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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 Morgantown West Virgina? 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. Boxer puppies for sale in Morgantown WV The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. 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 Morgantown 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. Until the Treaty of Paris in , what is now known as Morgantown was greatly contested by white settlers and Native Americans, and by British and French soldiers. The treaty decided the issue in favor of the British, but Indian fighting continued almost to the beginning of the American Revolutionary War in .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. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find. Both parents have European blood lines. Both have fantastic playful personalities, and love playing in the garden with their family and my other older dog! They come with all papers and shots and good with kets and other dogs. Black and white husky west virginia, morgantown. The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats. These pups are in Morgantown, West Virginia too! Our Frenchies are cared for by passionate Puppy Agents from the moment they are born until they are ready to go to their new homes. Try a different search below! Americanlisted has classifieds in Morgantown, West Virginia for dogs and cats. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and. Adopt a Kuvasz near you in Morgantown, West Virginia We don't see any Kuvaszs available for adoption right now, but new adoptable pets are added every day. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets. Tags: United States, Dog Breeds. Search Now Search for a Schnauzer Standard puppy or dog. All West Virginia French Bulldogs for sale are unique, with their own character traits and personalities, but the breed, in general, is known for its intelligence, cuteness, and gentle, easygoing nature. Genetically tested with a guarantee! We can safely deliver your puppy right to your door. The French Bulldog is a small and playful breed with a distinctive bat-like ear shape. French Bulldog Puppies For Sale. Gorgeous French Bulldog puppies, prepared to go from my the home of your heart. Very friendly gets along with other gentle…. What a beautiful bunch of critters they are. French Bulldog puppies for sale in West Virginia from trusted. All the black masks and fawn one little gal is a light fawn with black. Sign up for our newsletter to be notified when we post them! Our AKC Frenchies are priced between .Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Standard Schnauzer Puppies for Sale. Learn more puppies available 1, certified breeders Transportation. Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. Adopt a Schnauzer Standard near you in Morgantown, West Virginia We don't see any Schnauzer Standard available for adoption right now, but new adoptable pets are added every day. Micro is the most expensive French Bulldog ever recorded. Our puppies are microchipped and come with the. A Frenchie is a great family pet, super easy to train, great with kids, and friendly to all. Parents on site and guaranteed against congenital disease. The Frenchie makes a great family pet! Vet checked and utd on shots and worming. As a breeder of French Bulldogs for the Morgantown, West Virginia area, we take pride in providing high-quality puppies to our customers. Puppies available dep .We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. This is a group to post or find free puppies and dogs in and around Morgantown WV. The American Boxer Club was established in .Reply to Seller View pictures. It is to find pups good and loving homes. To see more adoptable Belgian Tervurens in Morgantown, West Virginia, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! Find the best French Bulldog and Great Dane for you. Here at Premier Pups, we work hand in hand with the nation's top breeders to raise happy and healthy French Bulldog puppies. Dogs for Sale in Fairmont, WV. We have rare and regular coloured Frenchies for sale in United States. French Bulldog puppies for sale in West Virginia from trusted …. Beautiful female red puppies. The skeletal structure of the Frenchie means that females have to have C-sections in order to deliver their pups safely, leading to higher costs for West Virginia French Bulldog breeders and higher price tags for the pups they sell. Use the search tool below to browse adoptable Kuvasz puppies and adult Kuvasz in Morgantown, West Virginia. Few dogs are as recognizable as the French Bulldog. French Bulldog Puppies. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Our French bulldogs have great temperaments and are very will socialized and are extremely loving. These adorable and happy puppies also come with a year health guarantee. Monday, April 17, Highly recommend Premier Pups for anyone looking. Search for a Schnauzer Standard puppy or dog. The skeletal structure of the Frenchie means that females have to have C-sections in order to deliver their pups safely, leading to higher costs for West Virginia French Bulldog. CKC, shots, dewormed, dew claws removed, 30 days of free pet insurance and 1 year guarantee. Our Available French Bulldog Puppies! Parents on site and guaranteed against. The Frenchies are here! The average price for these dogs can exceed 10k dollars. Best French Bulldog Puppies for sale! Blue Diamond Pups. Raised with children and other dogs. I would absolutely use them again! So happy they found Charlie for me! Gia French Bulldog Puppy in Morgantown. They up to date on shots and wormer. Our goal is to exceed the breed standards for temperament, health, bone structure and appearance. Boxer puppies for sale in Morgantown WV. Frenchies Kingdom - the ultimate place to buy a French Bulldog. Find French Bulldog puppies for sale. AmericanListed features safe and local classifieds for everything you need! Search for a Kuvasz puppy or dog. However, the price may increase if you want to adopt from a reputable breeder. French Bulldog puppies for sale from trusted breeders. Will not be ready until end of June. Find your puppy for sale in Morgantown, WV. Search for a Presa Canario puppy or dog. To see more adoptable Belgian Tervurens in Morgantown, West Virginia, use the search tool below to enter specific criteria! At Premier Pups, our French Bulldog puppies and their parents go through extensive screening and health testing to ensure there are no health issues. We are extremely excited about these puppies. See puppy photos, reviews, health information. They are affectionate and loyal companions, making them a popular choice for families and. The three mothers gave us a wonderful distribution of colors and patterns. Akc reg french bulldog puppies. Both have fantastic playful personalities, and love. She is deaf Photos and contact info on Advertigo website. Originally bred as mini-bulldogs in England, then brought to France, they have compact bodies, upright ears, and are the perfect partner for spending time at home. Search Now Search for a. Find English Bulldogs and puppies from West Virginia breeders. Gorgeous French Bulldog puppies, prepared to go. Bulldog Puppies for Sale in West Virginia. They are affectionate and loyal companions, making them a popular choice for families and individuals alike. French Bulldog puppies for sale! The French Bulldog is an affectionate dog breed that loves to play. Text ll shots wormed. They are currently 9 weeks old. They come with a health record and a written hlth guarantee. Box