boxer and husky mix puppies

Share 0 Shares When searching for Labrador Retriever breeders in Maryland, it can be confusing to find a reputable breeder. We like to include, when possible, if the breeder does genetic testing and if they include AKC registration. When deciding who makes our list, we research each breeder to help you narrow down your choices. For purebred dogs, this is highly important. Purebred dogs are prone to genetic health issues and responsible breeders will do their best to eliminate these issues when possible. Each sister has their own farm where they raise English-style Labradors. In business since , these two sisters have committed themselves to raise quality Labrador Retrievers. Raised on 28 acres of farmland, these Labrador Retriever puppies will receive their first vaccinations, 4 dewormings, and a bill of health from a veterinarian at 7 weeks. Puppies are then ready to go to their forever homes at 8 weeks. They also provide AKC stud services to approved females and have donated their grown Labs to programs in their county, such as a comforting companion in the courthouse. Check out their website for more information and to join their waiting list. Airy, Maryland or Email for the fastest response at labpups gmail. Many great pups will be available for pickup. Please email us for additional information. Keep safe and well. Airy Maryland. Back in , I was visiting a neighboring farmer buying some hay. Upon walking into his backyard, I was greeted by 10 adorable black Lab puppies -- all attacking my shoe strings. At that very moment, seeing all the love they gave, I knew what I was destined to do. Over the next several years, I absorbed as much knowledge as possible about Labradors and breeding. I went all across the United States and purchased great breeding stock pups based on bloodlines, conformation and disposition in order to produce very high quality Labradors. Through the years, we have kept our business small because we love our dogs and feel the need to give them all the attention and love required by a Labrador. In the summer of we moved our labrador operation to a new location under the direct supervision of Shadyside Labradors located at Shadyside Drive, Mt Airy, MD. We, my sister and I look forward to continuing on with the same great dogs and the same management philosophy used since in this wonderful new home for our dogs on 28 acres of wonderful Carroll County farmland with gentle rolling hills and serene wooded paths. Best Regards, The farm is approximately forty-five minutes away from Washington, D. We specialize in breeding show-quality Black and Yellow English Labradors, which meet the breed standards set by the American Kennel Club. The health of our dogs is imperative. We screen all of our dogs for structural defects in hopes of preventing the perpetuation of said defect. All of our dogs must pass Orthopedic Foundation for Animals OFA tests along with genetic testing for inherited diseases. Labradors have been the number one dog in the United States for three decades, and for good reason. They are known for their loyalty and playfulness. They are highly intelligent. They have loving and gentle temperaments and are very good with children of all ages and with other animals. They make excellent companions and family dogs. Labradors often enjoy retrieving balls and engaging in other forms of activity. They are good athletes and their webbed toes and thick, relatively waterproof coats make them excellent swimmers. Individual dogs may vary in size, but AK Labrador strives to breed show quality dogs, which are generally heavier built, with slightly shorter bodies than American field-bred Labradors. They have thick coats and tails. We breed our dogs to have these physical traits and characteristics and most notably the gentle and loyal temperament that sets this breed apart. AK Labrador has state-of-the-art kennel facilities for our dogs with adjoining fields in which they play. Our dogs and puppies receive loving care and highly individualized attention. Each morning begins with a romp around the grounds, ball retrieving and a swim in our creek. Each day ends with the same. Our dogs have ample room to play and exercise and socialize with one another and with people. Our puppies stay in our family home with their mothers until they are old enough to be weaned. Breeding such beautiful dogs and watching them grow from the moment they are born until they go to their forever homes is an incomparable delight. My goal with each litter is to improve the breed overall. Careful consideration is given for each breeding and puppies are looked at first through the lens of a potential show dog. Read More.

This way you know that you are getting the right information from them. They are noisy. Bull-Peis will snore and bark. They require a lot of food. The majority of Bull-Peis will get along quite well with children because of their English Bulldog part of the breed. Every interaction with little children needs to be supervised as this breed is very powerful. They are also likely to chase smaller pets in the household rather than another dog. A Bull-Pei is often fairly simple to train, even though some are more difficult and stubborn. While training, be consistent, patient, and firm. Training your Bull-Pei using positivity, praise, and rewards will be very effective. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They will play with the children and be loving and affectionate with them. They are also protective and will act to keep children safe. Make sure that you are socializing your Bull-Pei early. Before you bring your new puppy home, we want to let you know what you should expect from your new four-legged pal. This will help the transition be a lot easier for you and for your new dog. This will all help them to make the right recommendation for your Bull-Pei. This is a cross between the relentlessly loyal Chinese Shar-Pei and the hardworking American Bulldog. For active dog parents, this breed is sure to only keep growing loyal fans. However, their playfulness and love for their families shines through in their personalities. If you plan to adopt one of these breed mixes, be ready for lots and lots of cuddles. Still, there are millions of dogs waiting for homes in shelters. When looking for a specific breed, make an effort to adopt from a shelter or rescue. With how similar they may appear to other breeds, they might not be recognized by shelters and may simply be listed as a mixed breed. Read on for a detailed list of characteristics of the American Bull Pei. Contrary to popular belief, the suitability of dogs who adapt well to apartment living goes beyond its size. Apartment dwellers have a myriad of dog breeds to choose from as potential companions, with various factors to consider. Some large breeds can adapt well to apartment living and have lower activity levels. Others may require more space and possess higher energy levels. On the other hand, certain small dog breeds with abundant energy can still find contentment with indoor playtime or brisk walks. However, when selecting a dog that adapts well apartments, it is essential to prioritize your neighbors. This makes them less suitable for apartment living. Therefore, desirable qualities in an apartment dog encompass being quiet, low-energy, and displaying polite behavior towards other residents. Apartment dwellers have a wealth of dog breeds to choose from as potential furry companions. While some larger breeds can adapt well to apartment living, with lower, others may require more space and have higher energy levels, making them less suitable for smaller apartments. Conversely, certain small dog breeds with higher energy levels can still thrive in apartments, finding contentment through indoor playtime or brisk walks. By considering these factors, you can find a dog that will adapt well to apartment living and create a harmonious living environment for everyone involved. Height: 18 - 20 inches at the shoulder Weight: 40 - 65 lb. Lifespan: 9 - 11 years Shar Pei American Bulldog Mix - Bull Pei Personality Like all hybrids, you have to look to the parents to get a good read on how they will likely behave. This could have obviously make for a very powerful and strong breed that might be best for an experienced dog owner. They might be an alpha with a strong personality and needs a strong owner with experience who can set themselves as pack leader. They should get along well with other animals if exposed and socialized properly as well. They are somewhat capable of independence, or alone time when the house is noisy or full. She responds well to positive reinforcement, like all dogs. She should be rather affectionate and enjoy spending lots of time with you. However, the one positive thing about getting a puppy is that you can avoid this as much as possible. A breeder should absolutely offer a health guarantee on puppies. A reputable breeder will be honest and open about health problems in the breed and the incidence with which they occur. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. The mixed with the Bulldog might be prone to Hypothyroidism, cancer, skin problems, patellar luxation, bloat, OCD, eye problems, Swollen hock syndrome, joint dysplasia, reverse sneezing. Highly prone to heat problems. Note that these are just common problems in both breeds. This will be a moderately shedding dog. But will depend a lot on which one of these dogs it takes after. Being that the Shar Pei has the aggressive wrinkles, it will be much more difficult to groom. Be prepared to brush them a few times a week. Either way, get ready to invest in a good vacuum if you want to keep your floors clean! Give them baths as needed, but not so much that you dry out their skin. Never tie your dog up outside - that is inhumane and not fair to him. What are the exercise requirements? This is a moderate energy dog that will need that from an owner. Plan on exercising them daily to keep their energy level down. A tired dog is a good dog. What are the training requirements? All dogs respond best to positive reinforcement. So make sure to praise her when she does well. She is an intelligent dog who loves to please, and loves a physical challenge. The more exercise she gets the easier she will be to train. Proper socialization is imperative to all dogs and puppies. Make sure to take her to the park and doggy day care to get her around as many people and dogs as possible. Each one is unique and has different dietary requirements. Most dogs in the U. A mix like this one that is prone to hip and elbow dysplasia should really be on fish oil and glucosamine and chondroitin supplements as soon as possible. Overfeeding any dog is not a good idea as that can really exacerbate health problems such as elbow and hip dysplasia. A good diet to look into is Raw Food Diet. A raw food diet will be especially good for the Wolf background. Links to other breeds you might be interested in. If the litter size is small, they price each pup higher in order to make up for the costs spent on artificial insemination, C-section deliveries, health check guarantees, etc. Breeders Ethical breeders who have the well-being of the puppy at the heart will offer tender loving care to the puppy till it is at least 12 weeks old. These breeders properly screen potential buyers and make sure they can provide a good home and life to the Bull-Pei. They offer health guarantees, thoroughly screen their dogs before mating, and even make themselves available for the owners if the puppy experiences any problems. All this can also factor into its cost. You can contact some breeders that keep both breeds — bulldogs, and shar-pei. One such breeder is BG Sharpei. She has been training, showing, and breeding Shar-Peis for over a decade. If you plan to ship your Bull-pei from the UK, then expect to pay extra for shipping. You can also use Facebook to search for Bull-pei pups. There is a group called Bull-Pei which has tons of information for existing and potential owners. Let us now move on to the basic equipment and supplies to buy for your Bull-pei once you have finalized your puppy and breeder. These should not tip over and must be appropriately sized for your Bull-pei. Harnesses, collars, and leash An all-weather, chew-proof nylon harness is a must for walking this energetic dog. Grooming tools Your vet or breeder can give you information about the kind of grooming brushes and tools your wrinkly dog needs. It is vital to keep the wrinkles clean and free from moisture and germs. Use antiseptic wipes to clear away fungi and bacteria from the wrinkles. You can also use special nose creams to prevent its squished nose from drying out. Use a mild-cleaning shampoo to bathe your dog once a month and dry it off using a microfiber towel. Also, add in a chew-proof bed inside for your Bull-pei to be more comfortable. Here is a table showing the summary of dog supplies for your Bull-pei along with approximate costs: Item.

Life Span Did You Know? The Cockapoo is a cross between a Cocker Spaniel and a Miniature Poodle, a Cockapoo and either of the original parent breeds, or two Cockapoos. They are one of the most popular designer dog breeds. The American Canine Hybrid Club recognizes both mixes. The Cockapoo can also be referred to as a Spoodle or a Cockadoodle. With some of the most affectionate dog breeds as parents, well-socialized Cockapoos are affectionate family dogs that thrive on attention and affection from their favorite humans. They tend to get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Provided they are properly socialized, they are even open and friendly with strangers. Cockapoos are highly adaptable dogs. Provided they get enough daily attention, mental stimulation, and exercise, they adapt well to larger homes as well as apartments. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to heat. Due to their small size, they may also need to bundle up with some winter dog products while on walks in the cold. Because they thrive on attention and bond so closely with their families, these companion dogs do not like to be left alone for long periods of time. They can also be prone to developing separation anxiety if you do not work with them early on. Potential health concerns to be aware of in Cockapoos can include elbow dysplasia , hip dysplasia, cataracts, and glaucoma. Good breeding practices and screening make a big difference in the health of puppies. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to ensure they are not passing preventable issues to puppies. Make sure you ask about the health and genetic history of both parents. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. With some of the best dog breeds for first-time owners as parents, the Cockapoo is also a great fit for owners of any experience level. They bond closely with their owners and are sensitive to them. This, along with their intelligence and eagerness to please, means they pick up on things quickly and respond well to rewards and praise. They could have a coat similar to a Mini Poodle or a coat similar to a Cocker Spaniel. In either case, you will need to brush them daily to remove tangles and prevent mats and visit the groomer every weeks. Weekly ear checks along with careful cleanings if needed can help prevent ear infections. Daily dental care for dogs helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Daily brushing, along with cleanings as the vet when needed, is ideal. Cockapoos may be small dogs, but they are also playful and energetic. These dogs sit in a moderate activity range and will often match their energy level to yours. Daily walks plus some play sessions throughout the day are usually enough for these dogs, but they will also usually be up for more activity if you are. They also tend to be versatile and athletic. Once puppies finish growing and the vet clears them for what you want to try, you can try a variety of activities with them. Fully-grown Cockapoos usually stand inches tall and weigh pounds. Cockapoos generally live for years on average. One of the facts about Cockapoos is that they are considered one of the first designer dog breeds, according to the modern definition of the term. They have been a popular designer dog breed since the s. Featured Cockapoo Article. Cockapoo Puppies for Sale If you want to buy a cockapoo puppy, look no further than the adorable litters at Family Puppies. We take great care of our puppies and their parents. You can read all about us and how we determine the pricing for our puppies, what we feed our puppies, how we guarantee the health of each puppy we breed, and how you can pay your deposit here. If you have any questions about Family Puppies or about how to purchase a cockapoo puppy from us, you can give us a call at , or you can also fill out our online contact form to the right of the page. We look forward to hearing from you and helping you add the perfect cockapoo puppy to your family. Read on to learn more about cockapoos — their physical characteristics and their general temperament. You can also see photos of the puppies from our recent litters below. Family Puppies breeds premium cockapoos and has a number of cockapoo puppies for sale. Family Puppies has over 16 years of experience in breeding happy and healthy puppies. What Are Cockapoos? Cockapoos are a crossbreed of cocker spaniels and poodles. As crossbreeds, cockapoos can exhibit traits and characteristics of both breeds. Generally, cockapoos are playful, active, and loving. They require lots of love and attention and do well with children and other animals. While some cockapoos might have more physical poodle traits or cocker spaniel traits, all generally benefit from a fairly curly coat that is not prone to dander or shedding, making care and cleaning easier on owners. Why Choose Family Puppies? Family Puppies takes the health and happiness of our puppies seriously. We raise all puppies in a loving and fun environment to ensure early socialization. All parents are registered with the American Kennel Club, and we take care to vaccinate all puppies and maintain their good health. When you choose a cockapoo from Family Puppies , you are guaranteed to receive a happy, healthy, and gorgeous dog with a temperament that will work well with your family. To ensure customer satisfaction, we offer a one-year health guarantee and a hour vet check health guarantee. If you take the puppy to the vet within the hour period and they find any health problems, you have the option of returning the puppy for a full refund on the purchase price only. View images of our cockapoo parents below, as well as listings for cockapoo puppies for sale. For questions or concerns, reach out to us with the form on the right or by calling us at .Ellie Female.

