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The breed was a great success. Labrador retrievers are considered among the most intelligent and trainable dog breeds. This is why they are often used as working dogs. Labs are also naturally playful and affectionate. They love their people, and they are friendly with strangers and other animals. This makes them great family pets but terrible guard dogs. This is why they are usually rated among the top three dog breeds in most countries. The main complaint that people have about a Lab is that it has a high-shedding coat , which can be difficult to manage. Yes, we have Labs at home and I assume we eat our fair share of dog fur throughout the year, especially during the high shedding seasons. Meanwhile, Weimaraners are large dogs that were bred in Germany for hunting in the early 19th century. They are large enough to use when hunting animals such as boars, bears, and deer and were favored by royalty when hunting was still a popular aristocratic pastime. The history of the Weimaraner Lab mix is less well known, but it most likely originated in the s when many of the Lab mixes emerged. While breeders agree the mix results in an excellent dog, Weimaraner Labs are still relatively rare due to their large size and high-shedding coats unlike many other Lab mixes. Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Appearance Both parent breeds are medium-to-large dogs, so you can expect the same from their mixed offspring. Weimaraners are fairly large dogs typically measuring 22 to 28 inches in height. They have athletic bodies, so they typically only weigh between 55 and 88 pounds. Labs are a bit smaller, measuring 21 to 22 inches, but they can weigh between 55 and 80 pounds with their sturdier frame. A Weimador will usually measure between 21 and 24 inches and can weigh anywhere from 60 to pounds depending on whether they get the athletic figure of the Weimaraner or the stockier build of the Lab. They usually have the barrel-chested appearance of the Weimaraner but with a bit more heavy muscle on their frame. Labs have high-shedding double coats that are quite long and can be black, chocolate, or yellow. They will have light amber, gray, or blue gray eyes. Their skin under their coat is a pinkish color rather than white or black. While their coat can be short or long and is a single layer, they still tend to shed quite a bit. They do shed, so they need to be brushed regularly to keep their coat under control. While their appearance can vary significantly, as is true with most mixed breeds, you can expect them to have a relatively long and square muzzle with long ears that flop down. Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Temperament Labrador retrievers are among the most intelligent and naturally friendly dogs, which is why they are popular for mixed breeds. Weimaraners are intelligent, but not on the same level as a lab, so mixing them with a lab improves their intelligence and trainability. Weimaraners also have a very strong prey drive. The trainability that the Lab brings to the Weimador mix is important for teaching your dog what not to do and controlling their natural instincts. Weimaraner Labrador mixes need to be properly socialized from a young age to learn appropriate behavior. However, due to their large size, they should always be supervised when around smaller children. Labradors are very social animals that love being around their people all the time. Weimaraners take this to the next level! They are not independent and prefer to be glued to the side of their person. As a result, you can expect their mixed breed offspring might be a little needy. While their large size means they need outdoor space, they also need to be allowed inside the family home to be close to you. This unique mixed breed can develop fairly severe separation anxiety if they are left on their own for extended periods of time on a regular basis. You can expect whining, digging, and destructive behavior as a response. These dogs do best with families when there is usually someone around the house or when they can accompany someone to work. Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Energy Levels Both Labrador retrievers and Weimaraners are high-energy dogs, so you can expect their mixed breed offspring to be a big ball of energy. They should have plenty of outdoor space available to blow off steam whenever needed. Just make sure your yard is well-fenced! Their prey drive can see them overcome some pretty impressive obstacles to catch smaller animals. A Weimaraner Lab mix needs at least an hour of exercise a day, preferably broken into two or three sessions. These should be active sessions that include running and games such as fetch and pull. They will enjoy accompanying the family on outdoor activities such as hikes and swims. Both their parent breeds love the water, and the Weimaraner even has webbed feet that it may pass on to its offspring. When they are at home, these dogs need quite a bit of mental stimulation. Interactive puzzles and toys that release treats are a good choice for them. A slow feeder is also a good investment as they tend to gobble down their food. This will stimulate them and improve their digestion. Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Health Care Weimaraners are actually considered among the healthiest purebred dogs, and this is something their mixed breed offspring benefit from. They have a good lifespan of 10 to 12 years, which is about average for a dog of this size. Smaller dogs tend to live for longer. Unlike many large dog breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia rates are low in Weimaraners and their mixed offspring, too. It is still worth being careful about this due to the prevalence of the condition in Labs. One of the best things you can do is not over exercise them as a puppy, as this can exacerbate the problem. They should only have five minutes of exercise per month of life until they work up to an hour a day at the age of one. Eye conditions are a common problem for both parent breeds and can show up in their puppies. They probably will develop some kind of sight loss as they enter their senior years. Another problem for Weimanders is bloat or gastric torsion. This is when the stomach twists itself, pinching off blood vessels and blocking the route of food traveling in and out. If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to death fairly swiftly. Constipation and a swollen stomach are among the first symptoms. This can be avoided by feeding them smaller meals more often and avoiding rigorous exercise for an hour before eating, as well as for about an hour after eating. However, they do sometimes show up in shelters. Their neediness means they often prove to be too much for unprepared owners and therefore might find themselves in need of a new home. There are a few breed-specific rescues where you might be more likely to find these dogs. Labrador Weimaraner mixes have a friendly and playful personality and are full of energy. They are quite clingy and love to be around their people all the time. They will want to join you on hikes and in bed, and they can develop anxiety if left alone too much. Is a Weimaraner a good family dog? Weimaraners love their families and will thrive in an active family that has lots of time to spend with them! While they love children, it can be difficult to socialize them to live alongside smaller animals, such as cats, due to their high prey drive. Do Weimaraners like to cuddle? Yes, a Weimaraner will love to get up on the couch with you for a cuddle. They are also fans of standing hugs and will probably greet you with one every time you walk through the door. Weimaraner Lab mix dogs are friendly and playful dogs that are fun to be around, but they are also a pretty big commitment! Their size and energy levels mean you need a pretty big space for them and have to commit to regular exercise. They also need good training structure to keep their prey drive under control. These dogs can only be described as clingy, and they will want to be around you all the time. They will not cope well if left alone at home for hours at a time while everyone is out and about. They are ideal for someone who wants constant canine companionship. A friendly dog by nature, it strives for human attention and likes to remain close to its family members. It is patient with children and does well with other pets too. However, its athletic and exuberant disposition calls for careful observation when around younger children, otherwise they could be knocked over and get hurt. This sociable and pack-oriented pet is always happy to help its owner in family activities. Like its Weimaraner parent, it suffers from separation anxiety when left alone for hours. Although it does not bark at everything, it will certainly alert its owner about the presence of an intruder. This makes it suitable for watching and guarding activities. Care Exercise Being highly energetic and lively, labmaraners need plenty of daily activities to burn off their energy. Thus, homes with enough room to play and run are suitable for raising these dogs. They should be taken out for walks every day, which does not mean strolling around the neighborhood will satisfy their exercise requirements. To be fit, they need vigorous activities like hiking, running, and playing. Since these obedient dogs like to stay close to their owners, they do not always have to be taken out on leashes. Grooming The short and smooth-haired labmaraner does not require extensive maintenance. Combing once in every alternate week keeps its coat glossy. While bathing your pet with mild soap is recommended only when needed, occasional dry shampooing prevents the accumulation of dirt. Health Problems Like most crossbreeds , it is also prone to hereditary health issues. It may inherit some health conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion, obesity, and bloating from its parent breeds. Also, check for some general dog health concerns including diarrhea, worms, fleas, and ear infections. Training Even though training them is easy, their occasional stubbornness is something that inexperienced owners might find difficult to manage. Employ a firm and assertive training method, but do not be harsh in your approach. Make the puppies familiar to their cage or crate so that they accept it as their safe dwelling place. Start socialization and obedience training early to prevent them from becoming over-dependent. This will also restrain some of their destructive behaviors like chewing small household items and digging holes in the yards. Feeding Your labmaraner dog needs a nutritious diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to support its high activity levels. Instead of providing one or two heavy meals, you should divide it through the day. Interesting Facts These are multitalented dogs and could be used for retrieving, jogging, agility, and performing tricks. They are good swimmers and do not shy away from the water. Lifespan Sociability Labmaraners are extremely cute puppies, so you might find it hard to visit a litter without coming home with a puppy or two. This breed is extremely energetic and intelligent, so they need a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation. Digging up your backyard, starting up an endless volley of barking, or chewing the leg of your coffee table are just a few ways that these dogs might choose to entertain themselves! Before taking on the responsibility of a Labmaraner puppy who will grow up to be a large and powerful dog, make sure you can provide what they need. They come in a range of coat colors While the Weimaraner is famous for its grey coat, there are three colors accepted within the breed standard. These are blue, gray, and silver gray. Labradors also come in three accepted colors: chocolate, black, and yellow. Both breeds can have small white markings on the chest. They combine the best bits of both parent breeds As with many hybrid breeds, the Labmaraner combines some of the best aspects of both parent breeds. The Labrador is well-known for its loyalty, friendliness, and intelligence. The Weimaraner is prized for its bravery, energy, and bravery. One puppy in a litter might resemble their Labrador Retriever parent in temperament but look more like a Weimaraner, another puppy might be the exact opposite, while another is a perfect mixture of the two breeds. They have no trouble picking up new commands and will enjoy nothing more than a rewarding training session with their owners. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The Labmaraner can soak up as much exercise as you can throw at them, so if someone wants to take them on a run in the morning and another family is heading out to the lake and thinks that your dog might like a swimming session, the answer is always going to be yes! Keep the first few introductions short, and make sure each dog has a separate part of the house where they can retreat to if they want space. Regarding cats and other small pets, Labmaraners can be trained to accept these with a minimum of fuss. As a hunting breed, the Weimaraner does have a high prey drive, and your puppy may inherit this trait. Image: Gualberto Becerra, Shutterstock Things to Know When Owning a Labmaraner Becoming the proud owner of a Labmaraner is going to require a significant investment of time, energy, and money! So, before you make up your mind, here are a few more things to consider. While they might be an active breed, they certainly do love to eat! Whether you choose to feed your dog just wet food, wet food and kibble, just kibble, or a raw food diet will depend on both your preferences and those of your dog. Once fully fit, these active dogs will happily take as much exercise as you can give them. But if you wanted to go out for a day hike and take your pup, then they will easily cope with that and still have energy at the end of the day. They need to run to work off steam, so make sure they can indulge in plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs. Dock diving, games of fetch, fly ball and agility are all excellent activities that a Labmaraner will love. If your dog has excellent recall and a relatively low prey drive, then you should be okay to let them off-leash when out and about. The best method with this smart breed is to combine both physical and mental activities every day. Having an intelligent dog can be a wonderful thing, but it can also be frustrating when they teach themselves a new trick, like opening a door that was meant to stay shut or realizing that they can jump on a chair to investigate leftovers on the table. Consistent training methods are best with this breed, so finding yourself a puppy trainer who can help you implement a training program is a great idea. Luckily, they also love food, so positive reinforcement using plenty of treats usually turns even the most stubborn Labmaraner into a willing student. Sometimes this will shed frequently, like a Labrador, and other times, it will be much lower shedding and similar to a Weimaraner. Labmaraners can have quick-growing nails that can become uncomfortable if allowed to grow too long. Minor Conditions. Weimaraner Lab mix puppies Due to their high energy and potentially anxious nature, this is not a breed that will do well with an owner who works full time and is not at home much. They also like a lot of space, so apartment-dwellers might think twice about this breed. That said, Weimaraner Lab mix dogs make fantastic family pets. They are great with kids and adults alike and a social breed happy in multi-dog households. The breed slowly made its way to the Americas, but their popularity exploded after many Weimaraner pups were brought back from Germany after the end of World War II. The Labrador breed are descended from the St. Labradors were favored by wealthy aristocrats in their early days, before becoming one of the most popular breeds in the modern age. Weimaraner Lab Characteristics The Weimaraner Labrador mix will take on the characteristics of its parent breeds — but as with any mix, the results may vary. Looking at the Weimaraner, the height span is inches, with weight between 55 and 90 lbs. The Labrador is a bit smaller, with a height of .You could assume that a Weimaraner Black Lab mix would fall in a similar weight and height class based on these figures. However, in reality they could be at the Lab minimum or Weimaraner maximum. As for appearance, the Labmaraner is a beautiful dog. It has long legs, a glossy coat, and a strong, muscular frame. The Lab Weimaraner mix tends to have a short, single-layered coat. Longer coats are possible, but are rare. Grooming Since Weimaraner and Lab mix dogs have relatively short coats, their grooming requirements are fairly light. Brushing once a week or so should be sufficient. However, Labradors are prolific shedders, and can molt a great deal. Although Weimaraners shed less, their mix could go either way. So be prepared for either eventuality. Weimaraner Lab Mix Temperament Labrador Weimaraner mixes are very active dogs that tend to have a lot of energy. Since both parent breeds are fairly high-energy, you can count on your Labmaraner having an active personality. These dogs tend to be very loyal and loving, as you would expect from the origin breeds. They are great with kids, and generally make excellent family pets. Their friendly temperament means that although they are likely to bark to alert their owners of an intruder — before running over to get their belly rubbed by said intruder. Labs are also often friendly to the point of being quite pushy, a characteristic that you are less likely to see in a Weimaraner. Weimaraner and Labrador Health Any mixed breed dog will be susceptible to inheriting the health issues of the parent breeds. On the Weimaraner side, potential health problems include hypertrophic osteodystrophy a bone disease , spinal dysraphism a spinal deformity that can lead to neurological abnormalities , hyperuricosuria a condition that can lead to bladder and kidney stones , and hypomyelination a condition that can lead to tremors in puppies. For Labradors, health problems typically include eye problems, joint problems, obesity, and cancer. While generally healthy pups, one of the most common issues with Labs include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Labradors may also be prone to obesity and related concerns, including diabetes and arthritis. These factors can typically be controlled by proper feeding habits and regular exercise. The Weimaraner parent should also have good hip scores and have had their eyes checked by a vet. Your pup might be prone to the health issues of either parent, and it may take on more or less of the characteristics of either parent. Socialization and Training Lab Weimaraner mixes are typically happy, social dogs, but they need to be socialized early for best results. The ideal socialization window for young dogs is typically between 8 and 16 weeks of age. This is the period where your pup will be most open to new experiences. And less fearful of larger dogs and unfamiliar humans. Keep in mind that socialization needs to happen with other dogs, and with other people. As for training, Labradors are generally eager to please. They respond very well to positive reinforcement training with treats. Weimaraners are a bit more strong-willed than labradors, which can make training a bit more difficult. Lab Weimaraners should be trained early and often for best results. As they are both sporting dog breeds with the potential for prey drive, recall training from a young age is essential. And thus, the Weimaraner Lab cross is actually rather uncommon. Finding one in a rescue situation will be quite difficult. When choosing a breeder, make sure to do your research. You want to identify a reputable breeder that is knowledgeable and kind to their pups. Ask if the breeder conducted any health testing on the parents, as the results of those tests could sway your decision. Labmaraners are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Weimaraner parents. The most common Labmaraner colors are brown, yellow, black, and grey. In general, the Labmaraner is a pretty adaptable dog when it comes to climate. Just make sure to provide a dog coat if the weather gets too frosty, and seek out shade and fresh water during the hotter months. Labmaraner dogs and children are a great fit for each other. The mixed breed is friendly, gentle, and playful and will love to frolic with the kids. Just be sure to supervise play sessions. When it comes to walks and play sessions, aim for a minimum of an hour every day. The Labrador Retriever originates from Canada, where they were first bred for hunting and retrieving tasks before becoming renowned as guide dogs. These days, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the United States—a feat likely helped by their gentle and loving nature. The Weimaraner was also originally bred as a hunting dog, but in Germany. The breed is sometimes affectionately called the grey ghost due to their unique color! The Labmaraner has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Labmaraner Size The Labmaraner is usually described as a large-sized dog. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 60 to pounds and range in height from 21 to 24 inches. Female Labmaraners might be ever so slightly smaller than their male counterparts. They are smart dogs who also take well to training; although, some Labmaraners might prove a little stubborn at first. Persistent and proper training is key. A big family is a plus when considering a Labmaraner—not least because they crave attention and do best when around people. Kids, especially, are a great fit with the breed. Like most large dogs, the Labmaraner will require a lot of exercise. This is not a dog that will prosper being cooped up all day, and destructive behavior might even occur if they are left alone in an apartment. Labmaraner Health Labmaraners are generally considered to be healthy dogs—although the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and Weimaraner face. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. It cannot be stressed enough that the Labmaraner needs a lot of exercise. Aim for 60 minutes of walk and play time every single day. If possible, bring the dog along on hikes and runs. As with any active dog, be sure to check their nails and paw pads for any signs of damage that might have been inflicted while outside. Ears will also need to be maintained and checked for infections or parasites—ask your vet about tell tale signs of a possible infection. Labmaraner Feeding An ideal Labmaraner diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. Baths should not need to be given too frequently—unless a particularly messy outdoor play session has taken place! The breed is friendly, gentle and playful and will love to frolic with the kids. The Labmaraner is usually tolerant of any resident household pets. Just be sure to monitor early interactions and set boundaries if need be, especially if the dog starts to show any of their hunting heritage traits. Ultimately, early socialization pays off. Make sure to reward your Labmaraner for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. Labmaraner Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labmaraners because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Weimaraner breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. There is some speculation that the silver Labrador is in reality a Weimaraner Lab mix. Weimaraners come in three colors — blue, gray, and silver gray. Labs come in three colors — black , chocolate , and yellow. But, there is a rare color variation of Labradors called silver. Silver Labs are, in essence, chocolate Labs with a diluted color gene. The Weimaranar Lab mix has a short, flat coat and floppy ears. Their muzzle is fairly long and slim, and they are pretty leggy too. Labradors tend to be between .They can weigh from lbs. Weimaraners are just a bit taller and heavier. They can be as tall as 27 inches as an adult; females can be as small as 23 inches. Female Weimaraners weigh between lbs, while males weigh between lbs. A Working Background Labrador Retriever ancestors originally come from Newfoundland, where small water dogs pulled in nets and traps full of fish for their owners. Weimaraners they were bred as big-game dogs, but shifting hunting priorities turned the breed into a sought-after bird dog. Although used for slightly different sporting roles, these dogs were both bred to be involved in retrieving game. To do that they needed to be intelligent, strongly bonded to their handlers and able to work cooperatively with them. Weimaraner Labrador Mix Temperament Temperament in mixed breeds is just like appearance — impossible to predict! But looking at the parent breeds can give us a better idea. Both types of dog bark when necessary, so expect an occasional barker. Also, both breeds are active and need exercise to get their energy out. They are easily trained, but must have some stimulation. Weimaraner Lab mix puppies could be high-spirited, like a Lab, or a great runner with plenty of stamina, like a Weimaraner. Most likely, a mix will be friendly and sweet. Still, you should remember that your Weimaraner and Labrador mix can show traits of either parent. Training and Exercise A Lab Weim mix will respond best to positive reinforcement. Harsh, punishment-based methods can cause distrust and stubbornness when training. Training will offer much-needed mental stimulation, but also a little exercise. They are active, energetic dogs who need to run. Whether this is an energetic game of fetch, swimming, or hiking with you. They will be great candidates for dog sports like agility and rally. Destructive behaviors will be reduced by staying fit and busy. Just be wary of over-exercising when they are young, as this can have a negative impact on the health of their joints when they are older. Labs are generally a healthy breed. But they are genetically prone to obesity, vision problems, and certain types of cancers. They are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which are developmental abnormalities in the joints. Large-breed dogs often suffer from these. Weimaraners, too, are a generally healthy breed. But they are also genetically prone to certain conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, dermoids, corneal dystrophy, and distichiasis entropion. If you are buying a puppy from a breeder, ask to see both parents good hip scores and clear eye tests. When you visit a breeder, take note of the conditions of the dogs. What About Rescue? They are usually cheaper than puppies, and are past the awkward first training stages. So, it could take you a while to find a Weimaraner Lab mix suitable for your home. Make sure to ask plenty of questions to find a rescue dog that will suit your home perfectly. If you can, find out why they were taken to the shelter. Also ask questions about their temperament, including how well socialized they are different types of people, animals, and things. Cream, silver, yellow, black, chocolate Suitable for: Active lifestyles, homes with land Temperament: Energetic, loyal, intense, action-oriented So, what exactly happens when you cross these two structurally similar dogs? You get an agile, lean muscular dog that is capable of taking on the world at large. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Labmaraner dogs are energetic and loyal animals. Find the right food for your dog, and give them tons of love to keep them happy and healthy. They have fun-loving personalities and make terrific playmates. The Weimaraner is an incredibly intense dog that loves nothing more than a job to do. When you cross the Labrador Retriever and the Weimaraner, you get a very high-energy breed that needs lots of space to run. Their mental and physical stimulation is equally important, as this dog is fiercely intelligent and very active. This breed would fare best in situations with lots of room to run and explore. If you have a lot of acreage or a huge fenced-in area, they can work quite well in your living situation. This breed is a bit hyper, taking a very long time to mature. Because of their overabundance of energy, they work best with people who have a highly active lifestyle. These dogs can be highly affectionate with their owners and family members. But primarily, they are bred for work. However, a well-trained cross can be incredibly devoted, loyal, and faithful to their humans. These dogs do not do well with apartment living. So, if you and your family live somewhere that makes it complicated for outdoor activities, you might want to think about getting another breed. Because of their exuberant energy, these dogs work best for children ages 6 and older. Also, the Weimaraner is known for exhibiting a bit of aggression at times. They have too much intensity for younger children and might knock down or hurt a younger child. Even though a Lab is a super exciting, fun breed, the Weimaraner DNA might throw a wrench in the mix when it comes to being a family pet. However, because of the possibility of same-sex or territorial aggression, you should socialize them as early as possible. They have high chasing instincts.

