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Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! This comes at no extra cost to you. As a new Golden Retriever puppy owner, you may be wondering about when important puppy milestones happen, such as: When do they lose their puppy teeth? When do they stop growing? When do they finally stop biting? When do they sleep through the night? These puppy behavior stages and developmental milestones will differ from individual to individual, but this timeline can give you a general understanding of what to expect with your puppy. Day 1: Puppy is born You could also call this the best day ever. After carrying the pups for about 9 weeks , mom is ready to give birth! The average litter size for Golden Retrievers is 8. Their eyesight is very limited, and their soon-to-be-brown eyes are sometimes blue when they first open them. And as you know or will soon find out , they are very sharp. The puppy kibble is soaked in water, mashed up, and introduced to the pups. They work up to eating solid food about four times per day while still nursing from their mother. Because puppies need to complete weaning, most breeders wait until the puppies are 8 weeks to 12 weeks old before they send their pups home with their new owners. You can also start training them at this age the best way to stop bad habits is to not let them start! Getting a Golden Retriever Puppy? Download the Potty Training Cheat Sheet here! The biting phase is one of the toughest behavior stages for puppy owners. Golden Retriever puppies lose their baby teeth at around 4 months of age. Sometimes he would be chewing and then start to play with something on the floor. Most of the time when that would happen we would find a tooth laying there. This depends on the gender and your individual dog. And this is definitely a conversation to have with your vet, as spaying or neutering your Golden Retriever too young can have adverse health effects. Females are typically inches tall, while males are inches tall. It becomes their undercoat. At one and a half years old, Goldens have typically grown out their full coat. Related article:. At this stage, nipping bad behaviors in the bud is more important than imprinting positive ones. Instead, just redirect them to positive behavior and reward them accordingly. By this point, your puppy should have already been given their distemper and parvovirus vaccinations. By this point, they should be fully housetrained or close to it. Your dog will be likely to gnaw and bite on anything they can get their chompers on—including you. Stay calm and redirect their attention to appropriate objects like chew toys. Your Golden should be fully accustomed to their new kibble at this point, and you should feed them three to four times per day. A 3-month-old dog should also get a DHHP booster, which protects them from parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. You can play with your pup as much as you like, but take care not to put too much stress on their joints. Avoid a bunch of running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Your dog can transition from four meals per day down to three at this point, but the meals should probably be larger. This can cause digestive issues until your dog gets accustomed to it, so be prepared to clean up a few messes. Training should continue, although your primary focus will likely be convincing your pup to chew on something besides your shoes. Your dog will need another DHPP booster at this point, as well as a rabies vaccination. Other optional vaccines include Bordetella, Lyme disease, coronavirus, and leptospirosis. This could cause a brief burst of intense biting and chewing, so power through it. Make sure your pup has plenty of chew toys available to them. Stairs in particular should be avoided. Your pup is likely to start asserting itself at this stage and may start to mature sexually if not spayed or neutered. There are no vaccinations required at this point. Everyone knows how much fun it is to raise teenagers, right? This can lead to undesirable behaviors like aggressiveness, increased tendency to roam, and destructiveness. As a result, you may think that your dog is too skinny, but resist the urge to increase their rations. While most breeds have a puppy coat that they eventually grow out of, Goldens do not. Instead, their puppy coat becomes their undercoat, so you may notice your dog becoming increasingly fuzzy. The teenage rebelliousness should be wearing off by this point, and your dog is ready to begin training in earnest. You should still be feeding them twice daily, and they should stay on puppy kibble for at least another 6 months. Goldens reach their full height between 9 and 12 months old. Females tend to get there faster, but males will be taller in the end. You may also need to cut back on the amount that you feed them. It depends on the individual dog, but females generally reach maturity first. Spaying or neutering your dog has its pros and cons. The pros are fairly obvious: less marking, reduced misbehavior, and zero chance of getting an unexpected litter of puppies. Spaying and neutering can also protect against certain cancers. You may want to wait until your dog is at least 12 months old before getting them fixed. This also leaves the window open longer in which they can suffer skeletal damage, though, so be careful about how active you allow them to be. However, stunted growth and growing too quickly can cause serious health problems, so you should check with your vet to make sure your dog is growing on schedule. Stunted growth is usually caused by malnourishment or a medical problem. You should have your pup tested for parasites like hookworm or ringworm, and consider switching them to a higher-quality, calorie-dense food. If left untreated, malnourishment can lead to weak bones, muscles, and immune system. As you might expect, growing too quickly is often caused by feeding your dog too much. American and British Goldens are similar. However, American Goldens tend to be less stocky and muscular, instead having a leaner appearance. They may weigh a bit less as well. They tend to be taller as well, often standing an inch or two higher than their counterparts. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make excellent pets, and we understand how hard it is to resist the temptation to bring a puppy home. If you do, though, you should understand what to expect from your new dog. Steady growth is what you want to see, without too many peaks or valleys. This sets your dog up for a long, healthy lifespan. Every dog develops at their own pace, so as long as you feed your pup an appropriate amount of high-quality puppy kibble and get them vaccinated regularly, you should be fine. See also:. Wrapping Up Are you ready for an adventure full of puppy cuddles, tail wags, and slobbery kisses? We remember those days with our now six year old Golden Retriever, Glee , very fondly. This ultimate guide is packed with everything you need to know to help ease the transition for you and your family and help you raise a happy and healthy Golden Retriever puppy that is almost 3 months of age. Golden Retriever Mom is reader-supported. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Training time with our Golden Retriever puppy — sit, stand, down are all within reach early on! One of the first things to do is to identify and remove any potential hazards in your home. This includes toxic plants, electrical cords, cleaning supplies, and sharp objects. Start by removing dangerous things or substances your puppy could swallow or touch. Secure any loose wires or cords, and place valuables out of reach. Next, create a designated safe space for your golden retriever puppy. This area should have plenty of room for your puppy to play and explore and a comfortable bed Read our blog post to find the best dog beds for your Golden Retriever puppy! Make sure to include some puppy toys and che w s to keep them entertained. Remember, your new golden retriever puppy is still a baby and will need lots of attention and care. By taking the time to puppy-proof your home and creating a safe space for your pup, you can ensure they start its new life with you on the right paw. Puppy Care for 11 Week Old Golden Retrievers Caring for an 11 week old golden retriever puppy can be a rewarding but challenging experience. Here are some tips to help you get started. Feeding Your Puppy One of the most important aspects of puppy care is providing your furry friend with proper nutrition. Feed your Golden Retriever puppy small meals multiple times daily at this stage. Choose a high-quality puppy food that is specifically formulated for their growth and development. We used these foods when our our Golden Retriever puppy was young and were thrilled with the results on her health and wellbeing! Regular brushing, bathing , dental care, and nail trimming maintain good health and hygiene while keeping your puppy looking and feeling its best. Make sure to brush their coat weekly to prevent tangles and mats we use Dua l -Sided Dog Shedding Blade , and bathe them once a month with a gentle dog shampoo. The Vibrac shampoo is designed for hypoallergenic dogs. These grooming practices will help your Golden Retriever puppy stay healthy and happy. Your veterinarian will be able to provide the necessary examination of your new furry family member to ensure they are growing and developing properly. Basic Training for Your 11 Week Old Golden Retriever Training plays an important role in growth when it comes to raising an 11 week old golden retriever. Not only does dog training teach basic commands, but it also helps shape their behavior and temperament. Start by setting a regular training routine for your puppy. Consistency is key in dog training, so aim for daily sessions for 1 to 2 hours. Start with basic commands like sit, stay, and come, and gradually progress to more complex ones as your puppy becomes more comfortable with the training process. Reward your puppy with treats we recommend Dr. Always avoid using punishment or physical force, as this can lead to fear and aggression in your puppy. In addition to basic commands, consider enrolling your puppy in a puppy training class or hiring a professional trainer. This can provide valuable socialization opportunities for your puppy and help them develop good behavior habits. Remember, training is an ongoing process, and being patient and consistent with your puppy is very important. With time and effort, your 11 week old golden retriever will become a well-trained and well-behaved companion. When it comes to training, having the right tools can make a big difference. Consider investing in training aids like clickers, treat pouches, and training collars, as well as a harness that will help secure your pup check out our top harnesses here. Bones offer long-lasting entertainment for your pup and help keep their teeth and gums healthy by removing plaque buildup and tartar — two common causes of dog gum disease. However, chewing on bones is helpful in removing plaque as well. One of our favorite bones for our Golden Retriever, Glee, is the Benebone. These bones are durable and last for days while having relatively little splintering. You can also entertain your Golden Retriever by filling a Kong toy with tasty treats. First, put some dry treats in the Kong and let your pup play with it to get the food out. Once they understand how it works, you can make it more challenging by wetting the treats down or putting in peanut butter! For an even greater challenge, freeze the Kong with some treats and a few blueberries or strawberries in moderation. Your Golden Retriever will be occupied for hours! It is a process that helps your puppy adjust to new experiences and environments, develop good behavior, and become a well-rounded dog. In this section, we will discuss the importance of socialization and provide tips on socializing your puppy. Why is Socialization Important? Socialization helps your puppy become comfortable and confident in different situations. It also helps prevent behavior problems such as aggression or fearfulness later in life. Socializing your puppy at a young age will help them become well-mannered, friendly, and happy dogs. The key to socializing your puppy is to expose them to as many new experiences as possible, including other dogs, people, and environments. Introduce your puppy to new things slowly and carefully, using positive reinforcement techniques. Here are some tips for socializing your 11 week old golden retriever: Start with familiar faces: Begin socializing your puppy with familiar faces such as friends and family. Allow them to interact with your puppy gently, and reward positive behavior. Puppy playtime: Schedule playtime with other goldens or puppies. Observe the playtime to ensure your puppy is not overwhelmed, and praise good behavior. Introduce your puppy to different environments: Introduce your puppy to different environments such as parks, streets, and markets. Allow your puppy to explore, but keep a close eye on them. Use positive reinforcement: Praise and reward your puppy for positive behavior during socialization. This will help your puppy learn to associate new experiences with positive outcomes. Remember, socializing your 11 week old golden retriever is an ongoing process. Make sure to continue introducing your puppy to new experiences, people, and environments as they grow older. Following the tips in this section can help your puppy become a well-trained and happy dog. And if you are looking for more extensive training, consider an online dog training course. Our Golden Retriever Glee getting ready for some training treats on our chair! It helps your pup build strong bones and muscles, improves their coordination and balance, and reduces the risk of obesity and other health problems. Regular exercise can help your puppy burn off excess energy and prevent bad behavior like chewing and digging. A good rule of thumb is to aim for around minutes of exercise two to three times a day. Start slow and gradually increase the intensity and duration of the exercise. When playing with your puppy, provide plenty of toys and activities that are safe and appropriate for their age and size. Provide your puppy with plenty of interactive toys, like puzzle feeders or chew toys, to keep them entertained and mentally stimulated. You can also play games like hide and seek, or practice basic training commands like sit and stay. Take your puppy for short walks around the neighborhood, a nearby park, or a dog-friendly beach. Keep your puppy on a leash or in a secure, fenced area to prevent them from running off or getting into dangerous situations. Common Health Issues in Golden Retriever Puppies As a responsible pet owner, you should be aware of these common health concerns in Goldens so that you can take precautions and seek treatment if necessary. Eye issues can include cataracts or progressive retinal atrophy. Skin allergies are abnormal immune reactions to certain allergens that can be caused by various factors, including diet and allergens. It can be prevented through proper care and regular grooming. Ear infections are inflammation of the ear canal or middle ear. You can avoid ear infections in your puppy by regularly cleaning their ears and avoiding excessive moisture. Hip dysplasia and eye problems can be genetic , so choosing a breeder who checks for these issues is super important. Refer to the Golden Retriever Club of America website for a list of reputable breeders. Regular vet check-ups and preventative measures can help keep your puppy healthy and reduce the risk of developing health issues. Wrapping Up Bringing home an 11 week old golden retriever puppy can be a rewarding experience for you and your new furry friend. This article covered the basics of puppy care, training, socialization, exercise, and playtime. We emphasized the importance of puppy-proofing your home, providing proper nutrition, and establishing consistent training and socialization routines. Following these guidelines can help your puppy grow into a happy, well-behaved adult dog. Remember, puppy care and training require patience, consistency, love, and attention. Owning an 11 week old golden retriever puppy can bring endless joy and companionship into your life. Take the time to continue learning about puppy care and training to provide your puppy with the best life possible. We hope this article has provided helpful information to get you started on your journey with your new furry friend! If you want to learn more about raising a golden retriever beyond the 11 week old Golden Retriever puppy, check out our guide to raising a 12 week old Golden Retriever. A: At eleven weeks, it is recommended that a Golden Retriever puppy start a consistent feeding schedule of three meals per day. It is essential to choose a puppy food that is high in natural protein. Q: How can I tell if my golden retriever puppy is healthy? Q: When should I start training my golden retriever puppy? Focus on basic commands like sit, stay, and come, and use positive reinforcement techniques. Q: How much exercise does my golden retriever puppy need? A: Puppies need exercise and playtime to support their physical and mental development, but avoid over-exertion or activities that could harm their growing bodies. Aim for short, gentle walks and supervised playtime indoors and outdoors. Q: How do I socialize my golden retriever puppy with other dogs and people? Share this:.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Are they the right fit for your home? Can you attend to their needs? Are they as cute as a button? The perfect pal that ticks all these boxes is our line of bernedoodle puppies in Sydney, Melb, and surrounding areas. At 4Pups, we breed first-generation bernedoodle puppies for sale across Australia to bring out the best of the Australian Shepard and Poodle breeds and produce outstanding quality dogs. A compact and healthy little animal with a wonderful temperament, perfect for a ball of fun! Speak to our team here today to find your pup! So why are these dogs made for you? Many Bernedoodle puppies in Sydney and beyond have one of the most adorable and energetic personalities, making them one of the most iconic dog breeds. There is a wide range of different variations of this breed. There are many colours available depending on the type of Bernedoodle you choose, from grey and fawn to apricot and merle if the dog takes after the Poodle parent, and black, white, or a tri-coloured black, white, and brown coat if the Bernese side is dominant. Because they shed minimal to no fur around the household, this prevents dander from getting out into the air, which is the cause for conditions such as asthma, hay fever, and other allergic reactions. This makes these bernedoodle for sale in Melbourne perfect for homeowners with a dog allergy, allowing you to pet these adorable creatures without. Firstly, no ethical, registered breeder of either Poodles or Bernese would breed one. Also, consider the Poodle for a moment. Poodles were bred as water-retrieving dogs. Their dense, curly, non-shedding coat offered fabulous protection from cold water and kept their organs warm from the elements so the dog was able to keep working. Their extra-sensitive noses also had many work as truffle-hunters. Their intelligence makes them very versatile. They are lively, active, and agile. They have a long, double-coat for protection from the snow. They have a self-confident and placid disposition, and are devoted to their own people. So why would you want to cross these two breeds? This is simply not the case. Because it is unpredictable. It is a catch phrase invented to create bigger demand for the product — a cross-bred dog with a cute or clever name. The same would happen with a Bernese x Poodle. It will either give you a coat that is half and half, a coat that is a Bernese coat, or a coat that is a poodle coat. To maintain a long coat the dog will need to be professionally groomed every 4 weeks and thoroughly combed out several times a week. We have answers. What class of dog are Bernedoodle puppies for sale near West Melbourne? Bernedoodles are a hybrid cross between a Bernese Mountain Dog and a Poodle. They are grown to have the intelligence and hypoallergenic coat of a Poodle, as well as the inherent coloration and low-shedding coat of their Bernese Mountain Dog parent. These energetic, intelligent, and loyal dogs come in a variety of sizes; the Miniature Bernedoodle's parent Poodle ranges from pounds, while the Standard Bernedoodle's parent Poodle can weigh up to 70 pounds. Are Bernedoodle puppies for sale in West Melbourne non-shedding? Yes, Bernedoodles are generally considered a non-shedding breed. While shedding can vary from Bernedoodle to Bernedoodle, they typically do not produce as much dander or shed as much as some other breeds. This is due in part to their wavy or curly coats, which can trap in the hair and keep it from being released into the environment, like a typical shedding coat would. Additionally, a Bernedoodle's composition of half poodle and half Bernese Mountain Dog means that they may naturally produce less shedding fur than some other breeds. What's the best dog food for West Melbourne Bernedoodle puppies for sale? Bernedoodles are considered an active, intelligent breed, and they need a premium nutrition diet to stay healthy and happy. It's important to feed your Bernedoodle premium dog food that is made with high quality, natural ingredients and designed to meet the nutritional needs of the breed. Look for balanced ingredients that include proteins, fats, carbohydrates, and essential fatty acids. Also, consider foods with added vitamins and minerals to make sure your pup gets the nutrients they need in each meal. How can I become the best puppy parent for Bernedoodle puppies in West Melbourne? To become the best puppy parent while waiting for your Bernedoodle, it's important to start preparing early. That way, you can be ready for your puppy's arrival. Research Bernedoodle care so that you can effectively meet the needs of your puppy. Understand the proper diet for the breed and find a good trainer. Make sure any supplies and veterinarian information are ready ahead of time. Be sure to designate a specific and comfortable area in your home that can be the puppy's. Make it inviting with inviting bedding, toys, and treats. Are Bernedoodles for sale in West Melbourne considered small dogs? Depending on their size, they can be considered small or large. Standard Bernedoodles usually weigh around pounds, Mini Bernedoodles weigh around pounds and Micro Bernedoodles weigh pounds. Since Mini and Micro Bernedoodles weigh less than 50 pounds, they are generally considered small dogs. Can I take my Bernedoodle puppies near West Melbourne running? Bernedoodles are an active breed and make ideal running and jogging companions. Just make sure to gradually introduce them to the activity, as their double-coated fur can be quite sensitive to high temperatures in the summer months. Additionally, check on your dog periodically to ensure they are not becoming overheated or dehydrated. Make sure to plan your route ahead of time to include plenty of water stops and avoid areas with heavy traffic or unfamiliar terrain. Taking your Bernedoodle running should be a fun and rewarding activity for you and your pup! Do Bernedoodles in West Melbourne make good family dogs? Bernedoodles are often well-suited for family life due to their laidback, loyal, and highly affectionate nature. They are often intelligent, making them easy to train, and they love attention, which makes them perfect companions for all types of families. Bernedoodles are also great with children and other pets, making them an ideal choice for families that value an equal relationship with their pet. On top of that, they need moderate exercise and grooming, so it's easy to keep them healthy and looking their best. Are West Melbourne Bernedoodles for sale smart? Bernedoodles are incredibly smart dogs. They have a combination of the intelligence of a Poodle and the loyalty and patience of a Bernese Mountain Dog. With a combination of the two breeds, Bernedoodles are able to quickly learn tricks and commands. Additionally, they are known for their emotional intelligence and problem-solving skills, making them a versatile and well-rounded furry family member. As with any breed, early socialization and proper training are key to developing their smarts. 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 West Melbourne Florida 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!