With their wrinkled faces, stocky bodies, and heartwarming personalities, these puppies have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts all over the world. Come along as we delve into some fascinating facts about English Bulldog puppies that will leave you even more enchanted by these delightful fur babies. These wrinkles are not just cute; they serve a historical purpose too. These little bundles of joy are notorious for their adorable snoring, thanks to their short snouts and flat faces. Their unique anatomy can sometimes lead to snoring, but it only adds to their charm. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature. These pups often seek attention and cuddles from their human companions. This stubborn side can actually make training sessions quite entertaining. However, these puppies put their own comical spin on physical activity. Due to their sturdy build and short snouts, they might not excel in activities that require intense endurance. Watching an English Bulldog puppy attempt to play fetch or chase a tennis ball can turn into a hilarious spectacle. Their determination will keep you laughing. English Bulldog puppies are incredibly loyal and devoted companions. They form strong bonds with their families and are particularly gentle and patient with children. Their affectionate nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets , ready to shower their loved ones with endless love and loyalty. English Bulldog puppies will bring a unique blend of charm and quirkiness into your life. From their historical wrinkles to their snoring symphonies, these puppies are more than just pets. Check out shelters and rescues to find the perfect pup for you, and save a life in the process! With their wrinkled faces, stocky bodies, and heartwarming personalities, these puppies have captured the hearts of dog enthusiasts all over the world. Come along as we delve into some fascinating facts about English Bulldog puppies that will leave you even more enchanted by these delightful fur babies. These wrinkles are not just cute; they serve a historical purpose too. These little bundles of joy are notorious for their adorable snoring, thanks to their short snouts and flat faces. Their unique anatomy can sometimes lead to snoring, but it only adds to their charm. They are known for their playful and affectionate nature. These pups often seek attention and cuddles from their human companions. This stubborn side can actually make training sessions quite entertaining. However, these puppies put their own comical spin on physical activity. Due to their sturdy build and short snouts, they might not excel in activities that require intense endurance. Watching an English Bulldog puppy attempt to play fetch or chase a tennis ball can turn into a hilarious spectacle. Their determination will keep you laughing. English Bulldog puppies are incredibly loyal and devoted companions. They form strong bonds with their families and are particularly gentle and patient with children. Their affectionate nature and protective instincts make them excellent family pets , ready to shower their loved ones with endless love and loyalty. English Bulldog puppies isolated against white background English Bulldog puppy in grass Two English Bulldogs against wooden background English Bulldog puppy isolated on white background English Bulldog puppy lying on floor English Bulldog puppy sitting on rug English Bulldog puppy on leash English Bulldog puppies will bring a unique blend of charm and quirkiness into your life. From their historical wrinkles to their snoring symphonies, these puppies are more than just pets. Check out shelters and rescues to find the perfect pup for you, and save a life in the process! They are also known by other names like English bulldog or British Bulldog. But whatever you may call them, they are one of the best ever breeds still existing. In ancient times, bulldogs were actually used to drive cattle to the market and used to participate in a game known as bull baiting. But today these bull dogs have became a gentle companion dogs who really love their kids a lot. But remember there are other various amazing information about this breed in the article. Read it full without a miss. Despite its energy or lack thereof , no one can deny that bulldogs have the propensity to have fun! In fact, a bulldog named Otto is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records because of its love for skateboarding. They are very compact in overall shape. They have massive folds all over their body especially on the head. The head is covered with extra skin on both the skull and forehead. The cheeks generally extend to the side of the eyes. The ears are small in appearance and are placed slightly high on the head. The short and flat coat of the bulldog is straight smooth and glossy. They are also found in various coat colors like solid white, red, brindle, fawn, pale yellow and various other combinations. One of the most common problems for English bulldogs is conception. Because of its build and biology, male bulldogs often find it difficult to mate with female bulldogs. As such, most English bulldogs are bred via artificial insemination. The next part of the problem would be giving birth. Combine that with their compact build and huge muscles, and they might quickly sink to the bottom. Therefore, if you have a swimming pool at home or you regularly go to the beach, be sure to keep an eye on your English bulldog. You can get a doggie life vest and build more sea-bound memories with your pup. They can look cute, and they can look fierce. Because of this, the English bulldog is the most popular college mascot of all time. In fact, at least 15 colleges and high schools use the English bulldog as their official mascots. The height of the bulldog is normally inches and the weight is about pounds on an average. Females are slightly of less weight ranging from pounds. Bulldogs are very prone to breathing problems and some are found with small windpipes as well. They have a poor eye sight and can fall into a heart stroke anytime in a house or a car. They are also very prone to weather changes. Skin problems and hip and knee problem are also very common. So it can be said that they are full of diseases from very early age. But if you can keep them in a good care they will obviously survive more. A bulldog is possibly the first-ever dog to ride a car. In , cars were still quite rare. Horatio Nelson Jackson, along with his co-driver Sewall K. With a horsepower car and a pair of goggles for Bud, the three of them proved to the world that cars will pave the way for transportation in the near future. So, maybe you can find a way to use these as motivation for your little one to run and play with you. Bull baiting was banned in the UK in .After that, the English bulldog almost faced extinction. Luckily, many others saw the potential of the breed. Breeders then tried to make them gentler and kinder by mixing them with other breeds that have these characteristics. As a result, they became one of the sweetest and gentlest breeds out there. They are very gentle in nature and they are very affectionate and dependable on their owners. Bulldogs are mainly known for their good courage and guarding abilities. If you are the owner they will need your attention all the time. Even some bulldogs are very dominating in nature. So if you are an owner of strong mentality, you can control them. All of England loves this breed! Since then, it has become one of the most popular breeds in the US, snatching the fourth rank. When bulldogs are young, they are very active and playful but this reduces with time as they grow old. This breed is real family pet and is very suitable for small families. Bulldogs have a habit of drooling which sometimes results in stinky smell. If you can train them in a correct way they will really do everything according to the command. So you can self train them or take them to a dog trainer who can easily train them. Bull dogs are human lovers and they really depend on them. So humans should also be very lovable towards this dig breed. English bulldogs are perhaps the most heavy-eyed dog breed out there. English bulldogs often sleep for 14 hours a day. Maybe they got tired fighting bulls in their early days which is also where they got the name , and they now just want to sit back, relax, and take a nap. English bulldogs are extremely popular among celebrities and important personalities. Some of them have even lived in the White House. Both President William G. Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt also took care of a family bulldog called Jaques. David Beckham once received a bulldog named Coco from his wife Victoria as a Christmas present. Even though bulldogs may not like the water or swimming in particular, Michael Phelps has one named Herman. Adam Sandler also has a bulldog named Meatball who served as his best man in his wedding. An English bulldog is best for a small house or an apartment life. Once they grow up they will not be very active in the indoors and bulldog is a real indoor dog. So if you live in a temperate climate, you can bring a puppy today as your pet. You will really get amazed by seeing their loyalty. You have seen some beautiful photos of English bulldog puppies and you can imagine how sweet they are. I'm a blogger who loves to write about pets. I like to try new products, find cute pictures of them and share them with people. Related Posts. Our stock photo collection features an extensive range of images that capture the breed's unique charm and characteristics perfectly. The images are available in JPG, AI, and EPS formats, making them suitable for use in a variety of projects, including branding campaigns, advertisements, websites, and social media posts. Types of English Bulldog Images Our stock photo collection includes different types of English Bulldog images that cater to a diverse range of project requirements. We have images of English Bulldogs in various settings, from posed studio shots to outdoor images capturing the breed's playful nature. We also have images of English Bulldogs in different poses, whether you need a close-up of the breed's expressive face or a full-body shot showing off their stocky build. Our collection also has images of English Bulldog puppies, ideal for pet-related projects, and more. How to Choose the Right English Bulldog Image When selecting an English Bulldog image for your project, consider its intended purpose and the audience you want to target. For example, if your project is for a pet-related business, consider using an image that depicts the breed's friendly and approachable nature. Alternatively, for a project with a more serious tone, consider an image that portrays the breed's strong and commanding presence. Whichever image you choose, ensure that it is appropriate for your project's goal and message. Benefits of Using English Bulldog Images English Bulldog images can help enhance the appeal and effectiveness of your projects in several ways. First, they offer a sense of personality and warmth to your project, making it more relatable and engaging to viewers. Second, incorporating English Bulldog images into your branding campaigns can help differentiate your brand and make it more memorable. Lastly, using these images aligns your project with the desirable qualities associated with the breed, such as loyalty, strength, and uniqueness. Incorporating English Bulldog images into your projects can transform them from mediocre to stunning. Our collection provides a wide range of images to enhance the appeal and effectiveness of your project. Whether you need images for social media posts, websites or any other purpose, our stock photo collection has got you covered.

Reasons why your German Shepherd is not eating As pet parents, we all want our four-legged family members to get the best nutrition to keep them strong and healthy, so it can be worrying if their appetite changes. Your dog is stressed or anxious Stress hormones can suppress the appetite. Dental problems Gum recession, tooth root abscesses, fractured teeth, or teething can all cause pain in the mouth that might mean chewing is uncomfortable for your dog. Dogs with dental disease might drop their food, throw it around their mouth, or struggle with dried kibble. If their food is causing some vomiting or diarrhea regularly due to allergies, your dog might not be keen to eat it if they know it makes them feel poorly. Your dog will pick up on this change and might not be hungry at the new feeding time or might be feeling stressed. German Shepherds need around 2 hours a day for adults. Less than this and they might only want a small portion of food to avoid overeating and weight gain. How can I get my German Shepherd eating again? Getting your pup to eat again after a period of inappetence can be challenging, and you want to be sure you are offering your dog the right food to get them back to their usual selves. Here are our top tips to help get your German Shepherd eating again: Switch their food Dogs like variety, so switching up their food by mixing wet and dry or adding some water, or even changing brands every few months can keep them interested. Feed at a specific time each day and stick to a routine Dogs are creatures of routine, and German Shepherds are very sensitive to change. Establish a routine when your dog is a puppy and introduce changes gradually. Your dog will learn to expect and want their food around a certain time, and they may not be hungry outside of it. A behaviorist can help you here, and some simple training techniques will help. Make mealtimes fun Games, interactive feeders, and slow feeding bowls can make mealtime more interesting for your dog, stimulate their senses and make them more enthusiastic about their food. When to see the vet A lack of appetite can be worrying for any pet parent. The vet will examine your dog and might want to do tests to find out what the problem is and get your dog the treatment they need. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are highly intelligent and sensitive dogs, so they can go off their food for reasons as simple as a change in routine or environment, or stress such as separation anxiety. Most adult dogs can go a day or two without food. Puppies cannot go as long without food. When should I worry about my dog not eating? If your dog is not eating for 24 hours or more, or it is a long-term problem then get them checked at the vet. Why does my dog suddenly not want to eat? Choosing a selection results in a full page refresh. Sep 1, Share Determining the causes of a loss of appetite in your German Shepherd is often tricky. The symptom is non-diagnostic and can point to so many reasons. It can indicate minor things or something more serious. Is there nausea or vomiting? Is your pet experiencing GI distress? You should be aware of anything unusual. When symptoms appear together, it can give your veterinarian a shortlist of things to check. Just saying that my German Shepherd is too skinny is vague. It can make learning the root of the problem more difficult. Remember that canines have a keen sense of smell with over 16 times the sensory receptors and 40 times the brain capacity. That means dogs are often more sensitive to different foods. Image Credit: Angeleses, Pixabay 2. You probably know about chocolate. However, there are also several obscure ones, such as avocados and macadamia nuts. Eating Is Painful Dental problems are often a culprit that can turn your pup off its food. Severe cases might make it too painful for your dog to eat. That makes regular dental care imperative. Image Credit: PixieMe, Shutterstock 4. Common types include chemotherapy drugs, pain meds, and some antibiotics. Luckily, the symptoms resolve quickly after your pet goes off the things causing the problems. Fortunately, many are specific to the condition, which makes diagnosis easier. Loss of appetite or unexplained weight loss occurs with several of them, including stomach worms, roundworms , and threadworms. They also resolve quickly once they are identified. It can have a similar effect on your canine friend as it does on humans. Think of how you feel in a tense situation. Probably the last thing you want to do is eat. Your body—and that of your German Shepherd—allocate its resources to escaping the threat instead of passive ones like eating. They sometimes experience separation anxiety if they are kept alone for long stretches. It can manifest in many ways, including a loss of appetite. Counterconditioning therapy can help your pup cope better with your absences. Image Credit: DanaTentis, Pixabay 8. Veterinarians can tell you a plethora of stories about the things dogs have swallowed, from socks to rocks to Super Balls. A loss of appetite, vomiting, and pain are the telltale symptoms. The list includes a broad range of conditions, from liver disease to bacterial problems to urinary tract infections. Your vet will likely begin with a complete blood profile. Image Credit: Goran Horvat, Pixabay .Your Pup Has Cancer Cancer often causes a decrease in appetite, too. It can result from the disease or its treatment. The difference is that it can often result in a dramatic weight loss that is visible quickly and noticeably. Keeping your German Shepherd will give your pup its best defense against this disease. Final Thoughts Dogs differ from cats in that they often wear their symptoms on their proverbial sleeves. Related Read:. Check Price on Amazon 5. If you give treats just to entice your German Shepherd to eat, you are turning him into a fussy eater! So, are German Shepherds fussy eaters? Now and again, a little healthy treat is just fine. You can also try some fruits or vegetables , especially if the treat cupboard is bare. Your German Shepherd may have also eaten something poisonous while roaming in the garden or fields. Dogs are known for eating anything they can find left lying around or even getting into the garbage! Take care with foods like chocolate or grapes , and never leave these lying around where your dog can get at them, as they can be highly toxic. If your German Shepherd has had his recent vaccinations, sometimes these can cause adverse reactions, including loss of appetite. The good news is this should only be brief — just ensure your dog is drinking plenty of water and keeping himself hydrated. If nothing else seems to be working and you are worried, you should schedule a visit with the veterinarian as soon as you can. He likes to eat at certain times of the day Just like you might not like to eat breakfast at 6 a. Though this can be concerning at first, you should be keeping track of how much food in total your German Shepherd is eating throughout the day. If he still eats about the same amount, he simply might prefer to eat at specific times of the day! On a similar note, your dog may prefer to eat little and often. My German Shepherd used to eat one meal in the morning and one in the evening. However, now that she is older, she prefers to eat both meals in the evening. Take your dog on a long walk before feeding — so he works up an appetite. Give him lots of praise when he eats from his bowl. Make feeding time fun — try putting a lid on his food, so he must remove it first. It gets over , top reviews! If your dog refuses his meal, take his bowl away after 15 minutes and then only put it down again a few hours later. Limit treats to training times only. If he senses that you are stressed and anxious about his loss of appetite, he may also become stressed and not eat at all! A sudden lack of appetite and resulting weight loss can signify other issues going on. Switch His Food If your dog slowly lost interest in food over a few weeks, he might no longer like his current food. Here are some ways to target his diet and boost his loss of appetite. Choose a more fragrant food. Try picking food that smells more like meat and has a more intense aroma. Add wet food or soak his food in warm water. I feed her cold-pressed dog food, which she just adores and continues to thrive on. Hopefully, these steps will fix the situation and return your dog to regular eating habits. Take Him to the Vet Vet visits can be costly, but so are the treatment methods for the condition or disease your dog might currently be experiencing. I would