Ian discusses how we should learn to see the world from our dogs perspective and in doing so, how we can better earn their love and trust. Armed with this love and trust, we will form a better relationship and as a result, effective training becomes just that much more effective and enjoyable for both you and your dog. But please, first make sure to use the search facility in the footer of this website and browse our other sections as the subject may have already been covered: Labrador health and care , Labrador behavior , Labrador puppies , infobites and Labrador breed information. External Resources On Labrador Training Although referring to all breeds in general and not purely Labradors, for those of you that love to watch and not read, the series of dog training videos on www. If you like reading books then check out one of our favorite Lab books: The Complete Labrador Handbook. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. If this is the case,…. Fact checked by Emily Estep Emily Estep is a biologist and fact checker focused on environmental sciences. Emily has been a proofreader and editor at a variety of online media outlets over the past decade and has reviewed more than articles for The Spruce Pets for factual accuracy. These smart, social dogs are known for their amiable temperaments and their patience. Traditionally bred as hunting dogs, Labs also are among the most popular service dogs, acting as guide dogs for blind people and as therapy dogs. By socializing these dogs early, you can tap into their natural instincts as protectors and companions. Socialize Puppies Labs are natural born people pleasers. Introduce your Lab puppy to as many new people and places as possible during the early months of its life. Keep each new meeting and experience positive and upbeat. Doing this will reinforce your Lab's natural tendency to be friendly and accepting of everyone. If you have young children in the home, be sure to socialize them to the animal as well as the reverse. Although Labs are patient and tolerant, they may still nip at a child who teases or hurts them during play. Make sure everyone knows the boundaries and rules. Exercise Every Day Labrador retrievers are high energy dogs, which is part of the reason they are such great pets for active families. But if Labs aren't given sufficient exercise, they can quickly become bored. This often leads to destructive behavior and other common behavior problems , such as barking, chewing, and digging. It's also why Labs are not well-suited for apartment living; they're too big and too active. Plan on giving your Lab an hour or more of exercise each day. Most Labs love long walks or a game of fetch. These are the perfect way to burn off your Lab's energy. Take advantage of their innate trainability by starting an obedience program as soon as you bring your Labrador retriever home. You can work on basic obedience commands on your own, or sign up for a dog obedience class with a local dog trainer. Classes are a great way to train your Lab while socializing at the same time. Since Labs get to be fairly large and have a tendency to pull on the leash, make walking on a loose leash your first priority. You should also teach your Lab to "come," "drop it," and "fetch," so you can take advantage of its natural tendency for retrieving. Use Positive Reinforcement Training Their eagerness to learn, playfulness, affectionate natures, and their love of treats make Labrador retrievers fantastic candidates for positive reinforcement dog training. Reward their good behaviors with a small treat, a game, or some cuddle time with you. You'll find your Lab is soon offering you the behaviors you like with little prompting. If you decide to use treats in your training, remember that Labs have a tendency to become overweight. Plan on a Long Adolescence One of the most endearing qualities of Labrador retrievers is that they remain very puppy-like long after they've reached adulthood. The downside is that their energy level and tendency to get into mischief continues well into adulthood as well. Therefore, it pays to have behavior management tools handy. The training to become a service animal will vary depending on what the dog will be doing; some are trained to be animal companions to sick children and adults in the hospital, while others are trained to serve as seeing-eye dogs. Others may provide assistance to people with mental illnesses, or behavioral problems. Check the requirements for licensing and training where you live; some places have more strict rules and requirements for service dogs than others. Problems and Proofing Behavior Many Labrador retrievers are happiest and the most well-behaved when they have a job to do. Consider getting involved with a dog sport or training your Lab as a service animal or pet therapy dog. Crate train your Labrador so it doesn't have the run of the house when you're not there to supervise Provide your Lab with a variety of interesting toys and chews to keep it from getting bored. Continue practicing basic obedience commands; it reinforces your Lab's training and provides mental stimulation. No matter what training you decide on, keeping your Lab busy and active is sure to keep one of those famous Lab smiles on its face. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. McGreevy, Paul D et al. Labrador retrievers under primary veterinary care in the UK: demography, mortality and disorders. Canine genetics and epidemiology vol. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. Print Early obedience first step to better hunting dog Labrador puppies start out sweet and innocent. All you want to do is cuddle up with your pup and love them! And you should! But rest assured the innocence will not last. As your pup gains confidence and courage, they will begin to test you in many ways. That is why you must obedience train your Labrador puppy. Early obedience training is key to establishing borders and boundaries that will help your puppy grow, learn, and adjust with a good attitude. There is no shortcut to doing this, just use the name often when you talk to your puppy. Over time, the pup will start to respond to the name. Socialization, while not technically obedience training, is the single most important thing you can teach your puppy during the first few months of life. If you are not sure how to do this, refer to this post. Tools needed to obedience train Labrador puppy You will need a few tools to teach your puppy obedience. The products I recommend I believe are a good value or good investment for anyone working to train or maintain training on their retriever. When possible, I include links to the product. Some of these links may be Amazon or other affiliate links in which I am paid a small commission at no cost to you. All opinions and recommendations are my own. Collar — You should purchase a size appropriate collar for your new puppy. You may have to buy new ones as your dog grows, but it is important for your puppy to get used to wearing a collar early on. A simple nylon adjustable collar works great. Chain collar — If your puppy is more than a few months old, a chain or prong collar is extremely helpful in teaching obedience, but they must be used correctly. For more information on how to put a chain collar on your dog correctly refer to this video. A longer lead, called a check cord, is also useful for teaching HERE and retrieving. You can learn more about that here. Heeling stick optional — While optional, a heeling stick can be especially helpful in teaching basic obedience. Treats — Treats are good for teaching very young puppies. I use treats for pups under 12 weeks of age, but treats should be discontinued rather quickly. When to start basic puppy obedience training Obedience training can and should start within the first couple weeks of having your puppy home. Young puppies are ready and willing to learn and teaching obedience to a young puppy is much easier than teaching it to an older dog. How long should obedience sessions be? Most labs do not enjoy obedience training. For this reason, we aim to keep obedience sessions short, especially if your dog is under 4-months of age. Five to ten minutes of obedience a day can work wonders. Especially if you are consistent. Using rewards or praise to teach obedience Many people like to use treats or rewards for obedience training. And this can work, especially with very young dogs. But for hunting dogs, over the long-term treats can become a problem. We do not want our dogs, or the dogs we train to be obedient only because they are getting a food reward. We want them to be obedient because they understand their place in the family and respect the owners. To get these lasting results, we use praise words and petting and a reward that retrievers live for — retrieves! Well-timed praise is a particularly important part of dog training. A message that it is okay to ignore me the first 9 times! This simply means that after a few minutes of formal obedience training, we release the dog with an OKAY command and that means they can run around and be a dog. We then throw a bumper or plug a for the dog to retriever. We do this a few times with a lot of excitement and allow the dog to retrieve the bumper. For retriever breeds, this is often more effective than a food reward. Be careful that you are not letting your puppy get into bad habits with retrieving. For instance, if your puppy often goes out to retrieve the bumper but then runs away with it, or picks it up and drops it, do not continue doing retrieves. While retrieving is a reward for many Labs, it is not an excuse to engage in behaviors that are not going to be acceptable in the field. If you want to learn more about how to properly teach your Lab to retrieve, check out How can I teach my retriever puppy to fetch? Introduction to leash and nylon collar The very first step for any puppy obedience is to introduce your puppy to a regular collar and leash. This should be done in two separate steps, first the collar and then the leash. Introduce the collar by putting a nylon type collar on your puppy. This is normal and you should not react to it. Introducing the leash is a little different. We like to do this outside. After a few sessions of this introduction, you can start holding the leash by the end and walking with the puppy. When the puppy tries to run or walk away, hold tight to the leash, and just let the puppy get used to the resistance. Some puppies have a hard time with this and will growl or whine and whip themselves around at the pressure, but most will not. Remain calm and after a few sessions the puppy should get used to the resistance of the leash. Do not allow the puppy to pull you around. That will make for some bad behaviors that you will need to correct later. If you cannot control your puppy with just a regular collar and leash, you may need to move to a chain or prong collar to keep control. What commands to teach Lab puppy There are only four basic obedience commands that you need to teach your young puppy. Remember when it comes to commands, less is more. OKAY — this is a release command, basically tells your dog were done training, go be a dog. As your puppy grows and learns more, there are some other commands that may be needed, but for puppies I like to start with just the four above. Dog training requires consistency Before you start with obedience training, I want to make a note about the importance of consistency. Obedience training only works if you are consistent. This means that when you say a command, you expect the puppy to perform the command, and are willing to take steps to make the puppy perform the command. If you do not remain consistent in this expectation, you will confuse your dog and get poor results from your training. You and your family must be consistent! How to start obedience training Lab puppy The first command you want to start teaching your puppy is SIT. This is quite easy to teach with a small puppy but gets a little tougher as they get bigger. Then release the puppy with the OKAY command. Repeat this process several times, then stop. If your puppy is weeks old, you can repeat this training several times a day for only a couple minutes at a time. This will be a two-person job for a little while. The other person will put the food down a few feet from the puppy. Then release the puppy to eat saying OKAY. As the pup learns and understands the command better, you will no longer need a second person to hold the puppy. You must be a little careful here because young puppies do not have great bladder control and making them wait, even a few seconds, can mean the difference between an accident and them doing their business outside. But this is a great way to teach impulse control and manners to your puppy. I do not want to have to fight for a position by the door. You can usually start working on this within a week or two of teaching SIT. A great way to teach this command to young puppies is to use two people and sit in a long hallway, one at each end. Take turns calling your puppy with a HERE command. A toy or treat can often help the process. Let your puppy run around a bit but hold onto the end of the cord. Occasionally, call you puppy with a HERE command. It can be helpful at first to crouch down to encourage the puppy to run towards you. Then release the puppy with an OKAY command. Do this a few more times and repeat daily until the puppy is coming to you without you needing to pull the cord. It is also the command most of our clients struggle with the most. Mostly because they are using the wrong tool for the job. For heeling work, it is important that you work with a chain or prong collar. This will give you more control and stop the pulling and surging that many people struggle with. Using a chain or prong collar and a six-foot leash, start walking your puppy at your side. If your puppy is young, be sure to use a puppy chain collar which is smaller than chain collars for adult dogs. And make sure that you are putting it on correctly! An alternate tool to a chain collar and leash is the Wonder or Command Lead. These work great for teaching HEEL. As you start walking use gently tugs on the chain collar with the command HERE to keep your puppy at your side. If your puppy surges or pulls ahead, simply make a degree turn and start walking the other direction giving a sharp, upward tug on the chain collar and saying HEEL several times until the dog is back in a heeling position. Many of our clients have told us they never left their driveway the first few days! But if you are patient and consistent, your dog will quickly learn that if they want to go for a walk, they need to stay at your side. If you want to learn and progress in more obedience work, check out these obedience drills for retrievers. Final thoughts on how to teach your lab puppy obedience Teaching your puppy obedience may take a lot of patience, time and work, but it is such an important thing to do. You will never regret the time! A well-mannered dog is such a joy to be around both in the home and in the field. How to obedience train Labrador puppy. Tweet on Twitter In this article we are going to help you get to grips with the basic Labrador training principles, putting them into terms that even a brand new dog owner will find easy to understand and use. There is a wealth of conflicting advice out there. So many different way to train a Labrador. Different opinions, different methods, different styles. Yet whilst there are many different opinions, approaches and interpretations of how to train a dog, the truth is, all dogs learn in exactly the same way. They change their behavior in the future, depending on the consequences of that behavior in the past. In the simplest terms this means that behaviors which are rewarded, will increase, and behaviors that are punished will decrease. All trainers, whatever their methods, depend on this scientific fact. However, recent studies have shown that dogs that have been punished are likely to be less obedient, and more aggressive than dogs that have been trained using only rewards. Fortunately some pioneering scientists and animal trainers have thoughtfully figured out exactly how to train animals effectively, without using any punishment at all. This has changed the face of dog training as we know it. And it is now possible to train your Labrador entirely without force, provided you follow some basic principles Basic Principles of Labrador Training Here are some basic principles or guidelines, to help you get your dog training off to a great start, and to keep you on the right track. Modern dog training works by reinforcing desirable behaviors. Reinforce behaviors that you like We all know that behaviors that are rewarded, are more likely to be repeated. There are several reasons for this, but one of them is that many people are training with the wrong rewards. Rewards do reinforce behavior, but only if they are rewarding to the dog. And many dogs, in many homes are actually denied rewards that are valuable to them. Many Labradors learn bad behaviors because their owners inadvertently reinforce them. We stroke dogs when they jump up or our visitors do , so they jump up some more. Think about it. If you whistle your dog and he then has a game with another dog right after ignoring you — he has been amply rewarded for ignoring your whistle. The opposite of what you intended So what could you have done? The most effective solution in this situation is to do one of the following. Either A — do not give the command at all Or B — prevent the dog from accessing the reward Pick and choose when you use your commands. Not only is there no point in whistling a dog when he is heading full tilt for his best playmate UNLESS you have trained him to recall under these conditions, you are also going to do your recall signal a lot of harm. Preventing the dog accessing rewards during or immediately after bad behavior is often best achieved using a trailing long line. You can attach one of these to a body harness and use it to restrain the dog when he loses his focus on you. Teach alternatives to behaviors you do not want Modern dog training works by rewarding behaviors we want, rather than punishing behaviors we do not want. But how do we go about stopping naughty behaviors — like scratching at the door, or jumping all over the furniture? Often, the most effective way to do this, is to teach an acceptable alternative behavior in that situation. This is also the most efficient system because there are many ways to be bad. If you eliminate one of them, the chances are your dog will dream up another. Better by far to teach your dog what he should be doing in any given situation, rather than what he should not be doing. Set the dog up to win by building skills in easy stages Making mistakes, failing, getting it wrong, these are all demoralising. Not just for people. Dogs quickly get disheartened if they make too many mistakes and fail to earn their rewards. Make sure your Labrador is a winner every time. Start each training session with something simple. Finish with something simple, and increase levels of difficulty in small increments. Set your dog up to win and keep his confidence sky high. But getting your dog into a sit position is the easy part. How to keep him there is what you really need to know. And what about making him stay in a sit whilst people or other dogs walk past? This can be tricky. And that is what effective Labrador training is all about. It is about proofing that skill against all kinds of distractions. A portable command! Dogs have a curious lack of ability to generalise. This is their weakness. It is easy to teach a dog to sit in your kitchen, you could probably do it in minutes. Each time you teach your dog a new command you should follow the basic steps below 1. Then teach him the same command all over again in a different location. Just the two of you: Pick a time when there is no-one else present. Dogs really struggle to learn new skills if there are any distractions around. When he can do it on his own with you, allow another adult to stand and watch quietly. Teach him to do it all over again like this, and then repeat whilst an adult walks quietly about. Instant rewards: Each time the dog completes the action you require, whether it is a recall, or a sit, or any other behavior, you need to provide an instant reward. It is no good rewarding him five minutes later. He will have forgotten what the reward was for. Reward every single action to begin with. Phase out rewards very gradually until you are only rewarding one in every five to ten actions. Slowly increase difficulty: It is much harder for your dog to sit for five minutes than it is for him to sit for five seconds. This is obvious, yet many people fall down by making huge jumps in difficulty so that the dog is almost bound to fail and need correcting. There is no need to do this. Increase the duration of tasks gradually and your dog will rarely fail. Proof against distractions Proof your new skill carefully so that your dog is able to perform it in all kinds of situations. Check out the three Ds of Dog Training to help you get this right Regular training session Understanding the principles of modern dog training will enable you to raise an obedient and well-behaved labrador. Having a simple system in mind will come in handy. Training requires regular interaction between you and your dog. And like so many worthwhile endeavours, you get back what you put in. Make a commitment to train your dog on a regular daily basis, using the principles and guidelines here and elsewhere on this website, and you will be successful. The Happy Puppy Handbook covers every aspect of life with a small puppy. The book will help you prepare your home for the new arrival, and get your puppy off to a great start with potty training, socialisation and early obedience. The Happy Puppy Handbook is available worldwide. Labrador Retriever pups are working dogs. This means they live to please you for a treat. The more you engage them with different puppy training behaviors the happier they will be. Of course, Labs will be Labs, and this means that dogs do dog things unless they are trained to follow your expectations. Potty training your puppy is just the beginning of you making clear expectations for your Lab. Puppy training from long leash training to potty training, to not nipping is discussed in greater detail along with clear, easy to follow videos at www. But we will give you an expert training tip summary below. For this reason, you need to become an expert on puppy training. Contact us for a discount on the Puppy Trained Right positive reinforcement training program. Expose your puppy to as many different people and situations possible. Teach dog to dog manners when required. Use Positive Reinforcement. Allow for Play with Other Puppies. Play with other Lab Puppies not only allows your pup to get some exercise it is a form of puppy socialization. Bond with your Puppy. Once a strong bond is formed your Lab Puppy will want to please you even more. Potty Train Right Away. Learn how Dogs Learn. Training a Lab puppy is easy if you understand how to go about it. Give your Lab Puppy Play time to Explore. Labs need this as part of their natural development. Spend more time with your puppy when young. This is the time when your expectations should be clearly outlined and can decrease as she gets older. Begin Training day 1. This happens weather or not you intend it to. Every action and reaction is something your puppy uses to form new habits. So ignoring them jumping up as an 8 week old puppy is training them to jump up and will be much more difficult to un-train once they are 70 lbs. Relax and make learning fun. Your pup needs you happy and enjoying yourself! Use Positive Training Methods because they work. This means reward what you desire. Ensure most Experiences are Positive. Imagine a training session of No, No, No, No! Expose them to as Many Human Situations possible. One cause is that there was not adequate socialization with different men. Be Patient. You are building an amazing K9 personality. The window is between 8 and 20 weeks old. Make the most of it. The better your Lab is socialized the happier they will be. Anxiety in dogs comes from many things. The more things your dog is comfortable with the less chance for anxiety and therefore the happier they are. Prepare yourself, your family and your home before your puppy comes home. It is too late once you meet your puppy as simply interacting with her is training. Allow for Safe Experiences both in the home and outside. Seek professional trainers to help guide you when faced with a problem. Be consistent. Clear expectations are easiest to learn. Focus on Guiding not controlling. Best Start Training or Training Classes are beneficial for both you and your puppy. Expect Success. We tend to move in the direction we believe we will travel. Reward the Behaviors you want to see even something as simple as 4 paws on the ground if you are trying to train your Lab not to jump up on you. Become Well informed. You are teaching a skill like reading that takes clear expectations and builds upon last session. Lab Puppies need constant supervision either human, a crate, a fenced area or a baby gate across a doorway. Encourage a soft mouth. Keep your training up or it will be forgotten. Begin Walking on a Loose Leash Right away. This is always easier for your Lab when they are 12 lbs not 70lbs. Change direction before the leash tightens so they are followers not leaders. This is much easier to train before it happens than correct. Allow alone time for your Lab. Know when to end a training session. End training before your puppy quits. Make time for a few shorter training Sessions. Three fifteen minute sessions are better than one 45 min one. Teach your Lab to respond to their name. Teach your Labrador basic obedience before tricks-come, sit, stay, down, leave it. Have all humans learn the commands and be consistent. Ignore undesirable behaviors. Ignoring includes not saying no, bad dog, touching your dog or making eye contact. Find rewards that your Retriever loves and use them when you have breakthrough training moments. Adjust your expectations as your Lab puppy matures, the older more experienced the higher the expectation. Set Realistic Expectations. Minimize distractions when you begin training. Be aware of your Body Language, Labradors pick up cues from you. Be aware of your leash tension. A tight leash says anxiety from the handler. Know when to get Help .Have fun! Understand that Labs do Lab things. Make them work for food and treats. Exercise your Retriever properly for both intensity and duration. Learn some exercise games Labs love. Give lots of repetition. Stop before they get bored. Establish a Pattern by Praising. Redirect undesired behavior. Accept partial actions at first and gradually increase your expectations. When treats end Verbal treats and chin scratches rule. They will know. Enjoy your well balanced purebred Lab puppy for many years. Purebred Lab Retrievers, are they easier to train? The answer to that is definitely maybe! Not all purebreds are bred for intelligence. For example, if a Labrador Retriever breeder chooses to breed their dogs for a certain look then they may overlook intelligence as one of the important characteristics in order to get a specific Lab look. We however breed for intelligence, health and temperament. So in our case, yes, our Purebred Lab Puppies are easier to train than many because we choose the parents and their puppies specifically for their smarts!