Lifelong Customer Support Expert advice will be a phone call away. Northern Indiana based, Bruiser Bulldogs offers purebred English Bulldog Puppies for sale to loving adopters seeking to find a higher quality English Bulldog. As English Bulldog breeders , Mitch and Erica Wysong have dedicated themselves to a lifelong journey of changing the culture and societal pressures of poor breeding practices within the English Bulldog Community. Mitch and Erica believe in producing a healthy English Bulldog puppy first and foremost. Through years of research and development, Bruiser Bulldogs is leading a new movement away from the overdone, wrinkled bulldog that has been long plagued by health problems. By embracing a healthier, more athletic look they are able to ensure that each and every English Bulldog Puppy for sale by Bruiser Bulldogs is supported by a platform of health tested, clean genetics. Upon adoption, each family that takes on the responsibility of a Bruiser Bulldog enters into an active and vibrant communal family of bulldog owners. Mitch and Erica believe it is their responsibility to provide emotional and mental support for the lifetime of each and every English Bulldog puppy they produce. To ensure the success of every adoption, Bruiser Bulldogs will always be committed to helping Bruiser Bulldog adopters care for their English Bulldogs to the best of their ability. I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. As English Bulldog Breeders, how do you breed for a healthier Bulldog? Like all things in life, breeding for health is simply a matter of priority. We are blind to many of the breed priorities that distract other bulldog breeders from improving the health of their Bulldog. We focus on health and personality and very little else. We are not interested in winning a blue ribbon in the show ring. Rather, we test for things like elongated soft palates, narrow tracheas, stenotic nares, luxation in the patellar tendons, heart defects, cherry eye, optic cilia, entropion, ect. We focus and prioritize creating healthy bloodlines, therefore our bulldogs are typically much healthier than the breed as a whole. After breeding for health, what other priorities are you focused on? Our true desire is to create the perfect family bulldog. We also believe a bulldog bred for the correct personality is essential to the family unit as well. A Bruiser Bulldog is bred for intelligence and playfulness. We want our bulldogs to be full of personality and some quirk. We believe a full personality along with a little stubbornness is the true North star of the bulldog breed and is what makes them unique among other breeds. We look for these personality traits in our adult bulldogs and continue to create bloodlines that reflect these qualities and produce high quality English Bulldogs for sale. I have been looking for English Bulldog Puppies for sale near me. Where are you located? We are located in the Northeast corner of Indiana. We just happen to be about 2. We are also about a 30 minute drive from the Michigan and Ohio state lines. Other major cities within 2. If you are looking for an English Bulldog puppy near you and happen to be in one of these areas we are certainly within close proximity. What if I am not located locally? Do you offer delivery services? A large portion of our adopters are located on the East Coast and Southern states. While many do make the drive to pickup, we also offer a delivery service to those with extremely busy schedules or limited ability to travel. We also utilize our own flight nanny for our West Coast adopters looking to have their puppy hand delivered. Whether through pickup or through delivery service, we try to be the type of bulldog breeder that is ethical and responsible to both our bulldogs and adopters. Life Span Did You Know? The loving and gentle English Bulldog is one of the most well-liked companion dog breeds around the world. A breed of English origins, the Bulldog was first recognized as a non-sporting dog by the American Kennel Club in .The original use of this breed was Bull baiting, which was eventually outlawed with the establishment of the Cruelty to Animals Act of .This legislative act made the act of Bull and Bear baiting both illegal. The current role most suitable for the English Bulldog would be as a companion or family pet, given their sweet demeanor. The English Bulldog is relatively easy to train but definitely takes some work for more complicated commands. If you are looking for a breed to sit, stay, and play dead for treats, this is the breed for you. While they may not be the sharpest tool in the shed compared to some of the other highly intelligent breeds, they are easy going and apt to please their owner. Training this breed will be accomplished with less difficulty if you make the training reward based. Can you say Sweetheart? While this dog breed makes an above average watchdog because of their courage, this breed is a loving companion at heart. The Bulldog is excellent with kids when socialized and should be very agreeable with guests of the house. The English Bulldog breed as a whole is heralded as one of the most well liked companion breeds in the world. The Bulldog should do well with other family pets as long as properly introduced and socialized. They need to be socialized early and often to curb any negative feelings towards strange dogs. This breed is generally agreeable to most environments. Although they easily adapt to a noisy and chaotic household, they are not very tolerant of extreme weather, whether it be hot or cold. Although they are well liked and very popular, one must be aware of the potential health pitfalls with this breed. Some of the potential issues you can see with the English Bulldog is Cherry Eye, Entropion, or dysplasia. This breed also has a high risk for weight gain, so this should be monitored. An average Bulldog life span is between 8 and 12 years. You do not need to be a professional dog trainer to own an English Bulldog. They are good for most novice owners because they are passive by nature. The English Bulldog is an average shedder, so brushing him twice a week with a firm brush will be a good idea. Also, they can have a tendency to drool, so making sure you wipe their face off everyday can help ensure they do not suffer irritation on their faces and between their wrinkles. Because of the amount of wrinkles they have, it is recommended that you clean between the wrinkles fairly often to avoid irritations. The English Bulldog is a generally low energy breed. They do not require a lot of exercise, but when they do play, they play hard! Because they can be intense when they do have an energy burst, an owner must be aware of overexertion. They can be very playful, but do tend to tire out quickly. The English Bulldog is a short, stocky breed that should weigh between pounds. This dog breed generally lives for years. Presidents Calvin Coolidge and Warren G. Harding both owned English Bulldogs. Featured English Bulldog Article.

Read more about the pups that are currently up for adoption. Read More… Foster Dogs FBRN is being faced with an increasing number of dogs who are ill, handicapped, or need expensive veterinary care before being placed. Meet our Foster Frenchies and please consider sponsoring one of them to ensure that they receive the care that they need. Read More… Surrender a Dog Life has thrown you a curve ball and you must surrender your French Bulldog… we are here to help! Read More… Volunteer We welcome you to join us in our efforts to rehabilitate and rehome needy French Bulldogs. We have many options for you to choose from, depending on your circumstances, time and resources. Our organization is composed solely of volunteers who nurture and foster these dogs as well as provide education and training. Our goal is to place healthy and happy French Bulldogs into forever homes. Read More… Contact Us Learn about the many ways that you can get in touch with us. He has a Staffie sister, Lettie, who he adores and who has taught him so much with her gentle patience. He has doggie friends at daycamp he sees once a week. He is the best snuggler ever! He used to be a resource guarder, but will now bring you his toys for a treat! He loves our daily walks and meeting people. Thank you FBRN for picking us to be his family- we love him so much! Despite being mostly blind and deaf, Ham is thriving in his golden years, especially with his folks now working from home. Thank you FBRN for our goodest good boy! We are so grateful for every day with him. She had cherry eye surgery in March right before Covid quarantine and the surgery was a success. A gigantic thank you to FBRN for allowing me to adopt this perfect little nugget. All Rights Reserved. A c 3 Non-Profit Organization. Tax ID: .Powered by Geeks4Rent. Learn More Now What People Say All of our volunteers have full time jobs, families and other commitments, but we continue to make room in our hearts and homes for unwanted and neglected bulldogs in need of rescue. They're a compassionate group of volunteers helping connect loving bulldogs with loving families. My bulldog's foster mom, Casey, helped select the perfect furbaby for me. In my experience, IBR puts a lot of care and concern into matching potential parents to their new family member. Long after the adoption, IBR continues offering post-adoption support for our family. Thanks to IBR, my family is now complete with the addition of a very handsome bulldog. Thank you, IBR! When the time was right, Jeff and I were given the honor to be rescued by Mr. Humphries and Maggie. One month later, I met him and agreed to our first date, persuaded by the fact that I'd get to hang out with a really cute bulldog even if the date flopped! I met Cleo on our second date at the park, and two years later, she was the star of our engagement photos. She's a major diva, and we wouldn't haven't any other way! As Mike often tells Cleo, "Pops has a type! We found the process was appropriately diligent and thorough -- being a bulldog parent isn't a cakewalk after all. The additional "gift with purchase" was the IBR community and following the antics of fellow adoptive families and following the antics of our girl's foster family this organization gets everything right in our book. Indiana Bulldog Rescue was amazing to work with. Thank you IBR for extending our family! Even after the adoption they were there helping me understand the breed! They were a great support system for me and my bulldog! Christa West Deserree Simonson They do amazing work to unite bulldogs with loving forever home. We were blessed to find our baby Fiona through IBR. IBR is the quintessential rescue organization. An experience with IBR is a reflection of love and hope. Susy Murphy Amanda Jacob Very easy to work with! Perfect way to get the bully breed you love and still supporting adoption? Have you been thinking about French Bulldog rescue? There are French Bulldog rescue organizations that exist for the sole purpose of saving Frenchies who are no longer able to stay in their current environment. There are many reasons why a French Bulldog may need rehomed, such as medical issues, owner surrender or shelter surrender. Many times these issues can develop into chronic or severe illness as the Frenchie puppy grows into an adult, or sustains an injury. An unsuspecting owner who may have purchased a puppy from a pet shop sourced from puppy mills or unethical breeder will not realize until later that their puppy has health concerns that may cost hundreds to thousands of dollars in veterinary care to remedy. French Bulldog rescue organizations exist to help these animals in need of medical care to survive and live their best lives. Owner Surrender: Sometimes owners find themselves in situations they did not anticipate after purchasing a French Bulldog puppy. A change in the family dynamic, such as a birth or death of a family member, or changes in housing or living arrangements can cause a dog to need rehoming. Sometimes behavioral issues arise that the owner cannot manage, and the dog is no longer able to stay in the home for fear that the dog may harm another animal or person. Rescue organizations have the ability to rehabilitate French Bulldogs through training and behavioral intervention so that the dog can be adopted. Shelter Surrender: Not all dog shelters are able to provide the specialized care that a Frenchie needs while at the shelter, especially if they are an all-breed facility. French Bulldog rescue organizations are better equipped to provide a foster home environment for the homeless bulldog while it is recovering or in rehabilitation, and are also the best at finding the perfect homes for them. After all, these lovable companions that snore, zoom, and snuggle are a breed apart when it comes to adding a new fur-baby to your family. It is important, however, to do your homework. Many times the Frenchies who wind up at a shelter or rescue organization have special needs, either physical, medical, or social. This means that they will require special care or circumstances in their new homes. If you do not want to adopt from a French Bulldog rescue organization but you still want to help, there are many opportunities that you can take advantage of! They are always in need of donations and volunteers, and they might be looking for foster homes too. Here are a few recommendations if you are looking for a French Bulldog Rescue Organization in or near Indiana:.

