cheap purebred german shepherd puppies

If you click and purchase, we may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. But did you know that not all of them strive for the same quality? Ethical Bernedoodle breeders only produce new litters from dogs that have passed health screening with flying colors. Ethical breeders also offer health guarantees that are usually applicable for either one or two years from adoption. Additionally, you can also ask around your friends and family members in case any of them have recently adopted a Bernedoodle in your area. Bernedoodle Buddies Located on a beautiful farm right outside of Columbus, Bernedoodle Buddies has standard-sized Bernedoodle puppies for sale in Ohio. Their goal is to breed puppies for health and temperament and their focus is on all sorts of enrichment activities and early learning to give their pups a solid foundation. As a family breeder, they raise all of their puppies in their home. Moreover, this exceptional breeder follows the Puppy Culture and Badass Breeder programs. They introduce the puppies to all sorts of sights and sounds, potty training, crate training, clicker training, basic manners, and even car rides and grooming. In addition to that, they also utilize the Early Neurological Stimulation method ENS that helps the puppies get used to regular body handling and human interaction from an early age. What Makes This Breeder Unique? Their breeding dogs are all fully health tested and some of them are also registered with the AKC. Doodles are a cross between a highly intelligent poodle and a loving pure breed. Resulting in a fuzzy. They blend some of the best traits of each breed in an adorable, allergy-friendly package. To our knowledge, I was the first local breeder to begin deliberately crossing the Bernese , with the Poodle. I can say with confidence that all Doodles by Whispering Grace acres are carefully and consciously bred, well-socialized, fun-loving family dogs. I can also say that each and every Doodle by Whispering Graceis unique. As hybrids, they vary in size, color and coat type, and personality. Your Doodles by Whispering Grace will truly be one-of-a-kind! Happy, Healthy Bloodline We provide a 5 year genetic health guarantee on all puppies, We believe this is one of the best guarantees ever offered by a breeder and very proud to say this is possible due to the health standards of the parents. A Furever Friend The only regret you will have owning a doodle.Reserve your puppy now , by either reserving an available puppy or joing our waitlist! List are updated daily so be sure to check back often. Photo Gallery Be the first to hear about new litters, availability, and helpful pet advice. Email Address. Use tab to navigate through the menu items. Dixie Lane Doodles of Ohio We specialize in raising beautiful tri-colored and merle Mini Bernedoodle puppies with outstanding tan points. We strive to produce healthy, affectionate, smart, and loyal puppies to join your family! Our goal is to provide you with a healthy, loving puppy to become part of your family. To accomplish this, we have strict vaccination and deworming regimens and a sanitary living environment. All of our parents are genetically tested, our girls are OFA hip and elbow certified, and each puppy will have a thorough examination by a third-party veterinarian. All puppies will go to their forever homes with a one-year health guarantee. When I read Dixie Lane Doodles profile I was excited about the possibility of adopting one of their pups. Nathan being a veterinarian specializing in breeding, I was confident we would have a healthy pup that was raised in clean, comfortable conditions. Katie was very responsive, kind, friendly and patient through the process. We traveled from Florida knowing this was the right breeder and pup for us! My niece got the last pup in the litter so we brought them home together. Josie is so loving and smart! She has beautiful tri-color markings. We are totally smitten. Thank you for making my puppy dreams come true! Available Mini Bernedoodle Puppies Sign up to be Notified of New Litters Please click the button below to sign up to ur notification list so you will be one of the first to know! Get Notifications We offer a 1-year genetic health guarantee on all of our puppies. You can see the details on our Policies page. We are happy to provide references and share our experience and suggestions. We make it a point to place our puppies with families that are a good fit for everyone. If you have any questions, please Contact Us. Nationwide Shipping Available Customer Testimonials Hello Leroy, I just want to say thank you since my puppies have come to fill our family with love and of course we also give them a lot of love. Hello Mr. Raber, This is Vicki K. We love, love, love our puppies! Both girls are doing just wonderfully! We have taken training classes together and they are both very smart in addition to being so beautiful! We attract a lot of attention when we go places together! Bella weighs 28 pounds and she is such a joy and a blessing. She was incredibly easy to house train. Thank you so much for letting us be her forever home! I am attaching a few pictures of Bella. You and your family have a wonderful and blessed Christmas!! Hi Leroy. I have been meaning to do this for a while, but with holidays, etc… Sending along pics of Layla. The best temperament, loving…pretty much house trained herself via the doggie door. Not perfect, but close! When I have him out in public, people create such a fuss about him because they think he is so cute! Cassie H. Murfee is settling in nicely. He has learned to navigate our backyard steps, both up and down. He is a very vocal little guy-definitely makes his wants known, especially early in the morning. Thanks for allowing us to give him his forever home. Lois J. He has been easy to train and is incredibly social! Thank you. Joshua R.

We are a breeder of German Shepherds and are located in the Houston tx area. All of our dogs are raised in a family enviornment along with our 2 year old twin girls and none are ever kept kenneled. Our sole purpose is to provide your family with an affordable German shepherd that will bring you joy and happiness. We know that everyone cannot afford the high priced dogs, but that does not mean that you should have to settle for a dog that you wont be happy with or that will have health problems. We have been in business since and our dogs have gone on to accomplish many things. First and fore-most they have been perfect family dogs, but some of our others have gone above and beyond. All of our puppies are handled daily and exposed to a variety of things before they leave us so that they are well socialized and ready to adapt to you and their new living situation when they leave. All pups go with their akc application, current worming, first round of shots minimum of 1 round depending on age , current vet check including fecal exam, 30 days pet insurance through AKC, lifetime breeder support, and are started on NuVet vitamins for added immune support. Deposits are non refundable, however deposit can be transferred to another litter. Please click on the menu button on top left corner to view our males, females, available pups, and upcoming litters. Any questions feel free to give us a call at .We are always available to answer any questions or concerns! We are a German Shepherd breeder that specializes in quality, intelligent dogs with proven superior genetics. We sell German Shepherd puppies that are the perfect choice for professionals and families. We focus on producing a stable, protective line of German Shepherds that you can trust with your children. Sweet tempered companions that will protect your family and property Our German Shepherds have incredible pedigrees and we carefully choose only the best genetics to constantly improve upon the German Shepherd bloodline. We have German Shepherd puppies for sale in Texas, but arrangements can be made to sell a puppy to any state within the 48 contiguous states. We are always happy to talk or visit with you and would love to show you our beautiful German Shepherds. Our German Shepherd Dogs can be used for search and rescue, tracking, guarding, guide dogs for the blind or physically disabled, police work, show and of course a family pet. Our dogs are well socialized with children and other pets. Our puppies are AKC Registered and come with a health guarantee. Our high quality puppies are excellent with children and very easy to train. We have carefully selected world class German Shepherds with proven superior genetics. Our puppies have the potential to become champions in the show ring and your family hero. The West German bloodlines are bred to have great personalities and superb temperaments. They go through extensive training and rigorous testing to earn their titles. The West German Shepherd bloodlines are not just tested on their beauty and showmanship, but also on their ability to perform difficult tasks that require a high level of intelligence, motivation and desire to please their master. As a German Shepherd Breeder, it is our desire to provide you with an exceptional puppy that can bring you the same joy that ours have brought to our family. Our German Shepherds are the perfect choice for personal protection and are great companions for all ages. Testimonials: "Hi. He blended right into our family and we don't remember life before him. His temperament and intelligence are above average. At the vet I heard the vet and techs in the back gushing over how behaved he was and they sent me home with extra goodies for him hehe. He's already house trained. I've already been able to teach him two commands "here" and "place". He's also the best snuggler and is sooo very patient and forgiving with my tornado of a two year old son. He is the best dog I've had in my entire life and love him to the moon. I can't wait until he's old enough to start going on adventures with us. Thank ya'll for a wonderful dog! We get soooo much attention with her! We've had people literally pull off the road just to comment on her! Lots of people asking if we are going to breed her! We are meeting with someone on Friday to evaluate her for protection training. She's my girl and she knows her job well! Btw, people always ask me where I got her.I tell them all about you guys! Here are pictures of Liberty sunbathing with her sister, Queen Bitsy! She loves her boy!

Top German Shepherds off championship bloodlines Limerick German Shepherd Age: 3 months 1 Male, 1 Female We are delighted to offer for sale our beautiful, intelligent, well-bred German Shepherd puppies. Born just a few months ago, these alert pups are already showing signs of their brilliant lineage. We have two female and one male puppy, all boasting a striking black and tan coat. Their father, a jet-black German Shepherd with a unique white Mallon streak, is a brilliant guard dog. His lineage includes top protectors from Ireland, England, and Germany, with a sire sheet available for viewing. He also boasts a lineage of show dogs. The mother, a beautiful black and tan German Shepherd, is not only intelligent but also a wonderful guard dog. She too comes from a champion show dog lineage. Both parents are our family pets and can be seen upon your visit. These puppies have been vet checked, wormed, and vaccinated. We are looking for good homes only, preferably with people who have experience with German Shepherds. Located in Limerick. Mother in last picture. Slight to No Slopes! We find that the West German lines are the best dog suited for family, companion, working, obedience and protection, because they are very balanced in their drives. Litters are listed with all detailed info. Only the finest German Shepherd Puppies in Ontario with outstanding pedigrees. See if we have an adult dog for sale, or maybe a retiree to take home and love forever. The Top health Guarantee in Canada. THE best breeding stock and bloodlines in the World. Germany, Serbia, Ukraine and more. The best a consumer can look for and ask for. We are a smaller German Shepherd breeder. We produce Quality not quantity. We breed very Strong and healthy dogs. Our Dogs have very stable temperaments. We have German Shepherd Puppies from world champion bloodlines, suitable for family companions, for show or sporting, agility and protection. We aim for perfection and a very rich black and red coat. We are ranked one of the top German Shepherd Breeders in Ontario. Our breeding stock consist of only the finest German bloodlines. Meaning these dogs are very stable, calm, yet driven, easy to live with in the house, easy to train, willing to please and ready to defend. All around very versatile. These German Shepherds have a very correct, harmonious and balanced structure resulting in a smooth, efficient, beautiful gait and very high endurance. Temperament, health, working ability, brains and looks. This is my goal, a dog that has it all. I look for correct but functional conformation, with a very important key, Very Stable Nerves!