always recommend having a decent pet insurance policy in place, as this will always give you peace of mind. A healthy German Shepherd can go up to five to seven days without eating as long as they are still drinking water. However, if your German Shepherd refuses to drink water for 48 hours, it is time to bring your dog to the emergency veterinary clinic. If your German Shepherd is eating only once a day, it may be due to a routine that has been established over time. However, feeding your dog only once a day can lead to health problems such as gastric dilatation-volvulus GDV. Add variety to the diet and check the consumption. German Shepherd Not Eating and Diarrhea. If your German Shepherd is not eating and has diarrhea, it could be due to a variety of reasons, such as a change in diet, stress, anxiety, or a gastrointestinal infection. When your German Shepherd stops eating, you need to take the necessary steps to figure out the source of the problem and how to address it. Add wet food or warm water to boost his appetite and make his food more palatable and fragrant. Keep an eye on his other behaviors to see how his mood and movements have changed. Call the vet and schedule an appointment to have him checked over. Related Posts You May Like:. After covering each one in full detail, you may realize that one of the causes sounds familiar to your situation. The next section will provide the best solutions. There are several reasons why German shepherds stop eating their food. These include disagreeing with their kibble, inactivity, lack of feeding schedule, receiving too many treats, boredom, environmental issues, and underlying health issues. More will be explained about the correct diet and brands in the next section. Recommended Read: Why does my German Shepherd have diarrhea? German Shepherds ideally need around 2 hours or more of exercise per day. Appetite is just one of many things closely linked to exercise. Having routines helps them understand their day and allows them to become comfortable in their environment. Most adult GSDs are fed just twice a day. For puppies, this varies. Day grazing should not be something you engage in with your German Shepherd. By sticking to certain times you are training your German Shepherd to become hungry at those times. Yep, it really does work like that! But it could be the case… If your GSD has been eating the same food for a while, he may just be bored of it. Boredom will not make your GSD sick, so if you do see signs of sickness or being unwell, you can rule boredom out. This may be table scrabs or other forms of food. A change in the environment could be a new neighbor, a new pet, a new person in the household, a loss of someone in the house, or maybe you moved house entirely, the list is quite extensive. Think about your close surroundings and if something has changed. This changes when health issues are present. This is original content produced and published by The Puppy Mag www. There are many common allergens in dog food that may be causing the issues. The biggest culprit being chicken. Yep, chicken, as well as beef, pork, and lamb, are all common allergens, despite being used all the time! Try opting for a premium dog food brand that uses either duck, salmon, or turkey as the main protein source. These digest easily and usually cause fewer issues than chicken. Wet dog food is considerably tastier, juicier, has a higher protein content with fewer preservatives and additives. Adding a small amount to every mealtime will be irresistible for your German Shepherd. This working breed needs this kind of physical activity in order to develop a healthy appetite. Consider his environment Have you recently changed where you put the food bowl? On the flip side, you can try moving his bowl to a different spot to see if that has an effect. If you have young children, allow your GSD to eat in peace. Popular German Shepherd Articles:. Health It is not totally uncommon for a German Shepherd will refuse to eat once in a while. Although this is not totally uncommon, it is always a worrying experience for their humans. This article will help you realize some common reasons why GSDs may have a change in appetite to help you know whether or not to be concerned. So, when they refuse to eat, you know that something might be wrong. Sometimes, this might be because of the sensitive gut the breed is known for. But in many cases, it could be a sign that they are sick or in pain. Additionally, this could also be a sign of other conditions like oral problems or parasites. However, there are fussy GSDs that prefer variety. This issue is most common for dogs that are given access to table food or are fed a wide variety of dog food. They might also lose their appetite when they are depressed. In other cases, medicines can cause nausea or digestive upset, which will also keep your dog from eating. If your dog is refusing to eat because of new medications, make sure to bring it up with your vet. Older dogs become less active and have fewer opportunities to work up an appetite. Sometimes, German Shepherds stop eating the dry kibble that they normally eat. Or, they might ditch the kibble entirely in preference of wet dog food. Here are some of the most common reasons why your dog could be refusing to eat dry food: They have dental issues When oral problems get bad enough, your GSD might refuse to eat due to the pain it causes. This could be caused by cavities, a broken tooth, or swollen gums. In this case, a rotation between kibble brands and variants will help. They just prefer another food Dogs might refuse their regular food in hopes that they will be given another that they have tasted and loved. This might be table scraps or another kind of dog food. In cool weather, German Shepherds use up more energy to keep themselves warm. But in the hot summer months, they prefer to lounge around and keep cool. After some exercise, give them time to cool down completely before giving any food. Dogs can survive up to five days without food as long as they keep drinking water. Fasting for this long may have long-term consequences. More critically, it might be a sign of an underlying illness. If they suddenly have no appetite but they normally eat voraciously and never miss a meal, it should definitely be a cause of concern. Just make sure you observe them for any other warning signs. You might also observe changes in their stool consistency or a lack of enthusiasm for their regular activities. Whether or not they have a good reason for refusing food, here are some things you can do to encourage your German Shepherd to eat: Cut down on treats. Your dog can lose their appetite for their regular food when they have plenty of better-tasting treats throughout the day. Make feeding enjoyable. GSDs are always eager to please. Teach them to wait for their food and take it only on command. Then, praise them for finishing their food. Make food more appetizing. Try topping kibble with different types of food that might whet their appetite. Sometimes, a little bit of boiled chicken or beef broth will do the trick. They might not like the print, the ability to see their reflection, or the feeling on their tongue. Using another feeding bowl might help. Give them plenty of exercise. The energetic German Shepherd may need to tire themselves out to work up an appetite. Give your dog the daily exercise they need and then wait at least half an hour after any physical activity before giving them their meals. However, when your dog refuses to eat, you should also keep an eye out for other signs that could be a cause for concern. While many types of food might help jumpstart their appetite, there are several that might do more harm than good. Even if these foods might get them to eat, the effects might be more harmful. Instead, you can first try to give them some wet dog food for German Shepherds or mix in some plain rice and chicken with their kibble. You know what is normal for your dog! If their change in appetite veers too much from their norm it is best to make an appointment with the vet just to be safe. Final thoughts Why is my German shepherd puppy not eating? Food is a huge part of raising a dog: ensuring they have a proper diet, portion size and get all the nutrients they need. So when your puppy stops eating, it is natural to worry! But there are many different reasons to explain a decrease in appetite, and most of them can be solved relatively easily with nothing more than a quick Google or a trip to the vet. Typically, it can be due to intestinal distress or a temporary illness. However, a more serious condition could be occurring. Check for other signs of distress, such as avoiding people and general sluggishness. If possible, see your vet for a check-up if your dog still refuses food after a few days. Medicine or treatment will clear up the issue or reveal a long-term problem. This can make picking the right food tricky but not impossible. Digestion or strange eating habits can come from simple genetics, eating too fast, or even unknown allergies. If your puppy often throws up after eating, they might be eating too fast for their stomach and need to slow down. A specialty bowl or smaller portion sizes given out more frequently can cure this issue. In addition, if your German Shepherd puppy avoids some foods but not others, check for any ingredients that might be causing the avoidance. You can also get them tested for any allergies that might be causing their stomach issues. Changes in routine such as a move, the introduction of a new family member or dog, or even picking up on the nerves of their owner can cause a loyal German Shepherd to feel stress. Stress commonly manifests in stomach problems or reduced appetite. If you feel your puppy could be stressed out, try to figure out what changes in pattern or behavior could have led to it. Perhaps rottweilers have separation anxiety, and more close attention could help. If a change in routine is causing stress, work to make your dog used to the change. Consider asking your vet for ways to help your dog calm down and return to normal appetite levels. Dental pain or toothaches are also common symptoms of not eating simply because it hurts the puppy. They might have pain when they eat, a missing or broken tooth, or another oral issue interrupting their eating habits. Dental issues are commonly shown through signs such as sudden bad breath, bleeding gums, or an increase in drooling. If you notice an issue, schedule an appointment with your vet at once to solve the dental problem and return their appetite to normal. This is particularly noticeable if your dog refuses their usual food but eagerly eats treats and snacks without issue. Pain or illness do not stop them from eating, but they refuse their current food. This points to boredom instead of a more serious problem. Try dressing up their food with meat broth, rice, or treats to make it more appealing. If possible, use a mix of wet and dry food to make the overall meal easier. Seek out another type of food with a different texture or different ingredients while still being nutritious. This should help their boredom issues and get their appetite back to normal! What should I do if my German shepherd puppy is not eating? Once you notice that your puppy has a decreased appetite, it is time to figure out why. However, determining the exact issue can take time, and getting some food into your puppy to keep them healthy should be a top priority. So, here are a few things to try to increase the chances of getting your German Shepherd puppy to eat! Put their food into an interactive toy or game. Making eating fun is a great way to bypass a decreased appetite. Use canned food or flavored meat broth. Personally encourage your dog! Using treats, affection, and personal attention, there is a chance you will be able to help your dog eat more. If the issue is stress or anxiety rather than illness, personal encouragement can help solve the problem. These are some of the options you have. However, remember to consult a vet as soon as possible to find a more permanent solution! How much food should a German Shepherd puppy eat? Feeding a puppy can be tricky, but keep in mind that you want them to eat enough to grow strong without getting fat. From two to three months old, vary between cups with an average of about 1. Double that to about 3 cups once they are six months, transitioning to about 3. What should I feed my eight-week-old German Shepherd puppy? Going by this same math, a four-month or eight-week-old puppy should be eating no more than 2 cups a day. Ensure they get at least 1. How long can a German Shepherd go without eating? Unlike adult dogs, puppies do not have reserves of fat. They need to grow! Older dogs can last a few hours longer, but puppies need careful attention to grow. How many times a day should a German Shepherd puppy eat? Puppies need to eat more frequently, so it is recommended that you feed your puppy at least three or four times a day for their first four months. After this, you can switch to two large meals a day. Are German Shepherds picky eaters? German shepherds are not generally fussy eaters if you do not overindulge them. Too many treats or specialty meals can make them picky, but ordinarily, you will not have an issue getting them to eat. What do German Shepherds like to eat? German Shepherds will gravitate towards high-protein items containing beef, lamb, chicken, and other meats like most big and athletic dogs. Non-meat items like vegetables and grains should also be included. How do I get my German Shepherd puppy to eat more? Some dogs have smaller appetites but treats like broth and canned food encourage them to eat more. Switch to new food and make mealtime more personal and entertaining to ensure that your dog eats more! Final thoughts Feeding your puppy usually is easy, so any issues can be upsetting. Your German Shepherd puppy will eat like normal in no time! Doing this will make it easier to find out the exact cause of their loss of appetite, and will provide valuable information to you and your vet when needed. To check your german shepherd do the following. Check Their Body Over The first thing you should do is check them over. You should especially look for any problems in their mouth or with their teeth that could be causing them not to eat. As well as that, give their body a once over as well. You should be looking for parasites, injuries and lumps or bumps that could be causing them discomfort. But also look for other things, do they still seem as energetic and active as usual, or are they lethargic? Are they going to the toilet normally or is there a problem? All of these are indicators that something could be wrong with your pup! And look at anything else in your house your german shepherd can get too which they may have eaten. Bearing that in mind, here are some of the most common reasons your german shepherd may not be eating. As well as solutions that can often help the problem and eliminate it altogether! Illness And Disease One reason your german shepherd may have stopped eating could be due to illness and disease. As well as a lack of appetite you should look for other signs of illness or disease such as vomiting, diarrhea, and lethargy. Solutions As previously mentioned, if you think that your german shepherd is sick then the first thing you should do is take them to the vets. Make the meal more appealing to them by pouring warm water over it or meat broths that are going to give it more flavor. For example, if they often eat dry food give them wet food, and if they eat wet food give them dry food. Try feeding them food by hand to make them feel more comfortable. Looked for cracked, loose or broken teeth which are quite common in bigger dogs. As well as this, you should also make sure you check them mouths for any cuts or objects which have pierced their gums, tongue or roof of their mouth. Lastly, you should look for lumps which could signify cancer. Find out some of the common reasons your german shepherd might have bad breath. Fortunately, in a lot of cases, not much will need to be done. If your german shepherd has an upset stomach then they may simply not feel like eating. As well as a loss of appetite, you may also notice that your german shepherd is vomiting as well as having diarrhea, flatulence and appearing nauseous. Find out why your german shepherd is so skinny and what to do or what to do with an overweight german shepherd. Some medicine will make your german shepherd feel nauseous whereas other medications may cause their stomach to hurt. If you think that your german shepherd has lost their appetite longer then you should have then consult your vet. However, apart from that you just have to wait it out. In more severe cases, you not being around can even cause anxiety which is known as separation anxiety. However, if you think they have separation anxiety then you should work on fixing the problem. Not only will it reduce the chances of you coming home to a destroyed house, but it will also make your german shepherd a lot happier as well! In most cases, your best bet is to talk to a behavior specialist who can teach you how to solve their separation anxiety effectively! One great way to stop your dog from feeling anxious is to use an Adaptil Pheremone Diffuser designed to keep dogs calm. The Time Of Day Sometimes your dog may not like eating at certain times of the day. What To Do The simplest way to fix this is to feed them at a different time in the day. If they learn to graze instead of eating two big meals, then they may become fussy eaters. Their Food Has Spoiled In some cases, your german shepherd may not want to eat because their food has spoiled. While most dog food has a long shelf life, in some cases, it may have passed its expiration date. Stress And Emotional Issues Your pup may also be suffering from stress or emotional issues. There can be so many causes behind this as well. Whatever the case they may be, it could stop them from eating. Just like humans, emotional distress can either cause them to stop eating altogether, or start eating a lot more. But it could also include giving them more attention during the day and playing with them Stress and emotional issues caused by new changes should clear up fairly quickly. It could be something to do with the environment around them, for example, they may not like eating near other dogs that can be aggressive or try to take their food. Or it can be something even simpler. Maybe they struggle to eat from the bowl this is especially common in older dogs. What To Do If your german shepherd is a picky eater then there are a few things you can do to help them get their appetite back. First of all, stop feeding them treats. You can also try feeding them at the same time every day. If you have been giving the same food for a long time then you may also want to change it up for them. For example, you could heat it up, add dry or wet food, add other healthy snacks find out which ones here , heating their food up, or adding water to it as well. Here are the reasons, they may have lost their appetite. Here are some great things you can do to help your soothe your puppies teething, as well as some of the best chew toys. You could also try putting food in the fridge, as cooler food will soothe their gums. Here are some more things you can try! As a rule of thumb, you should be walking them for 5 minutes per month old they are. For example, a 4-month-old could walk for 20 minutes. This means if you have any chicken leftover after eating, for example, you throw it away instead of giving it to them. So sometimes you have to be cruel to be kind. If your german shepherd is eating but not drinking, then it can often be the sign of a more serious condition such as diabetes or a kidney problem. Cheaper than replacing everything they might break. And definitely cheaper than a lawsuit against you, if they decide to bite someone. And the best part is it also has a day money-back guarantee! You can also check out a full review here , to learn exactly what the course has to offer! Recap As you can see, there is a whole range of reasons that your german shepherd may not be eating. But fortunately a lot of solutions as well! If you liked this article, make sure you check out the rest of the website. Otherwise have a great day!

