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Life Span Did You Know? The American Bulldog is a descendant of a generic bulldog type of dog breed brought into the region that is now the Southern United States by working-class immigrants many years ago. These were all-around working dogs used by small farmers and ranchers for several tasks around the farm. They were often found working as catch dogs, stock dogs, and overall farm guardians. When feral pigs were introduced to the New World, they had no natural predators and the population quickly grew out of control. In addition to their farm duties, the settlers found the bulldog-type dog to be the best solution they had for dealing with it. So, the bulldog continued to thrive, especially in the South. Johnson and Alan Scott that we have what we know today as the American Bulldog. Modern American Bulldogs can still be found working as all-around utility dogs, farm dogs, catch dogs, cattle drovers, and more. They can also be found competing in dog sports, working as a guardian, police, or military dog, and are also popular as a family pet. This dog breed is a sweetheart with a gentle, fun-loving nature. The American Bulldog is affectionate and adores their families. They also love children and tend to be good with other animals. American Bulldogs can have a high prey drive, so you will want to make sure you introduce and socialize them properly with other small animals in the household. Due to their protective nature, they can be aloof towards strangers and strange dogs, especially when they are younger. Early socialization can help them be more comfortable navigating their guardian instincts. Overall, this dog breed tends to be confident, social, and are most at ease and relaxed when they are with the people they love. American Bulldogs are an emotional dog breed and thrives on human attention and affection, so they tend to bond strongly with their owners and may come across as clingy sometimes. They will also often convince themselves that they are lap dogs regardless of their size, so make sure you are ready for a lot of love and cuddles with your American Bulldog, drool and all! The American Bulldog is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They are strong, high-energy working dogs that love being around their favorite humans. This makes them better suited to larger homes with space for them to run. They are not generally a good fit for apartment living, but they can adapt as long as they get more than enough exercise and attention. Because they do tend to bond strongly with their owners and want to be near them, they do not tend to do well with long periods of time alone. As with any dog breed, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold, but can adapt to well to most climates. There are some health issues that can be found in specific genetic lines and are not common to the breed overall, but these can be ruled out with genetic tests. Some potential health conditions to be aware of in general with the American Bulldog include hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, thyroid disorders, kidney disorders, bone cancer, and eye-related issues like ectropion, entropion, and cherry eye. Talking to the breeder about the genetic history of the parents and asking to see any health clearances can help allay potential concerns. American Bulldogs are highly trainable and eager to please, so they are a good fit for owners of any experience level, including first-time dog owners. They can have a stubborn streak, so a first-time dog owner may want to consider enrolling in puppy training classes. As with any dog breed, early and ongoing training and socialization are important for your American Bulldog puppy to grow into a well-rounded, and a well-behaved, dog. This dog breed has a short coat that is generally smooth. Common coat colors are white and predominately white with patches of brindle, black, or red. More coat color patterns are emerging and becoming more common like all shades of brindle, fawn, brown, red, and more. The American Bulldog is relatively low maintenance and easy to groom and they are light to moderate shedders. They only require a bath as needed. But, you will need to be prepared to deal with some extra drool! Floppy ears tend to trap moisture and dirt, which can lead to ear infections. The ideal dental care for dogs is using an enzyme toothpaste or brushing their teeth every day. Dental hygiene chews or treats, a specially-formulated dental care diet, and more can be used to supplement your dental care efforts. The American Bulldog is an athletic and high-energy dog breed. They love daily walks and plenty of playtime outside. They may even enjoy plenty of other activities with you like swimming, hiking , and more. With their working dog background, this dog breed does need a job to do in order to stay happy and healthy. They also tend to be a good candidate for dog sports like obedience, weight pulling, the Iron Dog competition, and more. A fully-grown American Bulldog usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs between pounds. An American Bulldog generally lives for years. Chance, one of the canine stars from the Homeward Bound films, was an American Bulldog. Featured American Bulldog Article. She is 6 months old. She is fun, and energetic. She like cuddling under a blanket. She is some what trained. She dose not have any health condition none that we know of. She is a blue American bulldog. We want to find a good home for her who can take good care of her. There are 4 boys and 6 girls. Both have champion bloodlines. These pups have been raised around kids and other animals and have been started on the potty training process and doing great! They are UTD on shots and worming and almost ready to meet their forever family. Email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx. My dogs need a new home. Parents are health tested. Puppies will come well socialized, vet checked, mircochipped, ABRA limited registration, up to date on vaccines, and a1 year health guarantee. Puppies will be 8 weeks April 8, and will be ready for their new homes. Puppy nanny is available at buyers expense. Visit our website for more information. Lines untouched all the way back to Johnson kennels in Atlanta. Pups come fully registered, vaccinated, micro-chipped, wormed Biweekly with papers to prove, comes with puppy pack and 18 months health guarantee including hip dysplasia. Visit our website Dukes american bulldogs for more info. They are 12 weeks old,papered, current on shots, dewormed and kennel trained. Raised around kids and other dogs. Sweet American Bulldog puppies for sale. Contact me for more details and some lovely pictures via 2 twe x zero x eight x five x four x nine x nine x four x three 6 six guerreroadrianne at gmail com View Detail Locations Where American Bulldog Puppies are Available in Utah. It is agile on its feet and its chest is wide and somewhat deep. The neck is muscular and tapers from the shoulders to the head. The muzzle and head are square, large and broad with muscular cheeks. There is a defined furrow between their rounded eyes, with a distinct, sharply defined, deep stop. The compact frame of the American Bulldog remains higher on the leg, more agile and swifter than its English counterpart. Some individual dogs are reportedly able to leap six or more feet into the air. Discover more about our American Bulldog puppies for sale below. American Bulldog puppies should have a reverse scissors bite, but a moderate underbite, scissors, or even bite are acceptable. A variety of ear types are acceptable including cropped, rose, half-pricked and forward flap. Their eyes are most often brown but can come in any color. They sometimes have split eyes, where one eye is brown and the other eye is blue. The nose is black, red, brown or grizzle. The lips should be full but not too loose. The front legs are heavy-boned, strong and straight. The hindquarters should be very broad and thick with well-defined muscles. The tail is low-set, begins thick at the base, and tapers to a point. Males are characteristically stockier and heavier boned than the more refined females. The head is large with strong jaws. Agile and light on his feet, the chest is wide and moderately deep, giving the sense of athletic ability and power. Disposition The American Bulldog is loyal, reliable, brave and determined. Not a hostile dog. Alert and self-confident, this breed genuinely loves children. It is known for its acts of heroism toward its master. It has strong protective instincts and needs a firm, confident, consistent pack leader. Well-socialize and obedience train them at an early age, to prevent them from becoming reserved with strangers. Without that strong-minded pack leader who can tell the dog what is expected of it, it may be aggressive with other dogs. They need to be around people and know their place in their pack to be truly happy. This breed tends to drool and slobber. Without enough daily mental and physical exercise they will become high strung and may become hard to handle. Living Conditions American Bulldog puppies will do okay in an apartment if sufficiently exercised. They are relatively inactive indoors and will do best with at least an average-sized yard. Grooming The short, harsh coat is easy to groom. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. This breed is an average shedder. American Bulldog Origin The original American Bulldogs were not only used in the sport of bull-baiting but also by small farmers and ranchers who used them as all-around working dogs for many tasks including as guards and for hunting bear, wild boar, raccoon, and squirrel. The American version of the Bulldog has longer legs, is faster and has better agility than the English show dog. Thanks to the efforts of John D. Johnson of Summerville, Georgia, the American Bulldog exists today. He decided to gather the best specimens he could find from all across the rural South in an effort to bring the American Bulldog back from the brink of extinction. Johnson has been breeding these dogs longer than anyone else in the world, and his father bred them before him. He is the sole reason they exist today. If it were not for his efforts they would be extinct. See store for details on a particular puppy. American Pet Registry, Inc.

View All Articles in Surviving Puppyhood Now, this is not to say that gentle mouthing as a form of play is totally out of the question. But any hard biting or overly enthusiastic play should be discouraged. Your goal as the owner is to make it so play biting is never initiated by your puppy, and that you are able to stop the biting on command. They are meant to cause pain to the victim, which provides feedback to the puppy to help him learn to soften his bite. For example, every now and then an infant puppy might bite his littermate too hard. The victim will yelp and usually stop playing after a painful bite. The biter is taken aback by the yelp and also stops playing for a moment. This is how puppies naturally learn to control the intensity of their bites so no one gets hurt and the game can continue. However, this training must continue with you, the owner. This is to say that if a puppy can learn how to be gentle with other puppies, he can learn the same lesson from you. As such, the first and most important goal is to help your puppy understand that people have very sensitive skin, so he must be very gentle when using his mouth. The first step in how to stop a puppy from biting is teaching bite inhibition. As a result, he may unknowingly bite too hard. This is another reason why it is extremely important to teach bite inhibition. Bite Inhibition Procedure Here are some steps to take to properly teach bite inhibition: When your puppy is calm, begin playing with him and let him put your hand in his mouth. Praise him when he bites softly or gently. The yelp should startle your puppy and cause him to stop biting you. Praise your puppy for stopping or for licking you. Resume playing. If your puppy bites you hard again, yelp again. Repeat these steps no more than three times within a minute period. Time-outs are often very effective in helping him understand gentle play, and thus very effective in how to stop a puppy from biting. Time-Out Procedure When your puppy bites too hard, yelp loudly. When he startles and releases the bite, remove your hand. Ignore him for 10 to 20 seconds. Or, if he starts biting you again, get up and walk away for 10 to 20 seconds. After this short time-out, encourage your puppy to play with you again. Play with your puppy until he bites hard again. When he does, repeat the procedure above. Alternatively: No Yelp Procedure Puppies put everything into their mouths the way that young babies do. But many professional dog trainers say that the worst thing you can do is to draw attention to this instinctive behavior by reacting to it in any way whatsoever. The way I teach bite inhibition is to instruct puppy owners to withdraw attention when the puppy bites too hard. Effective punishment, by definition, inhibits the behavior that is punished. Yelping to imitate littermates may actually stimulate some puppies and is not recommended by veterinary behavior experts. You can do this in the following ways: When your puppy tries to bite you, redirect his attention to a toy, bone, or chew toy. If petting your puppy triggers him to bite, distract him from biting by giving him treats from your other hand. This will help your puppy get used to being touched without biting. Encourage play in the form of games such as fetch and tug-of-war, instead of wrestling and rough play with your hands. Once your puppy understands these games, keep a tug rope or similar toy with you. If he starts to bite you, you can immediately substitute your hand with the toy. Over time, your puppy will start seeking toys when he feels like biting. Recommended Puppy Tug Toys and Chews Antlers, bully sticks, and rawhides are not recommended for young puppies as they can cause choking. Antlers in particular are also quite hard and can cause tooth damage, and can split into sharp shards and cause serious issues. Here are some safe highly-rated tug and chew toys we recommend for puppies: Best Chews for Puppies Another great option is to give your puppy a frozen wet rag, frozen carrots, or frozen bananas. The cold helps tremendously with teething pain, which is typically the cause of puppy biting and chewing. If your puppy bites at your feet and ankles, the same Redirect procedure applies. Carry his favorite tug toy with you at all times. Whenever he starts going for your feet, immediately stop walking or moving your feet. Once he stops, immediately praise him and get a toy to reward him. When he grabs the toy, you can start moving again. Repeat these steps until your puppy becomes used to your movements, and until he stops going for your feet or ankles. Lean toward him, make eye contact, and be dramatic. Say it loud enough to make him back away, but try not to frighten him. Repeat these steps, gradually increasing the time your puppy has to wait for his treat. Once he learns to back away from food by voice command, add in a hand gesture so he can begin to associate that with the command. Eventually, you will want to practice using only the hand gesture. You will also want to eventually repeat the exercise when your puppy is in a more excited mood. Work toward the goal of your puppy not taking food or touching your hand. Practice this exercise with your puppy every day to achieve this goal. Here are some methods to get him to that goal. But instead of yelping at just the hard bites, yelp and stop playing in response to moderately hard bites. Eventually, the moderately hard bites will stop, and then you can repeat the procedure for his next-hardest bites, and so on. Keep repeating this procedure until your puppy can play with your hands very gently, and can consciously control his bite force so that you feel little to no pressure. Further Your Time-Out Training Instead of giving your puppy time-outs for hard biting, start giving him time-outs every time his teeth touch you. Immediately walk away and ignore him for 30 to 60 seconds. If he follows you or continues to bite you, leave the room for 30 to 60 seconds. After the time-out, return to the room calmly and resume playing with your puppy. Before interacting with your puppy, spray the anti-chew spray on areas of your body that he likes to bite. You may spray it on clothing, as well. If he starts mouthing or biting you, stop moving and wait for him to react to the bad taste of the spray. Praise him when he releases his mouth from you. Apply the anti-chew spray to your body consistently for at least two weeks. He should quickly learn to stop biting you altogether after suffering the bitter taste every time he mouths you. Play builds a strong bond between a dog and his humans. The goal is to teach your puppy to play gently rather than not at all. Tip 2: Frequently provide your puppy with plenty of new and interesting toys. These will allow him to focus on those instead of focusing on his urge to bite you. Tip 3: Likewise, make sure your puppy has plenty of opportunities to play and socialize with other puppies and dogs. Tip 4: Always reward the desirable behavior. Tip 6: Avoid games like tug-of-war if your puppy becomes too excited, aggressive, or out of control. These types of games should only be allowed when you have initiated them, and when you can quickly stop the game on command. Tip 7: Avoid jerking your hands or feet away from your puppy when he bites. This will entice him to lunge and bite at you even more. Tip 8: If your puppy is constantly using biting as a demand for attention, or if he is becoming overly enthusiastic while he plays, then he is probably not getting enough stimulation. Consider giving him extra time to play, train, and exercise. Also give him more outlets for chewing. These will increase his stimulation and lessen his desire to bite for attention. Biting can be immediately stopped with a quick, gentle tug on the leash, with tension being released as soon as he settles down. Tip Hitting puppies for playful biting can have an opposite affect and can cause them to play and bite more aggressively. Physical punishment can also make your puppy afraid of you, and it can cause real, serious aggression. Tip Be patient and understanding. Playful biting is normal behavior for puppies. By the time puppies are around eight months old, they should have all of their adult teeth. At this time, teething should stop, although some dogs will continue to chew and bite until they are one year old. If you draw attention to it, the puppy becomes aware of it and it becomes a habit and a technique the puppy can use to get your attention — because even negative attention is better than none at all. Please see our article, Finding Professional Behavior Help , to locate one of these professionals in your area. Both adult and puppy Bernedoodles are known to be chewers, and chew up lots of different items. Because Bernedoodles are very smart however, it can be possible to identify the cause of the Bernedoodle chewing and redirect the behaviour. It just takes a little patience! Bernedoodles have a strong set of teeth and are incredibly intelligent. They also have a tendency to be a little strong willed and even stubborn. If a situation arises where a Bernedoodle develops a liking for chewing — it can be difficult to get them to stop. At what age will Bernedoodles chew? Bernedoodles are most likely to chew when they are a puppy. Specially around the time of teething. A Bernedoodle will have 28 puppy teeth that will fall out and be replaced with 42 adult dog teeth. During the teething time we need to be particularly careful about how much our Bernedoodle chews. Puppies that are teething are known to enjoy marathon chew sessions, and engage in fairly destructive chewing behaviours. The typical age for a Bernedoodle to lose its puppy teeth and likely develop a fondness for chewing is around month of age. Most puppy teeth are completely gone by the 7 month mark. If any baby teeth have NOT fallen out by then — it can be what is known as a retained tooth. The baby tooth will stay there and can trap food and risks fracturing. Many Bernedoodle owners who notice a retained puppy tooth have their Veterinarian extract the tooth to prevent problems. Tips for reducing destructive Bernedoodle chewing during teething It can be difficult almost impossible to eliminate chewing during Bernedoodle puppy teething. The puppy is young — and the process is uncomfortable! Giving a dog some appropriately sized frozen carrot , or an IceCube to chew on is a great solution A frozen treat like a Kong treat packed Kong-tail cocktail! A Kong or heavy duty chew is better than a rope toy or cheap chewing stick. Are Adult Bernedoodles Chewers? Yes, adult Bernedoodles are sometimes known for a fair tendency to chew things. All dogs chew, and much the time there are simple things we can do to stop the problem from becoming significant. Dogs use their mouths as a way to explore the world. They sniff, they lick, and they chew. The key to stopping an adult Bernedoodle from chewing everything is to correctly identify which causes are the trigger of the chew. They inherit the love for the cold form the Bernese Mountain Dog — a breed originating in the Swiss mountains. Photo Bernedoodle Dog [ CC BY-SA ] The most common core reasons that a Bernedoodle will chew are They are quite simply bored They are hungry There is separation anxiety They want attention They were not taught as a puppy what is okay to chew and what chewing is bad There are two extra chewing reasons to consider too — chewing as an expression of a medical problem, and chewing just because. Chewing due to a medical condition Sometimes a dog will chew to distract itself from pain or discomfort. The medical condition could manifest with sore teeth like gum disease or some kidney conditions or it could be a whole body illness. Dogs can chew aggressively when they feel unwell. They are trying to distract themselves! This is why any rapid onset of chewing behaviour that is very intense and has no other obvious cause — needs a trip to the Veterinarian. Better to be safe than sorry. Grooming a Bernedoodle? Check out the best brushes for the epic tri-color Bernedoodle coat. A bored Bernedoodle will chew Bernedoodles are both intelligent and also energetic. Sure some Bernedoodles like to lounge around and many sleep a great deal — but there will be bursts of activity from these dogs. It is important to exercise both the body AND mind of a Bernedoodle to help reduce the risk of them engaging in destructive behaviours. Problem barking in Bernedoodles is also commonly caused by the same situation. Too much extra mental or physical energy converting into furniture and clothing torn to shreds. Go up in small increment even as little as 5 minutes until you see a reduction in the destructive chewing behavior. The other tack to consider is that of entailing enriching and tiring the mind of your Bernedoodle. These dogs are whip smart and have plenty of mental energy. Giving them a challenge, puzzle or interaction helps tire them out. Simple brain games like a muffin tin game or scent work can burn a great deal of mental energy. The more tired the dog, the happier the dog and the less likely that destructive chewing will occur. Simple nosework or scent training tired dogs of all sizes out. And the get treats! Here is a list of 35 indoor dog games and activitie s that you could consider to help train the brain and tire your active Bernedoodle. Chewing due to hunger Sometimes a Bernedoodle will get hungry and chew. It will chew things that are not food, it will chew… pretty much anything it can get its hands on! We need to control the total daily intake of calories. Pet obesity carries significant health risks with it. A simple way around is to use a slow feeder, or freeze a stuffed Kong. Our favourite dry kibble slow feeder is below, or you could check out out list of the best stuffed frozen Kong recipes to drive your dog bonkers with excitement. Our Fun Feeder Slo Bowls both challenge and engage your dog during mealtime.These bowls are great for dry, wet, or raw food diets. Less work for you means more pup playtime after! We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you. Simple reducing the types of things a dog will chew and destroy in its environment is a no brainer. Bernedoodle chews towels? Bernedoodle chew cords! Very dangerous, cover them with tape or a heavy mat Bernedoodle chews socks? Put the washing away! I know this is very simple and sounds condescending — but we just gotta live simple and clean around a Bernedoodle. No Bernedoodle review is complete without paying homage to the beautiful Bernese Mountain Dog parent breed. When you are home — we use short sharp LOUD noises to reprimand chewing in these areas. UH UH! The problem is… we are not always home. When we are away from home the only options we have are to isolate the Bernedoodle from the item they are destroying — OR coat it in a distasteful solution that makes them want to chew less. Some people use a vinegar or lemon juice solution — but many owners find their Bernedoodle develops almost a fondness for the taste. Not ideal! The majority of dogs will be less enthusiastic or even stop chewing completely when encountering the sour taste of bitter apple spray. Puppy Teething Explained Have you recently welcomed a new puppy into your home, or do you plan to include a furry addition in your family? But do puppies have baby teeth and adult teeth like humans do? When do puppies start to lose their teeth, and what should you know about their teething process? But one thing remains consistent across almost every dog: They have 28 baby teeth that eventually get replaced by 42 adult teeth. Which means the time it takes for puppies to stop teething can vary. For the first few weeks of life, a newborn puppy suckles milk from the mother or is fed by a bottle or a syringe. The incisors the front teeth used for cutting are usually the first teeth to appear, followed by the canine teeth the longer, fang-like teeth near the front of the mouth and premolars. Your dog will still be nursing at this stage. The permanent teeth start appearing as soon as the baby teeth start to fall out. Typically, the canines are the last to fall out, but this happens around six months of age. The adult teeth appear in the same order as the baby teeth — the incisors first, then the canine teeth, then the premolars, then the molars at the back of the mouth. Again, your adult dog should have 42 teeth in total. That pesky baby tooth might need to be removed before it causes trouble in the mouth. Caring for Your Teething Puppy The teething process is very natural and generally happens without you or your fur baby stepping in. As long as you let your veterinarian know if your puppy seems in pain or if you see something amiss in the mouth, your pup should get through this stage just fine. Make sure to: Provide Appropriate Chew Toys This lets your dog teethe on safe toys to relieve some of the discomfort associated with teething. Use caution, because a nipping puppy can hurt you with the remaining baby teeth. If you see an adult tooth coming in at the same spot as a baby tooth but not pushing the baby tooth out, tell your