Some people prefer a dog that they do not have to exercise. If this is true for you, the French bulldog may be a good choice for you. French bulldogs are intolerant to a lot of exercise simply because of how their bodies are designed. It can be difficult for them to breathe when they have a lot of exercise, just like English bulldogs, pugs and other dogs with short noses. But French bulldogs are prone to weight gain, so they do require some daily exercise and play. A nice leisurely walk around the block is enough daily exercise for most French bulldogs. Daily walks also provide your dog with plenty of mental stimulation from enjoying the outdoor sights, sounds, and smells. French bulldog exercise needs are of vital importance. French bulldogs are prone to overheating and breathing issues that are directly related to the structure of their faces. It is extremely important that you do not over-exercise this breed. Brachycephalic dogs like the French bulldog are prone to heatstroke because they cannot take in enough oxygen to keep them cool and refreshed. They have trouble regulating their body temperature effectively. They are couch potatoes. So it is normal for the French bulldog not to be able to exuberantly run like other dogs. French bulldogs would rather lounge around all day and enjoy the occasional play with their owners. This is not because they are lazy but because of their exercise intolerance due to the fact that they tire easily. They also have compromised air passages and are prone to overheating. Exercise for the French bulldog should be mild and not too physically demanding. Younger dogs will be more active than older dogs. You will find that as your Frenchie ages he will want to do less and less. Remember, the French bulldog does not require a lot of exercise because of their compromised breathing and the fact that they can easily overheat. Exercise will help keep their muscles strong and will provide mental stimulation to prevent boredom that can lead to destructive behaviors. French bulldog exercise needs are minimal. They do not require a lot of exercise, but they do need daily walks to keep them at a healthy weight. Go for a short, relaxed walk every day. Ten to fifteen minutes should be long enough, or just a casual stroll around the block. This can cause them to overheat or have labored breathing. Hot and humid weather is a problem for all dogs, but for Frenchies, it can be life-threatening. They must also be protected from temperature extremes and they must have access to shade and water. So limit your outdoor walks and active play to cool mornings and evenings. As your Frenchie gets older, he will become less active and have lower energy levels. But it is still important to keep your dog active to help him manage his weight. It is also important to keep the joints and muscles mobile. A good exercise for a French bulldog is taking a walk around the block once or twice a day — as long as the weather is not too hot or too cold. French bulldogs are extremely sensitive to hot and cold weather, so on bad weather days, it is best to skip the walk, opting instead for some indoor play. This will help your Frenchie to release some of that pent up energy, and it can be a lot of fun to play with your dog. French bulldogs are very comical and they love to have fun with their owners. They enjoy a fun game with people, other dogs or by themselves. Give your Frenchie the chance to play whenever possible. Playing with your dog will help him to burn energy. It also will help to stimulate his mind and strengthen his bond with you and help keep him from becoming bored and destructive. Swimming is not a good exercise for a French bulldog. It is important to remember that because of their front-heavy structure Frenchies cannot swim. You should never leave your French bulldog unattended near a tub, pool or any body of water. If you take your French bulldog for a walk, use a harness instead of a collar. A harness, on the other hand, provides great support for the dog — and if your dog starts running and pulling on the leash the strain is not as great. Avoid walking your French bulldog in heat and humidity. Early morning and evening walks are best. Any exercise that increases the demand for oxygen should not be overdone. It is best to exercise before meals. French bulldogs tend to become drowsy and they prefer to just lay around when they are full. The exercise needs of an adult Frenchie and a puppy are quite different. With a puppy, over strenuous walks are unnecessary — and they could possibly harm your pup. As a general rule, walk your French bulldog puppy about two minutes for every month of age. So a three-month-old puppy would walk about six minutes. During the walk, monitor your puppy for signs of fatigue and end the walk if they seem too tired to continue. The best exercise for a young Frenchie puppy is free to play with age-appropriate toys and socializing with other pets. Not only will it help your puppy to burn some energy, but it will also help them to learn the social skills they need. This article is also a great source of information about the French bulldog. Go to Choosing a French Bulldog. While healthy Frenchie adult generally require 15 to 20 minutes of brisk walks every day, the case is different for French bulldog pups. Daily walks are not a necessity and are not even recommended for puppies because their bones, muscle and joints are still in development as opposed to that of the adults. In fact, waking your Frenchie puppy daily may result in complications and harm rather than making them healthier. The best way of exercising a French bulldog puppy is to give it free reins in playing as much as possible with toys suitable for his age. Socialization is another form of exercise for pups because it is an excellent way of expending that puppy energy while becoming socially acquainted with other people, pets and places and also learning new social skills. The older your Frenchie gets, the more their needs for actual physical exercise increases. If you do need to walk your Frenchie pup, the maximum amount of time for a puppy is around 2 minutes for every month of age. So, for instance, if your pup is 3 months old, the walking time will be 3 month multiplied by 2 minutes and that will of course be 6 minutes of exercise. When walking your pup, ensure you look out for signs of fatigue and exhaustion such as panting, lagging behind, etc. Although French Bulldogs are generally low energy and are happy with apartment living, they need exercise just like the rest of us. Making sure your dog gets exercise at least once a day is recommended. Whether that be a trip to the dog park or a walk around the block. One of the many bonuses to having a Frenchie is that you can do this without carving out too much time during the day. Short walks and playtime at home provide the perfect amount of exercise for them without running the risk of overworking your dog. There are a lot of different activities to meet the interests of your dog and get them moving. Frenchies are known to be smart and social, so consider providing them with physical activity that can appeal to both of these qualities. It can also be nice to take your dog to a local dog park where they can interact and socialize with other dogs. Overall, it is recommended that Frenchies walk for about minutes per day at a minimum. One easy inside activity is to use house-friendly toys to get your Frenchie moving. This could be a good old fashioned tennis ball or a toy that your Frenchie naturally gravitates to. Then, train your dog to respond to another word to come and find you. You might be more successful with this activity with a treat, but overtime they will want to find you even without the treat. As with any dog, Frenchies can be over-exercised. However, Frenchies are at particular risk because they are a brachycephalic breed with a flatter face and shorter nose that makes it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. The best way to determine the amount of exercise you should be providing your dog is to be particularly observant of when they tire during physical activity. Whether you just added a Frenchie puppy to your family or have had one as a companion for many years, it is important to know that Frenchies are prone to being overworked more easily. Overworking puppies and older dogs puts them at greater risk for joint problems and heat exhaustion. In addition, because older Frenchies have given so much love over their lives, their heart might not be as efficient as it once was and may render them more tired when exercising. Thankfully, Frenchies are pretty smart when it comes to this kind of thing. Whilst they can become over-excited at times, they will typically stop exercising and try to cool themselves down if they need to. You might also consider having play time in an air-conditioned place during the summer months. Always make sure to bring water and have shade readily available when you are walking your dog outside. The first signs of heat exhaustion usually consist of increased panting and foamy saliva. Although Frenchies are generally calm, puppies can be nippy especially when they are excited or around new people or dogs and environments. Although this behavior usually decreases with age, it is important to socialize your dog with other dogs, people, and environments at an early age to prevent this hyperactive behavior and allow your dog to lead an active lifestyle. Tips for walking a french bulldog To make walking fun and easy for both you and your French bulldog, here are 3 helpful tips. Use a Harness when walking For brachycephalic dog breeds like the French bulldog, it is recommended to use a harness rather than a collar when walking them. This is to prevent their restricted air passages from causing complications while you are walking them. Exercise in the early mornings and evening This is especially important during the hot climate. Again, this is because the French bulldog is a brachycephalic breed and is prone to overheating. Take your dog out for a walk in the mornings and evenings when the weather is cooler. Walk them with treats To make walking fun and also keep your dog by your side, you can consider walking them with quality treats. This should serve as a lure to keep your pup from pulling on its harness and staying by your side while walking. These include joints limber, maintains muscle mass, prevent obesity and generally keep your dog happy and healthy. So, how do you know when you are over-exercising your Frenchie? Worn-out Paw Pads Paw pad injury is common in French bulldogs when they are being over-exercised. However, it gets even worse when your dog has a blistered paw. Over-exercised pads always have tears present. Sore Muscles Pain in the muscles is another sign that your Frenchie is being overworked by you. One way of detecting muscular pains in your dog is to observe whether it struggles to pick itself up after resting from the exercise. Your dog may also avoid walking up and down the stairs because it is in so much pain. Overheating Heatstroke is a very common problem in French bulldogs because of their inability to regulate their body temperature. Behavioral Changes The most obvious signs of over-exercising which any caring dog owner should detect at once is changes in behaviors of the dog. For instance, if your Frenchie normally enjoys walking with you but suddenly starts to shy away from any form of walking, you may want to pay a visit to your vet to find out why your dog is refusing exercise. Powered by GoDaddy Website Builder. Post header Skip post header How much exercise does a French Bulldog need? French Bulldogs are one of the most popular small dog breeds and are known for their playful, adaptable, and affectionate nature, not to mention their big bat-like ears. How much exercise does an adult French Bulldog need? Around 60 minutes of daily exercise is plenty for these pooches. One way you can do this is by having multiple gentle walks daily with plenty of rest in between. PitPat will do it for you. How much exercise does a French Bulldog puppy need? Whilst they may seem like little balls of energy when it comes to walkies, they should be limited to around 5 minutes for each month of their age. So, for example, a four-month-old French Bulldog only needs 20 minutes of total walkies each day. This will help prevent overexercising them, which could cause joint and mobility issues in the long run. At this age, walkies should be spent exploring the world around them rather than a march around the block. Give them opportunities to do lots of sniffing, experience different types of places, and interact safely with new people and animals. As your French Bulldog edges closer to adolescence, the amount of exercise they need will increase. But by how much? Just download the PitPat app to get started. How much exercise does a senior French Bulldog need? As your dog gets older, the amount they need to walk will decrease. But again, by how much? Well, every dog is different, so let them set the pace. And if they look to be slowing down, it might be time to head home. Keep an eye on them, and if you notice them looking stiff, trailing behind, or struggling in any way, start reducing the length of their walks. Why not try some of these? Snuffle mats. I am now a big walker so can happily advise new owners on how much walking French Bulldogs need, the distance you can walk them, how often, how long, and also the walking requirements for puppies — which is very different to adult Frenchies. Do French Bulldogs need walking? There are many misconceptions over the Frenchie breed. In fact, I recall when we were first considering getting a French Bulldog, we were told that they were lazy , sedentary, and required very little exercise. The bottom line is that all dogs need to be walked. Claude loves his walks in the forest and on our local beaches. French Bulldogs need to be walked because… Exercise and health: Overweight French Bulldogs will suffer with breathing problems, possible diabetes, and damage to their hips and joints. Frenchies are already prone to a wide range of medical problems , but walking them often can reduce their chances of an early death related to weight gain. Natural instinct: Walking fulfils their natural instinct that harks back to their pack mentality of getting up in the morning and walking from their home to find food. Socialization: Walking lets your Frenchie socialize with other dogs, other people and adapt to unique situations so they can grow up to be well adjusted dogs. This will make them far happier and less inclined to exhibit depression. Training and behavior: Walking your Frenchie lets you train them, practice obedience skills, and reinforce your own relationship with him. I hope that convinces you; all Frenchies need to be walked. But exactly how often and how far should their walk lengths be? How much walking do French Bulldogs need? Adult: 30 to 45 minutes. Older Frenchies: Dependent on health. Please Note: The above walking times do not mean my Frenchie is walking constantly for these minutes. This is just the amount of time we are out of the house so will include walking, stopping, playing, pooping, and sniffing around. He will not be constantly on the move. The times above are based on my own experience of owning this breed, and how much time Claude would need walking before he became an adult. Your Frenchie might be different and may not be able cope with this amount of long walking time — alternatively he might demand more. Be careful though; Frenchies are a brachycephalic breed so you should avoid walking them in hot weather or letting them run continuously for more than 5 minutes; they can quickly overheat and have breathing difficulties. Be careful walking your Frenchie in the sun as they can quickly overheat. However, how often you walk your French Bulldog will boil down a number of factors; Age: The older they get, the less they will need or be able to walk. Health: Frenchies are prone to health problems, some of which limit walking. Character: All dogs are different, and some could be less active than others. Again, this is all down to my own personal experiences of walking our own Frenchie… How far should you walk a French Bulldog? An adult French Bulldog walk length can be as far as 3 miles. I walk my own Frenchie this far and this long many mornings through our local forest providing its not too hot. He then demands a further afternoon walk of around 1. At the very least, our Frenchie is getting 3 miles a day in walks. Can French Bulldogs go for long walks? This depends on how you define a long walk. However, how long can you walk a French Bulldog should be treated with caution. Can you walk a French Bulldog too much? Yes, you can walk a French Bulldog too much, and it can be dangerous. I have got personal experience of why this is so important due to an incident when Claude was younger. My family I went for a walk in our local forest when the sun was behind clouds. As we turned back to walk the 1. It was cloudy at first but then the sun came out and