as necessary regarding your own special puppy. Do you have a golden retriever puppy? How did you determine what and how much to feed him? Please leave your comments in the section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. Check out more of our favorites on our New Puppy Checklist. Debbie has been training dogs for over 24 years and has nationally ranked obedience and rally dogs, agility dogs, trick dogs, and therapy dogs. Post navigation.

Share 0 Shares The Labrador Retriever is a great dog breed for most families. Its superior intelligence, friendly nature, fun-loving spirit, and level of loyalty to its owners has placed the breed so highly in the hearts and thoughts of dog lovers everywhere. Almost everyone in the United States wants or has a Labrador Retriever. In fact, The Labrador Retriever is the most sought-after dog in the United States with the beautiful breed being the most popular dog in 44 states out of the 50 states in the country. The beautiful state of Pennsylvania is part of those .If you reside or are simply visiting the keystone state of Pennsylvania, then you definitely should be no stranger to the sporting and hunting Labrador Retriever breed. Then I highly recommend you get one. But for a quality Labrador Retriever pup, you need a quality, reputable breeder and that might be a bit hard to find. Luckily, this article contains a list of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in Pennsylvania. This list should help point you in the right direction when locating a perfect Labrador Retriever companion for you and your family. The Labrador Retriever puppies produced by these breeders are healthy, of superior quality, are well socialized, possess decent temperaments, and are well trained. All in all, they are reputable breeders that truly care for the Labrador Retriever breed. Winchester Labradors Winchester Labradors in Pennsylvania We start up our list with a Labrador Retriever breeder that is relatively new but has earned its spot on this list. Winchester Labradors was established in , however, they have proven times without number that their love for the breed and the improvement of the breed should be the main concern for any Labrador Retriever breeder. Owned and run by the dynamic duo of Efrain and Jessica Santana, they breed great quality Labrador Retrievers of the English types with the breeding standards set by the American Kennel Club. Their English-type Labrador Retrievers are blessed with the colors chocolate, yellow and black coats. Their sleeping areas are always kept clean, they ensure that the temperature stays regulated to make each Labrador Retriever puppy as comfortable as it should be. When it comes to socialization, each Labrador Retriever pup enjoys enough, as they are allowed to be handled and carried by people of varying ages, they also expose each Labrador Retriever pup to a wide variety of textures, sounds, and experiences to keep them happy and comfortable in whatever family or environment they head out to. When it comes to their breeding program, they work with carefully selected Labrador Retriever dogs that come from beautiful bloodlines with sound and impressive pedigrees. All of these Labrador Retrievers dogs undergo proper genetic testing and are given their clearances for hips and elbows, eyes and hearts to ensure that they are fit to be added to the very special breeding program. They care for the health of both puppies and their parents and their goal as breeders is to produce Labrador Retrievers that are of excellent temperament, health, and conformation. All their puppies are sold on limited AKC registrations, however, they could be sold on full registrations only when some conditions are met. They are properly examined by a vet, microchipped, and come with genetic health guarantees. Winchester Labradors Contact Details. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. The 3 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Pennsylvania 1. The breeders have been in operation since and have a sterling reputation. All pups come with AKC limited registration, meaning no breeding rights for the new owner, a microchip, and a genetic health guarantee. Each pup is born and raised at the family home and receives a first vaccination, deworming, and exam from a veterinarian at 8 weeks of age. These dogs are bred on a semi-regular basis and the pups are sold to approved homes at 7 to 8 weeks. The parents have genetic health clearances, and puppies come with AKC limited registration, a three-generation pedigree, current vaccination records, parent records, care instructions, food, and a personal toy. Their puppies are selectively bred with careful health screenings and for a laid-back temperament. Em Labradors puppies are sold with limited AKC registration papers unless you specify that you wish to breed or show. This requires a little more vetting and the approval of the puppy for breeding purposes. Potential buyers can put a deposit down on the litter, color, and gender of the pup. Among puppy mills in the country, several PA breeders have made the list for multiple animal care violations, including puppies exposed to extreme cold or heat, animals living in filth, and owners shooting dogs or puppies they no longer wanted. You should meet the parents and the puppies. Also, that breeder has little interest in the home where the dog will live. Avoid breeders offering puppies at younger than 7 or 8 weeks. Puppies need this time to spend with their mother and develop social skills with littermates. If a pup is taken too soon, it could end up with emotional and behavioral issues , such as anxiety and depression. These breeders are only concerned about money and turnover. Stay out of pet stores. You may also be interested in:. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: Regular dog-walking increases social interaction for children—especially those who have just moved to a neighborhood and are feeling homesick for their former home. A child who might not want to go out into the neighborhood alone, feels that he or she has a purpose in walking the dog, and therefore can face unfamiliar faces or places more easily than when alone. Walking the dog could be the perfect way for a shy or awkward adolescent to meet new friends in the neighborhood. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Taking its name from the town of Reading in England in honor of their home, it was established in .Meanwhile the region was being settled by emigrants from southern and western Germany. The Pennsylvanian German dialect was spoken in Reading well into the s and later. Susanna Cox was tried and convicted for infanticide in Reading in .Her case attracted tremendous sympathy; 20, viewers came to view her hanging, swamping the 3, inhabitants. As a result of her trial, laws were changed, and she was the last woman executed in the state of Pennsylvania. Our world class Labrador Retrievers puppies for sale! Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client! Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article.

This intelligent, loyal and friendly breed can fill diverse roles with ease as a family dog, therapy dog, hunting companion and guide for the blind. Good natured and beautiful, the Golden Retriever is a real crowd pleaser. Temperament Golden Retrievers are known as world-class family dogs whose sweet, puppy-like temperament makes them a joyful playmate to people of all ages. Loyal, trustworthy and eager-to-please, these dogs are typically easy to train. Goldens are part of the Sporting Group, so they are hardworking and need and love! Characteristics Behind the friendly eyes of the Golden Retriever lives an intelligent mind and sweet temperament. Eager to please, Goldens are easy to train and love hearing praise when they master a new skill. Goldens are also high-energy and can perform tasks like waterfowl retrieval for hours on end. Because they were bred to assist on the hunt, keep them well exercised and busy to avoid undesirable behavior. Overall, this smart, outgoing and good-natured breed makes him a trustworthy leader in a number of fields. Golden Retrievers serve important roles such as search-and-rescue dogs, guides for the blind, hunting partners and beloved family dogs. Lifespan 10 to 12 years Colors The Golden Retriever gets his name for his beautiful and lustrous golden-colored coat. Its golden hue can range from dark to light golden, but is always a shade of gold. Shedding Goldens sport a thick, water-repellant double coat. They shed heavily one or two times a year, and moderately on a continuous basis. Brush your Golden Retriever a few times a week to keep shedding under control. Health Golden Retrievers are a generally healthy breed. Screening for elbow and hip dysplasia, eye conditions and certain heart diseases is recommended, however. Without adequate exercise, Goldens are at risk of becoming overweight. You want to select a food that will help him maintain his ideal body condition long-term. Here are a few foods that we recommend for Golden Retrievers. Raising and breeding AKC Registered golden retriever to the best standards. Our puppies are family Happy, Healthy Bloodline Few dog breeds are as iconic or as recognizable as the Golden Retriever. Characteristically gentle, intelligent, and eager to please, the capable breed is both easy to train and incredibly devoted to their owners. In fact, Golden Retrievers are known to sometimes retrieve items throughout the house without command, like slippers or even the morning paper. A Furever Friend Golden Retrievers are bred to be intelligent, friendly and incredibly loyal hunting companions, they are also irresistibly cute when they are puppies. Golden Retriever puppies are born in litters of 5 to 10, and in a variety of coat colors and lengths. Though small, lbs, Golden Retriever puppies grow quickly and soon discover an insatiable curiosity for their surroundings. Like