Teach them to walk nicely on a leash for exploration and pack walks. Train them to basic and advanced obedience commands for a better relationship. Offer fair and consistent discipline to develop rules. Training your German Shepherd puppy involves teaching them how to be successful in your world and life. This means they need to understand what you expect of them and how you communicate your expectations. Use the Right Tools for the Job Use the right tools for your puppy or adult and follow the training steps below to begin basic training with your German Shepherd. Teaching obedience without these supplies makes the work harder on you. Buy the right tools. Here are some of the best examples of great tools for your training. Having the right tools makes all the difference. You also need some tasty treats. Use pea-sized pieces of cheese, small bits of cooked chicken, or one of these yummy German Shepherd healthy treats of your choosing. Follow this German Shepherd training guide to teach your dog the basics of obedience at home. How to Train a German Shepherd to Sit Teaching your dog sit is one of the easiest German Shepherd training commands for your puppy or dog. Your pup sits hundreds of times in a day. Now all you need to do is connect the motion to the command. Teach Sit Step-by-Step Start with your dog in a standing position. Have your reward treat in your hand. Show your pup the treat is in your hand. Move your hand over their head as you keep the treat near their nose. As their head raises to look at the treat, their bottom begins lowering to the ground. We want your dog to associate the correct motion with the reward first. After a few sessions, say sit when their entire bottom is on the floor. Remember to reward them only when their bottom is on the floor. Once you are sure they know the command, increase your distance from them when you give the sit command. Your goal is to say sit from a long distance and your puppy performs. Practice in different rooms inside your home and use a variety of distances while training indoors. Move to the outdoors with a secure long leash when your pup is ready for more distractions and distance. Start with the last success. Stay keeps your dog in one spot until you release them and is essential training. For advanced training, use stay to transition from one command to the next. Begin indoors in a quiet area free from distractions. Hold the leash in your left hand. Use the right hand to signal to stay while standing directly in front of your dog. Raise your hand and turn your palm toward your dog. When he stays with success, walk toward him and give him the treat. Now add in the word stay when your dog performs the stay behavior correctly. Increase the stay time your dog is in the stay position beginning with 5 seconds and working up to one minute or more. Next, work on extending the distance between you and your dog while in the stay. Take a few steps back each time you train. Your goal is to reach the end of your leash while your pup stays in place. This could take many sessions over weeks or months. Guide to Advanced Stay Techniques Once you are at the full distance of your leash, drop the leash and work on having your dog stay while you move into different rooms. Add in distractions, such as friends walking around while you train your GSD. For the final steps, have your dog on the long leash and train in your backyard. Extend the leash as far as it will reach and have your dog stay in place for 30 seconds or longer. Move to outdoor training at a quiet park and repeat the steps for increasing distractions. You can use this time to plan for the next command or simply to have them wait on you. Teach Down Step-by-Step Start with your dog or puppy in a sitting position. Have a tasty treat in your closed hand. Let them see you put that treat in your hand. Move your hand toward the floor in front of them. Your pup will follow the treat into a down position. Offer them the tasty treat and praise them immediately when they are in the down position. You want to make sure they know the motions first. Continue practicing this technique throughout the day. After a few sessions with your pup performing the correct motion, add in the word down. Give him his tasty reward when he is in the down position. Practice in different rooms to ensure your dog knows the command. Move to areas where there are distractions, such as a busy room in your house, and even outside while on a leash. Use the long leash for outdoor sessions and safety. Increase the time your dog is in the down position by taking a long time to offer the treat. A reliable recall come is part of your basic obedience training. When they come to you, reward them with a happy voice and a good boy. You may want to step a few feet backward while calling him. This lures him to follow you. Once your dog reliably moves toward you when you call them, add in the word come. Reward them and repeat the exercise using different distances and the word come now. Increase the distance you are away when you call him inside the house. If your German Shepherd performs the command reliably, add in farther distances. Reward them when they respond correctly. Practice many times with the word come while you are in the same room. Now, call him from farther and farther away in different rooms. Use distractions in the home while practicing. Call him while other people are in the room. Next, use both different rooms and a variety of distractions together. But only if he ignores multiple distractions. If he responds correctly during multiple training sessions, leash him with the long leash mentioned earlier as an essential tool and train him outside to work on concentrating with outdoor distractions. Repeat the process you used indoors practicing with varying distances and distractions outside. Use this guide for a fast recall and to save yourself some stress on this command. They familiarize your dog with the many ways in which they might get asked to perform their commands. These extra steps are invaluable to the quality of your German Shepherd obedience home training program. See how long you can have your dog stay while you move into different practice areas and work on increasing the time. Try to keep his attention on you during his training despite other distractions in your room, inside your house, or outdoors. If your GSD seems to have forgotten their command, take them back to the last place they were successful and begin training from there. Not all of your days are perfect, right? Adjust your training as needed. Instead, make sure you have a well-rounded training program apart from this German Shepherd training guide : Through exciting mental stimulation and boredom-busting activities. By regularly brushing their coats to give them healthy skin and decrease shedding. Offering them the right chew toys that are safe , non-toxic, and withstand heavy chewing while being fun. Use brief training sessions and practice frequently. End training with a command you know your pup will perform and reward them at the end. Keep up your training daily for quicker learning. And… Always look for ways to bond with your German Shepherd through everyday training opportunities. If you want to achieve the quickest results for training your GSD then use games and have fun with your dog! You can easily learn breakthrough techniques to help you feel confident training your German Shepherd at home by enrolling in this scientifically-based brain training program that guides you through advanced tricks and obedience. Great work! Visit ShepherdSense. Then, share it! Catherine Krasavin, BS Hons. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. 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. November 8, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The German Shepherd Dog, one of the top ten popular breeds in the United States, is known for their regal appearance, bravery, intelligence, and noble character. They are hard-working dogs that fit into a variety of service jobs, but can also be amazing family dogs, making them an all-around great breed for dog lovers! How do you know if the German Shepherd Dog is the right fit for you and your family? German Shepherd Dogs are a younger breed that started in Germany in by Captain Max Von Stephanitz who sought to create an unmatched herding dog. But as Germany became more and more industrialized, the breed shifted from herding work to police and military training. Hundreds of these dogs made their way to the United States during WWI, one such being a small five-day-old puppy that was rescued from a destroyed kennel in France and brought home to the states to Los Angeles. This puppy later grew up to be one of the most famous four-legged movie stars, Rin Tin Tin, starring in 26 movies, forever making the German Shepherd Dog breed a popular choice in the nation! If you are looking for an attractive dog, look no further! German Shepherd Dogs have beautiful coats, strong muscular builds, a square muzzle, long bushy tail, and a black mask. Some colors like red and black, or tan and black, have distinct markings such as saddle or blanket on their back. However, German Shepherd Dogs come in a variety of colors: sable, silver, liver, panda, solid black, and solid white. What are German Shepherd Dog Personalities like? German Shepherd Dogs can be reserved, often appearing aloof toward new people, but this very loyal breed loves their families and can be very affectionate. While they can be wary of new people and protective of their family, with the right socialization, German Shepherd Dogs can be friendly and easy-going. They are an intelligent and high-energy breed that thrives with a job to do. Due to this, without the proper or consistent amount of stimulating work, they can easily become bored and frustrated. Those feelings could translate into behaviors like barking, howling, or chewing. As they get older, they'll equally enjoy relaxing with you at home and getting up with you to do the next fun activity! If you are a lover of going for long walks or runs, enjoy hiking on the weekends, or trips to the beach depending on where you live, a German Shepherd Dog will gladly trot alongside you! German Shepherd Dogs while they can be independent, do crave to be with their family and offer great companionship. With crate training, your German Shepherd puppy will learn to adapt to being left alone for periods of time without developing separation anxiety, however, this breed thrives with interaction and will do best a puppy parent that can provide them with a balanced amount of alone and accompanied time throughout the day. Like many large breed dogs, German Shepherd Dogs can suffer from some common illnesses including hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, degenerative spinal stenosis, and Von Willebrand disease. Thankfully, responsible breeders today have bred out many of these and improved the health of the breed significantly! When you bring home your new German Shepherd puppy, schedule their first veterinarian visit to discuss appropriate health care, proper nutrition and supplements, and exercise. German Shepherd Dogs tend to shed regularly and heavily twice in the year during the Spring and Fall season. With soft undercoats and harsher topcoats, they would do best with regular brushing once a week will help remove their dead fur and maintain healthy skin! Note: When looking for a reputable German Shepherd Dog breeder, go through an accredited website such as AKC for their breeder locator. Additionally, many pure-breed and mixed German Shepherds are available in rescues and shelters for adoption! German Shepherds are smart and hard-working, so puppy training will not only provide them with the stimulation they crave but also solidify your communication, trust, and overall relationship! Early puppy training Lay the foundation for good behavior the day your puppy comes home, introducing them to basic obedience. Keeping your puppy on a leash at home while under supervision will help to build their focus on you as their leader and also help keep them from darting away. Soon, build up to more obedience training commands, work on their focus through distractions, and start to introduce training in different locations such as your yard, or neighborhood to solidify their communication with you in any situation. Also, check out the rest of our Puppy Training and Puppyhood Made Easy for New Owners series to guide you through what to train your puppy next, how to troubleshoot, and other important topics every puppy owner should know! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your German Shepherd Dog puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Socialization is a must German Shepherd Dogs are natural protectors and benefit greatly from being socialized with other dogs, people, new places, textures, and sounds. When done correctly, s ocialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to greet people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged German Shepherd Dogs are very intelligent and have high-prey drives which mean they love to work! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. Developed as part of K9 and military dog training, this is a perfect activity for your German Shepherd to burn off some mental and physical steam! Did you recently bring home a German Shepherd Dog puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! 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. To train a German Shepherd puppy dog you must be consistent, kind and clear. German Shepherd dog puppies are divinely cute and for a reason! Just like babies are cute, puppies will win your heart even after destroying your favorite pair of shoes or that expensive carpet! Making sure you use them will start you on the right side of training and pave the road for you to get an obedient dog. The good news is that you do not need any special equipment to have an obedient GSD puppy. All you need is love and treats. The most important German Shepherd puppy training tip is socialization. Some vets will tell you to keep the pooch inside until the full set of vaccines is completed. Unfortunately, if you do keep your pooch safe inside until he is months of age, his socialization period will have closed forever and your chance to raise a friendly and confident dog drops significantly! That said, it is ultimately your decision whether you want to take the risk to take him outside or not. Most large US cities do not have too many disease problems and taking your puppy to a class where the trainer checks that every puppy has had the first set of shots is mostly safe. However, if you leave in a rural area, make sure there is not an outbreak of a disease that can affect your pooch. Of all the German Shepherd puppy training tips, I suggest you really think this one through. As a dog trainer, I recommend you find a safe puppy socialization class because this developmental period is critical to prevent behavior problems in the future. Apart from that, you also need to socialize your puppy daily on your own, this link will explain the process and give you a list of things to check as you go! Tip 2: Teach your German Shepherd puppy to use his mouth properly. You may have noticed that your German Shepherd puppy likes to chew on your shoes, toys, boxes, carpets, pillows, your hands…well, pretty much everything! Before you loose your mind and all your precious possessions let me tell you that this is normal puppy behavior. At this age dogs explore everything with their mouths and even though annoying, it is a great time to teach your pet what is appropriate for his mouth as well as how to soften the bite. The reason German Shepherd dog puppies have sharp teeth is because they are capable of learning how much or how little pressure to apply when biting different things. This is good news! To train a German Shepherd puppy to do this follow this link! Tip 3: Potty train your German Shepherd puppy the right way. Right around now you are also probably dealing with potty training, the best German Shepherd puppy training tips for potty training are outlined below. You should know how many times, and when to take you puppy out. I am sure you have heard all sorts of things against the use of food for training. To do this, you need to find the things that your dog likes most and use them as rewards. Food will be one of them, so use it. But also use anything else, like walks, petting, play time, toys, etc. So, of all the German shepherd puppy training tips here, I don't want to hear any excuses for this one! Done the right way, your pooch will respond to your command even when empty handed. Hope my website is helping you better understand and train your dog. Do you want to help? Be a modern philanthropist through Patreon. This is a hard concept to understand for us, clever human beings. When we learn something new, we can very easily generalize the concept to any situation, that is what makes us creative creatures. Fortunately, you have a German Shepherd puppy, they are clever and chances are they will need less repetitions than the average breed. To help you out on this matter, this link will take you to a step-by-step guide to train a reliable command. Tip 6: Train your German Shepherd puppy to ask for permission. Dog commands and fun and useful and you can probably find hundreds to teach your GSD. This one though - Ask for permission - is technically not a command, because you will not ask your canine to do it every time, instead you want to teach him to do it on his own every time the occasion requires it. Take time to do this with your puppy, it will be worth it! This is another one of the most important German Shepherd puppy training tips because a dog that asks for permission is an obedient and safe dog. To prevent a dog from jumping on people it is imperative to teach that same dog not to jump when he is a puppy. If he jumps again, then ignore again. When I say ignore, I mean it! No eye contact, no pushing or kneeing…nothing. Keep turning around if you have to. Pulling on the leash is another of those dog behaviors that people think come out of the blue, but actually they happen because there was never formal training done. To prevent pulling on the leash all you have to do is make sure your puppy understands that he gets rewarded food, petting, attention, verbal praise, keep on walking, etc. Pay close attention to what he does during those first few walks together and make sure you reward him for staying close to you! Got any German Shepherd puppy training tips to share with us? Tell us about them here! Those ideas came from research done in wolfs in captivity and have now been debunked by new research done in wolfs in the wild. The new research says that you need to be a good leader, kind of like a parent. Alphas are most often the parents of the group. Provide shelter, food, safety and limits. This article tells you more about it! Tip The best German Shepherd puppy training tip is… Reward good behavior and ignore bad behavior. This rule is amazing and will work wonders, besides it is really easy to apply, all you have to do is pay attention to your German Shepherd puppy and reward the good things he does. You need to figure out what the reward is and remove it. For example, when a dog is laying down, it is harder to bark. This Form cannot be submitted until the missing fields labelled below in red have been filled in What is your DOG's name? Please note that all fields followed by an asterisk must be filled in. 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:.