Claude got very overheated on his walk. Within 10 minutes Claude was totally exhausted due to the heat. I had to leave him with my wife and run back to the car, and then drive back to get them. Never will we make this mistake again, it actually very scary. Handy Hint: Read my guide on how to tell if your Frenchie is overweight with tips on how to help them with a weight loss diet. The morale of the story is you need to keep an eye on the weather. Frenchies can easily overheat, and when they do, you need to take steps to cool them down. Signs of over-exertion Here are the signs that you have over-exerted your Frenchie with too much walking, either distance and time related, or to do with the heat: Heavy, continuous panting. But in reality, Frenchies are a very active breed of dog. They are faster than you think, love to play for hours on end, and are eager to go for walks or play with other dogs. Although French Bulldogs are generally low energy and are happy with apartment living, they need exercise just like the rest of us. Making sure your dog gets exercise at least once a day is recommended. Whether that be a trip to the dog park or a walk around the block. One of the many bonuses to having a Frenchie is that you can do this without carving out too much time during the day. Short walks and playtime at home provide the perfect amount of exercise for them without running the risk of overworking your dog. There are a lot of different activities to meet the interests of your dog and get them moving. Frenchies are known to be smart and social, so consider providing them with physical activity that can appeal to both of these qualities. It can also be nice to take your dog to a local dog park where they can interact and socialize with other dogs. Overall, it is recommended that Frenchies walk for about minutes per day at a minimum. One easy inside activity is to use house-friendly toys to get your Frenchie moving. This could be a good old fashioned tennis ball or a toy that your Frenchie naturally gravitates to. Then, train your dog to respond to another word to come and find you. You might be more successful with this activity with a treat, but overtime they will want to find you even without the treat. As with any dog, Frenchies can be over-exercised. However, Frenchies are at particular risk because they are a brachycephalic breed with a flatter face and shorter nose that makes it difficult for them to regulate their body temperature. The best way to determine the amount of exercise you should be providing your dog is to be particularly observant of when they tire during physical activity. Whether you just added a Frenchie puppy to your family or have had one as a companion for many years, it is important to know that Frenchies are prone to being overworked more easily. Overworking puppies and older dogs puts them at greater risk for joint problems and heat exhaustion. In addition, because older Frenchies have given so much love over their lives, their heart might not be as efficient as it once was and may render them more tired when exercising. Thankfully, Frenchies are pretty smart when it comes to this kind of thing. Whilst they can become over-excited at times, they will typically stop exercising and try to cool themselves down if they need to. Given that Frenchies have a harder time regulating their body temperature, you should always walk your dog during the cooler parts of the day generally below 70 degrees Fahrenheit. You might also consider having play time in an air-conditioned place during the summer months. Always make sure to bring water and have shade readily available when you are walking your dog outside. The first signs of heat exhaustion usually consist of increased panting and foamy saliva. Although Frenchies are generally calm, puppies can be nippy especially when they are excited or around new people or dogs and environments. Although this behavior usually decreases with age, it is important to socialize your dog with other dogs, people, and environments at an early age to prevent this hyperactive behavior and allow your dog to lead an active lifestyle. French Bulldogs are a small dog breed with a unique body structure, and their exercise needs can vary depending on various factors. They still have plenty of energy to burn off so regular exercise must be part of their everyday life to maintain physical and mental health. As a general guideline, adult Frenchies should have around 60 minutes of physical activity every day. That should include a short walk in the morning and a longer walk or playtime in the evening, with each session lasting about 30 minutes. As they grow, their exercise needs increase gradually. Senior French Bulldogs will again require less physical activity depending on their health. Weight: Overweight French Bulldogs may require more exercise to shed the extra pounds, along with a lowered food intake. Health: French Bulldogs with health issues may require less exercise or special exercise routines. Always consult your veterinarian before beginning a new exercise routine for your French Bulldog. For example, Frenchies with respiratory issues may not be able to tolerate strenuous exercise and may require a more gentle exercise routine. Rebeca, French Bulldog puppy at TomKings Puppies Energy Level: French Bulldogs that are highly energetic and fit require more exercise than those that are not as active. Some French Bulldogs may have a higher energy level than others and require more exercise to burn off excess energy to prevent destructive behaviors. Considering their low energy and compact body structure, low-impact exercises are the way to go for French Bulldogs. These will not only keep their joints healthy and free of strain but will also not tire your furry friend extensively. Walking and Light Jogging Walking is one of the simplest and most effective ways to keep your French Bulldog active. A leisurely stroll around the block can be enough to keep them healthy and happy. If your Frenchie is up for it, you can even add a bit of light jogging to your walks to increase their heart rate and help them burn more calories. Playing With or Without a Toy Walking is definitely great but it will not tire your puppy sufficiently: it is also essential to challenge their mind and wear them out mentally as well. Interactive games like fetch, hide and seek, and tug of war are great ways to keep your French Bulldog engaged and active. These games provide both physical and mental stimulation, which is important for keeping your Frenchie healthy and happy. Read our article on how and why you should play with your Frenchie. Run away from your pup and let them catch and wrestle you. You could also try the opposite, run after them playfully and try to catch them, they will love it! You can play games like hide and seek, tug of war, or even set up an indoor obstacle course for your Frenchie to navigate. These exercises can be a great way to burn off some energy and keep your French Bulldog entertained. Subscribe to our weekly blog newsletter: Subscribe to our blog newsletter! First name Email 5. In addition to games, regular training sessions are perfect for this. That can include teaching tasks and command words such as sitting, lying down, staying in place, giving a paw, the key is that your Frenchie pays attention to you. Always motivate and praise your baby with treats. Introducing basic rules into everyday life can also be helpful, and should be practiced on a daily basis. Kate and Romi, French Bulldog puppies at TomKings Puppies When creating an exercise routine for your French Bulldog, always make sure to consider their age, weight, overall health and activity level. Aim to set up a regular schedule and stick to it as closely as possible! You should also experiment with various types of exercise until you find the ones that both of you enjoy. Depending on your schedule, the longer walk can also be in the morning before work, but in that case another longer walk is necessary after work as your Frenchie is alone all day without getting any exercise. Half an hour in a dog park is also great! The more you time you dedicate to these the better! Weight gain Just like with humans, if your Frenchie is not getting enough exercise, they may gain weight. Obesity makes French Bulldogs more prone to health issues such as joint issues, heart disease and breathing problems as well. Regular exercise along with a healthy diet are essential for your French Bulldog to maintain a healthy weight and prevent these health problems. Boredom can lead to depression and separation anxiety , so providing regular exercise will keep your French Bulldog mentally stimulated and prevent boredom. Excessive chewing or destructive behavior If your French Bulldog is bored, they may also resort to destructive behavior such as chewing furniture or shoes. Regular exercise can help alleviate boredom and prevent destructive behavior. Agitation or restlessness If your French Bulldog is not getting enough exercise, they may become agitated or restless. They may pace, whine, or bark excessively. Common Mistakes to Avoid As a responsible owner, you will also want avoid some common mistakes that Frenchie parents might make when it comes to exercise. Ask someone from your friends or family members to help out, or consider hiring a dog sitter or dog walker. This can lead to injuries, exhaustion, and other health problems. Exercising in high temperatures French Bulldogs are sensitive to heat, and exercising in high temperatures can be dangerous for them. Avoid walking during the hottest parts of the day , and make sure to provide plenty of water and shade if you do exercise outside. Neglecting mental stimulation In addition to physical exercise, French Bulldogs also need mental stimulation to stay healthy and happy. Ignoring these signs can lead to further injury or health problems. Always pay extra attention to senior Frenchies! By following the recommended exercise guidelines and choosing the best types of exercise for your Frenchie, you can help them maintain a healthy weight, reduce the risk of health problems, and ultimately give them a happy and enriched life. By providing proper care for your furry friend, you can enjoy many joyful years together! An adult French Bulldogs needs about 60 minutes of exercise per day. Younger puppies and senior dogs require much less. What kind of exercise is best for a French Bulldog? Low-impact exercises, such as walks and playtime are best for French Bulldogs. Signs of a well-exercised French Bulldog include a healthy weight and well-behaved behavior. The article is based on the expert knowledge of the TomKings Puppies team who have been breeding French Bulldogs for 10 years on their farm. All the pictures in the post belong to them and their customers, and show puppies from their breed. Check their available French Bulldog puppies , or if you have any questions or comments let us know below the article. If they begin showing signs of fatigue and exhaustion, stop and allow them to rest and recoup. A Quick Sidenote: As you may have already discovered, there is a lot of inaccurate information out there about Frenchies. Pick up your copy today! The biggest tip I can give on him at the puppy stage is finding something they can grip well with those little puppy teeth. Puppy teeth are sharp but not super long. The harder material toys are tough for him to really grab on to for playing around. The sandals will kind of pull apart and not keep their shape, but they will last a long time. He loves to chase it and play tug of war with it. The Duck that comes with it is also a big favorite for downtime. French Bulldogs may not need a lot of exercises, but they do need some. Be sure to read our Complete French Bulldog Overview here. Doing it this way will give them the exercise and stimulation they need regularly without them becoming excessively tired. It will also allow their young joints and bones not to become injured from running and jumping as puppies tend to do. French Bulldogs are one of several breeds of dogs that are brachycephalic. Brachycephalic dogs have shortened heads with flat faces and short noses. Because of this anatomical shape of their head, they often have trouble breathing and can overheat very easily in the hot summer months. This article explains the various health issues common to the breed. This is another reason why their exercise should be broken down into a few different sessions. Many Bulldog owners choose to take the dog out for a walk in the morning and evening when the temperatures are cooler. Each dog is different. While one might like the idea of exercise, another might prefer to become a couch potato. Avoid the frustration, lost time, and wasted money that comes with not knowing how to properly and easily care for your Frenchie. Get Your Copy Today! Find helpful training tips for Frenchies here. French Bulldogs can become overweight without sufficient exercise. Some of the best types of exercise you can give your Frenchie other than walks are romping in the yard or playing ball. These balls are specifically designed for brachycephalic breeds and allow your Frenchie to get plenty of air even while running with the ball in his mouth. Because of its brachycephalic built, they are more susceptible to breathing problems when pushed too far. Pay attention to the dog and allow him to stop if he appears tired or excessively thirsty. Perfect for puppies Too much for the little ones Casual walks with a leash around the block. Let him stroll with you. Jogging or cycling for long or even moderate distances. Free play in a backyard or park for a short while. Long stretches of running and strenuous play. Walks around the house or apartment. Climbing stairs or hills. Long periods of play with kids. A short, low-stress game of fetch. Long sessions of fetch or similarly high-energy play. Mental stimulation for your French Bulldog can begin on the day he is born or on the first day you bring him into your home. Our Complete Guide to Mental Stimulation explains how important brain-boosting activities are and gives you lots of ideas to get your pup used to stretching his mental powers. Touch his paws, ears, nose, or any part of his body so he becomes accustomed to human touch. Your vet will thank you for this when the dog has his wellness checks and knows how to behave. In this article we show you exactly what to do and how to handle the occasional accidental nicking of the quick. Honestly, one of the best ways to start with mental stimulation, along with playtime, is to just get your pup a Kong Toy. Medium is a good size for him at lbs. I fill it with half dry dog food, half treats, and put a seal of peanut butter on top. He loves it! And he has to work a bit to get the food and treats out. As is the case with most dog breeds, your Frenchie does need to get exercise and mental stimulation to prevent him from getting bored. A bored dog often becomes a mischievous and destructive dog. Many dog owners fail to give their dogs the exercise and mental stimulation they need and label the dog as naughty when the dog chews on things in the house or jumps on people. At the end of the day, a tired dog is usually a happy dog. French Bulldogs are very affectionate dogs and enjoy spending time with their owner. Can they ever be left alone? How long is it okay to leave them alone? Discover the answers here. They get a lot of their mental stimulation just from being around their owner. Because Frenchies are intelligent dogs, they enjoy challenges and solving dilemmas. Toys with hidden treats inside like this puzzle game with three types of hidden compartments provide the dog with mental stimulation as they try to figure out how to get to the treat. Check Price on Amazon Playing fetch for limited amounts of time also provides them with mental stimulation. See our top recommendations here. With so many different varieties on the market today, choosing the right leash and collar or combination can prove to be a daunting task. Even if you choose to use a harness, as many Frenchie owners do, you should still have a collar around his neck to clip on the dog tag. The dog should always have a dog tag as well as a rabies tag. If the worse scenario happened and the dog ran away or got lost, the tag would provide identification. When choosing a collar for your Frenchie, look for one with these qualities: Durable. Water repellent. Soft material. Choosing a leash is not near as difficult as choosing the collar. In many cases, owners find the collar they want and just buy a matching leash. Harness Harnesses are necessary for French Bulldogs. Harnesses provide more control when the dog is older and going on walks. See our top picks here. If the dog starts pulling on the leash, it can cause choking or undue stress, which can bring on breathing difficulties. When shopping for the collar and the harness, feel the underside of both items. Rub your fingers over them. Do they feel rough or smooth? The less constrictive and more breathable the harness, the less your Frenchie is going to fight having it on his body.