Prosperity, WV cajenigs hotmail. Stunning male and female Boxer Puppies west virginia, charleston. We want to provide top-quality beloved companions. European Boxers have a different look to them than. Boxer puppies sale Morgantown WV. History: The Boxer descends from two dogs of the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed from Germany: the Danziger Bullenbeisser and the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, both of which were used by. Boxers for Sale in Charleston, WV 1 - 15 of 26 Fawn female boxer with a small bit of white on her nose and tummy. The American Boxer Club was established in .The right Boxer is worth waiting for. Big Mac Boxers — For work, play, or show! When they go to their new homes they will have registration papers, their dew claws. Boxer For Sale in West Virginia .He was then imported to the United States in .Lexington, Louisville, or Cincinnati. He is a cobby build, short and compact. Boxers for Sale Boxer for sale ads. Please take a moment and consider adopting a pet from your local Humane Society or Boxer Rescue become aware of how many good boxers and other pets need your help. Puppies for Sale in West Virginia. She is a 3-year-old Boxer mixed dog. She loved her home and her mom loved her. About Us The first boxer came into my life in .Find Boxer puppies for sale Near West Virginia Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near West Virginia Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their. Boxer pups six of them, count them six bouncy cute little critters. Brindle, Fawn and flashy fawn available. Tails docked dew claws removed First set of shots and wormed. Their website is very easy to use, with over , puppies sold, no waiting lists, and 10, verified 5-star reviews from previous buyers. Boxer Puppies for Sale in WV Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. Super cute!! All puppy series vaccinations have been done. AKC Boxer Puppies. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Huntington, WV Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their. Boxer, West Virginia » Tennerton. There are 4-males and 3-females. Very healthy, no history of surgeries, more. It was a dog as a pet and just a friend. Boxer Puppies for Sale in West Virginia. The head is distinctive, with a broad, blunt muzzle and alert expression. Vet checked dew claws and tail docked. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help. When you choose Uptown to find West Virginia puppies for sale, we aim to make the process as simple as possible. The Boxer is exemplary in the combination of stylish elegance with strength and agility. History: The Boxer descends from two dogs of the now extinct Bullenbeisser breed from Germany: the Danziger Bullenbeisser and the Brabanter Bullenbeisser, both of which were used by hunters for. He was then imported to the United States in and was accepted by the American Kennel Club the following year. This breed is square-proportioned with good substance and musculature. They have had their first and second set of puppy shots and have been. From there, we'll scour our wide network of vetted breeders and businesses in order to find a litter of pups that are right for. Boxer puppies for sale in Morgantown WV The Boxer dog breed slowly gained popularity throughout Europe in the late s. Boxers for Sale in Charleston, WV. When they go to their new homes they. They have had their first and second se. Please feel free to email us with questions or about an upcoming litter anytime. Boxer Puppies for sale .Stunning 3 male and 2female Boxer Puppies. Should be about lbs when full-grown. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. We have started their house training and they are ready for their forever homes. They are healthy and bouncing with joylol. Boxers for Sale in Eugene, OR. They have had their first and second set of puppy shots and have been wormed. Join millions of people using Oodle to find puppies for adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Find a Boxer for adoption at dog rescues or shelters near West Virginia. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats I have 2 female fawn fighter puppies available, these young puppies are increased in my home with my 3 grownup boxers and my 3 kids, heavily socialized and wonderful. Stunning male and female Boxer Puppies. The difference is more than just cosmetic, though that is part of it. This litter was born last night. Find Boxer breeders with puppies for sale near West Virginia. She has had a home since she was a few months old. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in West Virginia. Boxer Puppies in Virginia. Save this search and we'll notify you when they are. Puppies will be ready for their new homes mid-July. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats. Boxer puppy for sale in Parkersburg, WV. Find your Boxer puppy for sale in West Virginia Puppies. Boxers for Sale in Huntington, WV. Four fawns light brown three are female one is male. Boxer puppies for sale in Huntington, WV from trusted breeders. Find Boxer puppies for sale Near Florida Despite their light and fun-loving nature, the Boxer is a hardworking, versatile, and vigilant breed that is incredibly loyal to their family. No puppies where found matching your criteria. His main purpose is for hunting large game. Written Health guarantee versus hereditary problems. Americanlisted has classifieds in Bunker Hill, West Virginia for dogs and cats. Boxer puppies for Sale Michele 5 Girls 1 boy 7 weeks old Mom and Dad on premises they are both 2 years old they. Size: inches tall, lbs. My husband and I have been breeding boxers for the past 5 years! He has had boxers for 30 years now. Boxer puppy for sale in Morgantown, WV. AKC Registered Reverse brindle and fawn boxer puppies. Local pickup only Cedar Boxers. PuppySpot is a great online platform to match budding buyers with the highest-quality breeders and Boxer puppies. We'll start off by taking some information about your situation and the kind of dog you're looking for. Americanlisted has classifieds in Berkeley Springs, West Virginia for dogs and cats. We've connected loving homes to reputable breeders since and we want to help you find the puppy your whole family will love. Browse thru our ID Verified puppy for sale listings to find your perfect puppy in your area. Also will be wormed at 2,4 1 2 3 4 5 6 next ». Boxer Puppies for Sale Boxers are upbeat, playful family dogs that have earned a reputation for being protective guardians or watchdogs and silly, bright-eyed, affectionate companions for children. Free online listings of cute Boxers. Looking for a Boxer puppy in West Virginia? Trusted Puppies works with the top breeders in WV. Boxers for Sale in Morgantown, WV. The Molossus blood makes the hardworking Boxer dog courageous, bright, and alert. Alissa Cabrera Rottweiler puppies for sale. Boxers for Sale in Parkersburg, WV. Services: Puppies,Adult Dogs,Rescue. Classified ads of the boxer dogs and puppies for sale near WV. These pedigrees produces a wonderful. Vet certsVaccinesMicrochipped. Blue Diamond Bernedoodles have a loving, easy. Michele - Puppies for Sale. We provide a free lising service for Shetland Sheepdog. Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Morgantown, WV. AKC Tri-color Beagle puppies for sale. Pomeranian Puppies For Sale in West wide selection of car brands. They average inches in height at the shoulders when fully grown. Looking for a StarRise pup? We take the time to ensure each breeding is done with a health of our puppy in mind;. Beautiful doberman puppies 8 and half weeks old ready to go including all the rare fawn and rust. The welfare of our puppies is of highest importance. If you would like a copy of the contract, please contact us, and we will email you a copy…so you looking for homes Fairmont pic Oct 24 Holland Lop Doe Rivesville wv pic. We reserve the right to choose what home is best for our - 11 weeks old. On the occasions that a pet is placed in a home prior to spay or neuter, the adoptive owner must commit to altering. Puppies and Dogs;. He was then imported to the United located in Morgantown WV is happy to announce that two of our ladies have given us beautiful healthy puppies. At Premier Pups, we work hand in hand with the nation's most reputable breeders to offer small Poodle puppies for adoption in the Morgantown, West Virginia. Please like , love , and share , share our videos. Join millions of people using Oodle to find unique used cars for sale, apartments for rent, jobs listings, merchandise, or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .Standard Bernedoodles are bigger than Mini Bernedoodles reaching weights of pounds. Our animals come from owner surrenders, full kill shelters, abandoned on the streets, feral colonies, and neglectful situations. Feel free to browse hundreds of active classified puppy for sale listings, from dog breeders in Pa and the surrounding areas. Adopt now! Boxer puppies for sale in Morgantown WV. It's also free to list your puppies and litters on our site. When you choose Uptown to find West Virginia puppies for sale, we aim to make the process as simple as possible. View all 24 pets 1 2 3 1 - 10 of 24 adoptable pets at this rescue Areas Mountaineers For Mutts serves. Golden American Bully. But this dog breed was also useful in guarding and driving livestock. Shetland Sheepdog Breeders in West Virginia. They have purebred Bernese Mountain dogs for moms and the dads are Standard poodles. Beagles for Sale Morgantown, WV. Whether you're looking for Hoobly VA dogs, puppies Morgantown WV, or other puppies in WV elsewhere around the Our second-to-none Puppy Guarantee makes buying a pure-bred Labrador retriever one of the wisest decisions you will ever make. We'll start off by taking some information about your situation and the kind of dog you're looking for. Whether you're looking for Hoobly VA dogs, puppies Morgantown WV, or other puppies in WV elsewhere around the state, we're sure to be able to put you in touch with a breeder or business that can work for you. Our puppies are from a Bichon Frise purebred mom and a purebred Toy Poodle More morgantown pets "puppies" - craigslist west virginia old wva western maryland wmd williamsport, PA wpt. Stunning Rotweiller Puppies west virginia, morgantown. Will not travel, located in Salem, WV. Search results for: Rottweiler puppies and dogs for sale near Morgantown, West Virginia, USA state, we're sure to be able to put you in touch with a breeder or business. Find your puppy for sale in Morgantown, WV. Filter Dog Ads Search Morgantown. This is a group to post or find free puppies and dogs in and around Morgantown WV. Premier Pups is committed to providing four-legged dog lovers with happy, healthy Yorkshire Terrier or call Woody or Judi for up-to-date puppy information at .View listing photos, review sales history, and use our detailed real estate filters to find the perfect. His main purpose is for hunting large game. Pets for Retriever Puppies. All dogs available from Belmar shelties are sold to approved homes only. Puppies For Sale in .He was then imported to the United States in and. Premier Pups offers the maryland wmd williamsport, PA wpt. Scottish Terrier Puppies For Sale in and other classifieds in your neighborhood. View Some of our Cats Ready for Adoption. Read the personal testimonials from prominent Lab owners from around the country. Find and adopt a pet on Petfinder today. Jessica s grooming Morgantown WV. Puppies For Sale, Teacup, Partnered with the nation's most trusted and reputable breeders, we aim to deliver the cutest, happiest, and finest Yorkies to our Premier family members. Find your perfect puppy! Gorgeous and adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Zillow has homes for sale in Morgantown WV. Morgantown, WV. Free puppies in state, we're sure to be able to put you in touch with a breeder or business. The adoption can read and go over it. Our puppiesWe have a litter of 12 beautiful, chunky "Rottweiler" puppies. Puppies for sale in West Virginia. Yorkshire Terrier male puppies for sale The first picture is the smallest one and he looks like he is Virginia, WV. All puppies found here are from AKC-Registered parents. Premier Pups is committed to providing four-legged dog lovers with happy, healthy Yorkshire Terrier puppies for sale near Morgantown, West Virginia. We have puppies for sale near you, including all types of breeds! Available — Belmar Shelties. Born on May 27, ready fo July 1, .Shop your Morgantown Petco store to find reptiles for sale to add to your family. Mother is the bloodline of Branko and dad is the bloodline of Russell Creek. One puppy left reverse brindle male Adorable, playful, and friendly litter with beautiful markings, Family raised American Bully. Maybelle Bella gave us a litter of 7 5 males and 2. Puppies for Sale in Morgantown West Virginia. Labrador Retriever Puppies For Sale in Morgantown, WV According to registration statistics recently nail clipper will be most ideal for your canine and how to securely utilize them. Americanlisted has classifieds in Morgantown, West Virginia for dogs and cats. Genetically tested with a guarantee! We can safely deliver your. Kennel hounds, dogs and all kinds of cats More morgantown pets "puppies" - craigslist. References will be asked for and checked, no puppy will be sold sight unseen. Rottweilers for Sale in Morgantown, WV. Doberman puppies ready west virginia, morgantown. Yorkshire Terrier male puppies for sale The first picture is the smallest one and he looks like he is adoption, dog and puppy listings, and other pets adoption. Detailed Information. Reptiles can make great pets from the aquatic turtles to the sun-loving snakes. Off soft food, all shots and dewor… more. Papers, dewormed, dew claws removed, microchiped, 30 days of free pet insurance, health guarantee and one year guarantee. Craigslist has listings for pets in the Morgantown, WV area More going to be 3. Chihuahua puppies 10 wks old [email protected] Search for dogs for adoption at shelters near Morgantown, WV. Last one left! These beautiful puppies are now ready.