If you are looking for Boxer puppies for sale and have wanted to own one, this guide can help you learn more about the dependable, kind and affectionate Boxer. The Boxer is a service dog and is known to be one of the best seeing-eye dogs. This dog dates back in history as a courier dog and a guardian. It has many excellent traits and some downsides too. What makes a Boxer a great pet? This breed does not require regular grooming; because of its coat, it does not need trimming or stripping. This breed is the perfect watchdog. It is alert and will bark when there is an intruder. Its owner and his family can depend on a boxer in case a situation escalates. This breed needs to exercise and play on a regular basis and thus is ideal for owners who run, jog or train outdoors. This breed is ideal for kids because it is energetic, playful and tolerant. It is also gentle with other smaller animals or pets in the house. This breed is for families not just for singles; it is tough but sweet and can protect its owners anytime. But before checking out Boxer puppies for sale, take a look at these downsides of owning one. If you are not a very active person then you might reconsider a Boxer. It needs to get out and play or run. If you live in a small apartment then you might have trouble dealing with a boxer. Aside from needing a lot of space to exercise, it could bark loudly and cause a nuisance. A Boxer may not easily tolerate hot and cold temperatures though so before taking a walk, find out how hot or cold it is before you take it out. Still want a Boxer for a pet? Then it must be time to check out Boxer puppies for sale. Are you finding yourself wondering if you bought a cow instead of a dog? Many dog owners find themselves scratching their heads and wonde.Blog Does Your Dog Snore? Are cuddles—or worse conference calls! Daily walks are great for you and your dog — you both get some needed exercise and get.Blog Popcorn Treats for Dogs When thinking about popcorn, the nostalgia brings us back to buttered up theater popcorn, a giant soda, some Milk Duds, and a good flick. Well, what about popcorn for dogs? Can dog.How about your adult dog and how to make sure that they have the right at-home dental care? Here are 5 interesting facts about.Blog Crate training made simple Crate training is not complex, but if you have never crate trained you might have mixed feelings about using the crate. The Husky is unlike the majority of dog breeds and yo.This article will discuss the reasons that w.Blog 3 Indoor Games to keep your Dog Entertained this Winter Indoor dog games are a great way to keep your pup mentally stimulated, physically active and happy in the winter. Not all dogs love the winter. Blog Guide to Training Goldendoodles The Goldendoodle was first bred in the late s, though the breed did not become popular until the s. This cross between a Golden Retriever and Standard Poodle was an attempt.Blog Tips and Tricks for Potty Training a Chihuahua If you are ready to start potty training Chihuahua, there are some basic things you should know. First of all, because this breed is quite smart, it does not have to be a difficult.Exercises Grooming From ancient Germany precisely around the 19th century had the now extinct mastiff breed Bullenbeisser and bulldogs brought in from England. At the time of their arrival, they served as hunting dogs for bears, deer, and other ferocious beasts, it would capture the prey with the help of its awesome teeth and detain it until the hunter arrives. And in the first boxer standard club was launched with a comprehensive document that is still in use today. Shortly after, the breed made its way into other European countries and got into the U. S in the late 19th century with the American Kennel Club taking registration of its first boxer around .During the first world war, boxers played the role of a military dog as a pack-carrier, a guard dog, and an attack dog, later they were taken home by the soldiers and got introduced into the domestic world as a show dog, best companion, and a reliable guard. One with so much life, energetic, curious, attentive, active, smart, sociable and incredible fun with children is the boxer, they are also known to be very patient and highly protective of their family members making them the love and desire of many homes. As active dogs, they need a lot of exercise to keep them mentally fit, apparently having a mind of its own, you will find your boxer entertain itself by digging the ground often, chewing, and licking the mouth to beat boredom. They are also very stubborn in character which makes them a terrible choice for first-timers with dogs, they are generally a bit difficult with adult dogs including dogs of a similar breed but friendly with puppies. They usually do not bark unless there is a genuine reason behind it but they love to growl. If you have occupied home with people around all the time or you want a canine buddy the whole time, then a boxer is just the perfect breed to get. Being a highly active dog, they dread loneliness and they can cope finely in both a house and an apartment as long as you provide it with enough room and spaces for exercises and activities. What you must have is a large yard if you are living in a house for it to dig the ground and run around as it likes. And more so, if you are given to being away from home most of the time, getting a boxer may not be the best for you and the dog, because they usually get aggressive when left alone. Boxers are known as loud snorers and they drool greatly too. Boxers are playful and very energetic dogs as such regular exercises are part of a good canine relationship, especially a breed of this sort. Your boxer should be allowed to play in a fenced area and on-leashed since it is likely to jump and leap around in excitement. This puts a boxer as a bad choice for a frail owner as they may find it a tad impossible and daunting keeping up with its excessive activity demands. Being a breed with a short and thin coat its grooming demands are quite easy and little, all it needs is a light brushing of the hair twice every week to maintain its good and gleeful looks. Bathing should be a once in a while since boxers are generally clean dogs and its nails, be trimmed once every month or as often as they grow worn on surfaces, its teeth should also be brushed daily to avoid tartar formation and other dental crises. Our Boxer puppies for sale come from either USDA licensed commercial breeders or hobby breeders with no more than 5 breeding mothers. We only purchase puppies from the very best sources, and we stand behind every puppy we sell. Frequently Asked Questions Are Boxers good family pets? Yes, boxers are particularly fond of their family members especially when goodly trained. Are Boxers trainable? Though the boxers can be a little headstrong, they are very intelligent and with a proper training environment, they respond well. Are Boxers friendly with kids? They are very fond of children and they love playing games with them. Are Boxers friendly with other animals? Boxers are naturally patient with puppies, pooches and small animals but a bit unaccommodating of adult dogs and other animals. Are Boxers good apartment dogs? They can live anywhere you make as a home all you need is to provide it with enough space for exercise. How is Boxers shedding? Given the shortness of their coat, they shed minimally and occasionally, you can also regulate the shedding by frequent brushing of their coat. Are Boxers good for first-time owners? Not quite, as their exercise needs are way too high for their inexperienced hands. Are Boxers loud barkers? But growling is a thing they do most. Are Boxers tolerable to heat and cold? All they need is moderate exposure to heat and cold because of their thin fur body. How long can Boxers live? The average life-span of boxers is 10 years Are you interested in purchasing a Boxer? Fill out the below form and we'll get back to you as soon as possible.

With over 9 years of professional dog walking and training experience, David's business has been voted the "Best Dog Walker SF" by Beast of the Bay for , , and .Citizen Hound prides themselves on their customer service, care, skill, and reputation. This article has been viewed , times. Is your cute little puppy growling at you when you pick him up? Almost every puppy goes through a growling stage. Just because a puppy growls at you does not mean he does not like you or is becoming aggressive. However, growling at you should not be tolerated, and you should take action to stop it. You can help your puppy learn to curb his growling and become a good-mannered puppy in the process. All rights reserved. This image may not be used by other entities without the express written consent of wikiHow, Inc. The best way to teach your puppy a command or to teach your puppy that certain behaviors are not acceptable is through positive reinforcement. This simply means praising appropriate behavior instead of attempting to punish inappropriate behavior. You can weed out improper behavior by giving your puppy motivation to behave in the ways that he know will get him praise and treats. One of the most important aspects of training via positive reinforcement is consistency since your puppy will only understand through repetition. The first thing to be consistent about is the word you use to communicate to your puppy that you want him to stop growling. Edited by Julie Shaw and Debbie Martin. You should also keep several small pieces of treat in your pocket and give him a nibble-size bite of treat while he remains quiet and docile as you hold him. You want the puppy to begin associating the treats with the quiet, calm behavior he shows when you hold him. As soon as the puppy starts growling, stop giving him praise and treats. However, do not put him down. Only use the command once and then wait for the puppy to stop. Repeating the phrase over and over will only make it harder for the puppy to associate it with the desired behavior. As soon as the puppy stops growling for several seconds, provide more praise and treats. Always end on a moment of positive reinforcement. Though you may have to wait for the puppy to stop growling even when you yourself are ready to put him down, always end the training sessions on moments of positive reinforcement. Wait for the puppy to stop growling, give him the praise and treats, and then finally put him back down. To help avoid too much reliance on treats, you can also use other forms of positive reinforcement. Puppies will only learn the behavior if you show extreme consistency in providing and taking away the positive reinforcement. Mixed messages does not work in puppy training. This means that everyone in the household has to do their part in the training process as well. Ensure that everyone who handles the puppy uses the same process of providing positive reinforcement. Some puppies may catch onto the command after only a few repetitions, whereas other puppies may need weeks to catch on. Have patience because with consistency, the puppy will eventually learn. Never get so frustrated that you scold or swat the puppy. Stick with positive reinforcement. While you should decrease the dependence on treats, always continue remaining consistent with other forms of positive reinforcement, especially praise. When your puppy fully understands and consistently obeys all the time, you can reduce to only providing an occasional treat. Though common, puppies do not like being picked up under the arms and lifted that way. It can even hurt the puppy. This is a safer way to pick up the puppy. Volume 3. Steven R. Blackwell Publishing. If your puppy is growling at everyone, then consider that he just might not like being picked up. Dogs are meant to be running around and exploring. It is not natural or normal for dogs to be carried and the puppy might feel uncomfortable being handled in this way. It may be more of a fearful reaction at the situation than an aggressive reaction. If your puppy is fine with you picking him up but begins growling shortly after, then you can deflect the behavior with a toy. Ensure that you give the puppy the toy before he starts growling. Otherwise he can mistake the toy as a reward for the growling. A toy is also a good way to deflect a puppy that is too mouthy—playfully bites at your arms or hands—when you pick him up. Your puppy will likely growl at other times in addition to when you pick him up. He may growl when playing with other puppies, when playing with toys, etc. Contact a certified animal behaviorist in your area to help eliminate aggressive behavior related to food. By familiarizing yourself with how your dog is trying to express itself, you will be able to recognize when something is wrong and take appropriate action. When your French Bulldog is growling, it is most likely due to a reaction to an environmental situation. Advice from the internet is no replacement for the opinion of a medical professional, so it is important to always be sure that you are receiving reliable information. Why is My French Bulldog Growling? One of the important things to understand when you hear your dog growl for the first time is that growling can result from a wide variety of different situations. Dogs like to signify to others that they have control over a certain area, so it makes sense that your dog would growl as a means of asserting its dominance. There is also the possibility that your Frenchie is growling as a result of being jealous of another dog. Oftentimes when a dog is on a leash, it will feel negative reactions towards other dogs that are able to walk without leashes. The lack of freedom of motion causes feelings of resentment and might result in growling. Another probable cause of growling is whether or not your dog is intimidated by another creature they have come across. Especially when their owner is by their side! However, intimidation can play out in a variety of ways, not just by growling. There are also other reasons that your dog might be growling. Sometimes growling is not a signal to other dogs, but instead the humans that take care of them. Sometimes a French Bulldog will growl because it is in pain, causing it to loudly try and reach out to you. This is a situation in which you must be prepared to take your dog to a veterinarian immediately, as it is often a serious situation if your dog is resorting to growling. In most situations, your French Bulldog is not growling as a way of being aggressive towards others. Instead, it is trying to communicate with you, so try and listen to it and see if it is directing you towards a particular action. Of course, if your Frenchie is growling all the time, it could be a behavioral issue that needs to be addressed. Stopping your French Bulldog from growling can only be achieved by analyzing the surrounding area. For example, if you are walking your French Bulldog and it begins growling uncontrollably in an area where there are other dogs, it could be that your dog is intimidated by the other animals. In this situation, all you have to do is remove your dog from the area and it should calm down quickly. In the same way, if your dog is upset at the people you are introducing it to, the best remedy to the situation is to leave the area that is stressing out your dog. Bringing toys or other types of comfort items can help keep your dog at ease and demonstrate that the situation is actually comfortable for them. One of the most important things to remember when your French Bulldog growls is that you must treat your dog with respect. The dog is often trying to communicate or protect you, so chastising the dog will not promote healthy communication methods. Though some medical offices might be expensive to attend, there are affordable clinics around that specialize in helping your pets get the care that they need. I hope this guide has been helpful so that the next time you find your French Bulldog growling, you know just how to interpret it! And sometimes French Bulldogs show that big personality through vocalizations like barking, howling, or even growling! But you might be asking yourself, why is my French Bulldog growling or even why is my French Bulldog growling at me?! Did you prepare dinner on time? Or did you take your sock away from your Frenchie while he was busy chewing on it? Your Frenchie probably thinks you owe him an apology. What are some reasons a Frenchie might be growling? A French Bulldog might growl because of feelings they have about various situations. They are little dogs, but they have big voices and have a lot to say. Understanding why your French Bulldog is growling is essential to addressing the behavior. Keep reading to learn some of the possible reasons your French Bulldog might be growling. As a warning One of the first reasons a Frenchie might be growling is also one of the most common. This occurs when a French Bulldog feels that he or she must act as a protector of sorts or even as a watchdog. Fear French Bulldogs may growl out of fear when they encounter new places, people, situations, or unfamiliar objects. Injury or pain French Bulldogs may also growl when they are unwell, injured, or in pain. Anyone who has experienced pain knows that the natural reaction is to protect oneself and avoid touching where it hurts to avoid worsening the pain. Jealous of other dogs or people French Bulldogs are known to be a loyal and affectionate breed, often developing strong attachments to their owners. This can result in growling or other vocalizations as a way to express their displeasure. Trying to show dominance French Bulldogs may growl as a way of displaying dominance, especially when they feel threatened or challenged by other dogs or humans. This behavior can be their means of asserting authority and conveying that they are in control. Stress When French Bulldogs growl, it can indicate that they are feeling stressed or anxious, or they may be trying to establish their boundaries and tell people or other dogs to give them space. Some common causes of stress in French Bulldogs can include changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home or being introduced to new people or animals, as well as medical issues or discomfort. Resource guarding Resource guarding is a protective instinct that dogs have developed over time to safeguard their valuable possessions, such as food, toys, and bedding. Even people can be seen as a resource in the eyes of a Frenchie. When a French Bulldog feels threatened or insecure about its resources, it may growl to warn others to back off. Growling during play During playtime, French Bulldogs may growl to express their excitement, engage their playmates, or assert their dominance in the game. Along with growling, playful behaviors such as jumping, wagging tails, and running around are also typical. How to stop a French Bulldog from growling French Bulldogs use growling as a means of communication. It is a way of expressing their discomfort or displeasure with a particular situation, person, or dog. Sometimes though, it can be simply a vocalization they make when they are excited and feeling playful. However, in most cases, if growling is not addressed, it can escalate into more aggressive behaviors. It is essential to identify the root cause of its behavior in order to stop a French Bulldog from growling. Once the cause is determined, try to avoid triggers and reward positive behavior with treats, praise, and affection. It is crucial to never punish or harm the dog physically for growling, as this can lead to more significant problems. If the growling persists, seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist to develop a behavior modification plan and learn effective communication techniques with your dog. By addressing the underlying cause of the growling and using positive reinforcement, you can help your French Bulldog become a happy, well-behaved family member. There could be several reasons why your French Bulldog is growling at you, including fear, pain, jealousy, stress, or even trying to show dominance. Identifying the specific cause is essential to address the behavior appropriately. Is it normal for French Bulldogs to growl during play? Yes, growling during play is normal for French Bulldogs. It is a way for them to express their excitement, engage their playmates, or establish their dominance in the game. How can I stop my French Bulldog from growling? To stop your French Bulldog from growling, first identify the root cause of the behavior. If the growling persists, seek professional help from a certified dog trainer or behaviorist to develop a behavior modification plan. Is growling always a sign of aggression in French Bulldogs? No, growling is not always a sign of aggression in French Bulldogs. It can be a way for them to communicate their emotions or intentions, and it can also be a playful behavior during playtime. However, aggressive growling is typically low-pitched, prolonged, and accompanied by other warning signs such as snarling, baring teeth, and stiffening of the body. Can fear cause a French Bulldog to growl? Yes, fear can cause a French Bulldog to growl. Are French Bulldogs prone to resource guarding and growling? French Bulldogs may exhibit resource guarding and growling when they feel threatened or insecure about their valuable possessions, such as food, toys, and bedding. Disclosure HappyFrenchBulldog. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary advice. Always seek advice from a certified veterinarian in a case of emergency. Contact Have questions about our content? Contact us at info [at] happyfrenchbulldog. Footer Nav. Wondering how to get a puppy to stop growling when you pick them up? This is not an uncommon complaint with pet parents. In this post, we will cover the reasons why a puppy growls when being picked up, and some sensible solutions you can use to help curb the behavior. This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, we earn a small commission at no extra charge to you. There are four main reasons why your puppy or dog may growl when being picked up. Pain or Health Issue If your dog has always been fine when being picked up, then suddenly starts to growl, it could be a sign of pain or another underlying health issue. It could be that Fido hurt his front leg or paw that causes him to be grumpy when in certain positions. A vet check-up can rule out any injuries or health issues that may be making your pooch growl when being picked up. Lack of Handling Dogs that have not been adequately handled when still with their mom and litter mates , can exhibit fear and mistrust when being picked up later on in life. This is why it is crucial for breeders to handle and socialize puppies under their care correctly. A puppy that has not been properly handled may tense up, have a rigid body, growl, and even nip when being picked up. Negative Experience If something unpleasant has happened to your puppy during the action of being picked up, he may associate that action with the negative experience. For example, some small dogs are very delicate and may feel pain when being picked up. Others may associate having their nails trimmed with the same action. Although it is not our intent to cause pain or fear in our dogs , in their brains the act of being picked up is associated with their bad experience. Instinctively, animals will exhibit the fight or flight response. Negative Consequences If you are picking your puppy up to interrupt a bad behavior like chewing your favorite shoes , she could be associating this action with the negative consequences having to stop doing what she enjoys. If this is the case, you will have to find better ways to interrupt the unwanted behaviors. Here are some tips for getting your puppy accustomed to being picked up. Though a common method, most dogs do not want to be lifted up under their arms. This can cause pain and discomfort, especially in smaller breeds. This is a safer way to pick up the puppy. When holding the puppy, be sure to cradle him into your chest or abdomen to help him feel safe and secure. Check out this video for a visual guide: 2. Positive Reinforcement This is a proven method for teaching dogs. The foundation of positive reinforcement is to reward good behavior with treats and praise, rather than punish the bad behavior. When your puppy allows you to pick him up without growling or fuss, give him small treat and shower on the praise. Choose a Command for Clarity Building on the positive reinforcement method is choosing a command for clarity. This one-word through repetition and consistency will teach your puppy what you want her to do. You can also give him a pea-size treat to help reinforce the positive action. Stop the Treats When Growling If your puppy growls while being picked up or held, stop the treats — we want Fido to associate good things with good behavior. Also, do not put him down. Use a stern tone, but not overly loud or aggressive this will scare the puppy. Use the command once and wait for the puppy to comply. Repeating the command over and over will only make it harder for the pup to associate it with the desired behavior. Use Positive Reinforcement After Puppy Complies After the puppy stops growling for several seconds reward him with more treats and praise. You may have to wait for a minute or so, but as soon as he stops, give him the treats and praise. Always be sure to end these training sessions on a positive note. Also be sure everyone in the home is using the same methods. Reduce the Dependency on Treats You will want the behavior to be performed because your pooch has learned, not because he is being given food. To achieve this, slowly decrease the number of times he gets a food treat. You can swap out food for a favorite toy and praise. Once your pup has a clean bill of health, follow these tips for how to get a puppy to stop growling when you pick him up. Do you have a puppy or dog that growls when you pick him up? Tell us your tips on how to get a puppy to stop growling! Contact Help! Have you ever wondered what this reaction means? How do you get it to stop? Manage the behavior by tracing its root cause Growling is one of the several ways a dog can express how he feels. Did you accidentally drop your dog while trying to lift it off the ground? Is your pooch trying to assert its dominance over you? Below are some of the usual problems that may lead to this unwanted dog behavior: Mishandling Take note that carrying your dog sometimes requires a particular technique. This way, you can ensure his comfort and encourage him to respond well every time you attempt to hold him up. In some cases, dogs growl to express pain. It may come from a broken limb, painful muscles, or even stomach flu. It would be wise to look out for symptoms of possible health problems and consult with a veterinarian. Anxiety In addition to vocalizing pain, dogs also growl as their means to scare away people or animals when they feel anxious or fearful. For example, you or other members of the family might have lost grip while holding the dog. During these situations, you need to be extra mindful of the body language before approaching your dog. Additionally, it would be best to do small and slow movements to avoid further startling the animal. In such cases, the growling serves as their defense mechanism until they begin warming up to this new way of expressing affection. Then, you may proceed to place your dog on your lap. Excessive excitement Puppies can sometimes feel overly excited when presented with something new and strange. In some cases, they express that feeling by growling. As a result, you need to quickly distinguish pleasure or play growling with the aggressive or threatening type. This way, you can identify the best way to approach the situation. How to train your dog to love being carried in your arms The faster you determine the main reason why a dog growls when you pick it up, the easier you can correct the behavior. For example, if it stems from a traumatic experience, you should introduce positive emotions when you attempt to carry your dog. Pick up your pooch — Make sure to be extra careful with the legs and the rib cage. Also, note any signs of resistance. If your dog appears tense, we recommend starting with gentle cuddles instead. If you have a tiny dog, you might want to consider investing in a small pet carrier that you can tie around your neck. Reward with a nutrient-rich treat — Nothing is more effective in associating positive feelings towards a command like feeding your dog good quality treats. Opt for nutritious snacks like homemade doggie biscuits or a small piece of jerky. Put your puppy down — Once you complete the practice and introduce the new cue, you can slowly set your puppy down. On the next day, you can repeat this exercise until your dog becomes fully comfortable with you holding him in your arms. Delaware K9 Academy Can Help! Puppies can be quite a handful to deal with, especially during their first few weeks. You might encounter issues like growling or excessive barking when you try to get too close or cuddle them in your arms while you walk around the house. At Delaware K9 Academy, we provide top-notch dog training lessons that can help you improve your relationship with your new puppy. Using our tried and tested approach, we can help instill obedience and proper dog etiquette to your young and growing dog. Get in touch with us today at for your queries. You may also send us a message at dek9academy gmail. Puppies and dogs are literally the cutest creatures. However, if your usual way of showing affection is met with an angry growl, it could make you wonder. Naturally, your main objective would be to get to the bottom of it. Does your puppy always growl when picked up or is this a new behavior? Then you can start to slowly put the pieces together. Fortunately, there are many ways you can make your puppy more comfortable with human touch. What might seem like a comfy and cushy position for you, might actually be super uncomfortable for your pup. If this is a new occurrence, be sure to consult with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Other signs of general pain include loss of appetite, lethargy, and difficulty getting up and moving. For instance, ethical breeders make sure that all of their puppies are well-socialized, and that they handle their puppies daily. All of this hugely contributes to raising confident dogs that are used to human touch. Some breeders even use the Early Neurological Stimulation method ENS , which starts from day three after the puppies are born. For the upcoming two weeks, the puppies are gently handled daily, which helps them get used to human touch. This often results in us wanting to pick up and cuddle our pets at all times. Simply consider what your pup is trying to tell you and put them down. This will also teach your dog that you respect their boundaries. In fact, puppies and dogs see these situations as a threat. My puppy growls and snaps at me! What can I do about it? Well, first of all, you have to figure out why your puppy growls when picked up. As we discussed earlier, if a puppy starts growling when picked up, there could be a few different reasons for that. Rule Out Health Conditions Firstly, you want to rule out any medical conditions that could cause your dog pain and discomfort. Smaller dogs are definitely more delicate, and could get hurt much more easily than larger dogs. Regardless if your puppy is not used to human touch, or if they associate negative past experiences with it, the key is to teach your puppy that body handling and human interactions are very much normal, even enjoyable. Ideally, early socialization and touch desensitization should start from the moment the puppies are born. You might also want to pay attention to how you pick up your dog. Under no circumstances should you ever punish or scold your dog for growling at you when you pick them up. After all, your dog is doing its best to communicate with you. And obviously, all of these reactions and behaviors usually stem from improper socialization and training. Instead, always approach the situation in a calm manner. Undesired behaviors and reactions can be untaught with positive reinforcement training and touch desensitization. Be sure to check out our other training guides and articles , where we have tons of helpful resources for puppy and dog owners. There are different reasons why a dog or puppy might be growling when picked up, either physical or psychological. The most common causes include pain and discomfort, improper handling, fear, frustration, or improper socialization. If your puppy growls when picked up because of a behavioral issue or lack of socialization, you have to teach them how to enjoy being picked up. Teach your pup that body handling is completely normal, and reward them for not growling when being picked up. It goes without saying that whenever your puppy growls when picked up, put them down immediately and let them know that you respect their boundaries. Instead, opt for positive reinforcement training methods that will teach your puppy appropriate behaviors and reactions. If your dog hates being picked up, it could indicate that they have negative past experiences with it. This helps you rule out any medical conditions, and also find an appropriate solution for the issue. Luckily, behavioral problems like this can be easily fixed, as long as you stay firm and consistent, and provide your pup a lot of love and affection in the process.

Puppyhood The first growth phase — puppyhood — has six development stages. During each of these stages, a puppy learns a lot of things. Neonatal Stage This period lasts from birth to 13 days. The puppy needs a lot of nursing from its mom because it is rather helpless. Its ears and eyes are closed, so it does not have any senses. The little pups should completely rely on their mothers for nourishment and care. By 2 weeks, they double their birth weight. They start crawling, and then their eyes and ears begin to open. The first milk teeth appear. The puppy can even stand up, but too unstably and shakily. This makes it possible for little ones to hear, smell, and taste. They even try to walk. Their baby teeth continue growing. The period between weeks is also called a transitional one. At the end of the third week, the motor skills start developing fast. The puppy can already control its temperature and body, namely, bowel movements. It begins to interact with its littermates. Nevertheless, the pup is still largely dependent on its mother. Though, you can interact with it. At the end of this period, the little cub is ready to explore the world. Its baby teeth are almost complete, and it can stand up more stably. It starts barking and growling a bit. The puppy grows quickly now. It actively interacts with its littermates. The baby dog can walk, and its baby teeth are complete. You can also consider the German Shepherd behavior stages from now. Its mental development starts because it discovers the world actively with its senses. Its walking improves, and it can make attempts to run, so it can even sometimes get in trouble. The puppy can start eating dog food. That is why it is important to begin weaning. The little one can recognize and greet its littermates and people, get interested in new things, and continue to explore the world. However, at this age, the first fear period can be experienced. Read our detailed guide about 6 week old German Shepherd puppy. It is the best period for taking your pet home. This period can be psychologically traumatic, so be careful not to expose the pet to direct sunlight because it may be afraid of it for its entire life. All the fears need your special attention. You need to nurture, but not encourage them. Read our detailed guide about 2 month old German Shepherd puppy. So, your puppy is three months old now. It is playful and active. Its teeth are complete. It is weaned and eats dog food. The feeding recommendation here is the overall one and a half cups, three times a day. It is also time to get your pet vaccinated against distemper and parvovirus. At the end of the third month, your little GSD can simulate its behavior after other dogs and humans. Training can start. Read our detailed guide about 3 month old German Shepherd puppy. Your puppy already has all its baby teeth, and adult canines and incisors begin to push through. It can even try to bite or nip you. The puppy coat begins to disappear and gets ready for replacement by the adult double-layer coat. You can see a racing stripe on its spine where the adult hair will grow. The puppy displays quick growth at this time, and it becomes stronger to withstand the possible fierce competition with its siblings if it is still staying with its family. It needs a lot of biting and chewing now for the correct growth of its adult teeth. Your pet needs consistent socialization and potty training now. After three months old, you should think about such vaccination as DHPP — distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus. The juvenile phase lasts from 3 to 6 months, and it can be divided into three stages by month. Continue socializing and start more substantial training. You can consult the German Shepherd weight chart here to see whether your pup develops properly. So, be attentive to the games you play with your pet. Some of them can be dangerous and traumatic because your puppy may not know how to manage its body during them. You can give it two cups of kibble totally three times per day because it needs a lot of nutrition to grow. DHPP and rabies vaccines are recommended at this age. Your little pup is ready to explore the world. However, as a true teenager, it can become more stubborn and try not to listen to your commands. It starts to understand dominance and tries to persuade you in its leadership. Read our detailed guide about 4 month old German Shepherd puppy. During this month, it can gain about 10 pounds 4. Its ears have stably perked up by this time. It looks more like an adult dog but, as a true teenager, it is very playful and is always ready to go around. The adult teeth continue to appear. Sexual maturity starts emerging. You should feed your pet around two cups three times per day. A lot of training is also needed. Read our detailed guide about 5 month old German Shepherd puppy. It needs a lot of training and positive reinforcement. Now, your pet is fully house-trained, and it needs a lot of new experiences. The sixth month is a transition period to the Adolescent Phase. The ears are completely upright. Males achieve sexual maturity, while female puppies can experience heat cycles. Hormones start working, and male puppies can start marking the territory and looking for females to mate. The adult coat grows longer and gets its normal double layers. Adult teething is about to finish, and all 42 teeth appear. You should feed your dog with the overall two or three cups two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 6 month old German Shepherd puppy. Adolescence Phase Months German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years 36 months old. Females become adults when they are 2 years 24 months old. However, these criteria differ for every puppy. That is why the adolescence phase lasts from the end of the 6th month to the end of the second year of age 24 months on average. By the end of this phase, the puppy reaches its full size though it will continue slightly growing. Your dog can display testing boundaries, so disobedience is widely encountered if the dog is not properly trained. German Shepherds do not look like puppies anymore. Within this period, some dogs can display their second fear period at approximately months old , though to avoid long-lasting psychological trauma, you should ignore the fears. Some dogs may occasionally forget their skills that they have already acquired, so you may need to repeat training again. Here, the reinforced training is useful because some puppies can become entirely rambunctious. Your pet will also need more socialization since it reaches its sexual maturity, and some of its reactions can be pretty unexpected. Its sexual maturity continues, which may cause some aggression because of increases and decreases in hormones. The puppy does not gain weight so fast. Teething is finished. The German Shepherd starts looking more similar to an adult dog, with its standing up ears and well-developed muscles. The food your dog needs involves two or three cups total, given two times per day. Read our detailed guide about 7 month old German Shepherd puppy. It displays a lot of aggression. It can bark or lunge at other animals, kids, and unfamiliar people. A lot of training and reinforcement is needed. You can teach the youngster new tricks to deal with their aggression. The dog has strong adult teeth, and its ears are well-formed and perky. The transition to adulthood continues. As for food, your dog needs two-three cups in total two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 8 month old German Shepherd puppy. It does not grow fast, gaining about a couple of pounds per month. The dog needs two-three cups of food two times a day. Read our detailed guide about 9 month old German Shepherd puppy. They are very active and need a lot of attention and training. Sometimes, they can be really goofy or clumsy because they are still learning and do not know how to behave in many events. Your pup is very smart and clever but tends to display a lot of aggression if not supported and reinforced properly. The dogs should eat two-three cups in total per day. Read our detailed guide about 10 month old German Shepherd pupp y. It starts to challenge you as an owner and likes to demonstrate its leadership. You should teach it to be responsible and obey your commands. A lot of training and reinforcement is crucial. Still, give it two or three cups in total per day. It becomes a bit destructive, but be sure not to get angry or upset with it. It needs your patience and positive attitude. Such vaccines as DHPP and rabies are recommended at this age. It should also transit to adult food. Give it three or three and a half cups total twice a day. Read our detailed guide about 1 year old German Shepherd puppy. Years 1. This time is considered a transition period. The dog may have problems with fears and memory breakdowns. It may even forget how to do familiar things and should be trained again. However, its attention span is longer at this age, so it can have a more thorough obedience training. The dog should eat three or three and a half cups two times a day. Year 2 months — The Second Transition Phase This is one more transition period known as young adulthood. Your dog still displays some aggression. That is why they continue to need reinforcement, training, and socialization. It has already gained its athletic frame and strong muscle, and only several pounds are lacking for reaching its adult weight. In fact, you get a German Shepherd full-grown pet now. The DHPP vaccination is recommended at this age. Continue to feed your dog with three to three and a half cups in total twice per day. It has become a loyal and protective family pet or an obedient and enduring working dog. The young adulthood stage lasts from the second to the third year after the puppy was born. Its size is typical now for an adult dog. However, it may continue to grow slightly, but the changes are not noticeable at all. At this phase, you can also notice that your pet becomes more and more active. It needs a lot of exercise and training. A lot of physical activity is essential for the dog to stay in high spirits. The period between the second and third years of life is also called the adult growth stage. This is the time when your friend gets its excellent breed characteristics. It loves attention very much and continues to learn new things eagerly. The dog enjoys training sessions and strives for new experiences. It becomes calmer and more confident. Its hyperactivity slightly decreases. It displays a lot of self-control and discipline. Continue feeding your dog with three to three and a half cups twice per day. It will be its constant adult diet. Vaccination against rabies is recommended and required by authorities at this age. Seniority Phase This is the last phase of German Shepherd development. It may seem wonderful, but your dog can continue to slightly grow. The phase is divided into two periods — early senior years old and late senior years old. Unfortunately, you need to focus on its health rather than on training. Such health issues as hip dysplasia, joint pain, and decreased stamina can appear at this age. You need to have consultations with your vet more often. During this period, your dog does not change its weight and height considerably. Though, you can observe slight changes in weight. On average, these dogs live years. You need to attend to their health and comfort. The dog may remain energetic and playful, but it slightly slows down. It wants to rest more and gets much calmer. The animal may suffer from some pains, so it may need pain relievers for spine and joint problems and arthritis. It may also need nutritional supplements and changes to its diet. Special senior and sensitive stomach food may become the best choice. Avoid jumping and hard playing. Continuous veterinary monitoring is needed if some symptoms are worsening. The accepted proportion that is considered ideal is .The weight is usually not taken into consideration. If your pet does not correspond to this proportion, there may be a health issue you do not know about yet. That is why you need to monitor the parameters carefully. To be sure that everything is OK, multiply the length of your dog by 0. You will get the perfect height. However, there can be some divergences. If they are minor, you have nothing to worry about. The German Shepherd is rather thin, or even skinny. This results in bad proportions. The ideal weight of your German Shepherd is lbs kg for males and lbs kg for females. You can get either a heavy or obese dog, and it can be a result of overfeeding or certain health issues. How to Check the Weight of Your German Shepherd The simplest method to see whether your dog is underweight is to check whether the ribs are visible on the sides. If you can see that the shape of your dog reminds you of a barrel on the ribs, it means that it is overweight. If you cannot feel the ribs, but there is too much skin on the sides, your dog is overweight. However, if you feel the ribs and only a thin layer of skin, it is underweight. It does not matter whether your dog is underweight or overweight. In any case, it can cause health problems if you do not repair the situation. The best way to succeed is to make changes to the diet. If your German Shepherd is underweight, you should enrich the content of its food. However, do not make it eat if the dog does not want to. That can lead to more severe problems. Make a slow transition to food with higher fat content. Or you may even give your dog puppy food because it is rich in nutrients. If your pet is obviously overweight, the best thing is to cut off the food. However, you also need to do it step by step so that the dog finally can eat just half of the amount you have recently fed it. The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder and an average weight of pounds kg. Nevertheless, some German Shepherds can grow bigger and even reach pounds kg. You need to be sure about its proportions though to understand if your pet meets the standards. If you see some deficiencies, meet your vet for a more thorough evaluation. When does a German Shepherd stop growing? German Shepherd males are thought to be grown-up when they are 3 years old. Females become adults when they are 2 years old. How tall is a German Shepherd? The adult dog has a height of inches cm at the shoulder. An average male reaches inches cm in height, while an average female should be inches cm tall. The body of both males and females should be longer than their height. How big do German Shepherds get? How much does a German Shepherd weight? In general, an average male reaches pounds kg in weight, while an average female should be pounds kg heavy. This is a very strong and brave dog that can become a perfect guardian and protector. If you decide to take a GS puppy, you need to follow its growth stages accurately to be sure that it develops properly. You should follow a high-quality diet, provide your dog with a lot of exercise, and ensure its proper training and socialization. Your German Shepherd cannot stay healthy and active if it gets some health problems related to its weight or height. Sometimes, these issues are not obvious and understandable to the owner. That is why it is important to know the main development parameters of your German Shepherd growth stages to cope with possible challenges. We hope that this article, together with the weight and height chart, will become your effective and helpful guide. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. Though they typically only average nine to thirteen years, those years can be very memorable and special to dog and owner. Along the way, there are several German Shepherd growth stages that they will encounter including several fun and exciting breakthroughs. They will go through many different levels of development stacking up in inches and packing on the pounds. German Shepherd Growth Stages: This article will cover in detail, all of the month-to-month growth stages including their size from 1 month old to 3-year-old. It will also include important milestones along the way. This is the puppy portion of the German Shepherd growth stages and these cute little fur balls are beginning their journey into the new world. They are independent, spry and ready to explore! They are starting to grow but stand no taller than half a foot. Cuteness Factor: Through the roof! Height: Male: 4 — 6 in 11 — 16 cm Female: 3 — 6 in 8 — 14 cm Weight: Male: 5. They stand up for the first time. They start exploring independently and playing. Bowel movements are partially controlled. Light barking and growling begin. Puppy teeth should be filling in. This is a good time to introduce them to some kibble. They may or may not be interested. Month 2: Socialization Growth Stage Once the fuzz balls reach month 2, they start socializing more with other animals and people. This is also the time that their little chompers should be complete. They have grown up a little but still remain under a foot tall. Cuteness Factor: Just look at my ears! Height: Male: 7 — 9 in 17 — 22 cm Female: 6 — 9 in 14 — 22 cm Weight: Male: 16 — 20 lbs 6 — 9 kg Female: 11 — 17 lbs 5 — 7. They start to bond with animals and people. Their mental development starts to speed up. Fear reaction begins. They are typically ready to find their forever home. Food: Weaning should be wrapping up at this age. They should transition to a diet of puppy kibble. One and a half cups total three times a day is recommended but stick to a solid schedule. Vaccines: Puppy should have distemper and parvovirus by this time. Teething will be in full force at month 3 and their adult canines and incisors will start to push through. Those cute little fluffy ears may start to go up and down. They will start to lose their puppy coat and you may notice a racing stripe on the spine where the adult hair is starting to grow in. At this point they have almost made it to the height of a standard ruler. Cuteness Factor: Equal to fluffy pillows! Height: Male: 9 — 11 in 23 — 27 cm Female: 8 — 10 in 20 — 25 cm Weight: Male: 22 — 30 lbs 10 — 14 kg Female: 17 — 26 lbs 8 — 12 kg Milestones: Ears begin to stand up. Teething stage begins and continues for several months. Lots of biting and chewing ensures. Potty training and socialization should be consistent. Puppy fuzz begins to be replaced with adult double coat of fur. Food: Two cups of puppy kibble total three times a day is recommended. Vaccines: DHPP which includes distemper, hepatitis, parainfluenza, and parvovirus are recommended. Month 4: At this point GSDs will be very playful and getting into some trouble. They have left puppy hood and become adolescents. Multiple skills will be developing as they learn, socialize and train. Height: Male: 11 — 14 in 29 — 35 cm Female: 10 — 12 in 26 — 31 cm Weight: Male: 35 — 40 lbs 16 — 18 kg Female: 31 — 35 lbs 14 — 16 kg Milestones: Ears continue to perk up. Teething continues as adult teeth come in. They continue to play and explore everything around them. Training continues as they constantly learn. Food: Puppy should continue to eat two cups of kibble total three times per day. Vaccines: DHPP and rabies are recommended. Month 5: At 5 months of age, they are still growing fast and should have gained close to 10 pounds. They are still in the juvenile stage and have plenty of energy to go around. They are looking much more like an adult but still have that puppy spirit. Ears may have perked up at this point. Cuteness Factor: Cute as pumpkin pie! Height: Male: 14 — 16 in 35 — 40 cm Female: 12 — 14 in 31 — 36 cm Weight: Male: 40 — 49 lbs 18 — 22 kg Female: 35 — 44 lbs 16 — 20 kg Milestones: Ears may be standing up. Adult features are filling out. They are at least half of their adult size. They are still teething. Sexual maturity begins to emerge. Food: Juvenile should still be eating around two cups total three times a day. Month 6: Adolescent Growth Stage At 6 months old, they are making their way into the adolescent part of the German Shepherd growth stages. They will be starting to get into their sexual maturity stage which will last until they are around two years old. Hormones will kick in and males will begin to mark their territory and look for females to mate with. Females may go into heat for the first time. Their adult coat should be completely grown in but it could take a bit longer. Cuteness Factor: Equivalent to a teddy bear! Height: Male: 16 — 18 in 41 — 46 cm Female: 15 — 17 in 37 — 42 cm Weight: Male: 49 — 57 lbs 22 — 26 kg Female: 44 — 49 lbs 20 — 22 kg Milestones: Ears should be standing up. Adult features are more filled out. They are sexually active and will begin marking their territory and roaming for mates. Teething should be close to finished and all 42 of their adult teeth should be almost grown. Full adult double coat of fur should be present. Food: Adolescent should be eating around two to three cups total two times a day. Month 7: At 7 months old , a German Shepherd should be well developed cognitively. Their sexual maturity continues, and your leg may just become their next mate. Some aggression may be present as their hormones go up and down. Their weight gain begins to slow down for the first time only adding around 5 pounds from the previous month. They are looking much more like an adult dog. Aggression and sexual maturity continue. Teething should be close to finished. Food: Adolescent should be eating two to three cups total two times a day. They are still maturing and could still be aggressive and bark or lunge at other dogs, kids or people. This behavior must be reined in with the proper training. Teaching them new tricks is a great way to curb their aggression. Cuteness Factor: Still able to melt your heart! Height: Male: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Female: 18 — 20 in 45 — 50 cm Weight: Male: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Female: 53 — 57 lbs 24 — 26 kg Milestones: Ears should be well formed and perky. They continue to transition into adulthood. They are still maturing, and aggressive behavior may be present. Teething should be finished, and all of their adult teeth should be grown. Month 9: At 9 months old, German Shepherds have reached most of their milestones. They should be sporting a full set of 42 adult chompers and some nice big perky ears. They are still maturing sexually and could be exhibiting aggressive behaviors, but training should be in full force. Cuteness Factor: Not puppy cute but still irresistible! Height: Male: 21 — 23 in 54 — 59 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 64 — 71 lbs 29 — 32 kg Female: 55 — 60 lbs 25 — 27 kg Milestones: They are still growing but only gaining a few pounds a month now. Month By 10 months of age, GSDs are still trucking along in the adolescent stage. They will still be acting like teenagers and may be getting into some trouble. Although clever and smart they will sometimes act clumsy and goofy. They are still learning and should be in training. Cuteness Factor: Cute and nutty like peanut butter! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Female: 19 — 21 in 48 — 53 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 73 lbs 30 — 33 kg Female: 57 — 62 lbs 26 — 28 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Month Moving into month 11, German Shepherds are becoming more and more adult but may be stubborn. They may start to challenge their owner with respect to leadership. They need to know that you are in charge and that they must respect your commands. Training and reinforcement is crucial during this time period. Cuteness Factor: Cute enough to get out of trouble! Height: Male: 22 — 24 in 57 — 62 cm Female: 20 — 22 in 51 — 56 cm Weight: Male: 66 — 75 lbs 30 — 34 kg Female: 60 — 64 lbs 27 — 29 kg Milestones: They are still growing slowly. Month 1 year old German Shepherds are moving out of the puppy phase of the German Shepherd growth stages and into adulthood. By now they have most likely formed a strong bond with their owner. They may still misbehave occasionally but proper training should be paying off. Food: Adolescent should transition to adult food and be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: DHPP, rabies are recommended. Year 1. They are getting closer to sexual maturity. Cuteness Factor: Furry and plushness overload! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 55 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 79 lbs 32 — 36 kg Female: 60 — 66 lbs 27 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but slowly. Food: Adolescent should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Year 2: At 2 years old, they should be well along in their journey to adulthood. With the proper training and socialization, they should be transforming into the alert, confident, courageous, loving and loyal German Shepherd companion that makes them so popular among dog owners. They are pretty much full grown at this point with only a few more pounds to pack onto their athletic frame. Cuteness Factor: Perfectly precious! Height: Male: 23 — 25 in 59 — 64 cm Female: 21 — 22 in 53 — 57 cm Weight: Male: 71 — 84 lbs 32 — 38 kg Female: 62 — 66 lbs 28 — 30 kg Milestones: They are still growing but almost full grown. Vaccines: DHPP is recommended. Year 3: Adult Growth Stage Your German Shepherd is finally an adult with all of the beautiful characteristics and traits that people admire. They have reached physical and sexual maturity and are ready to brave the new world. Consistent training should have payed off. They should be calm and well disciplined. Height: Male: 24 — 26 in 60 — 65 cm Female: 22 — 24 in 55 — 60 cm Weight: Male: 79 — 88 lbs 36 — 40 kg Female: 66 — 70 lbs 28 — 32 kg Milestones: They are done growing. They have matured physically and sexually. Food: Full grown adult should be eating three to three and a half cups total two times a day. Vaccines: Rabies is recommended and can be required by law depending on your state. A full grown adult German Shepherd will stand approximately 22 to 26 inches at the shoulder and weigh between 70 and 88 pounds on average. However, some German Shepherds will get bigger even getting over a pounds. Hopefully your GSD is in the correct range. Keep an eye out for any deficiencies during their growth. These German Shepherd growth stages should help you determine all of the proper measurements to make sure they are right on track in their development. Each stage in their maturation is important. Remember to give them a high-quality healthy diet, plenty of exercise and sufficient training and socialization. These will all help lead to a stable and well-adjusted German Shepherd. Please leave a comment below and let us know what you think! Do you have any experience with a growing German Shepherd? Let us know! We would love to hear about your personal story! Share this:. German Shepherd Puppy Growth Chart and Puppy Development Tweet A puppy growth chart can help you tell if your pup is on track with the appropriate puppy stages. German Shepherd puppy development begins at birth. Like all puppies, German Shepherds are born with their eyes and ears closed. Basically immobile, they are completely dependent upon their mother. A part of their umbilical cord will still be attached. But, this will soon dry up and fall off on its own in a few days. Their heart beats much faster around beats per minute and their body temperature is lower than an adult. As their nervous system is still developing, puppies will commonly curve into a comma shape when they are picked up. They are unable to eliminate without the help of their mother or a caregiver gently stimulating their anus or urethra by gently licking or rubbing the area. During this time, it is very helpful for puppy growth and development to be handled by humans from this point onward. One Week At less than a week old, the puppies will begin to stretch their legs. They will also arch their backs when picked up. Around the one week mark, German Shepherd puppies will crawl more frequently. Subjecting the puppies to short periods of daily handling will help the puppies develop exposure to stimuli. It will also help with earlier opening of the eyes and ears, hair growth, motor development and weight gain. Around the week and one half mark, the eyes are ears begin to open. Their eyes will be blue. And they may not be able to focus immediately. Two Weeks Their eyes and ears will be fully open and they are able to determine shapes. They will also experience their first incisor teeth. Crawling is much easier at this stage. At this point a transitional period begins which usually lasts a week or so. Many important development changes take place as German Shepherd puppies begin to: become more independent from their mother eliminate on their own take their first wobbly steps Two and a Half Weeks Puppies begin to socialize with their littermates. They will wag their tails, play and "fight" with each other. Puppies are walking pretty well at this point and their gait becomes similar to an adult dog. This phase is full of exploration, from their environment to their littermates. The socialization stage can last from 2 and one half weeks thru 13 weeks. This is where the puppies learns social skills and experience emotional development. Many changes take place during this time. Puppies are able to identify their own species. They can also form bonds with others outside of their kind, including humans. Four Weeks The puppies learn how to interact with their littermates and adult dogs. Social play is an important aspect of this stage. They will play fight and communicate with their littermates, play with other animals and humans and begin playing with toys. At this point, most of them have a full set of teeth. They can begin to eat soft food in addition to the milk they are getting from their mother. This is a great time for exposure to new experiences as the puppies are fearless in exploring their environment. Between weeks is the optimal time for this type of socialization as this is when their attraction response is at its peak. From weeks, the fear response appears and may take over. Early socialization during this period is important in that it will shape the puppies' later relationships with humans and other dogs. Puppy Growth Chart - Beware the Fear Period The critical period for forming social bonds in thought to be between weeks. This is also called the fear period. Six Weeks The puppies will begin to act more like adults, showing dominant behavior such as mounting their littermates. When meeting other dogs, they will sniff noses and tails. The fear response may become more pronounced in some puppies. For others, the desire to socialize and make contact will overcome any apprehension. Weeks 7 - 12 A great time to socialize your puppy with other animals, humans and new surroundings. This is also an ideal period for learning important skills:. Weighing your German Shepherd at home can be quite a different story! Unless you have a pet scale at home, the easiest way to weigh your German Shepherd would be to use your own scale. Carefully pick up your German Shepherd puppy and make sure they are secure in your arms before stepping back on the scale. Make note of the combined weight of yourself and your puppy, and then step off of the scale and put your puppy down. Subtract your weight from the combined weight. The remaining weight should be close to how much your puppy weighs. For adult dogs, unless you can safely pick up an adult German Shepherd, it is best to contact your vet to utilize their scale, or a local groomer or pet store may also have a scale you can utilize. If you are needing to weigh your German Shepherd frequently for medical or sport reasons, you might invest in a high quality pet scale that you can keep at home. Get your measuring tape the ones used for fabric and clothing measurements are the best option and your puppy. Depending on how active your puppy is, you may need a helper to hold them in place so you can get an accurate measurement. Make sure your puppy is standing squarely and with their weight evenly distributed amongst all four paws. You may need to place a small object on top of the end of the tape to keep it in the correct place. Record the measurement usually in inches or centimeters on your German Shepherd puppy growth chart. You can either measure from the tip of the nose to the tip of the tail or, more commonly, from the front of the chest to the rear end. If you have an active puppy, enlist a helper to keep them still so you can get an accurate measurement. Make sure the puppy is standing squarely and has all four paws on the ground. There should be no leaning forward or backward which can affect your measurements. This area is generally just a few inches underneath their neck and is where the blade of the shoulder sits. If you are concerned that your German Shepherd puppy is not growing as he should when compared to the average German Shepherd puppy, then a vet visit is probably in order. Your vet can conduct tests to make sure your puppy is not suffering from an underlying health condition. Genetics also play a role in how a German Shepherd puppy grows, and if your puppy does not appear to be growing as he should then it could be due to poor breeding practices or parents who were of abnormal sizes as well. Runts of the litter also tend to develop slower than their litter mates. Your veterinarian or a pet nutritionist will be able to help you set up a weight loss and exercise plan to help bring your German Shepherd back down to healthy weight, and your vet can also eliminate any health reasons, such as diabetes or a thyroid issue , that may have caused the weight gain. If your German Shepherd weighs less than he should for her age and activity level, you may need to increase his calorie intake or provide additional weight gain supplements following the advice of your veterinarian. Some German Shepherds have a higher metabolism than others, so your German Shepherd may just need an increase in food to bring them back up to a proper weight. You should also have your veterinarian conduct tests to make sure there is not an underlying health issue, such as heartworm or malnutrition , that is causing the weight loss. While a hot button topic, there is new research and evidence that spaying or neutering your German Shepherd puppy too soon can impact their growth plates and how their bodies develop. Large breed puppies should not be extensively exercised while they are still growing, and they should especially avoid any heavy impact on their joints even jumping out of the car or off of the couch can impact them! Since their growth plates are not yet closed, German Shepherd puppies should receive physical exercise in the form of light walks or playtime. While hiking and dog sports like agility may be an excellent way to bond with your German Shepherd puppy, at this young age the impact from that much exercise might cause issues with their growth plates. A good low-impact way of exercising your German Shepherd puppy is to go swimming! As your German Shepherd puppy nears maturity and their growth plates begin closing which generally occurs between 12 and 18 months of age , you can gradually add in more intensive exercise and impact. My 2 German Shepherds and 1 Siberian Husky mix keep my busy, along with my 8 cats I am also a crazy cat lady and my axolotl Fin Diesel he's all about family. We go to great lengths to help users better understand their pets; however, the content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Additionally, NotABully.