In a video shared on December 1, Golden Retriever Winnie can be seen lying in her bed looking despondent. However, her sadness quickly turns to excitement with the arrival of puppy Scarlett—delivered via a basket in the front yard. Winnie's owner, TikTok user Kathleen Walsh winnieandscarlett , believed the two-year-old golden girl was lonely, so decided to get another dog for her to play with. Since being shared, the cute clip has received almost eight million views and over one million likes. Left, Golden Retriever Winnie meeting puppy Scarlett for the first time. Right, Winnie and Scarlett on their deck at home. Dogs are known as man's best friend for a reason. Canine companions have been by our side for more than 30, years, and even evolved "puppy dog eyes" to communicate with us better. But is socialization with human owners enough to keep a dog happy? She told Newsweek that whether or not a pooch will get lonely in a one-dog household depends on their personality. If your dog is a lone wolf, then it can be content with just its humans for company. Winnie and Scarlett's owner Kathleen Walsh said the pair love snuggling together. This is also why some breeds are more likely to have separation anxiety than others. If you're thinking of bringing a puppy home to keep your older dog company, Smith said it's important to introduce them correctly —unless you want the fur to fly. As well as making sure both dogs have their own bowls, beds and space, you need to remember that two dogs are twice the work for you. One look and an instant calm will probably wash over you. Stress simply melts away. Because Golden Retrievers are notoriously loyal and obedient. They can look silly with their big goofy grins. Or they can look stoic and wise beyond their years with their striking, deep brown eyes. CutenessOverload Everything they do is adorable Just watching your pup go from an adorable average of 10 pounds right when you get them at 8 weeks old to a sizable 70 pounds at the year mark is cuter than anything you can imagine. Or falling asleep in your lap. Or busting your pup discreetly chewing on your brand new pair of sneakers in their new closet lair is the cutest. There are too many cute things! Everything will be adorable and glee-inducing if done by a Golden Retriever pup — even the behaviors that, by all logic, should annoy you to no end. This is a good thing because a puppy this adorable is definitely going to be a popular one. Golden Retriever puppies make friends with kids , adults, and other animals while keeping their trademark smiles on their faces. They are so friendly, in fact, that they may not be the best bet when looking for guard dogs. A Golden will usually greet any stranger, including during a break-in, with a welcoming smile on their face. But they will love you best Again, the loyalty of a Golden Retriever pup cannot be stressed enough; it is strong. At the end of the day, your athletic, big-pawed, adventurous, silly, and loving Golden pup will only have eyes for you. Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. We are overjoyed for you! Golden Retrievers are one of the most friendly and loving breeds…and lucky for you, one of the easiest to train. Golden Retrievers require a great deal of mental stimulation to avoid going about on their own or becoming frustrated. Their love for food is infinite. Prerequisites for training my Golden Retriever puppy? What age can I start to train my Golden Retriever puppy? Sounds like a good deal! We can only hope. What do I need to train my Golden Retriever? Say bye to that sticky, meaty feeling in your fingertips. A piece of non-slip vet bed or a soft mat: For a cozy bed, warm nights, and good dreams. Treats: The more smelly, the better. Two identical toys : Great for swaps! The name says it all…your Golden Retriever puppy will love retrieving, so identical toys will be great for all the games we have in store for you in the Zigzag Puppy training app. Of course, Golden Retrievers grow to be big dogs. How much exercise does a Golden Retriever need? A golden retriever needs 2 hours of exercise a day. What age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? Golden Retrievers reach adulthood at 3 years of age and are seniors by 8 years old. Though their height has been reached, their weight will still fill out and they will continue to mentally mature. What are Golden Retrievers bred for? Distinctly British, the 1st Baron of Tweedmouth developed the breed crossing his golden colored retrieving dog Nous with a Tweed Water Spaniel — these look similar to Irish Water Spaniels. The cross resulted in a dog that was comfortable being on land and water kind of like crocodiles , and robust enough to hunt goose, partridge and even deer. Do Golden Retrievers make good family pets? In fact, Golden Retrievers are one of the most loved dog breeds in the UK. The Kennel Club has a lot more good information and info about them. What does this have to do with how I train my Golden Retriever puppy? But there is a logic as to why knowing the context might help you train your Golden Retriever better: Golden Retrievers love to work. Commonly employed as Guide Dogs, they love having a job to do, which means they will adore training. Anyhow, they will be a breeze to train. They will also do almost anything for your soft words and approval — your praise will work just as well as treats. Because they are so gentle, they are a great fit for families with a variety of lifestyles and ages. They need a good amount of exercise; mental as well as physical. Let us rephrase — a hefty amount of exercise. Besides you and food, being in water is what they love the most! They have a very strong sense of smell, so retrieving or scent work games tend to be the biggest treat for most. Golden Retrievers are the social butterflies of dogs. They love most people, and are not discreet in showing it. You know how us Brits can be about politeness. That being said, make sure you also teach them the wonders of giving things up. It can lead to great things! But it can also be less helpful when they give you a love bite on your arm — give them a toy to carry instead. Shift to some play, and revisit training later — we want training to be associated with fun, and not something they begin to dread. He loves his poodle, Riley, and has been known to play with cats on occasion, even though he's allergic to them. Other interests include ice cream, riding his bicycle, and the Kansas City Chiefs and Royals. He lives in Iowa. Daily Paws' Editorial Guidelines Published on December 9, I wish I could be as excited about anything as this golden retriever is upon meeting his two new puppy brothers. We meet our friend Finn in a TikTok video posted Tuesday from the account thegoldenbros3. He's sitting at the front door of a house, excitedly watching as a man cradling a puppy approaches. He drops down to a knee on the other side of the glass door—an excellent way to introduce two dogs —so Finn can get a better look at his new brother. Finn circles the human with a wagging tail and even rises up on his hind legs to investigate his new brother. The man lowers the puppy down to Finn's level again, allowing them to sniff each other. Joyously satisfied he has a new friend, Finn retrieves a toy for them to share. Gah, it's too much. In a video posted Wednesday , our guy got to meet both his new golden puppy brothers—Sully and Gus, who I think met Finn in the first video. This video is shorter, but Finn is just as thrilled to see them both. Meanwhile, both the puppies exchange playful paws and nuzzles while they're still in human arms—perhaps remembering their earlier cuddle session. The new trio seems to be doing great, and hopefully Finn can soon teach his baby brothers his best tricks. Was this page helpful? Introducing dogs take patience, time and a lot of understanding. The TikTok account for Sammythegolden had nothing to worry about, because the way this Golden Retriever puppy has bonded with their older Golden Retriever is just precious. View the original article to see embedded media. Awww, at first the older dog wanted nothing to do with the puppy and now they are inseparable. They are just too adorable. So cute love them both thank you for bringing joy to our daily lives. If your dog growls at your newest addition, you shouldn't punish them because even though that may stop the growling, the danger is still there. Your dog is just trying to express his feelings. Growling is usually a sign of tension and anxiety, and if this happens it's best to separate the dogs for a bit. You should get your older dog familiar with the newer puppy's scent by giving them a blanket or old T-shirt the puppy has slept on. Provide safe zones for both the older dog and puppy to retreat to if needed. Give praise and treats to both dogs when they have an unaggressive encounter, and always monitor their interactions while they are still getting used to each other. In general, it may take around 4 to 8 weeks for resident dogs to get used to the change associated with a new addition , but it can take up to 6 to 9 months for both dogs bond and feel comfortable around each other. Hopefully your new addition and your older dog will be cuddling together before you know it, just like the sweet pups in the video above. Looking for more PetHelpful updates? Follow us on YouTube for more entertaining videos. Or, share your own adorable pet by submitting a video , and sign up for our newsletter for the latest pet updates and tips. Pet expert and puppy trainer Andrea Arden of New York City demonstrates best training practices for new pups. Captain, a golden retriever puppy, has been seen by millions of people on TikTok. That's because Captain, now almost 13 weeks old, first met his new owner Carly Hudson at the Melbourne, Australia, airport as he was brought out in a crate to her after the flight. Hudson told Fox News Digital that the puppy took a solo flight from Brisbane to Melbourne to reach his new owner — and the moment was clearly overwhelming to both of them. Hudson posted a TikTok of the pair's initial encounter as Captain was let out of his carrier at the airport. Little Captain, a golden retriever puppy, took a solo flight to Melbourne, Australia, to meet his new owner, Carly Hudson. The video caption reads: "The day Captain flew interstate to complete [our] family. Hudson runs a TikTok account that is now dedicated to Captain called "carlyandcaptain," which shows the pup as he grows up. One commenter wrote to the pup's new mom and dad, "He is gorgeous. Congratulations on becoming pawrents. They appear to have the characteristics of empathy and unconditional love, which Captain seems to have in spades for his owner.

The first step helps you determine why your GSD is barking and then address the underlying issue rather than reprimand the behavior. Top reasons your dog might bark at unknown people might include: Trying to greet the person but having poor greeting manners. Showing territorial behaviors, like protecting their home or yard. Seeing strangers as potential threats. So, they often bark when they notice strangers near their home or yard to protect and alert. They warn their families to threats by barking at people, even when they are not near their home or close to their yard — yet your dog hears them. Your dog will still remain watchful and aware of dangers, even if you discourage excessive barking. The goal is to help them understand the difference between non-threatening objects and threatening objects. If you think your GSD is becoming aggressive, then read up on deterring aggressiveness in your German Shepherd. Harsh punishment—such as hitting, kicking, or using shock—increases aggressiveness in some situations. Other times, owners may use a shock anti-bark collar as a method of punishment for barking. Using painful anti-bark collars and muzzles should be a last resort. Try more positive methods first before adding in negative punishment. Put the treat right up to their nose and let them smell it. Praise him and give him the treat. Repeat this procedure regularly over a period of several days until your dog starts understanding what the command means. Gradually extend the waiting period to five seconds, then 10 seconds, then 20 seconds and then 30 seconds and longer. Finally, work up to the minute mark for the waiting time until the reward. If your German Shepherd barks at strangers when he is outside the house, for example, during walks, then begin a desensitization program. This is a way to find their threshold when they start barking and to work on decreasing the distance to the stimulus the stranger they bark at. Use treats that are soft, like cheese, tiny pieces of fresh-cooked chicken, or even homemade dog training fudge. Reserve these treats only for outside training times, which makes them more high value to your GSD. Be on the lookout for: a stiff body hair standing erect on the back and shoulders attentive staring at the stranger or nuisance object When you see your dog showing these signs, move away from the stimulus stranger. Hold the treat in front of their nose so they can smell and see the treat. As he looks at the treat and walks past or away from the stranger, give him the treat before he has time to bark. You are looking to get their attention away from the distraction. Check out the following for the best German Shepherd training commands for the ultimate in behavior modification. Remember that learning a new behavior takes time, especially a self-rewarding behavior like barking. This means your dog may take weeks and weeks of training to curb its desire to bark at strangers. Keep rewarding them with pea-size pieces of soft treats when outdoors and when they look at you and sit or performs a command you ask , instead of barking. Territorial and alarm barking arise when your dog sees or hears something that excites them. This is why your German Shepherd barks at the living room window or along the fence as strangers walk by. The fastest method to stop barking at the window or in the yard is to control their environment. In your yard, install privacy fencing or place reed fencing to fill in the gaps in the fence and cut off views to adjoining yards or activity in the street. Indoors, leave the curtains or blinds closed. Keep your dog away from the areas where strangers walk past, like your front door and rooms near the street or sidewalk. If your dog barks at strange noises, then install a white noise machine to help blur the background sounds that cause them to bark. Use this guide to exercise your German Shepherd and meet their physical needs to reduce unwanted behavior. Changing a self-rewarding behavior like barking at strangers can take weeks or months of diligent practice. Many forward-thinking German Shepherd owners, like yourself, who want to teach their dogs to listen to them and avoid unwanted behaviors with positive training did so by joining an online training program that uses scientifically-backed protocols found in the online Brain Training for Dogs program. Imagine learning how to control your German Shepherd with kindness, compassion, and science. The step-by-step obedience videos help teach your dog to listen to you and, with time and training, to listen to your quiet command and stop them from barking at strangers. Take a moment to look over the online training program and learn how to use brain training for better behavior. You and your dog deserve a break from their barking to have some fun! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. German Shepherd dogs are known to be vocal. Compared to other dogs, this breed will often let you know about their wants and needs. This dog breed is also energetic, driven, and the most adorable. The common age for German Shepherd dogs to start barking is when they reach months. However, this breed will start vocalizing in weeks. Given the biological structure of a German Shepherd dog, it is natural for its bark to be a lot louder than any other dog. It is always better to know why your German Shepherd dog is barking. Many reasons trigger your GSD. Below is a list of possible reasons that might help you understand your dog better. The dog believes that it is his job to keep the family safe. German Shepherd dogs get alarmed for the slightest sound, moving vehicles, or even for tiny creatures like squirrels or birds in the garden. They think all of these aforementioned are threats to his family members and himself. The first instinct is to chase the sounds away, resulting in the dog barking out loud! This undesirable behavior can be avoided by socializing your German Shepherd well. Excitement Dogs are generally cheerful animals. They do not know how to control their emotions. Sometimes the only way to express and let out the feeling of happiness is to bark. This type of behavior is seen mostly with German Shepherd puppies. They are excited to see you! You know how you scream and jump and hug when you see someone you like? Unnecessary barking can even be for a high-value treat or when they see a friendly dog. This can be done by training him with the help of some yummy treats; eventually, the German Shepherd will learn to control its emotions. German Shepherds are known to be dogs with high energy levels. When they feel lazy and laid back, barking comes to the rescue. Boredom can result due to lack of attention. A tiny pat on the dog and a little playtime in the garden is what your GSD needs. A playful and busy dog is always a happy dog. Feeling Lonely Be it a puppy or a full-grown adult German Shepherd; they feel lonely if they are left alone in your living room. This feeling of loneliness can go from being just sad to intense levels of separation anxiety. Taking your German Shepherd on a walk or socializing more can help this condition. Anger or Anxiety German Shepherd dogs are prone to anxiety. Anxiety coupled with the feeling of fear will make your GSD bark or even bite, for that matter. Making a German Shepherd angry will make him feel nervous. Annoyance is also a reason to make a dog angry. Repeating actions that they do not like or engaging in activities that your GSD gets triggered can cause them to be annoyed. Annoyance often results in a dog barking to express his feelings. Sometimes dogs do tend to bark or howl in a painful way to let the owner be aware of the pain they are going through. The nuisance barking can be due to an underlying health issue. This is often considered a common coping mechanism with any dog breed. Know Your German Shepherd Better — Body Language Guide Most dogs communicate by barking when they want to say something, but knowing their body language is an added point to understand your dog better. It is a sign of submission. The dog knows that you are the boss! Biting Teeth Or Snarling This is a sign of aggression against something. It could be a neighboring dog or a street dog, a cat, a stranger and the list goes on. Right after this, your German Shepherd will start barking nonstop. Knowing what is irritating and distracting him from that can stop unwanted barking. When your dog is in a playful mood, it is always wise to play with it or give a toy to him—not playing when he wants to can lead to a sad or lonely dog which would trigger excessive barking. If your GSDs tail is very high, it means that your dog is very excited, on alert, or even a sign of dominance. It especially shows that he is in charge of the house to other animals or dogs. With this tail position, GSDs often bark out loud. Tail hanging down means that he is relaxed and chilled. Nothing bothers him, so you know you should not aggravate him by annoying him. Tail raised and wagging fast; we all know what this means. This means they are very happy and excited to see someone or feel in a specific way. When your GSDs tail is stuck in between the legs, he feels scared—often coupled with a lot of barking. Fear can cause your GSD to feel very uncomfortable, so you might want to change this feeling for him before his barking worsens. If you see this body language from your dog, just know to give him some space. This is mostly to soothe itself to sleep, or your dog is just having a moment so let it enjoy the time. This is the star question of my article. I understand no matter how much you love your pet, the undesirable barking of the German Shepherd will most likely ruin your peace. There are many ways to overcome the German Shepherd barks. This involves a lot of patience and training. Obedience training must start at a young age. First things first, stop praising when your German Shepherds bark. They are obedient dogs. Chances of them listening to a simple no are high. If your barking German Shepherd stops barking, praise them with a high-value reward. The dog will know that not barking is a self-rewarding behavior. You could get the help of a clicker to train your dog. Clicker commands are easier to follow in dog training. How much training is required to train your dog will depend on each dog. Some German Shepherds are fast learners born with calm behavior, whereas some are born with notorious genes. Another easy way to stop barking behavior is to ignore the barking. The German Shepherd will eventually understand that barking does not do any good when you ignore the barks. They understand simple commands even when they are puppies. It is always better to use positive reinforcement training methods. Training sessions should start in the morning or evening, a more quiet and peaceful time. Find the root cause for the excess barking of your German Shepherd. It would help if you started by triggering his undesirable behaviors. When the dog starts barking, you should command it to stop barking. Once the dog stops the barking, make sure to give it a treat. The next step is desensitizing your dog to whatever triggered its barking. When you see your German Shepherd being sensitive to a particular thing, desensitizing it can stop or reduce the barking next time. Get your German Shepherd to get used to it very often. For example, suppose your dog is sensitive to moving cars. In that case, you can take him on walks and give daily exercises to familiarize your dog with moving cars. It is important to provide this mental stimulation at least every other day to effectively train your dog. Negative reinforcement methods are always discouraged because they inflict pain or suffering. Using shock collars or e-collars on your German Shepherd could make them more aggressive. Do not opt for surgical methods which involve removal of the larynx. It is sad to see dogs go through painful surgeries and be voiceless just because barking is a nuisance. How selfish! Muzzles are not advisable in training dogs. Dogs by nature are animals who need to bark. I mean it! Finally, stop punishing your German Shepherd just because it barks. The first step is to make sure that it is not a medical condition. If that problem is cleared next is to see if the GSD is feeling comfortable enough. If being uncomfortable is the reason, give it some time to familiarize itself. Sometimes aging can be a reason for your GSD to not bark. The level of barking differs from the type of personality. German Shepherds are naturally protective and may bark at night as a form of guarding their territory. This barking can be triggered by a variety of stimuli, such as cats, strangers, or other small animals. Yes, German Shepherds bark more than other breeds because of their strong instinct to guard and protect, as well as their natural inclination towards vocalization. It is recommended to start training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 weeks of age, as they are intelligent and able to learn basic commands easily. However, it is beneficial to start training from a young age, as puppies are able to pick up new skills quickly. No, it is never too late to train a German Shepherd Dog. With the right training techniques and plenty of patience and affection, German Shepherds are always receptive to learning new behaviors, regardless of prior training. To address excessive barking, pet owners should consult with a veterinarian or certified animal behaviorist to determine the cause of the behavior and create a behavior modification plan. German Shepherds typically bark the most when they are puppies and young adults, but can continue to bark throughout their lives if not properly trained. Final Thoughts German Shepherd barks are a problematic issue worldwide with all German Shepherd owners. Not only barking but GSD owners encounter other undesirable behaviors. Unsocialized dogs will take their time to stop excessive barking. In contrast, puppies trained from smaller days will pick up training methods proactively. Even though the German Shepherd barking problems are unbearable they are amazing watchdogs. When your dog stops barking unnecessarily and progresses through its barking problem, make sure to appreciate your GSD. With appreciation and so much love, you can bond better, which will ultimately result in living a stress-free loved life with your German Shepherd Dog! Okay, some breeds don't, but only a few sticklers will argue against the statement "Dogs bark. Some of us know more than others just how bad it can be, especially if you live in a neighborhood with close neighbors, or an apartment. So, what can you do about it? First off, dogs bark for a plethora of reasons. To fix the behavior, you have to start with the problem, and the problem is "Why. The average dog sleeps around 11 hours a day. A tired dog is less likely to bark when you're away at work, so make sure your dog has an adequate amount of physical and mental exercise before you leave. Another big reason is a lack of socialization. A dog that has had positive experiences with people during the socialization process and is taught to ignore them as background noise won't bark at everyone as they simply make their way down the street. Sometimes, something as simple as meeting the mail carrier in a positive way is enough to get a dog to stop barking at them. Use this method to include all different types of people of varying ages and any contraptions that they may be associated with, like bicycles and skateboards, etc. Don't respond to demands from your dog. If your dog barks or whines in the crate, the door doesn't open until they're quiet. If they bark at you to get a treat, you don't give them a treat until they're quiet. A lot of people train their dog to bark at the door to go out, only to realize their dog likes to come in and go outside nonstop. They end up barking all day long. So be careful to not only not respond to their demands when they bark, but not to create your own barking Frankenstein's Monster! This may seem counterproductive considering what I just said about being careful not to create your own Frankenstein's Monster of barking, but.Hear me out before you judge! Teaching a dog to bark on command isn't teaching your dog to bark for no reason or a reason that they choose when to use. You use your command for them to bark when you want them to, they bark, you reward. If you're diligent in your work of training your dog, your dog surely knows what "no" means. Instead of saying "bark," when they bark without you asking them to, say "no bark. Using a "quiet" command is similar to a "no bark" command but a little different. The first entails teaching to control a dog's barking in a roundabout way. Teaching a "quiet" command is a bit more negative, but nothing extreme at all. It simply involves waiting for them to bark and saying in a firm voice "quiet. When they do that, reward. If they start barking again, repeat the process. If that sounds too easy, or you think you know it won't work on your dog, you might be right. But no worries, you just have to find a way to break their concentration from barking to giving their attention back to you having your dog's attention is called "engagement". If a firm, yet normal voiced "quiet" doesn't work in getting them to turn their head to look at you, say it a bit louder and sharp. If that doesn't work, whistle. That'll be your "quiet" command, then reward when they look to you. If that doesn't work, put a long leash and collar on them, when they bark, correct them while saying "quiet. We already went over boredom and anxiety, but what if the exercise doesn't work? No worries, there's a solution for that! T oys and puzzle games. Fill a Kong with treats mixed with peanut butter and freeze it overnight. You instantly have a toy a dog can play with for hours before getting all of the goodies out of it. Sodapup licking mats also do well in this category. You can also use treat dispensing toys of your dog's choice and leave them around as well. As for anxiety, close the windows and blinds, and leave on the radio or TV. Make it feel and sound like you're home and limit outside stimuli. So do as much as possible to minimize the very presence of such stimuli. Get help. There's a lot of help out there for you. If your dog is good for half the day because you go on a morning run, but starts barking halfway through the day? It may suit you and your dog better to hire a dog walker. If you're out of your depth training wise, that's okay too. You can always hire a trainer or look into doggy daycares. If you find a tip or trick or technique or toy or idea that works for you, that isn't found here in the span of this article, that's great! Share it in the comments! Share this article while you're at it. If you love dogs, and dog training, and you don't learn something new every day, make that a new goal. There's always something else to try, or one more thing you can do to fix an issue, or lessen the symptoms of it at the very least. Don't give up! Thank you for reading, and please leave a like and share.

It all started when we became empty-nesters and purchased our first lab, since then our Lab family has continued to grow. We strive to breed for great all around family Labradors that are healthy, calm, intelligent, and are of the beautiful English type Labs stocky bodies, square, blocky heads. We're happy to answer any questions you may have. Thanks for visiting! Healthy Parents We welcome litters a year with the goal of producing healthy family dogs, all purpose Labradors placed in loving homes. We strive for good temperament, structurally sound, intelligence and to improve the breed. Our Labs are sweet, intelligent, easily trained, and so eager to please. Our Labrador Retrievers have superior pedigrees with champion bloodlines from traditional English lines. We do recommended Genetic health testing. The puppies are also dewormed at recommended times. We keep puppies until 8 weeks of age. Labs take 2 to 3 years to develop mentally and physically, training is an important part of the development of your Lab. We strongly recommend you locate a Beginner puppy class, enroll and take several classes. Labs are very intelligent and require socializing, training and exercise. Labs do not socialize themselves. Commitment to the welfare of your dog is extremely important. This puppy will be with you the next years. It's important our puppies are placed in homes where they receive the type of care Lab puppies need. The Labrador Retriever is also the most popular purebred dog in America for the 21st straight year. More than twice as many Labs were registered than any other breed making it a likely leader for many years to come. In a recent article, a licensed professional counselor for more than twenty-five years, explained how owning a Lab can help produce healthier, happier, more well adjusted children. Here is an excerpt from her article: The ten reasons that I am giving for children to have a dog are not listed in order of importance. All of us have different characteristics which we find more important than others. Every reason I list, however, is important to the childhood of your son or daughter. Regular dog-walking increases social interaction for children—especially those who have just moved to a neighborhood and are feeling homesick for their former home. A child who might not want to go out into the neighborhood alone, feels that he or she has a purpose in walking the dog, and therefore can face unfamiliar faces or places more easily than when alone. Walking the dog could be the perfect way for a shy or awkward adolescent to meet new friends in the neighborhood. Be sure to read the rest of her seven part article, Ten Reasons to Own a Dog. At Twin Lakes Kennel, we have been breeding and training world class Labrador retrievers for more than thirty-five years. Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. And visit our Puppy Page or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Lucas Sullivant, a surveyor from Virginia came here in and founded one of these new settlements on the west bank of the Scioto River. He named his new community Franklinton after Benjamin Franklin. It was named to honor Christopher Columbus. It was founded in at the confluence of the Scioto and Olentangy rivers, and was named the state capital in .Once the National Road reached the city in , many more immigrants came to settle here. The city became a melting pot of many nationalities, each settling in their own favorite area of the city. The distance from Columbus to Washington DC is miles. The distance to the Ohio state capital is miles. Our Latest Happy Clients! Become A Happy Client!