German Shepherds can have three different varieties of coat: double coat, plush coat, and long haired coat. The breed standard is the double coat, which consists of dense, straight, short hair that lies close to the body. The long haired coat is also quite common among German Shepherds that are family pets. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. The most common colouring for a German Shepherd is black and tan; however, the breed can also appear in all black. Typically the coat is predominantly tan with black facial and saddle markings. In rare instances, German Shepherds can have white, blue, or reddish brown coats. These colours are not recognized by the breed standard, but do occur periodically. In fact, the white German Shepherd is actually considered a separate breed in some areas and is called the American White Shepherd. The German Shepherd is part of the working dog classification and has a strong proportioned build. Typically, the German Shepherd is 22 to 26 inches 56 to 66 cm tall and weighs between 50 and 90 pounds 23 and 41 kg. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source It has a narrow and deep chest, and the front legs and shoulders are muscular and sloping. Its body is slightly longer than it is deep, measuring from the shoulders to the rump. Go to source German Shepherd puppies typically weigh pounds kg after the first month and will continue to grow steadily throughout their first year. By six months they will weigh approximately pounds kg. German Shepherds have very distinct pointed ears that are erect. They are long at the base and face forwards, making the shape of a triangle. As puppies, the tips of the ear may flop over slightly, but they will straighten as the dog ages. German Shepherds have a long and bushy tail that hangs down when the dog is resting. When a German Shepherd is alert or in motion, the curve of the tail is accentuated and the tail will be slightly raised. German Shepherds can be fairly aloof and reserved when first meeting new people. However, once the dog has formed a connection with their owner, they are extremely loyal. German Shepherds are usually friendly and loyal to their family, but can be protective if they feel threatened. German Shepherds are high energy dogs and they need lots of daily exercise. If a German Shepherd is left a lone for long periods of time it will likely become bored and destructive. For example, the dog may start barking, chewing things, or digging. Make sure that your German Shepherd receives at least 1 hour of exercise each day. This breed is highly intelligent and trainable. They like to have a job or task to do, and you can train a German Shepherd to do a variety of different jobs. For example, German Shepherds are often used as "working" dogs, helping with search and rescue, drug sniffing and security, as well as providing aide and assistance to the visibly impaired. This is fun and stimulating for the dog. This breed is known to herd the sheep, count them, and keep them safe. This sense of possession make them apt for guarding a family. A pet can guard when he knows what all belongs to him and what does not. This ability helps a German Shepherd to differentiate between an enemy and the family. Protection to this breed comes naturally and that's why they are known as police dogs, too. German Shepherds are fantastic with your own kids and can act strange with the strangers and other kids. If you see a dog that you think might be a German Shepherd and are curious about the breed, approach the owner and ask. It is such a cute dog. I am considering getting one. Veterinarians will be familiar with the breed standard of most dog breeds. They will be able to easily examine the physical characteristics of the dog to help with identifying the breed. A licensed breeder will be able to provide you with paperwork that proves both parents are recognized as German Shepherds by the American Kennel Club. Make sure that you always use a breeder that is licensed by the American Kennel Club. This will also help to ensure that you are purchasing a purebred dog. There are a number of applications available that can help to identify different dog breeds. In order to use the app, simply upload a photo of a dog and the app will identify the breed. Once you receive the DNA test kit in the mail, open the package and carefully read all of the instructions. The instructions will provide you with steps on how to take a DNA swab and then how to return the results to the lab for testing. The kit will likely come with two swabs. They are both to be used on the same dog. Do the same thing with each of the swabs. Place the swabs into the plastic baggies provided. Then place them in the pre-paid return envelope or box. Once sealed, mail the results to the lab for testing. Approximately three weeks after you complete the test, you will receive detailed DNA results. Purebred German shepherds are also likely to follow the following standard measurements by the American Kennel Club. To be more precise, the ideal ratio of the length to the height of a purebred German shepherd is 10 to 8. However, purebred German shepherd puppies may not show such signs yet. This is because they are still far from developing them for their first six months. For example, they may not have upright tails since it straightens out through age. Any price that deviates from that is enough for suspicions. Speaking of a purebred German shepherd price, it might be helpful knowing that there are dogs with different price that resembles German shepherds. However, there are dogs that have the same appearance as well. Here are some of the dogs that are likely to possess similar trait with that of a purebred German shepherd: First up in our list is the Belgian Malinois. This dog breed is the most comparable in terms of appearance with purebred German shepherds. They have similar coats and style. King Shepherds are also similar to German shepherds, with the exception of their size and coat color. They are much bigger and muscular and only have sable as their color variation. However, Bohemian shepherds have undercoat, unlike German shepherds. Another cheaper breed is Northern Inuits. They are much larger than purebred German shepherd puppies, but a bit lighter. Their coat is typically pure white or black, with a face mask. Carpathian shepherds are not as similar to purebred German shepherds as the rest of this list, but they resemble a GSD enough to be used as a ripoff. Just like the Belgian Malinois, they will typically have black markings. There are many breeds that can look identical to the German shepherd pure breed. Testing a Purebred German Shepherd Testing a German shepherd pure breed through technical means is a surefire way to identify a purebred German shepherd. Registration certificates. Despite that, in the case of dogs from shelters, the caretakers genuinely have no documents to provide you. They might not even know where the dog came from in the first place. This leads us to try out other ways of testing purebred German shepherds. Genetic Testing Genetic testing has come a long way since its discovery. Now, there are many ways to check the details about the genes of even a dog. Most companies offering genetic testing have a whole database storing data of all the breeds recognized by the American Kennel Club. It is, therefore, recommended that you talk to your vet about it. They will naturally have more experience with blood testing purebred German shepherds than you are. Wrapping Up Purebred German shepherd is listed as one of the most lovable, and therefore, popular breed in America, and even in the world. Regardless, there are many problems with being unable to know if what you really have are purebred German shepherd puppies. We then tackled other breeds that are likely to be sold as a purebred German shepherd. Finally, you learned how you can test the legitimacy of a dog. At this point, you can easily steer away from the traps of the breeders into ripping you off your money. Peter My name is Peter and I am a dog lover. I have two German Shepherd dogs, one of which is called Biscuit because his coat is very light with brown patches. My wife and I moved from the UK to Ohio where we now live with our two daughters. We love squash on weekends and following the English Premier League closely! Previous Article. Are German Shepherds Dangerous? They have a strong bond with the entire family and are untrustful of strangers. Also, German Shepherds are very protective of their families and their property, so if you are entirely new to this breed, you may need to reach out for added expert advice. Purebred German Shepherds are intelligent Due to their high intelligence, they are preferred as working dogs in police departments, rescue teams, and search crews. If you think your puppy can pick up your training quickly, chances are they may have a lot of German Shepherd DNA in him! Regardless, you will need to keep them disciplined and mentally stimulated. Can They Outsmart You? Purebred German Shepherds are naturally protective and possessive German Shepherds are extremely protective and loyal dogs, especially when it comes to their families and their territory. This trait will quickly manifest itself as protectiveness when a potential enemy is approaching. That said, a purebred German Shepherd will intimidate a potential threat to its owners and their property without questions. Consult experts Another great way to check if your dog is a purebred German Shepherd or not is to ask experts, such as veterinarians or previous owners. A skilled veterinarian can give you plenty of valuable insight into this breed. They can inform you of the physical characteristics of German Shepherds and their most common traits. A breeder can also help answer any questions you may have about your German Shepherd. You will want to get a puppy from an American Kennel Club licensed breeder. A previous German Shepherd owner could grasp what a purebred dog looks and behaves like. However, this method may be unreliable, as many mixed breeds seem to look and behave like a purebred GSD would. Check the registration certificate if you have it If you purchase a purebred German Shepherd from a reputable breeder, you should get a registration certificate. Use dog identification apps Using dog identification apps is an innovative way to help you identify the breed of your dog by scanning a picture of a dog. All you have to do is to submit a picture of your pooch taken from your phone. Then these apps will do their analysis and return a short description of the breed as well as a match percentage of the breed. Of course, these apps may be a little more than a fun video game and are not as accurate as DNA tests. Besides taking a picture, you can also record a video or upload an image from your gallery. Share your results and compare them to the results of the community! Upload pictures of your favorite dog to our Social Feed and share them with other dog lovers! Have a look at the profiles and photos of other users, like and comment on posts from our dog community and filter them by date or popularity! All types of dogs are supported — mutts and purebreds, and everything in between. DogDNA Identify dog breeds by uploading a picture from your camera or photo library. We use advanced computer vision dog breed identifier technology to analyze the pictures and provide results on the possible breeds your dog could be. Conclusion Regardless of the result, your new furry friend deserves all of your love. Bon is a dog lover and a blogger. He loves spending time with dogs more than with humans. You will find him training himself for the next marathon when he is not writing. This is because there are several other dog breeds with similar characteristics, like the Belgian Malinois, the Bohemian Shepherd, and the Dutch Shepherd, among a few others. There are also different types of German Shepherds , such as the working lines and show lines which have slightly different appearances. However, that does not mean identifying a purebred German Shepherd cannot be done. Test the DNA When you are grappling with the question of how to know if your German Shepherd is original, taking a DNA test on your dog is not something you want to do as a first option. Because DNA tests and test kits have a hefty price tag. The most straightforward bet when taking a DNA test on your German Shepherd is to purchase a test kit and follow the instructions on the package. Package the swab with the DNA sample in the provided sealable bag and mail it for testing. If you seek greater accuracy, go for the 2-pack option and use both with your GSD to check the consistency of results. You can identify if your German Shepherd is purebred by assessing your dog for these coat features. The outer coat should be dense, even though a somewhat wavy outer coat is permissible. The hairs at the neck are longer and thicker, while those on the head, fore face, and inside the ears are short. The paws and legs also have short hair, but you may notice slightly longer hair at the rear of the legs, on the hock, and along the pastern. Coat Color The coat colors of the German Shepherd are varied. The black and tan, sable , black and red, bi-color, and solid black variants are among the most common German Shepherd coat colors. The AKC advocates for strong-rich colors and disqualifies blue , livers, white , and faded German Shepherd coat colors even though GSDs with these colors can still be registered. Variations in German Shepherd coat standards should suggest the need to consider more than just the coat type and fur patterns when trying to make out if your German Shepherd is an original. Some of the distinctive physical features of the German Shepherd you should look for include the following characteristics. Other features of a strong-build purebred German Shepherd you should notice include: An even built hindquarter and the forequarter. A noble look with a well-defined feminine or masculine gait for either case. A deep and narrow chest with sloping shoulders and front legs. Pointed Ears The pointy ears of a German Shepherd are among its most popular signature features. The GSD typically carries its ears erect, with the ear ends parallel to each other and vertical to the ground. But the ears of your German Shepherd may not stand erect until the teething period is over. If your GSD is at that teething stage, which ends around weeks 16 and 20, check to see if your dog has erect ears when it hears a sound, barks, or gets excited. Note that floppy ears in adult purebred German Shepherds can be a sign of ill health or the outcome of grooming routines. Also, breed standards usually disqualify a GSD with docked ears. A Long Bushy Tail The German Shepherd has a full and long bushy tail with the last interlocking bone extending to the hock joint. The tail is carried low rather than high and is smoothly set into the rump. A purebred German Shepherd should not carry the tail curled forward as though fearful. The curve can be more pronounced when the dog is excited or moving. You can read about the meaning of German Shepherd tail positions in this article. A long and strong muzzle with a topline parallel to the skull. A black nose. A strong and muscular neck with smooth skin and no loose skin folds. Notice Their Temperament and Behavior Your purebred German Shepherd will present as a confident, fearless, and alert dog. Timidity, nervousness, and anxiety are not part of the intelligent and agile German Shepherd, originally bred as a herding dog. Any characterizing tendency to flee and hide behind the owner or handler should suggest that the dog is not a purebred German Shepherd. While your purebred dog will be friendly and loyal to you, it will show some aloofness towards strangers without, however, being aggressive or showing a lack of confidence. That could leave you wondering how a dog registration certificate can help identify a purebred German Shepherd. That should tell you if both parents of your German Shepherd were of the same breed or not. However, the information given to a dog registry is self-reported by the owner or breeder. The registry does not do background research to confirm the details but instead relies on the honesty of the breeder or owner. Experts with extensive knowledge about the breed are mainly veterinarians. Talk to a German Shepherd Breeder To determine if your German Shepherd is purebred, talk to a reputable breeder with years of experience with the breed. Reputable German Shepherd breeders will give you reliable info about: German Shepherd dog personality and temperament. German Shepherd registration and pedigree papers, especially if you are considering buying your GSD from the breeder. Talk to a German Shepherd Owner Someone who has owned a purebred German Shepherd for years has observed their physical and personality traits and can offer you valuable information about the breed. Go for a purebred German Shepherd owner whose dog you like and looks healthy and well cared for. Fulfilled GSD owners will be glad to tell you about their furry companions and probably show you photos and videos of their growth journey. Videos and photos of another purebred German Shepherd can give you specific details about physical features and temperament traits that you can look out for in your own dog. Original sketch of my German Shepherd Willow Talk to a Veterinarian Veterinarians not only deal with many dog breeds, but they also attend to many dogs of the same breed. As such, they have mastered characteristics proper to the GSD and will give you purebred German Shepherd facts and proofs from their own experience. Suppose you already own the dog that you are trying to identify as purebred. Alternatively, you can explain to the vet features and behaviors you have observed in your dog and have the vet tell you if they are typical of the breed. Are you looking to buy something for your dog? Make sure to check out my favorite dog gear below. Apart from being guard dogs, German Shepherds are known to be good for families with kids. They are also intelligent, obedient, and loyal to their masters. However, with an increase in backstreet breeding, it has become impossible to find a purebred German Shepherd that retains all the characteristics and features of its ancestors. The most familiar ones are long-haired and double coats. For standard breeds, the coat is often a double coat which is dense, straight, and short hair that is close to the body. Check the physical characteristics Here are some of the features you will examine to determine if the German Shepherd is purebred: Identify the tan and black colouring The first thing that captures your eyes when you see a German shepherd is its black and tan coloring. However, some are purely black. On normal occasions, the tan color covers a larger part of the body and black on the facial and saddle. Well, in rare instances, you can find a German shepherd with white, reddish-brown, and blue coats. This is not the recognized standard color although such coloration exists. The height lies between cm and it weighs around kg. Typically, this dog has muscular and sloppy front legs and shoulders. It also has a narrow and deep chest, making its body longer than its depth when you measure toward the rump from the shoulder. When you buy or adopt a German Shepherd puppy, it will weigh around 3 to 5 kg, and it will grow steadily from thereon. When the puppy is 6 months old , the weight will increase to about 22 to 26 kgs. Structure of the ear The ears of a German shepherd are very distinct; pointed and erect. The ear is long at the base and often faces forward, forming a triangular shape. The tail The tail of a German shepherd is bushy and long. It tends to hang down while it rests and curves slightly upwards as it moves or when the dog is alert. Examine the behavioural characteristics Loyalty You will notice the loyalty of a German shepherd as it grows to know you and your family. German shepherds can be aggressive , reserved, and fairly aloof upon meeting new faces whom they consider strangers. However, once you interact and get used to each other, they become loyal and friendly to their owner. Once left alone for a long time, they will become bored and destructive. This is the reason why they start chewing things, digging, and barking all the time. Therefore, you can spare at least one hour per day for some exercise. Related: How to stop German Shepherd from barking Test if the dog is trainable German Shepherd dogs are highly intelligent, and they can be trained easily. Doing jobs or tasks is their thing and they perform the duty perfectly. A German shepherd can be the eyes of a blind person, help with search and rescue missions, sniff drugs, and help in upholding security. See if the dog is overprotective or has a sense of possession Do you know a German shepherd can herd your sheep? It herds them and ensures each sheep or goat is accounted for. Their sense of possession makes the German Shepherd a perfect family dog since it will always keep your family safe. Inquire about the breed from various sources. Being inquisitive will help you gaher sufficient information about the German Shepherd, and the information you get can help you know if your German Shepherd is purebred. Before purchasing any dog, you should get as much information about the dog as possible. This way, you will be in a position to understand your dog perfectly, and caring for him will be seamless. Certainly, the dog will be accompanied by the owner, and it is good you take your curiosity and approach the person to find more information. You can begin by complimenting the dog and follow by asking if it is a German shepherd. The owner will respond. Talk with a veterinarian. Your veterinarian has more experience and knowledge about dogs. These apps scan photographs of the dog and instantly give a response on which breed it is. While a German Shepherd may have the build, color, and strength of a German Shepherd dog, it may be a crossbreed with other dogs like Malnoise, Pitbull, and Golden Retriever. If you want to know if your