a mischief seeking missile, Golden Retriever puppies are known to be very inquisitive and eager to explore and play. Thus, new puppy owners are encouraged to puppy-proof their homes to ensure their Golden Retriever puppy doesn't get into too much trouble. Golden Retrievers are also instinctively drawn to the water. New puppy owners should also research their houseplants to determine if they are potentially poisonous to a canine. Lastly, Golden Retrievers explore their surroundings with their mouth. Financing Available. Chicken is the 1st ingredient Added DHA for brain health Contains calcium and phosphorus for bone health Comes in two bag sizes — 15lb and .What to Look For in Puppy Food? When you are searching for the right puppy food, we recommend the food should consist of the ingredients found below. Fish oil supports heart health, reduces itchy and flaky skin, promotes a silky coat, and relieves allergies and joint pain. It can also strengthen their immune system and help fight cancer. Calcium and Phosphorus both aid in joint health and can help prevent joint problems later in life. Chondroitin and glucosamine also aid in joint health. These nutrients are commonly found in protein sources like chicken. So, the best puppy foods for Golden Retrievers will also have good sources of calcium, phosphorous, chondroitin, and glucosamine — whether that be added to the food or derived from protein sources like chicken. Protein and fat help puppies develop their muscles and gain energy. Therefore, the best kinds of puppy food for Golden Retrievers will not only have high protein levels, but also high protein levels from good sources. Important Note Good protein sources are chicken, lamb, salmon, beef, and turkey. It is normal for a lot of dog foods to feature some type of by-product of these protein sources chicken meal, for example. However, the main protein source in the best puppy foods for Golden Retrievers should be the actual meat, not a by-product. It is important for a puppy to start off with good sources of nutrition. Therefore, be sure to consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about the food you choose. As owners, we want to make sure that our new puppy gets just the right amount food to grow at their pace. We do not want to overfeed or underfeed. Our wish is to make life for them as comfortable as possible. For more detail on this topic check out our article Golden Retriever Feeding Chart. If you use our recommended Purina Pro Plan, see below for the feeding chart. Here are a few of the most important ones. For a long time, boutique grain-free dog foods have been seen as the healthiest option for pups and hounds the world over. Of all dog breeds affected by this sudden and unusual spike, golden retrievers have the most reported cases. The statistics are thought to be skewed slightly by a bias caused by stronger retriever based online communities through which information about risks is shared. More retriever owners are made aware of the risk than owners of other breeds, thus more retrievers get tested, and finally, more are found to have the heart defect. It could, of course, also mean that retrievers are more susceptible to developing the heart disease after all. If food is grain-free, it should make that very clear on the packaging as it has been a selling point for many years, but to make sure, check the small printed ingredients. Commonly used grains are wheat and corn. Budget Dog food is never really all that expensive, but there will be some that are two or three times the price of cheaper options. Settle on one that your dog enjoys, has healthy ingredients, and that you can continue to afford. Breed Specific Breed specific dog foods are great. They give you the peace of mind that comes when you know your golden fluffer is getting exactly the nutrition they need to thrive, but you still need to be cautious. Breed specific foods may still have subpar ingredients, and their mission to provide a generalized nutritional standard for an entire breed omits cases of individual difference. Not all golden retrievers are the same. They can have very different dietary requirements. A really good blend of standard dog food with great ingredients will be just as good for your retriever as the one marketed directly towards them. Age is one of the most important things to consider before settling on a food. Different age retrievers have different nutritional requirements. Too much of it and their bones can grow too quickly which will inevitably lead to mobility problems in later life. This is the easiest stage to feed your dog as you can stick to what they like. Unless your pooch has digestive or weight issues, you can focus on protein-based foods that will help them develop lots of lean muscle. The more lean muscle your dog has, the less pressure there will be on its bones, and the faster it will burn calories during exercise. To keep them in tip-top shape, you may also need to augment their diet with supplements. A young girl and her Golden Retriever in the snow Good Ingredients Not all dog food is created equal. Some are made with nicer, more nutritious ingredients than others. The first major thing you should look out for is meat content. Real meat is preferable but may also be too rich for dogs with sensitive stomachs that are acclimated to a milder diet. Dog foods often also use animal byproducts to provide protein. A mix of byproducts and real meat can be a good pairing. The last animal content will be fats, most commonly chicken fat. Due to their high omega 6 content, animal fats are quite effective at lowering cholesterol, improving heart health, and reducing cancer risks. These veggie extras are typically very good for them. That said, some of the ingredients still being monitored by the FDA include peas, legumes, lentils and potatoes. For dogs, it helps with eye health, reproductive health, digestive health, and heart health. Probiotics are living bacterias that aid in the entire digestive process. Frequently Asked Questions Are dogs allergic to grains? The allergens are actually most likely to be the meat itself. Is wet food better than dry food for dogs? There are benefits to wet food in some circumstances, for example, a dog with few remaining teeth will benefit from a soft lubricated food , but for the most part, nutritionally speaking, they should have relatively similar content. Are golden retrievers more likely to suffer from DCM? They do have a higher report rate, but that may not actually mean they are more likely to get it. Summing Up There you have it, folks. Five of the very best dog foods for golden retrievers doing the rounds at the minute. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. They are growing quickly, so while they eat smaller quantities of food than adult dogs, they need to extract far more nutrients like protein, minerals, and vitamins, to sustain their growth and development. Different Dogs, Different Diets Nutritional needs vary from breed to breed. One only needs to look at golden retrievers to know they require a different diet than a Chihuahua! For example, joint and bone problems are much more common in big dogs than in little ones, but choosing the right puppy food can reduce the risk. Large-breed puppy food has reduced amounts of calcium and phosphorus, which helps control the rate of skeletal growth. Also, you may find puppy foods that contain glucosamine and chondroitin to support joint health and mobility. By consuming too much food, your puppy will have elevated levels of the very nutrients that should be limited. Additionally, overweight puppies may develop other health issues such as diabetes and heart disease. Good eating habits developed during puppyhood will lead to a healthy mature dog in the years to come. Nutrition For The Outside One of the most visible components of your dog is its fur. Nutrition plays a vital role in this area. A large percentage of the protein your puppy takes in goes towards maintaining its coat. Omega-6 and Omega-3 fatty acids are also essential for healthy skin and fur. Which Food Do I Choose? There will always be those who buy the cheapest brand on the market. Some will opt for the most expensive, while others will simply go with a brand name they recognize. The key is to find the right food for your particular puppy. One thing you cannot afford to ignore is the nutritional content. Because they are still growing, puppies need more protein than adults. Proteins foster muscle growth and development in puppies and lean muscle maintenance in adults, so the more of it there is in a diet, the better it is for your growing retriever. Fats, too, are important for golden puppies because they provide the energy required for everyday activities. You should be careful, however, not to feed your golden excess calories because this will result in excess weight or obesity. Eventually, your dog will end up battling joint problems. For instance, less expensive dog foods typically have lower-quality ingredients. The contents are often inexpensive, low-grade animal protein sources, like by-products and fillers. Fillers are frequently things like cornmeal, rice flour, or seed hulls. In general, thoroughly review the nutritional content of your chosen diet. Are the ingredients wholesome and natural? Does the diet have controlled calcium and phosphorous levels? Is the calorie and fat content limited to manage growth? Does the label state that the diet is complete and balanced? This can lead to obesity and will certainly cause increased defecation. The latter of these two issues will make house training more difficult than it already is. By contrast, costlier dog foods usually have higher-quality ingredients. The scales will be tipped heavily in favor of high-grade animal protein sources and fillers will be few and far between. Price is not, however, a guarantee of quality. The best dog foods for a golden retriever