Please keep in mind that these are estimates to give you a general idea of how tall your French Bulldog puppy will be. At what age is a French Bulldog fully grown? A French Bulldog will reach close to their full weight around eight to twelve months old and maximum height around nine to twelve months of age. French Bulldogs will continue to slowly fill out anywhere between nine to fifteen months of age. They are considered fully grown around 12 to 14 months old, but may continue to put on muscle until they are two years old. How big should a 6-month-old French Bulldog be? A male French Bulldog will weigh between 17 and 22 pounds at six months old and have an average weight of .A six-month-old female French Bulldog will weigh between 13 and 20 pounds with an average weight of 17 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand around seven to nine inches on average. Learn all about your puppy's physical characteristics, breed history, personality traits, and more in our comprehensive guide. French Bulldogs usually reach their full height when they are between nine and twelve months old. As short dogs, French Bulldogs barely double in height from three months of age to 1 year old. If their paws look oversized next to their legs and body, this is a telltale sign that they are still growing! What is the size of a full-grown French Bulldog? Most female French Bulldogs will weigh about 17 to 24 pounds, while male French Bulldogs weigh about 20 to 28 pounds. Both male and female French Bulldogs will stand 11 to 13 inches tall and have a muscular, heavy-boned build. How do I make sure my French Bulldog is healthy? As a purebred dog breed, French Bulldogs are more prone to genetic health problems. In particular, French Bulldogs are predisposed to skin problems, ear infections, diarrhea, eye problems, spinal injury and respiratory distress caused by their brachycephalic syndrome. Brachycephalic syndrome causes them to have a flat nose and shorter esophagus, creating a heightened risk of breathing problems. The Journal of Veterinary Internal Medicine found that about half of French Bulldogs have significant breathing problems and .In addition to this, French Bulldogs are prone to obesity , which can lead to type 2 diabetes, osteoarthritis, disc disease, high blood pressure, heart disease, and further respiratory issues. Pro Tip: Compare pet insurance plans to save on veterinary expenses and ensure that the cost of care never interferes with the essential treatment your pet deserves. Most French Bulldogs do well with a leisurely walk or active playtime. Be careful with taking your French Bulldog out in hot weather though as their brachycephalic syndrome makes them prone to overheating and heat stroke. As a general rule temperatures over 80 degrees should be avoided for French Bulldogs. As loving pet parents, we never want to think the worst could happen to our furbaby. However, we must prepare for both everyday costs, like vaccinations and veterinarian appointments, and emergencies. Dog Insurance is here to help you with emergency costs, as well as expected costs like veterinarian care see the wellness options many pet insurance plans offer. Only .Pet insurance can help you provide your pup with quality routine and emergency care. Some people can predict the future. For everyone else, there's pet insurance. Use Pawlicy Advisor to easily compare plans from top providers so you can find a great deal with great coverage. Key Takeaways On average, French Bulldogs weigh between pounds at age one, with inches in height. French Bulldogs stop growing around months old, so pet owners should be mindful of weight gain after their first birthday. As a breed, French Bulldogs are exceptionally prone to obesity, which can worsen breathing problems and lead to a number of secondary health concerns. Use our French Bulldog growth chart to monitor your puppy's weight and ensure they stay within a healthy range. Pet insurance promotes positive veterinary care and offsets the cost of services should your Frenchie get sick or injured at any point in life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. Although a playful pup sounds endearing, consider how many games of fetch or tag you want to play each day, and whether you have kids or other dogs who can stand in as playmates for the dog. Click here for more information on this characteristic French Bulldog Overview Bat-eared but oddly beautiful, the French Bulldog has a unique appeal. Aesthetically, other breeds undeniably are more glamorous and showy, but beauty is in the eye of the beholder and what many behold in the French Bulldog are the attributes that make this breed one of the best companion dogs in the world today. The French Bulldog is small but substantial in build with a powerful muscular body. He sports a short easy-care coat to accompany his easygoing personality. The Frenchie likes to play, but he also enjoys spending his days relaxing on the sofa. That love of play and relaxed attitude carry over into their training sessions. French Bulldogs are intelligent, and training them is easy as long as you make it seem like a game and keep it fun. They are free thinkers and are not an ideal breed for competing in obedience or agility although some have risen to the challenge. This freethinking approach can also lead to a stubborn nature, and if they decide to dig in their heels there is no budging them. Frenchies are loving companions who thrive on human contact. If you want an outdoor dog who can be left alone for long periods, the Frenchie is not the breed for you. This is a dog who enjoys lavishing love on his human companions as much as he loves the same treatment in return. They generally get along well with everyone, including children. They can, however, be territorial and possessive of their people, especially in the presence of other dogs. Socialization is a must for this breed, but with their easy companionship this is an enjoyable task. With a nature that is both humorous and mischievous, the French Bulldog needs to live with someone who is consistent, firm, and patient with all the antics and idiosyncrasies that make him both frustrating and delightful. They can be protective of their home and family and some will try to defend both with their life. French Bulldogs do not need a lot of room and do very well in apartments or small dwellings. A couple of minute walks per day should keep them from becoming overweight. Keep the Frenchie in cool, comfortable surroundings. This is not a dog who can stay outside on a hot day. French Bulldogs are wonderful companion dogs with a gentle nature. If you work at home, the Frenchie is happy to lie at your feet all day or follow you from room to room. French Bulldog Highlights Friendly and playful: French Bulldogs are known for their friendly and playful personality. They love to cuddle and play fetch. Low-maintenance: French Bulldogs are relatively low-maintenance dogs. They only require moderate exercise and grooming. Good with children: French Bulldogs are good with children and other pets. They make great family dogs. Intelligent: French Bulldogs are intelligent dogs and can be easily trained. Adaptable: French Bulldogs can adapt to different living conditions. They are a good choice for apartment dwellers or people with active lifestyles. Healthy: French Bulldogs are generally healthy dogs, but they are prone to some health problems, such as brachycephalic airway syndrome and cherry eye. Overall, French Bulldogs are great dogs for people of all ages and lifestyles. They are friendly, playful, and low-maintenance, making them a perfect addition to any family. They were originally bred to be bull-baiting dogs, but this practice was outlawed in England in .French Bulldogs were then imported to France where they became popular as companion dogs. In France, French Bulldogs were often kept by lacemakers and other artisans who worked in small shops. The dogs were prized for their gentle nature and their ability to adapt to cramped living quarters. French Bulldogs also became popular with the French upper class, and they were often depicted in paintings and sculptures. French Bulldogs were first brought to the United States in the late s, and they quickly became popular with American families. The dogs were known for their friendly and playful personality, and they made great companions for children. French Bulldogs also became popular with celebrities, and they were often featured in movies and television shows. Today, French Bulldogs are one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. They are known for their friendly and playful personality, their low-maintenance coat, and their adaptability to different living conditions. French Bulldogs make great companions for people of all ages and lifestyles. The French Bulldog thrived in France and Europe, and his charm was soon discovered by Americans as well. Males weigh 20 to 28 pounds, females 16 to 24 pounds. French Bulldog Personality This is a smart, loving dog who wants and needs to spend lots of time with his people. Hip dysplasia can exist with or without clinical signs. Some dogs exhibit pain and lameness on one or both rear legs. As the dog ages, arthritis can develop. Dogs with hip dysplasia should not be bred. Ask the breeder for proof that the parents have been tested for hip dysplasia and found to be free of problems. Brachycephalic Syndrome : This disorder is found in dogs with short heads, narrowed nostrils, or elongated or soft palates. Their airways are obstructed to varying degrees and can cause anything from noisy or labored breathing to total collapse of the airway. Dogs with brachycephalic syndrome commonly snuffle and snort. Treatment varies depending on the severity of the condition but includes oxygen therapy as well as surgery to widen nostrils or shorten palates. Allergies: Allergies are a common problem in dogs. The medication for inhalant allergies depends on the severity of the allergy. It is important to note that ear infections often accompany inhalant allergies. Hemivertebrae: This is a malformation of one or more vertebrae that causes it to be shaped like a wedge or triangle. This malformation can occur on its own or with other vertebrae malformations. Hemivertebra can cause no problems, or it can put pressure on the spinal cord. This can lead to pain, weakness, and or paralysis. There is no treatment for the condition unless there is spinal cord pressure. It is caused when the patella, which has three parts — the femur thigh bone , patella knee cap , and tibia calf — is not properly lined up and slips in and out of place luxates. This causes lameness or an abnormal gait the way the dog moves. The rubbing caused by patellar luxation can lead to arthritis, a degenerative joint disease. There are four grades of patellar luxation ranging from grade I, an occasional luxation causing temporary lameness in the joint, to grade IV, in which the turning of the tibia is severe and the patella cannot be realigned manually. This gives the dog a bowlegged appearance. Severe grades of patellar luxation may require surgical repair. When the disc pushes into the spinal cord, nerve transmissions are inhibited from traveling along the spinal cord. Intervertebral Disc Disease can be caused by trauma, age, or simply from the physical jolt that occurs when a dog jumps off a sofa. When the disc ruptures, the dog usually feels pain and the ruptured disc can lead to weakness and temporary or permanent paralysis. In some cases surgery can help, but it must be done within a day or so of the injury. You may also want to ask your veterinarian about physical rehabilitation. Treatments such as massage, water treadmills and electrical stimulation are available for dogs and can have excellent success. It affects the clotting process due to the reduction of von Willebrand factor in the blood. Occasionally blood is found in the stool. This disorder is usually diagnosed in your dog between the ages of 3 and 5 and cannot be cured. However, it can be managed with treatments that include cauterizing or suturing injuries, transfusions of the von Willebrand factor before surgery, and avoiding certain medications. Cleft Palate : The palate is the roof of the mouth and separates the nasal and oral cavities. It is made up of two parts, hard and soft. A cleft palate has a slit that runs bilaterally or unilaterally and can range in size from a small hole to a large slit. A cleft palate can affect both the hard and soft palate separately and together and may cause a cleft lip. Puppies can be born with cleft palates, or a cleft palate can occur from an injury. Cleft palates are fairly common in dogs, but many puppies born with a cleft palate do not survive or are euthanized by the breeder. The only treatment for a cleft palate is surgery to close the hole, although not all dogs with a cleft palate require the surgery. It is important to get a diagnosis and treatment recommendation from your veterinarian. Elongated Soft Palate: The soft palate is the extension of the roof of the mouth. When the soft palate is elongated, it can obstruct airways and cause difficulty in breathing. The treatment for Elongated Soft Palate is surgical removal of the excess palate. Health clearances prove that a dog has been tested for and cleared of a particular condition. You can confirm health clearances by checking the OFA web site offa. Regardless of how healthy your dog is when you first bring them home, you should prepare for any issues that may come up throughout their life. French Bulldog Care French Bulldogs do not need a lot of exercise. They have fairly low energy levels, although there are exceptions to every rule. To keep their weight down, however, they need daily exercise through short walks or play times in the yard. Many French Bulldogs enjoy playing and will spend much of their time in various activities, but they are not so high energy that they need a large yard or long periods of exercise. This breed is prone to heat exhaustion and should not be exercised in hot temperatures. Limit walks and active play to cool mornings and evenings. When training a French Bulldog, take into account that although they are intelligent and usually eager to please, they are also free thinkers. That means they can be stubborn. It is important to crate train your French Bulldog puppy even if you plan to give him the freedom of the house when he reaches adulthood. French Bulldog Feeding Recommended daily amount: 1 to 1. NOTE: How much your adult dog eats depends on his size, age, build, metabolism, and activity level. It almost goes without saying that a highly active dog will need more than a couch potato dog. For more on feeding your Frenchie, see our guidelines for buying the right food , feeding your puppy , and feeding your adult dog. The skin is loose and wrinkled, especially at the head and shoulders, and has a soft texture. French Bulldogs come in a variety of colors, including fawn, cream, various shades of brindle — a coat patterned with specks and streaks of light and dark markings — such as black brindle and the striking tiger brindle, and brindle and white, known as brindle pied. French Bulldogs can be any color except solid black, liver a solid reddish-brown with brown pigmentation on the lips and nose , mouse a light steely gray , and black with white or tan. Run from any breeder who tells you that a particular color is rare and thus worth more money. Having your heart set on a fawn female is a recipe for disappointment when the litter contains only cream and brindle males. French Bulldogs are fairly easy to groom and need only an occasional brushing to keep their coat healthy. They are average shedders. Begin grooming your Frenchie at a young age and teach your puppy to stand on a table or floor to make this experience easier on both of you. When you are grooming your Frenchie at any stage of life, take the time to check for any scabs, skin lesions, bare spots, rough, flaky skin, or signs of infections. You should also check ears, eyes and teeth for any discharge or bad smells. Both are signs that your Frenchie may need to see the veterinarian. Clean ears regularly with a damp warm cloth and run a cotton swab around the edge of the canal. Never stick the cotton swab into the actual ear canal. If the edges of the ears are dry, apply mineral or baby oil sparingly. The oil can also be used on a dry nose. French Bulldogs do not naturally wear their nails down and will need their nails trimmed regularly. This prevents splitting and tearing, which can be painful for the dog. Keep the facial wrinkles clean and dry to prevent bacterial infections. Whenever you bathe your dog, take the time to thoroughly dry the skin between the folds. Bathe your French Bulldog monthly or as needed, and use a high-quality dog shampoo to keep the natural oils in his skin and coat. French Bulldogs should be easy to groom, and with proper training and positive experiences during puppyhood, grooming can be a wonderful bonding time for you and your Frenchie. That said, no dog should ever be left alone with a young child. When they are socialized to them during puppyhood, Frenchies can get along well with other dogs and cats. French Bulldog Rescue Groups French Bulldogs are often acquired without any clear understanding of what goes into owning one, and these dogs often end up in the care of rescue groups, in need of adoption or fostering. All dogs will need veterinary care at some point in their lives. French Bulldog Breed Organizations Finding a reputable dog breeder is one of the most important decisions you will make when bringing a new dog into your life. Reputable breeders are committed to breeding healthy, well-socialized puppies that will make great companions. They will screen their breeding stock for health problems, socialize their puppies from a young age, and provide you with lifetime support. On the other hand, backyard breeders are more interested in making a profit than in producing healthy, well-adjusted dogs. They may not screen their breeding stock for health problems, and they may not socialize their puppies properly. As a result, puppies from backyard breeders are more likely to have health problems and behavioral issues. Below are breed clubs, organizations, and associations where you can find additional information about the French Bulldog. The early months are critical. The timing is vital. Some apply to all dogs, such as distemper and rabies. If your French Bulldog is in contact with other pups, you should get him a kennel cough vaccine. Likewise, if you take him on the trail with you, consider getting him a Lyme disease vaccine. They are starting to learn social skills and how they fit in the hierarchy with their littermates. They are becoming more independent and starting to show signs of their unique personalities that will define them as adults. Socialization is critical at this age as it will determine how well he gets along with other people and pets. Anything is fair game for this pup. You can transition him to a dog food for pups at this life stage. A French Bulldog reaches his adult size at 12 months. Unfortunately, this pup has a relatively high tendency to gain weight. That puts him at risk for many chronic health conditions that can complicate the ones associate with him being a brachycephalic breed. That brings a host of other health issues that advisable to avoid. While breeding also can have adverse effects, keeping your pet intact may offer a viable option. More likely, stunted growth is the outcome. Growing up takes a lot of energy. The danger of stunted growth also extends toward so-called teacup varieties. These pups are at a greater risk for health problems because of their size. We recommend buying puppies from reputable breeders who understand the particular needs of the French Bulldog. The best way to gauge the weight of your French Bulldog is to look down at his body shape from above him. He should have a well-defined waist. You should also be able to feel his ribs. The feeding guidelines on the back of the package or can are not written in stone. Base his feeding schedule on his current weight and state of health. An online calorie calculator can help you plan his mealtimes correctly. Conclusion The cuteness of the French Bulldog makes it easy to overfeed him. His cute face begs for a treat. It will reduce his risk of chronic health conditions and improve his quality of life. After all, you want him to hang around as long as possible as your BFF. See also:. Excellent nutrition is important in order to have a healthy and happy dog. There are many varieties of food out there; wet, dry, freeze dried, raw, or cooked. Regardless of what food you decide on, they do need to be on a high-quality and nutritionally balanced dog food. What are the signs of high-quality dog food? The food should contain lean meat-based protein sources such as chicken , turkey , pork and beef. Feeding Your French Bulldog at Different Life Stages Once your puppy is fully grown, generally, between months of age they will progress on adult dog food. As young puppies, they have a huge requirement for calories and high-quality ingredients to promote puppy growth. Puppies grow rapidly during the first six months of their life and they