veterinarian. The teeth have long roots leading into the gums, and you could break those roots, causing bleeding and potential infection. Let the process happen naturally, and talk to your vet if you have concerns. Regular tooth brushing will help their teeth avoid plaque and tartar build-up, and it can prevent periodontal disease and other serious oral health problems. First, pick up a pet toothbrush and pet toothpaste. A toothpaste made for humans is unsafe for Fido, because it may be made with xylitol and lead to vomiting, diarrhea , and other serious problems if your dog swallows too much. Allow your dog to get used to the taste and smell of the paste, and then dab a bit on your brush. Work your way around the entire mouth in stages, offering your dog treats as you go to keep them interested. You can also give your dog dental treats or dental chews designed to help your dog work away plaque and tartar on the tooth surfaces while chewing on them. Your puppy starts to lose those baby teeth around 12 to 16 weeks of age as the permanent teeth grow in and replace them. By the time your dog is about 6 months old, he or she should have all 48 adult teeth. Provide plenty of chew toys during the teething process, keep an eye on their mouth, and let your vet know if anything seems off. Are Bernedoodles Aggressive? Why do Dogs Chew? Dogs explore the world around them by using their mouths and this is an in-built instinct. Sometimes this instinct turns into something more destructive though. Puppies will chew to ease their teething pains, this may be on their own toys but they may also find other objects which help their teeth. A bored dog is likely to turn to chewing as a form of entertainment. Or it may be that you have an anxious dog, who struggles to be home alone. It may even be an indication of their diet lacking balance. Chewing often comes about as a reaction to their environment and certain triggers. It is very common for Poodle puppies to chew and mouth on any objects they can find. As puppies, the Bernese Mountain Dog will chew to help with the pain as their teeth come through. This breed of dog is renowned for its sociable nature so it is possible they will resort to chewing objects if left alone much. Bernedoodles and Teething Your Bernedoodle is very likely to chew as a young puppy, both as they explore the big world around them and as they begin teething. There are ways you can support your puppy through this stage making it a more positive and less stressful experience. Leave out accessible, age-appropriate teething toys for your puppy and remove anything you do not want to be used as one! You could freeze some carrots for your puppy — they will relish the coolness on their sore gums. Take away anything that could be harmful to your puppy while they are in this stage of development. Some foods are not safe for your Bernedoodle to chew. Apple seeds, avocados, garlic, grapes, and onions are just a few examples of food items that are poisonous to dogs. It is really important to make sure any food you give your dog is safe to do so. If you come home and worry your dog has eaten something harmful you need to ring your vets for advice immediately. Tips for your teething puppy Will Bernedoodles Chew as Adults? Bernedoodles are an active breed so if they do not get as much exercise as they need then they may turn to more destructive traits such as chewing. They also prefer to be in the company of others and may chew out of loneliness or anxiety when left alone. It may also be indicative of their food missing an important nutrient and this is well worth exploring further. Firstly, check your dog is on the right daily quantity of food for their weight and also choose a decent brand of dog food that contains all the nutrients they need to grow. It is important to research how much exercise your dog can have from puppyhood through to adult-hood. As well as physical exercise, mental exercise can be just as valuable. With a body and mind that is well stimulated your dog will not feel the urge to chew. Mental stimulation could include teaching them new tricks or learning new rules. For instance, take some plastic cups and place some cheese cubes under a few of them. Watch your dog sniff each one and learn to find what is underneath. Edible chews can be useful, but these should be supervised. Giving your dog household objects to play with will confuse them. It may be tempting to let them play with your old slipper, but then how do they know they cannot play with the newer ones? Dogs like humans need good clear rules to help them understand what is acceptable behavior. Confusing and mixed messages will lead to your dog not being clear on the rules and as a result breaking them. Exercise is so important Training at Home and Obedience Classes Every animal needs its safe space — a place that is theirs and provides them with reassurance. Bernedoodles can be anxious when they are left in the house on their own. Crate training your Bernedoodle from when they are a puppy can be so beneficial. When a dog grows up with a crate they will recognize this as theirs. During the teething stage, puppies can be put in these for short periods of time along with their chew toys so that they associate their crate with the chewing behavior. As they grow, their need for their safe space will intensify as they develop fears and anxieties. Obedience training classes can offer a more specialized approach to deterring chewing behavior in the home. Just a few lessons may be enough to give you the tools and confidence you need to tackle any chewing problems. When your dog is chewing successfully on the chew toy, give them lots of praise and affection. From this point on whenever you notice your Bernedoode choosing a chew toy, you should offer them praise. Moving forwards this will help them make better chewing choices. Anti Chew Products Available on the Market You can buy spray deterrents that are aimed at dogs that chew. I would always err on the side of caution in buying shop-bought products. Instead, why not use a homemade deterrent — that way you know exactly what it contains. A few products that are popular include vinegar, citrus smells, hot or spicy smells. It is important to ask your vet before using any deterrents and they may be able to recommend some. Both the Poodle and Bernese Mountain Dogs are high energy so it is highly probable your Bernedoodle will be too. There will be varying degrees of energy levels that depend on the size of your Bernedoodle. Bernedoodles are not aggressive dogs but as always their temperament will depend on their environment. They are loyal, clever and sociable dogs and are great in a family environment. They are a popular choice of dog due to their loveable personalities. Milk teeth Puppy teeth Their first set of teeth includes twenty-eight teeth while their more permanent adult set of teeth will contain forty-two. All dogs are born without any visible teeth in their mouth. Around three weeks of age, most Bernedoodle puppies will start to show their first signs of teething with these puppy teeth erupting through the gums. By six weeks, all of the primary teeth should be fully erupted. In humans, adult teeth do not start erupting for several years. Puppies, on the other hand, go through the teething process relatively quickly. Three to four months into their life, most puppies will start to lose their baby teeth. The incisors are often the first ones to go and to be replaced with their permanent counterparts. Your puppy should have lost all of its deciduous teeth by the time it is six to seven months old. At this stage, your puppy is already developing the buds for its permanent teeth within the jaw. These developing buds press against the baby teeth and cause them to resorb into the jaw. This allows the crown of the tooth to fall out. Most of the time, your puppy will swallow them which is perfectly normal and okay. Because most puppies are bound to swallow their baby teeth, how will you know when they are teething? The good news is that there are a few telltale signs that your dog is going through this phase of his development. Unfortunately, they are not great side effects for you as a pet owner. The first symptom of teething is relatively benign. Your puppy may begin to drool more frequently or regularly as their adult teeth are coming in. If this is your only indicator that your puppy is teething, then you are quite lucky! Another sign that they may be experiencing some discomfort is if they decline to eat. They may still eat their meals, but they could take it slower than usual. If your dog typically inhales his food, a slower pace could be a sign that he is experiencing some pain in his gums. They may even be more irritable with you as a result of their discomfort. A happy-go-lucky dog may seem a bit off kilter when those adult teeth are coming through the gums. However, most people recognize that their puppy is teething based on the amount of chewing that they are doing. Most dogs who are teething will want to chew on hard objects for a long period of time. They will chew just about anything that you set in front of them, so it is essential that you give them something appropriate to chew on. Never allow them to chew on things that you will deem unacceptable later on such as shoes, clothing, towels, or furniture items. It can be confusing to your puppy if they are allowed to chew on something now but are forbidden from doing so in the future. Every puppy has their deciduous teeth, but some dogs have a hard time losing these primary teeth. If you see a permanent adult tooth growing in the same spot as a baby tooth, it might be time to have it evaluated by a veterinarian. At this point, it is known as a persistent tooth and it can cause major problems. If the baby tooth does not come out, it is taking the place where the adult tooth should be. This forces the permanent adult tooth to come in somewhere abnormal. This can lead to crowding issues as well as an irregular bite. Other issues include: Trapped food and debris between teeth Accumulation of food debris and plaque Tartar deposits Periodontitis Pain or infection Persistent puppy teeth are most commonly found in the upper canines and lower canines followed by the incisors. However, any deciduous teeth can indeed become persistent teeth that refuse to move out of the way for permanent teeth. Notify your veterinarian right away if you suspect that your Bernedoodle might have a persistent tooth. It will likely require extraction so that the adult tooth can move into its proper location in the mouth. If it is taken care of quickly, the adult tooth can still come in as usual, and many of the secondary problems can be resolved. Many new dog owners prefer to wait for the extraction until they decide to spay or neuter their pet. It is best to get this taken care of as quickly as possible. How to Reduce Destructive Chewing The truth is that your puppy is going to lose its baby teeth eventually. The best thing you can do as a dutiful owner is to prepare for this stage adequately. Understand that your new Bernedoodle is going to want something to chew on with those razor-sharp baby teeth. There are a few tips and tricks you can use to reduce the amount of destructive chewing that your dog engages in. Once you have accepted that this is just a normal stage of development, you can move on to more practical solutions. Finding appropriate things for your dog to chew on is of the utmost importance. You might have appropriate things that can help around your house already. Frozen treats are a great way to let your new puppy wear out those jaws. You can give them ice cubes straight from the freezer or frozen treats like carrots. Keep in mind that ice cubes can cause damage to the teeth, so these should be given sparingly. It is better to use some of the other types of toys available. If you have a Kong ball, you can pack it full of goodies and then pop it in the freezer for later. Toys like this are great to give your dog when you need them to have some independent time. They can be great to leave with your dog when they are home alone so that they have fewer temptations to chew up your furniture, shoes, and other personal items. Keep in mind that you want to give them treats that are going to stand up to their puppy teeth. Look for heavy duty items like those made by Kong. Alternatively, you can also look for heavy duty chews instead of the cheaper rawhides. Remember that feeding your dog bones is never a good idea. Even if they are cooked, it can lead to other major health issues. Chewing on bones can damage the teeth, but it can also be bad for their health. If they ingest the broken pieces as many puppies will do , bone shards can also cause intestinal damage. Related Questions When do Bernedoodles stop biting? Biting is a common behavior seen among puppies, particularly those who are teething. Most biting behavior calms down around the one-year mark for puppies. This is the time where your dog may start to settle down some and stop playing so roughly. At what age do Bernedoodles stop growing? Most dogs will lose their puppy teeth around the seven-month mark, but they are not done growing just yet. You can anticipate that your Bernedoodle will continue to grow until they are about one to two years old. They often reach their full height within a year, but it can take an additional year for them to fill out to reach their ideal adult weight. May 26, Table of Contents So you decided on a Bernedoodle for your family. They are really good dogs and amazing companions that like nothing more than to spend time with their family — whether it is being active or cuddling. As you are preparing for your Bernedoodle moving in, you should make sure to get enough chew articles though, because as you will find out before long: They can be rather destructive! Are Bernedoodles bad chewers? Yes, they are. Like all Doodle breeds, Bernedoodles high an extremely high chewing desire. There is nothing you can do to change this — the best and only! Chewing as a natural need Chewing is a natural, inborn need for all dogs. How badly a dog chews will depend on their breed and age. Some breeds, especially lap dogs, have a less intense chewing desire than others. Any kind of retrievers have a very high chewing urge. This includes Goldendoodles , Sheepadoodles , and — as a Poodle cross — also Bernedoodles. They were bred to work with their mouth. Any kind of chewing, retrieving or grabbing things feels inherently rewarding to them. This is a characteristic of your dog that you will not be able to change — just like his coat color! The only way to handle the chewing desire is to provide plenty of chewing options for your pup. Chewing serves as a way to release tension and pent-up energy, especially for puppies. Many Bernedoodles are heavy chewers for their whole life. Giving your dog enough to chew will be an integral part of your life with him — just like brushing or walking him. He will likely not stop chewing any time soon. Many owners make the mistake to think that once their dog has passed his first birthday, he is not a puppy anymore and chewing is no longer a problem. This is not true! Your Bernedoodle will most likely not reduce his chewing much if at all at this age. When your dog is stressed or upset, chances are he will need to chew even more than usual. Chewing will also help you keep your adult dog calm after surgeries, such as when you neuter or spay your Bernedoodle. Most dogs slow down on their chewing as they enter their senior years — before then, daily chewing is a must for Bernedooodles. Are Bernedoodles destructive? If you are not able to give your Bernedoodle enough chew items then yes — he will be very destructive. Bernedoodles are large dogs with powerful jaws. If they are bored, they will do some damage to your home. From my own dog training clients, here is a list of some of the items I have seen Bernedoodles destroy: an iPhone several pairs of prescription glasses rugs down parka quilt Needless to say, the owners are upset and frustrated when this happens. It is absolutely crucial that you provide your Bernedoodle with plenty of chew items. What should Bernedoodles chew? Sounds a lot? It is! It is extremely important that you do not allow your Bernedoodle to tear up and ingest stuffed animals or rubber toys. This could lead to dangerous bowel obstruction, which can be fatal. I highly recommend to get some kind of rubber chew toys that you can refill for your Bernedoodle. Here are some to try out: Soaked kibble.

Boxer Puppies For Sale Near Me Boxer puppies ready to rehome in 2 weeks We have 3 healthy boxers 2 male fawn and a female brindle almost ready to be rehomed to their new forever home. No papers, but cute as ever. Parents are on-site. Located in Hawaii on the island of Oahu. Contact us for pictures and more info. Shots, tails and claws done. We have a male and female both fawn with white markings. Parents have excellent temperaments and solid pedigrees. They are playful, high energy and super sweet! They would make great holiday additions to any family. Please contact to discuss further details. He is 3 years old. Slobbers a bit but thats normal for boxers. Is a non aggressive calm lazy but still active dog. Great for families with kids older than 6. Younger kids probably not a good option as they might try to grab his mouth or play with his slobber. Text xxx xxx-xxx2 We raise our puppies in our home with lots of outside playtime. We want to offer an exceptional quality and healthy puppies to you by producing gorgeous puppies with lots of attention. .We breed for excellent temperament, health and appearance. Pups are sold with vet check, shots up to date, and are on a deworming program. Text xxx xxx-xxx9 Lovely Boxer puppies for sale at affordable price. All of my puppies are Registered and they are current on shots and have been declawed. They are ready now to join your home and will make great addition in your family. Serious buyers should only Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx9. Free Shipping is Included. They will serves as perfect guide doggies in your home and will easily get along to their new environment. They are upto dates on their shots and vaccines, and each doggy will be coming along with a health guarantee. Serious buyers should only Text ME at xxx xxx-xxx7. Text xxx xxx-xxx7 Beautiful Certified Boxer Puppies up for sale. Litter of 4 puppies. They all well socialized from birth. I own both parents and you can come see them whenever you want. Pick out your new pups before it's to late!! Our puppies are available now at an affordable offer. Shipping is Available for free to first 2 buyers. Please Interested persons should Text xxx xxx-xxx7 for more details. View Detail wonderful boxer puppies for.She is AKC and pedigree is included. We are thrilled with the quality and health of her first litter. She is so gentle and a wonderful. Call or text at xxx xxx-xxx2. View Detail Red and White Boxer Puppies Top quality litter of red and white Boxer puppies, these pups have been raised properly in a family environment around household noises and children. I have 2 boys, 2 girls in litter, they have been wormed up to date, been to the vet for health check and 1st vaccination. Pups kc registered, vet certificate, also a3 generation pedigree paper. Mother is our stunning red and white bitch which can be seen with pups on viewing. Puppies ready to go now, will have 4 weeks free insurance. Delivery can be arranged, phone for further details. This pups and dogs are raise in my home with other boxers Txt only via xxxxxxxxxx View Detail Amazing Boxer puppies need good homes Our litter of adorable and trained puppy are seeking for a home with much love. THey are very easy going, have a good temperament and waiting to be spoiled with love by your family. They are 10 weeks old now and ready enough to go to a new home. View Detail Adorable Boxer Puppies We have quality Boxer puppies available ready to go to their forever homes Our puppies are raised in our home and are well socialized to sights, sounds, and people, especially children! They are handled daily and will make you a wonderful family companion. The sire and dam have great temperaments. For more information and pictures just kindly email xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxx. They have great temperament towards people and gets along with big dogs and pets at home even children, They are registered. Contact me for more information. They are loving generation of large boxeri puppies. Men and women are available. They are so playful and friendly. It reveals that they chose the Boxer as the King of Hearts. We don't know whether this choice was intentional to reflect the big heart of this Breed, but it is certainly apropos. The Boxer has a great heart. He loves to play and loves to socialize, with both people and other dogs. His character and temperament make him the perfect companion both for adults and children. The American Boxer Club provides a short introduction to the breed. Boxers are known as a breed that's " forever young ". About Boxers Mission The Boxer Club of Hawaii strives to promote the breeding of quality Boxers, to protect all interests of the breed, to maintain the standard of the Boxer in Hawaii, and to encourage true sportsmanship among Boxer owners. Although we are no longer an "official" club, we remain a hui of committed Boxer lovers. Looking for a Boxer? The Boxer Club of Hawaii does not recommend or endorse specific breeders. You can monitor the Facebook page. It may occasionally have announcements of litters and rehoming opportunities. External Links. Boxer puppies for sale Maui, Hawaii Boxer puppies for sale Maui, Hawaii Introduction of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed originated in Germany and has been around since the late 19th century. His main purpose is for hunting large game. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. It is said that he got his name due to using his front paws for just about anything. Boxer dogs look intimidating with their stern-looking faces and powerful bodies. But they are actually very loving family dogs that get along with children and other animals. They love being with their families, and being separated from them can lead them to develop separation anxiety. Since this working dog is highly intelligent but stubborn in nature, he is better suited for experienced owners. The average lifespan of the breed is 9—10 years. Look for a boxer puppies for sale Maui Hawaii? Here is a brief background of this protective dog with a good sense of humour. History of the Boxer The Boxer dog breed is a descendant of the now-extinct Bullenbeisser a fighting dog with Mastiff ancestry and the Old English Bulldog. He was developed in Germany in the 19th century as hunters of deer, wild boar, and bear. Later on, he was used to guard and drive cattle. The man responsible for the creation of the Boxer breed was Georg Alt, who was from Munich. He crossed a brindle-coloured female Bullenbeisser named Flora with a local dog of unknown breed. In , the first German Boxer dog named Flocki joined a dog show in Munich. After winning the dog show, he was the first-ever Boxer dog to be listed down in the German Studbook. Modern Boxer dogs were believed to be the descendants of Flocki. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. The American Boxer Club was established in .In both world wars, various military tasks were given to Boxer dogs including guard dogs, attack dogs, and messenger dogs. The British Boxer Dog Club was then formed in .The Boxer breed was recognised by the Kennel Club shortly thereafter and classified under the Working Group. Versatile and hard-working, these dogs are capable of carrying out different canine work. Boxers are good choices for protection dogs, police dogs, service dogs, and guide dogs for the blind. Temperament and Intelligence of the Boxer puppies Maui for sale Extremely patient and gentle, the Boxer breed is good with children. But he is recommended for families with older children as he may accidentally knock over toddlers. Befriending other pets is possible if the Boxer dog is properly socialised at a young age. It will keep him from viewing small animals as prey and reduce his tendency to dominate same-sex dogs. Is a Boxer a good family dog? Yes, the Boxer breed is a good family dog. He may look noble and intimidating, but he is actually considered the Joker of the Dog World. Boxer dogs are playful and fun-loving. They love to be part of family activities and be the centre of attention. Are Boxer dogs dangerous? Boxer dogs may be tough-looking, but they are not generally aggressive. But they will stand guard and defend their families if necessary. Boxer dogs are initially wary of strangers, but they eventually warm up to them if no danger is detected. Their protective and loyal nature makes them good guard dogs as well as watchdogs. Are Boxers easy to train? Yes, Boxer dogs are easy to train if you are already experienced in handling the breed. They are intelligent but tend to be independent and stubborn. Due to this, they are not suited for first-time owners. Boxer dogs respond better to people that are firm and consistent. However, firm does not mean harsh. Instead of strict training methods, positive reinforcements are more effective in teaching this breed basic dog manners and tricks. Boxer Breed Highlights The Boxer dog breed is a loving, loyal, and protective companion. Boxer dogs are comical companions despite their intimidating appearance. The Boxer breed has low-maintenance grooming needs. As an energetic working dog, he has high exercise needs. Boxer dogs tend to be destructive when they are left alone or unable to let off steam. Are there miniature boxers? Yes, but they are rare. Miniature boxers are either a product of mating purebred runts or cross-breeding small dogs that have similar characteristics to boxers, such as Boston terriers, pugs, rat terriers, and fox terriers. While some of these minis may closely resemble their larger counterparts, they may not act similarly. Are boxers hypoallergenic? Unfortunately, boxers are not hypoallergenic. What problems do Boxers have? Boxer dogs are brachycephalic, which means they have flat faces. This trait narrows their airway and causes breathing problems. As a result, Boxers should not be out in the sun for a long time as it can lead to heatstroke. Overexercising them must be avoided too to avoid triggering breathing difficulties. How long do Boxer dogs live? The Boxer dog breed has a short lifespan compared to other dogs. He can only live up to 9—10 years, and this is due to the prevalence of health issues in the breed. When buying a Boxer puppy, look for a reputable breeder whose breeding stock and litters are health-screened. This will help you determine how likely is your chosen Boxer puppy going to develop certain health conditions. Maui HI Native Hawaiian tradition gives the origin of the island's name in the legend of Hawaiiloa, the navigator credited with discovery of the Hawaiian Islands. According to it, Hawaiiloa named the island after his son, who in turn was named for the demigod Maui. The earlier name of Maui was Ihikapalaumaewa. Wiki Maui Drop us a line! We will not send you unnecessary notices in the future. My name is Tetyana and I am glad to welcome you on the site of the breed nursery.