puppy are made with high-quality natural ingredients and have high levels of protein. Make sure the food is complete and balanced for daily feeding and formulated to meet the nutritional needs of large breed puppies. At this point, golden retriever puppies have likely already been switched to dry puppy food and you should continue feeding your pup the same type of food the breeder used. From the day you bring them home until they are six months old, you should feed your golden retriever puppy three times a day. Ideally, your pup should have breakfast, lunch, and dinner every day. A grain-free diet is the default meal for golden retrievers that are sensitive to grains, but if your dog is healthy, feeding her such a meal boils down to choice. A lot has been said about grain-free diets. Reports and studies have been carried out in recent years trying to establish any connection between it and Canine Dilated Cardiomyopathy DCM. That all starts with choosing the best puppy food for golden retrievers. Avoid low-cost foods that are more filler than substance, and look for better foods that are packed with nutrients to help your puppy grow. In particular, consider trying a large breed formula to meet the specific needs of your golden retriever puppy. Good nutrition is an essential part of any health regimen, and providing high-quality puppy food will lay the foundation for a long, and enjoyable life. You May Also Like. Take a look at what ingredients are available for the age and size that match your dog. Sensitive Stomach Some dogs will be sensitive to certain ingredients. These sensitivities can range from full-blown allergies to minor stomach irritation. Regardless of the cause, if you notice your dog avoiding his or her food or exhibiting allergic reactions, try a stomach sensitive option. These mixes deliberately avoid ingredients that many dogs find problematic. We cannot go into detail about each of the many Purina Pro Plan dog food varieties. This is a brand-appropriate and popular for retrievers and should be fairly representative of the entire line. Overview Performing an analysis of nutrient content on the dry matter basis of the dog food, Dogfoodadvisor. Compared to more premium brands of dog food, this is still a little high in carbs, but the protein content is right up there with the best of them. This dog food has a good balance of essential nutrients and promotes healthy growth. Chicken Purina loves to hype up the fact that they were the first dog food to make meat the first ingredient. This is significant and should impress you, but maybe not as much as Purina would like it to impress you. The reality is that they weigh in the chicken before cooking. In actuality, chicken accounts for a much lower percentage of the total than Purina would like you to believe. Ground rice Ground rice is generally used as a gluten-free substitute for wheat flour. This is used as a binding agent to hold the kibbles together. Avoiding gluten helps with nutritional value, but obviously, having starches or grains so high up on the list is not ideal and drives up the calories counts. Whole grain wheat Like other grains, wheat has little nutritional value for dogs and contributes to high caloric content. This is an inexpensive filler to add structure and mass to the kibble. Poultry by-product meal Poultry by-product is the dried, ground-up leftovers from poultry slaughterhouse processing. Poultry by-products can vary vastly in quality. On the plus side, poultry by-product contains nearly three times as much protein as fresh poultry. Soybean meal Soybean meal is a by-product of soybean production. This means that the protein is harder for your dog to digest and use. Not all protein sources are created equal. These sorts of additions are designed to cheaply boost the protein amount reported on the label. Whole grain corn More cereal grains here. Corn is going to have the same issues previously discussed with rice and wheat. This is the rubbery substance that gives things like bread their structure. Beef tallow Beef tallow is a fatty by-product of beef rendering. This ingredient really drives up the fat quantity and is considered a lower quality ingredient. Fish meal Like poultry meal, fish meal is a dried meat concentrate. This is essentially ground whole fish and fish cuttings. It usually comes from commercial fishing operations. Barley Of all the grains listed, Barley is actually the least problematic. Barley supplies fiber and other nutrients and can support stable blood sugar levels. Fish oil You may have heard fish oil touted as a wonder ingredient for human nutrition. These fats are essential for healthy bodily function and have a wide array of health benefits in people and in dogs. The addition of fish oil increases the overall health value of Purina Pro Plan. Brans are rich in dietary fiber, protein, vitamins, and minerals. These contribute to a well-balanced diet. Garlic oil Unfortunately, garlic oil can cut both ways. On the one hand, it has health benefits such as being a rich source of Manganese, Vitamin B6, Vitamin C, Selenium, and fiber. On the other hand, garlic oil has been linked to Heinz body anemia in dogs. Dried fermentation products Fermentation products are additives designed to help the animal with digestion. These can help prevent the dangers of bloat. Menadione Menadione is a cheaper form of vitamin K. Menadione is linked with liver toxicity, allergies, and the abnormal breakdown of red blood cells. This ought to be considered a black mark. Purina Pro Plan contains a large amount of meat and is free from many controversial or dangerous ingredients. The mix has some thoughtful, high-quality additions that round out its nutritional profile nicely. There are some obvious cut corners with large amounts of plant-based protein and high volumes of filler grains. Alternatives Purina Pro Plan dog foods are pretty great overall but have some specific drawbacks. Here are a few alternatives to Purina Pro Plan that will have your golden retriever looking and feeling great. Health Extension Grain-Free Chicken and Turkey Dog Food With the first four ingredients being organic deboned chicken, chicken meal, deboned turkey, and turkey meal—Health Extension packs a meaty punch. Purina is so proud of putting the chicken in that number one spot, but the first four slots dedicated to meat products puts them to shame. It also uses healthy grains such as barley, oats, and rye to round out its nutritional profile. This mix has a very high volume of quality protein and will help your dog stay lean and active. This stuff is pricey. I guess buffalo meal is hard to come by. Summary So, should you buy Purina Pro Plan for your golden retriever? Lots of dog owners say yes. In many supermarkets and pet stores, Purina Pro Plan might be the most ideal dog food available. On the other hand, there are dog foods out there that easily beat out Purina. These brands are more expensive and more difficult to find, but they contain a higher concentration of quality ingredients and avoid cheap fillers such as grains and plant-based proteins. The choice of what to feed your golden retriever is up to you. But understanding the basics of dog nutrition and how Purina stacks up will help you make an informed choice to give your pet the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Commit to training your German Shepherd daily. Be prepared to train your German Shepherd for at least 10 to 15 minutes a day. You should practice basic obedience training, but also include fun training games to keep them interested in their training and engaged with you. Aim for five three-minute sessions daily in the beginning, as a minimum. But start with no more than a few minutes in a short session and gradually build onto each individual session longer times. During each session work on just one or two commands so that your dog learns the right way to perform the command. Ready to start using games during your German Shepherd training? How long it takes to train a German Shepherd depends on many factors, for example, if you have a puppy or adult. It takes anywhere from 8 to 12 weeks to train a German Shepherd to learn basic obedience commands. Crate training will take about a week to introduce slowly and have your dog or puppy go into the crate on their own to relax. But if your dog has had a bad experience with the crate it could take months. Keep in mind that if you have an adult Shepherd who has already lived with another owner or many dog owners then you may have to undo improper training or behavior problems. This means that you have many months ahead of you of training. Some GSDs are aggressive or reactive and it may take years before they learn to relax around other dogs in a calm manner. While other German Shepherds have excellent dog social experiences from the start and can mix in with other dogs on a whim and quickly pick up their training basics. German Shepherd puppies are ready for simple training as young as 7 weeks old. Your puppy is capable and ready to learn at 6 to 7 weeks old many simple obedience commands. A 1 minutes session is long enough for a young puppy. After a couple of weeks, your German Shepherd puppy should know to sit, stay, and down, as well as its name. Although a reliable off-leash come recall usually takes about 6 to 8 weeks of proper dog training. It took me only about a day to train my German Shepherd to sit using lure and reward training. This means, I use one of the best, tasty treats to move her into the position I want, and then reward her with the food. My GSD took about 7 days to sit and wait at doors before barging out, but… She only takes a day to unlearn this behavior if I relax on it and let her out without waiting! Something complicated like staying in place with tons of distractions think cats or squirrels running by might take you at least 6 months to work up to. Keep in mind that German Shepherd training