continue growing more after this period. Without proper nutrition, they might be stunted and underweight. Check out our other article to learn how to switch puppy to two meals per day! Once your puppy is fully grown, generally, between months of age they will progress to adult dog food. This food will provide the nutrients and calories required to maintain an adult weight. Very active dogs will need more calories while sedentary dogs will need less. Dogs that have been neutered will have slightly different nutritional requirements than other adult dogs. They generally need fewer calories to prevent weight gain which can happen in the months after neutering surgery. This can be achieved by feeding a diet with relatively low carbohydrates and high-quality lean protein. Senior dogs require highly digestible foods and a good source of omega fatty acids for potentially stiff joints. They might require varying levels of protein depending on their kidney function and body condition. Good quality nutrition will keep your dog at optimal body condition and health. Feeding stage-of-life specific recipes allows your dog to have the optimal nutrients for the life stage they are in. However, regardless of small differences, most dogs will loosely follow the growth chart below. Age of French Bulldog. Post by: Annie M. Of course, our Frenchie friends also have a reputation for being a high-class breed. Historically, the French Bulldog was so elite that one pooch named Gamin de Pycombe was one of only 13 dogs aboard the Titanic. So what are French Bulldogs really like? Want to learn some facts about Frenchies? Keep reading! About the Breed Classified as a companion dog, the French Bulldog is an incredible family dog and one of the top 10 breeds in the United States. These pups are sweet and friendly people pleasers who adore cuddling, enjoy following you from room to room, and love being the center of attention, especially when they have an audience. Fully grown, the average, healthy weight for a French Bulldog is pounds, and they stand approximately 12 inches tall at the shoulder. The average French Bulldog lifespan is years, but life expectancy can be affected by many factors. These pups are cousins to the English Bulldog, which descended from the Bullenbeisser sport dogs, a subfamily of the ancient Greek Molossian breed that was originally used for bull-baiting. When blood sports were outlawed in England in , English Bulldogs emerged as companion dogs and were bred with terriers and Pugs to reduce their size. The toy size became very popular among the lace workers in Nottingham because these docile and loyal pooches would warm the workers' laps by day and rid the workshops of rats by night. The Industrial Revolution mechanized laceworks in England, and many of these skilled workers immigrated to France, taking their pups with them. The curious toy-sized, bat-eared bulldogs were an instant hit with the French bohemians. Soon writers, artists, fashion designers, and working girls all over Paris were requesting the lovable pups. The English breeders couldn't believe their luck—they'd always considered the breed's ears a flaw. So, they happily began sending over all of the bat-eared bulldogs, whom the French began calling Bouledogue Francais, as in boule for "ball" and dogue for "mastiff" or "molosser. The breed first appeared in the United States in the late 19th century. They were very well received, earning the nickname "Frenchie," as well as the affection of notable pet parents like the Rockefeller and J. Morgan families. Attributes Aside from their size and bat-like ears, what makes French Bulldogs unique? In addition to the elongated ears, other key differences from the English Bulldog include more alert facial expressions, rounder eyes, and a wider range of motion. Appearance French Bulldogs keep a low center of gravity with their compact, muscular build and large, square head, and they walk with a recognizable bow-legged gait. A brachycephalic, or "flat-faced" breed, these pooches have those adorable smooshy faces that are just perfect for smooching. Their skin is loose and soft, forming wrinkles at the head and shoulders. Frenchies have a short, smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors. Most commonly, their coat color comes in shades of brindle, fawn, or tan. They can also be white with brindle patches, an effect known as "pied. French Bulldogs are easygoing, fun-loving additions to any family. True companion dogs, they thrive on human contact. They are patient with children, friendly with strangers, and loyal to their pet parents—sometimes to the point of being overly protective. Since they can be territorial, remember that socialization at a young age is a good idea. These social butterflies also enjoy the company of other canine companions. Despite yearning for affection, Frenchies make excellent watchdogs because they hardly ever bark without reason. This trait also makes them a good fit for apartment dwellers who might worry about their pooch disturbing the neighbors. Grooming and Care With a short, fine coat, your Frenchie's grooming needs will be fairly easy to maintain. You'll want to brush your pal weekly with a rubber hound glove or soft bristle brush. During the fall and spring shedding seasons, you can remove any excess hair with a stripping comb. French Bulldogs need a bath about once a month. Just make sure you use a high-quality doggie shampoo, and follow these tips for bathing wrinkly dogs. It's very important that you keep your pup's wrinkles clean and always check for scabs or lesions that could lead to infections. Make sure to clean their ears regularly with a damp cloth and keep up with nail trimming, too. Special Care Tips Frenchies are fairly low energy and don't need a lot of exercise. However, make sure your pooch is still getting a couple of minute walks a day and some low-key playtime. They don't need a lot of room; just a ball and a little open space will do. Be that as it may, it's very important to know the signs of heat exhaustion in your dog. Due to your pal's bulky shape, naturally compacted airway, and thin coat, they have a tough time regulating their body temperature and are thus susceptible to overheating. If you live in a hot climate, your Frenchie will be safer if you have air conditioning in your home. Limit walk times to early mornings and late evenings when the temperatures are more comfortable. Also, always make sure your pup has access to shade and water if they are outside. Similarly, in cold weather, dress your canine companion in an extra layer to be safe. If you're planning a trip, be aware that some commercial airlines do not allow French Bulldogs to travel. Due to the low temperatures in the cargo space, it can be dangerous to your Frenchie's health if they were to fly. Additionally, French Bulldogs are not good swimmers, so if you own a swimming pool, make sure your pup does not have access. Training French Bulldogs French Bulldogs are relatively intelligent little pooches, so training can be a positive experience for both of you, especially if you incorporate lots of food, praise, and play. Make training feel like a game, and remember that Frenchies are people pleasers by nature. They are sensitive and respond far better to rewards than criticism. French Bulldogs are free thinkers, which can lead to stubbornness. This also means that they are not the best-suited breed for obedience and agility competitions. But with patience and consistency, housetraining and a few tricks should be easy enough to accomplish. This affects dogs with that classic short head and narrow nostril combination and can result in all that adorable snoring and grunting that Frenchies are known for. But, unfortunately, it can also lead to complete airway collapse. Other respiratory issues include allergies and elongated soft palate, which can obstruct the airways. French Bulldogs are prone to chronodysplasia, a general term for back, spine, and disc issues. Of these, the most common are hemivertebrae, a malformation of the vertebrae that puts pressure on the spinal cord, and Intervertebral Disc Disease IVDD , which is caused by a ruptured or herniated disc. These pups also have a lot of experience with hip dysplasia and patellar luxation, or having their kneecap slip out of place. In terms of blood disorders, Frenchies are predisposed to Von Willebrand's Disease, a condition that affects clotting ability. Early signs include nosebleeds, bleeding gums, prolonged bleeding. No one dog breed is completely immune to all health problems, so it is important to take your pooch to the veterinarian for their regular checkups. The information presented in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute or substitute for the advice of your veterinarian. With enough affection, a Frenchie can make the perfect companion dog, especially for owners with busy lifestyles and little time to provide physical exercise to their pets. Frenchies love being at the center of attention and are easy-going creatures that do well with every family member. Their laid-back temperament combined with minimal care requirements compared with other, high-energy breeds makes them an ideal choice for first-time dog owners. This article will cover everything you need to know about Frenchies, their history, what to expect as a French Bulldog owner, and answer commonly asked questions about the breed. French Bulldog Breed Characteristics French Bulldogs are an easy-going breed and form good relationships with other dogs and pets in the family. They require close affection from their humans. The adult weight of a French Bulldog is between 16 and 28 lbs for males and 14 to 26 lbs for females. Both the males and females stand around 12 inches tall at the shoulders. Although Frenchies tend to be stubborn at times, they are very agreeable dogs. This also makes them easier to train than some other breeds. French Bulldogs need minimal exercise. Even short walks of fifteen to twenty minutes are enough to keep this breed healthy when enough indoor space is provided. French Bulldogs are average shedders and need casual brushing to keep their coats smooth and healthy. Like Pugs and Bulldogs , the wrinkles on their skin should be cleaned after physical exercise to avoid dirt building up, which can lead to infection if neglected. French Bulldogs have dark eye colors, with some varieties having blue eyes. Frenchies come in a variety of colors. The standard colors of the French Bulldogs are different shades of brindle, cream, fawn, and white with dark patches. Because French Bulldogs were selectively bred, they have several health issues. The most common health problems include airway obstruction, ear infections, diarrhea, and butterfly hemivertebrae. Additionally, many Frenchies have trouble reproducing and require artificial insemination , with more than two-thirds of litters born this way. History of the French Bulldog The origins of the French Bulldog are closely tied to the English Bulldog and other Bulldogs that took part in bull-baiting. These dogs would lay flat on the ground and creep towards the bulls to get close, in an attempt to bite their nose or other sensitive areas like the neck to bring them down. Bull-baiting was a popular sport in England but was banned in , leaving many Bulldogs without a job. Around the same time, workers from Nottingham, England, began settling in Normandy, France, after being displaced by the Industrial Revolution. In a similar story to the origins of many other dog breeds, these workers brought their Bulldogs with them. However, not all Bulldogs become favorable in France. The smaller breeds which weighed 25 to 40 lbs were favored over the others. Historical notes also suggest these small Bulldogs were bred with Pugs and Terrier-type dogs to meet the liking of the French elites. A few decades after first arriving in France, these smaller Bulldogs became thought of as a separate breed. People referred to them as Bouledogue Francais translating to French Bulldog. In , imports of the French Bulldogs to the US increased to make an American-based breeding program. The dogs that were a part of this breeding program became close companions of the elite class — influential families like the Rockefellers and J. By , the French Bulldog became the fifth most popular breed in the United States. They make excellent companion dogs that do well in families of all sizes and are patient with children. When introduced to other pets in the family slowly and cautiously, French Bulldogs do well with them, including cats. However, they might boss around smaller dogs in the pack. Being a naturally loyal dog breed, French Bulldogs may pick one person in the house and become overly protective of them. Overall, French Bulldogs today are incredible companion dogs that require minimal exercise. Short walks of fifteen to twenty minutes are enough to keep this breed healthy. This trait makes them excellent indoor pets, and with enough affection from their humans, French Bulldogs will return the favor. The increasing popularity of Frenchies In recent years, the Frenchie has become a fashionable and increasingly popular dog breed in many parts of the world. Their popularity in the United States has increased to such an extent that French Bulldogs are now the most popular dog in the United States , according to AKC registration details for .The French Bulldog also ranked in seventh place in our analysis of the most popular dog breeds in the world. When fully grown, French Bulldogs stand 12 inches tall and weigh up to 28 pounds. They are a small-to-medium-sized breed that can adapt to apartment living easily — added with barking very little and requiring minimal exercise. Frenchies are an excellent consideration for people in busy cities living in small apartments.

Well its likely everyone reading this has experienced it and if you are reading this now then you are probably currently dealing with some soreness from a Goldendoodle that pulls on the leash. So why not train your dog to walk along side you without pulling and enjoy every walk without any pain or pulling! The great thing is its not as complicated as you might think! Sometimes it can be a 5 minute turnaround as expert dog trainer, Doggy Dan, demonstrates in his video below. But let me first walk you through some of the key mistakes that people make when walking their dog. We mentioned earlier there are several tricks to walking your dog on the leash correctly so that they walk along side you. And if you have a determined dog you may well need to know all of them before you can master the walk. Generally speaking, the tips I am about to give you now will really help. So lets get into the training. The most important thing to remember is to keep your dog calm. If your dog is charged up like a raging bull as you head out of the door, like the one in the video then getting them to walk calmly on the leash is going to be a lot harder than if they were calm. So how do we calm them down? Think about your build up to leaving the house. You bring out the leash and BOOM! Your calm beauty becomes a chaotic tornado. They jump up, tail wagging, racing around wanting you to put the leash on them. The reason is simple. You are reinforcing their excited behavior with a reward, the leash. This behavior gets more and more troublesome as you continue to reward them with what they want. They become more excited not less excited as they get to go on more walks. Now think about what happens as you go out the front door. Your Goldendoodle drags you to the door and right out of it and down the street. The same thing is happening here as when you first put the leash on. They are being rewarded for what they are doing so it becomes habit. So for the next walk you plan to take try this. Pick up the dog leash and instead of just putting it on when they get all excited, wait. As long as they remain crazy just simply continue doing what you were and ignore your Doodles antics. Once they do calm down then put the leash on and if they do not then simply put the leash away. This can take some time and may take several attempts and in some cases a longer period. However, your dog will eventually calm down. Once they are calm you can try again and repeat the process until they are relaxed as you put the leash on. You can use the same process and repeat it through getting your dog down to the sidewalk. You can wait calmly with your dog on the leash until they do calm down before continuing or can go back and take the leash off and hold off a few minutes. You may feel like you are making no progress here. But you need to take some time and work on this. It is better to work it out now than continue to let your dog lead you and drag you around the streets of your neighborhood for the next 10 years or so. You cannot just ignore it, it will not fix itself. The next step is a basic exercise that involves you turning around whenever your Goldendoodle pulls ahead on the leash. If they try to go right then go left. Just turn the direction you wish to go. Take a step in that direction. Do this again and repeat till they take notice of what you are doing. On a larger scale you could change direction and go the other way whenever your dog starts to pull on the leash. When you do this do it quickly. Do not let your dog pull you or get far out in front. This exercise puts your dog behind you every time. This can take time and lots of practice but in the end would you rather walk your dog or be walked by your dog? In the video you can see Doggy Dan uses a special harness where the attachment is under the dogs chin, a leader leash. This is different from the traditional harness where the attachment is on the back and the dog ends up pulling like a sled dog. If you are not the pack leader in your dogs eyes then they will fight for the spot at the front. Its just their nature. Knowing when and where to let your dog have time and freedom to sniff and pee is another great tip to know. Related Posts. Place your pup on a loose dog leash. Use a treat to lure it into position at your side. Let it sniff the treat in your hand and then lift it to your shoulder and step forward. Repeat steps 4 and 5, but add another step or two before providing the treat each time. If the dog pulls the leash or moves away from your side, stand still and lure it back to you using the treat. Once your dog masters walking alongside you nicely indoors, take the training outside. This will keep them safe and protect other dogs and passersby. Stopping Unwanted Behaviors Dogs have terrible behavior when walking. The most common is when a dog starts pulling. Does your puppy want to keep loose leashes? The more leads that he gets the more permissions he thinks he should run and wander. If a dog pulls, stop immediately and respond using verbal cues or a clicker. Wait until the leash is tight and then start to move forward. It has traditionally been a practice for leash trained dogs to walk nicely alongside on your left. You can achieve this with your puppy through consistent puppy leash training or a help from a professional trainer. Positive Reinforcement Is the Key Dogs respond best to consistent positive reinforcement. Yelling, using fear tactics or pulling on the leash will result in confusion from the dog. Additionally, it will respond more to fear than to the promise of a reward or praise — which can lead to bad behavior. Give them treats or favorite toys if they followed your commands and behaved nicely. It may also be helpful for dogs to have clicker training for better walking behavior. Whichever route you take, few things are more rewarding than nurturing a pup into a happy and well-trained adult dog. Goldendoodles have a great desire to please. Teaching them what it takes to please you sets them up for happiness. In this blog, we are going to cover how to train your Goldendoodle puppy. Having a well-trained dog around is appreciated by all other humans that encounter your dog as well. The training you administer to your puppy will pay off in spades as he continues to use the skills you have taught to please you and your guests throughout life. Being isolated and not included in family activities will cause stress, anxiety, and overactive behavior to become the norm for the untrained dog. Are you a pushover? Do you give in and reward inappropriate behavior? Do you scold without giving direction on what you want to see in place of that behavior? Without giving consistent queues, you will easily confuse a young puppy or even an adult dog. You must dedicate yourself to always rewarding good behavior and redirecting unwanted behavior. While it is easy to forgive a puppy for exhibiting their love in a rambunctious way, you are doing the little fellow a disservice by not expecting good behavior always. Once he is an adult, you will look back and wish you had curbed that undesirable behavior when he was a small puppy. You also need to help the children in the home to understand how and why they should not promote undesirable behaviors as well. Are Goldendoodles Easy to Train? A hybrid with Golden Retriever and Poodle genes, Goldendoodles are always fast learners and easy to train. Golden Retrievers are, by nature, extremely loyal dogs and are always eager to make their