I am familiar with common and uncommon health problems they may face so when my boyfriend and I decided we were ready to adopt our own english puppy finding a reputable breeder that prioritizes health was most important to us. Erica and Mitch of Bruiser Bulldogs are just that. They are experienced, ethical and quality breeders. I was referred to them by my friend that I trust after I saw their gorgeous healthy puppy. Our Puppy Primrose is the light of our lives! Bruisers was there to assist us every step of the way. We would highly recommend Bruisers Bulldogs to anyone looking for their own happy, healthy pup! Leah H. We were lucky to have come across Bruiser Bulldogs and even more so the fact that they were near our family and hometown made it even better. We have had Clementine Callie for four months now, and she is a wonderful dog. Her personality is amazing, and I think part of it is breeding and the other part is Erika and her family lovingly raising the puppies in their home with plenty of attention and snuggles. I also was impressed that, rather than send the puppies out right at 8 weeks, Erika kept ours for a few extra weeks because she was tiny and not read to leave her mom yet. It's that care that differentiates Bruisers from other breeders. Emily R. Erica was easy to work with thru the entire process from application to adopting and now beyond as we host our new family member, Chief. Her on-call support and willingness to provide open, honest advice to all of our questions and concerns continues to be appreciated. We would highly recommend Bruiser Bulldogs to anyone looking for an English Bulldog to join their family. Elizabeth W. Lady L. They are experienced, responsive and knowledgeable about all things bulldog related. They went above and beyond for us and are truly dedicated to all of their pups! We love our little girl so much and would recommend Bruiser to anyone looking for a healthy beautiful bully. Jonathan E. Erica and Mitch are trustworthy, excellent communicators, fair, passionate, and produce the best bulldogs. We were at the top of the waiting list for months and Erica reached out every litter to see if we were finally ready for a bulldog. When we were, she was very easy to work with. Her knowledge on bulldogs is outstanding. We had many questions on the process and she always knew what was best for the puppy. We've had Penny formerly Blair for two months and she is very healthy, energetic, playful, and sweet. She is great with other people and dogs. We are so happy with our pup. When we are ready for bulldog 2, we will only consider Bruiser Bulldogs. Mitch C. Bowser was born April and is an integral part of our family. When we were first exploring English Bulldog breeders our biggest concern was the overall health of the dogs. We decided to work with Erica at Bruiser Bulldogs because we liked their focus on improving the breeds breathing abilities and the fact that the puppies are raised within her family environment before coming home with their new owners. Bowser also breaths clearly and our vet was impressed with his overall health from the moment we brought him home. All that said we know English Bulldogs have a predisposition to many health issues and that his current health can not predict the future. With that In mind its important to start with a breeder that open to answer any of your questions as Erica has ours, and that strongly believes in improving the breeds overall health profile. Adam B. My sister ended up finding Bruiser Bulldogs and we knew right away that they were the breeder for us. In September we ended up driving 9 hours to pick up two Bruiser bulldog puppies- one for my husband and I and one for my mom. Jackson and Penelope have been nothing but a joy. They are both very athletic and healthy. They are also HUGE snugglers and always want to be with you. It is an absolute pleasure having these two bullies in our lives! Erica is very knowledgeable about the breed. She is very hands on throughout the process and is just overall a kind and honest person to work with. With all that being said I cannot recommend Bruiser Bulldogs enough! Collyn C. One of the reasons we chose Bruiser Bulldogs was due to the claims about breeding for health. During our first visit at our vet's office, he told us that our pup was one of the healthiest English bulldogs he had ever seen. He is healthy, happy and social. Would recommend to anyone. Christina S. We seen our dog on their website and sent them an Email. Mitch called us and personally walked us through the process and made sure we had the right dog for our family. We couldn't be happier when we picked up our dog Ramsey, Erica made sure we had everything we needed and then some. They are truly amazing people who breed truly amazing dogs! Jim T. Bulldogs Need You. Bulldog Haven NW was founded by a group of experienced Bulldog and Frenchie rescue people and owners from the Pacific Northwest region. All of our members are unpaid volunteers who love animals so much they give their time to help the dogs and the cause. Whether a Bulldog finds itself at a shelter where they feel it has needs before placement, is found by someone in the community, goes missing from their home, a puppy mill is shut down, or an owner finds themselves facing the need to find their Bulldog help outside of what they are able to give. .Our team also consists of caring shelter staff who alert us of dogs who need our resources and care, Veterinarians and Veterinary Clinics who care for our dogs as if they were their only clients, Businesses who donate supplies and food for your foster dogs, and the public who donate to our program. Federal Tax Exempt Organization When adopting any dog who may have a difficult past, you need to let go of your pity and guilt before bringing the dog home. Instead, make the dog feel secure by providing the calm and balanced energy of a pack leader. This way, the dog can relax, knowing that you have things under control. Call Morgan at for specific pup identification if you are leaning towards placing an early deposit. Please check back, we update our website daily! Please see our Deposit Page and our Transportation Page for information on getting your puppy. We love the English bulldog temperament, physique and expression, I just personally like it to be about lbs. We find the smaller sizes are more buoyant and playful and, though still very heat sensitive, are better able to cope with life in general. Downsizing an AKC breed takes time. Our girls all come from long lines of lb. We not trying for 20 pounders…our goal is to have healthy, beautiful babies that consistently mature at lbs. If you see a puppy that tugs on your heartstrings please call, or go to our deposit page for more information. In the last few years it has become clear that most people would prefer their puppy to be transported using our White Glove transport or Nanny Flight transport. Today, we have requests for our Puppies from all over the country. Because of this, the majority those requesting a Sugarplum Bulldog Puppy have also requested transport to their area of the country; those in Florida, for example, cannot easily make the drive to RI. As such, the majority of our Puppies have shifted to a transport model; this gets them closer to their new forever home. Because of this, we have come to the decision, that for the well being of our Puppies and for the benefit of our new Sugarplum Bulldog owners, we have developed a transport model for our pups using our Puppy-Mobile with direct transport to the pups new Forever Home! Our Mid-Western breeding home is co-owned by Sugarplum Bulldogs, and our partner. I realize that not having a chance to play with the Pups is disappointing to some, but please understand that our team are dedicated to the highest level of care for our little Pups. We truly feel that this new model is in the best interested of our Puppies and their new homes. Please feel free to ask me any questions…. Questions about Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle WA? We have answers. How much are Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle WA? Bulldog puppies for sale in Seattle are never priced exactly the same. One Bulldog for sale in Seattle may be female, which raises the price, while another one may be a certain color or quality. Due to the fact that Bulldog puppies need to be delivered via C-section raises their price compared to regular pooch puppies! What if there are no Bulldog breeders in Seattle? Uptown Puppies offers you the ability to connect with Bulldog puppy breeders, companies and businesses from all over the US. Just connect with them and they might even fly their pooch to you so that it arrives safely at your nearest major airport! How are the Bulldog breeders and businesses screened? At Uptown Puppies, our team makes sure that all the breeding facilities are up to standard of all the Bulldog breeders Seattle, businesses and companies selling Bulldog puppies for sale Seattle. What matters to us most is the cleanliness of their breeding facilities, as well as health care of their puppies! Why is Uptown Puppies so different from other puppy finder websites? We know what a battle it can be when looking for Bulldog puppies Seattle. What is a Seattle puppy mill like? Puppy mills in Seattle are places where doom and gloom follow. Seattle Bulldog puppies for sale are found here, but worse for wear. Their moms never get the opportunity to run and play, only forced to give birth litter after litter for their owners to use them to make money. Bulldogs for sale in Seattle that come out of here alive usually get very sick and can cost you thousands. I want a Bulldog puppy now. Is that possible? Go buy that fluffy new dog bed, as well as a few dog toys, because a new Bulldog Seattle puppy will be yours real soon! Look at our site, find the Bulldog for sale Seattle that speaks to your heart, and get started! What type of dog is an English Bulldog? An English Seattle Bulldog for sale is the national dog of England. Back in the day, they were bred to drive cows to market, and participate in a sport that was rather bloody, called bull-baiting. Today though, these dogs want nothing more than to get cozy and fall asleep by your feet, only to be awoken by a big plate of food! Are Bulldogs big? What kind of personalities do they have? They have really heavy bodies just try pick one up! Who are the most famous Bulldogs in History? Bulldogs Seattle can really have many talents. Tillman is the name of a skateboarding Bulldog who holds the Guinness World Record for the fastest m on a skateboard by a dog. Tyson the Bulldog was also a skateboarding dog who appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show. What are the funny behaviors of Bulldogs? Seattle Bulldogs for sale can be really messy eaters because of the shape of their face. They literally stick their entire face on the food when they eat or drink! They can also be very stubborn dogs - so just keep treats around!

This stunning German Shepherd Dog was found as a stray and brought into the nycacc where we rushed to get him out of the shelter. Now he has spent months in a foster home patiently waiting to find a forever family of his own. John John is a velcro, loving, gentle and affectionate dog. He enjoys playing tug of war, fetch, loves his crate, is housebroken and is an excellent cuddler. He loves to act like a lap dog even though he's 75 pounds. He is so loyal, bonds to people like glue and will go to the end of the world and back for his humans his only vice is that he does not get along with other dogs. John John is about 8 years old. He is neutered and completed a dental in our care. He will fit perfectly into any home as long as there are no other dogs or cats in the household, and he would love a home that will take him on long walks around the neighborhood and spend ample time cuddling inside. His foster mom writes John John is still as sweet as ever and a giant puppy. He still loves attention and very vocal about it. When he's happy or content, he'll let you know by making all sorts of noises almost akin to purring. He loves being close to people and loves being physically touched, getting pets, doggy massages and belly rubs. He especially loves being brushed and laying on his side and being pampered. Apply to adopt John John at rescuecity. His adoption radius is beyond our usual NYC and surrounding states, but his potential adopters must come to New York for a meet and greet greet. We just know the perfect home is out there waiting for him too. Not looking to adopt at this time? Considering John John for adoption? We have answers. Am I limited to Brooklyn German Shepherd puppies for sale? Looking for your dream German Shepherd, Brooklyn? If you're looking for a certain type of dog, but can't find it in your area, don't worry! We work with breeders and businesses throughout the United States who are experts at transporting dogs. Most families who choose Uptown Puppies will have their pup flown to a major airport for pickup. German Shepherd puppies for sale? Brooklyn has the best! We are a network of ethical, humane breeders. When we screen breeders who wish to join our network, we look for a track record of top-notch breeding practices, caring for puppies, and excellent customer service. Breeders must adhere to our Breeder Pledge and have a no puppy mill policy in order to be part of our network. Are German Shepherds trainable for novice owners? What about the best German Shepherd puppies Brooklyn has to offer? German Shepherds are one of the most intelligent dog breeds, which makes them easy to train. They love to serve their owners and make great family pets. If you're looking for a loyal and hardworking pet, a German Shepherd might be the perfect choice for you. Looking for a dog that's perfect for you and your family? Then check out our puppy finder network! We carefully screen all of our breeders, ensuring that you get the best possible dog for your needs. What is a puppy mill? Do they have cheap Brooklyn German Shepherds for sale? Puppy mills are not all bad. In fact, some people see them as a better alternative to traditional dog breeds because they provide affordable puppies with good genes. Puppy mills also have a high rate of producing healthy puppies. However, there are some negative aspects to puppy mills. For one, the dogs in these facilities are treated like machines and have little room to exercise or socialize. This can lead to the dogs having undetected genetic issues due to poor breeding standards. Some unscrupulous breeders may tell you that it's perfectly fine to keep your German Shepherd cooped up. The truth is that German Shepherds need regular exercise and room to roam. Dogs that don't receive enough physical activity are prone to both destructive and antisocial behavior, so be sure your pup gets plenty of exercise! Are there any German Shepherd puppies for sale near Brooklyn? There are a lot of German Shepherd puppies out there that are perfect for someone like you. The only problem is that new and upcoming litters get taken up quickly on Uptown Puppies. If you see the German Shepherd of your dreams, it's important to act fast before someone else does! Are German Shepherd puppies near Brooklyn right for me? Well, that depends! Do you want a loyal dog who is intelligent and hardworking? The German Shepherd may be protective, but it's also very friendly towards its family. If that's the type of dog you are looking for, the German Shepherd may be perfect for you! Are German Shepherds good family dogs? Yes, German Shepherds can be quite intimidating to those who are not familiar with them. However, they make wonderful family pets and are very protective of their loved ones. They are also very friendly towards people they know, but will remain reserved with strangers. Proper socialization from a young age is key to ensuring that a German Shepherd remains calm and tolerant around other animals and humans. Where do German Shepherds come from? Are they only available from German Shepherd breeders near Brooklyn? The German Shepherd is one of the most popular working dogs in the world. Originating in Germany, this breed is known for its intelligence, obedience and strength. They are responsible for herding sheep and protecting flocks from predators, making them ideal companions for people who work outdoors. Are German Shepherds smart? German Shepherds are not only incredibly intelligent, but they are also incredibly trainable. They are considered the third-smartest breed of dog, according to a study that ranked intelligence based on each breed's ability to learn and obey commands. Because they're so smart, training is vital for German Shepherds. Without a solid foundation and continued training, your German Shepherd may spend his time outsmarting you rather than following your instructions. How fast can German Shepherds run? Where can I find the best German Shepherd for sale Brooklyn has to offer? German Shepherds are known for their speed. They can sprint briefly at a top speed of 30 miles per hour or run at a sustained speed of up to 15 miles per hour, sometimes for an hour or longer. Whether they're herding, working, or playing, their speed is impressive. Keep this in mind when out wandering as an off-leash German Shephard may be tricky to catch.