requires you to work in very small steps and build upon their success. You started with basic math, then geometry, algebra, and so on. German Shepherd Training: The Right Way How long it takes to train a German Shepherd depends on how consistent you are and how well you support your dog to understand. You must also consider your GSDs: age — are they an energetic puppy or more confident adult previous training — are they fresh to obedience or do they have some basics under their belt whether you are using the right training methods that are simple for your dog to understand The most effective and easy-to-understand system for German Shepherds to learn is called positive reward training. Using positive rewards allows you to mark the specific behaviors your German Shepherd performs right at nearly the exact moment they do them. Use a scientifically-based program to learn positive, reward-based training, like this Brain Training for Dogs official program. The Brain Training Program gives you step-by-step dog training to help you speed up your success rate and the time it takes you to train your GSD. Have you seen the price of in-person German Shepherd training these days? Harsh punishments and the wrong types of corrections can cause your dog to become fearful of you. Stick with positive dog training, or reward-based training, for a better bond with your special breed. Remember, any lack of training on your part is still considered training! You are the dog trainer and must learn the right ways to train a German Shepherd. Remember… Your dog is a brilliant breed, but you must give them the time and attention they need in order to see the most success. Vary up your training environments When you start your training sessions at home, you probably use a quiet room, turn off the TV, and maybe even close the door to your practice area so that you can pay attention to your training. Then, train your German Shepherd to become slowly used to following your command in those places. Train consistently Training skills will go quickly downhill without regular practice. Skills you once thought your dog knew can be unlearned without consistent repetition. If time goes by and you or your family let the training routine slip, an enthusiastic German Shepherd who likes to jump to greet visitors will resort back to their natural instincts to jump on people. Set aside time each day for specific command training, but also remember that every interaction with your German Shepherd is a training opportunity! Look for training opportunities during your day to get the most training benefits. Use high-quality rewards for high-quality learning Find out what treats really motivate your dog. Some German Shepherds will work for lower quality rewards, like their regular kibble, while others may need more motivation. Ian Dunbar, a renowned dog behaviorist, says that freeze-dried liver treats are the Ferrari of high-quality food rewards. But you can also choose other healthy treats for a German Shepherd if your dog prefers a different flavor. This will only set you back in your own German Shepherd training! Instead, build up in small steps by starting in a distraction-free area with your basic German Shepherd training commands. Even in the most desirable situations, your dog may struggle with particular commands. When you see your German Shepherd forget a command, go back to square one — the beginning of the command — and work on the training… again. Try using your phone to record you training your dog. Online training is easy and simple to follow, and the step-by-step directions guide you through the correct ways to train your German Shepherd with the best results. I use the Brain Training for Dogs program for the step-by-step online training from the comfort of home that has a done-for-you schedule. Instead, set up a daily training schedule to help you train them quickly. You can speed up training by using the right methods to train a German Shepherd… Which is positive, reward-based training. If you get tired of training, take a short break with these fun ways to make a German Shepherd happy. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Although any German Shepherd dog is trainable, they are very strong and powerful animals. If you start out with a puppy, you have the opportunity to shape and mold its personality and develop your relationship early. German Shepherds can be very protective of their family members, so you want to socialize your puppy early in puppyhood. This will get them used to interacting well with a wide variety of people and animals, which is essential. This will be a big dog, and you want to prepare the dog when they are young and small for future grooming and veterinary visits. They may need nail trimming, ear cleaning, temperature taking and other procedures. These procedures will be difficult to accomplish should your full-sized adult German Shepherd dog object. You will need to train them to sit, stay, and heel, in addition to house training them. Your puppy will not understand your commands immediately. Have patience with your dog when they don't do exactly what you ask right away. German Shepherds love to learn and they are highly motivated to follow your commands if they are rewarded with treats. Pet your puppy while they're eating, as long as they do not stiffen and stop eating when you are petting the puppy. If the puppy stiffens, stops eating or growls, you have to deal with this aggressive response immediately. Do this by removing the food bowl and feeding the dog by hand. There is no bowl to guard. Make the bowl no big deal. If a piece of food is dropped inside, let the puppy take it and praise them. Then feed nearby again. The bowl will not always have food inside. Gradually increase the amount of food you drop in the bowl as you stand or sit there with the puppy. You can also add high value treats like roasted chicken breast into the bowl if your puppy seems to need more reassurance that you bring goodness to the food bowl. Resource guarding can be a very serious symptom of fear aggression and, if you are seeing this in a puppy, it needs to be addressed ASAP so it does not escalate. You can gradually ask the puppy to look at you to get more food, then sit and wait for more food, etc. .The humans controls the resource of food and rewards the puppy for good behavior. You still praise your dog, just not offer a treat each time. If you are working to modify a command to create a faster response, add in treats again to shape the behavior until they have it down. Then start using treats to reward truly outstanding performance. Do not yell at your pet. Learn to recognize when you are losing patience and stop the training session on a happy note. Your dog can sense your frustration in your body language and tone of voice. Try another day when you are both fresh. If you continue to have problems, get a professional trainer involved. Typically, as puppies are first learning commands, one adult family member will be responsible for training. Later, when the puppy is consistent and understands the basics, other members of the family can participate in formal training. It is important for the dog to understand that not only one person in the household is to be obeyed. Your puppy should be weeks old and started on their vaccine series for this first class. There are puppy preschools designed for puppies who have not yet finished receiving all of their vaccines. The school will have certain requirements for enrollment and you will likely have to provide proof of vaccination. More about 6 month old GSD puppy training. Months GS males reach their adulthood when they are 3 years old, while females become completely mature at the age of 2. However, the end of the second year of life is considered as the finish of puppyhood for both genders. You should continue to teach impulse control, develop obedience skills, and get to more concentrated activities, such as agility, nose work, tracking, herding, and protection. The intense training of these skills should continue throughout the entire period. You also have to arrange the transition of your youngster from puppy to adult food meant for large breeds. According to some experts, insufficient house training or housebreaking is one of the most common reasons that dogs are relinquished to shelters. This is not surprising, because while house training is not a complicated process when housebreaking fails, the results can be disgusting. Just as with children, dogs must be taught the proper place to eliminate. Strangely, though, some people believe that dogs automatically know that the potty is outside. Rather than simply hoping that your dog is one of the few who magically gets it right, there are a few simple steps that you can take to start your puppy training off on the right paw and keep your floors and furniture clean. If he could, he would probably just cut to the chase and ask where the restroom is. In fact, he probably did ask, but you missed it. House training failures can almost always be attributed to the lack of two simple ingredients: scheduling and supervision. While it helps if you have realistic expectations, a little patience, and a sense of humor, you can housebreak your German Shepherd puppy if all you do is keep him in sight and take him out at regular, predictable intervals. Simple, right? Unfortunately, what sounds simple often is not. We have jobs to attend, meals to cook, and movies to watch. Yes, he can, if you show him how. Schedule Potty Breaks While Puppy Training When a meeting is called at your place of work, you are typically given such information as where to meet, what the topic of the meeting will be, and when it will end. Armed with this knowledge, you can stop by the powder room on the way to the meeting, feeling confident that all is well. Obviously, there will be times when you need to take him out before the scheduled moment arrives, especially