owners happy. They tend to have a happy demeanor whereas Poodles tend to have a more sophisticated air about them. While all dogs can learn, some dogs have shorter attention spans than others. Training in a busy home with loud and active children can affect the attention span too. Make sure in the beginning to work on commands with no distractions like other dogs, traffic, children, or wildlife. Setting expectations is vital in establishing the groundwork before you begin your dog training. It is always best to start with a clean slate vs. Set boundaries such as no jumping from day one. Take advantage of this innocent period where you have no bad habits that have been set. Obedience training is essential to living a harmonious life with your dog and the amount of time it takes to train a good behavior will take less than half the time it will take to change a bad behavior. Because puppies have a short attention span, training sessions should be only minutes in length but can be repeated once an hour. Positive Reinforcement Using positive reinforcement convinces your puppy that behaving accordingly or following instructions will merit them a reward in the form of food, verbal praise, or petting. While it is easier to instill fear in your puppy or punish them for inappropriate behavior, this method will never result in consistent positive behavior. A dog that behaves out of fear will eventually retaliate. Positive reinforcement training provides your puppy with an incentive to behave correctly. A treat will keep them seated quietly even when they are overly excited to meet your guests. Once a command is mastered, the food rewards can be rotated with pets or positive words each time the command is successfully followed. Over time, they will need fewer and fewer food rewards and be happy to oblige for a simple pat on the head or verbal praise. The timing is critical so that the puppy associates not only the click but also the reward as a positive reaction to their behavior. A clicker helps your puppy identify the very instant that they are doing what you want them to do making their learning process quicker. On the other hand, shock training is one of the most detrimental training methods you can utilize on your Goldendoodle puppy. This is a training method that makes use of punishment through the use of shock collars which subjects your puppy to pain as a result of unwanted behavior. This method may result in aggression or fear-based behavior. We advise you to give them positive reinforcements and train them with love and care. It is always best for your puppy to want to please you rather than to be afraid to displease you. Training Basics We love dogs who can perform a fun trick, but learning the basics of obedience first is important. Before we ask them to roll over, sit up on their haunches, or heal without a leash, it is crucial that they first learn the basics. You have to ensure they have already mastered the basic commands of sit, down, stay, and place as they will be the building blocks for all other commands. Some people choose to send their puppy to board and training, to get a jump start from a professional. Dog Socialization Dogs are very sociable and Goldendoodles are one of the friendliest breeds. Taking them out to dog parks or the mall or just letting them interact with your family members or other dogs helps them learn how to handle themselves around unfamiliar people or pets. Little by little, through guided socialization, they will learn not to be rattled by unexpected circumstances or guests. Keep in mind that until a puppy is fully vaccinated, he needs to avoid exposure to areas of high traffic of other dogs. Therefore, until the puppy reaches 16 weeks of age the age of full vaccination , he needs to play only with other fully vaccinated dogs in areas such as your backyard. Carrying them in public places such as Home Depot and Tractor Supply will allow safe exposure. Your Goldendoodle puppy must meet as many as new people a week. Be consistent, and tolerant, and offer positive reinforcement when necessary. The time and effort you put in now will pay off in the long run. It is beneficial to purchase a crate for your puppy and use it when you are not able to directly observe him. Doing so will give him a safe and secure place to stay and will also help in the housetraining process, as dogs have an instinct not to soil their sleeping area. The crate will teach your pup to control their urge to eliminate until the appropriate time. It is important to ensure that everyone in the family follows the same rules for potty training a pup. Find an area in the yard that the pup can use as their designated elimination spot and take them there on a leash when it is time to go. The smell of this spot will act as a reminder to the pup that this is where they should go to do their business. Developing a consistent verbal cue during the toileting process will help to create a language between you and your canine companion. Have patience as your dog may need multiple attempts to go and may not always do so immediately. Focus on the task at hand, not on socialization. Reward them with positive reinforcement when they have completed the job. Once your puppy has completed their business, bring them inside to enjoy some quality time. Dogs are creatures of habit; they like to eat, sleep, and relieve themselves on a regular schedule. Creating a consistent routine for your puppy can be a simple process and it will become more straightforward as they age. Take note of when your pup usually does their business, such as in the morning, evening, or after meals, and then adjust your schedule accordingly to accommodate these needs. In case you miss it, just tidy up the area and acknowledge your unavailability. Avoid reprimanding the puppy. As soon as you notice him behaving restlessly, sniffing around, circling, or attempting to leave unnoticed, immediately pick him up and take him outside, as these are clear indications that he needs to eliminate. Crate Training Your Goldendoodle puppy should be placed in the crate during any unsupervised time. When your puppy is 8 weeks old, it should be treated like a one-year-old human toddler. To ensure their safety, they should not be allowed to roam freely around the house or be left unsupervised for any length of time. If an accident does occur, avoid scolding the pup and instead reprimand yourself, as the puppy only learns if the reprimand is given at the time of the accident. Each accident is a setback in the training process and should be avoided. A puppy should not be allowed access to the floor unless it has gone potty outside within the last 45 minutes. This will help to avoid accidents. If the playtime reaches an hour, the puppy should be taken outside to potty again. In the crate, the limit is 3 hours, but outside the crate, the limit is one hour. Every month, the crate time limit can be increased by one hour. Food is an easy motivation for our furry friends to follow commands and instructions and works wonders when associated with a command or routine you want them to remember. Rich treats like liver or hotdog bits can cause stomach issues and should be used only in very small quantities. A properly carried-out routine is the most consistent form of puppy training you can provide. From meal times, bathroom breaks, and playtime to naps and bedtime, a structured list of activities will give your Goldendoodle a rhythm that they will grow to expect. Feeding your puppy around the same time daily also gives you consistent potty time. Professional Trainers Are Always an Option Not all dog owners have the time to train their puppies personally. Although this could be a rewarding experience, some of us may be too busy with work or other matters that may not allow consistency which is very important for retention and behavior formation. Some trainers will do board and train which means they keep your puppy for a designated amount of time to work one on one with your puppy to teach housebreaking and basic commands. Others will work with you and your puppy together which involves you in the process and this is typically a one-a-day-a-week lesson. In summary, Goldendoodles are great dogs, but they are the best when they are properly trained. If you emphasize their training from puppyhood on, you will be assured a polite, mannerly adult dog that is enjoyed by the family members and all others that come in contact with your Goldendoodle. But having a best friend means enjoying all activities together without being pulled all over the place. Activities on a leash include potty walks, exercise for both the dog and the human! Fox Creek Farms specializes in breeding and training Goldendoodles. While these tips and tricks work great on our Goldendoodles, they are universal for all pups. We encourage dog owners to begin all types of training including leash and potty training when your new puppy comes home. Training your puppy to be comfortable and consistent in walking on a loose leash can take time and patience, but with consistency and dedication, you can teach your puppy to be a good leash walker. Here are a few steps to follow: Gather the right materials Before you can start training your puppy to walk on a leash, you need the right leash. This is the most important piece to getting started. While you may have a leash at home, you need to ensure that it is the right fit and length for your dog. If you have a larger dog, a longer leash may be more appropriate, and vice versa for smaller dogs. Additionally, invest in a leash that is a comfortable and suitable material for you and your dog. Some leashes have rubber handles while others are made of rope. Be sure to purchase a leash with a handle that you can grip easily and plan to use throughout training. Retractable leashes are not recommended during training and should never be used within 30 feet of any roadway. It would help if you also had a properly fitting harness that remains on your puppy to which to attach the leash. This should fit securely on your dog but not cause discomfort. It is common for a puppy to scratch a bit at a harness until they become used to wearing one. Be sure the harness or collar is the right size and that its material is not bothersome. Having a certain type of treat and clicker is also crucial in this process. As you will learn, positive reinforcement is a huge part of the process of leash training. A toy can be substituted here if your puppy prefers to play with a toy. Keep in mind that overfeeding treats is not a good practice, so limit your training time and the number of treats during each session. Introduce your pup to a leash First, you have to get your puppy comfortable with the leash. Allow them to sniff and explore the leash. Then, attach it to the harness and allow them to drag it around for a few minutes. This allows your puppy to become more accustomed to how it feels, how heavy it is, and having something attached to its harness. Following you Beginning inside, practice walking around and encourage your puppy to follow you. This is best done in a quiet and closed space. Open space may have too many distractions and could delay the training process. The best way to do this is to reward your puppy with treats dispensing from the hand that will eventually hold the leash as they begin to follow you. You should continue the leash walking around the house with little to no distractions. This serves as a gradual way to get your puppy accustomed to walking with you while attached to a leash. Continue to reward your puppy with a treat or toy as they calmly follow you. You can also use a clicker to praise your puppy when it behaves well if you are utilizing a clicker for all your behavior training. This will allow your puppy to begin associating good behavior with positive rewards. They will learn to continue this good behavior in hopes of receiving treats, clicks, or toys. Walking on a loose leash It is time to head outside! This next step may cause some frustration as it is likely the most difficult step for you and your puppy. Using positive reinforcements is crucial to being successful as you teach your puppy to walk alongside you and practice walking on a leash without pulling. You should begin your walk calmly and continue to reward your puppy when they walk beside you. When they begin to pull and not obey your pace, do not punish them. Instead, pause where you are and wait for them to calm down or return to your side before continuing. This is one of the most important steps in training dogs to follow your lead. You can say their name to regain their focus back to you and reward them for doing so. You may also introduce hand signals or begin teaching your puppy verbal commands. In the same way that treats emphasize good behavior, repeating certain commands and directing them to act after you speak will begin to train your dog to associate those commands with certain actions. You may also adapt hand signals in place of words, but it is recommended that you stick with one or the other so as not to confuse the puppy. Several important commands are important for every dog owner to teach their dog. They make it easier to communicate with your dog and ensure that they are well-behaved while walking on a leash, interacting with other people, or simply playing around. This can be used when a new person is introduced or you need them to remain still. Fox Creek Farm puppies have learned this command before they leave us, but reinforcement will be needed to ensure consistency. This is a great way to teach a dog to remain still when approaching a road crossing. If he ever slips his collar, you will be grateful you worked on this command! This should be used when requesting your dog to come back to walk at your side. Repeated use of this term is beneficial in leash training. Of course, while on a leash, you have control of your puppy to avoid this behavior. This can be important on walks if they begin to excessively bark. It is also a useful command to get your puppy to be quiet when you are on the phone or when answering the door. Increase distractions After training in a quieter, less distracting environment, begin practicing in new and different environments. This may include venturing further than your previous route, walking in the opposite direction, or practicing in dog-friendly places like Home Depot. Introducing your puppy to these new areas is a great way to gradually increase the level of distractions. For example, a dog park will include other dogs and people that may serve as roadblocks and cause dog pulling. This is where you should continue to practice the behaviors as explained in step five. Remember to be patient Leash training a puppy takes time and every puppy learns at their own pace. It is important to stay positive, and patient, and remain consistent throughout the process. Remember that punishing your puppy or becoming upset may delay the process significantly. Your puppy will eventually learn to walk on the leash if you are diligent in your practice. Professional Dog Trainers Should all else fail, you may consider hiring a dog trainer to complete a training class or a session of classes. Trainers can offer great guidance with additional tips. They can demonstrate proper leash training and correct behavior that needs addressing. Many times, they will be able to point out actions the human is doing that is detrimental to successful training. Most reputable dog trainers will have a certification or training license from a certification council. Here at Fox Creek Farm, we offer several different types of boarding and puppy training. We have two, four, six, eight, ten, and twelve-week training options. We also have a list of online resources for at-home training! Leash training a puppy may be a little tedious but having this skill makes walking your puppy a much more enjoyable experience and ensures your puppy is under control and safe. Training your puppy to loose leash walking is so freeing. While it is challenging at first, it is worth the effort. Being able to leisurely walk with your dog without being pulled will no doubt become a favorite activity for both the dog and the human. This list of tips and steps are a great place to start on your journey to walking with control. We go out of our way to offer high-quality health warrantied Goldendoodle puppies for sale to anyone that is within a 5-hour radius of our Goldendoodle nursery. Walks will help to tire out your Doodle, but it must be done right — otherwise, they end up tiring you! Doodles will bounce off your energy. If you find them being too rambunctious before a walk, try to keep the atmosphere calm. Even if they are being super cute! Spend plenty of time with your young Doodle, as dogs need to trust their owners before they begin listening. Then, remember to start off with the basic commands before you research how to leash train a dog. Doodles are very friendly, meaning you can expect them to want to approach and interact with other dogs and people. The Best Type of Leashes Before you get started walking, you have to make sure you have the right equipment to begin. Talking a walk down the leash aisle at the pet store can be very overwhelming. There are a ton of options and many leashes have different uses for different temperaments. Before buying a leash, consider its purpose, material, length, and attachment style. For leash training your Doodle, there are some leashes that work better than others. A standard leash like this one is good for training your dog. While training, you want a leash that is on the shorter side, from feet. Avoid retractable leashes as they actually train your dog to pull on the leash. Instead, use a harness — it will give you more control over a dog while it still needs guidance. See Also: Click the image You can also consider using a leader leash like this one. This helps you assert control by keeping the dog at your side rather than letting them push ahead. As your dog learns and is getting better trained, consider a leash that attaches to you around your waist. This lets you have two free hands and offers more balance. Your hands can be used to dispense treats or help to direct the dog if needed. This is also great for runners who like to bring their dog along with them. Begin with these steps to get started and after practicing, you will find doggy success. Tire Them Out There is more to walking a Doodle than simply grabbing the leash and heading out the door. Having an untrained dog full of energy on a leash is just begging for trouble. Exercise your puppy with play out in the backyard beforehand. Toss a ball back and forth and practice fetch. Before throwing the ball, have your dog sit — this allows them to play and get their minds rolling. They know they are rewarded by good behavior when you toss the ball. Before the Walk Now, you want to wait for your puppy to be calm. You want your dog to be completely calm before you leave the house. Once you grab the leash, wait for them to calm down — this may take a while, so be patient. Feel free to put the leash back, wait until they are calm, and then try grabbing it again. If they get amped up again the second they are outdoors, only take them as far as the sidewalk. Then, bring them back inside again. Your puppy needs to learn that calm energy is the right walking energy. Master the Loose Leash The ultimate goal is to have your walking buddy at your side with a loose leash. Yanking and pulling is the main thing you are trying to prevent. You are the pack leader and it is important to establish yourself as such while walking. The first step to training is to always keep a short leash. A leash should be short enough that your arm, wrist, and elbow are relaxed. If your dog begins to stray or starts to sniff, first try sending signals through the leash with gentle taps. This is you reminding them that straying is not allowed. Never yank or pull the dog. Do not move until they come back and the leash loosens up a bit. Once they are waiting and calm, start walking again. Soon they will learn that they can only walk when the parent is walking in their direction of choice. Praise works just as well most of the time! Start your training off in familiar areas like your home or yard. Practice walking through the lawn on a leash. Then head to the front yard, up and down the street or a short loop. Then, graduate them to a larger walk — baby steps are important. Doodle with a training prong collar. Practice Turning Dogs need to learn that they can only go in the direction their doggy parent is taking them in. A good way to instill this in your dog is by practicing turns. Do this activity in a familiar area to get them started. To practice your turns, you want to walk normally with your dog at your side on a short leash. Next, gently step in front of the dog by turning, blocking them with your leg. Practice turning in front of your dog up and down the sidewalk. You will soon notice that your dog will follow your lead no matter which direction you go. Remember, all kinds of obedience training will take a while, even for a smart breed such as a Doodle. Having a controlled walk lets them work both mentally and physically. However, there need to be moments where the dog is allowed to roam a