Imagine you could come home to a lovable, dedicated, companion for life! If you knew what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy, you could find your next best friend. Before you buy your new best friend, read this information so you know what to look for in buying a healthy, quality German Shepherd puppy. I group them into major categories. Will you show him in conformation? Do you want to work with him in Schutzhund or herding? Or do you want a confident and alert companion? Know exactly what you want from your puppy. These dogs are the least costly since they have a trait that prevents them from winning in conformation competitions. These flaws rarely matter to most pet owners. And many minor faults like flat withers or slightly smaller offset ears will probably go unnoticed by most owners. The vast majority of GSDs are family pets. These dogs make great pets as long as they have sound temperaments! They breed some dogs for certain traits that are highly desirable but considered a fault. For example, long-coat or plush-coat GSDs. Show-quality dogs have good temperament and health. You usually buy them for their breed standard qualities that make them able to compete in confirmation or show events. A show-quality dog may cost significantly more if they have the traits desirable to win at a show. This group comes from Championship show lines with a long history of winning. If you plan on showing your Shepherd this is the quality you want. Beware of any breeder who claims they only raise competition-quality dogs. Even the best breeders produce many pet-quality dogs and if a breeder says they only breed perfect dogs, this is a red flag to not buy from them. The GSD is a herding breed, and the working-quality dogs excel at working trials such as scent competitions and Schutzhund. Other work includes climbing and jumping competitions or searching and tracking. They need mental stimulation to keep them occupied and take a lot of time to handle properly. These dogs are better with experienced handlers since you use them for high drive working and competition. They require hours and years of training and preparation for you to have total control during competition. We base this decision on preference. With the correct upbringing and training, both sexes are loyal companions and good with children. They may grow into more dominant dogs, so a confident handler is more desirable. Males may hike their back legs to mark their territory. This can occur on any object — chairs, walls, couches or even your leg. I suggest an extra bout of socialization during this stage, especially with other well-behaved dogs. So they may be better for the first-time owner. Unspayed females come into season every 6 months, so they must receive monitoring and watch to avoid unwanted pregnancies. Their season time can vary from as little as every 4 months to every 9 months. They can attract males to your property and on walks that will harass them if not spayed. Certain breeders and organizations will deal only in a certain coat length and color. The standard coat length is a short coat with double layers. Guard hairs on the top cover a softer underlayer of hair that provides warmth and protection. But there are many coat lengths available depending on your liking. Look online at the different GSD coat lengths to get an idea of what type of fur you want your dog to have. The longer the fur the more grooming involved. The color you choose is a matter of individual taste. Keep in mind the color of many Shepherds alters from their puppyhood to around 2 years of age. Your dog may become lighter or darker. Perhaps they will lose some of their markings as the color fades into the adult pattern. The best way to know what color and patterns your dog grows into is to see the parents of the litter. If the father is unavailable, then ask for photos. Why should you care where your dog comes from if you only want him as a pet companion? You want to get a dog that will live a long and healthy life from a source that has quality puppies. These tips will help you make the best decision on what type of pup fits in your life. Newspaper and Internet Classified Ads Newspaper and internet ads are in abundance. Many backyard breeders hide behind ads online or in local papers. But some breeders who use newspapers and classified ads are reputable and knowledgeable. The problem is you need to visit them to find out, and this can take time to sift through them all. Try the following more reputable suggestions to save yourself time. Dog Care Professionals Ask dog professionals for recommendations. Check with your local veterinarian, groomer, and boarding kennel personnel if they know reputable breeders in town. These professionals are good sources of quality leads. Use the same caution that you will for a classified ad. Verify their suggestions. Many of these organizations regularly receive puppies they need to re-home. While you might not know the full pedigree of the dog, purebred GSDs find themselves in shelters and rescues from no fault of their own. These organizations are a good resource for your first pup. Before adopting, find out as much information as you can. Was the puppy exposed to children? Did he live with other dogs or cats? A well-organized shelter or rescue helps you choose a German Shepherd match for your lifestyle. Start with looking online for GSD rescues and local shelters. Dog Clubs Dog clubs are local and national. These groups put you into contact with registered breeders through their own programs. They can give you the name of the GSD club contact closest to you for breed contacts. Dog clubs also have dog shows open to the public. This is a good time to watch the breed in action and to ask around for quality breeders. While using a dog club to connect you with a reputable breeder is not the only choice, it is one of the more reliable. If you are using a breeder to choose your German Shepherd puppy, this section will help you know the good from the bad. Use these tips to stay safe. Are selling overpriced or under-priced dogs. Lie to you and say you can make money off your new puppy by breeding them, despite them having flaws. Tells you that the GSD is a dog for everyone, with no disadvantages. Breeds multiple types of dogs and claims to be an expert on them all. If a breeder lets their mothers get pregnant more than once a year, this affects the quality of the puppies, so ask how many litters the mother has. These breeders selling unhealthy puppies also will refuse to take bag their dogs if you need to return them for any reason and have no contracts. They have healthy puppies and will answer your questions and have you make multiple visits. Openly show you where the mother and pups spend their time, including their garden or yard. Tells you the up and downs of owning the breed. Have all pedigree and vet paperwork on hand for your review. Specializes in breeding only GSDs source. They openly share this information with you. They have screened their dogs for health issues and can confirm this with documentation which they proudly give you a copy. Healthy mothers are given rest from breeding, and a reputable breeder gives their mothers time off from reproduction. Ask if your breeder if they are willing to take back their dogs if you cannot keep them, as this is standard for a quality breeder with a good reputation. Make sure your breeder has a written contract with detailed information and health guarantees. These are expected for safe breeding practices. How to Buy a German Shepherd Puppy Following this guide gives you the best chance of buying a German Shepherd puppy that suits your lifestyle. Know what you want from your GSD and where to find quality dogs. Learn what to look for when buying a German Shepherd puppy to stay safe from a sick pup and a bad breeder. German Shepherds have their own unique set of challenges. They are a large, active, and intelligent breed that requires an understanding owner who is willing to train their GSD using positive techniques. Devote yourself to their overall health to see the best results and help give you and your dog a lifetime of happiness. Remember, your pup will need mental stimulation to keep their brain active , a gentle exercise program , and need daily love and affection. Buying a German Shepherd puppy is a choice for your whole life that will bring you many years of joy and excitement! Found this helpful? Share it! She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Are you at home to devote time and training to their growth? What open space environment is your home? German Shepherds are on the no dog list in apartment buildings. Do you have a family with other pets? Also, a good breeder will ask you why do you want this particular breed? The breeder should be concerned that a German Shepherd puppy is being placed within the best living environment. Here are some insights to help you bring home the perfect German Shepherd puppy: Types of German Shepherd Puppies Pure-bred German Shepherd puppies are available in a variety of colors and built. The typical description is light brown and black. Black: Rare and beautiful. Their coloring is either all black or a deep dark bluish hair tint. Panda: their coloring consists of black, white, and tan. This is their natural coloring, not contributed to being a mixed breed. Sable: A unique coloring of this breed consists of light black, grey, tan, or gold. As puppies, the Sable German Shepherd puppies are fully tan. As they age, fur begins to develop stronger natural colors. White: No, this German Shepherd breed is not due to albino coloring. Though rate, white is their natural coloring. This German Shepherd puppy will be smaller in size, whether male or female. The reason for this question is that German Shepherds are intelligent and engaging breeds. They can be trained to thrive in any situation and climate. Their ability to cope in any situation is amazing. German Shepherds make great companions, protective family pets, and they are hard workers. Knowing how to choose a German Shepherd puppy, you are wondering what things you should look for. In other words, you are looking to see if it has a good temperament. German Shephard puppies demand and exhibit affection rather aggressively. Parental Traits If you are choosing a puppy from a kennel or a breeder, inquire about its parental background. You want to know if both parents were healthy and friendly. Carefully Examine the Puppy You want to look again for a puppy that is active and healthy. To choose the best German Shepherd puppy, you must become an amateur canine detective and examine the puppy closely. Here are things to look for: A German Shepherd puppy should not look thin. Instead, they should look full-bodied. Their eyes should appear bright and clear. Also, you must invade their personal space by examining their butt area to make sure it is clean. Their nose should be clean and not runny. Their teeth and gums look healthy. Their hair coat should not have bald spots and should not be matted. Your German Shepherd puppy should be free from odors. Pick a puppy that has a good gait, and their tail is up and actively wagging. All puppies need their mothers when they are very young. A German Shepherd puppy can be purchased when they are between the ages of eight and twelve weeks old. If you decide on an older puppy, just make sure that it has retained its socialization skills with both people and other animals. Make sure that the puppy has gotten all its vaccinations and deworming medication. However, within 48 hours of purchase, take your German Shepherd puppy to your vet for a complete exam. The Kennel or Breeder Environment Whether you are purchasing your German Shepherd puppy from a kennel or a private seller, look at the conditions of both. How does the kennel look to you? Both kennels and private breeder yards should be clean, and all puppies should have clean water. Please do not buy a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder where the conditions are unclean. How Instinctive Are You? Many potential dog-owners state that they knew that this was the one when they first saw their puppy. We all have instincts; therefore, you will know what the right buying environment is when you look at the puppies. If you get a feeling that something is not right, leave and find a different breeder. When you purchase your German Shepherd puppy and bring that bundle of joy home, you want to feel confident that you have made the best decision. After all, the relationship with your German Shepherd puppy can last easily for up to thirteen years. Male vs. Female German Shepherd There are many people who only choose a German Shepherd puppy because of their gender or appearance. What is most important in purchasing any puppy is their physical and mental stability. Gender and looks should never be a deciding factor when choosing a dog that will live in your family for the next 12 years or more. Please perform thorough breeder research so that you can choose the right German Shepherd puppy that will fit into your living lifestyle for years to come. Do you want to select a female puppy for future breeding? If not, both your male and female German Shepherd puppy should be spayed and neutered. Female German Shepherds are found to have a sweeter temperament than their male counterparts. Male German Shepherds are more territorial. They also are a little more stubborn and proud. Male German Shepherds are generally larger than their female counterparts. The male can grow to a height range of up to 26 inches. Meanwhile, the female can grow to a height of up to 24 inches tall. Their weight will range from a full-bodied 75 to 95 pounds. When you are trying to decide whether to purchase a male vs. They make excellent watchdogs. Socialize Therefore, if you are going to be around other individuals each day, your German Shepherd puppy must be trained to accept people outside their family unit. Introduce your German Shepherd puppy to strangers so that they will feel comfortable in front of people. By introducing them to strangers, will help them stay calm. They do not like to be left alone for too long. Because they were originally bred for herding, German Shepherds have high energy and thus require physical and mental stimulation. Make sure you have the time and patience to own a German Shepherd puppy. In patiently taking time with their active habits, it will work out to your benefit. They become loyal and loving breeds, especially when raised in a family setting. Remember the TV show Dog Whisperer? The host always referred to a dog requiring a pack leader. German Shepherds must learn that you are the pack leader. If not, they will take the dominant lead, and this is not good. They must be trained and actively exercised to be happy. German Shepherds love to explore and investigate everything. If you live in an area where there are porcupines, lookout. Young German Shepherd puppies will probably come home with quills all over their body. Well, you would be wrong. A German Shepherd puppy will want to correct this wrong and approach another porcupine! Grooming a German Shepherd puppy is simple and easy. Yes, they do shed year-round, so brush them occasionally. But mostly keep their nails trimmed, their teeth and ears cleaned. Dog breeders believe that to help your new German Shepherd puppy adjust from a litter to your new home, they should be crate trained. They need to feel safe and comfortable. Crate training is a learning experience for a German Shepherd puppy, but it eventually helps them get used to a family who perhaps must go off to work every day. Further Reading. Of course, you have already read a lot of books with advice on how to choose the right puppy of a German Shepherd, east European, as well as a Newfoundland, Rottweiler, Spaniel, or Spitz puppy. You understand what is the fundamental difference between these breeds and why a Retriever puppy will never become a VIP bodyguard, and a black terrier will hardly ever pass for a draft husky. Why Opting For a German Shepherd Puppy Is a Good Choice The German Shepherd is prone to learning from a very young to deep old age, while many other breeds cannot boast of this, even if their appearance is more perfect than that of a German Shepherd. The most well-known characteristics that a German Shepherd owns are: pronounced protective and guarding instinct; the ability to make independent decisions, and active actions, and at the same time be completely submissive to the owner; sociability, playfulness, and curiosity; lack of aggression signs towards others and deep affection for the owner; a willingness to happily take on tasks, learn, and remain completely fearless when faced with unfamiliar surroundings or unforeseen difficulties; In addition, the Shepherd dog is calmly confident and features strong nerves, combativeness, and assertiveness which are the main qualities of a good service dog. Perhaps, due to this set of breed characteristics, few larger and more ferocious breeds can compete with a GS, both for guarding the house and as a personal protector. It is not recommended to take puppies under 4 weeks old from their mother. This applies not only to GSs but other breeds. At the age of one month, the baby has already been given all the necessary vaccinations. However, only a person who can devote a lot of time to raising a puppy can afford to take a Shepherd at such a young age. In addition to 6 meals a day, and socialization, the new owner will need to complete 1, different tasks, which require, above all, a lot of time. If there is no time, it is worth finding a puppy aged 4 to 6 months. And it is advisable to take such a teenager from a nursery that focuses on breeding German Shepherds and not all the breeds at once. It happens that a puppy stays in the nursery because the money deposit was given for it but, for some reason, people could not pick up the reserved puppy. If the grown-up German Shepherd puppy constantly lived in an aviary and was deprived of close contact with people and the outside world, owners who have not previously dealt with this breed should not choose such a youngster. These young dogs are for experienced cinologysts. Lack of socialization can be corrected but it cannot be fully eliminated. Testing for the Puppy and Its Future Owner You may already know how to choose a purebred German Shepherd by external signs under the age of 3 months. Simple tests will help you choose a puppy with the desired character. Visit the breeder at a predetermined time when the puppies do not sleep or, conversely, are not hungry. You are taking a future friend for life, and enthusiastic emotions with such a choice are inappropriate. When buying a new friend, inspect the litter meticulously. Pay attention to the following: eyes do not water; traces of diarrhea under the tails are not observed; wet noses are without purulent crusts; legs are straight and strong; fur is clean, reminding of the plush; on the skin under the coat, there are no signs of peeling and scabs; all puppies are active and well-fed; the body is elastic and strong to the touch; the puppy has a pleasant dog smell; the mother is not exhausted; bowls and bedding are clean; there is enough heat and light. Of course, the owner of the dog mother has already taken her to the next room. Those who paid attention to the unusual sound are yours. Throw carefully, of course a tennis ball at the puppies. Those who were not afraid and did not try to escape are yours. Those who, having scouted the situation, did not begin to whine , pressing themselves onto the floor, but hurried towards the bedding are yours. Pay attention to those who have shown interest in a new object. The best are those who took and dragged it. Keys and money are the dirtiest household items. This testing method was used 20 years ago. Today, it is dangerous for the health of puppies! Invite those who dragged the rubber duck to pull a piece of fabric. If the baby dog willingly starts the fight, not letting the cloth go when you pull it towards you, they are good boys or girls. Turn the puppy you like on its back and hold it with an open palm for a few seconds. A clear alpha leader is easy to identify by its non-calming behavior for seconds, and even trying to bite you in this position. It may not be your choice! You will get too many problems associated with the puppy, or it will never be possible to completely subdue it. The puppy that squealed, pulled back its paw, and did not lose its interest in you is yours. The one who barks trying to drive brothers and sisters away from the bowl is not for you. The one who gives up its place at the feeder is also not yours. Yours is the one who, regardless of the obstacles, has taken its place and calmly devours food, without moving from its point, snapping, and running around the bowl. Now, you have at best 2 or 3 puppies left in front of you. You need to select the fat-footed one who will try to get out through the opening without panic and squealing. The tests are simple, but they will allow you to select a good puppy and raise a real working German Shepherd from it without unnecessary costs and nerves. Talk to the breeder. Such puppies are sold at a more reasonable price, but the puppy card for them is mandatory to be filled out as well. If you are given puppies for free, in the absence of their mother, there is a reason to seriously consider whether it is a Shepherd dog at all, even if their mother has pedigree documents. This is not a dog of one owner! The versatility and flexibility of this breed are proven by the fact that GSs accept a new family and a new environment without any problems. The main thing for it is to have its own business — to serve a human! Of course, parting with the former owner seriously affects the condition of the dog, but it will not have a destructive effect on its psyche. And the sooner you engage the German Shepherd in work, the more chances you will have to become a new God for it. If the German Shepherd was properly brought up and grew up surrounded by people, it has working characteristics in good conditions, and the reputation of its previous owner is beyond all questions, such a dog will be quite useful to your family. Finding out the previous story and background of an adult GS why it is refused, what the complaints about its behavior are, and other prompting questions is a must! The reason may be the saddest and most trivial — the previous owner died, and relatives are not able to either support or care for the dog. David W. I admire German Shepherds. They are magnificent dogs! I have been dealing with dogs, namely German Shepherds, throughout my life. I have been working part-time as a dog trainer and instructor for about 5 years, dealing mainly with German Shepherds. So I know a bit about these animals. Therefore, I decided to share my knowledge and experience about this fantastic breed. If you need help with advice and care tips or want to know more about German Shepherd dogs, welcome to this blog. This guide will help you learn how to select the best German Shepherd puppy to add to your family. Is a German Shepherd right for me? This is the first question you should ask yourself before you even consider bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy. You need to evaluate your personal and family lifestyle by asking yourself the following questions: Where do you live? German Shepherds are often on the restricted breed list for apartments. Do you spend much of your time at home, or do you have an active work and social life? Are you willing to spend more time at home on the weekends and evenings during puppyhood, even if it means missing social events? Do you love traveling a lot? If so, will you take your puppy with you? If not, do you have someone or someplace you trust to watch your dog when you travel? Is your whole family excited about the idea of a new German Shepherd puppy? Are you already active or willing to become more active? Do you have time in your schedule to devote to training? Knowing the answers to those questions will help get you a couple of steps closer to deciding whether or not a German Shepherd is the right choice for you. Important things to know about German Shepherds: German Shepherd dogs are sometimes affectionately known as German shedders. German Shepherds shed all year long , however, they blow their coats twice a year during which time they will shed exponentially more. When considering getting this breed, you should be comfortable having a dog that sheds. Trimming their nails , cleaning their ears, brushing their teeth, and brushing their coat regularly is sufficient. Of course, during the shedding seasons more frequent brushing will be needed. German Shepherds were originally developed for herding sheep. Accordingly, they have the desire to work and respond best to proper training from a young age, and an active lifestyle. German Shepherds are known to be clingy, so be prepared to have a shadow following you around the house and maybe even in the restroom. German Shepherds are good with kids and are great family dogs. However, they need proper socialization and training at a young age so they can learn how to behave around both kids and adults. German Shepherds require a lot of mental stimulation and have high energy levels, especially as a puppy. As much as I love Allie, she was more than a handful as a puppy. I have seen instances where people underestimate the time, energy, and training a German Shepherd puppy requires and get overwhelmed after bringing their puppy home. These people end up giving up their puppies. It breaks my heart to know these awesome dogs are given up because of a lack of knowledge when selecting a breed of dog. Although they are a handful if you are willing to put in the effort they are in my opinion one of the best breeds of dog to own. German Shepherds are too smart for their own good. They learn things scary fast and sometimes get themselves into trouble because of how smart they are. They learn your routine and habits, and they also learn when and how they can get away with mischief. German Shepherds are incredibly loyal and become very connected to their owners and family. German Shepherds are typically loving and affectionate. From the second I met Allie she greeted me with a wet tongue to the face. That is still her favorite greeting she will kiss anyone that will allow her to get close enough. German Shepherds need training. They need to know that you are the leader and in charge. If not, they will quickly take over the role of being in charge and that is where problems arise. A bored, untrained, not active German Shepherd can become one of the stories you sometimes hear