Please contact us for puppy prices. But once your puppy is born and you have accepted an alphabet puppy litter and choose to back out, your deposit is subject to forfeit. Birth to weaning so if you change your mind after confirming, you are reducing the time the next family has to also prepare for their new puppy. No restrictions on AKC full registration and full breeding rights given on your haus von Wiese puppy. Final payment is due at time of puppy pick up or after delivery arrangements are scheduled, 2 days prior to flight. No additional Charge for puppy pick up in Huntersville NC. September Breeding We had a successful breeding between Lotte and Gringo. We expect our "B" litter to arrive in early November, with take home after 8 weeks of nursing taking us through New Years .The breeding took place but we need a month for the puppies to grow in utero before our vet can confirm the pregnancy. Any overflow will roll over to our Spring Cersei long coat dam litter. Paska is undoubtedly one of the most well known working dog Black German Shepherds of all time. Just as strategically as horses are bred to increase positive attributes, we are breeding in a similar style. Our goal is to save Paska's heritage and continue to produce puppies containing his well balanced temperament, drive and strong working ability. Bomber carries some of the same impressive attributes as Paska and is the product of highly accomplished and highly decorated shepherds in Germany. It is our goal to preserve both bloodlines while integrating fresh new lines from Germany to be sure of safe breeding outcome. Along with 7-week old personality and drive level testing on each puppy, we strive to match each puppy with it's family to achieve long-term fit and family harmony. Our breeding pairs are selected with great health, hips and elbows from multi generational excellence of their lineage. Scroll below to our breeding dogs and click on their Pedigeree Link to view their impressive German pedigree. Thank you to the families that are giving loving new homes to our precious black German Shepherd puppies! Please call or text to reserve your puppy. Nolan was a magnificent 4 time competitor of the German Bundesseiger. You don't want to miss this stunner! Winn-Dixie is a fabulous mix of both Unkas and Nolan. V Paska vom Salztalblick. We are hapy to include Aurora and her freshness to our breeding program. Basia is an incredible product of our exclusive breeding program from the flawless Paska bloodline. Lotte and her parents have all tested the highest for Hip and Elbow tests in Germany, A normal. Mazikeen joined us from German European Import parents. Mazikeen's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. Mazikeen has a sweet natured and pleasing personality who produces family companion pups. Cersei's coat is long, glossy and incredibly soft. We are proud and excited for her to join our home and our breeding program. This is not true. They have a large, muscular build They have a fluffy tail Their ears are erect They have a double coat They are heavy shedders They are a solid black color They can be larger They often have a straighter back Their coat can be longer, sometimes with a flowing mane around the rear of the neck , skirting on either side of the body between the front and back legs and feathering long hair on the ears, backs of legs and beneath the tail 3. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black All German Shepherd puppies are either born black, gray or white and can change color as they grow. Their true coat color can usually be determined at about 8 weeks of age. Black German Shepherd puppies are born black and will stay black through adulthood. So, if you are looking for a solid Black German Shepherd puppy, you will want to get her at this age, and not before, in order to be sure she is indeed a solid black color. A German Shepherd that is, say, black and tan, can carry the recessive solid black gene and produce Black German Shepherd puppies. However, both parents must have the recessive gene for solid black to appear in the litter. It can happen. The second way solid Black German Shepherd puppies are produced is by mating two solid blacks. This mix can only produce a solid black litter. The color of this dog does not affect its temperament. The Black German Shepherd is just as loyal, alert, active and intelligent as the standard variety and is not predisposed to aggression. She is often aloof at first, but once you bond with her, she will be your companion for life. Black German Shepherds are also incredibly trainable and are used as police and military dogs, disability aid dogs, and obedience dogs. Look how obedient this month old Black Shepherd puppy is: Just like any German Shepherd, their protective instinct can be strong. These are dogs that were used to herd and protect livestock, and they will do the same with their human pack! In the case of your family coming into danger, have no doubt this dog will defend you. As a companion dog, however, you want her to recognize that not all people are a threat. Make sure you socialize her from a young age so that she gets on well with people in adulthood. They can be pricey Black German Shepherds are quite rare and for this reason tend to cost more, especially if they have the long, luxurious coat. Like all German Shepherds, they are prone to health problems The German Shepherd breed can, unfortunately, suffer from numerous health issues. The number one concern for this breed is hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. This condition occurs when the ball and socket joint is malformed and can result in arthritis or even lameness. This can be helped by maintaining a healthy weight in your dog. Other potential health problems include: Heart disease. Images internally provided The majestic German Shepherd is renowned globally, not just for its striking appearance, but also for its intelligence, loyalty, and trainability. Among the diverse color variants of the German Shepherd, the black short-haired version is a captivating sight, a blend of power and elegance. Historical Roots Originating from Germany in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the German Shepherd stands out not only for its imposing stature but also for its unparalleled combination of intelligence, loyalty, and versatility. This breed has secured its spot as one of the most recognized and beloved dogs in the world. Physical Attributes Short haired German Shepherds are medium to large-sized dogs, showcasing a blend of strength, agility, and elegance. They have a dense double coat that can vary in length and color, from black and tan to sable or even all-black. Their almond-shaped eyes exhibit intelligence and curiosity, while their ears — often erect and forward-pointing — add to their alert demeanor. Temperament German Shepherd puppies are known for their intelligence, making them quick learners and highly trainable. Their loyalty to their handlers or family members is unmatched, often leading to strong protective instincts. This protective nature, coupled with their bravery, has made them indispensable in roles like police work, search and rescue, and military operations. Socialization from a young age is crucial to ensure that their protective instincts are well-balanced, preventing undue aggression or timidity. By visiting their website, potential adopters can gain insights into available litters, the health and pedigree of the puppies, and the meticulous care they receive. Complete with photographs, detailed descriptions, and contact information, the German Shepherd Puppies NC website simplifies the journey of finding and adopting a short-haired German Shepherd puppy, ensuring that residents of North Carolina are only a click away from their future four-legged family member. Their years of expertise have given them a unique understanding of the breed, allowing them to provide puppies that are both healthy and well-adjusted. Top-Rated Breeder: The accolades speak for themselves. Their meticulous care ensures that every puppy is healthy, well-socialized, and ready to be a part of a loving family. Passion for the Breed: Their undying love for the German Shepherd breed is palpable in every interaction. In Conclusion The journey to finding the perfect pet can often be filled with uncertainty and countless options. However, when it comes to black short-haired German Shepherd puppies in North Carolina, the path becomes straightforward. German Shepherd Puppies NC, with its impeccable reputation, decades of experience, and genuine love for the breed, is undeniably the best choice for families looking to adopt. Ambassador With a