bit. Leash training will help the owner maintain overall control. But, you also need to make sure you give your pup time to do their doggy stuff. This means letting them go to the bathroom and sniffing around. Difficult Dogs Sometimes, no matter how much you try, there are always going to be some difficult dogs. The best advice here is perseverance. Training your dog will definitely test your patience, but the worst thing you can do is give up. Start off small. The fewer distractions the better, so avoid walking during busy parts of the day if possible. Most importantly, be consistent. Ensure that you are following and teaching the same rules and your dog will eventually catch on. Of course, any food-motivated dog can benefit greatly from some treats. Be picky when giving out treats and reward them only when they are calm and looking at you. This is especially important if your dog gets too excited by an approaching dog or person. Related Content. Like most good skills, practice makes perfect - but leash training your 'Doodle is really not difficult! We've broken it down into 4 simple steps - read on to learn how you can teach your 'Doodle to walk on a leash! If your Doodle is still a puppy we recommend buying one that's adjustable as he grows. Find healthy treats your dog loves! Our dogs love these treats from Life's Abundance. Need more treat ideas? Here is a list of healthy snacks you can give your puppy! That's right! Patience is key! Leash Training Step 1: Build Positive Association Before you go off on adventures with your 'Doodle, he should be completely comfortable wearing walking equipment. Introduce the collar and leash, have him wear them for short periods of time in the house while you are playing with him and giving him treats. If you plan to use a body harness, introduce it slowly. The goal here is to build positive association, where you you dog thinks that leash-time is fun and exciting! Leash Training Step 2: Practice Recall Besides practicing to have your 'Doodle to come on command, teaching your dog to "come" while on leash is a great way to help prevent pulling or other problems. Practice inside first, where there's fewer distractions. If he comes, back up a few paces, and offer treats or praise when he reaches you. Once your puppy understands, practice the progression until your puppy readily comes and walks with you a few steps. After your 'Doodle seems to have a good grasp on what "come" means indoors, take the practice sessions outside. With more distractions, coming on cue might prove to be a challenge for your pup. But don't give up! A little patience goes far, and any baby step is a success! Pro Tip: Keep training sessions short and sweet. Puppies in particular have a short attention spans, and they tire easily, despite their seemingly boundless energy. Practicing throughout the day in short minute intervals will get you much further than one long training session. Leash Training Step 3: Positive reinforcement This step goes hand-in-hand with step 2. Dogs repeat behaviors that earn them rewards, so positive reinforcement is the most effective way to teach him to walk nicely on a leash. Positive reinforcement reward-based training is teaching your pup a cue that means, "reward is coming. Whichever one you choose, the method is the same - pick one and stick to it. Make the sound, and wait for your pup to offer you even a tiny second of eye contact or attention—then immediately mark and reward. The more accurate and quick your mark is, the more effective your teaching becomes. Once your 'Doodle has grasped the concept of positive reinforcement training, this method is extremely useful while he's on the leash walking beside you. Practice walking a few steps and stopping and asking for attention. Mark and reinforce for moments of nice leash walking and anytime you stop. This is the first step to a well-behaved dog while out and about. Consistency is the key here! Keep the first walks short. Gradually move from your home to the neighborhood, as your 'Doodle masters the skill. If you are walking, and your puppy starts pulling or getting distracted, make your cue sound and ask for his attention. Be sure to mark and reward when he obeys! Your 'Doodle should be walking steady at your side with a loose leash and no pulling. The method of loose-leash walking is to stop or turn the other way as soon as pup begins to pull. Wait until the leash is slack before continuing, and reward him when he walks next to you. This teaches your dog that pulling is not the way to get anywhere, and walking nicely is the only way to make forward progress. You can also gradually decrease the number of treats you give your puppy during a walk, but do keep some on hand at all times, for rewarding good behavior. Training should be fun for you both! Keep in mind walks are for your 'Doodle's benefit as much as yours! Allow your dog the freedom to do doggy things too such as sniffing, potty breaks, and greeting other dogs. Walking should always be a fun adventure, never a chore! We hope you enjoyed this article! Properly leash training your 'Doodle will set you both up for years of enjoyment plus helps to keep your dog safe when out and about! Love This Post? Share It! Can you buy a pre-trained puppy? Always keep an eye on your pup if he is wearing his leash and never leave him crated with a leash on to avoid him becoming dangerously tangled. This practice of wearing his leash around the home ensures the leash is not some exciting trigger that gets the dog in an excited and distractible headspace before the walk even starts! Once your puppy is used to his harness and leash, you can start with short walks less than 5 minutes outside. Puppies have short attention spans, so once he begins to lose focus, it is time to take a break. Give him the treat every few steps and very slowly lengthen the time he is able to heel without a treat. Once your puppy understands the command to heel, you can practice longer walks. If he begins to pull, simply stop the walk and correct him to heel, sit, or otherwise redirect him in some way. Do not begin walking again until the pup has regained his composure and his focus is on you. It can be slow and tedious, but the consistent training will pay off. Allowing your pup to pull, even if it seems harmless, is reinforcing this behavior. He feels he is pulling to get to whatever interesting thing he wants to see or sniff. You can linger at the fire hydrant for an extra minute or two. Allowing your dog some freedom to sniff and explore will help him enjoy walks and overall build a positive bond between the two of you. He will learn that listening to you and respecting the boundaries of the leash leads to fun exploration, extra sniffs, and the occasional treat! Correcting your dog during leash training and other training activities We have spent some time discussing how to get your dog to do various good behaviors such as going potty outside or heeling on the leash. But how do you appropriately discourage your puppy from unwanted behaviors such as jumping or nipping? It is important to let your dog know when you are displeased with something he is doing so that he can learn proper manners and be a positive addition to your family. First of all, you need to get to know your particular dog. Many doodles are sensitive and intuitive by nature thanks to their Poodle heritage so would be overwhelmed by harsh correction. For example, if your dog jumps to get your attention, simply turn the other way and completely ignore your pup. Another example is nipping, puppies often use this behavior to get your attention and try to instigate play. Giving him something to do to replace these negative behaviors is key to helping him understand what you expect from him. We always recommend starting with the most gentle form of correction. Returning to the case of unwanted jumping, a more stubborn or even more zealous dog may continue jumping over and over again despite being ignored. In this case you may need to up the ante by moving your dog to a different room or otherwise physically separating yourself from him until he settles, and you can try again. It will also likely take more than one try! But be consistent. If you firmly separate your dog each and every time he jumps on you, even the most stubborn pup will learn that he can only be with you when he has all four paws on the ground! The very second he starts going for the pile of shoes, is the moment to correct. Yelling or screaming at your dog is unnecessary. As mentioned previously, some more sensitive dogs will respond to any type of negative verbal command. But if your doodle is a little more resistant, then a louder correction may be helpful. If your dog cowers, then the correction was too strong. In conclusion, it is up to you to teach your puppy what you expect from him. Many doodles respond well to simply ignoring negative behaviors and rewarding positive ones. And finally, redirect your dog by giving him a positive behavior he can perform to replace the misbehavior.

Do every chore you need to do before your pug arrives. This way, your pug would have all the attention it needs as it settles down for the first time. Avoid doing the following things. Allow it to settle and be familiar with its new home first before doing so. Start to crate-train your pug. Crate training is essential for pugs for many reasons. For instance, it will help them learn much quicker and have toilet training at the same time. You can do this by putting your pug into its crate the first thing after it arrives at home. You can add a nice treat for your pug to eat in the crate. Begin the house training. As soon as your pug starts to settle, try to make some schedule for house training. It would be best if you do it at the same time of the day. This way, your pet will learn to abide by a specific routine. You can also do this with potty training, mealtimes, playtimes, and other activities. Thus, you may find it overwhelming to choose which one would be best. Research to find out more about your chosen Pug breeder. Though we offer you a list of Pug breeders, you still need to get to know your chosen one. You can contact the phone number and visit their website to learn more about what kind of breeder they are. If you can, it would be better to visit their address. This way, you can avoid going into business with unreputable breeders. Ask the right questions. Once you have your breeder, reach out to him or her and ask the right questions. Visit your future pup in its current home. If you have connected with a breeder, chances are it will give you weeks to prepare your home. In those weeks, the breeder will also prepare the puppy. Between those weeks, you should get invited to meet and bond with your future pup. When you do, try to see and check the environment and how your puppy reacts. Such things will tell you a lot about how the breeder has been treating the puppy. Your breeder should ask more about you. A good breeder wants the puppies to be under good parents in the future. Other states. Why Is My Dog Shaking? Dogs are known for their loyalty and companionship, but when they start shaking, it can be a cause for concern for pet owners. Shaking in dogs can be a sign of various issues, from dog anxiety and dog fear to dog medical conditions. In this blog post, we will explore the common causes of a dog shaking and what pet owners can do to identify and treat the problem. We will also offer tips for preventing dog shaking and ensuring.By doing regular grooming at home, you can help your dog look its best between visits to the groomer. You also get to bond more closely and build stronger trust with your dog. Routine grooming sessions will keep your dog clean and feeling fresh, but it will also.Their personality is lively, their nature fun-loving, and their disposition affectionate. As even-tempered, sweet, and playful dogs, Pugs make wonderful playmates for kids of all ages and lovely companion pets for couples, singles, and seniors. These little joy bringers love to cuddle and are generous with their Pug love. When it comes to their family, Pugs attach like magnets. They are known to happily shadow their humans in every activity and are just as happy lazing on the couch all day as they are going for a long evening stroll around the neighborhood. Pugs are purebred dogs that were originally lap dogs. This is a highly sensitive breed that does not adapt well to being alone for long periods. However, they are adaptable to apartment living given their compact size inches and pounds. Pugs are a good choice for novice pet owners as they are loving and easygoing. They are affectionate with family members, kid-friendly, and get along well with other dogs in the household. In terms of grooming, Pugs shed a lot but they are quite easy to groom. Pugs are not the most intelligent canines but they can be trained to comply with requests using reward games. If you are an individual or family interested in Pug puppies in Tennessee, you should know this breed has moderate exercise needs and energy levels. But Pugs are an extremely playful breed, which makes them the ideal pets for Tennessee families with kids. All in all, Pugs are the ideal companions with their lovable flat faces, deep wrinkles, big, dark eyes, and comical expressions. Puppy Hero pre-screens all breeders, so you can bring an adorable Pug puppy home with peace of mind.

Stick to softer surfaces, like grass and dirt paths, while your pup is young and their bones are not fully fused. Most GSD owners simply want to take train their puppy to walk on a leash in the neighborhood and park without getting pulled down the street. There are three basic ways to communicate how you want your German Shepherd puppy to walk on a leash with you: the stopping method, the turning method, and the luring method. The Stopping Method Open the door, but only open the door if your dog is sitting. This step could take some time and practice. Once you both are out the door, have your dog sit again. You need to lock the door and your dog needs to sit for this. During your walk, have your dog sit for you at various times. When he does offer a tasty, high value, quick-to-eat treat. Now immediately start walking again and give the release cue. Stand still and wait until he sits. This could take a while. This is important, especially because one day your little pup will be large enough to injure you if they pull you along on the walk wildly! This will take lots of time and patience. But setting a strong and obedient walk foundation allows you to enjoy your walks more and maintain control over your large breed dog as they mature and grow stronger. The Turning Method Use the same steps as above to get outside your house and begin your walk, except instead of stopping and waiting on your dog, turn in the opposite direction and begin walking the other way. Quietly turn around and guide them along when they get a few steps ahead of you. You may also tire of turning. But stick with it. Either of these techniques takes plenty of patience and a strong mental character. But your dog loves to learn. Their mind is like a sponge at this young age, but they also lack obedience skills and an attention span. Use treats and toys to get your dog to follow you. The Treat Luring Method: Hold the treat at their eye level in front of them so they can see and smell the treat. Take one or two steps forward, having them follow the treat with their nose and eyes. They will probably keep following the treat. She loves them! Take a couple of steps forward while squeaking the toy. As they follow, keep stepping forward and squeaking the toy. After a few successful steps forward, let them play with the toy as their reward. Keep up this game to motivate them to follow you. Eventually, your dog gains confidence in their new surroundings and with your help and will walk on their own. Never allow your dog to run loose near traffic. Never unleash your dog in a new area. Never allow your dog to eat objects found on the ground. They could be poisonous! Never think a person running or someone on a bicycle sees your little pup. Puppies are quick moving and can dart in front of a moving person causing them to trip and fall. This can also injure your dog as they may fall on top of them or kick or step on them. Pup is distracted Remember that being outside with your dog is equivalent to you going to Disney Land! Give them a chance to develop their attention skills, or use the high value treats to make them pay attention to you. If you are limited in the places you can go, choose different routes so your dog gets to experience new smells and sights. The dog looks stressed or afraid Find quieter areas to walk in or use the lure and reward method to help them overcome their walking fears. Carry them home and end your walk. Next time, go a shorter distance and take less time. Use positive training and rewards to communicate. The best walking setup for a puppy is a no-pull harness that connects at two different points in the front and back. No-pull harnesses are great for introducing your puppy to structured walks while keeping them safe and happy. Need More Manners Training? Your GSD needs to learn more than just walking nicely. He also needs to learn all the basics of obedience. Use this free training guide to get started today! This activity is usually one of the longest and hardest to teach since you are competing with the sights and smells of the great outdoors! Stay patient, positive, and stick to your training. Your doggie will love you for it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Welcome to our German Shepherd puppy development stages and ages — week by week guide Different breeds like all different babies develop at different rates. There are going to be many exciting events for you to look forward to. Whether you are bringing your 8 week German Shepherd puppy home or about to be blessed with a litter of puppies. This is going to be an exciting, demanding but hugely rewarding journey. Newborn puppies are born at around days after fertilization. Newborn puppies are born with their ears and eyes tightly sealed. The reason eyelids are sealed shut is to form a protective barrier for the fragile developing eye. This helps to protect them from any foreign object, bright lights, bacteria or any other microorganism that can cause disease or damage. In the same way puppies ear canals are closed at birth to make them effectively deaf. This is a protective barrier to protect the fragile underdeveloped machinery needed to hear. In a mature ear the pressure caused by sound will mechanically move structures in the ear. German Shepherd puppies are highly dependent upon their noses. Puppies navigate by smell from the moment they are born. This helps them to identify their mom, the very important milk supply, siblings and surroundings. Newborn puppies are born with a fur coat however they cannot control their own body temperature yet. To keep them warm they are dependant on their mothers or another heat source. If you live in a cooler climate installing a heat lamp would be ideal to help keep the puppies nice and warm. Germans Shepherds make amazing mothers and will be relied on a lot at this stage. Mother dogs will only leave their newborn puppies to go to the toilet, eat and drink. However, when mom has gone the newborn puppies are not completely useless. They are able to use their front paws to drag themselves towards a heat source. When mom is away the puppies will crawl together to preserve their body heat. Along with being able to drag themselves to a heat source newborn puppies are also able to drag themselves to their mothers to locate the milk supply. They will move their heads around to search for a nipple, latch on and suck strongly. Newborn puppies are not born with teeth these will also develop in the next several weeks. Other than the above puppies are completely dependent upon the care of their dedicated mom. Newborn puppies have little control over the rear end of their bodies. To encourage their pups to pass urine and bowel movements the mom will lick their bottoms. Anything produced mom will then lick up and swallow to keep her puppies and nest clean. Some pups will even double their birth weight! Your German Shepherd puppy will still be highly dependent upon their mom at this stage. Beneath all their fur the vital organs will be working hard to mature. This includes the eyes. Your puppy will not be ready to open their eyes yet but lots of changes are taking place to prepare them for grand opening. The ear canals will begin to open around the same time as the eyes. When the ear canals do open, the ears are much more formed than the eyes are at this point in time. Their eyesight usually takes around 8 weeks to reach its full potential. When their eyes become wider, they will reveal blueish-gray eyes which are hazy in appearance. Their eyesight will continue to develop until around 8 weeks old. The ear canals will also open around 2 weeks. The puppies hearing has been developing much quicker than their eyesight and they will be able to hear most things by the time their ear canals fully open. However, their amazing hearing ability will continue to enhance over the next several weeks. At the moment your German Shepherd