You could simply be dealing with a picky eater, or this could be a sign of a more serious health issue. If your puppy normally eats his food eagerly but has suddenly stopped, the first thing you should do is make sure he is healthy. A sudden disinterest in food may mean your puppy is sick, perhaps intestinal woes. If your puppy eats other kinds of food like wet food or snacks and refuses to touch his dry food, he may just be a picky eater. If your puppy is younger than that, he may be too young to eat regular dry food meals. In most cases, pet owners take ownership of the puppy when he is six to eight weeks old, after weaning. Is Your Puppy Teething? Feeding your puppy on a regular schedule, versus leaving food in his bowl all the time, can help him regulate his digestive system. As a general rule, puppies under six months of age should be fed three small meals a day and then switched to twice a day: once in the morning and once in the evening. Once your puppy reaches maturity about a year old for most puppies, or two years for giant breed puppies , you can decide whether to feed him once or twice a day. After all, our taste, texture and smell preferences differ from person to person. You can also try moistening the dry food using three parts kibble and one part warm water. Want to learn more about how and what to feed your puppy? Click here to learn everything you need to know about feeding your puppy, from the nutrients he needs to promote healthy growth to how his breed and size can affect his diet. Related articles. Are Labradoodles Finicky Eaters? Under normal conditions, dogs will eat anything edible, as well as a wide array of inedible items some dogs eat rocks and socks. Their very DNA instructs them to hunt, steal, and scavenge their way through life to eke out an existence. When left to their own devices, dogs will safely crunch bones and eliminate indigestible objects from their bodies with relative ease. Why is My Labradoodle a Fussy Eater? Many dogs become fussy eaters for a variety of potential reasons. Oftentimes, the reason has something to do with a recent change that your Labradoodle experiences. If you notice that your Labradoodle does not eat as much as it used to, visit your vet to get a checkup and set your mind at ease. Recent Vaccination Most dog owners have little difficulty understanding how vaccination might cause a lack of appetite. However, if it skips a meal for three consecutive days, you may want to return to the vet. A cute puppy enjoying a Vet visit Interrelational Issues Your Labradoodle may not feel like eating due to an interaction with a family member or one of your other pets. This type of inter-relational issue often occurs in cases where you have recently introduced a new dog to the family. Likewise, a newly adopted Labradoodle may not wish to eat in front of your other dogs. Just watch your dog closely and ensure it soon starts eating normally. New Setting Many times, a dog may refuse to eat after encountering new surroundings. Maybe you recently moved, and your Labradoodle remains preoccupied with exploring. Then again, maybe your dog hates your choice of curtain color and has embarked on a hunger strike. General Stress Dogs feel much of the same stress as humans. But, they do have a better sense of what goes on around them than most dog owners realize. Is My Finicky Labradoodle Sick? Two Labradoodles sniff each other out at a dog park. In rare cases, a Labradoodle may display pickiness during a meal due to illness. However, you should not jump to any conclusions about your dog. To set your mind at ease, take your Labradoodle to the veterinarian. If the vet does diagnose your dog with an illness, it will most likely fall into one of the following categories. Dental Problems Besides predation, the most common killer of wild animals is dental death. When left unchecked, cavities and gum disease can lead to dangerous oral infections. Also, many wild animals stop eating due to the pain their dental problems cause them. Organ dysfunction may result from several possible causes, including cancer, poor diet, obesity, genetic issues, and more. Infection On rare occasions, an infection may make a Labradoodle eat less than usual. Infections often result from dental issues, dog bites, contaminated food or beverages, and other causes. Your local vet can resolve most infections with antibiotics. If you suspect your Labradoodle has stopped eating entirely as a result of infection, it represents a veterinary emergency. My Labradoodle Max wearing his party hat. Other times, your dog may eat too fast prior to exerting itself, causing indigestion. Watch for gagging or yawning that is relentless. Observe your Labradoodle for 24 hours. All you need to do is set out some food, and your Labradoodle will do the rest. However, in some cases, your dog may refuse to eat for one reason or another, making you wonder if Labradoodles are fussy eaters. Below, discover some tips and tricks to make your Labradoodle eat. Give it a Minute Before you start experimenting with new methods to get your Labradoodle to eat, wait to see if it will eat on its own. Like watching and waiting for a pot of water to boil, it may seem like your dog takes longer to eat than it should. Maybe your dog even has stage fright. Stop hovering over it, walk away, and maybe it will start to chow down after you give it some breathing room. If you have served your Labradoodle the same dog food for years, try switching it up to see if that entices your pooch to resume its usual eating habits. Yep, Labradoodles like any dog sometimes seem to get tired of their food. You may need to purchase several different brands before you find one that your dog likes. A close up face image of Labradoodle puppy Max Warm It Up If your Labradoodle turns its nose up at every meal, consider warming up its food. Sometimes, heating up dog food can release those mouth-watering aromas, enticing your Labradoodle to give it a little taste test. Make sure you do not overheat the food. Work Up an Appetite Some Labradoodles may not consume as much dog food as they did in the past because they do not need the calories. Make sure your dog gets plenty of exercise. That way, it must replace the energy expended with a meal. However, take care to observe your Labradoodle during playtime. If it seems lethargic or overworked, you should take it to a vet as soon as possible. Final Thoughts Are Labradoodles fussy eaters? Not particularly. You will find plenty of anecdotes about finicky Labradoodles online. However, you will discover the same for just about every other breed. Labradoodles display the same amount of pickiness as other dogs. When in doubt, always see a veterinarian. 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. All Labradoodles love eating. Especially if you are used to your Labradoodle always having quite a healthy appetite. Especially if you have just driven your dog to the new home, as some dogs get motion sickness, which can result in them not having any appetite at all. The Labradoodle has just left everything it has ever known behind, to come with you for a new life, and of course, this can affect its appetite. Behavior Issues Perhaps you already have another dog in the house, so when you bring the new Labradoodle home, you attempt to feed it in the territory of the old dog, which might make it react aggressively, and even scaring the new dog. To prevent this, make sure that you feed both your new Labradoodle and your old dog in designated eating areas, where they have their own private space. If that is the case, contact your vet for their advice. They sell CBD products for dogs that have helped many dogs dealing with different types of pains, and also anxieties. But not only does it help with anxiety and pain, but CBD products are also known to be great appetite boosters. It could at least be worth a try if your Labradoodle has a continued lack of appetite. You can purchase the Oil on Amazon here. One reason could be any of the following. Upset Stomach Labradoodles are extremely curious when it comes to food, and will typically eat whatever you put in front of it. That could even be your socks, underwear, bugs, wood, or perhaps your favorite shoes! This will, of course, upset their stomach and can end up causing pain and discomfort. Getting your dog checked out at the vet would be a very good idea in that case. Because dental issues will rarely just go away by themselves, so it could end up lasting several weeks where your dog will barely eat, and that could quickly become a serious issue. Illnesses such as kidney failure, cancer, liver disease, or even an infection could also be an explanation for a loss of appetite. If a dog is sick, one of the telltale signs of discomfort is that they will refuse to eat anything. This is especially true when speaking of older dogs. Should I Take them to the Vet? For example, if your Labradoodle has skipped the last two meals, definitely contact your veterinarian and hear their opinion. If you always got the same tasteless food every single day, there would probably also come a time where you would prefer to just not eat anything at all. That can also happen with dogs! I would recommend that you start giving your Labradoodle tasty — yet healthy! You can always start out by buying small packages and giving your dog some of these new kibbles, to begin with. It can be a quite tedious and frustrating experience, but once you find what your dog likes, it will all be worth it. Remember that if your dog is skipping more than two meals and they would normally have no problems eating all the time, then something is probably wrong with them. It could anything from environmental changes, such as changing their surroundings, or something like an illness that could be causing them pain. In any case, keep an eye out for your Labradoodle and, if they skip too many meals and start to behave lazy and uninterested in whatever food you present them, take them to the vet. Vets are always your best bet in getting to the bottom of everything and potentially saving your hairy family member. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. If you have a dog who normally can leave the food for hours, it can be a bit trickier to determine when to contact a vet, so you will have to look if your dog displays any other symptoms that might affect it. The best dog food should be healthy as well as delicious. Here are some of my favorite dog food products for Labradoodles. Besides that, if the food is old and stale, a Labradoodle will probably refuse to eat it due to its smell. Usually, a lack of appetite will be followed by other symptoms, which might help you narrow down to what the real issue is. This is why you should pay extra attention to any other signs of your pup being sick, so you can describe them to the vet when having your Labradoodle checked. But as mentioned earlier, there are those dogs who are a lot more focused on food and treats than other dogs. This can easily cause your dog to skip a meal once in a while. But for these types of dogs, it usually requires a lot more distraction before this happens. Your Labradoodle Is Affected by Hormones The sex drive in a dog is typically stronger than the lust for food. This means that when you have a bitch in heat, she might have less appetite, not only while in the heat but also for an extended period of up to 2 months after. During this period the level of hormones in her blood can affect her behavior and can lead to pseudopregnancy. A male dog can also have less appetite at times when the surrounding neighborhood bitches are in heat. Due to this, the food might not be as appealing to them as before. Besides that, exercise requirements for senior Labradoodles are also reduced. Your Labradoodle Suffers From Stress or Anxiety When a Labradoodle becomes frightened, their fight or flight response is triggered in their brains. This means that basic needs such as eating and feeling hungry are shut down. Likewise, if you put your Labradoodle in a stressful situation, this can also lead to a lack of appetite. Besides those signals, you should be very aware of other symptoms such as lethargy or vomiting, which could be signs of something more severe going on. Contact your vet and allow the vet to decide if a more thorough check is required. When Should You Contact the Vet? If the lack of appetite results in a weight loss, or if you notice any other signs of possible diseases, such as the dog being lethargic or vomiting, you should definitely contact the vet. What, and how much to feed your dog can depend on many things that are different from dog to dog. These links are affiliate links, so if you do end up using the links, I will earn a commission. Dog Food: Every dog needs to eat correctly, and finding the best food for your dog can be challenging, as the market is absolutely flooded with products. These days I have two adorable fuzzy rascals around me, that ensures I get plenty of exercise and laughter throughout my day! Legal Information The owner of this site, LabradoodleHome. This site also participates in other affiliate programs and is compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies. Labradoodle Home does not intend to provide veterinary advice. All articles and posts are aimed at giving users a better understanding of their dogs. The content on this blog is not a substitute for veterinary guidance. Amazon OneLink. Fluid therapy electrolyte balanced fluids administered under the skin or via an IV catheter. Special diets until your dog is feeling better. Extra measures to increase appetite or make food more palatable, like: Adding canned food or a special dog treat to tempt appetite. Warming food up to body temperature to increase the aroma. Hand feeding while giving extra praise and attention. Home cooking ask your vet which foods would be best for your pup, but usually bland diets like plain boneless chicken and white rice are best. If needed, hospitalization and placement of a feeding tube. This is usually reserved for pets who need nutritional support for a longer period of time. Remember: Never give your sick dog medications without checking with your vet first — many are toxic to pets! If your dog stops eating, do you need to take them to the vet right away? Or is it okay to wait until morning — or even to monitor for a few days if your dog is acting normal otherwise? Regardless of cause, prolonged refusal of food can lead to health complications. An old dog since senior dogs are more prone to sickness, a lack of appetite may signal your older dog has an underlying condition that is causing inappetence. An underweight dog or dog that has an underlying health problem. A toy or teacup breed. Showing signs of illness, such as vomiting , listlessness, or a fever. Losing weight. You suspect your dog ate something toxic or ate an object that could have gotten stuck in the stomach or intestines. Regardless of what is causing the loss of appetite, addressing the issue with your veterinarian as soon as possible provides your pup with the best possible care — before the condition progresses. Prompt care will also help your pup feel like their normal self again as soon as possible. If you have questions or concerns regarding your dog's appetite, we're here to help. Book an appointment. You Might Also Like. There are many reasons why a dog might not want to eat. Dental problems Dental issues can often cause appetite loss. Signs of a larger dental problem include a foul smell, any loose teeth or lots of tartar build- up; if you spot any of these, make sure to see the vet right away. And of course, prevention is the best cure! Environmental changes Changes in environment or routine can upset some dogs and put them off their food for a while. If your pup has experienced a stressful event recently, this may be the cause. Normally, once the initial anxiety has passed, dogs will return to their normal eating habits. Medication The same is also true for vaccinations or new medications — from time to time, they can cause dogs to lose their appetite temporarily, but this should fade within a day or so. Overfeeding Sometimes, there may not be a medical or behavioral problem causing your dog to refuse their dinner. They might just not be hungry! Giving dogs too many treats or overfeeding in general is surprisingly easy to do. Remember that the suggested amounts on food packaging typically overestimate the amount a normal dog needs. Try keeping a list of the number of treats your dog gets in a day and make sure no-one else in the house is sneaking them food! You may just have a picky eater on your hands. Puppies are notoriously fussy eaters. New puppies take in a lot at once — they may need time to adjust to their new lives, and you may need to experiment with their food. If dogs have become accustomed to getting human-food treats on a regular basis such as high-fat, tasty morsels of cheese or salami , they may turn their nose up at their blander kibble, in the hope that something better might come along later. If you think your dog is just being picky, check out our tips below for how to get your dog eating again. The ingredients could also have changed, so it may be worth trying a different flavor too. Dogs are pack animals by nature and may feel more comfortable eating when you are home. If this is the case, try to make sure you feed your dog at least 10 to 15 minutes before you have to leave so they have time to finish eating their meal before you part ways for the day. If dogs have become accustomed to getting human-food treats on a regular basis, they may turn their nose up at their kibble. Try rotating through several alternative dog foods Try a few different flavors, mix dry and wet food together, or switch between dry and wet to see if another food appeals more to your dog. Ensure you make any changes gradually, to not upset their stomach. Add a tasty topper or mix to their food Mix in a little human food to see if that does the trick. Warm up the food Even us humans tend to prefer a nice, warm meal. Add a little warm water, just a tablespoon or so, or pop the food in the microwave briefly. Go for a walk before meals Make sure your dog is well-exercised before you feed them, to help them build up an appetite. Feed at consistent times Divide the food into two or three meals and serve them at consistent times each day. This leaves your dog no choice but to eat their food and hopefully get used to it. If your dog stops eating for more than a couple of days or experiences any other concerning signs, you should contact your vet right away. We hope these tips are useful. We are here to help! Related articles. Check Price on Amazon 6. Feeling Unwell or a Reaction to Medication Fighting any illness or condition can be tough on your Labradoodle, causing them to lose interest in their food temporarily. Additionally, if your dog has an undiagnosed food sensitivity or allergy, they may find that their food upsets their stomach, making mealtimes unpleasant. Your Labradoodle may have also eaten something toxic while in the yard or roaming in the fields. Dogs are known for eating anything they can get their paws on; some will even get into the garbage to see what they can quickly snaffle. Dogs must not eat foods like chocolate or grapes as they can be highly toxic. Never leave these lying around where your dog can reach them. If your Labradoodle has had his recent vaccinations, sometimes these can cause adverse reactions, including loss of appetite. The good news is this should only be brief — ensure your dog is drinking plenty of water to keep hydrated. Prefers Eating at Certain Times of the Day Just like you might not like to eat your breakfast at 6 a. Though this can be concerning at first, you should keep track of how much food in total your Labradoodle is eating throughout the day. If your dog still eats about the same amount, he might prefer to eat at specific times of the day. My dog used to eat one meal in the morning and one in the evening. However, as a senior dog, she now prefers to eat both meals in the evening. Here are the next steps. Take your dog on a long walk before feeding — so he works up an appetite. Try switching to a ceramic one instead. Give your doggo lots of praise when he eats from his bowl. Make feeding time fun — try putting a lid on his food, so he must remove it first. Make it into a game. It gets over , top reviews! If your dog refuses his meal, remove his bowl away after minutes and then only put it down again a few hours later. Limit treats to training times only. He can become upset and stop eating altogether if he perceives that you are worried and stressed about his appetite loss. As mentioned, a sudden lack of appetite and resulting weight loss can signify other issues. Here are some ways to target his diet and boost his loss of appetite. Choose a more fragrant food. Try picking food that smells more like meat and has a more intense aroma — feeding highly palatable food in a stress-free environment. Add wet food or soak dry food in warm water to increase dietary moisture. Hopefully, these steps will also fix your situation and return your dog to his regular eating habits. Take Your Dog to the Vet Vet visits can be pricey, but so can the treatments used to address any diseases or conditions your dog may be dealing with right now. A decent pet insurance coverage should always be in place since this will always provide you peace of mind. Here are some conditions and diseases that your vet will look for: Hypothyroidism.