on the news about a GSD being aggressive. In most of those cases, the problem was with the owners and not the dog breed as a whole. Adoption or Breeder? First, you need to decide if you are going to adopt a German Shepherd puppy or buy one from a breeder. Here are some of the benefits of adopting: Rescue puppies are often already sociable, at least partially trained, and loving dogs. Therefore, you will save a lot of time on house training your new puppy. Older puppies or dogs are likely to be calmer than a younger puppy. You are saving the life of a dog that might not have otherwise found a home. The cost of adopting is typically much cheaper than buying a puppy from a breeder. If you decide to get a German Shepherd puppy from a breeder, here are a few things that can help you identify a good, ethical German Shepherd breeder: Ethical breeders care about the health and wellbeing of the puppy and are not just in the business for money. Ethical breeders always make sure that only healthy dogs breed together and follow a strict breeding program where they ensure that breeding and puppy spaces are clean. They should also have papers showing the age of the parent and the family tree of the puppy. Ethical breeders will happily show you around their entire setup; they should have nothing to hide. Ethical breeders will happily answer as many questions as you have to ask. You want to select one that will be compatible with you and your family. Consider the following when picking a puppy from the litter: Choose a puppy that is sociable around you and other puppies. Pick a puppy that walks confidently with its head high and tail up and wagging. Choose a puppy that has clear eyes, ears , and teeth, walks evenly, and appears clean. Basically, choose a puppy that looks healthy. Look at the personalities of the puppies. Choose a welcoming puppy that wants to greet you as opposed to one that retreats or appears shy. Ask to interact with each puppy one by one after seeing them with their littermates. That way you can get a better sense of how the puppy responds to you without distractions. If possible, visit the litter at least three times before making a final decision, this will allow you to determine the personalities of each of those little fluff balls, and see which would best fit into your family. How old should a German Shepherd puppy be when you take it home? Any puppy should be at least 8 weeks old before being separated from their mother. By this timeline, their sensory organs will have also developed fully which will help you to spot any deformities or medical issues. Be wary of any breeder that will allow you to take your puppy home before 8 weeks old. How do you puppy proof for German Shepherds? German Shepherds are naturally active and tend to explore the world with their mouths, especially during their adolescent period. So, before you can bring your new puppy home, there are a few things you can do to puppy-proof your house: Get rid of any poisonous plants or put them out of reach of your new puppy. Cover electrical cords with cable wraps or PVC pipes. Buy a new laundry basket that has a lid, no holes, and is tall. Make sure both your kitchen and bathroom trash cans have lids. Your new puppy will dig around for anything to bite, like chicken bones, diapers, used hygienic products, or even a disposable razor. If possible, you should buy new trash cans that only open when a button is pressed. Store all the chemicals in secured cabinets or even better on high shelves. German Shepherd puppies have strong teeth and can open plastic containers by biting through even the toughest of plastic! Put away any small items or toys that are small enough for your puppy to swallow. Think of small kid toys like Legos or dollhouse furniture that could be dangerous for a curious puppy. Find a safe spot for your shoes. Whether in a closed closet or in the laundry room behind a closed door. I remember losing a pair of brand-new shoes because I forgot to put them away and Allie thought chewing them was a fun idea. Bringing home a new German Shepherd puppy The period of bringing a new German Shepherd puppy home and introducing them to your home and family takes time and above all, patience. If possible, plan to take off work for at least a few days after bringing your puppy home. I picked up Allie on a Saturday, and then took most of the following week off to spend time getting her adjusted to her new home. Remember, your new puppy has been taken from the only family it knew, and you are now their new family. That first week home was a good week of bonding with Allie. It helped her feel comfortable with her new life and allowed me to really get to know my new beautiful energy filled puppy. The best tip for a smooth transition when bringing your German Shepherd puppy home is to begin crate training and potty training as soon as possible. As a breed prone to separation anxiety , you want to give your GSD a zone to feel safe, comfortable, and content to be on their own. While the initial steps of crate training can be time-consuming, it can make the difference between a dog that is a joy to own, and one that can never be left on their own — so, be the dog parent your pooch deserves and put the time in! New German Shepherd puppy checklist and things to buy It is important that your new puppy feels welcomed into their new home. Some items are ok to be left with your puppy, and other items are more dangerous or will be destroyed. This checklist will help you to know what to buy when getting a puppy. New German Shepherd Puppy Checklist. Before we get into the nitty-gritty of choosing the right German shepherd puppy for you, there are several things that you may want to consider. Is this the right breed for me? It breaks my heart that more and more German shepherds are being abandoned or dumped by first-time owners who are unprepared or uneducated about the breed. When choosing a new canine companion, most people often ask what kind of puppy they want instead of what kind of dog they want. And here lies a big difference between the former and the latter. All puppies, no matter what the breed or cross, traverse their first year through the exact same phases, but when they reach adulthood, each dog can have different breed-specific characteristics. Can you afford the cost of owning a German shepherd? Where do you live? Is your apartment German shepherd friendly? Is your home big enough to house a full-sized German shepherd? Do you have enough time to care for a German shepherd dog? Are you willing to sacrifice weekends and evenings to train, socialize, and exercise your shepherd? Do your family support your decision to get a German shepherd? Is there someone in your family who is allergic to dogs? How will you share responsibilities? If you live alone, do you have someone to assist you? Is there a doggy daycare nearby? Sure, female shepherds may tend to be a little more protective of their owners and people, whereas male shepherds may tend to be more protective of their territories. Females may be a bit more affectionate but more prone to mood swings, while males may be more dominant and aggressive. Neutering can make male German shepherds less aggressive and less likely to roam looking for available females. Today both sexes can equally be equally loving and loyal to their owners and families, and both can be equally brave and protective. In conformation, SV and other organizations recognize both male and female. Female shepherds are smaller and appear more refined or feminine than the male ones. Really, when faced with the question of which sex is best for you? It really all boils down to the individual puppy. Most owners get their German shepherds from a breeder, a shelter, and a rescue group. Out of the three, a breeder is the most expensive but the best place to get your future shepherd. Be cautious with breeders who are reluctant to share information and stories about their dogs. Another sign of a reputable breeder is that they have a take-back policy on all their puppies. Where do you find a list of potential breeders? You can find potential German shepherd breeders through the internet, specifically through major kennel clubs like the American Kennel Club or local breed clubs or through advertising the local paper or magazines. Some people even go to the extent of attending dog shows and performance events to find the best breeders in their area, which I encourage you to do if you have time. Sometimes you can find wonderful German shepherd puppies at the local shelter or rescue group. Adopting a rescue shepherd is considerably less expensive than buying a puppy, and you can potentially save their lives. Just understand that they are a bit more of a gamble. Visit The Puppies More Than Once When scouting for a potential puppy, you may be headed to a number of different breeders and shelters. Ideally, you want to visit when the puppies are awake, not when they are napping or sleeping. Ask to stay for a couple of hours so that you can observe how they are playing together. But they are not all alike; they can range in temperament from very bold and outgoing to quiet and shy. When observing a group of German shepherd puppies playing together, you may notice that some pups are bossier than others. You may also notice some puppies that are more cowardly than others. The group of pups you should be looking at and working to decide is the puppies that fall somewhere in between the two extremes. These puppies are exuberant, curious, playful, but not too domineering or pompous in manner or behaving timidly. From this group, you can decide which one to pick. As a rule of thumb, choose a puppy with a temperament that will work well with yours. A good breeder should have done puppy testing when the pups are between 6 and 7 weeks of age. This means they should be able to tell you which puppy has a personality that will complement your own. Male German shepherds tend to stand between 24 and 26 inches tall and weigh between 85 to pounds. Female shepherds are about 20 to 22 inches in height and weigh from about 60 to 75 pounds. German shepherds have a double coat, meaning they have two layers of fur: a medium to long outer coat and a thick, soft undercoat. The length of the outer coat can vary from short to long. The coat can have a range of colors. The most common is black and tan. Other colors include all black, sable, or white. This will help him to point you in the right direction toward a particular pup. Often if your breeder has not already picked a pup for you, you will find a puppy that is naturally drawn to you. Walk over to the puppies, play with them, and rub them gently, then walk away. There will usually at least be at least one puppy that will follow you as you walk away. Play with this puppy and walk back. Kneel and call the pup to you. Are their coats healthy and shiny? Are their eyes clear and bright? Are their living areas kept clean with no visible signs of illness? As touched on earlier, you should ask for a detailed medical history too, such as vaccination records, hereditary diseases, etc. A good breeder should provide you with a health guarantee in the form of writing it. This health guarantee guarantees that the puppy is healthy at the time of the sale. Depending on the contract, you will be given 48 to 72 hours to ensure that the puppy is indeed healthy. Thank you for reading this article. I hope you found it helpful and useful as you raise and train your German Shepherd. Here are some of my favorite reviews for German Shepherd supplies that I personally use and recommend. Here is my recommendation for the best dog food for German Shepherds. Leash: A leash is a must-have for any German Shepherd owner. With a good leash, you can give your dog the freedom they need while keeping them safe and under control. Here are my top picks for the best leashes for German Shepherds. A harness that is improperly fitted or used can cause serious injury to your dog. Read my review of the best harnesses for German Shepherds here. Different bowls serve different purposes, and the bowl that you need will depend on a number of factors. See my recommendation for the best dog bowl for German Shepherds here. There are a ton of different factors to consider when choosing a crate. Beds: German Shepherds need a bed that is comfortable, supportive, and durable. This breed is known for being high energy, so you need a bed that can withstand a lot of wear and tear. House: It can be tough to find the best dog house for German Shepherds. Shampoo: You want to find a shampoo that is specifically designed for German Shepherds. This breed has a lot of furs, and you need a shampoo that will be gentle on their skin and coat. Shock Collar: A shock collar is a training tool that can be used on German Shepherds. It delivers an electric shock to the dog when they exhibit certain behaviors. While some people are against the use of shock collars, I believe that they can be helpful in certain situations. Read my review of the best shock collar for German Shepherds here. Vacuum: If you have a German Shepherd, you need a vacuum that is specifically designed to deal with all of the furs they shed. Shedding is a natural process for dogs, but it can be hard to keep up with. The right vacuum will make your life much easier. Related posts:. Final thoughts Where do I start? The first thing that you have to do before you can pick out the best puppy, is to pick out the best breeder. This may come easily, as you may already have a breeder in mind that you trust and who has a good reputation. But chances are that you will have to do your research. And there is also a good chance that you may need to travel some distance to the right breeder. Even if the breeder is several states away, consider making the trip. Getting a new GSD puppy is a significant life commitment. The effort and time that you invest now in going about this properly will pay off for years to come. Here are some important things to look for in a breeder once you locate one that you are interested in pursuing. Call the breeder and have a conversation The first thing to do is call the breeder and have a conversation. A quality German Shepherd breeder will actually require this. They will not permit someone to just show up and purchase one of their dogs and take it home. They will ask you questions such as: Why do you want a GSD puppy? This will aid them in helping you choose. Where do you live, in an apartment or in a home? They will want to ensure that the puppy will not be in a cramped space. Do you have a yard, and is it fenced-in? They will want to make sure that the puppy will have adequate room to exercise as it grows. Do you have children in your home? They will want to make sure that you understand the importance of socialization and training to keep your family safe. Do you have other pets in your home? They will want to make sure that you know how to properly introduce the puppy to other animals, and whether any other pets you have may actually be a danger to the puppy. What type of work do you do, does it require you to be away from home for long periods of time? Because GSDs do not do well alone, they will want to make sure that you have adequate time to devote to your dog. Are you financially prepared to take on a GSD? While this may be a bit of a personal question, it is important to know that you are financially able to care for a GSD. They are expensive to care for, and it is fair for a breeder to ask this question. If a breeder does not ask you some form of these questions, then perhaps think twice. It may be an indication that they are more interested in profit than raising a quality puppy that they care will go to a quality home. Questions for you to ask the breeder: How many different types of dogs do you raise? Can you provide me with a pedigree of all of your puppies? A pedigree is essentially a family tree for your puppy. A good breeder should have a detailed pedigree for any dog they sell. Beware of any breeder that wants to charge for this or says that they will provide it at a later date. Do you have references? They should provide you with several without thinking twice. All reputable breeders will offer this guarantee in the form of a written contract. Do you breed your females more than once a year? Female GSDs should not be bred more than one time per year. This allows for adequate recovery time and maintains good health. Can you provide me with a detailed medical history for your puppies? Health screenings are essential for puppies, and a reputable breeder should be able to provide proof of these. Can you explain any potential health issues for GSD which may come up later in life? A knowledgable breeder should be able to clearly explain conditions like hip dysplasia and other health issues more common in GSDs than other dogs. If the answer to any of these questions comes up as unsatisfactory, move on. It is simply not worth the risk of pursuing the breeder any further. Unfortunately, there are far too many unethical breeders who take a lot of shortcuts which results in dogs prone to both health and behavioral issues. Why is this? You should never take home a puppy that is less than 8 weeks old. More than half of the states in the U. And out of those states, only 3 permit a puppy to be offered for sale under the age of 8 weeks. The reason for these laws is primarily so that puppies are properly weaned from their mothers and able to eat on their own. In addition to weaning, puppies need to be initially socialized by their mothers as well as their siblings. So a puppy will be taught that these things are bad during these 8 weeks. If you remove a puppy from the litter too early, they may not learn these lessons and develop behavioral problems as they get older. Much like a spoiled child that never learns, often times the source of an ill-behaved puppy can be traced to a lack of discipline at a young age. So to ensure that you have a healthy puppy, that is also sold in accordance with state laws and regulations, understand that it must be 8 weeks old see link above for exceptions — regardless of state law exceptions, waiting 8 weeks is good practice. Decide whether you want to male or female You may have a personal preference for either a female or a male German Shepherd puppy. It is important however to not necessarily just go with your gut on this one. Take a moment and understand some general differences between the two genders. I will explore this issue more in-depth in another post, but here are some important general points to consider. Territorial: Males are naturally more territorial than females. This may give them more of a tendency to wander off in an effort to broaden their territory. Very possessive: Male GSDs are generally more possessive than females. They may be possessive over food and bones, toys, and you! Dominance: Male German Shepherds tend to be more dominant than females. This may result in more of a proclivity towards aggressive bullying behaviors to make sure that it is understood that they are the boss. Dominance requires training to keep it in check. Singular bonding: Male GSDs tend to bond more closely with one person rather than a group of people like a family. Territorial: Females are therefore more welcoming and less territorial than males. They are also less likely to wander off as they have no desire to expand their territory. Dominance: Females display less dominant behaviors than males. Non-singular bonding: Females are more likely to bond with a number of people in a family rather than an individual person. So, how do I choose between the two? This question comes down to the purpose for which you want a German Shepherd. If you are looking for a dog to have trained in protection and are looking primarily for a four-legged security system for your home, then a male is a good choice. However, if your primary interest is to just have a family pet that socializes well with others, then a female is probably right for you. Testing the puppy There is no better way to determine whether or not a specific puppy is the right one for you than to actually get hands-on and doing some investigating. However, even before you begin any interactions with a puppy, make sure that you are testing the correct one. Never try and force any interaction, begin with puppies that are naturally drawn to you. Just like with people, you cannot force a match and expect fruitful results. So be patient and make sure at very least that the puppy is not aversive toward you before you being. The tests: Clap your hands: Does it run away or does it come? A more timid dog may, however, be apprehensive to approach. Make eye contact: When the puppy is looked at, does it stare back at you? If the puppy looks directly at you, it is showing confidence. Vocally call the puppy over to you: Does it come to you right away? If it does how not, however, this could show a behavioral issue or hearing problem, or it could be an indication of another illness as well. Pet the puppy: How does it respond to your touch? However, if it meets your touches with biting or growling, then this is likely an indication of an uneven or bad temperament. It will not just grow out of this, it will have to be trained out of it. Bring a ball with you to test with the puppy: Roll the ball and see what the puppy does. Does it follow it and then bring it to you? Or does it take it away for itself. A more dominant puppy will just take the ball and keep it for itself, reluctant to give it back to you. On the other hand, a more independent puppy may show no interest at all. And one that is submissive may actually be frightened. If you are looking for a very sociable puppy, look for the one that brings the ball right back to you to play some more. The puppy that brings it right back is also an ideal candidate for training in retrieving and other exercises. An even-tempered puppy will show interest in and play with the toy, but it will also allow you to participate and take the toy back without showing you any aggression. Roll the puppy over: Once the puppy comes over to you, gently roll it onto its back and hold it in place. Do not be forceful but be firm. See how the puppy reacts. Is it resisting, or is it just relaxing? A puppy with a more dominant personality will take the path of most resistance, and it may growl or attempt to bite at you. And the even-tempered puppy is the one that may resist for a short time but then submit to what you are doing. Pick up the puppy: Physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it underneath its chest with an open hand. Lift it up high, even above the height of your head and hold it there. What does the puppy do? Does it struggle, or does it stay relaxed? A puppy that struggles may be fearful or dominant. On the other hand, a puppy that stays absolutely relaxed is displaying confidence in itself and trust in you. Hold on to a paw and press it gently: This is somewhat similar to holding it on its back. If there is a response to be had, it will happen immediately. Resistance or pulling the paw away may show dominance and temperament towards aggression. The even-tempered puppy will be you curious as to what you are doing. It may investigate a little and might even lick you. Make an unexpected noise: Whether it is banging a pot and pan together or just yelling, create an unexpected noise. See what the puppy does, does it show fear, interest, or aggression? A fearful puppy may run away or even whimper. While an aggressive-tempered puppy may actually growl and try to bite you. An even-tempered puppy will simply look surprised, and may even want to investigate a little bit further. Meet the parents A lot of breeders will have both the father sire and the mother bitch of the puppies on site. However, some of them will only have the mother because sometimes the father is on loan as a stud from a different breeder. But the mother for sure should be on site, and you should get an idea of what she is like. In the case of my last German Shepherd, I was able to meet both parents. His mother was very kind and sociable and eager to be petted. While on the other hand, his father was clearly dominant, and not a dog to be messed with. Because of my prior experience and knowledge, my GSD turned out exactly as I thought he would — fairly sociable yet wildly protective of me. This was all right because I knew what to expect and I was able to train my dog properly to take the edge off of some of his more dominance behaviors. However, my choice was an informed decision based on years of experience. If you are new to owning a German Shepherd, this may not be an ideal combination. I would recommend for a new German Shepherd owner to consider making sure that both parents are more docile, and possibly even lean towards acquiring a female for your first German Shepherd. Visit the puppy on more than one occasion Just like people, puppies have their on days and their off days. You will not be able to get a very accurate picture of how your puppy will be on one short visit. In fact, with my last dog, I visited him at least 4 times and stayed for at least 30 minutes with him each time prior to taking him home. A good breeder will have no issue with you doing this, and in fact, will prefer it. They want their dogs to be well-matched with their new owners, so this is common practice. The puppy should become accustomed to the people it will soon be spending its entire life with. So the more familiarity that you build now in this phase, the easier that puppy will transition to home life with you and your family. All of these steps are positive reinforcement for your new puppy and will build familiarity and a bond even before you arrive home. Also, bring a small blanket or clothing item and ask the breeder to leave it with the puppy. This will allow your puppy to become familiar with the scent of you and your home. Making for a better transition. So by default, this knowledge enables the breeder to be very good at placing the proper puppies with the proper personalities. Remember to stay focused and not lose sight of your primary objective, which is to select the right puppy for you and your family. If you take the time and care to do your research and ask the right questions, you will come together with the right puppy for you. But remember, this is just the beginning of a major life commitment. So take this step of choosing the right GSD puppy seriously, and you will have laid the foundation for a loving and rewarding relationship for years to come. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a German Shepherd puppy is what their personality and temperament are like. German Shepherds are just like people. They each have their own personalities, and some are able to get along with other dogs better than others. In fact, how your German Shepherd puppy interacts with other dogs and people will mostly come down to their individual personality. This will mean that your German Shepherd puppy will need less training, and a lot of your interactions with one another will come more naturally. The best puppy for your home may not be the biggest, prettiest dog in the litter! How to get started Before you can worry about choosing the best German Shepherd puppy for your home, you will need to find a breeder. You will need to opt for a German Shepherd breeder who has a good reputation. So you will need to do your research to find the right breeder for your needs. You may even need to travel a fair way to find the perfect breeder. Even if your German Shepherd breeder is located several states away, it will be worth the trip. If you put in the right amount of time and effort now, it should pay dividends throughout the next few years. Here are a few handy tips to help you find the right breeder to buy a German Shepherd puppy from. Talk to your German Shepherd breeder One of the first things you should do is to give the German Shepherd breeder a call. You may be surprised to learn that quality breeders will actually require this to ensure that the puppy is going to a good home. They may not be as interested in the health of the puppy and their new home as they should be, and are more concerned about making a profit from their dogs. The breeder will want to ensure that you have the right space to accommodate your German Shepherd puppy. Have you got any kids? Training your new puppy and giving them the right amount of socialization will be essential for keeping your family safe. Do you have a fenced outdoor space? Your puppy will need to have a good amount of room so they can run around and play. They will need regular exercise to stay fit and healthy. Why do you want a German Shepherd? The breeder will want to know what purpose you want a German Shepherd puppy for. It could be as a pet, for added protection, or to show competitively. Do you have any other pets? This will be an important factor as you will need to know how to introduce your new puppy to other animals. It will also be crucial to know if you have any other pets which could pose a danger to the puppy. What do you do for a living? If you have to work away for long periods of time so that your puppy is left alone for large portions of the day, the breeder will want to know this. Can you afford the financial responsibility of this puppy? Dogs are a financial commitment. This may seem like too much of a personal question, however, it will be important to establish that you can properly care for your new dog. Questions you can ask your breeder There are far too many unethical breeders around. Some irresponsible breeders will take shortcuts when it comes to breeding, which will leave you with dogs who have behavioral and health issues. Do you raise other breeds of dog? This can show you whether they have been bred from healthy dogs. Have you got any references? A good quality breeder should be able to give you these easily enough. Have you got a pedigree for the puppies? This is essentially a family tree of the puppies. A good quality breeder should be able to produce the proper lineage of your new puppy when asked. If the breeder attempts to charge you for this, or says they will give it to you another time, be very wary. Every breeder worth their salt will give you this guarantee as a written contract. How often do you breed your females in a single year? This will allow them to properly recover from giving birth, and help to maintain great health. Have you got a detailed medical history for the puppies? A reputable breeder should be able to give you proof of any health screenings that their puppies have had. This is essential for healthy dogs. Could you explain to me if German Shepherds have any health issues they may suffer from as adults? Puppies should never be taken home if they are less than 8 weeks old. In fact, more than half of the states in America have laws to prevent this from happening. There are several laws which dictate how old a puppy needs to be before it can be adopted or sold. There are only 3 which actually allow puppies to be sold under 8 weeks old: D. These laws are in place for a reason. This is to ensure that all puppies have been properly weaned from their mothers and that they are able to eat without help. Puppies will also need to have been properly socialized before they can leave their mothers. Their mothers and siblings can help to socialize the puppy properly. Most of the behavioral problems in adult dogs can be traced back to this lack of discipline and not having been socialized properly. To make sure that you have a healthy puppy, you will need to choose a puppy that is being sold in accordance with the laws of their state. This will mean buying a puppy that is at least 8 weeks old, if not older. Even if you happen to find a puppy in D. Male or female puppy Perhaps you already have a preference for the gender of your puppy. You will need to understand that the two genders actually have distinct differences. Here are a few things for you to consider to help you make a fully informed choice. Female German Shepherds 1. Physical appearance Typically, female German Shepherds will be much smaller than males. They will also have a less muscular stature. Dominance A female dog will display less behavioral dominance than a male dog will. Family bonding Female German Shepherds are more likely to bond with the whole family rather than a single individual. Territorial A female German Shepherd will be much less territorial than a male dog will be. Male German Shepherds Male dogs will tend to be much larger than females. They are also more muscular. Dominance Males will display a lot more dominance than females. Single person bonding A male German Shepherd is more likely to bond very closely with a single person instead of a whole family. Territorial A male German Shepherd is more likely to be territorial. This means they could be more likely to wander off in an attempt to expand their home turf. Possessive These males tend to be on the more possessive side than their female counterparts. This could be over their food, their favorite toys, or even you. It will be important to give them correct training to teach them not to be aggressive towards you. They should be able to socialize better with others, too. But the best way to find out if your prospective puppy will be the right fit for your home is to do some proactive investigating. This can also be a great indicator of their future behavior, too. You should never force the interaction. If the puppy is reluctant to come near you and interact with you, then you will be better off choosing a different pup. Tests for your German shepherd puppy 1. Eye contact When you look directly at your puppy, does it look back at you? If your puppy stares back at you, this is showing confidence. If your puppy avoids eye contact then it may be anxious, scared, or have a vision issue. Clapping your hands This can indicate how social your puppy is. If it comes towards you and tries to interact with you, this is a great sign. This shows that the dog is eager to socialize with people. Call out to the puppy Do they come towards you at the sound of your voice? This is a fantastic sign. Pet the dog It will be important to note how the puppy interacts with your physical touch. If the puppy is affectionate and loving, this will be another great sign. If they bite or growl at you, this will likely be an indication of a bad temperament. The dog will have to be trained out of this. Play ball Bring a ball with you when you meet your puppy. Roll this towards the dog and see how the puppy interacts with it. Does the puppy follow the ball? Bring it back to you? Or does the dog keep the ball for itself? Puppies that are more dominant will keep the ball for themselves. They will also be reluctant to give the toy back to you. A more submissive puppy is likely to be frightened of the ball coming towards them. A more independent dog will likely show very little interest, if they show any at all. Puppies with an even temperament will show some interest in the ball, will play with it, but will also be willing for you to play a part of the game without showing any aggression. Searching for a more sociable dog? Keep an eye out for the puppy that brings the ball right back to you and asks you to play more. This puppy will be a fantastic candidate for training as well as other exercises. Roll the puppy When the puppy has come over to you, you can try to gently roll them onto their back, then hold them in place. Watch how the puppy reacts to you. Do they relax under your touch, or do they resist you? A dominant puppy will be more likely to resist you. It could even try to bite you or growl at you. An even-tempered puppy will resist at first, but will submit to you after a short time. Pick up your puppy You can physically pick up the puppy by gently holding it under its chest with an open hand. Lift the puppy up, and see what it does. Does the puppy stay relaxed or does it struggle? A struggling dog is likely to be dominant or scared. A puppy that stays perfectly relaxed is showing that it trusts you and that it is confident. This is a similar test to holding the puppy on its back. Chances are the puppy will react immediately. Any resistance or trying to pull their paw away from you could be a sign of an aggressive temperament or dominance. A puppy that accepts your actions will show a more submissive temperament. They could even lick you! Create an unexpected noise This could just be a sudden shout or banging some pots and pans. The important factor will be watching how the puppy reacts to a sudden noise. Do they show interest? Are they scared? Aggressive puppies could try and bite you and growl at you. Visit the puppy parents Most breeders will have both puppy parents in the same place. Some of them may only have the mother with the puppies because the father was on loan from a stud or a different breeder. Either way, the mother of your puppy should be with them when you pay the dogs a visit. If one of the parents appears aggressive, this could show you that you need to do some more training with your new puppy. A dog that displays more dominant tendencies will need proper training to take the edge off these behaviors. Choosing a female German Shepherd will also be a good choice. Puppies will have their off days, just like humans do. It will be important to visit your new puppy a few times and spend at least 30 minutes with them so that you can see what they will be like. They will likely prefer it to someone who only pays their puppy one visit before collecting them! This is a good indicator that the breeder wants their dogs to be matched with the right owners. If there are other people in your household who will be living with the German shepherd puppy, such as kids or a partner, you will need to bring them along, too. Your new puppy will need to get accustomed to the people it will be spending time with. It will be much easier to transition your puppy to living in your home. You should also bring some treats along for your new puppy each time you visit. These are all positive reinforcements that can allow your new puppy to get used to you and encourage them to bond with you. It will also be a good idea to bring something with you that you can leave behind for the puppy. This could be a new toy or a blanket that smells like you. This will allow the puppy to get used to your smell, which can also make the transition easier. They will also be very well acquainted with the mother of the puppies and have knowledge of the father. So your breeder should be able to help you choose the right puppy for your needs, and match the right personality to you. In summary So there you have it! Choosing the right German Shepherd puppy for your needs is certainly more challenging than it first appears. The most important goal is to choose the right dog that will fit in well with you and your family. As long as you do the proper research beforehand, you should be able to find the right dog for your home. Remember to ask the right questions when you find your breeder to make sure that they are a good person to buy a dog from. Be sure to visit your new puppy several times before you bring them home. As long as you take this responsibility seriously, you will have laid the perfect foundation for a fruitful relationship with your new puppy. May not even be aware of the breed standard. Breeds to any convenient dog. Strives towards the ideal. Often helps to define it. Does not need to promote establishment; sells to brokers, pet shops, etc. Often rescues only to attain more stock. Rarely attends shows or trials. Shows and trials to objectively test breeding stock. Often judges, provides seminars, writes articles, and willingly mentors serious Hobby Breeders. Knowledge Often pretends to know some. May share false or incomplete information. Studies continuously. Impacts the breed for many decades with knowledge of dogs over many generations. All pups sold have full breeding rights. Yes, and diligently follows up on progeny. Keeps up with health and temperament issues affecting the breeding and provides in-depth guarantees No need to; mostly supplies brokers and pet shops. Meets minimum standards as required by state law. May refuse to acknowledge most problems. Maintains a solid support system — accepts full responsibility for every puppy produced. Performs health testing for all breeding stock for genetic diseases affecting the particular breed. No interest, may offer papers as proof of quality. Papers alone are not proof of quality. No interest. May provide undocumented paperwork for appearances sake. Is unfamiliar with health testing usually statements of good health are stated to impress consumers. Intensive testing always a priority. Often initiates club sponsored seminars and clinics. Maintains records on all dogs in gene pool including progeny. Often supplies brokers and pet shops, records unavailable. Dogs and puppies are often auctioned off in lots, records unavailable. Focuses mostly on current dogs, no records or knowledge of genes. Attempts to continuously track every puppy produced. Bases entire breeding program on extensive gene pool data. Clean environment always maintained Minimum standards vary greatly in cleanliness. Minimum standards maintained for state inspections. Conditions may vary greatly depending on available income, usually makeshift accommodations. Clean, healthy and mentally stimulating environment. Expected longevity with any particular breed Will continue as long as the sales are coming. Depends on popularity of specific breeds. Unrealistic expectations — easily disillusioned. On a mission-plans to stay for the long haul. Health guarantee provided No, it cuts into profits. No health guarantee beyond proof of first set of vaccines, if that. Not qualified to give advice if a problem arises. Offers written guarantee and is available to answer questions to new owners. Good knowledge of history in dogs. Extensive knowledge of health history, offers replacements to owners of genetically affected dogs. Ability to meet the parents of the litter If available, may be in poor physical condition. If available, dogs are not used to contact with people. May or may not be well loved and cared for companions, often unwilling to show entire litter or parents to buyer. Shows friendly mother and entire litter in clean environment; stud dog too, if in residence. Helps buyer choose appropriate puppy. Can explain how breeding was planned to emphasize specific qualities and can speak at length about how puppies compare. What you can expect after purchase Nothing, may not be able to contact at all. No concern for dog after sale is final. Available for questions, and wants to keep in touch. Will take back dog or puppy at any time. After purchase will help with training and grooming, available for all questions and knows the answers. Price Priced according to market, but is marked up from original source for profit. Mid-range to move puppies quickly. High end of mid-range. Price will not reflect all that is invested. Use only physically sound, mature dogs of stable temperament for breeding. These characteristics are rarely, if ever, determined before the age of two for females. Continue to educate themselves regarding genetic diseases pertinent to the breed including, hip and elbow dysplasia. Documentation of hip and elbow screenings should be available to prospective puppy buyers. Apply the same high standards to outside bitches sent to their stud dogs as they apply to their own breeding stock. Temperament testing of a litter before puppies are offered for sale is encouraged. Take appropriate steps to have each puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian for general health prior to placement. Each puppy should be vaccinated and de-wormed by a veterinarian. Endeavor to gain personal knowledge of the temperament and health of every dog they breed, or to which they breed, in order to gather information on which to base future breeding decisions. They share this information fully and honestly with other breeders and with prospective buyers. Sell breeding prospects to knowledgeable, ethical and experienced persons or are willing to help educate and guide novices. Do not engage in misleading or untrue advertising and do not use GSDCA membership as a marketing tool. Do not sell, supply, donate or surrender any dog for which they are responsible to a pet shop, catalogue house, wholesale dealer in dogs, Humane Society or to a laboratory. They should have reasonable assurance that each individual receiving a dog will provide a home with appropriate shelter, restraint, control and responsible care. Encourage puppy buyers to go to puppy obedience classes to help their puppies to become better canine good citizens. The achievement of a Canine Good Citizen certificate should be encouraged. Since homeowners insurance and local laws vary greatly, a refusal to let you visit the kennels may not, in and of itself, be a bad sign. You should ask for and receive a satisfactory explanation. The puppies are not social or look sickly. How to read those ads. A few more things to look out for. Anyone can buy a puppy from a champion, but it does not mean that they have any other interest in the breed but to bank on the name and make money. Having a Champion in a pedigree is like having a billionaire relative. AKC registration does not guarantee quality. AKC papers are much like the title of a car; papers are issued to the junked Chevy on blocks in your yard just as easily as they are on a brand new, shiny Jaguar. AKC does not control breeding, approve litters, or guarantee temperaments. AKC Registration is automatic if you buy from a reputable breeder — they will provide all necessary paperwork when you buy a puppy. There are several groups that are registering dogs, even mixed breeds, for a fee. This registration means nothing, and is of no value to you. Are there too many defects for the animal to be bred? Shop with care. Rarely will a good breeder have the luck to own both dogs for the perfect litter. There are some good and very reasonable reasons to have both parents on site. However, you need to ask the right questions and understand why this is true. They might be, they might not. Are they too big to be cute anymore? Need more money? Is there a problem? Usually because there are more on the way. Be very wary of this one. Will a Breeder Ask Me Questions? Conscientious breeders want the best available home for their puppies. This determines the amount of time you will have available for your new addition. There are very important items that should be supplied by the breeder. Breeders will typically give you the following items: A signed pedigree A current Health Record; including de-wormings and vaccinations. American Kennel Club registration papers or application Sales contract. The type of contract varies and must be mutually agreeable to the breeder and buyer. Much depends on what you expect from the puppy show, pet, or performance. Feeding schedule including the type and amount of food. Copy of OFA certification of sire and dam, if available.

With 17 years of experience in breeding Australian Labradoodles, we pride ourselves on selecting only the best dogs for our breeding program, which in turn ensures that we are producing the best puppies imaginable. We work closely with our licensed vet to perform health testing, including hip and elbow testing; eyes, heart, skin, and patella testing; and a series of genetic tests, on all of our breeding dogs. We provide a temperature controlled, in home my master bedroom environment, with sound therapy to expose your puppy to lifes sounds from an early age. This helps desensitize your puppy to the sounds of life traffic, fireworks, outdoor machinery, crying baby, misc appliances, automobiles, etc. We start crate training at 5 weeks with a soothing heartbeat snuggle puppy to comfort them as they transition to sleeping alone and all the puppies love it and sleep better with minimal crying. We add nutrients and special additives for puppies to their drinking water. We add probiotics to their food for a healthy GI tract and immune system. We make special liver water, gruel, with puppy supplements, dog milk formula to their nutritionally dense food to support eyes, ear, bone, joint, coat and heart health. We expose your puppy to sunlight daily on the deck right outside the puppy nursery area. There is always a plush bedding for their cozy comfort in their play areas for those impromptu naps puppies love. Our puppies are held and played with while being bathed and exposed to water, in our walk-in shower, which builds a positive experience, with water, for their lifetime. Bath time is with a human sitting in this large shower allowing plenty of space for your puppy too roam around and enjoy water in a nurturing experience. The puppies love it instead of being in a sink with a dry human just washing them. Water is actual playtime while they get clean and build positive experiences with being wet. Instead we utilize Puppy Culture, Badass Breeder protocols and tons of love from humans that are passionate and dedicated to what they do. Please feel free to contact us with any questions. We look forward to providing you with your fury best friend! When full grown, these health tested, Australian Labradoodle puppies will be approximately pounds with wavy fleece coats, curly fleece coats or the occasional straighter hair fleece coats. Our puppies can go home as early as 8 weeks old. We can also hold back a puppy if you are interested in training services. Sugar Pine Doodles on Facebook. Would you like to be a guardian for one of our breeding doodles? Please click for our Guardian Home Program to learn more. Find the Next Member of Your Family. In July , Kiah, my Australian Shepherd, was killed and the opportunity to adopt a miniature Labradoodle named Daphne came along. Needless to say, I fell in love with the little bundle of joy that helped me get through the loss of my best friend Kiah. My family had always planned on breeding Australian Shepherds, but after bonding with Daphne and meeting other Labradoodles, I was quickly hooked and Ocean View Labradoodles was born. In , I went back to school for a degree in teaching and needed help if Ocean View was to continue. My parents took an interest in labradoodles as well and Ocean View Labradoodles became a family business. My mom, Sheri, is the main contact person for our puppy families now, especially during the school year! The whelping area is in my bedroom, the playpen when they get older is in the living room, and when the pups are old enough to venture outdoors, an outdoor run area is made available to them during the day. They are introduced to a litter box early on, which will get them started on potty training before they leave Ocean View for their new homes. They will also be socialized with our other dogs, our cat, and children of all ages to provide them with as many experiences as possible to lessen their stress when they leave our home. They have been groomed at least twice by the time they join your family. We feed both our parent dogs and our puppies a holistic dry dog food. Lets Bark About It. If you have more questions please contact us! Soft, Cuddly, Cute Sure, all dogs are adorable—but Labradoodles are on a whole different level. Friendliest Dispositions Aussie Labradoodles are world-famous for being outgoing and fun. The Uptown Family This might sound cheesy, but we feel like everyone who takes home an Uptown Puppy becomes a member of our family. We offer the best food, supplements and training materials because we want life with your Doodle to be as long-lasting and fun as possible! Perfect Family Pet Do you have kids or other pets? Is your life laid-back or active and on-the-go at all times? The best part about Doodles is that they fit right in with nearly any family. Labradoodles love whatever you love! And you get to pick! Our dogs and customers seem to be pretty happy about that! Highest Northern California Labradoodle Breeder Standards Our breeders follow the highest standards, including litter limitations and retirement ages for our mommy Labradoodles, making sure our mommy Doodles live in loving guardian homes, and ensuring our pups live in the best conditions possible. California Labradoodle Breeder Locations. Breeding Labradoodles takes more than just mating two dogs and hoping for the best. It requires lots of research, time, and money to raise the healthiest litters possible. Unfortunately, the soaring demand for Doodles has also attracted Doodle scammers and puppy mills. The Humane Society conducts an extensive review of problematic breeders and puppy mills each year. Likewise, look for breeders who offer at least a two-year health guarantee for all their puppies. Typically, health warranties cover most or all genetic diseases that the parents have been tested for. For more on issues that can plague Labradoodles take a look at our article Doodle Health Issues and Diseases. Additionally, many reputable breeders are also recommended by Gooddog. To become a certified breeder by any of these organizations, the breeder must follow strict health and genetic testing standards, and follow ethical breeding protocols. All puppies are handled from the day they are born. The pups are exposed to children, everyday sounds, sights, and household experiences. What Makes This Breeder Unique?