German Shepherd is purebred, you should subject them to an evaluation test. One of the easiest and proven methods is to conduct a DNA test to determine its lineage and ancestors. Recent Posts. Conclusion 1. That said there are additional benefits to getting a DNA test for your pup and these tests are out there and readily available. All you need to do is purchase a kit online. Although the kit will likely come with two swabs, each kit is only meant to test a sample from one dog. These kits usually include sealable plastic bags to place the swabs in and a pre-paid return box or envelope. When we think of the typical German Shepherd, we think of tan coloring with black facial and saddle markings. The coat is typically dense and short and lies close to the body. This more typical look is only one of many of the purebred German Shepherd. A purebred German Shepherd can have three different varieties of coats, which are the double coat, the plush coat, and the long-haired coat. The double coat is considered the standard of the German Shepherd coats, although many German Shepherds that are kept as family pets have a long-haired coat. Regardless, German Shepherds shed regularly throughout the year and require regular brushing and grooming. While the typical and often preferred coloring of the German Shepherd is tan and black, look for other variants in coloring. The next most common coloring of the German Shepherd is pure black, along with black and cream, black and red, black and silver, bi-color, blue, gray, liver, sable and white. Other Physical Characteristics There is a multitude of other physical characteristics that immediately makes a purebred German Shepherd stand apart from other dogs. These include: Distinct, pointed ears. This means your German Shepherd is going through the puberty stage, where they are teething as well as growing and developing cartilage in their ears. Along with the distinctly pointed ears comes the distinct German Shepherd head tilt which fans of this breed also tend to adore. A strong, proportioned build. Part of the reason the German Shepherd makes an excellent working dog is due to its strong, tall build. A typical German Shepherd is up to 26 inches tall and weighs somewhere between 77 and 85 pounds. A typical German Shepherd puppy weighs up to 10 pounds in the first month and reaches close to 60 pounds by the time they are six months old. A full, long, bushy tail. This is another cherished physical feature of the German Shepherd. When the German Shepherd is resting, their bushy tail tends to hang low to the ground. Behavioral Characteristics Putting aside their physical features, German Shepherds are largely known for certain behavioral characteristics — both positive and negative. These behavioral characteristics include: A high energy level. German Shepherds need a ton of daily exercise and preferably a backyard to let off some steam in-between walks. A strong sense of loyalty. They can be extremely protective of their families if they feel threatened which means that German Shepherds may not necessarily be the best choice for someone with no experience with dogs. A high level of intelligence. German Shepherds are extremely smart, making them excellent working dogs. You often see German Shepherds doing important jobs like assisting police in drug-sniffing and security and aiding in search and rescue. German Shepherds benefit from training and obedience classes which also help keep your dog stimulated and entertained. A sense of possession. As previously mentioned, German Shepherds are extremely protective and loyal dogs, especially when it comes to their families. If your family is looking for a guard dog, a German Shepherd is definitely an excellent option. Due to their sense of possession, German Shepherds are also great dogs for herding sheep. Your German Shepherd may be fantastic with you and your kids but act standoffish or protective around other adults or children. This is where additional training is necessary to make sure that your German Shepherd is not acting unnecessarily aggressive or territorial. Asking Questions The simplest way to identify a German Shepherd? Ask questions! There are a variety of different sources you can ask about the German Shepherd, including: Talking with a breeder. Find a reputable German Shepherd breeder and ask as many questions as you can about the German Shepherd. Unfortunately, a breeder may not be completely forthcoming about negative information so really dig deep about the breeder before purchasing your German Shepherd puppy. Talking with a German Shepherd owner. Speak with someone that you know has a German Shepherd and ask questions. That said, exercise caution when doing so as the German Shepherd may not be overly accepting of a stranger approaching their owner. Talking with a veterinarian. Veterinarians can provide all kinds of valuable information about German Shepherds. If you already have a dog that you believe to be a German Shepherd but are unsure, ask your veterinarian to give you their opinion on whether they believe the dog to be so. Downloading an app. You are now able to download a dog breed identification app to identify a large variety of dog breeds. Additional Identifying Factors An additional identifying factor is unfortunately the genetic health concerns that come along with German Shepherds. German Shepherds are prone to certain health conditions, some more so than other breeds. These health conditions include degenerative myelopathy and hip and elbow dysplasia. Ask your vet about their experience in regards to German Shepherds and whether or not they think this breed would be a good fit for you. Conclusion German Shepherd or not, there are so many wonderful breeds of dogs out there that have an incredible amount to offer you and your family. Mary Nielsen I grew up in a household that was filled with animals. I believe that my fate as a dog-loving person was sealed in early childhood since my parents owned several dogs of varying sizes and breeds. As a life-long puppy lover, I know a thing or two about dogs and how to go about caring for them in the best way possible. Along with my husband, Dave, I run MySweetPuppy for like-minded dog lovers who want to have a single, clear, and reliable information source about anything and everything related to dogs and their well-being. Color Colors have a significant role in portraying if a dog from German Shepherd is original in its breed or not. The variants found in colors of dogs from German shepherd breed are many, where eight patterns are most common — pure black, pure white, black and tan, etc. Source Though most of the colors are permissible, strong colors have a greater say. Also, lighter colors, off colors, pale and washed are not the ones you are looking for if you want a purebred german shepherd. In comparison, the other colors are said to vary from one country to another. Along with this, the forefoot and hindfoot are proportioned similarly for moving simultaneously in opposite directions. The shoulder blades have a vibrant melange with the upper arm, intersecting at a right angle. Though the limbs are straight, the angles are oval-shaped and not round. According to the source , the pasterns, sloping part of foot found between fetlock and hook, are springy and valiant, and they form a twenty-five degrees angle from vertical. Also, with regards to Hind Quarters, a pure german Shepherd would possess broad and muscular hindquarters where the upper thigh could subsequently meet the lower thigh in ninety degrees. The size of the head also matters and ought to be proportionate to the entire body size having a keen and intelligent expression. The head of a male German Shepherd dog is distinctly masculine, whereas the head is distinctly feminine in the case of a bitch female dog. The head is carried forward so high by the dog in times of great excitement and attention. Finally, the common expression is said to be quite composed as well as intelligent. Ears There are a few considerations to be kept in mind while reviewing the originality of the dog from its ears. The first consideration is regarding the drooping of the ears in puppies of every breed. Many proud German shepherd owners share for other breed puppies; the ears droop may be sideways while for pure German Shepherd, the ears droop straight downwards. As the pup grows to become an adult dog, it can be spotted in an instant because of the shape and sharpness of the ears. The size of the ears will also be proportional to the size of the entire head. READ : Top 10 interactive puzzle toys for german shepherds 5. Eyes The eyes of each dog have many stories to say. This adage applies to the breed of German Shepherd too, and one can judge if a dog is a purebred original one, with its eyes also. They do not protrude but are set slightly oblique. The color of the eyes is also preferred to be as dark in complexion as possible. Teeth The ideal original German Shepherd jaw has forty-two teeth, with the dentition, being twenty-two in the lower jaw, and twenty in the upper jaw. The upper and lower jaws are also strongly developed and have their blend in a scissors-bite. There are preferences in choosing with respect to dentition. Complete dentition is always desired and preferred. In the same way, a dog with an undershot bite cannot be considered as well. Coat Facts show that an ideal dog from a German shepherd breed has a double coat, which is of medium length and can be wiry too. But, most importantly, the double layer of coat needs to be plush, implying that a fluffy coat must be found beneath the outer coat, which in turn gives the fur some volume. However, shorter coats are also accepted from standards. With regards to the outer coat, it has to be as voluminous as possible, roughly textured, and in close association with the body. Feet According to a reliable source , the feet of the original German Shepherd is usually short, round, and possess compact and well-arched toes. The footpads are tough and thick, but not rough or chapped. The footpads are also short, and the nails are dark, small, and strong. Also, the dewclaws might be found in the hind legs but shall be removed-front dewclaws are not removed usually but can be removed. The rear dewclaws must be removed, if any is found, in a few days after the birth. Gait As per official AKC standard , German Shepherd dogs are basically trotting dogs that have a greater outreach and an effortless stride where the maximum possible ground is covered with minimal effort. Thus, the gait of a dog, for it to be original German Shepherd, must be smooth, effortless, and in a rhythmic pattern which is accomplished with the hindquarters offering a mighty forward leap, that marginally lifts the dog and takes the body forward. Tail The tail of an original German shepherd is fluffy, set smoothly into the hindquarters with the last vertebra extending till the hock joint. Also, if the dog rests, the tail must hang in a smooth slight curve like a sword. Meanwhile, if the dog is in motion, the tail lifts and raises with a highly pronounced curve. Also, it is a must to consider the fact that the tail must never curl forward beyond the demarcated vertical line. The amount of excitement, loyalty, assistance, commitment, intelligence offered by it is simply awe-inspiring. But, one must carefully analyze their physical features like gait, eyes, ears, head, foot, etc. Now that you have known about all the relevant information, we are sure you will be able to get the purebred dog easily. You may also check out different varieties of original german shepherd dogs before buying the right one! Buy a German Shepherd puppy that should be at least 35 days-old or 40 days-old. Show Line German Shepherds have an angulated back that slopes from high to low as you go from shoulders to rear end, but the Working Line German Shepherds backs are less sloped as compared to Show Line German Shepherds. Color Though German Shepherds are found in many colors, but the most common colors are: Black and tan. Pure black. Pure white. As the puppy will grow, the tan or orangish color will grow upward from claws to body. Some White Line German Shepherds have wolfish gray color as well. As German Shepherd puppy grows its ears droop straight whereas ears of other breeds droop sideways. The distance or gap between the ears of Germans Shepherd is less as compared to other breeds. White Spots When it comes to purity check, the white spots on German Shepherds have always been a debate. To clear your doubt you can carry a DNA test for the identification of breed and ancestry. German Shepherd puppies do have white spots on paws, legs and upper chest. Always remember that these white spots on paws, legs and upper chest will not make German Shepherd impure, it is normal. Some white spots perish naturally as the puppy grows. After 30 years a German Shepherd won this title again, and interestingly this dog has a white spot on his chest. Normally it takes 2 to 3 weeks for your sample to reach the lab. Once it reaches the lab you get customized comprehensive online report. These Dog DNA tests help you to better understand your dog and provide the best possible care, food, training etc, that it deserves. We hope these guidelines will help you to identify the purity of the German Shepherd puppy. Share your feedback in the comments section below. Also Read.

Use tab to navigate through the menu items. My name is Valerie. I'm the owner and breeder of Lavender Fields Australian Labradoodles. Along side of me is my husband, Dave and our two daughters, Paisley 9 and Paige 7 and of course our pups. We are located in beautiful Spring Lake, Michigan. We raise all our pups right in our home, with love and lots of cuddles. Our pups are cherished family members, they live in our home, sleep in our rooms, and accompany us just about everywhere we go. They get to play together in the back yard, swim in the lake, join us on family road trips and vacations, they are true family members. Our goal is to provide families with a happy and healthy puppy. All our puppies come from fully health tested parents who pass extensive heath and genetic testing to ensure we are maintaining excellent genetic lines and the health standards of this great breed. We are focused on making sure our puppies begin with Puppy Culture Enrichment Program and are well-socialized, by spending time with our family, around lots of children, other animals and exposing them to the many sights and sounds of the world. We believe this exposure gives your puppy a great start to becoming a well rounded family companion. We are dedicated to breeding happy, healthy, Australian Labradoodles, with non-shedding, allergy and asthma friendly coats. Low maintenance but does shed at varying degrees. Not recommended for families with allergies. Fleece Coat Most Desirable. Curl varies. Typically non-shedding and good for people with allergies. Minimal to moderate grooming. Longer coats are kept, the higher the maintenance. Mostly non shedding and allergy friendly. More grooming, especially when coat is longer. At the Labradoodle Corral, we mostly produce a fleece coat. Wool coats are saved for the super sensitive allergy family. But a fleece coat is very soft, giving you that teddy bear feel, great look and the least maintenance. Red can fade somewhat with age. Red is a rare color and fairly hard to find. It can come in varying shades and may fade as the dog grows older. Blue also belongs to the Rare Color Group. Blue dogs are born Black but will have Blue skin and undertonings at a young age. Silver Colored Australian Labradoodles Born Black but will have more of a grey skin and will develop individual silver fibers at a young age. Silver dogs can take up to 3 years to color out and become a beautiful smoky grey through to a light iridescent platinum and varying shades in between at adulthood. Uneven layering of color in the silver is normal. Chocolate Colored Australian Labradoodles Dark and rich, born almost Black, they maintain a dark chocolate throughout their lifetime. Color should be even. Chocolate belongs to the Rare Color Group. When given plenty of time in the sunshine, they develop stunning highlights. Lavender dogs are born Chocolate and can be difficult to distinguish at a young age. True Lavender belongs to the Rare Color Group. Paling usually starts from an early age often as early as 6 weeks. As adults they can be mistaken for dark smoky Cream from a distance. Parchment belongs to the Rare Color Group. Have a look at our Labradoodles for sale in the Midwest to find your new friend. For more information regarding coat types of puppies, contact the Wisconsin Australian Labradoodle breeders at Labradoodle Corral today. Contact Us Labradoodle Colors Australian Labradoodle coat colors colours come in a wide variety of options. Below is a listing of the different coat colors, coloring descriptions and what to expect with their coats throughout their lifetime. Caramel Caramel colored dogs have liver noses brown. Their range of coat color can vary between light yellow to almost red in hue. The difference in a caramel dog and a chalk, cream, apricot and red dog is their nose color. Chocolate True chocolates are brown in color. Many chocolates do fade over time. Cream This color comes in a wide variety of shades but it should be creamy in appearance. The nose pigment is black. The pigment for the nose is black. Parchment This color is a creamy beige chocolate color. It has been described as a cup of coffee with a generous addition of milk. These dogs are born milk chocolate and will develop their parchment coloring over time. The nose pigment is rose. Red True reds should be rich and dark in color and the roots should be no lighter. Sadly, this coat color tends to fade over time. The nose color is to be black. This color develops over the first years. Nose pigment should be rose. Chalk This color is a white looking color. However, if you were to compare it to a true white, it would appear to be more chalk-white in color. Nose pigment is black. Black Black Labradoodles should be solid in color with no sprinklings of other colors throughout the coat. Their pigment color should be black. Silver These pups would start out black and their silver coloring develops over the first few years of their lives. The color range can be anywhere from a light pewter to a dark charcoal. Silver dogs need to have black pigmentation. The blue coat will develop over the first few years. The color should be solid once they are full grown. It should be a dark-medium smoky blue. Lavender This color has a smoky lavender chocolate coloring that almost gives off a pink to lilac appearance. These pups are born chocolate and will come into their beautiful lavender coats over the first few years. Their pigmentation should be rose in color. Parti These dogs need to be at least fifty percent white, with spots or patches of any other above solid color. Full or partial saddles are acceptable, but are not preferred. Ticking in the white of the coat is acceptable but not preferred. The nose pigment needs to match the solid color. Any combination of acceptable colors is allowed. Nose pigment should follow requirements listed above based on the solid base color. Information and photos republished with permission from Australian Labradoodle Association Save Ready for your puppy? This color can do some interesting things! It can fade into at least three distinct, official Labradoodle colors! Go figure!! I have had one of my chocolate girls turn completely Lavender on her body but not the head, then within a year, go completely back to dark chocolate. So, like a good Boy Scout, when you purchase a chocolate Labradoodle, be prepared for anything! All are lovely, but they are almost impossible to predict with any significant degree of accuracy. Once again, be prepared for anything! Chocolate Colors Now we get to the fun part; the color combinations! This is where things get interesting. Partis can come in any color, with either color nose. Some are mostly white, while some have lots of color and less white. The ones that are mostly white are called "Extreme" Partis. The variations are endless and unique, like a snowflake. The colors, such as chocolate, on a parti can change in the same ways that they would on a solid dog. Often confused with "Parti" is a dog with heavy white mismarks or a Tuxedo. White mismarks can be very small or very heavy, or anywhere in-between. The puppy is born either Black or Chocolate and immediately begins to lose the dark color, revealing anything from a cream to a red underneath! The tips of the fur may retain their dark cast, but the dog will present as somewhere on the cream-red spectrum. I have included her picture below showing her in the middle of the changing process. The genetics of color are absolutely fascinating!