in the beginning, but when he can rely on you to take him out to go potty at certain times or after specific events, he will begin working at holding it until the appointed time. For example, always take your puppy out first thing in the morning, not after coffee, and not after checking your email or chatting with your friends on Facebook. Take him out first thing. Next, take him out after he eats. He also needs to go out after any period of time that he has been left home alone. If you are away from home at work, school, or shopping, take him out the moment you get back. Freedom is Overrated Until your German Shepherd puppy training is complete, and your puppy is reliably house trained, you will increase the speed of his success the more you decrease the number of accidents. You already know that you must provide him with a consistent schedule, but not every potty break can be dictated by the clock. When you observe your puppy sniffing the floor, circling, arching his back, lifting his tail, or just whining for no apparent reason, get him outside quickly. During those times when you cannot watch him, you must confine him. You must. You cannot leave him free to roam your house and use it as a bathroom. Furthermore, you can place him in a crate, lock him in a safe room, use a playpen, or whatever works for you, but you must confine him. Just do not give him free access to your home. Consistency Equals Success Most house training failures are not the fault of the dog. We get busy, we have unrealistic expectations, and we expect dogs to read our minds and know what we want without training. Really, though, it all comes down to scheduling and supervision. If you can remember these two simple things, you can housebreak your dog. All youngsters need training, whether they are puppies, ponies, or children. This is not news. We send our children to school for a good many years before we consider them trained. GSD puppy training itself is not difficult. Dogs are smart. German Shepherds are especially smart because we have bred them to be independent thinkers. They love a job, and they love puzzles. This means that training can either be easy or frustrating. It is frustrating if your dog seems to be smarter than you are, which he will indicate to you through his bored body language and lack of attention span. It is easy if you know the key to really successful training. When we think of puppy training, we envision teaching the dog things like sit, down, stay, walk on the leash, and fill in the blank. The secret that all great dog trainers have figured out is how to ignite that love of learning that dogs carry deep inside. Get ready to open up a whole new world of possibilities. From the outside, enlightened training looks like any other training in the beginning. Your puppy has to learn the concept first. You start with very simple steps and build from there. Get a handful of healthy treats that your puppy loves. In a quiet area with minimal distractions, approach your puppy and call his name. Do this five times in a row, several times a day for two days. If your puppy is a genius, and if he is a German Shepherd the chances are high that he is, do the exercise anyway several times per day as described. Eventually, you can transition from using treats to simply praising him when he gets it right, but for now, use treats. To clarify one point, your puppy is not born speaking English. You can use whatever word you choose to let him know when he has done what you are asking him to do. This is the marker you will use throughout his lifetime to let him know when he has performed on cue correctly. Be consistent. You do this initially by luring his eyes to your eyes with your hand that is holding the treats. Call his name, bring your treat hand up to your face, and the instant your puppy makes the slightest eye contact, reward him. Do this several times, then move your hand a few inches away from your face. Call his name, and when he looks at your hand for a treat, do not give it to him. He will become confused, and at some point, he will look you in the eye for clarification. Instantly reward him. Practice this several times a day for a few days, gradually moving your hand away from your face until eventually, it is in a normal relaxed position by your side while your puppy looks at your face when you call him. When you have mastered this exercise, you are ready to move on. First, you will lure him into position like you did when you brought his eyes to your face, then you will transition to having him sit when no treat is offered. With your puppy standing next to you, call his name. Praise him when he looks at you, but do not give him a treat. Instead, place your hand holding the treat in front of his nose and lift your hand directly over his head. Do not pull his head up with his leash, and definitely do not push his butt down to force him to sit. Let him work this out on his own. Step away, call him to you, and repeat. Faster than you expect, he will drop his butt to the floor on cue and proudly accept his reward. As soon as your puppy will reliably sit when you give him the cue and lift your hand over his head, give him the cue but keep your hand at his side. Wait for him to work it out. If he gets frustrated and loses interest, show him the treat and try again. Eventually, he will sit without needing you to guide him, at which point you will lavishly praise him and move on to the next lesson. Do not push him down, do not pull his front legs out from under him. Wait for him to lie down on his own. If he stands up to get the treat, have him sit again and start over. Eventually, he will lower his front end to the floor. Instantly praise him and give him the treat. Once your puppy will lie down consistently when you cue him and lure him with the treat, give him the cue and wait for him to lie down without showing him the treat. You may have to go back to luring him a time or two, but because you taught him how to learn on his own, eventually he will get it. The same techniques of puppy training can be applied to anything you want to teach your dog to do. German Shepherds are smart and hard-working dogs. They are highly intelligent and therefore rather easy to train. But, it requires clear objectives and loving guidance. When consistent supervision and routine are provided, German Shepherds are very simple to house train. When should you start training a German Shepherd puppy? However, it is not. It may sound too harsh, but training should begin as soon as a puppy enters your home. In fact, training will yield better results the younger your puppy is. How to train a German Shepherd puppy not to bite? Your puppy has to learn that when he hears the click sound, he has acted improperly and should stop. To help the dog learn that he is responding correctly, the owner should reward him with a treat. Learn more about training your GSD not to bite. How to potty train a German Shepherd puppy? As soon as your German Shepherd puppy enters your home, you should begin potty training. For instance, it must be relieved after eating, sleeping, and waking up after a daytime nap. It might also need a potty after playing. Your puppy dog will pick up the rules fairly fast with the help of the routine. Learn more about GSD Puppy potty training. How to train German Shepherd puppy at home? Failures in house training can almost always be attributable to a lack of two basic components: scheduling and supervision. You can housebreak your German Shepherd puppy if all you do is keep him in sight and take him outside at regular, predictable intervals, though it helps if you have reasonable expectations, a little patience, and a sense of humor. Final Thoughts German Shepherds belong to the breed that benefits and thrives from continuous extensive training. Your puppy should know how to behave properly in different situations and in both outdoor and indoor environments. That is why it is so important to start German Shepherd puppy training as early as possible. Actually, you need to expose your little pup to some rules, exercises, and practices from the very first minutes in your home. As a result, you will get a loyal, obedient, protective, and intelligent friend and partner for all your further activities. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Calm older dogs are good for this one. Most importantly for German Shepherd puppies, it will give you a chance to work with them around other people, and different dogs from a young age. Settle on a mat German Shepherds are incredibly curious, which can make it difficult for them to relax while out and about. Leash walking — no one wants a large breed of dog pulling them down the street, so be sure you teach loose lead walking and how about some heelwork too? Recall games — Play a game of tennis with your pooch! Calling them from person to person with treats on either side. Get started with grooming and brushing sensitive areas — In long-haired German Shepherds, this is typically the case with the face, legs, and ears, which become tangled the most and may hurt when brushed. Remember to brush carefully, do a little bit of brushing on a sensitive area while feeding them treats or letting them have a lickimat, and then brush an easier to brush area. For socialisation, start working on items that are vital to your lifestyle this week, such as if you have a horse and want your puppy to be comfortable with horses, or if you enjoy sailing, having them near water will be important to you. Getting your puppy exposed to new experiences early on can help them accept them much more easily. Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Go to the pub — you deserve it! Remember that settle training you did before, take your mat and get your German Shepherd puppy to settle on it with a nice stuffed kong. Alone training: increasing time alone is important for your puppy. It gives them essential coping skills. Recall — Practise this outside, using a lead, and lots of rewards. Lead walking — Take this outside. Make sure you keep a strong pace going, since German Shepherds enjoy walking quickly, and praise often to keep your puppy interested. Pretend Nail Clips — simply holding a claw, pretending to clip , and rewarding your puppy with a treat is enough. Following on walks — Bring special toys, like the Tug-E-Nuff Pocket tugger, with you on walks to ensure your German Shepherd puppy enjoys hanging out with you. Playing with them will make you irresistible! Week 7 — Training your German Shepherd puppy The 7-week itch! Nah not really. I bet your German Shepherd puppy is doing wonderfully and growing rapidly! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — How about taking your German Shepherd to a city farm, letting them watch from afar and rewarding them for being such a calm puppy? Teach your German Shepherd puppy to stay — this will be a great one to show off at the park, trust us. So, first, take a walk with a dog that your German Shepherd puppy has already met. At first, it may be difficult for your puppy not to get distracted, so keep the rewards coming and try to keep them interested in you, rather than the other dog! Recall — off the lead Make sure you do this in a secure and confined area and bring plenty of smelly treats, a fun toy to play with, and your silly high-pitched voice so you can call your German Shepherd puppy back regularly. Remember, German Shepherds enjoy learning! Tick 3 things off your personal socialisation checklist — maybe take your German Shepherd for a swimming lesson? Practice exercises in different locations — how about a train station, or in a shopping centre or mall? Teach a hand target — This is a favourite among pups and their owners. Hand Targeting or touching is the foundation for additional trick behaviours like leg weaving and closing doors. Introducing nose work to your puppy — We mean it when we say your German Shepherd puppy has a better nose than you! Play a game of hide and seek with their favourite toy to bring out those excellent search skills. Looking for more great puppy training tips? Check out our overview of when to start teaching your puppy anything , next. It will be fun they said. We go the extra mile for you. If you want a stress free puppy experience, get this downloaded! Worth every single penny! This app is very helpful. It helps you to understand and gives you a path to follow. The coaching support is excellent and super speedy. Download the app now. Check Price on Amazon 1. If the puppy is running towards you, for example, you can begin clapping. For now, notice the following and set distinct anchors for each. For the time being, you should avoid anchors that are excessively similar to one another. My German Shepherd Willow — 8 weeks old 2. As you train your pup to understand and respond to more complex commands, this helps eliminate a lot of the resistance. As a result, the initial step should be to persuade your German Shepherd to stick close to you. We all know that dogs are descended from wolves, and wolves follow the pack leader, which means you! Needless to say, when training a 2-month-old German Shepherd puppy, you have to incentivize him to follow you. You need to build a positive reinforcement loop and let your German Shepherd establish an association between following you and receiving a pleasant experience. You can start taking unexpected turns and training your puppy to follow you despite the direction changes after your puppy has become motivated to follow you for the reward. At a young age, you should take your puppy out and about and allow him to utilize his sociability potential. One method is to pay visits to friends and family. You might also look for a dog park and take him there. Keep in mind that your pet is still learning to walk with you and follow directions. Make sure your pup has a positive experience outdoors. It is worth noting that you should socialize and introduce him to new experiences as often as you can, preferably daily. Start Potty Training You should start potty training your German Shepherd puppy the first day you bring him home. Start by showing your pup where you want him to potty, such as a sectioned-off area of your yard or garden. I cordoned off a small area and added some bark chippings. Even now, my GSD will not go on the sidewalk or hard surfaces! It has to be grass or somewhere soft. Next, you need a potty training schedule. Always take your puppy out first thing in the morning, after mealtimes and play, hourly, and before retiring to bed. Deter Biting If you read my blog regularly, you know that I am opposed to punishment-based training. In any case, using physical force or yelling at your pup will only instill fear and distrust and can actually cause aggression. If someone recommends such negative approaches, you should approach a qualified trainer and learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy not to bite. Instead, you can wait until your GSD bites during a positive activity before stopping it. This will help to anchor the result better. For example, if your German Shepherd puppy fiercely takes a treat from your hand, you can withhold the second treat until he learns to take it gently. You should act upset and convey that what he has done has hurt you. Use positive reinforcement to encourage proper behavior by rewarding with a treat. Your German Shepherd will quickly learn that good behavior is rewarded with good things. Puppies must continue to learn bite inhibition soft-mouth by continuing the work their mother taught them and what they learned from their littermates. Learn Bite Inhibition Training! Instill Patience You have to use your best judgment and patience when training your dog. In general, by the tenth week, your German Shepherd will be mature enough to understand self-control. Teach the Heel Position While your 3-month-old German Shepherd puppy will initially follow you, adjusting your pace will soon have him walking alongside you in the heel position, on your left side, without a leash, harness, or fear of punishment. To train your puppy to assume the natural heel position, use a clicker, whistle, or use your voice as a marker. Chances are, at first, your German Shepherd will also try to change his pace to walk behind you because of habit. You can avoid this problem by walking where your dog is used to. Assume Positions on Command — Sit, Down, Stand Your 3-months old German Shepherd puppy is now old enough to learn how to sit, stand, or hold a down position. You can teach him these new skills and assume a heel stance, which you have previously taught him. So by the time he is four months old, you can use the position cues and positive reinforcement to get your dog to follow. These included a clicker, whistle, clap, or saying a specific word to show your German Shepherd is doing a good job, generally followed by a well-deserved treat. Now is the time to see whether the anchors work! You used to whistle when your GSD approached you; now, you must whistle for him to start his run. This is the foundation of his recall training. While this allows the puppy to be more social when visitors arrive, an adult dog must learn to walk outside without behaving badly. Whether it is a cuddle, a pat, attention, or something tasty, you must teach your pup target training, for example, teaching him to touch a target with a specific part of his body, such as his paw or nose. Remember that your German Shepherd may end up biting or clawing to communicate if you do not teach him more acceptable communication methods. I recommend teaching your German Shepherd to use his nose to touch your hand. This is a fantastic bite substitute! Hand targeting is a fun way to train your dog to trust you while also getting him to use his brain! Begin by asking him to sit for a few seconds and gradually extend the time. Train Your Dog to Fetch If you have taken your German Shepherd to public parks and he has watched other dogs play fetch, it will be easier to teach him to retrieve whatever you throw. Your GSD may not bring the toy back to you for a second time, but he will eventually figure it out. Over the next few weeks, you can gradually turn it into a game of fetch, rewarding your puppy with high-value training treats. Continue Potty Training In the fourth month of German Shepherd training, you will continue toilet training to a degree of independence. Maintain a regular schedule and match your walks with his natural cycle to coincide with when he needs to go. Teach Your German Shepherd to Walk on the Leash Learning to walk on a leash outside is an important element of dog training. Use it to control your German Shepherd and then test his ability to follow commands off-leash. Many dog owners will opt for a rear attached harness. How to Train a 5 Month Old German Shepherd Puppy You have adequately socialized and trained your dog to recognize and associate attention, toys, walks, and food as rewards. Your five-month-old German Shepherd puppy is now ready to be put to the test for general obedience and the capacity to deal with distractions. These could be other dogs, strangers, or animals like squirrels or birds. But, if you introduce distractions gradually, your five-month-old puppy can deal with them. You must be ready for your dog to run ahead of you now! Assume, however, that you have built a strong bond with your puppy and worked on his training. In that case, he will stay close to you and prove his loyalty by sticking by your side. The good news is that all of your past training will make it easier for your dog to obey your instructions. Conclude Potty Training Your German Shepherd has had months to learn how to tell you his need to go potty. He has also likely refined how to hold his bladder instead of peeing on the floor. As a result, if your dog makes a mess, you can express your displeasure