We all understand that walks, grooming, nail clipping, and veterinarian visits keep our Pugs healthy. What about the physical and mental activity? Pugs start playing as soon as they can move around in the litter. Pug Puppies Need their Mates Of course, we all want our puppies now! If you find a breeder willing to give up her pups at six weeks, understand this is not good for your Pug puppy. Many breeders will wait until ten weeks before you can pick up your puppy. Puppies should not be taken from their littermates before eight weeks. As adults, they may have behavior problems, be more fearful or anxious. Being with Mom and brothers and sisters teach a puppy a lot about life. Play starts in the litter between 2 and 4 weeks of age. Puppies play with each other and their mothers. They learn social skills as they play fight, biting one another and their mother. When a bite is too hard, someone yelps. If the pup that did the biting refuses to stop, the Pug puppy that just got bite will refuse to play. This way, Pug puppies learn to control their biting. In the litter Pug puppies, learn to restrain their aggression. They learn to submit to others and cooperate. They are overall friendlier and more socially adjusted. Games for Pugs with people are essential for Pug puppies. They are more social and fun to have around when they become adults. Pugs Need to Play with Humans Dogs need to play. We need to get off our butts and have a good time. We, humans, tend to forget about the importance of having a good time. I grew up in a time when kids went outside for hours at a time, into the fields and the woods. I would take my mutt dog with me, and we would have fun. He was my trusted pal. Playing like that was the best thing for both of us. Keeps your Pug calm and well-behaved at home. These Pug dogs whine less and jump on people less. They also experience less aggression and anxiety. Games for Pugs help to build confidence in shy Pugs. It wards off boredom. Play helps to build social skills. Play strengthens the bond between you and your Pug. It makes you happy. It makes your Pug so happy!!! For example, hide it behind a table leg while you are in plain view of your Pug. If your Pug is treat driven, which most Pugs are, she will find the treat pretty quickly. Now put the treat in a nearby room and say find it. You can walk in the general area of the treat, but do not point it out to him. It could make her dependent on you to find the treat. She will learn to wait for you to find it for her. She also has to use her brain to get it. This is one of my favorite of the games for Pugs. Running Games for Pugs Dogs love to run. Even our flat-faced little Pugs love to run and play. Mimi and Lulu love to go in the fenced back yard and go after each other. First, Lulu is chasing Mimi, and then they seem to switch naturally. Lulu often gets the Zoomies while Mimi and I look on. It is so fun to watch her run around the house in glee. One running game that is easy and rewarding is to have Mimi and Lulu sit and stay. I go on the other side of the yard. I call them to come, and they come tearing across the yard. This usually ends in lots of petting and praise. Sometimes I mix it up with a treat, just to keep it interesting. Running games for Pugs are easy to make up on your own. I will sometimes use a treat to switch out the toy to the treat. Make sure you give her that recovery time. Chasing is fun exercise, and it keeps them in good cardio shape. Tug Games for Pugs Tug is one of the fun games for Pugs when played correctly. Let your Pug dog take one side of the rope toy or whatever you have decided to use. Let your Pug dog pull on the toy and move it gently from side to side. Do not jerk the toy up and down as this could cause spinal injury. Do not move the toy vigorously. They need to be old enough to understand that it is only to be played with gentle movements. Pugs love this game and let them growl away like the big dogs they think they are! Mind Games for Pugs Mental exercise is good for Pugs of all ages. It is especially good for senior Pugs who may be bored and less able to be physically active. Mind games are great games for Pugs. They create confidence and strengthen his relationship with you. You and your Pug as you work together work as a team. He gets a mental work-out keeping him mentally fit. Playing the game with you is a rewarding experience. He gets to show off and sharpen his excellent problem-solving. Try a Bob-A-Lot. Fill the food with is dinner. This is for feeding his entire meal. Not only will it keep him mentally active, but it will slow down his eating. Many Pugs have problems with gulping their food. There are plenty of interactive dog toys on Amazon. Check them out and read the reviews to see which one might be best for your Pug dog. The Shell Games for Pugs The shell game is a fun game for mental activity. With Pugs, they use treats. They are not actually following the treat by sight as a human would with a coin. But it does help with their problem-solving skills. Steps to Play the Shell Game with your Pug Use 3 cups and some great smelling treats Put a treat under one of the three cups while your Pug dog watches Shuffle the cups around Be patient as your Pug dog tries to find the cup with the treat underneath When she selects the right cup, she gets to eat the treat Jumping Games for Pugs Yes, our Pugs can jump. Teaching your Pug to jump over things will build muscles and confidence. Even if your Pug never wins first place on the agility team, this trick will be a lot of fun. Make it fun. STEP 1. Put the broom or stick on the ground. Put a treat on the stick and let her eat it. STEP 2. Place a treat on the far side of the stick, so your Pug dog has to step over it to get the treat. If he tries to go around the stick, pick up the treat. Again, put the treat back down until he steps over the object to get it. Be sure to use a lot of verbal praise when he accomplishes this. Repeat this several times. STEP 3. Continue with one treat each time he crosses over the stick. STEP 4. Use a book on each end and raise the stick one inch high. Practice until he is comfortable going over that height. STEP 5. Repeat going over two inches. Before moving up an inch, be sure your Pug dog is comfortable crossing over at that height. STEP 6. Eventually, your Pug dog will have to jump to get over the stick and get his treat. Get the stick to the highest limit that your Pug can jump over. STEP 7. When your Pug is solid with this trick, try having him jump over other objects. Keep it safe and fun! There are many different jumping games for Pugs. Just use your creativity. Your Pug may get very excited while playing games for Pugs. You reward the behavior by your happy voice and continuing to have fun. Instead, remember to use whatever verbal cue you have taught down, stop, etc. Other behaviors include nipping, biting, grabbing things out of your hands, running away. You may have running away as part of a game, but make sure your Pug knows the difference. He only gets to run away when you request it. For example, he cannot run away when he gets in the laundry basket and gets your socks. Watch his body language. Stop that game. You can try again later with the original game but take it more slowly. We all get busy and tired. Pugs need minimal exercise. Picking one of these games a couple of times a day keeps our Pugs physically and mentally active. A chase game is only going to be 20 minutes, max. This includes breaks, so your Pug dog does not get overheated. A game of tug can be played after dinner while you have the TV on. A jumping game can keep him mentally and physically active. And what a cool trick to show your friends when they come over. A trick is always much more entertaining when a Pug does it. Now get off the couch and go play a game with your Pug! Written by Small Door's medical experts Being stuck at home is disappointing for both you and your dog. Check out our tips below for how you can keep your dog entertained indoors. Dog activity requirements Dogs need both physical and mental stimulation to stay fit, healthy and happy. Physical exertion comes from walking, running and playing, whilst many different things can provide mental stimulation. From tracking scents outside, to concentrating hard on obedience training, or attempting to get kibble out of a puzzle toy — tough mental concentration results in a tired, happy dog. Ideas to entertain your dog indoors 1. Practice short bursts of obedience training each day Training your dog provides great mental stimulation. Teach your dog a new trick Try teaching your dog a new trick. A great trick to try is tidying up. Give your dog a stuffed Kong or a food-dispensing puzzle toy Stuff a Kong or a similar toy with pieces of kibble, mixed in with a tasty treat like a spoonful of peanut butter, canned pumpkin or mashed banana. Pro tip — you can freeze it to make it last longer for your pup! Puzzle toys and food dispensing toys are great for mental stimulation as well as dogs who gobble up their meals too fast! Some of our favorite food puzzle toys are made by Trixie or Nina Ottoson. Let them watch the world go by Dogs love to sit by the window. If you can, set up a safe spot for your pup where they can see out of the window, and if you feel comfortable doing so, open the window a crack for them to enjoy the smells and sounds of the outdoors. Teach your dog the name of their toys Teaching your dog the names of their toys is not as hard as it may sound. This can be a great activity, especially if you spoil your pup with lots of toys. Start by playing with one toy and give it a name while you do — tell your dog to fetch the specific toy by name and give lots of praise when they bring back the correct one. Eventually, see if your dog can pick out the toy by name out of a pile of toys. Once they understand the name, try moving onto another toy and repeating the process. Dogs love new things. Hide some toys in a cupboard for a few days, then bring them out again for the novelty factor! Other games you can adapt for indoor play include throwing a very lightweight ball in a safe area for your dog to catch or fetch, provided there is nothing breakable around. When they succeed, make sure to react super enthusiastically and reward them so they know they did a good job and enjoy the game as much as you did! Hide treats around your home and let them sniff them out throughout the day. If you repeat this over several days, make sure to vary the placement of the treats to keep it interesting for your dog. Create an indoor obstacle course If you have enough room, why not set up a homemade obstacle course for your pup? Teach your pup the basics of agility , jumping over some small boxes, weaving through stacks of books, and lying down on a blanket at the end. Another great one to keep kids entertained too, you could even work up to hosting your own dog show with an agility course and obedience category with your kids as dog handlers! Learn scent work Our dogs explore and understand their world through scent, so scent work games are a great way to keep Fido occupied by putting their nose to work. For these games, all you need is some dog treats and various household items. When they choose correctly, open your hand and give them the treat. Muffin tin puzzles: Using a muffin baking tin, tennis balls, and dog treats, place treats in a couple of the tins and cover all the holes with tennis balls. The shell game: Using three to four cups, place a treat under one of the cups for larger dogs, you may want to use plastic cups or even upside down flower pots. Let your dog sniff around and discover what cup the treat is under. When your dog paws at the correct cup, lift it up to reveal the treat while praising them. Box search: Using empty cardboard boxes, put several boxes out on the floor. Place a treat inside one or more of the boxes, while your dog is out of the room. Bring your dog into the room and let them search for the box which has the treat inside. When they paw at or nudge the correct box, reveal the treat and give them lots of praise. Summary of how to keep your dog entertained indoors Just like humans, dogs need a balance of physical and mental exercise. Related articles. Red Light Green Light Everyone loves playing a good game of fetch with their dog. It's perfect for getting exercise and having fun. But the downside to the game is that there is no thinking involved — just a lot of running back and forth. So many games with dogs, from fetch to tug-of-war, don't require them to do a whole lot of thinking. On the other hand, interactive brain games not only tire out your energetic dog, but they also defeat boredom, increase your dog's confidence, and strengthen the bond between the two of you as you work together as a team. So many great activities that you can do with your dog are simply dog-versions of favorite kids' games, all of which exercise and train the brain as much as the body. Here are 10 brain games for dogs to get you started. Why Pets Matter to Treehugger At Treehugger, we are advocates for the welfare of all animals, including dogs and other domestic pets. We hope our readers will adopt rescue pets instead of shopping from breeders or pet stores and will also consider supporting local animal shelters. Treasure Hunt You can teach your dog to find a favorite toy or treat. Starting out, you'll want to set your dog up for success so it understands the game and doesn't get too discouraged. Begin with something simple. Put your dog in a sit-stay and hide a treat or favorite toy somewhere obvious, even letting your dog watch you hide it. Then give your dog the release cue to go find the toy. Reward your dog big-time for its success in finding the hidden treasure. Once your dog understands the game, ramp up the difficulty. Hide the treat or toy in another room, or some place where other scents mask the treat or toy, like the bottom of the laundry bin or under the food dish. You can also make the game really hard by using cardboard boxes. Set up 10 to 20 cardboard boxes of different sizes and, without your dog seeing, place the reward in only one box. Let your dog investigate all of the boxes and provide the reward or a jackpot treat when it selects the correct box. There are so many variations on this game that it will have the two of you playing different versions for years to come. Hide-and-Go-Seek Let your dog find you when you hide. You'll need at least two people to play. One person distracts the dog and gives it the sit-stay cue while the other person hides. The person who is not hiding then gives the release cue for the dog to start looking. This game works wonderfully both indoors and outdoors, and is a fun way to spend a rainy afternoon playing with your dog. Ring Stackers Just as toys can teach toddlers eye-hand coordination, they can teach dogs eye-paw or eye-mouth coordination. Walking down the aisles of any toy store will set your imagination alight with things you can teach your dog. A tough game that takes awhile to learn, ring stackers will keep you and your dog hard at work together for hours. Patience is the key to success for this activity as it can take days or weeks to perfect the game. It's important to find wooden rings with natural dyes rather than plastic, since your dog will be biting down on the rings quite a bit. One method to try is to click-and-treat your dog when it picks up a ring, then click-and-treat again as the dog moves closer to the stick. Continue by click-and-treating each time the dog touches the ring to the stick and when it tries to maneuver the ring onto the top of the stick. What Is Clicker Training? Training a dog by using a device that makes a clicking sound to let the dog know you approve of its behavior followed quickly by a reward or treat. You can change things up by mounting the stick to a wall so the dog has to fit it onto a horizontal stick rather than dropping it onto a vertical stick. You can also put the rings in a different room so your dog is running back and forth to collect and stack all the rings before earning the jackpot reward. Shell Game Dogs love this simple but challenging game because, as with all good games, there are treats involved. Take two opaque plastic cups and flip them upside down. With your dog watching, place a treat under one cup. Give your dog the cue to come turn over the cup and get the treat. Do this eight or 10 times, giving your dog time to really understand the game. After the dog has caught on, alternate which cup you place the treat under. When your dog selects the correct cup, let it have the treat. If the dog doesn't select the correct cup which will happen, even when it sees you placing the treat under the cup , show the dog the treat under the correct cup but don't let the dog have the treat. This will keep the dog focused on watching which cup you place the treat under so it can guess the correct cup. While the game may sound easy, for many dogs this requires some serious thinking. If your dog masters this, it's time for even more of a challenge. Place a treat under the left cup, then slide the cups to switch places, so that the cup with the treat is now on your right. Release your dog to find the treat. If your dog selects the correct cup, give it the treat. If your dog doesn't select the correct cup, show it the treat but don't let the dog have it. Keep repeating this and see if your dog can figure out the trick. Some dogs may never quite get how the treat magically switches sides — this is a tough game that requires visual tracking and not all dogs make the connection. But if your dog does, bump up the challenge even more by swapping sides randomly. See if your dog can use its eyes, nose, and thinking skills to find the treat after the old switcheroo. New Trick Say 'new trick' and see what your dog offers. It's a popular game in clicker training because it teaches a dog to think independently and come up with its own ideas about what behavior earns a reward. The premise is simple: Click and treat for a new behavior offered by your dog and ignore a behavior already offered. A typical game between a dog and its owner goes something like this: Say "new trick" and the dog might sit. Repeat the sequence. The game continues as long as the dog does a new trick each time. If your dog isn't used to clicker training for shaping behavior, start simple when teaching this game. The slightest new thing can earn a treat. For example, set a box next to your dog. Click and treat your dog for looking at the box, for touching it with a paw, for touching it with its nose, for stepping on it, for walking around it, for just about any vague interaction with the box. But don't reward the same action twice. Your dog touching the box with his nose earns a reward once, but the second time it earns nothing. Once your dog gets the grasp of the game, expand it to other behaviors like sit, down, crawl, spin, sit up, and so on. Pretty soon, your dog will be going through your entire repertoire of tricks and coming up with new ones just to earn that treat for creative thinking. Hot and Cold The hot and cold game is also ideal for clicker training your dog since it follows the basics of shaping a new behavior. It's great for smart dogs who don't get frustrated too easily. And all you have to do is sit on the couch and say "hot" or "cold" and toss treats. Start by coming up with something you want your dog to do. It can be anything — maybe you notice your keys on the floor and you want your dog to go pick them up and bring them to you. Simply sit back with your bag of treats, and any time the dog makes a move that edges them closer to the keys, say "hot" with enthusiasm and toss a treat to the dog near the keys. If your dog moves away from the chosen goal, quietly say "cold. You can teach your dog to go touch the doorknob on the other side of the room, grab a blanket from the couch, or pretty much any behavior you can think of. To get your dog to understand the game, start by saying "drop it" to get your dog to drop a toy on command. This is a key component to getting your dog to the next step which is dropping a toy in a particular location. After your dog has mastered the drop-it command, start shaping your dog to drop toys in a basket or box. Click and treat stages of the behavior a little at a time — when your dog heads toward the basket with the toy or drops the toy near the basket. Anything that leads closer to the behavior of dropping the toy in the basket should be rewarded. Eventually, your dog will understand that a command like "put it away" means to grab a toy and take it to the basket, drop it in, and leave it there. After this part is mastered, build up the number of toys your dog picks up. Start with rewarding your dog each time it puts a toy away. Then, begin to slowly reduce the amount of rewards offered. Reward the dog after it puts away two toys, then after three toys, and so on. Eventually, the reward will only come when every toy is put away, and you'll have a dog running around the room finding every toy as quickly as possible in order to win that wonderful jackpot reward of a handful of treats. Just remember, it takes time to build these skills, and the journey is all part of the game, so have patience. Silence, or just a tiny bit of encouragement when your dog gets frustrated, goes a long way in helping it figure out the trick while also gaining confidence. The Name Game After your dog has mastered how to put away toys, provide a new challenge by teaching your dog to put away toys by name. Start by teaching your dog the name of specific toys, and then send it to go get a particular toy. Certain breeds — like border collies — are famous for their vocabulary, but even the most stubborn of dogs can learn the names of at least a couple of toys. It just takes a lot of repetition to hammer home the name. One way to get started is to hold a toy, say its name, let your dog grab it, then reward your dog for grabbing the toy. Let's say it's a rubber tug toy named Tug. Hold Tug in one hand, say "Tug," let your dog grab Tug, and give a reward. Repeat this 20 or 30 times. Then set Tug next to a very different toy of equal value, like a rope toy named Rope. Say "Tug" to your dog and if your dog selects Tug, give a reward. If your dog doesn't select Tug but selects Rope instead, say nothing but place Rope back next to Tug. Say "Tug" again and let your dog choose. Once your dog is consistently selecting Tug, place Tug next to another different toy, and repeat the steps until your dog is always choosing Tug over other toys of equal value. Once your dog is successful with one toy's name, start the whole process over with a different toy, like Rope. Hold Rope, say "Rope," let your dog grab Rope, and give a reward, repeating this 20 or 30 times. Set Rope next to a different toy but not the first toy, Tug , say "Rope," and only reward your dog when they select Rope. Say nothing if your dog selects the other toy, but return it next to Rope and try again. Keep repeating until you have the same consistent success that your dog had with Tug. Once you've established Rope and Tug and your dog knows the names of these two toys, it's time for a test. Place Rope and Tug next to each other, and ask for Tug. Reward only if your dog chooses Tug. Keep trying until your dog is successful a few times, then switch to asking for Rope. When your dog has this down, consistently selecting the toy you ask for, you're ready to take the test farther by adding in a few more unnamed toys. See if your dog can pick out Tug or Rope from the small pile. If you have success with two toys, then keep the process going for more toys. Who knows how many names your dog will learn! Jumping Rope Eye and body coordination meet with this game. Your dog has to concentrate on the pace of the rope, on targeting a certain spot on the ground, and of course, on jumping. Think it can't be done? You'll be surprised. Start by teaching your dog to target an object on the ground. A good object to begin with is a stick because it can demonstrate to the dog not just where to jump but also how much space there is to work with on either side so it can stay within the boundaries of the rope. Once your dog has mastered targeting, teach it to jump on that spot on a cue. After that, add in the rope, cueing your dog each time it needs to jump as the rope comes down. It will take a lot of practice, but it will also burn a ton of extra brain and body energy. Plus, this trick will certainly impress the kids in the neighborhood. Red Light Green Light This is an ideal game for dogs who tend to get wound up during play and become overly enthusiastic. The game improves a dog's impulse control and reminds it to pay attention to you no matter how much fun it's having. This will ultimately make excursions to the dog park or other off-leash areas much more safe and enjoyable, but it is a game that can be played any time, anywhere. Continue repeating the sequence until your dog ultimately learns the red light and green light commands without assistance. The video below is a great example of how to teach your dog to play the game. View Article Sources. If so add a few mentally stimulating activities into their routine. Contrary to popular belief dogs need more than just physical exercise, and a few quick brain games can do wonders. Mental stimulation enriches our dogs lives by giving them something meaningful to do. And because these activities alleviate boredom they decrease the likelihood of our dogs