How often you should feed a German Shepherd puppy depends on their age and their activity level. Many owners also want to know when they can switch to adult food formulas for their German Shepherd puppies. Switch your GSD puppy to adult food when they are around 12 to 18 months old. Puppies can begin adult kibble when they are approximately 80 percent of their adult weight. This usually occurs around 8 to 10 months of age, but you can safely feed puppy food up to 18 months old as long as they are not putting on excess weight too quickly. If you want to know what to feed a German Shepherd puppy, keep reading. Finding the best food to feed your German Shepherd puppy is overwhelming at times. This means choosing what to feed a German Shepherd puppy is even more serious and intimidating! Follow this feeding guide when you need to know what to feed German Shepherd puppies. I understand! The following dog foods are all recommended for large breed puppies and meet and exceed regulated nutritional standards. Feeding a high-quality kibble from a name-brand company that uses feeding trials ensures the best quality and nutrition. Here are some of the best German Shepherd puppy foods that are research-backed. Packed with nutrients to help limit inflammation of the joints and uses fresh ingredients. Easily digestible formula for puppies prone to allergies and sensitive stomachs. Rich aroma with DHA fish oil to entice puppies to finish every last bite while giving shine to their coats. The better the food, the healthier your pup will be inside and out. Cheaper GSD puppy food lacks quality proteins that are essential for your working breed dog. Adding too much weight to your German Shepherd too soon can cause lifelong joint issues that are painful to your pet and expensive on your wallet. Most GSDs are healthy and fit on commercial dog foods that are high quality. These balanced formulas keep their bones and muscles strong throughout their growing periods and can ward off later joint issues, a common breed problem, as they mature. There is a greater demand for quality nutrition during the early growth stage. For these reasons, you must feed high-quality food. Now, consider what to feed a German Shepherd puppy based on their age. These feeding charts and guides will help keep your new companion growing strong and athletic. Tiny portions of canned, wet foods are introduced. Meals per day: 4 or more Puppies should stay with their mom for to keep them healthy. Nutrition Warning! At 8-weeks-old a GSD pup is eating more solid foods and develops a better appetite for kibble and other foods. Add in only a couple of small spoonfuls of canned plain pumpkin, unsweetened Greek yogurt, or cooked oatmeal to entice your pup to eat. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue feeding the same as the 8-week-old diet. Treats are not only enjoyable for your German Shepherd, but help you to eneterain and build a positive relationship with him. Be sure to keep their zoomies under control by playing plenty of fun German Shepherd games for puppies. Meals per day: 4 Week-Old Puppy Continue to feed the kibble. Watch for excessive weight gain during this growth time as their bones cannot take extra weight! Too much weight gain too quickly can cause joint issues as an adult and prevent healthy development. Use their mental energy to help keep them more relaxed throughout the day by playing brain-boosting mind games for German Shepherd puppies. Meals per day: 3 to 4 Week-Old Puppy Keep your puppy trim and athletic by monitoring how much you feed your puppy and their body condition. You can write how much they eat and track this over time, and adjust how much your feed your German Shepherd puppy to keep them at a healthy weight. Try using fresh, raw, cut-up pieces of carrots as healthy treats or small, deseeded cubes of fresh apple as part of their training treats. Keep your eyes open for a growth spurt about to begin! Meals per day: 3 Week-Old Puppy Around 4 months old, you might notice your puppy finish their meal quickly and look for more food. Be sure to watch how many treats you give them throughout the day. You can do this by holding them safely in your arms and weighing them with you on the scale. Then, place them on the floor and step onto the scale without them to weigh yourself. Remember, around 16 to weeks old your German Shepherd puppy begins to rapidly grow. Instead, when looking overhead at your puppy their waist should look trim and not rounded outwards. German Shepherd puppies should appear sleek in their waistline. Meals per day: 3 Week And Older Puppy Continue to feed your German Shepherd puppy dry kibble with a small amount of healthy foods mixed in. You can lessen the healthy food you mix in gradually if you prefer. But, even as adults, German Shepherds love a bit of tasty toppers on their kibble. Around a year old, begin feeding your German Shepherd puppy 2 meals a day. Two meals, one in the morning and evening, are not only safer but also provide your German Shepherd with sustained energy to fuel their high-energy lifestyle. You can create a positive meal time by using the following tips: Always offer fresh water during their meal times. Keep the area where they eat their food in calm and out of the way of the family hustle and bustle. I found sitting with a book reading, just keeping my GSD puppy company, encouraged my dog to eat their meals while giving us time to quietly bond. Feed your German Shepherd at the same time everyday. The best time to feed a German Shepherd puppy is in the morning, before you leave for the day, and in the evening, about 2 hours before you put your dog to bed. Allow them to potty after eating to ensure their comfort. Your dog also needs to eat at other times of the day for their health and growth. How much you should feed a German Shepherd puppy really depends on a number of factors. Your GSD pup should eat enough to maintain their growth and energy, while not carrying any extra fat. Every dog is different. Keep in mind the number of calories in the kibble, which varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Each puppy food company has a different amount of calories and size of the kibble. Here are a few things that might affect how much your German Shepherd puppy should eat. The more active a German Shepherd puppy is, the more calories he needs to eat to replace lost energy. For example, puppies need nearly twice the amount of calories as compared to adults. And older or senior German Shepherds who are less active need less food. Health Maintaining a healthy weight is essential to feeding your German Shepherd. Simply put, you can prevent some medical conditions and health problems by monitoring their waistlines. Instead follow the healthy way to bulk up a German Shepherd. To see if your German Shepherd is at the right weight you can find the average weight depending on their age. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppy diet: newborn For a German Shepherd puppy to develop and grow properly, it is imperative that they first nurse on their mother's milk. The first milk they receive is a protein and antibody-rich type of milk known as colostrum. This gives the puppy's immune and central nervous systems a boost. They then progress on to regular breast milk. Puppies will nurse for at least 6 to 8 weeks, gradually being weaned on to solid food at about 4 weeks. If, for any reason, the puppy cannot suckle its mother, don't give them cow or goat milk. These milks are very poor quality in comparison to a puppy's mother's milk. If your German shepherd puppy has to be prematurely weaned, a veterinarian will be able to prescribe specific infant formula and establish the appropriate dosage for your puppy. For example, a Chihuahua and a German Shepherd should not be fed the same food. This is because hese breeds have different nutritional needs. Take a look here to find out more about the diet for a prematurely weaned puppy. German Shepherd puppy diet: 1 month old From 3 to 4 weeks old, when it comes to feeding a German Shepherd puppy, we should start by letting them taste new foods and flavors. At this stage, the German Shepherd puppy's diet plan requires them to eat a special wet food for puppies. At around 6 to 8 weeks old, a German Shepherd puppy should be given a little dry dog food with water, or unseasoned chicken stock between nursing sessions. From their eighth week onward, a German Shepherd should be weaned and start feeding on solid food with a special puppy feed. The best dog food for a German Shepherd puppy is breed specific, but this may not be available everywhere. In these cases, your veterinarian can create a proper food plan for your German Shepherd puppy. At this stage, milk must be removed from the puppy's diet as it could cause diarrhea. If by any chance your dog or puppy is suffering from a bad stomach, we recommend taking a look at our article on what to do if yourt dog has diarrhea. In addition, it is vital that puppies have constant access to clean fresh water. German Shepherd puppy diet: 2 months old At two months of age, you can start to slowly decrease the moistening of your German Shepherd's dry food. Eventually, the puppy will be used to eating the food completely dry. Following the German Shepherd puppy food chart, from 2 until 4 months old, a puppy will eat 4 or 5 times a day. This has to be carried out with one very important addition: discipline. A puppy needs to learn that it will not be fed constantly throughout the day, but at specific times. We start of by placing a bowl of food down for 10 minutes, this should give the puppy enough time to finish its meal. After 10 minutes, we suggest taking the bowl of food away, even if your puppy hasn't finished eating. A puppy's food bowl must only be available to the dog for 10 minutes. This 10 minutes should be enough time for the puppy to eat all of its provided food. As already mentioned, after 10 minutes, you should take the food bowl away, even if the puppy hasn't finished eating. This pattern will introduce the puppy's food schedule and allow it an opportunity to become accustomed to particular feeding times. Accepting and adapting to a diet plan is very important for a puppy's intellectual development. It also facilitates more complex and demanding training sessions. Food for German shepherd puppies should be higher in calories, fats, proteins and calcium than adult German Shepherd dog food. This is because puppies are still growing and developing and therefore need better nutrition. German Shepherd puppy diet: food plan after 4 months Between 4 and 6 months of age, the number of meals which we have detailed in our German Shepherd puppy food chart should be reduced to 3 a day. The food quantity should be increased and an extra margin of 2 minutes to eat should be provided. The packaging of quality commercial dog food will detail the appropriate suggested amount of food for the puppy, depending on its age and weight. If you have any doubts, consult your veterinarian. You should eventually start mixing fresh food, such as meat, fish or vegetables, with the commercial dry feed. Beware of forbidden foods for dogs. Some people ask about a raw diet for a German shepherd puppy, but we recommend these such foods should always be cooked and never given to a dog raw. Meanwhile, treats for dogs should only be used as positive reinforcement during their training and learning period, never as a food supplement. Under no circumstances should you give your German Shepherd, or any dog, human food leftovers. Human food contains salt, sugar and seasoning contents which are very harmful to a dog's health. In addition, if you do offer your dog your food, it will pester you during meals [1]. For more, take a look at some of the harmful effects of treating a dog like a human. German Shepherd puppy diet: after 6 months When your German Shepherd puppy reaches 6 months of age, its daily food intake should be reduced to twice a day. When we do this we can increase the food portions and eating time accordingly. Our German Shepherd diet chart below should be taken into account depending on the age, lifestyle and size of your German Shepherd puppy. After 6 months, you should give your German Shepherd puppy shatterproof bones, such as beef, to gnaw on. For more, take a look here for more about; Bones For Puppies. German shepherd puppy: Dog food and water bowl hygiene Your puppy's food and drink containers should always be clean. Hygiene is very important in order to prevent the appearance of insects. If you notice that your puppy has not eaten for three consecutive meals, consult your veterinarian immediately. This lack of appetite in a puppy could be caused by bowel obstruction and stomach pain; due to the ingestion of toxic food etc. Don't forget that puppies are very sensitive and fragile and if you ignoring any symptoms of disease, it can result in severe issues or even puppy fatality. German Shepherd care German Shepherd puppies should be socialized and trained to live with you from day one. These dogs are incredibly capable and have the ability, if trained properly, to learn tricks and perform activities [2]. In addition to the diet of a German Shepherd, don't forget the importance of preventative medicines, following the appropriate vaccination schedules and general German Shepherd dog care. For more information about your German shepherd, take a look at.Weaning GSD puppies usually begins around 3 - 4 weeks of age. Discover the online program that more than 57, dog owners have used to rapidly transform their dog into a well-behaved, obedient furry friend. A well thought out weaning plan will definitely help this process produce healthy and food independent puppies. However, if the litter is unusually large, you may wish to start weaning puppies a little earlier than normal in order to ensure that the bitch is not overly fatigued from feeding all her puppies. You want to begin weaning GSD puppies at the appropriate time but don't start too early. Easy indicators to watch for are when the pups begin showing an avid interest in the mother's food and when the mother starts showing an aversion to feeding the German Shepherd puppies, or stops feeding them for as long or as often as she did in the beginning. Usually this happens naturally at around weeks of age those puppy teeth are sharp - I don't blame her. If your bitch shows no interest in starting to wean her