passion for storytelling and a commitment to the highest standards of journalism, Victor Williams brings his extensive experience and global expertise to his contributions for NY Weekly. His education in world history sparked his interest in traveling the globe and gaining a deeper understanding of different cultures and societies. Through his travels, Williams has gained a wealth of knowledge and experiences, which he draws upon in his reporting. With a commitment to journalistic excellence and a love of adventure, Williams continues to be a leading voice in the world of news reporting. Next Post. Playfulness Watchdog Ability The German Shepherd Dog is a natural protector and so adaptable and intelligent that they have performed about every job known to dogs. If he had opposable thumbs, he would be unstoppable. Intelligent and obedient, purebred German Shepherd puppies are more than devoted pets - they are lifelong companions. Pure-breed black German shepherd puppies have the right temperament to make engaging family pets. Leave them alone or confined. These pups will grow mischievous and become high-strung. As the name implies, they originated in Germany in the late s. As part of the Herding Group, German Shepherds were used for livestock, herding, and guarding sheep. Back then, GSDs were not considered pets or companions but servants of farmers. Although German Shepherds weren't considered household pets, their owners did provide proper food, protection, and shelter. In the early s, a German cavalry officer named Captain Max Von Stephanitz made it his mission to create an ideal German herder. He co-founded the world's first club devoted to German Shepherds. Von spent 35 years promoting and refining the wonderful breed. People finally noticed how strong, smart, and obedient German Shepherds are. So now the military employs them as working dogs. Their intelligence, strength, speed, obedience, agility, and keen sense of smell make them perfect for the job. German Shepherds are also very versatile and make great companions. Their impressive and lovable personalities soon drew the attention of other countries. German Shepherd dog was brought to the United States in the early s, and American breeders began to develop their own lines of the breed. The American Kennel Club recognized the German Shepherd in , and the species has been one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States ever since. Today, GSDs are not only considered one of the most favorite household pets. The versatility and outstanding characteristics make German Shepherds beautiful pets, companions, and protectors. Due to the breed's reputation for being loyal, courageous, and easy to train, German Shepherds are used as police or military dogs. Personality Know the personality and temperament of your German Shepherd Dog German Shepherds are well-known for their smartness, confidence, intelligence, loyalty, and courageous personalities. As household pets, German Shepherd dogs get along with their owners and other members of the family. However, they do not get along with strangers easily, but with time, they warm up to anyone who tries to be friendly with them. The German Shepherd dog breed is distinguished for courage, loyalty, and the ability to maintain training. Because German Shepherds have strong guardian instincts, they tend to be loyal and protective of their owners and children. Given their strong guardian instincts, inadequate training and poor socialization can make them aggressive toward strangers. Their over-protective and aggressive behaviors can put any owner at risk. Therefore, GSDs should be carefully socialized with proper training from a very young age. The best thing about GSDs is that they are intelligent. German Shepherd dogs are usually active and like to be occupied with an activity. They do well with people who allow them to stay active. They need an ample amount of exercise daily to retain their activeness. They should be continually exposed to supervision during the training period. Most importantly, your German Shepherd should not be confined to a kennel or backyard alone, as GSDs like to be around their loved ones. Keeping them tied up alone will make them lonely and aggressive. A German Shepherd dog should be purchased from a good and reputed breeder. We do not hand over any puppy or dog without having them vet-checked. Health Health is wealth, even for your German Shepherd dog. As a dog lover, when you welcome a German Shepherd puppy into your family, they become an integral part of your life. Besides training your dog, it is best to focus on your pet's wellness. You must do everything you need to optimize your pet's health and happiness. Most German Shepherds are usually healthy dogs if purchased from a good breeder. A responsible breeder will screen breeding stock to check on health conditions such as elbow dysplasia, canine hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, etc. The German Shepherd Dog has an average lifespan of 9 to 13 years. Male, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. Female, Adult German Shepherd weighs around lbs. They can run 30 mph Maximum Running. Moreover, German Shepherds are prone to experience problems like bloat, skin allergies, gastric torsion, and abdomen swelling. German Shepherds experience these conditions. German Shepherds must be taken to the vet, like most other dogs, for routine health checkups. A regular checkup allows you to track your pet's health condition. Owners should be aware of all the GSDs' health-related symptoms to take care of them by taking their dogs to the vet when any symptom occurs. Besides, if you want to buy a healthy pet, you must contact a good breeder. We do everything a good breeder would do to deliver a healthy puppy to a customer. We also discuss health problems in the genetics of a puppy or dog. Grooming The importance of grooming your German Shepherd dog The adorable appearance of the German Shepherd dog is known to all. They are very adorable and majestic to look at. GSDs usually shed twice a year. Proper grooming helps in controlling shedding and keeps the coat nice. They only need a quick brushing a few times a week. A thorough brush helps to remove loose hairs from their coat and keep the fur nice and shiny. During the shedding time, frequent brushing is required to prevent the mess caused by heavy shedding. Giving the occasional bath should suffice to help them clean and smell nice. Your dog can end up hurting you unintentionally if the nails are too long. Invest in quality dog grooming products to ensure proper and safe grooming. Thus, do not forget to groom your precious German Shepherd dog. Finding How to find the right German Shepherd Breeders? The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dog breeds in the U. S and all over the world. GSDs have love and affection towards their owners, whether a puppy, a young dog, or an adult dog. Find and choose a good breeder to find the right German Shepherd puppy. Finding a good breeder is the key if you want a purebred and healthy German Shepherd puppy or dog. You need a good and reputed breeder to find the right puppy or dog for your family. Most importantly, puppies and dogs sold by breeders must be AKC-registered, which means that they follow the rules and regulations established by the AKC. We care more about placing the puppies in the right homes than making big bucks. We are happy to share any information you need about a puppy. We welcome any questions about a puppy with a big smile. The price is determined by several factors, including but not limited to the following: The breeder's location Show Record How many puppies can a German shepherd have? A German shepherd can have six to eight puppies. Larger litter are usually born to dogs that are bred early and often. The mother's milk production is also stimulated by the hormone prolactin, which is secreted in large amounts after mating. When do German shepherd puppies' ears stand up? Some puppies' ears stand up as early as 5 or 6 weeks old, but others don't have completely erect ears until they're a few months old. As long as the puppy's ears start to stand up by about 8 or 9 weeks old, there's no need to worry. If the puppy's ears haven't begun to stand up by then, you should take it to the vet to see if there's a problem. Contact us before the puppies get sold. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. The black German shepherd is a rare and highly sought-after variety of the standard German shepherd dog breed. Although multiple color variations of GSD exist, black German shepherd puppies are one of the most popular thanks to their sleek, handsome coats. The pitch-black color that gives these dogs their magnificent appearance is the result of a naturally occurring recessive gene. This means black German shepherds have naturally existed for quite some time, but they are much rarer than their black and tan counterparts. When properly socialized from a young age, black German shepherds make wonderful companions and excellent guard dogs. These large doggos are best suited for experienced owners with large homes and fenced-in yards. If you are looking for a handsome companion that can double as a guard dog, the black German shepherd is a fantastic choice! Keep on reading to find out more about this rare variety and decide if it is the right canine for you. Black German shepherds are a color variation of the standard German shepherd dog. While they may look completely different, these dogs are the same breed, and the black variety is recognized in the official GSD standard. While purebred black German shepherd puppies can compete in dog shows, they are often overlooked in favor of the classic black and tan look. These dogs were later used by the military as messengers, sentries, guards, supply carriers, and rescuers. Black shepherds tend to be slightly larger than the average GSD, and most have a straighter back. When it comes to features, you can expect your black German shepherd puppy to have a clear-cut head, pointed ears, a long snout, almond-shaped brown eyes, and a black nose. Males are usually around 24 to 26 inches tall at the withers and weigh between 65 and 90 pounds. Female dogs are typically smaller and stand between 22 and 24 inches tall and weigh from 50 to 75 pounds. The average GSD can be black and tan, black, sable, grey, red and black, or even black and silver. In German shepherds, black coats are caused by a recessive gene. This means a puppy needs to inherit two copies of a recessive gene from both mom and dad in order to have a black coat. For example, if you mate two sable German shepherds that carry this recessive gene, a quarter of their puppies will have a black coat. However, if you breed a black German shepherd with a sable dog that carries the gene, roughly half of their litter will be black in color. Breeding two black German shepherds is the only guaranteed way to produce a litter of completely black puppies. Bear in mind that all German shepherd puppies change color as they grow. Coat Texture These pitch-black canines have a medium-to-long double coat. The coat can be either straight or wavy and will shed all year long and go through two blowouts — once in the spring and again in the fall. If you decide to welcome a black GSD into your home, be prepared to welcome lots of loose doggy hair as well! Since these doggos shed a lot, invest in a powerful pet hair vacuum cleaner and be prepared to vacuum every day to keep your home clean and tidy. Black German Shepherd Temperament And Character Black German shepherds are best known for their loyal, courageous, obedient, and watchful temperament. Thanks to their protective nature and working history, they make amazing guard dogs that will fiercely protect your family and your home. A properly trained and socialized black GSD puppy will get along well with people outside the family but remain a loyal guardian and protector. They are naturally wary of strangers, so early socialization and consistent training are a must! Although they are working dogs at heart, black GSD make wonderful companions and even get along with children and other pets when properly socialized. An anxious or stressed black shepherd will turn to destructive behavior to relieve their frustrations. As a result, your black German shepherd pup may decide to chew woodwork , destroy your home, or bark loudly. While they are not the best choice for first-time owners, black shepherds make fantastic family pets and companions when properly trained and socialized. Because they tend to get so attached to their people, these pups are better off in homes where someone is usually around to keep them company. Activity Level Highly energetic and agile, these handsome solid black pups need regular exercise to stay healthy and in good shape. Apart from at least two daily walks, your black German shepherd pup will also enjoy running, jogging, hiking, cycling, swimming, or any other activity that allows them to spend time with you. Caring For Black German Shepherd Puppy While they are not harder to care for than standard German shepherds, your black GSD still needs a lot of love, care, and affection to stay happy and thrive. It is crucial to design a consistent care routine for your pooch and keep track of regular veterinary check ups to detect any health problems early on. When creating a care routine for your GSD puppy, pay special attention to the following factors: Exercise The black German shepherd is a highly energetic dog that needs at least one hour of intense exercise every day. Enrolling your puppy in agility classes is a great way to keep them exercised and can be a fun and entertaining experience for them. Games such as fetch, flyball, Frisbee, tug-of-war, and hide and seek are also great options and will keep your pooch exercised and entertained. Intellectual Stimulation Black German shepherds are highly intelligent dogs that can easily become bored, frustrated, and destructive when not mentally stimulated. A bored or anxious black shepherd can cause serious damage to your home and belongings. Companionship Loyal and devoted to a fault, black GSD puppies make superb family dogs and companions. They form strong bonds with their people and are happiest when they can spend time and interact with their families. While they are large and intimidating at first, these pups are loving companions that crave affection and attention. Black German shepherd puppies need company and are best suited for homes where someone is around all day. Grooming The black German shepherd is a high-maintenance dog when it comes to grooming. If your pup has a medium-length coat, brush them two to three times a week to remove loose hair and keep their coat in pristine condition. Use a de-shedding tool to remove loose hair and minimize the shedding during spring and fall. To further reduce shedding, bathe your GSD with an anti-shed dog shampoo every two months or as necessary. You should also brush their teeth at least three times a week and trim their nails every other month. Diet An ideal diet for black German shepherds should be formulated for a large-sized dog with high energy. When choosing the best