Aggression is a serious issue and should not be taken lightly. A professional will be able to assess the situation and help you come up with a plan to address the aggression. Other Considerations To Keep In Mind With proper training and socialization, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting behavior and will be a well-mannered companion for years to come. However, the key is to start early and be consistent with your training. If you allow your dog to mouth and nip sometimes but not others, they will be confused about what is acceptable behavior. In addition to that, dogs are much more likely to pick up on good habits if you teach them from a young age. Finally, be patient! Like all dogs, Goldendoodles need time to learn what is expected of them. With a little time and effort, you can help your Goldendoodle learn to keep their teeth to themselves. Of course, it also includes lots of tutorials and resources on how to tackle excessive Goldendoodle puppy biting. Do not scream or hit your dog, as this will only make them more likely to bite again in the future. This will help your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. If your Goldendoodle continues to bite, you may need to seek professional help. When Do Goldendoodles Stop Biting? So, when do Goldendoodles stop biting? This is a common question among Doodle owners, and unfortunately, there is no single answer. One of the most common questions new Goldendoodle owners ask is when their puppy will outgrow the biting phase. Typically, Goldendoodles grow out of their biting phase once they get all of their adult teeth. Until your pup has grown into all of its adult teeth, there are a few things you can do to help discourage your pup from nipping. For starters, never play rough games with your Goldendoodle that involve hitting or wrestling. These games only encourage them to bite. You can also provide them with plenty of chew toys to help satisfy their need to gnaw. Early socialization is also vital, as this will teach your puppy how to appropriately interact with you, other people, and other pets. With a little time and effort, your Goldendoodle will learn to control their biting impulses and become a well-mannered companion. If your Goldendoodle is older than a year old and still biting, there may be an underlying issue, such as anxiety or boredom. The good news is that you can easily fix the boredom issue by giving your pup plenty of attention, playtime, and exercise. With the help of a professional, you can develop a training plan that will help your Goldendoodle learn to curb their biting impulses. Goldendoodle Biting: Final Thoughts Goldendoodles are wonderful, loving companions. However, like all dogs, they need to be properly trained and socialized in order to become well-mannered members of the family. While Goldendoodles are generally friendly dogs, they can sometimes bite due to excitement, boredom, stress, or fear. If your Goldendoodle is biting, there are a few things you can do to discourage this behavior, including providing chew toys, increasing mental and physical stimulation, and desensitizing them to their triggers. If the problem persists, seek professional help from a certified trainer or behaviorist. With some patience and training, you should be able to stop your Goldendoodle from biting for good. Reasons why your Goldendoodle might be biting Goldendoodles have the generous heart of a golden retriever and the intelligence of a poodle, yet sometimes even these hybrid fur-babies can, unfortunately, turn to biting. Consult your local vet or professional dog behaviorist who will be able to better guide you on how to fix this problem. How to stop your Goldendoodle from biting Goldendoodles , characterized by their intelligence, energy and loyal nature, can undoubtedly be a joy to have around. Unfortunately, their rambunctiousness can lead to biting if they are not taught how to behave. The good news is that there are plenty of constructive ways to prevent your Goldendoodle from biting. Lastly, keeping your pup engaged with playtime, taking your goldendoodle for a run , and mental stimulation will help stop them from getting bored which can turn into bad behaviors such as biting. Tips for training your Goldendoodle not to bite Goldendoodles are renowned for their intelligence, good nature and sense of playfulness. This can make training a goldendoodle not to bite a challenging but rewarding experience. To begin, it is important to be consistent with commands. Make sure that your goldendoodle understands what you want it to do and that it is aware of any changes in its routine to ensure effective training. Try rewarding positive behavior with treats or toys, or a calming bath , as this will reinforce the desired behavior and discourage your goldendoodle from biting out of frustration. Finally, remember to give lots of love and attention when the dog succeeds so that you can successfully teach them not to bite! Although Goldendoodles are typically gentle and loving family dogs , they may bite for a number of reasons. Training your Goldendoodle not to bite can be a challenge, but with patience and consistency you can get through to them. By following these tips and working on positive reinforcement training, you can help your dog develop into a well-behaved member of your family. Related posts:. Frozen veggies and fruit Exploring Their Surroundings Dogs have an acute sense of smell. Their heightened scent receptors drive them to explore things around them, including household items and even your fingers. Moyen Goldendoodles are smaller than Standard Goldendoodles, and larger than Miniatures. Curiosity is a healthy habit for Goldendoodles, but biting should not be part of the process. However, if your new best friend is doing damage while exploring its surroundings, you must puppy-proof your home until they learn proper manners. Playing Dogs will instinctively bite and nip when they play with littermates as puppies. If this behavior is left unaddressed, mature dogs will continue to bite during playtime. Playful biting is not always harmful, but it can be if it gets out of control as your Goldendoodle matures. A Goldendoodle getting a belly rub from his owner. The Resolution When Goldendoodles bite during playtime, you must correct the behavior immediately. Give your pet a stern no command, and offer them an alternative to biting and chewing. Some dogs respond well when owners stop playing with them after biting and leave the room. This breed is intelligent and will quickly learn that biting is not welcome. Boredom Goldendoodles are smart dogs requiring adequate mental stimulation and physical exercise. If your pet is not receiving enough engagement throughout the day, it will become bored and chew or bite. Some animals may even bite at your hands and feet to get your attention when bored. Goldendoodle with fresh haircut on a white background. Although boredom can be prevalent in the first couple years of your Goldendoodles life, it can still be a concern for some mature dogs. In addition, try offering your pet toys to help stimulate their mind, like treat puzzles and snuffle mats. These products will provide the mental exercise they need and keep them from being bored at home. We'll do everything we can to make sure you and your dog are happy We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Unfortunately, some dog breeds, like the Goldendoodle, are prone to separation anxiety. Goldendoodle puppy is not feeling well. This hybrid dog enjoys the company of its humans and can show anxious traits if you leave them home alone all day. The Resolution If your Goldendoodle is biting you before you leave or when you return, they may have anxiety issues. Proper kennel training and routine exercise with mental stimulation can help calm your pet down when you need to leave them alone for an extended time. Lack of Training Goldendoodle puppies are adorable, and many dog owners will let some typical puppy behaviors, like biting, slide. A boy trains a Goldendoodle at the park. This hybrid dog breed is extremely energetic and needs proper training to follow your commands. The Resolution For Goldendoodle biting that happens due to a lack of training, you can still turn it around, even with adult dogs. This crossbreed is extremely intelligent and loves to please its owners. Always remember to use a stern no command when they bite, offer alternatives, and reward them when they act appropriately. Soon, your Goldendoodle will have the proper training and better manners you want in a pet. Scared or Fearful Some Goldendoodles bite when they are scared or fearful of something. For example, if your pet is afraid of loud noises or certain people, they may lash out by biting. Behaved Goldendoodle carried by her owner. This fearful behavior can get out of control and inflict harm to people or animals without proper coaching as your dog matures. The Resolution Dogs who feel safe are less likely to bite when a frightening situation occurs. Owners of Goldendoodles that bite can use various methods to help eliminate this behavior, depending on the reason for their fright. Some ways to help your pet are: Scared of thunderstorms — use a thunder jacket. Frightened about meeting new people or animals — use slow, short introductions. Afraid of loud noises — offer a crate as a safe space with treats and positive attention. If you are not satisfied for any reason, simply return within the Amazon return window for a refund of your purchase price We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Therefore, a dog who suddenly bites its owner may have underlying health issues. Animals will do this to scare people away from handling them where it hurts the most. If your Goldendoodle bites when you try to pet it or handle it, it could be dealing with pain from an illness or significant injury. The Resolution If you have ruled out other causes for your Goldendoodle biting behaviors, the next step is heading to your local veterinarian. You want to ensure your pet does not have a health condition that is causing them pain. Your vet may conduct x-rays or other diagnostic tests to rule out physical fractures or serious illnesses that may produce pain for your dog. Final Thoughts Of course, everyone loves a well-behaved Goldendoodle, but sometimes your pet needs a little extra training and support to learn good manners. Once you can pinpoint the reason for the behavior, you can use these successful methods to keep it from happening. You may need professional help from a trainer or veterinarian, but once your Goldendoodle knows how to behave, you will have a terrific and loyal friend. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. Goldendoodle puppy teeth can be painful, and puppies tend to explore the world by putting things in their mouths. Goldendoodle puppies usually stop biting when they are months old when their adult teeth have grown. Goldendoodles are bred to retrieve things, and their mouthy tendencies need bite inhibition training. Bite inhibition training should involve the same method that puppies learn with their littermates. It involves a loud squeal, stopping the play, and ignoring the puppy for up to a minute. Play dates with other puppies can also help teach bite inhibition. Giving puppies frozen fruits, teething toys, bully sticks, and engaging them with chew toys can help deter biting related to teething. Having new teeth pushing through your gums is uncomfortable, and chewing on things can help reduce that discomfort. Tasting things is also another way that puppies explore the world. Without hands or opposable thumbs, their mouth is the best way to determine the texture and firmness of an object. Additionally, Goldendoodles are the product of two breeds that were bred to retrieve things from the water. Golden Retrievers and Poodles were both bred to collect birds that hunters had shot. That means a tendency to hold items in their mouth was actually bred into them. Goldendoodles tend to be inherently mouthy, so you will have to teach your puppy to have better bite inhibition reducing how much force they bite down with during play. The younger your puppy was when you brought them home, the more difficulty your Goldendoodle may have with bite inhibition. Teaching Bite Inhibition When left with their littermates long enough, puppies learn that biting a playmate too hard causes the fun to stop. To teach your puppy bite inhibition, you have to do what their littermates would have done. Anything else — yelling, bopping the puppy on the nose, continuing to play — reinforces the biting behavior. So next time your Goldendoodle puppy bites you, think like a puppy yourself. Squeal, stop, and ignore. Play Dates Playing with other puppies is also an excellent way for your Goldendoodle puppy to learn bite inhibition. When they bite another puppy too hard, that puppy will let them know. Make sure all puppies are up to date on their age-appropriate vaccinations before letting them play together. More Ways to Stop Biting Not all biting is related to a lack of bite inhibition. Teething is a significant factor that causes puppies to want to bite and chew on anything possible. Provide plenty of chew toys in different textures and shapes. Teething oil or gel can help soothe sore gums. Play tug of war with your puppy gently. Fill a Puppy Kong with peanut butter, then throw it in the freezer. The cold will soothe their gums while they chew on the rubber, and working on getting out the peanut butter keeps their brain engaged. Give your Goldendoodle bully sticks to chew on while you are around to supervise. Bully sticks are a healthy alternative to dangerous rawhide, but puppies may swallow large pieces if left unsupervised. You need to use different techniques to manage this type of biting compared to teething or play biting. Continue doing whatever it was you were doing before the puppy started to bite you. Continue brushing your puppy while they struggle. Try to get the puppy to bite the brush rather than your hands, but still try to keep brushing. Once your puppy stops fighting and biting, reward them with praise and a treat. If you stop brushing your puppy every time they bite you, your Goldendoodle learns that biting makes bad things stop. Play provides crucial bonding between a Goldendoodle and their people. The goal is to teach them to play nicely, not to discourage playing with you at all. These things are likely to encourage your puppy to bite your hands and feet. Hitting a puppy for playful mouthing can make them bite harder. It can trigger your puppy to play even more aggressively. It can also make your puppy fear you or create real aggression. Avoid all punishments that might hurt or scare your puppy. That encourages your puppy to jump after the hand or foot and resembles play. If your puppy likes to bite your feet when you walk, you can try spraying your feet with a bite-deterrent spray like this one. Eventually, they should learn to turn that urge to bite toward their toys instead of your skin or clothing. Encourage non-contact forms of play like fetch and tug of war. Rough play with your hands tends to entice your puppy to bite. Luckily, though, there are many things you can do to discourage various types of puppy biting. With a little bit of time and consistent training, puppy bites should be a thing of the past by the time your Goldendoodle is 7 to 8 months old. Do Goldendoodles Chew Furniture? Often though, this joyful time is marred by painful nips and bandaged hands. A biting phase is all too common in puppies, but it should not be what defines your relationship. How do I get my Goldendoodle puppy to stop biting? Provide the puppy with a variety of teething aids to help soothe sore gums. Consistent bite inhibition training will teach your puppy that biting people is unacceptable, as will refusing to interact with or give attention to an actively biting puppy. Most of all, remember to be patient as your puppy gets through this frustrating and painful time. When they bite, divert their attention with a chew toy. If biting continues, walk away and ignore. Everything you need to get started and help your dog reach his full potential. Temperament, sizes, generations, and coat types. Necessary supplies and feeding guidelines. Reward-based training. Exercise, mental stimulation, and socialization. Common behavioral issues and possible health concerns. Grooming and total body care. And much, much more! Eliminate the guesswork and pick up your copy today! Unfortunately, gnawing on fingers and toes is completely normal puppy behavior. All puppies, not just Goldendoodles, go through a biting stage, but thankfully, it does not last very long. So, what causes the urge to bite and chew on everything in sight, including your poor fingers and toes? While there is likely no pain when the puppy teeth are lost, there is probably a lot of discomfort as the adult teeth push through the surface of the gums. Puppies often seek relief by chewing on anything and everything within reach, including you. Exploring Puppies explore much of the world around them with their mouths. They learn about different tastes, textures, and sizes by putting items in their mouth. They discover which items are fun to chew on slippers — delightful! Puppies naturally learn bite inhibition controlling the intensity of their bites from their littermates and their mother. This is one reason why a puppy should stay with the breeder as long as possible. When a puppy bites too hard while playing with a sibling, the other pup will yelp and stop playing. The puppy quickly learns that the fun ceases when he bites too hard. If he makes the same mistake with his mother, the puppy will receive a firm correction from her, and he will likely not do it again. Seeking Attention Puppies love all types of attention. Some quickly learn that biting leads to attention, even though it is often negative and in the form of discipline. This is called unintentional negative reinforcement. Genetic Makeup Both the Golden Retriever and the Poodle, used to create the beloved Goldendoodle, were bred to be outstanding water dogs, skilled at retrieving waterfowl. You can learn more about the beautiful Golden Retriever here. The desire to have things in their mouths was intentionally bred into them. This trait is also commonly seen in Goldendoodles, particularly puppies. As is the case with most retrieving breeds, the intense need to chew and carry things in their mouth sometimes equates to excessive mouthiness in young puppies who are still learning what is acceptable and what is not. Providing your Goldendoodle with sufficient daily exercise is a key component in eliminating unwanted behaviors, like biting. How much is recommended? Check out this article. For most puppies, the biting begins to taper off as teething come to an end, usually around 7 — 8 months of age. By this age, almost all of the permanent teeth have erupted, and the chewing, biting, and nipping urges greatly diminish. By the time your puppy has finished teething, more maturity should be evident as he nears adulthood. When do Goldendoodles typically stop growing and transition to adulthood? Find the answer here. Many puppy behaviors, such as whining, submissive urination, and biting begin to disappear by this age. Get Your Copy Today! Try offering frozen pieces of carrot, banana, or strawberry to soothe sore gums. Frozen blueberries are great too. Many puppy teething oils see on Amazon are available to numb tender mouths. Provide a wide variety of puppy chew toys multipack on Amazon of different shapes and textures. A puppy Kong can be packed with a treat like peanut butter and frozen. The natural rubber satisfies the chewing urge, the cold numbs the gums, and working to access the treats inside provides mental stimulation.

More Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Located in the Allegheny Mountains on the Northern Pennsylvania border we are a small family breeder of Labrador Retrievers. Established in , it is our love of the breed and the joy they bring us that contributed in our creating Winchester Labradors. What sets us apart here at Winchester Labradors is all of our dogs live in our home with us and enjoy a full life of work, play, love, and couch time. Our family consists of neutered labs as well as carefully selected breeding dogs. We also have four cats roaming among the labs. We as breeders are more concerned with the quality of dogs we produce than the quantity. All of our labs have been health tested allowing us to stand behind each and every puppy born. Our pups are sold with a written lifetime guarantee ensuring they will never be affected by genetic hereditary diseases that we test for. All of our puppies are sold on a limited registration unless otherwise agreed upon by the breeder at the time of the deposit. We sell with limited registration to preserve the quality of this breed that we love. We highly recommend neutering your lab, enabling you to have years of healthy companionship. Potential families are welcome to meet the parent dogs in advance by appointment. We update families regularly with information and photos once the puppies are born. We want our families to feel like they already know their puppy by the time they go home. One of our biggest pleasures has been people coming as customers and leaving as friends. Labrador Retriever Puppies For Sale Near Me 4 month old labrador retriever Roxy is a4 month old puppy that needs a lot of time and attention. Also a lot of room to play in or run around. She is a very playful puppy. She has all her vaccines and i have all the papers for her. She still needs potty training and training in general. She is insanely cute and just looking for a loving family and I am sure you are looking for a furry little friend! Call me at xxx xxx-xxx8 for more info! View Detail Puppy fun play I am happy dog puppy. Labrador retriever is 22 week old and girl puppy. It always play fun that run, jump, and other. She have great heath. It body anything that very pretty. I have two of these puppies for adoption , one male and one female , vet checked , AKC registered , disease free, currently on their shots , they are 12 weeks old , they will be coming with all health papers , playing toys, eating manual , blankets etc , all i am searching for these puppies , is just a home that will spoil them rotten with love and affection and treat them as part of their family. Contact us back for more infos and photos only Via Text At xxx.Thank you David for all the joy you have given us. We love our beautiful dogs! He is just perfect! My vet said he has never seen a better put together Lab. He is the hit of our community and has to say hello to everyone he meets. Hidden Ponds is just the best place to purchase a Lab. David is so kind and informative. His dogs are gorgeous and well mannered. They treat their dogs with kindness and it shows. They are smart, their costs are beautiful! He has a great personality and is wonderful with the kids! He is lbs and thinks he is a lap dog. We would definitely buy from Dave again!! Lindie is an incredible athlete, as you can see by the photo. Lindie also volunteers at our local hospital in Glens Falls, NY comforting anyone that needs fur therapy! She is an amazing ambassador for the Labrador breed! Thank you! He hiked his first mountains this weekend in the Adirondacks. He is such a wonderful addition to our family and we will be back for a companion for him next year. Read more testimonials Bentley Bentley is almost 4 years old and is absolutely amazing! She is the happiest, cuddliest, wiggliest ball of fur, and I love her more than I can say. She is super smart, very curious, and a little mischievous. She has already learned to walk very well with my wheelchair. Thank you, Hidden Pond! At 9weeks she has accomplished stairs,swimming learned to sit and give paw. Play time and eating remain 1 LOL but,she is full of kisses and love all the time too. My sweet service dog, Rhett, came home in October of and has been the biggest blessing in my life. This breeder not only breeds for confirmation and health but for perfect personality and temperament. They are perfect in every sense of the term responsible breeder. I cannot imagine life without my Labs. And not to mention how welcoming everyone was when we went to pick Rhett up. They care about each puppy they welcome into their home. And they strongly support several forms of care to keep the puppies happy and healthy in their new homes like food and supplements! I cannot thank them enough or recommend them enough!! Savannah Stevens Read more testimonials Chip Chip is a crazy, funny, lovable gem. He is the most gorgeous dog. He has the most regal head. Everyone who sees him stops to tell us what a handsome dog he is. Thank you to Hidden Pond for letting him be ours. We picked her up in early July , and she made our family complete! She is such an amazing dog: sweet, gentle, loving, and playful. It is wonderful to see how much she loves our three young boys. We love how much she loves being outside — especially swimming and playing in the snow. Thank you Dave and your family for bringing her into our lives. She was exactly what our family needed to be complete. She is the sweetest, spunkiest and most wonderful dog we could have asked for. We picked him up this past September. He is a joy, fully housebroken, and so very funny. Everyone who meets him always comment on how handsome he is. He is really beginning to look like his dad, Thunder. He loves walking and meeting all his dog friends in our community. Thanks, David, for this wonderful dog! He has made our house a home again!! She brings so much joy to our home. She is loyal, smart and a lot of fun. She loves going on walks or long hikes in the woods and is a big snuggler in the house. Scout has a very sweet disposition and people comment on what a beautiful girl she is. She enjoys people and dogs of all ages. Thank you Dave, we are enjoying every day with one of your Hidden Pond pups! Courtney Hundley Read more testimonials Raemo This Lab is truly a best friend to everyone that comes his way. Very kind and affectionate. Raemo is now 6 months old and is great with the family, friends and the neighborhood. He is great with other dogs too! David and his Labs are simply the best and worth the wait! Rob Amurao Read more testimonials Daisy We got Daisy in June , but Dave introduced us to her the day she was born; it was love at first sight!!! Dave kept us updated with pictures and short videos as we anxiously awaited the day we could pick her up. She has been an absolute joy in our lives! She is incredibly smart, a sweetheart along with being an active puppy. She was swimming at 10 weeks with our other dogs. She is now 10 months old; everyone she meets loves her. Thank you, Dave, for such an awesome new family member!!! Marilyn Morey Read more testimonials Mabel Mabel is 6 months and we thank you for this blessing. She is a wonderful addition to our family. We love going on adventures with our little girl. Highly recommend and reasonable pricing! He has an amazing temperament, his favorite activities are long walks and swimming! Marlana Broderick Read more testimonials Chip Chip is the best dog we have ever had. He is funny, silly, smart and so handsome. We get stopped on the street every 5 feet. Everyone asks where he is from and tells us how gorgeous he is. Thank you Dave. This photo is with his sister Cocoa. Chip on the left Cocoa on the right. She has such a great personality. Gets along so well with the grandkids ,and so adaptable she took to the crate and house breaking so easily. Accepts new experiences so calmly. Dave has been great to work with a fountain of info. We also went with the dog food he recommended an love the results that we switched our cat to it as well. She is the most beautiful, sweet tempered, smart lab. We could not be happier having her as part of our family. Romy Ziegler. For nearly 50 years we have produced English Labradors in the true style of the all-around dog they were meant to be. Our ultimate goal has been a beautiful dog conforming to breed standards with soundness of temperament and body. Our Labradors retain the hunting ability that has made them the supreme hunting retriever. This intelligent, well-tempered dog is a perfect family companion and service dog. We are pleased to not only have many of our On The Bluff Labradors in pet, show and hunting homes, but also used as guide dogs for the disabled and specialist for airscent detection. Our breeding program strives for perfection in every litter. We use the highest quality stud dogs with a background of multiple Grand Champions. We combine their linage with the outstanding genetics of our females. The result are not just cute, adorable puppies, but dogs that can be well trained, healthy companions for a lifetime. We have never lost sight of our initial goal to produce the perfect Labrador- in mind and body. Feel free to email us for additional information or to get on a waiting list for one of our puppies. Staffed by professional trainers- each puppy receives several weeks and hundreds of hours of individual lessons- Obedience Training, House Living Training, Group Socialization, and Outside Etiquette. We believe our unique training methods and individualized programs sets us apart from any other breeder. Here you will find many adorable pictures of our current puppies.