It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement. Let your pet enjoy a fun and interactive playing session with the help of some good dog toys. Here is a list of some of the most popular and affordable toys that are apt for large dogs. This dog food is easy to digest and is free from soy, eggs, dairy, red meat and more to give the right nutrition to your pet. This food is great for giving balanced nutrition to your pet without causing any disturbance in digestive health. Besides German Shepherds, you can use this pack of food to feed adult pugs, beagles, labradors, golden retrievers and more. This is a pack of dry dog food that is meant for dogs above the age of 18 months. Being apt for active dogs, this food can be used to feed most of the German Shepherds that are kept for security purposes and undergo training sessions regularly. If you are introducing this food to your pet dog, make sure that you refer to the feeding instructions given on the packaging to ensure the proper health of your pet dog. Besides German Shepherds, you can even feed this food to Dobermans, St. Bernards and more. Read more about German Shepherd dog food here. Purina Supercoat Adult Dry Dog Food If you have an adult German Shepherd at home, you can buy this pack of dry dog food to ensure a shiny and healthy coat for your pet. This food is a good source of proteins to make the muscles of your pet dog stronger. Regular consumption of this food can even ensure proper digestive health and a good immune system to keep your pet dog happy and healthy. This food is available in a tempting chicken flavour to easily attract your pet German Shepherd for the meal. Since it is free from artificial colours and flavours, you need not think too much before buying it online for your pet. If you are not sure about the quantity of food that is right for every serving, you can refer to the feeding instructions given on the packaging. Besides German Shepherds, you can even serve this food to puppies of other breeds as well. Also read:. Jump on live chat or leave a message. Dog food for German Shepherds With a high drive, large and fast-growing bones and a higher-chance of hip and joint issues than other breeds, the ideal German Shepherd dog food is high in quality meat protein, well balanced and low in inflammation markers. We designed Scratch for great German Shepherds like Vinnie here. What should you pay attention to when picking food for your German shepherd? Is it full of chicken, beef or poultry? This effects joints and overall mobility, as well as skin and coat. Controlling inflammation is vital in older dogs. German Shepherd nutritional needs Like most breeds, German Shepherds have genetic traits not guarantees, but higher likelihood and lifestyle-related health issues to consider, and hopefully avoid. Good breading and genetic testing can reduce a lot of risk, with diet and lifestyle also helping to avoid or reduce the effect. High-protein from quality meat sources. All Scratch meat protein comes from specific source, human-grade meat Ingredients with low inflammation markers to look after those joints. German Shepherd puppy food With fast growing bones and growth hormones in overdrive, German Shepherd puppies require a different diet than smaller puppies. Their food needs to contain: A calcium:phosphorous ratio in a range suitable for large breeds. DHA for brain development Enough salt and electrolytes Tons of protein at least .But not all protein is created equal. Dogs do better with plenty of high-quality animal protein. How much should a German Shepherd eat a day? Different foods give off different amounts of energy. Scratch for instance has more energy in a piece of kibble than most other dry dog foods, so dogs would eat less Scratch than other foods and a bag would last longer. Look for the amount of Kcal per grams. The higher the number, the more energy the food contains. The lower, the less it contains and the more they would need to eat. To find out how much Scratch your German Shepherd should eat a day, take our personalised quiz. If you have a puppy, their feeding guide will update as they grow. Comparing German Shepherd dog food Dog Food. It is suitable for the teeth It is good for the liver. It provides adequate nutrition. It is rich in PUFAs. It is enriched with colostrum. It has a high fibre content. It contains glucosamine for maintaining bone health. It has omega fatty acids. It is easy on the gut. It is uniquely formulated for puppies. It is suitable for weight-watching. It is enriched with DHA. It is suitable for digestion. It helps muscle growth Best overall product: There are many dog food options for German Shepherds available in the market, and each of them has a unique formula and offers exciting benefits. It gives your dog a complete and balanced meal with the right amounts of protein, fats and fibre. It takes care of adequate muscle and bone growth, is easy to digest, and is good for their teeth. Best value for money: For just Rs. It is also great for their coat and keeps it shiny and soft. It promotes muscle development and is easily digestible. It has the perfect balance of vitamins and minerals. How To find the right fog food? We must give our pets proper nutrition with their food. A good diet is the best way to ensure a healthy dog. Dog foods for german shepherds must include the right quantity of proteins, fats and fibres. They should be a balanced meal to ensure good muscle growth, good gut health and a shiny coat. You must also ensure that the dog food provides adequate amounts of vitamins and minerals to make up a sound immune system. Since most dog foods come with flavour options, you can choose the ones your dog likes best and make their meals enjoyable. You may be interested in Product. Wet food.As well as it being tasty, there are certain things to look out for when hunting for the best wet food for your puppy. For example, large and giant breeds are particularly prone to orthopaedic problems if they do not eat an appropriate diet while they are growing. That's why you can find food designed specifically for larger breeds. This is easy with wet food but is not as noticeable on treats. The more they eat, the more it will cost you. You should also be aware that your pup will need more food as they grow, and they grow incredibly quickly. You should also always consult your breeder. ShepherdSense has put together a handy guide on what your pup should eat at every stage of their growing development. All dogs can be prone to allergies, but some breeds are more susceptible to developing allergies and the German Shepherd is one of these. Many things may trigger an allergic reaction in German Shepherds, including food products like animal proteins, wheat, eggs, soy or milk and environmental pathogens that are present in their everyday environments such as pollen, dust, perfumes or moulds. Some German Shepherds can also be allergic to flea saliva, leading to a condition known as flea-allergic dermatitis. When this condition occurs the dog will develop irritated skin after just one flea bite, leading to incessant itching, red spots on the skin and inflammation. German Shepherds are known for having thick fur, so brushing and checking their skin daily or weekly is vital to keep on top of any changes. If you think your German Shepherd does have an allergy, seek the help of your vet as soon as possible. She has been working in the Journalism industry for over a decade and has written for an array of brands including John Lewis, Daily Mirror and Grazia. When she's not writing, researching or testing products, she's rennovating her Victorian terrace and chilling in the garden with her sausage dog Waffle. Just so you know, whilst we may receive a commission or other compensation from the links on this website, we never allow this to influence product selections - read why you should trust us. It also tends to be high in protein. Food that is high in protein and calories will provide your puppy with the energy that they need and help them gain the right amount of weight as they grow up. Most puppy food also includes vitamin and mineral supplements, such as calcium and phosphorus, for healthy and strong bones and teeth. You should speak to your vet to ensure that you have the right food and are feeding your puppy the proper amount. We hope that these reviews have helped you decide on the right food for your German Shepherd puppy. Remember to stick with large-breed food because it usually has the correct ratio of vitamins and minerals to give your GSD puppy all the suitable nutrition that they need so they can grow up strong, healthy, and happy. Featured Image Credit: Victoria Antonova, Shutterstock Written by Kathryn Copeland Author Kathryn was a librarian in a previous lifetime and is currently a writer about all things pets. When she was a child, she hoped to work in zoos or with wildlife in some way, thanks to her all-consuming love for animals. Unfortunately, she's not strong in the sciences, so she fills her days with researching and writing about all kinds of animals and spends time playing with her adorable but terribly naughty tabby cat, Bella. Kathryn is hoping to add to her family in the near future — maybe another cat and a dog.Read more Advertisement. This is a question that many German Shepherd owners ask, as they want to make sure their beloved furry friend is getting all the nutrients they need. The good news is that there are plenty of healthy dog food options out there for German Shepherds. You should eat foods that include high-quality animal-based protein sources like lamb, beef, pork, chicken, fish, eggs, and legumes. In addition, the meal should be plentiful in fats, vitamins, and minerals. Are eggs good for German Shepherds? Yes, eggs are a great source of protein for German Shepherds. In fact, they are one of the healthiest foods you can feed your dog. Eggs are packed with nutrients that are essential for a German Shepherd's diet, including vitamins A, D, and E. They also contain omega-three fatty acids, which are important for a dog's coat and skin health. What is the best food for German Shepherds with allergies? If your German Shepherd has allergies, it's important to find a hypoallergenic best dog food for German Shepherds that will not trigger their symptoms. There are many brands of hypoallergenic dog food on the market that use alternative protein sources, such as duck or venison. These foods are often grain-free as well, which is ideal for German Shepherds with allergies. What is the best food for German Shepherds with sensitive stomachs? If your German Shepherd has a sensitive stomach, you'll want to find a dog food that is easy on their digestive system. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with sensitive stomachs. These foods often have limited ingredient lists and use easily digestible ingredients, such as chicken or potato. What is the best food for German Shepherds with joint problems? If your German Shepherd has joint problems, you'll want to find a dog food that is rich in omega-three fatty acids. These essential nutrients help to reduce inflammation and pain in the joints. There are many brands of dog food that offer formulas specifically for dogs with joint problems. These foods often contain ingredients like glucosamine and chondroitin, which are known to help relieve joint pain. Now let's chat in more detail about the best dog foods for your furry friend. It is made with all natural ingredients and has no fillers or preservatives. The kibble is also enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for dogs' skin and coat health. The addition of zinc proteinate and other chelated minerals to the formula is a plus, as it leads to better absorption and nutrition. We also note the inclusion of various probiotics for better digestion and salmon oil, which is beneficial to both skin and coat. Highly suggested! All of their recipes are made with whole ingredients and cooked in small batches. The meals are portioned according to your dog's weight and activity level. Wilderness is a grain-free and protein-rich product with over a dozen options and recipes, which makes it ideal for people who want to rotate their diets. It's reasonably priced, and it gets high marks from consumers. Probiotics, high-quality fiber, and digestive enzymes are included in this formula to aid your dog's digestive health. These components create mouth-watering, healthy food that will sustain your canine companion throughout the day. The foods in this recipe include multiple probiotics for improved digestion, chelated minerals for maximized absorption, and nutrient-dense food. It's inexpensive to buy as well as simple to suggest. Eagle Pack Power Adult Dog Food Image courtesy Eagle Pack The majority of the animal protein in Adult takes the form of fresh chicken and pork meal, as confirmed by the nutritional label. The all-time classic, fully grain-inclusive design that is free of legume concentrates. Antioxidant preservatives are used in a safe and natural manner. There's no BHT or ethoxyquin. It has high animal protein levels, as well as vitamins and minerals that have been boosted through the use of freeze-dried raw pieces. It's designed to unleash your dog's potential to thrive and put the advantages of raw nutrition into every bowl, using cage-free duck as the first ingredient for powerful, lean muscles. It also contains a probiotic boost for digestive health, greater amounts of omegas for healthy skin and coat, and more antioxidants for immune health—all from the highest-quality ingredients from all over the world. This high-protein, low-carb diet is designed for sporting dogs and plush animals with rigorous exercise requirements. It's also perfect for growing pups and pregnant or nursing females. This formula has DHA to support cognitive development, as well as calcium for strong bones and teeth. Iams ProActive Health also has 22 essential vitamins and minerals to keep your puppy healthy and strong. It's nice to discover a Southwest Canyon recipe that includes natural preservatives, which implies the food does not contain any BHA, BHT, or other harmful chemicals. A major brand and a healthy all-age option for any German Shepherd. Champion Petfoods, the well-known maker of Orijen, has long promoted a meat-based "biologically appropriate" diet. This is a tried and true design that makes this particular dish an excellent choice for developing Shepherd pups. This natural dry food is developed to give complete-body nutritional support for puppies of all sizes. It's made with high-quality proteins and whole grains, all of which are complemented by omega fatty acids—such as DHA—necessary vitamins, antioxidants, glucosamine, and probiotics. This balanced, nutritious dry dog food is intended to promote teeth and bone strength, healthy brain growth, general health, energy and vitality, optimal nutrient absorption, and healthy muscle development. It's free of GMOs, by-products from processing animals into pet food ingredients meat meal , fillers, or artificial preservatives to ensure that your dog gets the healthiest food possible. This is a tried-and-true approach that has been developed and studied for decades. It includes controlled calcium and phosphorus ratios, making it ideal for German Shepherd puppies. This large-breed dry food is made with high-quality proteins and whole grains. It's free of chicken by-product meal, corn, wheat, soy, artificial flavors or preservatives. This recipe is designed to support the health of large breed puppies with an optimal balance of calcium and phosphorus for bone growth. It also includes DHA from fish oil for healthy brain development. This recipe includes DHA for brain development, calcium and phosphorus for bone growth, and antioxidants to support the immune system. It's also free of artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. You can feed your dog either dry or wet food, and he may sample two distinct flavor profiles: rice and oatmeal for salmon. Because it contains no allergens like wheat, corn, or soy, there's less of a chance that your dog will suffer an upset stomach. It also includes omega-3 and -6 fatty acids, which help to promote skin, coat, and joint health. Image courtesy Blue Buffalo If you're searching for high-quality, all-natural wet dog food, Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a wonderful alternative. This dog food is high in protein and low in carbohydrates, making it ideal for an entourage diet. It's made with real beef and chicken, can be served as a delicious treat, or blended into your dog's regular dry food. The Blue Buffalo puppy food contains no chicken by-product meals, corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors or preservatives; making it a healthy choice for your dog. All dishes are prepared in collaboration with veterinarians and come in a variety of delicious flavors, including beef, lamb, and turkey. All of the meats are imported from the United States, although only lamb comes from Australia. It's also gluten-free, so if you're allergic to grains, you'll be safe. There is a large selection of carbohydrates, which are mostly in the form of potatoes, and there are numerous healthy vegetables and superfoods including lentils, peas, salmon oil, and flaxseed. It's made with real meat, vegetables, and fruit. This recipe is grain-free and free of artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. It's also high in protein and low in carbohydrates. It's made with real beef, vegetables, and fruit. It also contains sweet potatoes, peas, potatoes, canola oil, and flaxseed. This formula provides your German Shepherd puppy with the high protein diet they need for proper development and growth. Taste of the Wild is one of the most popular brands among dog food reviewers. It's included as our last on this list but has ranked high among some of the best dog foods for German Shepherds because it's high in protein and free of grains. What foods are German Shepherds allergic to? German Shepherds are known to be allergic to a variety of things, including wheat, corn, soy, and even some meats. If you're not sure what your German Shepherd is allergic to, it's always best to consult with your veterinarian. They will be able to recommend the best food for your dog based on their specific allergies. If your German Shepherd is having any sort of adverse reaction to their food, such as scratching, biting, or licking themselves excessively, then they may be allergic to something in their food. Consult with your veterinarian if you're not sure what's causing the reaction. What is the best dog food for German Shephard puppies? Puppies have different nutritional needs than adult dogs, so it's important to find a food that's specifically designed for puppies. Look for a food that has high levels of protein and fat, as well as essential vitamins and minerals. Puppies also need more calories than adult dogs, so make sure the food you choose has a high calorie content. As your puppy grows, they will need less calories and protein, so you'll need to switch to a food that's designed for adult dogs. Consult with your veterinarian to find the best food for your German Shepherd puppy. What is the best food for an adult German Shepherd? The best food for an adult German Shepherd is a diet that is high in protein and fat. This breed of dog is known for its high energy levels and need for exercise, so a food that can help them maintain their energy levels is important. A diet that is too low in calories can cause your German Shepherd to become overweight or obese, which can lead to health problems. When choosing a food for your German Shepherd, it is important to read the label carefully and choose a food that is right for their age, weight, and activity level. Can a German Shepherd drink milk? Yes, German Shepherds can drink milk. Milk is a good source of calcium and other nutrients that are important for this breed of dog. However, it is important to choose a low-fat or skim milk to avoid adding unnecessary calories to their diet. What is the best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy? The best way to feed a German Shepherd puppy is to start them on a diet that is high in protein and fat. Puppies need more calories than adult dogs, so it is important to choose a food that will give them the nutrition they need without making them overweight. As your German Shepherd puppy grows, you can slowly transition them to an adult dog food. It is important to make sure that they are getting the right amount of calories and nutrients for their age, weight, and activity level. What are some common health problems German Shepherds face? Some common health problems German Shepherds face include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and allergies. This breed of dog is also susceptible to obesity, so it is important to choose a food that will help them maintain a healthy weight. German Shepherds are also prone to joint problems, so a food that is rich in glucosamine and chondroitin is important for this breed of dog. What is the life expectancy of a German Shepherd? The life expectancy of a German Shepherd is between nine and thirteen years. This breed of dog is known for being a healthy and hardy breed, but there are some health problems that can shorten their lifespan. It is important to feed your German Shepherd a diet that will help them maintain their health and keep them at a healthy weight to help ensure a long and happy life. Is it OK to put a raw egg in dog food? The answer is complicated. While some experts believe that raw eggs are perfectly safe for dogs, others believe that they can be dangerous. The truth is probably somewhere in the middle. If you decide to feed your dog raw eggs, there are a few things you should keep in mind. First, make sure the eggs are fresh. Second, only feed your dog eggs that have been properly refrigerated. Finally, don't forget to wash your hands thoroughly after handling raw eggs. If you're still not sure whether or not to feed your dog raw eggs, talk to your veterinarian. They can help you make the best decision for your pet. What are the benefits of raw eggs for dogs? There are a few potential benefits of feeding raw eggs to dogs. Some people believe that raw eggs can help increase a dog's energy levels, improve their coat, and even help with joint pain. While there is some anecdotal evidence to support these claims, there is no scientific evidence that raw eggs offer any health benefits for dogs. Our Criteria for Ranking the Best Dog Food Choosing the right dog food is essential for your pet's health and well-being. With the plethora of options available in the market, it can be challenging to determine which dog food is best for your furry friend. To simplify this process and help you make an informed decision, we have established a set of criteria for ranking the best dog food products. These criteria are based on scientific research, expert opinions, and the specific nutritional needs of dogs. Ingredients Quality: High-Quality Protein: The primary ingredient should be a high-quality animal protein source, such as chicken, beef, or fish, to support your dog's muscle development and overall health. Whole Grains and Vegetables: Whole grains and vegetables should be included to provide essential carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Absence of Fillers and Artificial Additives: No Fillers: The best dog food should not contain fillers like corn, soy, or wheat, which offer limited nutritional value and may cause allergies. No Artificial Additives: It should be free from artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, which can harm your dog's health over time. Meat Meal vs. Whole Meat: Preference for Whole Meat: Whole meat sources are preferred over meat meals or by-products, as they are less processed and retain more nutritional value. Digestibility and Allergen Consideration: Hypoallergenic Options: For dogs with allergies or sensitivities, hypoallergenic options that avoid common allergens like poultry or grains should be available. High Digestibility: The dog food should be highly digestible to ensure your pet absorbs the maximum nutrients from each meal. Life Stage Appropriateness: Age and Size-Specific Formulations: The best dog food should offer formulations tailored to your dog's life stage puppy, adult, senior and size small, medium, large. Transparency and Sourcing: Transparent Labeling: Brands should provide transparent information about ingredient sourcing and processing methods. Sustainable and Ethical Sourcing: A commitment to sustainable and ethical sourcing of ingredients reflects a brand's responsibility toward animal welfare and the environment. Health Benefits and Special Considerations: Support for Special Health Needs: The best dog food may offer formulations to address specific health concerns, such as joint health, dental care, or weight management. Customer Feedback and Reviews: Positive User Experiences: Customer feedback and reviews are valuable indicators of a product's performance, safety, and palatability. Price and Value: Affordability: The cost of the dog food should be reasonable and commensurate with its quality and ingredients, offering good value for pet owners. Recall History and Safety: Safety Record: Brands with a history of recalls or safety issues should be viewed with caution, as the safety of your pet is paramount. But with our list of the 25 best dog foods for German Shepherds in , you can rest assured that you're giving your furry friend the best possible chance at a long and healthy life. When choosing dog food, consider factors such as your dog's age, size, activity level, any allergies or sensitivities, and consult your veterinarian for specific dietary recommendations. What is the difference between dry and wet dog food? Dry dog food kibble is convenient, has a longer shelf life, and can help with dental health. Wet dog food contains more moisture and can be more palatable for picky eaters. Some owners choose to feed a combination for variety. Is homemade dog food a good option? Homemade dog food can be an option but requires careful research and balance to ensure your dog gets all the necessary nutrients. Consulting with a veterinarian or veterinary nutritionist is recommended. How can I tell if a dog food is of high quality? Look for high-quality protein sources, whole grains and vegetables, minimal fillers and additives, and adherence to AAFCO guidelines for complete and balanced nutrition. Checking customer reviews and consulting experts can also help. Should I choose a dog food based on my dog's breed? While some breed-specific formulas exist, it's more important to consider your dog's individual needs, age, and size when selecting dog food. What should I do if my dog has food allergies or sensitivities? If your dog has allergies or sensitivities, consult your veterinarian for advice. They may recommend hypoallergenic or limited-ingredient dog foods. Is grain-free dog food a better choice? Grain-free dog food isn't necessarily better. While some dogs may benefit from grain-free options, it's essential to ensure the food still provides balanced nutrition, as some grain-free diets have been associated with certain health issues. How often should I feed my dog, and in what portion sizes? Feeding frequency and portion sizes depend on your dog's age, size, and activity level. Puppies typically require more frequent meals. Follow the feeding guidelines provided on the dog food packaging and adjust based on your dog's needs. Can I mix different brands or types of dog food? Mixing different brands or types of dog food can be done, but it should be done gradually to avoid digestive upset. Consult your veterinarian for guidance on the best way to transition your dog to a new diet. Should I be concerned about recalls when choosing dog food? Yes, it's important to stay informed about recalls. Check the FDA and manufacturer websites regularly for recall information. Brands with a history of recalls may be worth avoiding. What is the role of my veterinarian in selecting dog food? Your veterinarian can provide valuable guidance on selecting the right dog food based on your pet's specific needs, health conditions, and dietary requirements. How can I ensure my dog stays hydrated when feeding dry dog food? Always provide access to clean, fresh water. Wetting the dry food or incorporating wet food into the diet can also increase moisture intake. Can I give my dog human food as part of their diet? While some human foods are safe for dogs, it's essential to know which ones are and to avoid potentially toxic foods. Always consult with your veterinarian before adding human food to your dog's diet. Remember that each dog is unique, and their dietary needs may vary. Regular check-ups with your veterinarian and open communication about your dog's diet are key to ensuring their health and well-being. Related Content. It is also a vital element for brain and eye development. Fresh chicken meat in the diet provides protein with high biological value. Natural Prebiotics to boost the overall digestive process. The benefits of Orijen Puppy Large: A calorie limited diet to promote a healthy weight and to put less pressure on joints. Rich in protein for making German Shepherd pups healthy and strong. Highly delicious chicken and turkey liver tempt the pickiest of eaters. The crusty and crunchy kibble texture of this food promotes good periodontal health and helps in curbing problems like Tartar and Plaque buildup. An essential fatty acid like Omega 3 has been added in the diet for boosting the overall skin health of the dogs. A natural antioxidant like Vitamin E fortifies the natural immunity of the pups, keeping them strong and healthy. You can feed your adult German Shepherd 2 times a day. You should avoid feeding them synthetic preservatives. High in Fibres: Natural fibres maintain superior digestive health and also an ideal body weight. Vitamin C: Vitamin C keeps the joints healthy, preventing problems like hip dysplasia and arthritis. Natural fibres promote excellent digestion and maximum nutrient absorption. The benefits of Fidele Adult Large Breed: Contains a substantial amount of protein for enhancing strength and endurance in grown up German Shepherds. Omega fatty acids boost skin health and also maintain good eyesight. It consists of Real Chicken meat as the main constituent which is favourite for German Shepherds. It has a good combination of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids that significantly improves the skin health of the dogs. They do not contain any fillers or preservatives which makes this diet completely safe for German Shepherds to savour. Breed Specified Recipe specially made for German Shepherds Real Chicken meat offers good protein content for supporting strong muscle mass Excellent blend of Omega 3 and Omega 6 fatty acids endow the dogs with good skin health. This dog food has a rich protein content that fortifies the muscle mass in the dogs. Moreover, the crusty texture of this food helps in removing Tartar and Plaque build-up. Ideal dog food for a large breed like German Shepherd Consists of Calcium and Phosphorus that boosts bone density Glucosamine and Chondroitin provides anti-inflammatory effect to the dogs Beet Pulp and FOS prebiotics boosts overall digestive health of the dogs Crusty kibble texture of the food eliminates Tartar and Plaque build-up 5 Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed Dog A highly nourishing meal that has Chicken and Barley as its primary constituents, the Hills Science Diet Adult Large Breed is an easy-to-digest meal offering a nutritional profile that suits an adult German Shepherd. Omega 6 and Vitamin E promote beautiful skin and coat in German Shepherds. Ample amounts of protein maintain lean muscle mass and endurance. They need foods that are low in protein and fat content while richer in fibres. However, an overall moderate diet with all the components is also considered healthy, provided your dog trains and exercises regularly. A senior German Shepherd consumes around calories daily. They can be fed 2 times a day. Fish Oil Omega 3 : Fish oil is an excellent source of Omega fatty acids that provides a good anti-inflammatory effect to senior dogs. Fewer Carbs: As elderly German Shepherds are quite vulnerable to obesity and diabetes, a diet that has a low glycemic index is most preferred to them. A combination of Vitamin E and C, builds a stronger immune system. Devoid of artificial flavors and preservatives. Fresh meat and freeze-dried liver make the meal highly delectable. A biologically appropriate diet that nurtures your older German Shepherds according to their biological and evolutionary needs. Thus, when you adopt a German shepherd pup, make sure that you provide it with a fully nutrition loaded diet and maintain a lifestyle with lots of physical activities. A comprehensive diet including all the above parameters will lead to a healthy and long life span of your little beasts. An avid nature and animal lover, Akhil likes to read and watch anything related to wildlife. He also has a great interest in athletics, mainly track and field events and is a big Masala Dosa fan. More like this.