through your body language. But, all dogs can still have the odd accident up to one year old. Besides, you must be prepared for your dog to relieve himself indoors if he is excited or frightened. This is known as either excitement or submissive urination. During this time, energy levels increase , especially in larger breed dogs. While the average exercise for a pup before this is generally five minutes of exercise per month of age, twice a day, a six-month-old German Shepherd can exercise for one hour if you split his walks into two thirty-minute sessions. To train your 6-month-old German Shepherd puppy, start with two commands that will be most useful. As previously stated, you will be exercising your German Shepherd much more frequently from now on. You can teach these commands or tricks in any order from six months onwards until your German Shepherd is a well-trained adult. This is an excellent skill to teach your GSD and is one of the commands taught to police and protection dogs. This is a difficult task, but your German Shepherd will eventually master it if you practice and keep consistent. The eighth month is the time for training your German Shepherd to go to different places upon hearing your command word. This could be for practical reasons or to maximize the intellect of your dog. Alternatively, you might spend the ninth month teaching him a fun party trick! Teach Your German Shepherd to Spin By dangling a tasty treat in front of your German Shepherd and moving it in a circle until he starts to spin, you prime him for a command anchor. After a week or so, you teach your German Shepherd to follow your finger without first using a treat. Of course, you will still need to reward him after he obeys the command. By the third week, you should be able to ask your dog to spin without using your finger to guide him. It might take an extra couple of weeks, but I recommend this as an addition in the ninth month because it allows you to continue training your dog to learn previous commands better. You can train him to go to different places, hold or release objects, and fetch toys. You can now develop this further and teach him to roll over on command. Your one-year-old German Shepherd continues to learn at the same rate as he has since he was six months old. What will change is that your dog will interact with other people more frequently. You can train him to do additional tricks to give him a more appealing presence. This will deter him from merely barking for attention. You should also review previously taught commands and see any weak associations you can reinforce. If anything, this is the period where you tailor his training to your convenience. But now is the time when your German Shepherd must learn to be harmonious with your life. From the month mark onwards, you must train your doggo to be compatible with modern adult life within reason. Do not be alarmed if you have an month-old German Shepherd who appears to have had no previous training! Start by establishing authority by having a positive yet commanding presence. Once your new friend recognizes your authority and sees you as his leader, treat him as a six-month-old, albeit on an accelerated schedule, and train him accordingly. You should train your German Shepherd puppy for short and frequent sessions, ideally minutes, several times a day. As your puppy grows and matures, you can gradually increase the duration and complexity of the training sessions. What are the most important commands to teach my German Shepherd puppy? Come command helps to call your puppy back to you in case of an emergency or when you want to end a play session. Heel command teaches your puppy to walk calmly beside you on a leash, and Leave It command helps to prevent your puppy from eating something harmful or dangerous. German Shepherds are a highly trainable and intelligent breed. Your job as a trainer becomes even easier once you have a workable training schedule in place and stick to your routine. My month-by-month German Shepherd puppy training schedule will help you successfully train your doggo and make him into the cherished companion you always desired. Good luck with your training! Related Posts You May Like:. Reliable training German Shepherd puppy training: socialization! The first item in your German Shepherd puppy training list is Socialization. It means that you must provide your baby German Shepherd with interesting and positive interactions. If you ensure that your pup interacts, and has a positive and rewarding experience, with as many people, dogs, animals, sounds, objects, sights and experiences, you will raise a confident and reliable dog. Every new activity or interaction must be followed with a yummy treat! This will ensure your puppy will have a positive association with every new experience, object, person, animal, etc. You can use your dog's kibble or something better like chicken, beef or cheese. Commercial treats are also a good and easy to use option, but make sure you buy healthy, all natural dog treats to keep your German shepherd puppy healthy and strong! German Shepherd dogs are loyal and may have a tendency to be apprehensive with strangers. Socialization will ensure that your puppy grows a strong bond with you without developing a problematic over-protectiveness. German Shepherd puppy training socialization tips: Never separate a puppy from his mother and littermates before the age of weeks. During this time, mom teaches her puppies some important rules of the dog world like body language communication and they start to learn bite inhibition by plying with the other puppies. Unfortunately many vets will tell you not to take your puppy out of the house until they have had all of their shots. This is old school thinking and can have extremely bad consequences that will become apparent only when your canine becomes an adult. Without the full set of shots, your puppy is vulnerable to infectious diseases, however taking your pup to early socialization classes where all other dogs have also been immunized reduces the risk for becoming sick AND will make your German Shepherd a confident, well adjusted and friendlier dog. The American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior promotes early socialization , even before the full set of vaccines are given to the pup. Take socialization in your own hands. Spend the first 4 weeks holding parties at your home! Yes, parties! Invite all your friends and family for Karaoke, sports watching, boardgames, etc. Ask them to bring their kids too! And always make sure socialization is about positive interactions. If any of the kids or adults make your puppy a little scared, simply remove the threat and let the puppy explore other things. Back to top of German shepherd puppy training article. German Shepherd puppy training: stop the biting! Socialization is hard work, bite-inhibition is even harder! But it is one of the best things you can ever teach your pup. Dogs have really strong jaws and can learn to apply just the right amount of pressure with it. Adult dogs that have had this kind of training can get into fights and defend themselves without drawing blood. This is so important to avoid any type of dog-human or dog-dog bite accidents. German Shepherd puppy dogs have sharp teeth for a reason: to learn how to use their mouth properly. Teach your puppy to bite without hurting! To teach your pooch not to hurt human skin you will need to yelp like a puppy every time you feel teeth in contact with your skin. Engage in puppy play and Yelp Yes! Loud, sharp, high pitched and clear when you feel teeth. Your pup will most likely stop in surprise. As soon as he has stopped, wait seconds and resume play. Repeat as many times as needed. Start with those bites that really hurt or scratch. If you yelp every time you feel teeth, your puppy will think it is how you play. It may take a few weeks for you to notice that your pup is not hurting as much.Progressively teach your pup to play without hurting you. This make take a couple of months! Do not let your puppy play with your clothes, shoes, face or hair. If your puppy bites any of these, the game is over. Wait for him to calm down and start playing again. If you are tired of playing and getting bitten, grab a tug-toy or a ball and play those games instead. After a while, settle your puppy with a stuffed Kong toy on his bed or crate. Never punish your puppy for play-biting, this can lead to aggression or your puppy fearing "hands" near his face. Even though German shepherd puppy dogs are really smart, bite-inhibition requires a lot of repetition and consistency. Most of the time you will feel he is not learning anything at all, keep at it. You can add second time outs on top of yelping if needed. It is definitely worth your time. If bite-inhibition is slow, this article has more tips to help you! Another aspect of training your German shepherd puppy bite inhibition are toys! Your pup needs to learn to bite only his toys, not furniture, not the walls, not your shoes. For this reason you need to load your house with puppy toys and TEACH your puppy how to play with them. The best dog toys are interactive, this means that you can put food inside the toy and your puppy has to think how to get it out. This toys are the best because they add enrichment to your dog's life. Interactive dog toy recommendations: Feed EVERY meal inside an interactive dog toy Use interactive toys with your German shepherd when he is left alone in the house. Make sure he has plenty of toys interactive and others so he won't get bored when you leave. Use interactive toys when you need some quiet time because you need to work, or you have guests. Kong dog toy's are the best , you can fill them with something soft like cheese or peanut butter and let your puppy lick it for a while. Even better.Below you will see some of my favorite interactive dog toys durable and fun! German Shepherd