The best time to begin potty training your French bulldog is immediately after you bring them home. If your dog is from the breeder, they are most likely about 8 weeks old. Your 8-week-old dog should start undergoing potty training without a second thought. Using the first few days of having your puppy in a new environment is advisable to teach them good habits. But ensure your puppy is healthy with no urinary infections or parasites that can affect potty training. You can call your vet to examine the dog before staying in your home for more than 2 days. After that, start potty housetraining your French bulldog. Structure a Set Routine Since potty training is a new routine you will introduce your dog to, structure it out first. Structuring a routine will help you stay consistent and adhere to rules or regulations. You can do potty training as a morning routine if you're into waking up early. However, if you can't make it early, set a preferred time, like after feeding your French bulldog. Then make it a habit of taking your dog outside for bathroom breaks at the set time. This should be after each meal, drinking water, and sleeping. It's also good to set a potty routine after playing or exercising, as French bulldogs tend to be quite excitable. With time your French bulldog will get used to this routine and eagerly wait for you for their potty breaks. If you're consistent with this training, it becomes a natural habit for your puppy. Set Up a Potty Area Apart from setting a potty routine, you should also set up a potty training area. Choose an appropriate spot within the house where you will be taking your dog to potty every day. It should be an easy-to-access area where they can go whenever they want to use the bathroom. If your puppy sleeps in their crate, place their potty training area next to it. Then bring a pee pad to this area. However, this depends on your French bulldog's size and age. The potty box helps your puppy learn how to use the bathroom quickly. Introducing the potty pads on the box will help your dog associate this area with a toilet, and they will come here when pressed. Utilize Puppy Pee Pads The potty pads make it easier for any puppy to identify the right potty spot. So, introduce the pads to your dog and help them differentiate them from the furniture and floor. If your Frenchie recognizes the potty pads, you won't experience accidents in the house. But encourage your puppy to poo outdoors often. The puppy pee pads can also help your puppy learn how to retain pee before you take them outside. To train your puppy to hold their pee put some puppy pads in the house and keep moving them towards the door. After some time, your Frenchie will go outside to potty without your company. Use Treats as a Reward If you want to succeed in potty training your French bulldog, make treats your good friend. Use different treats to reward your dog whenever they pee in the right spot. The treats will make your puppy believe that peeing outdoors is a positive skill that attracts rewards. Use only food treats and give them in moderation. However, be ready for surprises, as your dog will expect treats whenever they do something good. So, be careful with your reward and only give your Frenchie the treats after using the outdoor bathroom in the right spot. Don't allow your dog to manipulate you into giving them treats. Also, decrease the reward frequency with time as your puppy adapts to the new routine. Switch From Pee Pads to the Peeing Outdoors After setting a routine and teaching your French dog to pee in a given spot with or without treats, it's time to introduce a new method. Take them from using the pee pads to peeing outdoors in the preferred spot. You can use treats to help you achieve this without many challenges. But ensure you only reward them if they pee outdoors and teach them to do this without treats. Consistency is Key When potty training your French dog, understand that consistency is key to achieving your goal. The process can be challenging as the puppy adjusts to the new life and environment. So be there for your dog and show them the right thing to do. Keep doing this repeatedly until your puppy gets the new habit and sticks to it. Follow the set routine religiously to prevent accidents and make the whole process fun. Don't scold or force your dog to potty, as this will create a negative response. Consistency will help your puppy potty independently and cooperate well. Give it Time Patience Time is all you need for your French bulldog to identify the right potty area and go there independently. Be patient, allow your puppy to make errors, and learn how to do the right thing. As you give your dog time to learn the potty-going trick, keep reminding them of the right thing to do. Remember, the more you teach the puppy, the easier it becomes. It's advisable to start the potty journey early enough before they develop habits that can be tricky to leave. You must also be patient, as every dog responds differently to potty training. Unlike your friend's dog, you might have to wait longer for your French bulldog to adapt to the potty routine. Be Attentive to Potty Signs Remember to look out for the potty signs your dog shows when pressed. Most dogs portray some signs before potty, and you need to be keen to identify them. Some of the common signs you can look out for include the following: Barking at you Running and sniffing around you Whining. French Bulldog yawning. The earlier you start, the more effective it will be. That said, consistency is a crucial factor in training your French Bulldog. For your pup to understand that you want them to go potty outside every time they need to go, you must teach that skill every opportunity you get. As a result, training should begin at a convenient time for you and your dog. You can choose a time when both of you have the energy to train. In no time, your Frenchie will be accustomed to this routine and expect it to happen daily. Make it a part of your daily routine. French Bulldog stretching front legs. Structure a Set Routine Starting a new routine requires you to be consistent, and the best way to ensure this is by sticking to some rules and regulations. Make it a habit—wake up, feed your French Bulldog, and take them outside for bathroom breaks. Over time, your French Bulldog will make the connection and anticipate their potty breaks every morning. With consistency, this becomes a natural habit in their mind. French Bulldog on a leash at the park. Crate Training Your Frenchie Crate training is a great way to make potty training your Frenchie easier. It helps your Frenchie understand that the potty area and bed space are different. Securing your puppy inside a crate will make your Frenchie understand that they have to hold in their pee. Since this breed is hygienic by nature, your dog will not want to urinate where they sleep. Instead, they will hold their pee until they are let out again. Additionally, you need to confine your French Bulldog when you cannot accompany them. Take them out for potty breaks before you leave the house. And ensure you know how long they can hold in their pee before getting anxious. This is where they can go when they need to use the bathroom. This type of box is ideal for puppies and makes it easier for them to learn how to use the bathroom. Artificial grass can be used for dog potty area covering. Utilize Puppy Pee Pads Puppy pads are an excellent way to help your puppy understand where to go potty. Knowing the differences between your furniture and the floor will help your Frenchie understand that this is where they need to use the bathroom. You may consider placing a few puppy pads in the house and gradually moving them towards the door. This way, your puppy will eventually go on their own, not just when you take them out. A sad French Bulldog is lying on the floor. Use Treats as a Reward Using training treats as a reward will help your puppy make the connection that peeing outside is a positive skill. Remember to use food treats and not to overdo them. While treats are helpful to encourage your puppy to go out for potty breaks, using dog treats can make your puppy expect rewards whenever they do something good. You should reward your Frenchie with treats only when you take them outside or after they use the bathroom in their potty area. Slowly decrease the frequency of rewards as your puppy gets used to its new routine. A French Bulldog eating an apple, while looking up. Consistency is Key Puppy training may seem difficult at first, but as you continue with it, your Frenchie will learn and be able to adjust to their new way of living. The most important thing to remember is that you should always be there for your puppy and guide them along the way. Be there to guide them through the process and make it a fun activity for you both. You should never scold or force your puppy. Puppies can get anxious when forced into doing something. They need to understand the importance of this routine and be able to do it independently. Even so, try not to use force if they are not cooperating. What is a fluffy Frenchie? The more you practice, the easier it will be. Take your time, and start with small goals. While it can be hard, patience is crucial when potty training your Frenchie. French Bulldog puppy standing on the grass. You should also pay attention to signs they need to use the bathroom. Here are some of the most common signals you should look for: Running in circles. Hi Becca, Congrats on the new pup! Some can take up to months to be completely trained for going outside. We know, not the greatest! Thank you February 4, Frankie Hi there, thanks for your comment! Unfortunately, when it comes to potty training, it is all about patience, positive reinforcement, and repetitive habits. Keep persisting. REPLY February 15, Anthony My frenchie uses the restroom when I take him out but he has the small tiny accidents in the house when he gets scared or excited. For example, if we play or right before I pick him up he gets scared when I pick him up. He does his business outside no problem. Goes to the door and hits the bell with his nose. But the last 2 evenings he does his zoomie around the house and we are finding pee. Even though he knows to go outside. It is just happening once in the evening. Any reason why he might be doing this all of a sudden? March 4, Frankie Hey Cristina, Thanks for checking out the website! There are a number of reasons that could trigger a behavior like this, anxiety or stress is one, for example. Sometimes if you are separated from your pup more than usual or they are getting less stimulation than they need they could do this to act out. All the best! She was pretty good about learning the pee pad at 8 weeks and then we went backwards. She went into eating her pee pads and newspapers. That set us back quite a bit. Any tips? She also likes to eat her poop. We clean up when we see her pooping or as soon as we find it. Crate training has been considered but she pees in her crate, on blankets and had a rough experience with her crate coming home. March 4, Frankie Hey Emilia, Thanks for sharing your challenges. They can be quite stubborn. You may feel like they are never going to get there, then all of sudden it will click. Just be patient, provide positive reinforcement, stay consistent with commands, and they will get there. If possible, staying at home with them for a week or two could accelerate things so you can set boundaries and create positive habits. When do I take the pads away from his crate. Thank you for March 4, Frankie Hey Chelle! There is no perfect timing for this. Good luck! I take her out all day and before bed and maybe she pees 2 times. What do I do? She is ruining every rug in the house! I scold her when I catch her and praise with a treat outside. She just stares at me like what? We love her … March 4, Frankie Hey Mindy! That sounds frustrating… It may be worthwhile getting an expert trainer to help you out or chatting with your vet. The only your pup gets the harder it will be to train them. With that being said, they can still learn habits at 2 years old. Try to avoid the negative scolding, and instead pick her up and place her where she should pee as she is doing it. Positive reinforcement when she does the right thing is always good. You could also try out an indoor grass mat or pee mat to bridge the training gap. In the end, patience, consistency, and positive reinforcement will get you there! REPLY March 15, Ksenya Our puppy female is 8 months old and most of the time she can hold for about 4 hours during the day and 8 hours at night. But with me, last month she jumped on the couch and peed on the blanket while looking at me, which was 30 minutes after she went outside. And yesterday I was lying on the couch, she jumped up and peed on the couch right beside my leg while looking at me, which was an hour after we walked. March 15, Frankie Oh no! That sounds like a real challenge… It does sound like she is acting out for some reason. At one point when Frankie was fully trained, about the same age, she would stare straight at us and pee on the bathroom mat after we got home from work. She knew it was wrong, but it was like she was acting out. We found that a timeout immediately at the time of the misbehavior worked well. He has been peeing and pooing on pads as and when he wants. I live in an apartment in a high rise so i time his pee and poo breaks to every 4 hours. He pees fine but pooing is so irregular and he has accidents on his bed. When he is outside, he gets distracted so easily a little wind or leaf blowing in the distance gets his attention. When he pees, I use the potty command and praise him tremendously with toilet break only special treats. I really need some advice on whether im doing something wrong or whether this is normal. I kind of feel like he resents me taking him out for toilet break however really enjoys it when we go outside for walking purposes and he gets to do what he wants. HELP please I really want him to learn how to go outside and need some sound realistic advice. April 2, Will Blunt Hey Nura, Have you considered using a grass mat can be fake grass inside as a transition? Unfortunately, potty training is not a perfect science, and it requires lots of persistence. The only thing you could add in is to use a mat which is easier for clean up and use this area to move him whenever he has an accident. I thought her to ring the bell but she only does it when we are at the door and I gave her treats every time she went potty outside. Please help! Have you considered getting a grass pad inside to begin transitioning them? Some Frenchies can take up to 8 months to be completely trained for going outside. My puppy has just turned 9 months. She is amazing throughout the day until it comes to potty training at night. She is still pooing on the pad or floor and not going dry all through. We have tried everything and not sure what else we can do. Each dog is different. Yes, 9 months is on the longer side, and if it concerns you perhaps you could run your tactics by a vet to see if there are any improvements you could make? There is every chance your pup is feeling the pressure and some of this could be related to psychological anxiety issues , not necessarily a physical inability. April 19, Taisia Hi, I am preparing to welcome a 9 week old frenchie into my family at the end of this month. Is that too young to start potty training? I confined him with 2 pee trays for a week to get used to it but then when i placed the pee tray in a big area, he still peed and pooped on the floor instead of going to the pee tray — even though the pee tray had pee pads absorbed with his pee. Please help me. Some Frenchies can take up to months to be fully potty trained. The most important thing is to maintain consistency, reward the right behavior, and be persistent. How often should we usher him out during the day and at night? We are at the beginning of this process. You also want to avoid creating a habit of needing to go too much. Start fairly small with hourly visits, and then slowly build on this and extending the time out. May 26, Shannon O'Brien Hey, I have a 10 month old Frenchie and he is great at everyone except the most frustrating, toilet training! I seem to struggle a lot with him going outside to the bathroom. I have some amazing days where he will go when I go on schedule to the toilet or when he needs to go outside he will bark at the door. But other days he is horrible! He will do many accidents inside. I also struggle with him through out the night I take him to the bathroom before bed and as soon as we wake up. But he always seems to have accidents inside! This is becoming very frustrating and please if you have any tips that you could give me to break his habit of doing it inside it was be appreciated. When Claude first came into our life, my wife and I honestly could only compare to having a baby again! Learning how to potty train our French bulldog puppy was hard work, took time, but in end… worked. In this guide I am going to share the mistakes we made, how we got him toilet trained properly, how long it took, how long it should take, how hard it is, how long they can hold their pee, and what techniques and products we used to get there in the end. How to potty train a French Bulldog? To potty train a French bulldog puppy successfully you need to take him outside or to his mat as soon as you see him starting to pee. Once he has finished, give him praise and a treat. French bulldog potty toilet training techniques Just like a child and they are just like naughty kids , potty training your Frenchie involves teaching them the routine of knowing when they need to use the bathroom and toilet. Once these French bulldog puppy training techniques have been repeated enough, the puppy will know what to do when they need the toilet and they will use everything that you have taught them in order to let you know that they are ready to go out. There are several different methods you can use to make sure you are teaching your dog the absolute right ways to potty train them in the safest and easiest way possible. The great thing about French bulldogs is that they are a clean breed that does their best to avoid having accidents, so if you have a set training schedule your dog or puppy will be up to date with their training in only the matter of a few short weeks. The 5 steps and potty-training schedule The first thing you should do is set a regular schedule for your French bulldog puppy. This will help them know when to expect their time to go out. Step 1. Schedule regular and consistent potty breaks You should take your puppy out first in the morning when you both wake up, after playing for a long period of time, and after eating dinner and drinking from their bowl. This is how we did it, and how we got there in the end. Step 2. Watch for the signs that they need the toilet Once you get acquainted with your French bulldog, you will be able to see the oncoming signs of them having to go to the bathroom. Some of these warning signs are fairly obvious, such as pacing around the room in a circle, pacing back and forth from the same rooms, whining at you, barking loudly, sniffing around you, and staring you dead in the eye. Step 3. Take them to their potty-training pads or outside If your bulldog is exhibiting any of these signs, then you should immediately assume that going to the bathroom is their top priority and get them to the potty pads or outside. This is where puppy training pads come in — and I recommend the best ones lower down this page. Step 4. Step 5. Reward them for success Once your puppy has finished going to the toilet, you should reward them with a treat. This will positively reinforce the good behaviour and lead to quicker results. Items You Will Need for Potty Training To properly train your French bulldog puppy, there are certain items you should have that will make the process easier. Pet training puppy pads When we first brought Claude home, we used puppy pads in his crate. This works two-fold. Firstly, they are scented, but secondly you can use them as the area for them to relieve themselves on. You can buy pet training puppy pads on Amazon. Decent dog leash It almost goes without saying but will obviously need a leash so that you can walk the dog to the proper toilet location if going into an unsecured outdoor area. Dog treats for rewards You will also need treats to positively reinforce your puppy for going to the bathroom when you tell them to. Toys will also help to positively reinforce your puppy into thinking that they are doing good with their potty training. In the crate we placed the training pads in one half, with his bed to sleep on in the other half. We bought a larger crate view which crate we recommend that we needed for his size at the time, as knew we would need it still on certain occasions as he grew older. I would also recommend you equip yourself with cleaning rags and an enzymatic cleaner to rid your house of the unpleasant aroma. Further tips on potty training including the psychology! You really need to know your dog on a personal level and understand their mindset. The puppy may learn to hold their defecation in for a longer period of time so they can squeeze some more outdoors time with you. Claude is now successfully trained to go to the toilet outside. If you are not home with your puppy at points during the potty-training phase, it would be a good idea to make sure your French bulldog is put into a restricted area, but also making sure that they are comfortable and have enough room to move around freely. Like previously mentioned, French bulldogs are a mostly clean breed that will avoid going to the bathroom in certain areas, such as where they sleep every night. If you find that your new Frenchie has had an accident inside the house, make sure you clean the area fiercely and thoroughly to get the smell out. If the dog continues to smell that smell, they might think it is okay to go in that same spot in the future. If you find that your Frenchie has unleashed one of his loads inside your house, you should gather the poop up in a small bag and deposit it in the part of the yard that you want your dog to go in. Their nose will become accustomed to the smell in that particular area and they will have an instinct to go to the bathroom in that spot of the yard. To make sure your French bulldog knows which areas are acceptable for going to the bathroom and which ones are not, be sure to take your puppy to the same area for a significant length of time. Once your bulldog learns that said area is acceptable for going to the bathroom, you can move on to a different area. Your bulldog will learn to remember which areas area acceptable bathroom spots and which ones they should steer clear from. This can actually make them more nervous, and lead to even more mess. Not only will these behaviours scare your dog and ruin their relationship with you, but they will also hinder the potty-training process and they could be aggressive towards you. You should also avoid using any cleaners that come with a scent of ammonia. Urine contains high acidic amount of ammonia. If your puppy smells this, they will most likely use this area in the house as a spot for going to the bathroom. How long to potty train a French bulldog? This is where I want to set you some realistic expectation. Whilst we started training Claude to go outside to the toilet from day 1, it took us 6 months until he stopped having accidents inside. Yes, he was stilling using the training mats regularly indoors, but to be honest, I think we should have just avoided using those altogether, and just focussed on his outdoor routine. It took us around 6 months to potty train Claude the Frenchie puppy. So, if you have ever wondered how long it should take to potty train a French bulldog puppy, all I can do is give you our personal experience. It took him 6 months so up to his 9-month birthday before he was fully trained. Are French bulldog easy to potty train? Are French Bulldogs hard to potty train? It can be hard and will take time. However with perseverance and commitment you will be able to fully toilet train your Frenchie. Our personal experience of toilet training I remember taking Claude to puppy socialisation training at 8 months old, and him peeing on the floor in front of all the other puppies. I was like an embarrassed parent! And this was despite the fact all the other puppy breeds were the same age as him. He got there in the end though! How long can a French bulldog hold its pee? How long a Frenchie can hold its pee and bladder will very much depend on their age. For example, a fully-grown French Bulldog can hold its pee for around 8 to 10 hours. French Bulldog puppies can hold their pee for a maximum of 4 hours. They will be peeing a lot in your house until completely toilet trained. My French Bulldog is still not toilet trained This is a common problem by owners of adult French Bulldogs who are not toilet trained. If you cannot get your adult Frenchie to hold their pee and stop peeing indoors and have exhausted all of the advice in this guide, I would recommend you seek the support of a pet behaviour specialist. Conclusion If you and your Frenchie pup have a strong enough level of respect and trust, this can go a long way, and the process will be loads quicker and easier than you ever even imagined. French Bulldog potty training can be achieved by reinforcing good behaviour and setting up routines and rewards you can minimize the amount of accidents that are going to happen on your brand-new rug. Just be patient with him and in no time at all you will know how to potty train a French bulldog and get the results you and him want.