developing behavioral issues such as excessive chewing or barking. So if you want to add some more mental stimulation to your dogs routine you can start with changing up their feeding routine. Instead of just handing over their food a few times a day you can make a fun game out of it for your dog. You place your dogs meals in the toy and they have to roll it around in order to get the food to come out of the hole. Interactive toys like puzzles help keep your dog focused on a task, and that added extra mental stimulation goes a long way. One extra 15 minute game a day can such a huge difference to your dog. It gives them something to focus on, and that extra meaning in their day helps when it comes to alleviating problem behaviors. Puzzle toys are great because they give your dog a chance to use some of their natural problem solving abilities. Now keep in mind not all puzzle toys are loved equally by all dogs. My dog prefers a frozen Kong stuffed with treats over puzzle toys that lay flat on the ground. Teaching your dog a new trick or command is great for mental stimulation, and it can be especially helpful with shy or fearful dogs. Learning new commands can also help increase your dogs focus and impulse control manners. Not sure what to teach your dog next? One of my favorite tricks is weaving between legs. Teaching your dog a new trick is a great way to prove your dog with some more mental stimulation. Having your dog use their nose to find things is a really simple way to help them hone in one their natural skills. And all that searching will provide your dog with a lot more mental stimulation in their daily routine. As you have your dog in a stay position go hide some of those treats around the house. After they get the hang of it you can start hiding them in harder to find spots, encouraging them to use their nose more and rely less on visuals. So we started using toys as well. I started using this game after I saw those amazing videos of Chaser the Border Collie who knows the names of over toys. The basic principle of shaping games is to encourage our dogs to try something new. By giving our dogs the chance to make their own decisions we can increase their mental and physical flexibility. You start out with a box on the ground and without any cues let your dog investigate and decide what to do. Shaping can be used with any item, not just a box. Make an Obstacle Course For Your Dog Teaching your dog how to go through an obstacle course is a nice mental workout for them. We use a blanket, some toys and a few orange hazard cones I picked up at the local thrift store. Engage in More Interactive Play With Your Dog Our dogs love playing with us, and engaging in interactive play is one of the easiest ways to keep them mentally stimulated. Recent studies have found that the more play a dog engages in the less likely they are to suffer from behavioral issues. Interactive play is when you actively engage with your dog. Playing a game of tug or fetch is interactive play, and those sorts of games help tremendously when it comes to giving your dog more mental stimulation. And any of those fun games will help strengthen your bond. To play the shell game with your dog you let them watch as you place a treat under one of the cups. How do you give your dog mental exercise? Do you play a lot of tug? Does your dog eat their meals out of a puzzle toy? Did I miss any of your favorite brain games for dogs? Recommended Reading:. If so trying adding in some of these fun brain games for dogs into their routine. Brain games are a great way to have some extra fun with your dog each day. Mentally stimulating activities like brain games enrich our dogs lives by giving them something meaningful to do. And because these activities alleviate boredom they can decrease the likelihood of our dogs developing behavioral issues such as excessive chewing or barking. Find the Treats My absolute favorite brain game for dogs is a game of find the treats. Finding the treats themselves is rewarding for your dog, and the addition of your encouragement during the game can keep it exciting. It gives your dog the opportunity to use some of their natural instincts to work for food. Food Dispensing Toys Another fun brain game for dogs is using food dispensing toys. A food dispensing toy is any toy that contains food and requires your dog to work to figure out how to obtain the food. To use a food dispensing toy you simply fill it up with treats and encourage your dog to engage with it. Food dispensing toys are a great way to give your dog some extra mental stimulation. And as with other food related games they give your dog a chance to use their natural scavenging abilities in a fun and challenging way. Food dispensing toys are an easy way to emulate those natural instincts. You can make your own food dispensing toy out of an old plastic container , bottle , or PVC. Dog Puzzles One of my favorite brain games for dogs is using puzzles. They come in a wide variety, but they all have one thing in common — your dog has to figure out how to get the reward treat. Like other food related games they provide your dog with plenty of mental stimulation and help relieve boredom. Some of them are quite challenging, and others are pretty basic. Some will keep Laika busy for a few minutes, but others take a few seconds. Some dogs get super pumped up by treats and will start pawing at both of your hands due to excitement. Stuffed Kong One of my favorite brain games for dogs is using a stuffed Kong. Stuffed Kongs are fun and mentally stimulating for dogs. The Shell Game The shell game is another simple brain game for dogs. The shell game will give your plenty of mental stimulation by giving them a chance to work on their problem solving skills. Hide and seek lets your dog use some of their natural scent tracking abilities in a fun and stimulating way. But hear me out for a minute. Teaching your dog something new such as putting their toys away is mentally stimulating. And if you teach them how to do it in a positive way you can make a fun game out of it. Praise them like crazy, then repeat. Dogs enjoy learning new skills as long as you keep it positive , and teaching your dog new skills, such as putting their toys away, will boost their confidence and keep them mentally stimulated. Do you already have names for your dogs toys? Start by playing with your dog and one specific toy, giving it a name while you do. Once your dog has learned that specific toys name you can test their skills by seeing if they can pick it out among their other toys. After your dog knows the name of one toy you can move on teaching them the name of another. On average dogs can learn different words , so your dog has the potential to learn the names of a lot of different toys. My dog knows the names of about 30 toys, and having her pick specific ones out of a pile is a great way to boost her problem solving skills. Does your dog know how to weave through your legs and jump through a hoop? And teaching your dog how to weave through your legs is a lot easier than it sounds. Once your dog knows a bunch of tricks you can step it up a notch and combine those behaviors into new tricks. What are your favorite brain games for dogs? Do you play hide and seek with your dog? You can find out more on our disclosure page. Recommended Reading:. Masters of Smell We have six million olfactory receptors; dogs have up to million. Additionally, the part of the brain that analyzes smells is 40 times bigger in dogs than humans. This enables dogs to find lost hikers, discover buried truffles, or even locate cadavers beneath the water. It stands to reason then, that we should somehow be harnessing this amazing power in our own pets. Once dependent upon their noses to survive, most domestic dogs today are a bit out of practice. It requires you to do nothing but place treats randomly around the home in the hopes that she will locate them by scent. Once she finds the first one often by accident , she will quickly key into the possibility of finding others with her nose. Start by placing one or two treats down in full view, while she is out of the room. Then call her in. She will eat them happily and look for more. Repeat this process, but begin placing the treats in less obvious places; in a corner, just beneath a sofa or coffee table, or even partially beneath a doggie cushion. Place them while she is outside, or in another part of the home. Then simply let her find them on her own. You will soon see her scenting for them rather than looking for them. Vary placement and quantity; some days just hide one treat. Try hiding a food dispenser toy filled with treats. Hide a feather rubbed with cheese. Hide a frozen cube of meat or broth on a plate of course! Then move it out into the yard and do the same, making it easy at first then progressively harder. Try hiding a chicken egg out there! First, get some small tasty treats that will fit into your hand. Next, take one into your palm and make a loose, palm-down fist. Then, with your dog sitting in front of you, offer her that fist, and let her sniff. Then, add your other empty fist. Repeat this, alternating the hand in which you place the treat. The idea is to teach her that the location of treat varies and can be found only by scenting it out. To begin, give an old towel or rag to a friend and have him or her rub it all over his or her dog or cat. If possible, have him or her get a drop of urine on the cloth as it contains strong scents. If not, rubbing it will do. Then, without your dog present, place the cloth out of sight somewhere in the yard, beneath a bush or behind a tree. Then let your dog out and see what happens! You can try this randomly with the scent of different animals to keep your dog guessing. After trying dog and cat scents, try hamster, parrot, ferret—whatever you can locate. Then just wait. She will inevitably begin searching for you. Once she finds you, praise and reward! Have a friend hold your dog, then walk off into the woods and find cover. Your dog should scoot off with her nose to the ground, searching for you. Within a minute she should find you, at which point you should reward her mightily! Increase your distance over time until she can find you no matter how far off. Get four sturdy, coffee cup-sized containers that she cannot break or easily knock over. Avoid glass or paper; glass could break and paper is too flimsy. With your dog sitting and watching, place a treat underneath one cup then move it back and forth. Next, add a second cup. Place the treat then move the cups back and forth a bit. Wait until she sniffs the right one before praising and lifting the cup. Repeat until she reliably picks the right cup. Then add a third cup, and repeat until she gets it on the first try every time. While wild dogs have to track and capture food every day, our dogs know they will find a meal in the same spot every day. But what if, when you called her for dinner one day, her bowl was in a different spot? The answer is simple: she would instantly begin looking for it. Try first placing it in the room next door; she will begin sniffing excitedly and find the scent-rich bowl in seconds. The next day, hide the bowl somewhere across your home and call her for dinner. It will take her a bit longer, but she will find it and wolf it down. Unique scents such as essential oils lavender, anise, and valerian work well can motivate dogs and will excite their tracking instincts. To start, get a favourite toy a ball works well and put a few drops of essential oil onto it. Then, play a quick game of indoor fetch, followed by a reward. Do so several times in a day. The next day, with the dog absent, hide the same toy, then place tiny pieces of paper anointed with the oil onto the floor, leading 20 feet away from the ball, like a trail of bread crumbs. Keep at it and praise when she follows the trail. If need be, get her started by showing her the first scented paper. When she does find the ball, reward her! Gradually reduce the number of scented papers until she can find the scented ball all by herself. Once mastered in the home, move it out into the yard. Then change the scent and the toy and begin again. You can use chicken fat, cream cheese, peanut butter—anything your dog likes. This is a simple version of what drug and bomb-sniffing dogs do. If you have taught your dog to find a ball by following a scent trail, you have already taught her to key in on scent. To begin, take the same scented ball and place it in a shoebox. Next, repeat this, only with three boxes, the ball in the original box to prevent cross contamination. Reward her with a quick fetch session. Now, instead of putting the scented ball in one of the three boxes, simply put a slip of paper in the same box, with a few drops of the same essential oil on it. Hide the scented ball outside, wash your hands, then place a new, unscented ball in your back pocket. When she homes in on the box with the scented paper, praise her mightily then take out the ball in your pocket and toss it for her as a reward. Repeat this over time, increasing distance and the number of boxes. In no time, she will be an expert tracker! If your dog really takes to it and you feel so inclined, do a web search to locate a local tracking club and attend a introductory class. Who knows: your pooch could turn into a master tracker! Share Uh oh…you came home after leaving your puppy or newly adopted dog in the house for a couple hours and you find out that expensive rug that was passed down to you from your grandmother is now the dogs new favorite chew toy. We simply steer their need to chew toward a chewable object. Think of it as backseat driving. Telling the driver to be careful and slow down enough eventually leads to the driver slowing down and driving carefully. Dog proof your house as much as possible especially when bringing a new puppy in your home. Puppies are naturally destructive so preventing them from capitalizing on their natural destructive abilities is always recommended. So keeping doors shut and a baby gate up is highly recommended. This exercise is a basic trial and error lesson for the dog. Now…we wait. Your dog will most likely will go up to one of the objects and start chewing it. From there do the redirecting process where we divert them towards an object they CAN chew. Once their mouth touches the CAN chew object we once again praise, pet and allow them to chew it for a minute or two. From there we simply take it away while praising and repeat the process. Once again we we have all the objects spread out on the floor and wait. First of all like I said in the first paragraph, prevention is the best technique by a landslide. Leaving your shoes in the middle of the living room floor when you have a 3 month old puppy running around the house is just asking for it. This is where the baby gate s come in handy. Gate the house off one room at a time. Only when they fully understand what to chew and what not to chew can the entire house be free range. Also remember that dogs are trial and error creatures just like us. Anyone who disagrees is selling you something. They learn from their mistakes just like we do and want to avoid doing it wrong. Yelling at them is never recommended. Also never spend too much time on a reprimand. Spending too much time on a reprimand only leads to confusion and eventually them shutting down on you. Keep in mind like I said in the first paragraph there are many ways to solve a chewing problem, this is just one. There is no handbook for dog training, just figuring out the equation for what works on your dog and their particular issue. Progress is what dog training is. When we train and see no progress we move onto to another method. When we DO see progress we continue on until the issue is solved. Remember like I always say: Be consistent. Giving up on the animal is plain and simple neglect. Also keep in mind dog training happens at the speed of life not the speed of light. Conditioning an animal takes time. Time is what allows the dog to retain the information for life and eventually become a well trained dog so take the time and train them. Try this out yourself and let me know how it goes.

Breeder recommendation FAQs If you have recently welcomed a new puppy or kitten into your home please accept our congratulations! We want to support both you and your pet as best we can throughout this rapidly changing period which is why we have our Breeder recommendation process. If you have been handed a card about this from your breeder and are having problems, please check our FAQs below to see if these to help answer your query. My breeder gave me a card to register for a free welcome box, how do I apply for it? Please follow the instructions on the card to text us. What do I need when you call? Please have available, the breeders ID number and also the food product that they have recommended for your new pet. This information should be written on the pop out part of the card you were given. If the breeder has not made a recommendation yet, please ask them for that information before sending your text. We will also ask you for details of your pet and yourself. What will it cost me to send the text? Texts will be charged at your network rate. We do not make an additional charge. Please contact your breeder to obtain this information before sending your text. Yes, we can provide welcome boxes for up to 2 new pets in your household. If they are from the same breeder and being registered together, you only need send one text and our outbound team will collect the details of each pet. What do you do with my data? We will ask you during your call whether you would like to stay in contact with us by email or phone and you have the option to agree or disagree to receiving information from us. We can assure you that we do not pass your details to any third party apart from for the purpose of despatching your welcome box. For more information please refer to our privacy policy. I sent a text, but have not had a call yet. We will make the first attempt to call you within 48 hours of receiving your text. During busy times, this may take up to 5 working days. This includes working days only and does not include weekends or public holidays. I sent my text more than 48 working hours ago, but haven't had a call yet. If you received a confirmation text from us, our outbound calling team will make 4 attempts to contact you. If they are not successful after the 4th attempt they will leave a voicemail asking you to re-text. If you did not receive a confirmation text from us, we did not receive your text. If not, please resend with this information. When I try to text I am advised that my text failed. Unfortunately, some mobile providers prevent their subscribers from texting to promotional numbers. Please call our office or send a message via our Contact us link. You will need to let us know the breeder ID number and whether you have a puppy or a kitten when you call. You will be called 4 times on different days and at different times. After the 4th attempt you will be left a voicemail with instructions on what to do next. I've missed a call, can I call you back? Yes you are able to call back, please ensure you do so from the same phone that you sent your text from. I spoke to one of your outbound calling team, but my box has not arrived yet. Your box would have been despatched by DPD who will have sent you a text advising that your parcel is on its way and giving you the option to re-arrange delivery if necessary. The text may appear to have been sent to you by Royal Canin. I'd like to send you photos of my new pet and their welcome box. We would love to see pictures of your new pet with their welcome box, please feel free to share them on social media, follow us and tag us. If you still have unanswered questions, please feel free to get in touch. Offer available only to "Eligible Claimants". An "Eligible Claimant" is an individual who: is a resident of Australia aged 18 years, or older; has received a Puppy or Kitten Pack from their pet's Breeder with a unique code; is a member of the Royal Canin Healthy Pets Club or registers as a member of the Royal Canin Healthy Pets Club at the time of claiming the Offer ; and is not a member of the Australian or New Zealand Royal Canin Breeders Club Claiming the Offer constitutes acceptance of these terms and conditions. The Free Bag type will be automatically allocated based the pet's details entered at the time of registration and may not be changed after registration. If these terms and conditions are amended, they will come into effect on the date they are published. Each Offer is not transferable and cannot be redeemed: i more than once; or ii for cash. Limit of two 2 packs and unique codes per household in a 24 month period. Voucher 1 Will be automatically emailed to the Eligible Claimant after registration and is valid for 4 months from date of issue. Valid at participating retail stores, veterinary clinics and online retailers only. Valid for use on therapeutic diets, in clinic, when following a recommendation by a Veterinarian or Veterinary nurse. Valid only at point of purchase. Not valid at shows or exhibitions. Not valid with any other offer and not redeemable for cash. Limited to 1 voucher per customer per household. Valid in Australia only. Voucher is valid for 4 months from date of issue. Voucher 2 Voucher 2 is available for redemption 15 days after initial registration, and can be claimed by entering in the details of the purchase made using Voucher 1. Voucher 2 is available for redemption by the Eligible Claimant for a period of 6 months from initial registration date. Voucher is valid for 6 months from date of issue. Delivery of goods to you The Promoter will deliver the Free Bag to the address provided at the time of sign up. Eligible Claimants will become the owner of the Free Bag when upon delivery to the address specified in condition 4. Once the Free Bag has been delivered it will be held at the Eligible Claimant's own risk and the Promoter will not be liable for their loss or destruction. The Promoter will only deliver to physical addresses in Australia. A tracking number will be provided via email, please use this number to track the delivery. All deliveries are made Signature not required Authority to Leave — if the claimant is not available at the time of delivery the goods will be left at the delivery address at the claimant's risk. For the avoidance of doubt, the Promoter will not be responsible for any goods left at the claimant's designated delivery address. We may also use the personal information you give us for consumer care and research purposes, and for other purposes, as described in our privacy policy. If we do not collect the personal information you have provided in the entry form, you will not be able to claim the free bag and may not be able to receive communications about our brands, products and services which may be of interest to you. We may disclose your personal information to our family of companies and to our vendors or service providers, who may also contact you directly for the purposes of fulfilling the Offer, including to verify delivery details and provide you with delivery tracking information. These companies may be based overseas, including in France or Singapore. We require these companies to comply with the Australian privacy laws that apply to your personal information. If you need to contact us, or have any questions, please use the online contact form or email [email protected] or our pet health nutrition team [email protected] or call .Pet owners will be issued an account where they can maintain their pet details. The Club is a membership program accessible to cat and dog owners that meet the eligibility requirements set out in clause 2. To register to the Club you must join here. Membership will only be activated upon confirming via email validation. As per our standard terms and conditions Club membership is only open to: 1. Persons aged 18 and over; and 2. Residents of Australia, on a one account per person basis. Royal Canin reserves the right to refuse Club membership at its sole discretion. Royal Canin reserves the right to amend or terminate the Club for any reason, at any time, and at its discretion. All personal details provided by you must be correct and it is your responsibility to inform Royal Canin of any changes via the Club account login. You agree that Royal Canin cannot be held liable for any losses due to missing or incorrect data or other such occurrence. Membership of the Club is non-transferable and must only to be used by the registered Club member. Abuse or misuse will not be tolerated and Royal Canin reserves the right to remove, recall, decline, withdraw or suspend any Club membership for any reason, at any time, and at its discretion. We may also use the personal information you give us for any other purpose of the Club, including to provide prizes, for consumer care and research purposes, and for other purposes, including as described in our privacy policy. By registering for the Club, you consent to our collection and use of your personal information in this manner. We may disclose your personal information to our related bodies corporate, to our vendors or service providers, or to other third parties for the purposes of the Club. These companies may be based overseas, including in France. If you need to contact us, or have any questions, please use the online contact form or email our pet health nutrition line.