puppy will have cute floppy ears. Their adorable tall ears can come up anywhere between 8 weeks and 6 months of age. Floppy ears are common until your German Shepherd finishes teething. By then the ear cartilage will become strong and hard enough for the ears to stand up permanently. Now is a good time to start handling the puppies and get them used to your voice. Most puppies are wormed for the first time when they are 2 weeks old. All this development has happened so quickly, but things are about to get even more exciting. Between 2 and 4 weeks your German Shepherd puppy will begin to stand up this is when the real fun begins. Puppies milky teeth will also start to develop between 2 to 4 weeks. These sharp little teeth will remain until about weeks of age. These little daggers play an important role during the weaning process. Even the most patient moms will struggle to nurse with these sharp painful teeth. This reluctance to nurse will prompt the German Shepherds to seek alternative food sources. These sharp teeth will then help to make up for the lack of jaw strength when eating solid foods. Finally, these sharp puppy teeth play an important role in teaching the pups to gauge their bite pressure when playing with their mom and siblings. This is an essential life lesson that enables our powerful German Shepherds to become safer companions as they mature into strong adult dogs. During the last few weeks mom has done an amazing job of getting her babies strong and their mobility will have come on leaps and bounds well not quite yet but by 3 weeks of age your German Shepherd puppy will begin to trotter around. Most 3 week old German Shepherd puppies can stand and sit. With their baby teeth starting to cut through a lot of breeders. Especially those with large litters will start introducing some solid foods. This helps relieve some of the pressure for the devoted German Shepherd mom. When weaning puppies, you need to start off by soaking their food in either water or puppy milk replacement formula to make it mushy and more comfortable for them to eat. As they start to interact and play with their siblings their personalities will really start to show. You may also notice them starting to playfully growl at each other. At 3 weeks old it will become easier to start identifying different members of the pack. Breeders and moms will be kept on their toes and paws over the next few weeks. As the pups start getting more confident on their feet they will be running around and playing enthusiastically. At 4 weeks old they will begin to wag their adorable little tails. With solid food becoming a major part of their diet the pups will be passing bigger bowel movements. They will be able to show more control of their bowel movements as they take themselves away from their brothers and sisters to perform their business. At this stage mom will be taking a much more relaxed approach to parenting and there will be a lot more for the breeder to clear up. By this point mealtimes are a messy process. If it is warm and safe enough to do so we would recommend taking the pups out in the yard for feeding. German Shepherd puppies are becoming a lot stronger at vocalisations by 4 weeks old. When mom returns to her babies the litter will noisily greet her. Around 4 weeks of age your puppies will need to be wormed again. From this week onwards human interaction is very important in order to form relationships with people. Including different noises and smells. This exposure will ensure your German Shepherd puppy turns into a confident, friendly individual. Mom will also be doing an important job of teaching her puppies to not bite too hard. Even an 8 week old German Shepherd puppy would have the power in their jaws to break the smaller bones in humans fingers. This is why mom teaching her puppies bite inhibition is so important. For more information on bite inhibition please see our guide on German Shepherd bite inhibition. By 5 weeks old German Shepherd puppies will be eating a lot of solid foods, several times throughout the day. Those sharp little teeth would have done their job and mom will be gradually weaning her pups of the dependency on her milk. When mom does feed her puppies, she will only do so for a short period whilst standing up. They will be eating between five and six small meals a day. Although the pups no longer rely on mom for milk, they still need her help and guidance for the next few weeks. Mom will be teaching her babies important life skills to live alongside humans. In some countries 6 week old puppies are taken away from their mothers and moved into their new home. We would not recommend this as the puppies will miss out on continued bite inhibition training from their siblings and mother. This can result in a puppy who bites too hard which can be challenging to manage as they get older. In the USA your puppy will be due their first combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 6 weeks old. This vaccine helps to immunizes your puppy against hepatitis, parvo, distemper, parainfluenza and coronavirus. Most puppies will also need to be wormed again at 6 weeks old. Their last week together will consist of plenty of socialization and playing. Most breeders will arrange a 7 week health check up with the vet to make sure your bundle of fluff is fit and healthy to go to their new home. In the UK some breeders will arrange for the pups first 8 week vaccination to take place during this check. Although some vets advise against it. By the end of this week German Shepherd puppies are ready to leave their mothers and move into their new homes for good. The week you get to take your new puppy home. This will be a very exciting time, but you may also be feeling a bit nervous. There will be some challenged along the way for new puppy owners and your puppy will take some time to adjust to life without its mother and siblings. In the UK the first combined vaccination will help to immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. The first puppy injection in the UK typically will happen between 8 and 10 weeks. Some breeders would have trained the puppies to poop and pee on newspapers or puppy pads. From the moment you get them home it is important to show your German Shepherd puppy where to pee and poop. Puppies naturally like to pee where they have done so before so to avoid building history of peeing in your home is best if you can to avoid it. The more you can avoid accidents from happening as much as possible from the start the faster the puppy training process should be. All puppies are different, and some will get this quicker than others. The main thing to remember is not to discipline your puppy for accidents. The most successful way to potty train is to reward success and ignore accidents. Just clean them up quickly and thoroughly. Your puppy will love nothing more than being praised. For more information please see our guide on How to potty train your German Shepherd puppy. Already your German Shepherd puppy will feel like part of the family. German Shepherds puppies are always adorable but at 9 weeks they are at the age where they are still puppy-like but very clumsy,curious and keen to play with her new family, which is very cute. Your German Shepherds unique personality will make you feel very proud. At 9 weeks your cheeky German Shepherd pup will be feeling more confident, with this the need to explore everything and anything may end up getting them into trouble. Your puppy will develop new sleeping patterns and feeding routines which you will need to adapt to. Most puppies will sleep between eighteen and twenty hours a day at 9 weeks old. During the day when you are with your puppy generally you will not need to shut them away in a crate to nap. German Shepherd puppies are often more than happy to sleep whilst family life goes on around them. However, there will be times when sleeping in a crate is better and safer for your puppy. You must not leave a 9 week old puppy to sleep outside the crate if you are not home to watch them if they wake. Puppies are into everything and many innocent items found in the house could be a potential hazard to your inquisitive pup. For more information please see our guide on how to puppy proof your home. Even if your puppy can barely keep their eyes open other pups and children will still want to play and your German Shepherd puppy may find it hard to refuse. After a hard day of play the peace and quiet of a crate will enable your pup to have a well-deserved nap. If your German Shepherd puppy does need to go to the toilet in the night make sure you keep it short and to a minimum. Establishing a daily routine is the best way to get your German Shepherd puppy to sleep through the night. Part of this schedule will involve mealtimes. Your 9 week old puppy will need four meals a day. Split these up throughout the day and try to stick to similar times. This is to stop encouraging your puppy to wake up earlier and earlier because they associate waking with food. You should always reward your puppy either vocally, with a favourite toy or treats for good behaviour and ignore bad behaviour. Puppies and dogs want to be praised so they respond very well to positive encouragement. Punishing puppies and dogs may have a short term positive effect on their behaviour but long term you could be setting them up to fail. It is very important to socialise and expose your puppy to other humans, dogs and different scenarios whilst they are young. This maybe hard before your puppy has had all its vaccines however getting many different people to come and visit you at your home will enable them to get used to visitors. Before their full vaccinations you can also, you can take you German Shepherd puppy out and about with you to expose them to the outside world as long as you can carry them. If you live in the USA, your puppy will be due their second combined 5-in-1 vaccine at 9 weeks old. In the USA a minimum of three sets of the combined vaccine are required for your puppy. Although you cannot put your puppy down outside until after their final vaccination. Puppies 10 week injection In the UK is a booster vaccination to help immunizes your puppy against distemper, parvovirus, leptospirosis and hepatitis. Check with your vet what date after their jabs your German Shepherd puppy will be able to go down outside. Your puppy will then need a booster between 6 and 12 months old. If you live in the USA at 12 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be due their booster for the combined 5in1 vaccine against hepatitis, distemper, parainfluenza, parvo and coronavirus and a vaccine against rabies and leptospirosis. If you live in a high risk area, they may also need to be given the vaccination to help immunize them against Lyme. If applicable at 16 weeks your German Shepherd puppy may need to have a fourth combined 5in1 vaccine. A minimum of three combined injections are required in the USA. Check with your vet what date they will be able to be out down outside. By 10 weeks old your German Shepherd puppy will be able to control their bladder a lot more. Potentially up to several hours. This is great time for you to introduce them to the big wide world and develop their social skills which you have already been building the foundations. When taking your German Shepherd puppy out try to introduce them to as many other friendly dogs, humans and noises you can. This will help your German Shepherd puppy to grown into a confident well-rounded dog. At 3 months old your German Shepherd will go down from four daily meals to three. These three portions will be larger than what they are used to which may cause stomach upset. If your German Shepherd puppy does get an upset stomach, try going back to four smaller meals for a couple of days and they try the three larger portions again. This can be a challenging time as your adorable German Shepherd puppy turns into a furry crocodile. Luckily the teething stage is only a phase as with human babies and short lived. In most cases your puppy biting should stop around when they are around 7 months old and have their adult teeth. You maybe noticing your German Shepherds gorgeous ears fluctuating between floppy and pointy. By the time your puppy has finished teething their ears should tick up all the way. This usually happens around months. As they grow their cartilage becomes stronger. Some puppies need another month or so to help them cope without going out for frequent toilet breaks. Even when your German Shepherd puppy is toilet trained occasional accidents are normal. German Shepherds do have large ears but they tend to grow into them as they get older. German Shepherd puppies will begin to grow their new adult coat between 4 and 6 months old. To make way for their adult coat all the puppy hair has to go. For several weeks you will notice an increase in shedding. This is a completely normal part of growing up for your German Shepherd. Being a double coat breed German Shepherds dogs have a topcoat and an undercoat. Twice a year your pup will shed their undercoat. Usually in spring and again in fall. They also shed in general days a year so be prepared for a lot of fur! They will very much look like a smaller version of their adult selves. Although your German Shepherd may look older on the inside, they are still very much a puppy. If you are looking to get your puppy neutered or spayed the recommended age is 6 to 9 months. However, it is common for some female puppies to get spayed at 4 months old. Summary: Your German Shepherd is bound to give you so much joy and happiness throughout its life. There will be challenges along the way but remember this is completely normal. German Shepherds are such an amazing breed and you will have a loyal friend for life. Related Posts. Beginners often have a lot of questions: how long should they walk with a German Shepherd, how often should they do it, and what are the rules of feeding and vaccination. Therefore, before the responsible purchase, it is important to get acquainted with the nuances of ownership. At what age can you walk a German Shepherd? Experts have different opinions about the age at which a German Shepherd can go for a walk. There are two polar positions, so owners should consult their breeder or veterinarian. Some experts, when asked how to properly educate the pet, argue that it is categorically not recommended to walk puppies before they reach 3 months old. This is due to the high vulnerability of puppies to infections, which they can catch while playing with other dogs during the period when routine vaccinations have not yet been done. Put napkins or gravel or sand on it. Keep a close eye on your puppy. The negative side of this approach is the increased likelihood of encountering puddles of urine at night even in adulthood. According to the opposite opinion, up to 2 months old puppies still have the immunity received from their mother, so you should start walking outside as early as possible. Increased production of vitamin D due to exposure to sunlight, preventing the development of rachitis. Frequent exposure to nature increases the production of general immunity. If you decide to walk your puppy from an early age, you must choose a small but clean area and prevent him from coming into contact with other animals, especially stray ones. Until the German Shepherd reaches the age of six months , you should carry him in your arms when walking up a flight of stairs. His spine is not yet strong enough, so sprains when going up and down are detrimental. How long should you walk The duration of a walk with a German Shepherd puppy should increase in increments. In the first days, minutes is enough to familiarize the dog with the world and empty the bowels and bladder, but you need to go out times a day. It is better to go out right after feeding. Further, the duration of time outside should be in accordance with age: three months — about half an hour, the puppy should definitely run; four months — from 40 minutes to 1 hour; at six months, the normal mode of walking is established — at least two hours, twice a day. If it is possible to walk longer, you should take advantage of the opportunity. You need to figure out how to walk your German Shepherd correctly. To do this, you need to follow a few tips. It is important to use every walk outside to teach your dog to potty outside the apartment or house. While the dog is still very young but is already used to having to pee outside, spontaneous but short walks at night are likely. Up to 6 months old, it is important to make sure that the dog does not jump over any obstacles. As with ladders, this harms the skeleton and back muscles. You should try to take your German Shepherd outdoors during daylight hours so that he can enjoy the sunlight. After exploring the nearest surroundings, you should decide where to walk for an extended period of time. Great if there is a park or square nearby where it is allowed to walk the dogs. It is also important to go to special doggy playgrounds. You need to give your pet some freedom to get to know other puppies and adult dogs. It allows: Control the movements of the dog and accustom the puppy to the leash. Helps in the initial stages of training. Prevents him from eating unhealthy food picked up off the ground. Provides safety when stray dogs appear. More mature dogs can be leashed to a collar. Answering the question of when you can put the collar on the puppy, many experienced breeders responded with a recommendation to do it as early as possible, so that the puppy got used to the foreign object initially. Before buying a collar or harness, it is important to pay attention to the material: Leather — is the most durable, suitable for walks and training, but it is recommended to replace it in rainy or snowy weather. Leather gets wet, stretches, and loses its durability from moisture; Tarpaulin — holds its shape in all conditions, but is prone to contamination and has a short lifespan; Synthetic — is versatile and does not have the negative qualities of the previous 2. To properly put on the harness or collar during the period of accustomization, you need to create a comfortable atmosphere for the puppy: calmly call by name, and offer a treat. Before buying, it is important to measure the pup. This will allow you to choose the optimal size collar, in which the German shepherd will feel comfortable, and walks will be a pleasure both for the pet and for its loving owner. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. In general, a German Shepherd puppy can open its eyes after 7 to 10 days after birth. A German Shepherd can start to focus and see things after about 14 days, after birth. Upon birth, its ears and eyes are closed. Its umbilical cord is still attached. Their heartbeat is slow. After three or four days, the umbilical cord of a GSD puppy gets dry and falls off. At this stage, your GSD puppy relies on its mother in everything. Its mother will feed it, clean it, and protect it from everything. Its temperature starts to normalize as well. At two weeks old, the nervous system of a GSD puppy is still not fully developed. At this age, it will start to open its eyes and ears. After the second week, it can have fully opened eyes and ears. A GSD puppy at this age starts to crawl too and can do its bowel movement on its own. In normal circumstances, a GSD baby will open its eyes at around 10 days according to pets. It can walk and it will start exploring around. At this stage, it starts to form a bond with other puppies and with humans. Its emotional development starts to develop as well. Your puppy will start to roam around. A slight noise will make it react. It will start to notice other living things like cats or other animals in the household. It will start to notice you, its owner. You can introduce it to a pet toy too. It will start playing with humans at this age as well. At one month, a GSD puppy already has a full set of teeth. Its temperature is now normal so is its heartbeat. You should also start exposing your puppy to kids to see how it will react or its behavior around children. At two to three months old, your puppy is learning quickly by now. Its motor skills have greatly improved by this time and it has reached sexual maturity. At the age of six months , a GSD is now considered an adult. A female GSD experiences its first estrus period at this age. For both male and female GSDs, this is their juvenile stage. It means it is their most active phase in life. Your GSD would want to go outside all the time, play, or run. It is about doing outdoor activities. It now raises one leg when urinating to show ownership and leadership. After 12 months of being with you, you can now feel the bond that your dog has for you. Your GSD will continue its maturity until it reaches three years old. If it has been two weeks and your puppy has not opened its eyes yet, you can check if its eyes are clouded with dirt birth buildup dirt. You can do it again the following day according to Dopappy. If the eye is infected, use saline water to clean its eyes. A drop of saline water two to three times a day should do the trick. German Shepherds of all ages are susceptible to eye problems. Among the common eye problems that GSDs are at risk of are: Cataracts.