Wolf vs. While these are generic numbers, they can still give you a better understanding of the ideal size to expect. Of course, note that your German Shepherd has to be a purebred, and the mating needs professional intervention. Below is a photo of a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog , which was initially bred from working line German Shepherds and Carpathian grey wolves in .This hybrid has a special diet requirement. Look for high-quality dog food that contains real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid fillers like corn, wheat, and soy. Some options include: Dry kibble: This is the most common type of dog food and is convenient and easy to store. Look for brands that offer high-quality protein sources like chicken, beef, or fish. Wet food: This type of dog food is more palatable than dry kibble and can be a good option for picky eaters. Look for brands that use real meat and avoid fillers. Raw food: Some dog owners prefer to feed their GSD-Wolf Mix a raw food diet, which consists of uncooked meat, bones, and organs. But why do I stress it under the diet section? Hip dysplasia: This is a genetic condition that affects the hip joint and can cause pain and mobility issues. To help prevent hip dysplasia, make sure your dog maintains a healthy weight and gets regular exercise. To help prevent these issues, feed your dog a high-quality diet and avoid table scraps and other human foods. Joint problems: Because of their size and activity level, GSD-Wolf Mixes are also prone to joint problems like arthritis. Multivitamins: A multivitamin supplement can help ensure that your dog is getting all the essential vitamins and minerals they need to stay healthy. Here are some tips to help you keep your GSD-Wolf hybrid healthy and happy. Grooming Your German Shepherd-Wolf Mix has a thick, dense coat that requires regular grooming to keep it healthy and shiny. Here are some grooming tips to keep in mind: Brush their coat at least once a week to remove loose fur and prevent matting. Bathe them as needed, but not too often, as it can strip their coat of its natural oils. Trim their nails regularly to prevent them from getting too long and causing discomfort. Clean their ears regularly to prevent infections. These are only a few tips. Ideally, once you get a German Shepherd Wolf Mix, you may encounter new requirements based on their health conditions as well. Nevertheless, regular grooming is mandatory! Combining the power and strength of a German Shepherd and a wolf, this mix is inherently stronger. Here are some exercise tips to keep in mind: Aim for at least 2 hours of exercise per day, including walks, runs, and playtime. Provide plenty of mental stimulation, such as puzzle toys and training sessions. Consider enrolling your dog in agility classes or other activities to keep them engaged. Training Your GSD-Wolf Mix is a smart and independent breed that needs consistent training and socialization to thrive. In fact, they can understand and grasp commands faster than usual because of their mix. Here are some training tips to keep in mind: Start training and socialization early to prevent behavior issues. Use positive reinforcement techniques, such as treats and praise, to encourage good behavior. Be patient and consistent in your training approach. Consider working with a professional trainer if you need help. Maintaining a German Shepherd Wolf Mix requires a bit more effort than other breeds, but with the right approach, you can keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. By providing them with plenty of exercise, training, and health care, you can enjoy a strong and rewarding bond with your unique and beautiful German Shepherd Wolf Mix. They have a natural instinct to protect their loved ones and can be fiercely loyal to those they trust. Your German Shepherd Wolf Mix is a smart and inquisitive breed that thrives on mental stimulation. They are quick learners and respond well to positive reinforcement training techniques. Similar to their parents, your GSD-Wolf hybrid is an independent breed that can be stubborn at times. They may not always follow commands or listen to their owners and may prefer to do things their own way. However, this hybrid needs early and consistent socialization to prevent behavior issues. They may be wary of strangers and other animals if they are not properly socialized from a young age. Your GSD-Wolf Mix has a strong prey drive and may be prone to chasing small animals like squirrels and rabbits. A German Shepherd Wolf Mix is safe for people professionally trained to handle wolf dogs but is not safe for ordinary pet owners, first-time dog owners, and families with children. Three primary reasons move people to interbreed wolves and German Shepherds, or any other dog breed: The desire to create the attractive wolf look in a wolfdog. The expectation is that breeding a German Shepherd and a wolf will produce an exceptionally hybrid pup with a balanced blend of the domestic and the wild traits in the two canines. The attempt to tame the wild in the wolf and create a fiercer guard dog than the purebred German Shepherd. Unfortunately, these expectations rarely materialize. Instead, German Shepherd Wolf hybrids can manifest extreme aggression and stubbornness for several reasons. Dogs sexually mature by 6 to 8 months, but they also have less aggressive hormonal changes and a more stable behavioral pattern in the years of sexual maturity. In contrast, wolves only mature sexually at around 1 to 4 years. The species-specific roles that come with sexual maturity, such as fighting their place in pack roles, can generate aggression and stubbornness and make their behavior patterns extremely unpredictable. Inheriting the unpredictable behavior of a wolf can make German Shepherd Wolf Mixes challenging to manage. And pruning out the wolf traits in the Wolf Shepherd can be tricky, even with training. That means having to deal with a difficult-to-manage pet. A Wild Prey Drive Prey drive is the instinctive tendency of carnivores to pursue and capture prey, also known as predatory behavior. Both the wolf and the German Shepherd have a strong prey drive , the first more than the second. This behavior can make your wolfdog threaten the safety of livestock and other animals when you walk with them or even try to escape to meet this instinctual hunting drive. Territoriality Wolves are a territorial species, a trait that German Shepherd Wolf Mixes can inherit. Wolfdogs often show territoriality through urine marking. But being territorial especially means that the wolfdog will be possessive of things and spaces in the home. As a result, the Wolf Shepherd will tend to be aggressive and defensive when other animals and people approach areas and things they consider to belong to them. Winter Wolf Syndrome Winter wolf syndrome, or seasonal aggression, is the aggression that characterizes wolves and wolfdogs around the mating season. The manifestation of the winter wolf syndrome can vary from wolf to wolf or wolfdog to wolfdog. Some wolves and wolf dogs may just show a bit of grumpiness, while others can show outright aggressiveness and extreme possessiveness. In German Shepherd Wolf hybrids and other wolfdogs, the extent of the winter wolf syndrome behaviors may vary with: Wolf content: The amount of wolf in a German Shepherd Dog. Sex: Males show protective behavior towards females, and females may show aggression towards their fellow females. In both cases, the wolfdogs can direct this aggression toward the owner or other persons. According to the Colorado Wolf Sanctuary , because of the natural element in the winter wolf syndrome, wolves and wolfdog owners should be aware that it is unsafe to interact directly with their pets in the five months or more around the mating season. The resulting question from the discovery that wolfdogs can be unsafe is whether governments allow people to own wolfdogs, even though they can turn violent. In some states, owning a wolfdog is illegal. Others regulate the ownership of wolfdogs with the same laws set for the ownership of wild animals, while others regulate wolfdogs in the same way as dogs. When owning a wolfdog is permitted by law, some states and local laws may specify the permissible wolf content in the wolfdog or require owners to get additional permits. A good number of states, including California, Montana, Idaho, and Florida, have both local and state restrictions on wolfdog ownership. Fewer states like Alaska, Georgia, Michigan, and Illinois completely outlaw wolfdogs. No state in the US is without restrictions on wolfdog ownership. As laws are constantly changing, please contact your city, county, and state governments before purchasing a wolf dog. In other countries like the UK, you require a license to own first-generation F1 wolf dogs, which are regulated by the Dangerous Wild Animals Act .However, it is legal to own a wolfdog as long as it is 3 generations F3 from the parent wolf. In other words, you can own a German Shepherd wolfdog if it is born of second-generation wolfdogs or a second-generation wolfdog and a German Shepherd. Going forward, you should check the safety and legality associated with the mix before you decide to get one. Even if you possess adequate knowledge in raising one, this hybrid is pretty challenging and can pose complexities on the go. Related Posts You May Like:. Conclusion Characteristics They have a very strong will to hunt. This makes other small pets, such as cats, bunnies, or even small dogs easy targets. Other animals are not safe around them. When left to themselves, wolf dog hybrids can will get into trouble. Also, they can spend most of the night howling, so you may wish to speak with your neighbors first before committing to ownership. They love to explore and if allowed would wander miles from their home with little effort. Wolves also keep a big territory and will naturally want to patrol it in order to protect their boundaries. It gives you an idea of what they would be like in your home when they are being good although they need to be outside almost all of the time. Temperament There is a reason that these dogs are illegal in some places. They are wild and unpredictable. There have been many incidents where the German Shepherd Wolf mix has killed children. Never under any circumstances should you allow your children to go unattended around these dogs. They are more aggressive than any normal domestic dog, and when they feel threatened, they will attack. Only the most experienced dog handlers and wild animal experts should handle these animals. It is so important to keep the animal thinking that you are the alpha to it. The German Shepherd wolf hybrid will challenge you for dominance. It was the family pet. German Shepherd Wolf Mix Puppies When the wolf dog is a puppy they will appear to be gentle and playful like any dog pup. Not all wolf dogs are created the same. Since there is not a breed standard, the character of a pup is going to vary greatly. There really is no breed of dog that you can properly compare them with due to the influence of the wolf. Health Concerns The German Shepherd wolf hybrid is note prone to any particular health concerns. There are considerable health benefits to owing a mutt. Some of them may not wish to deal with them. Others may wish to come out and treat a German Shepherd wolf mix on site. Ideal Living Conditions Wolf dogs are going to need to spend most of their time outside. According to Mission Wolf, wolf dogs need at least an acre of land to roam on. Wolf dogs love to have a source of water for them to enjoy. They love to swim for pleasure and to cool off. The dog must not be allowed to roam free. At least eight feet tall. German Shepherds are incredibly intelligent. They are one of the few dog breeds that will try to do something different every time until they get the result that they want. Diet The wolf has a high prey instinct. So, a protein rich diet is a must. They have not adapted to eating dog food in large quantities. In the wild, Wolves eat tons of moose, elk, rabbits, deer, and tons of other wildlife. This is uncomfortable for the dog, and it creates quite the mess. The main ingredient in most dog foods is corn, or some other form of grain. Although with their disposition, they are much more suited as a dog that spends most of its time outside. If you are concerned about how much you would have to groom them. They shed about as much as a Labrador , but the fur is a little more course. Trainability Wolf and dog hybrids are trainable. They are incredibly intelligent. But, they are also super stubborn. But, with the wolf dog it is extra important. You should always treat them like a wild animal. This means that you should approach them on their terms. These animals really do a lot of their communication with their mouth. They Conclusion Normally when I type up one of these pages, my goal is to provide you with information that will help you decide what kind of dog is best for you and your family. My goal is to do that without really injecting my opinion. A Husky or German Shepherd will be a much better dog for you and your family. But, it very well might happen. Is that a chance that you are willing to take? He is a hybrid wolfdog. Or maybe some coyote, no one knows. He is drop-dead gorgeous and is flat out terrified of strangers. He has been living with Jayne and Mike Belskey at the Grey Wolf Central Wisconsin Rescue for two years now, having been rescued by them as a panicked, huddled, terrified mess from a shelter. It made me happier than I can say that after two hours after I arrived in the house he relaxed enough to lie down only a few feet away from me, albeit with a table between us. Maybe it was because I did lots of look aways, yawned a lot, avoided eye contact and kept my voice down. Maybe not, but I hereby admit to being thrilled to be in the same room with him, and was absolutely overwhelmed by his beauty. I got to meet Bits only because it was the day of the annual veterinary visit at Grey Wolf Rescue. Bits is on a leash only because he is about to be vaccinated and have blood drawn to check for tick-borne diseases, and for one brief moment he looked directly at me and I snapped the picture. While we talked, she climbed on the table, then the top of the couch, chewed on my hair, began eating my notebook, then played with the coffee cups, then squatted to pee, then lept at the blinds and pulled them down. Rinse and repeat. Of course we intervened whenever possible, but it was like trying to stop water coursing over a water fall. It did not end well. The couple eventually realized that there was no way they could manage a wolfdog and tried to find her a place to go. I will refrain from expressing my reaction to that here. He was also young, perhaps six-months old, but with a massive head and huge paws and his owner thought it a tad amusing that the animal was biting his wife and downright hysterical that he bit me after I traded the toy he had for a piece of chicken. The wolfdog ate the chicken while I picked up the toy, and then I offered the toy back to him. If you let me take your toy, then you get something better and you get the toy back too! The next week I heard that the wolfdog badly bit his male owner and was euthanized. For years I struggled with what to call wolfdog hybrids. Should I call them wolves? And yet, it is thus the perfect name, because they are not wolves, they are not dogs, and they are trapped in the awkardness of being neither. Yes, I know that some wolfdogs do well with their human family, and even get along with other dogs. Yes, I know that. I will no doubt get comments from wolfdog supporters and breeders who defend the practice of breeding wolves to dogs. When I testified as an expert witness in support of a woman who went to court to force her ex-husband to keep her young children away from the wolfdogs that her husband had purchased, I was put on the official Wolfdog Blacklist, and heard about it for years afterward. Wolves simply are not designed to live in houses with people. They need to trot miles and miles every day. They do not, and will never, look to their human for guidance, or boundaries, or anything but to live together as equals. You do not, ever, tell a wolf what to do. If you need more evidence, read the beautifully written and heartbreaking book, Part Wild , by Ceiridwen Terrill. I reviewed it in a previous blog. It was never my intent to have a Wolfdog in my life, let alone open a sanctuary and rescue. But everyone involved in rescue can understand about those life changing moments when a certain animal points the way to a new life path. For me it started with one abandoned Wolfdog pup that had 2 choices, either come home with me or be euthanized and so the journey began. I will be the first to say that after sharing the last 14 years of my life with them, I fully understand the draw these magnificent animals can have on the human heart. I have loved each and every rescued animal unconditionally. I have met some very loving and committed owners who do a wonderful job accepting life with these animals and giving them the best life possible, I work with a national network of rescues and sanctuaries around the country that do a fantastic job and I have met some very happy and well-adjusted animals. But for some many there is such a bone crushing sadness. When an owner realizes they are in over their head, there are few options for a happy ending. If I could build 20 new enclosures today, I could fill them all tomorrow with wolfdogs needing rescue. The ethics of captive wildlife is a struggle for me. Our wolves belong in the wild, not chained out in your back yard. Grey Wolf Central Wisconsin Rescue is a testament to the power of commitment. Containing wolfdogs is no easy feat, and the work the two of them has done is no less than amazing. Every individual animal they have has a horrendous, heartbreaking story behind it, and every individual receives attention and care from them both every day, every hour. They do not travel. It was an honor to be able to visit and spend time with them and the wolfdogs. Most of the time I merely observed while Jayne gently captured each wolfdog, muzzled it for safety sakes, and then DVM Pam Prochaska of Tomah WI gave it a once over, what vaccinations were needed and took blood to test for diseases. If you are so inclined, it would be a wonderful thing if you would too. They deserve all the help they can get. I have heard that there are a lot out west in the states, but a surprising number in the midwest too. What about other countries? Is this an issue where you live? On a related note: Anyone who wants to help the effort to disallow the use of free running packs of dogs in the wolf hunt in Wisconsin can check out the Ride for Wolves sponsored by the Dane County Humane Society in Madison, WI. After 3. A dark day for me. Lovely, yes? We are doing major work in the backyard to better manage water flow the house is at the bottom of a long, steep hill and are having retaining wall built. You know how it goes. Patience is not my virtue however.