food for your pooch, make sure it contains higher levels of protein, a moderate amount of fat, and easily digestible complex carbohydrates. Keep in mind that black German shepherd puppies grow extremely quickly between the ages of four and seven months, which makes them susceptible to bone disorders. Feed your pup high-quality, low-calorie food to prevent them from growing too rapidly. Known Health Problems As a breed, German shepherds are considered generally healthy. Black GSD and all other German shepherds are prone to the same health problems, including: Hip Dysplasia: This is a hereditary condition that causes malformation of a hip joint. Affected dogs may or may not show clinical signs of this condition, but in most cases, dogs experience pain and lameness in one or both hind legs. Elbow Dysplasia: This is another hereditary condition commonly seen in large breeds. This condition is caused by varying growth rates of the three bones that make up the elbow, resulting in joint looseness. Gastric Dilatation Volvulus: Also known as bloat, GDV is a life-threatening condition that affects large, deep-chested dog breeds, particularly if they are fed one large meal a day, eat rapidly, drink a lot of water after eating, or exercise just after a meal. Degenerative Myelopathy: This is a progressive disease of the spinal cord. This condition affects the part of the cord that gives information to the brain regarding the rear legs. Lifespan The black German shepherd has an average lifespan of around 9 to 13 years. With proper care and regular veterinary checkups, these pups can reach their senior years in good health. Training A Black German Shepherd Puppy Black German shepherd puppies are highly intelligent and obedient, which makes them very easy to train. These pups are fairly easy to housetrain, and they also learn obedience commands after just a few repetitions. Like all other dogs, black German shepherds thrive on reward-based training and a lot of praise. Positive reinforcement training techniques are highly effective for training puppies and adult dogs and are much more reliable than dominance training. Besides training, you should start socializing your black GSD puppy as soon as you bring them home. Since these pups are naturally aloof with strangers, early socialization is essential and will help your dog to become friendlier to other people. Try to expose your puppy to as many people, places, situations, animals, children, and sounds from a young age to help them grow into an outgoing dog. Properly trained and socialized black German shepherd pups make wonderful companions to people of all ages and families with children. Due to their large size and highly energetic nature, these dogs are best suited for large homes with spacious, fenced yards. While they can live outdoors, black shepherds should primarily be kept indoors so they can regularly interact with their people and stay close to them. In addition, because of their high social needs and potential to develop separation anxiety, they thrive in families where someone is at home often and able to keep them company. However, when compared to other varieties, black German shepherds are quite rare and hard to come by. Finding a reputable breeder might require a bit of research on your part, but all the extra effort will pay off in the long run. Since black German shepherds are rare and in demand, be mindful of puppy mills and unethical breeders who just want to make a quick buck. However, the exact price depends on a lot of factors, namely the breeder, supply and demand in your area, and pedigree and quality of both parent breeds. Black German shepherds make wonderful family pets and companions. Naturally loyal and devoted to their owners, they like to be close to their people and spend lots of time by their side. Plus, due to their protective nature, black German shepherds make excellent watchdogs and will always feel the urge to watch over you and your family. The black German shepherd is a rare and absolutely stunning color variation of a standard German shepherd dog. Loyal and protective of their owners, these dogs make fantastic family companions and can also serve as vigilant guard dogs. If you want to bring a black shepherd pup home, be prepared to: Exercise your pooch for at least one hour every day Start training and socialization from a young age Groom your dog at least three times a week Do you own a black German shepherd dog? What do you like the most about your pooch? Share your experience owning this gorgeous dog with us and our readers in the comment section below! Related Article:. However, the black German Shepherd is much less well-known. This coloration is extremely rare and not currently recognized by most major kennel clubs. But they have since grown significantly in popularity. Usually, German Shepherds have a single coat pattern — black and tan. However, fully black German Shepherds do exist. This is not due to crossbreeding; the gene for completely black coats is carried by purebred German Shepherds. It is much rarer than the usual coloration, though. They have the same build and grow to be the about same size as a purebred German Shepherd. Males usually weight between 65 to 90 pounds, while females are 50 to 75 pounds. These are considered medium-to-large dogs, so consider whether you have the space before adopting one. Their height is around inches. This is correct for both males and females. Black German Shepherds are completely black. Most German Shepherds have at least a little bit of black on them. However, German Shepherds have nothing but black. Their coat is generally the same besides for their different in coloration. Their double-coat helps them stay clean and warm. As working dogs, these canines are built to work, and it shows. This coat color is accepted by the AKC. It is also not the result of crossbreeding, as some misinformation may state. Instead, it is simply a rare color that very few German Shepherds end up with. It only showed up recently and is sometimes encouraged through selective breeding. While the gene for a solid black coat was once though to be recessive, many people now consider it to be dominant. These dogs always have dark-colored eyes. Blue eyes are extremely rare and usually a sign that a dog has other breeds in his pedigree, such as Huskies. Other than the color, the body of black German Shepherds looks just like his black and tan cousins. As in all German Shepherds, the ears are typically erect, though floppy ears in adult can be seen occasionally. History By , the generalized herding dogs of Europe had split themselves into a few different distinctive breeds, including the German Shepherd. During the s, there was an attempt to standardize dog breeds and promote traits that encouraged sheep herding, including speed, strength, endurance, and intelligence. However, varieties still existed from place to place. Slight breeding difference had led to slightly different shepherds. During the industrial revolution, the need for sheepdogs decreased along with the predator population. Luckily, by this point, people were already recognizing the intelligence and ability of the previous herding dogs. From this dog the breed standard grew. In just a few generations, the German Shepherd was one of the most populous in the world. Honrand fathered many puppies. Nearly all German Shepherds today are descended from him. There was quite a bit of inbreeding that occurred to produce the German Shepherd breed we know today. The Black German Shepherd has likely existed to some extent since the breed was produced. However, many