puppies on her own especially if she is a first time mom or an overly protective mom , help her begin the weaning process around this time. Weaning GSD puppies is a natural process that is necessary for both the mom and the puppies in future development. The process I will outline below assumes that you are not hand feeding an orphaned puppy as this is an entirely different undertaking in itself and that you are weaning a healthy litter of German Shepherd puppies, or another larger breed puppy - 1 or more in a litter. Weaning puppy food formulas vary from breeder to breeder but I will offer you here the formula I use whenever weaning my own German Shepherd puppies - a formula that has worked well for me and my puppies for several years now and has resulted in many healthy, happy German Shepherds puppies, and then later, GSD adults. It works in stages as I don't feed my babies the same thing the entire weaning process. Weaning Alsatian puppies occurs over a series of a few weeks from mothers milk to a porridge like food, and eventually to a solid, and dry food in my weaning plan. Stage 1. Here I use a mixture of vanilla or unflavored plain yogurt, warmed lightly puppies will not eat cold food at this time , with just a little bit of good quality puppy food thrown in. This must be mixed up well and mashed up enough so that all the solid puppy food is mixed in well. Remember, there should be no lumps in the mixture to make this as easy as possible for the puppies to lap up - make the consistency as close to a thin milk shake as you can. Remember also to keep it luke warm, but not too hot. Warm water may need to be added to achieve just the right consistency for lapping up by the puppies. A flat dish such as a pie pan or one of the "flying saucer" shaped puppy dishes is a good choice to place the food in so that all the puppies have an equal chance to get at the food. Since the puppies are used to suckling warm milk from their mother you may need to encourage each puppy individually to take this new food by placing some on the end of your finger and then allowing them to lick or suck it off. If the puppies resist this new food, and many may, just keep on trying. You may have to do this several times before the puppy gets the idea that this is food. Soon they will associate the smell of the food with eating and eat it with no help from you. Start cutting back on the mom's food just a bit as well during this time to help her milk start drying up. By the way, expect a mess. Once the weaning German Shepherd puppies are established on the porridge mixture, and are eating it readily, you can gradually swap them over to Step 2. Step Two. This food is simply fantastic and I also use it with my adults GSD's - especially in training. They simply love it. You can find it at Kroger, Publix, Petsmart and Petco. Mix this well and keep the mixture as creamy and slightly lumpy as possible in the beginning. As the puppies mature you can increase the amount of lumps in the food a bit with each 2nd step meal as long as the weaning GSD puppies can eat it easily and have no problems swallowing the new food. Remember you are working the weaning GSD puppies toward eating a meal of solid foods. This stage lasts about a week. Step three. I still give Bil-Jac for a while as well to give the weaning GSD puppies the best start possible however I eventually phase that out as well and work towards feeding the puppies a commercially available dry food only. This is my final goal in weaning GSD puppies - to get those German Shepherd puppies to happily eat dry puppy food only on a daily basis. As the German Shepherd puppies consume more and more solid foods, and as long as they are healthy, you should gradually increase the periods that your bitch spends away from her pups, so that by the time they are about 6 - 7 weeks of age she may be moved away from them completely. Remember that, during this weaning period, your bitch's intake of food should have been gradually reduced while the weaning GSD puppies new food intake has been increased to help her milk supply dry up gradually over time. Once your bitch is completely away from her GSD puppies, adding some chopped fresh parsley to your bitch's food may help to reduce the risk of mastitis if she is still producing milk. However if her milk production is excessive, and her mammary glands become red, hot or inflamed, do not hesitate to seek immediate veterinary treatment, as mastitis can build up very quickly and should be taken care of immediately and is considered a medical emergency. Please use the suggested feeding quantities on the bagged foods as a guideline only. The required amounts will vary with the age of the weaning GSD puppies, the individual breed and level of activity of each puppy. Also, ensure that a plentiful supply of fresh, clean water is available at all times to your weaning puppies and adult dogs as well. You want this transition from mothers milk to solid foods to be as stress free as possible for both the mother and puppies and a well thought out weaning plan will definitely help this process produce healthy and food independent German Shepherd Dog puppies. Bernard coming in through the cat door. Time Zones puppy feeding schedule and recomendation Prior to weaning our German shepherd puppies, they would have obtain most of their nutritional needs from their mother's milk. By the time our puppies are ready to move into their new home, they will be fully weaned on to solid foods. The puppy is then entirely dependent on his new owner, to provide a fully balanced diet that will meet all of his nutritional requirements. All puppies thrive on the same basic nutrients as adult dogs, but due to their rapid growth rate, these nutrients are needed in proportionately larger quantities. Similar to human babies, puppies have small stomachs, so they need to be fed little portions but often. German shepherd puppies grow very rapidly in the early stages of their development. A German shepherd dog will reach about half their adult weight by five or six months of age. However, there is a wide variation in adult body weight between different breeds, and dogs mature at different rates, since this article is focus on the German shepherd puppy, we will focus at that. German shepherd puppies, in particular, which are most affected by the feeding regimen - as they are growing rapidly, these puppies are prone to disturbances in their skeletal development. It is unwise to overfeed such dogs at this stage in an attempt to obtain the maximum possible rate of growth. A puppy needs between two and four times as much energy as an adult of the same size - growing is an energetic business! They must have more protein than adults - this must contain all the right building blocks of the protein amino acids for growth, and they need just the right amount of minerals for healthy bones and teeth. Puppies therefore have to eat large amounts of food in relation to their body weight, but their stomachs have only a small capacity. To compensate for this, a puppy needs to be fed several small meals a day. It also helps if his diet is designed to meet a number of useful criteria: the food should be concentrated to ensure an adequate intake of nutrients before his stomach is full; The food should be easily digested to maximize its nutritive value; the diet must be balanced to provide the right amount of nutrients to meet the puppy's particular needs; and it should also be tasty so that he will eat it. Devising an acceptable nutritionally balanced diet for growth is thus a very complex exercise. Fortunately, feeding your puppy need not be as complicated as it sounds. Diets, which are specially formulated for growth, take all the guesswork out of rearing a healthy puppy and provide a balanced and concentrated diet, which he will enjoy and thrive. For a normal, healthy German shepherd puppy there is no need to use supplements. In some ways this could be harmful. If you do decide to use a supplement please consult your veterinarian. The feeding schedule of your puppy will depend greatly on his age and individual characteristics, until they are about four months old. Feeding can then be reduced to two times a day until six months of age. You can offer your puppy his daily food allowance in two separate meals. You can feed an adult diet from 14 months of age Since all puppies are individuals, some may need more and some less than the indicated amounts. Your puppy's condition is the best guide of whether you are feeding the correct amount. By recording his weight on a regular basis you will be able to check his growing at a healthy rate, appropriate to his breed. You can then make adjustments to avoid him becoming under - or overweight. Generally, a puppy should be allowed 10 to 15 minutes to eat at each mealtime. After then discard any uneaten food. Your puppy should have his own feeding and water bowls and should be kept clean, separate from the family's dishes. Provide fresh water daily If you notice that your puppy is excessively thirsty and often, you should consult your veterinarian. Note: When puppies come from a kennel environment "outside living", to a family house, most often they will show signs of panting and thirst. This is normal because they will be hot with-in. In few days they should adjust in being indoors. The "puppy" feeding schedule is a guideline for our German shepherd puppies. A puppy should be kept lean during 4 to 8 months of age rapid growth phase , BUT they should not appear thin. You should be able to feel the rib cage and the back bone, but not see them. Looking down on the dog, there should be a slight indentation between the end of the rib cage and the hip bones. If you have questions or comments that you would like to share, please EMAIL US Please do not use our website to attempt to diagnose or treat your pet. The consultation with your veterinarian is the best source of health advice for your individual pet. You should not rely, on the veterinary advice or any other information provided on this site for the diagnosis or treatment of any specific condition. You should always consult your own veterinarian for specific advice concerning the medical condition or general treatment of your pet. The best food for German Shepherd puppies in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to German Shepherd breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. Before the four month mark, it is advised to include some dry food in their diet. You can do this in a few simple steps: Mix some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed your German Shepherd puppy as they get older. With this rapid growth can come some risks. German Shepherds are susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia, that can start in puppyhood. They will be very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen between 12 and 24 months of age. This is because, being a larger breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. Remember that the more active the pup, the more food they require. While following feeding guidelines is important to avoid over and underfeeding, you can adjust the amounts of food you provide to your dog based on level of activity. If you are unsure, it is always best to ask your vet for guidance. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your German Shepherd puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. For puppies, this amount will often be two of three times higher, as they are more active and growing quickly. German Shepherd puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, German Shepherd puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. However, they can also be at risk of gastric dilatation or volvulus, or GDV. Certain dog breeds can be more susceptible to GDV; particularly deep chested breeds including German Shepherds. GDV can occur when a dog bloats a few hours after eating a meal. Though the exact causes of GDV are not known, grains and cereals are suspected to be contributors. The amount of food you give your German Shepherd is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult German Shepherds, between 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female German Shepherds, which tend to be about 8 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, and 1, per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your German Shepherd based on how calorically dense their food is. German Shepherds should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs who are at risk of GDV may benefit from exercise after eating, to aid with digestion. You should also try to give your German Shepherd a high quality food that is specially designed for larger or working breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. German Shepherds can be particularly susceptible to skin disease or allergies, including canine atopic dermatitis, bacterial skin infections, flea allergy dermatitis, forms of contact dermatitis, or scabies. If your dog develops a skin issue, it is often a sign that they may be suffering from a form of food sensitivity. If you are unsure about what you should feed your German Shepherd, you should always consult your vet as they will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any allergies or chronic health issues: creating a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for years to come. Part of figuring out what you should feed your German Shepherd includes deciding between wet, dry, or a raw food diet. Wet food for German Shepherds is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. A raw diet can be a good option for your German Shepherd as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your German Shepherd, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. The amount of food you feed your dog should be determined by their activity levels, age, weight, breed, and size. Any meals prepared for your dog need to contain the right balance of nutrients. You should also be extra careful not to introduce your dog to foods that are harmful to their health. While we might enjoy the taste of nuts, artificial sweeteners, alcohol and onions, these can be toxic for dogs and can cause serious illness and even death. German Shepherds in particular need plenty of exercise as they are a large working breed with a lot of energy. No matter how old your German Shepherd is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.