puppy training: potty outside! Another important item on your German shepherd puppy training list is House training. It can be a bit stressful, but if done correctly, you can accomplish it very quickly. Just keep in mind that depending on your puppy in can take anywhere from 1 week to several months to complete potty training. The following info-graphic has some simple rules to follow and make german shepher potty training easy and effective: Take your puppy out for a potty break every hours. Take your puppy out for a potty the break after every meal. Take your puppy out for a potty break after a nap. Take your puppy out for a potty break after a play session. The main idea when potty training a German shepherd puppy, is to take him out or to the correct place as often as he needs to and reward him after he is done. The infographic above gives you an idea of how often a puppy needs to go out. However, you need to know your own puppy. This way you will know how often he is relieving himself. You may also notice if he does it after every meal or nap. Reward with a treat after he is done! Repeat steps 2 and 3, you should start noticing that after a couple of days or weeks your puppy chooses the correct place more often than other places. NEVER punish your dog for accidents, this can stress him and even make him do his business hidden from you which will make potty training very hard because you won't be able to reward him. You can crate train your German shepherd puppy so he learns to have quiet times in between active times. Crate training also prevents your puppy from having accidents. For more information and a puppy crate-training schedule check this article! German shepherd potty training aids The are several commercial items available to help you potty train your German shepherd dog. Regular cleaning products may take away the urine scent -you- smell but they will not remove the scent your dog smells. Enzymatic cleaners do that, they break down urine molecules to make them easy to remove. This will prevent your pet from returning to the same, incorrect, spot. Puppy pads are very popular because they are less messy than news paper. However, if you put a puppy pad and leave you puppy alone with it, you will find it in shreds! You must teach your puppy to use the puppy pads, not to chew on them. To do this, put the puppy pad on the floor and interrupt your puppy if he tries to play with it. Exchange for another toy and reward with treats for not grabbing the pad with his mouth he can however, stand or sit on it. Repeat until he learns this! If you have a backyard, a doggy-door is an excellent way to give your pup access to the outdoors without your help. You must teach him how to use it! Use a treat to lure him through the door many times until he can do it on his own! Then, every-time you take him outside, make him go though the door on his own. You can also teach your puppy to let you know when he needs to go outside! Use a doggy doorbells for this purpose. You must teach your dog how to use them! First, teach your dog to touch the bells. Then, ask your dog to touch the bells every time before you open the door to let him go outside. Finally, be alert for when he does it on his own! I do not recommend any "Not Here" or "Yes Here" type sprays. They don't work very well, specially without any training.German Shepherd puppy training: basic commands! Some dog trainers won't start until the dog is 6 months old, at which time he is past the socialization and bite inhibition period and he is probably doing all sorts of naughty things. You can start training your German shepherd puppy from the first day you bring him home. From weeks you can start teaching your canine many commands, however I strongly advice you keep your focus on socialization, bite-inhibition and potty training. If you have time to train basic commands…. Your pooch will love it! Step-by-step obedience training tutorials for your German shepherd German Shepherd puppy training "SIT": You will use this command all the time. Ask your pup to sit when a stranger wants to pet him, for attention, for the ball to be thrown, etc. To start use food to lure your pooch into the sit position. Only give him the treat once his bottom is on the ground. Repeat many times! Follow this link for detail instructions.This is useful at the vet as well as to mix and match commands. From a sit or down position lure your baby german shepherd into a stand. This link will take you to the step by step guide.Start your pooch from a sitting position and lure him into a down. Only give your dog a treat after he is completely down on the ground. Click here for a step-by-step tutorial.Why train your pooch sit, down and stand? You need three commands to mix up when you ask your dog to do something. If you have at least three options, then your smart German Shepherd won't be able to predict what you will ask. Practice Puppy Push-Ups! Sit-down-stand, Down-sit-stand, and ask you German Shepherd puppy to do one, two, or more commands to earn treats, toys and attention! Other useful cues include: Speak and Quiet , settle and ask for permission before rushing into something potentially dangerous. You can see a full list of commands on this link. Enjoy German Shepherd puppy training time and leave us your questions and comments in the box below. How to begin with training a puppy and get a running start. Everyone has to have their first puppy and, just like with having a first child, there is a lot of learning involved. What age should you start training a German Shepherd? Whether you have a puppy or an older German Shepherd. I have learned that starting as soon as you bring your puppy home. This will prevent behavior problems from developing. Some people start at 8: weeks to 12 weeks or four months to six months of age depending on how old the puppy was when they purchased. I put together a beginner mini-guide below- to help you get started with a new puppy. You want to get your puppy on the right training schedule. How to housebreak a German Shepherd puppy? It works. Morning The first thing that you should do is let your puppy out of its crate and take it directly outside to go potty. An eight-week-old puppy needs to eat three to four meals each day. Your puppy should be given a bowl of water with its meal and be permitted to drink as much as it wants. Give your puppy about ten minutes to relax after it has eaten and then go back outside for potty. Before its next meal, your puppy should be taken out every hour in order to prevent accidents and should be placed into its crate whenever it will not be directly supervised. Crates are great for everyday use as they keep your puppy out of danger when it is not by your side. Afternoon Your afternoon will mirror your morning almost exactly. Your puppy will need to be taken outside if it has been crated, fed its afternoon meal and then taken outside again. When not being supervised, your puppy should be gated off into a completely puppy-proofed room or crated. Your puppy will get a meal, go outside, and be placed in a safe room or crate when not supervised. Throughout the day, use your puppies name in connection with positive things. This will help your puppy learn his name more quickly. Having a puppy in the house is fun for everyone in the family. Your job is to make sure that the puppy is given a predictable, structured environment to grow up in. German Shepherd Puppy Training: Training a puppy at a young age will prevent bad behavior from developing into big-time behavior problems. Some of us start at eight weeks, others start at 10 to 12 weeks old. Laying out the groundwork for leash training a puppy. With step by step video training guide. Video one; Leash training your puppy will be one of the first things you and I will need to do with our new German Shepherd puppy! Learning can be a challenge for many of us. Today I like to share a video with my friend Tonny and his new puppy Named Nora at 10 weeks old. This her first leash training exercise. What I have learned from my own experience; I like to practice this exercise 2 or 3 times a day for 4 to 6 minutes at a time every day- when training young pups at this age. Sometimes we as humans expect too much too fast and can forget what we learn from owning our last dog. We forgot puppyhood. I know I have made this mistake before. I have learned after training multiple German Shepherd puppies , how to spend a good enough amount of time working them by training shot training sessions to get the best results. Tony and his wife Shannon are teaching her how to walk on a leash in the street under real-world distractions. If you have never trained a puppy before learning these training skills will be challenging for anybody just learning. But done let it stop you from practicing. With just a little bit of time and patience, you and your puppy will come a long way together. I have learned this is the most important part of training our puppy and will build and strengthens our bond together for starting our new journey. Once your puppy is showing that they are understanding what the heel command means, now we can start to add in the sit-stay command. This is a command we will use every day with our puppy. Watch how Shannon works with her puppy in this video. Nora will get a little distracted when she is walking by me and her husband Tony. Dog training is all about doing things together as a team. Building trust and leadership with your new best friend. Always start off with your attention training and practicing around your home and in your yard. A little bit of practice goes a long way. I would love to hear about all your success. I will be sharing more training videos with you soon! Best of luck with your training. About the author: Dennis is the founder of German Shepherd Behavior. I have owned this breed for over 25 years and looking forward to sharing my German Shepherd journey with you.