Twitter Pinterest A Goldendoodle puppy is a furry ball of energy, smarts, and love. Chloe: cuddles and cuteness. Having raised our two kids and our kiddoodle , I think the term fur baby is both a term of endearment for our beloved dogs and a truism too. A Goldendoodle puppy brings: late-night potty outings, schedule changes, and puppy zoomies. Golden Nugget 2: Doodle puppies are golden. From potty training to feeding schedules to questions about teething, our veterinarian was a great resource. He took the time to answer questions and shared information on everything from piranha puppies teething puppies to loose-leash walking. Just like having a great pediatrician for our children, our veterinarian was and still is today one of our most trusted resources and partners. Are you familiar with AAHA? They are the gold standard of veterinary care. Vet practices who are AAHA-accredited have been evaluated on requirements. You can find an accredited vet in your area by using the AAHA vet locator. Like many Goldendoodle puppies, Chloe had two speeds. She was either a little red fireball of energy or one pooped pup. Our family quickly learned that the sooner we could guide all that energy and intelligence, the better. Puppy training was a great way for Chloe to: socialize with other dogs and people learn new skills and commands in class practice those new skills at home bond with her humans and us with her! Golden Nugget 4: Puppy proofing the house pays off. Like a toddler, Goldendoodle puppies explore with their mouths and are incredibly curious. Chloe had an affinity for our socks. This seems to be a common Goldendoodle thing. Keeping our Goldendoodle puppy safe meant putting safety plugs into the electrical outlets, putting up child safety gates, keeping everything picked up including phone cords and socks, and watching Chloe like a hawk. Additionally, we learned about the dangers of xylitol a sugar substitute that is found in hundreds of foods and consumer products. I found this article by integrative veterinarian Dr. Golden Nugget 5: There is a direct correlation between intake and output. What goes in must come out! By keeping Chloe on a feeding schedule, potty training was easier. Additionally, we watched for the signs of puppy potty behavior: Was she sniffing the ground? Did she suddenly stop playing or stop in her tracks? Was she circling? All are potty cues. A Goldendoodle puppy sees a giant chew toy. She pulled at the seams and drug it around with her mouth. Needless to say, the dog bed quickly went into a closet. Golden Nugget 7: Climb every mountain…or wire pen. We had invested in a sturdy wire exercise pen and sat it in the living room. The exercise pen made a great garage sale item. For Chloe, the coziest place for her when she needed a safe spot was her crate. Doodle puppies are comics…and energizer bunnies…and lap sitters…and smarties……and muppets…and golden. From puppy days to adulthood, Happy-Go-Doodle Chloe has filled our home with joy. Do you have tips on caring for a Goldendoodle puppy? Please comment below. And if you enjoyed this post, please PIN it! Goldendoodle puppies are all the rage right now. However, as cute as they are—getting a Goldendoodle puppy is a big deal! Their cuteness is just an added bonus! Goldendoodle Puppy Is a Goldendoodle the right fit for you and your family? Nowadays any and every level of dog owner is purchasing a doodle—people who have only owned short-haired dogs, incredibly calm dogs, and sometimes first-time dog owners. As a result of not knowing what a person is getting themselves into when they purchase a doodle, doodle rehoming is at an all-time high! Even though many people love their doodle—a doodle may not be the right fit for you. Many people are giving away their Goldendoodles, rehoming them, or sending them to a rescue. If you skimp on the price, you could end up with a dog that is poorly bred. Which is incredibly dangerous for you, your puppy, and the breeding industry. Genetic testing helps prevent the breeding of dogs that test poorly for bad genes or health and behavioral issues. This will essentially cost you a fortune later in high vet bills, training costs, and potentially medical and lawsuit charges. Dogs in a Kennel Additionally, buying from a low-quality breeder to save money helps keep puppy mills in business. Puppy mills over breed their dogs. Those poor overbred dogs are usually stuck in a kennel their entire life—usually in a cramped space, stacked on top of each other, sitting in their urine or feces. There are also puppy mill breeders that keep their puppies in outside kennels, never getting to socialize with other dogs or humans. And they never have a chance to live a life of happiness and freedom. Why on earth would anyone want to support something so inhumane??? Remember the age-old saying, you get what you pay for. And that goes for dog breeders as well. Please choose to purchase your dog from an ethical breeder. If you purchase from a breeder that does not perform genetic testing, you are at risk for a plethora of issues. Please do your research, but due to the explosion in Goldendoodle popularity, there is a higher chance of running across a bad breeder and bad genetics because there are many who are in it for the money and not for the love and care of breeding a sound Goldendoodle. High Coat Maintenance The biggest complaint I hear from Goldendoodle parents is how high maintenance the coat is. Their coat requires quite a bit of brushing. Actually……a lot of brushing. At least 15 minutes a day! A little too easily. And those mats hurt and restrict body movement. Not only do you have to brush your Goldendoodle, but you also have to comb down to the skin, until the comb goes through the coat effortlessly. This means you will actually have to block out time from your day to physically brush your dog every single day. Otherwise, your doodle ends up completely knotted up. This leads to moisture becoming trapped in the coat once this happens, bacteria begins to grow and then your doodle will get hot spots and major skin issues. Putting your dog through that kind of torture for simple aesthetics is really uncool. To ask your dog groomer—who is more than likely an insanely over the top dog lover will feel awful torturing your dog for 3 hours as they try to hurriedly brush and pull out mats due to appointment restrictions. If you feel you have what it takes to brush your Doodle daily and keep them mat free, then a Goldendoodle is a great choice for you! If not. .Plus it can be dangerous, especially if you attempt to trim out matting. During quarantine I witnessed quite a few dogs with burns, cuts, nails quicked too short, and uneven faces and coat lengths. Some dogs were so burned by the clippers they needed vet attention. The cut caused the leg to get infected Luckily the dog was surrendered and ended up with a great life! They take longer to wash, dry, and trim. Almost times longer than many other dog breeds. Therefore, they cost more professionally. Your dog begins to lick these itchy areas and bites incessantly until the spot becomes red and irritated, sometimes bloody. Doodle with Skin Issues And sometimes if a Goldendoodle is bred poorly, they can have health and skin issues ranging from ear infections, hot spots, and skin allergies as well. Which is kinda gross considering your house will begin to smell the same way. I have groomed many sour-coated Goldendoodles that have smelled so bad, we had to air out the grooming salon. They tend to hold moisture and grow bacteria quickly. The trouble areas are usually underneath the ears, under the chin, their feet, and their sanitary booty and pee-pee areas. Getting on a regular bath and professional grooming schedule can help save your furniture, carpet, and bedding from getting that dog odor. Doodle Grooming Guide 7. This can sometimes be too much for people to handle. I have older clients that have Goldendoodles and sometimes they are too afraid to bring them in alone for fear of falling from being pulled holding the leash, or tripping over their Goldendoodle while trying to bring then in for a professional groom. Many times the mouthiness feels like extreme biting. However, training can fix most mouthiness cases. Goldendoodle Puppy 9. Shedding Many Goldendoodles do shed! Especially if they are a first-generation or F1, which is a Golden Retriever crossed with a Standard Poodle. And for this reason, I have witnessed many Goldendoodles either returned or given away, or sent to a rescue group or shelter. Goldendoodle Hair .Their friendliness results in jumping, barking, using their arms and feet, mouthing people, and of course—crotch sniffing. In some rare cases, Goldendoodles can be aggressive. Size Nowadays Goldendoodles come in a variety of sizes, ranging from toy to standard. I have witnessed countless Goldendoodles come out large, and large Goldendoodles come out small. They were supposed to only grow to 30lbs, but now weigh a whopping 90lbs! Dog Allergies Despite popular opinion, I can assure you that there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic dog. Even if your dog is an FB doodle. All dogs have skin which sheds and all dogs have hair which sheds, some less than others. Otherwise, all of the pollen, dirt, leaves, and dust they come in contact with, will stick to their coat. Thus, creating an allergy-ridden furball running around the house. I feel like this just about covers many of the reasons I see Goldendoodle rehomed. Hopefully, all of these points can help you make a better, informed decision in regard to purchasing a Goldendoodle puppy! Join My Tribe to learn more about Pet Parenting! And, along with all the joys, you may have a few new puppy jitters too. I get it! In other words, I am over the moon for Doodle dogs. Now what? Choose your veterinarian and make a new puppy appointment. As your Goldendoodle becomes a senior, your vet may suggest twice yearly well check visits. Your veterinarian is an essential part of helping your puppy live the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible. But how do you choose a veterinarian? For a veterinary clinic to become AAHA accredited, they are assessed on standards for veterinary care. Also, you can ask friends, family, and other dog parents for recommendations on vets, check out veterinary websites, and visit the veterinary offices. Schedule a new puppy vet visit. When we called our veterinary office, the care team asked for some basic information about the puppy so they could get her records set up. This way we could rest assured that our puppy was in good physical health, on track for vaccinations, and had the proper testing for parasites and worms. For example, our new puppy had hiccups. Finally, we could ask our vet about the proper nutrition for our puppy, how much to feed each day, and get expert answers on puppyhood — everything from tips on potty training to puppy socialization. The list of veterinary specialty services sounds much like the specialty services that we receive as humans. Why do I bring this up? With so many advanced veterinary resources available—much like humans use insurance to cover the healthcare costs—you may want to investigate pet insurance. Since there are so many insurance options to research, doing your homework ahead of time makes sense. Also, from my research, the younger your puppy is when you enroll, the lower your monthly payment will be. Alternatively, if you are unsure about insurance, you may want to consider putting money aside each month to cover unexpected emergencies or life-saving procedures that may be down the road. Start planning your new schedule. What will your schedule look like when your new puppy comes home? Who will be available to care for your puppy? Every family has different daily routines, so arranging a schedule looks different for everyone. If there is more than one family member in the household, perhaps you can flex your schedules. Prepare your home and start new habits. Dropping backpacks by the door or leaving socks on the floor is real life. Yes, many Goldendoodles—and other Doodle dogs—are notorious sock thieves. Scratch grapes and raisins off the shopping list because they are a hazard for dogs. Clear the coffee table a. Buy the lidded trash cans for the bathroom that are dog-proof. Make sure your kitchen trash cans are not where puppies can get them. In addition to preparing your home, you may want to puppy proof your car too. I know a lot of people put packs of sugarless gum in their car console. Order your new puppy supplies. Crates and puppy toys and water bowls and leashes and collars. The list of puppy supplies is long. For a complete list of new puppy supplies, please check out my new puppy check list. You can also visit our Goldendoodle Supplies store. Here you will find puppy supplies that we have used and recommend. Determine you puppy space—a designated puppy area. This one was big for us. When our new puppy first came home, we thought we had a puppy space the family room with puppy gates to block off the other rooms determined. So we MacGyvered a solution by sectioning off a smaller area of the family room using our new three-panel wooden dog gates and our L-shaped couch to make a play area. For example, we could easily observe when our puppy started to wander away from us, lost interest in toys, or started sniffing. These were all her signs that she was just about to go potty! Set up your puppy supplies. For example, if you bought a new crate, assembling it now will be easier than when you have a curious puppy helping you. Rest up! New puppies have tiny puppy bladders and need to go out at night to go potty. Choose a designated area outside for puppy potty training. Determine where your puppy will sleep. More than likely, your puppy is used to sleeping next to puppy siblings, listening to puppy sounds, and feeling the warmth of her mom and puppy brothers and sisters. Since dogs are so social, for our puppy, we wanted to provide reassurance that we were nearby. We decided that our new furry family member would be safest in a crate. But the crate would be placed next to the bed so that our puppy could feel close to us—her new pack. Plus, we could comfort her with the sound of our voices or a gentle touch. Also, we placed a Snuggle Puppy in the crate. I thought our puppy might see the Snuggle Puppy as a play toy rather than a calming toy, but no! Our puppy loved it! This is a day for heaps of love and time and attention. Here are some tips to help the day go smoothly. Before going into your home, allow your puppy the opportunity to go potty. Before you walk through the door with your new puppy in your arms, allow her a little time to explore her new puppy potty spot in your yard or green space. Even as a puppy, our week-old Goldendoodle was a little speedster, so we knew we had to keep her on leash. Start small. As mentioned earlier, rather than giving our puppy the ability to roam our home immediately, we started small. So on her first day home, we created an even smaller area using our couch and our dog gates. This allowed us to be able to sit with our new Goldendoodle puppy and also let her explore and sniff within a small space. Also, we could watch her like a hawk as well as enjoy spending time with her. We had a couple of puppy toys for her to play with and a small dog bowl of water in her improvised play area. Bond with your fur baby! Give your dog heaps of your love, attention, and time. If you take away just one tip from this article, this is the one! In fact, multiple research studies have shown that when you bond with your dog, your dog releases oxytocin—the love hormone. Our puppers are counting on us to protect them from canine diseases like parvovirus.Expect your puppy to need you. Your puppy is going to need you, want to be with you, and count on you. Puppies have years of biology telling them that being part of a pack is security. They want you. Before that big day, you can plan ahead by puppy-proofing your home, getting the puppy supplies bought, and more. I hope that even one or two of these tips will help make your day even happier. And, by being prepared, I hope any new puppy jitters quickly become new puppy joys. October 25, In search of a new forever best friend? Not sure what puppy breed works best for you and your family? The Goldendoodle, a hybrid breed that launched into popularity in the United States in the s and never left the top list, Goldendoodles are affectionate and smart dogs whose amiable personalities are well-suited for a variety of owners and lifestyles! How do you know if the Goldendoodle is the right fit for you and your family? A Brief Background on Goldendoodles! As we quickly stated earlier, the Goldendoodle is a hybrid, a cross between a Poodle and a Golden Retriever. Thanks to the success of Labradoodles Labrador Retriever and Poodle cross-breed , dog breeders began to intentionally breed Golden Retrievers with a range of Poodles, creating a variety of Goldendoodles in different coloring and sizes. What are Goldendoodles Breed Characteristics? Some distinguishable characteristics of the Goldendoodle include their sizing range, variety of coloring, and temperament. Goldendoodles can come in mini to standard size, thanks to the genes from their poodle side. Goldendoodles can weigh starting at 15 lbs for miniature sizes up to 80 Ilbs for standard. One of the most distinguishable features is their thick, soft, curly coats that are considered hypoallergenic because they shed less frequently than other dog breeds. What are Goldendoodles Personalities like? Goldendoodles love people! They are friendly, affectionate, and love to please. With the right amount of socialization, this breed will be a friend to everyone! However, their fun-loving personalities also bring a lot of high energy, jumpiness, and nippiness throughout puppyhood. This is important to remember especially if you have young children at home. Goldendoodles can make excellent family dogs, but proper training and boundaries must be started the moment you bring them home to help get them there! Think about your current living environment and where you plan to be in the next few years. That being said, if you were planning on adding a Goldendoodle to your life, consider that these pups do best in a home with enough space especially if you are getting a standard-sized Goldendoodle and a fenced in yard! While some Goldendoodles on the smaller range of the size scale work great for apartment dwelling, these are energetic breeds that need space to exercise and play. Regular walks and training sessions at a local park will help them expel some energy in a constructive way, and are highly recommended for this breed, especially if you live in a city environment! How to Care for Your Goldendoodle! Goldendoodles can suffer from hip and elbow dysplasia, ear infections, allergies, hypothyroidism, and Gastric Dilation Volvulus Bloat. To avoid having to shave down their beautiful coats, daily brushing to remove mats is recommended, along with regular professional grooming appointments. Like all other breeds, having their nails trimmed and teeth brushed regularly will ensure they stay clean and healthy! Goldendoodle puppies are very smart and love to work! With consistent puppy training from an early age, they can master basic obedience skills quickly, and also move on to more advanced training, including therapy and service animal training. Start your puppy off on the right paw by establishing their daily puppy schedule complete with feeding, potty breaks, nap times, playtimes, and puppy training sessions! Going back to their wilder instincts, puppies will naturally avoid soiling where they sleep. Crate training your Goldendoodle puppy will help boost their confidence and resilience while learning to be alone at home. Puppy training can provide your puppy with controlled socialization with other puppies under the supervision of a puppy trainer that can watch out for rough playing or dominant behaviors between puppies. When done correctly, socialization helps teach your puppy the proper way to great people, other dogs and create boundaries. During socialization sessions, you can work with your puppy on barking or jumping, which are common puppy behaviors when they are excited or over-stimulated when meeting strangers. And if you're not sure how to do this on your own, hire a local puppy trainer to help set you up for the best success! Consider advanced training to keep them engaged Goldendoodles are very intelligent which means they love stimulating activities! Along with basic obedience, dog sports like agility are a great way to motivate them and help your puppy work out their energy. Agility helps establish a stronger communication bond through body language while your puppy is participating. You will learn to communicate with more body language and signals to focus your puppy at performing tasks necessary to help individuals that are incapable of doing it themselves. Respect their alone time. This is especially challenging for young kids when they can look like real-life stuffed animals! But, this constant handling can often cause some frustration for these young pups, having them act out with more nipping to try to make the petting stops, or growling, which can lead to more serious behavioral issues down the road. Make sure to give them dedicated time through the day to rest and their own space where they can be left alone to nap, unbothered. And always monitor young kids when they are interacting with the puppy so you can easily step in to give your puppy a break when they need it! Did you recently bring home a Goldendoodle puppy? Are you still planning and not sure what breed fits your lifestyle? Let us know in the comments! Check out these blogs related to puppy training and more! If there is a behavior your puppy exhibits that you may think is cute while your puppy is small, you need to think ahead and determine if this behavior will be acceptable from an adult dog. Consistency is the most important tool for training a puppy in their first year and beyond. Each family member needs to use the same techniques and commands so as not to confuse your puppy. It is important to remember that a puppy associates a reward or a disciplinary action with its behavior in the past 3 seconds. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to reward or discipline is very confusing to a puppy. You cannot stop this behavior, but you can certainly direct your puppy to chew upon acceptable items until this phase passes at about a year of age. The only way puppies know how to play is the typical wrestling, biting, chasing, tackling, pulling, and nipping they do with littermates. In the absence of littermates, you and your family suddenly become the littermates. Repeat this same disciplinary action a total of three times in a row. Every now and then, a particularly feisty puppy will become more excited by this disciplinary action and need a more distinct disciplinary measure. This next action needs to be initiated quickly. This will be uncomfortable for your puppy. When behavior meets with uncomfortable consequences, the behavior will stop. With all this being said, the absolute best remedy is for you to arrange daily play dates with other puppies or young dogs. The bottom line is that your puppy needs to have active playtime each day. Jumping — Your puppy will jump on you to get your attention. This may seem innocent while your puppy is small, but Grandma may not appreciate being knocked over by the full grown untrained dog. Make sure you do not reward the puppy for the act of getting down as this will enforce the behavior of jumping up only to be told to get down for a reward. This is not a sign of aggression unless you allow this to go undisciplined over time. You need to actively discourage any and all growling directed at you. If your puppy growls at you when you get close to the food bowl, immediately remove the food bowl and feed the puppy out of your hand. Do not stop brushing until the puppy accepts this without growling. Each puppy needs to learn its place in the pecking order of a family. Obviously, they need to be the lowest on the totem pole. If allowed to be boss, growling is a normal thing for a puppy to exhibit when showing its dominance. Each family member must establish they are boss. This includes young children who are timid or fearful of the puppy. Remember that any behavior you allow as a puppy is then extremely difficult to curb later in life. If you do not wish to have your adult dog on the furniture, do not sit on the sofa holding your puppy. If you do not want your grown dog to grab your pant leg, etc. Leash Training — Training your Goldendoodle puppy to walk on a leash without pulling will take some time. Be patient and read our complete guide to leash training here. Buying a Trained Puppy — You can opt to have your puppy purchased at Fox Creek Farm trained by a professional trainer. Buying a trained puppy can save you a lot of time and benefit the entire family. Please visit our board and train services page for more information. Pet Insurance — We always recommend that any dog owner have a good quality pet insurance. Choosing the best pet insurance will take you a bit of time to learn about the coverages and fees associate with the brand and your particular dog. Spend some time with our blog articles on pet insurance linked above to determine what is right for you and your furry friend. Goldendoodle Size In recent years , Goldendoodles have become one of the most popular dog types for pet lovers across North America because of their wonderful Goldendoodle temperament, cuddly good looks and they make great family pets. These doodle mix pups are the offspring of two beloved dog breeds — golden retrievers and poodles. The crossbreed poodle mix of these two dogs in this breed group brings out the best of both lines. These dogs are affectionate, loving, kind, and accepting of strangers, making them an ideal choice for both new and experienced dog owners. The Goldendoodle puppy is one of the cutest! Five important things to know about Goldendoodle temperament 1. They do, however, have a very high energy level and a high activity level, and do best in households with enough space and time for lots of exercise. Goldendoodles love all the classic canine activities, such as fetch, long walks, and running. Many also love to explore water and can learn to swim, and they make great guide dogs, service dogs, and even therapy dogs. With plenty of exercises, most Goldendoodles display very little aggression and are very obedient. As your dog ages, you will want to watch for hip issues referred to as hip dysplasia. Most other health issues are minor. Though many top breeders offer trained Goldendoodles for adoption, these pups can also continue their training at home. Goldendoodles are very smart dogs and willing to learn new behaviors and commands with the help of positive reinforcement. Punishments such as hitting or shouting at a Goldendoodle are not recommended and can inhibit the Doodle training process. Crate training and alone time training are highly recommended, as Goldendoodles can suffer from separation anxiety. Socializing Is Good Goldendoodles are naturally curious, friendly dogs and calm around humans and, like their parent breeds, most are also fine around other dogs. This is especially true of professionally raised Goldendoodles that have lived around their littermates for at least the first eight weeks of life. They are both wonderful pets with beautiful curly coats, and both are easy to train. Goldendoodles can have some key personality differences, including more immediate friendliness with new people. Both of these doodle mixes benefit from an active lifestyle, but Goldendoodles can be slightly less energetic. As the offspring of two sporting class dogs, Goldendoodles share DNA with many popular hunting dogs. Goldendoodles can be known to chase smaller wild animals, including squirrels, chipmunks, and mice, so be sure to keep your friend on a leash during their first visits to the local park. In our training program, they will be introduced to other animals to build comfortability and tame curiosity. If you are considering adding a Goldendoodle to your family, you can be certain that it will bring plenty of love and fun into your home. Take a look at our available puppies or contact Pride and Prejudoodles today for more information. In the first week you've probably already introduced your new little guy to the family, offered a tour around the new digs, made some key introductions with other housemates in their furrever home and maybe even said hello to a neighbor or two…but now what? Many new goldendoodle owners are often unprepared for what comes next and find that the honeymoon period is not always as glamorous as imagined. This is a HUGE transition both for you and for them! Many new owners will buy the best food money can buy or, more commonly, offer the same food the breeder has been using. It is very common for puppies to have a transitional period where eating is suppressed. Different factors can be at play here — homesickness, stress, or even intimidation by other household pets. We encourage you to be patient, supportive and just keep offering food — especially during those down times when things are quiet and pup is feeling settled. Eventually, your little guy will come around! This is the first night your pup has been away from littermates so he or she may spend a lot of time whining in the crate spare a tear for sibling bonding. This can last for several nights, but usually decreases with each passing night. At JLDD, we start all pups on crate training by the time they are just two weeks old. At JLDD we introduce a potty area at around three weeks old and encourage the pups to use puppy pads throughout their time with us. The smaller the area, the more likely your pup will be to use the puppy pad. In fact, confining them to just a room or two of your house at first is often a good idea in general to make things less overwhelming for them. Bonus points if your predesignated area is within direct eyeline to the outside door…that way your little guy can quickly get familiar with the way outside. Be prepared…young pups have to pee A LOT! This aspect of owning a new pup takes time and is sometimes a 2-steps forward, 1-step back process.At night, you can expect your pup to be able to go around hours at first without needing to potty…some of our bigger pups can go 8 hours from night one, but it just depends on the pup. Most will need a potty break at some point in the middle of the night for the first couple weeks—it can be tough, but fortunately they are usually able to stretch it out pretty quickly. To review, when raising a goldendoodle puppy, the best tools you can have in your belt are patience, a good sense of humor and consistency. Puppies thrive on schedules and predictable expectations, and lots of snuggles and chew toys! Doodles are very smart and learn fast, so you should see marked improved by the week, meaning that each progressive week is generally easier than the last. The transition in the first week with your goldendoodle is tough for them, but remember, they are learning that YOU are their new pack. This is a critical phase for bonding to humans and you are about to have a profoundly loyal best friend for life. You got this! Speak to a member of our team to learn more You Should Know the Temperament of Goldendoodles Both the standard poodle and golden retriever were originally bred as a sporting breed. The Standard Poodle was originally bred as a retrieving dog specifically for the water! The Golden Retriever as its name would suggest was also bred to accompany his master on the hunt to retrieve game. Retrieving is a skill that requires dutiful obedience on the part of the dog and an active, alert disposition. In recent decades, the vast majority of poodles and golden retrievers have been bred for family pets rather than hunting companions, but their original roots remain. Golden retrievers in particular have been frequently bred for their obedience and service dog potential. And both breeds are quite athletic, tend to like retrieval games like fetch, and are overall moderately active dogs. Bred specifically for its small size and companionship, the Miniature Poodle tends to be more demanding of attention and can be more excitable and less docile than their standard-sized counterparts. Miniatures are still known for their intelligence and affection and combined with the little extra spunk they pack, they can make an ideal addition to the right family. This is something to consider if you are wanting a smaller version of the doodle. An amazing dog! Goldendoodles are known for their friendly, gentle dispositions and their eager-to-please attitudes. They are incredibly people-oriented and easy to train! They have a charming sense of humor and an uncanny ability to know when their humans could use an extra snuggle. This type of coat is very similar to the Golden Retriever hence the shedding. Wavy coats are still prone to some shedding but are fairly easy as far as grooming - typically only requiring brushing a couple times a week to avoid matting. This type of coat is a good middle blend between the two breeds. The curly coat will be ultra-low shedding and is best for people with allergies, but it will require more frequent brushing to prevent matting. We find that they shed about as much as a human — so you will see hair in the brush when you comb them, but it will not be all over your floors and furniture as with most other non-doodle dog breeds. Your breeder should be able to tell what type of coats the pups have from an early age. At JLDD we love our multigenerational litters. Adding more poodle generally equates to a curlier coat and less shedding as seen in a F1b or multigenerational doodle. When bred down correctly such as coat testing completed on parent dogs then a breeder can ensure to only pass on the non-shedding gene to the next generation, so the result is an ultra low-shedding dog! Helpful Tip Alert! The trademark temperament and low-shedding coat of this breed do not necessarily mean this is a low-maintenance dog. When considering the athletic breed backgrounds of this dog as well as their very high intelligence, its no surprise that goldendoodles do require a lot of human attention. This is what makes the breed incredibly easy to train and great for first time dog owners but it also means that your goldendoodle will not be happy to spend his days alone in the backyard. The same intuitive, sensitive nature that makes the goldendoodle an excellent therapy dog candidate, also means that your pup will want to be with you all the time! If you are not prepared to never watch Netflix alone again, then the goldendoodle may not be the best fit for you! Most goldendoodles tend to be a second shadow to their owners and follow them around the house and are up for being a companion on any adventure! This is not a sedentary dog and will require some kind of physical exercise several times a week in order to be at his best. Finally, many people are attracted to the Goldendoodle for its minimally shedding coat. But this does not mean the coat is low maintenance. We have had owners groom their doodles themselves to save on costs, but it is certainly still a significant commitment to keep your dood looking fresh and mat-free! In conclusion, if you are prepared for a dog that enjoys an active lifestyle, lots of human interaction and mental stimulation and you have a plan for coat maintenance, the Goldendoodle is a great fit for you!