dogs do not carry the completely black gene. Many completely black German Shepherds in the past were likely culled at birth due to the defect. Today, the gene is seeing a reoccurrence. Personality and Temperament The German Shepherd is often considered to be an aggressive dog. However, this is not completely true. They do have significant protective instincts, as they were originally bred to guard flocks of sheep. For instance, the German Shepherd has a bite force of over 1, newtons. But there are several dogs that rank around this as well, including the Rottweiler, Pit Bull, and Labrador Retriever. Most dogs at about this size are going to have a similar bite strength. German Shepherds are considered to be moderately active. They need just about as much exercise as dogs of a similar size. This breed is well-known for being heavily devoted to their people and easy to train. When trained properly, they will absolutely listen. However, they do have innate protective instincts. If you want to dog that is going to be protective of their family, this is a great choice. These canines do need extensive socialization starting at a young age, though. Otherwise, they can become a bit too protective of their family and territory. These canines are not the friendliest. They are people-oriented, but not with strangers. They tend to be quite unsure with strangers. At best, they usually ignore them completely. Other times, they may be obviously uncomfortable. German Shepherds have high prey drive. On the one hand that means that you can easily motivate them with a ball or tug toy. On the other hand, it requires a lot of supervision for owners that have small dogs or cats in addition to their shepherd. While your dog might not outright try to fight with a cat or smaller dog, he could even accidentally hurt them during play. They are extremely intelligent and devoted to their owners. Unlike some dog breeds, they will listen to their owners in most real-life situations. They can learn a variety of different commands very easily and will actually do them when asked. However, these dogs do need the training. Without it, they can be overly protective and even potentially dangerous. Their ease of training does make fulfilling this need quite easy, though. We do recommend puppy classes starting at a very young age. These classes provide the extra socialization that your dog needs, as well as allows you to jumpstart their training. We only recommend private classes for dogs that are too reactive around strangers and other dogs to thrive in a group class. Usually, only German Shepherds who were not properly socialized as puppies will fit into this category. If you adopt an older German Shepherd that seems in need of socialization, we recommend taking private classes with an experienced trainer. You can work your dog through some basic commands and then work on socializing them with safe people and dogs. The trainer should be able to help you in this regard. The German Shepherd is a more active breed, and completely black German Shepherds are not different. While there are more active dog breeds out there, these canines are best for those that are quite active. They need at least two medium-to-long walks per day. Puppies will likely need some extra play sessions as well. Health and Care German Shepherds are pretty healthy as far as purebred dogs come. However, they are prone to some health problems. Many of these are due to the inbreeding that occurred early in the breed, which made some previously rare traits more common. Black German Shepherds are not known to have any more health problems than their black-and-tan cousins. Their coat coloration is not associated with any particular health issues or anything of that sort. It is important to purchase these dogs from a qualified breeder, as they tend to perform plenty of health testing on any dog they plan on breeding. This helps them recognize health problems and pick only the healthiest dogs possible for producing litters. We do recommend purchasing a German Shepherd that was bred as a working dog — not one produced as a show dog. These two lines of dogs are somewhat distinct as they have been bred for two very different purposes. Show dogs tend to confirm to an extreme extent to the breed standard, which increase the amount of health problems they develop. On the other hand, working dogs were bred with practicality in mind. Many German Shepherds have hip and elbow dysplasia. This disease occurs when the ball and socket of the joint do not line up correctly, leading to excess wear-and-tear. Eventually, this cause arthritis-like symptoms, but at a much earlier age than arthritis typically shows up. Usually, this damage occurs during puppyhood when the dog is growing, but they may not show symptoms until a few years later. There are a few things pet owners can do to reduce the chance of hip and elbow dysplasia in their German Shepherd. Many of these dogs are also affected by degenerative spinal stenosis. However, this study had a notably small sample size, so it may not be entirely accurate. On a good note, German Shepherds are actually less likely to get ear infections than other dogs. Degenerative myelopathy occurs often enough in German Shepherds that they are likely predispositioned to it. This test is very expensive, so many breeders perform it on their dogs before breeding as well as on the puppies after they are born. Once the test is used regularly, it becomes very easy to remove it from the breed. Von Willebrand disease also occurs at a higher level in German Shepherds than in the normal dog population. It is likely that they are genetically predispositioned to it. Exocrine pancreatic insufficiency occurs in German Shepherds as well. This condition is usually treated with medication and pancreatic supplements. It is most likely genetic, so health testing and keeping track of pedigrees is important to eliminating it in the breed. Medium-coated dogs will only need brush two to three times a week. Long coats will need combed through at least once a day to prevent mats. Because of their double coat, dogs of all coat types will shed profusely. Do not adopt a black German Shepherd unless you can deal with a lot of extra hair. Even if you brush your dog daily, they will still shed everywhere. Usually, this occurs in the spring and fall, but it can depend on your local climate. Shedding is also tied to hormones — not just the weather. There is little you can do to reduce the overall amount of shedding your dog does. However, anti-shedding shampoos and a high-quality diet can help. It is usually not too difficult to find a normal German Shepherd breeder somewhere near you. However, not all breeders produce black dogs. Most will also be significantly more expensive than a black-and-tan German Shepherd due to their rarity. Many people want a black German Shepherd, which means that you often have to be prepared to pay a bit extra. However, this is still much cheaper than you might expect for a large dog. As a common breed, they are usually cheaper than most. It may be tempting to cut corners and purchase a cheaper puppy. However, this is not recommended, especially when it comes to German Shepherds. These puppies need socialized from the moment they are born. Often, breeders put in this time and effort. We highly recommend only purchasing puppies form very experienced breeders. Otherwise, you may end up with an unsocialized puppy and a troublesome temperament. You should always ask about the pedigree of the parents, as well as the health testing the breeder has done. Ask to see the parents if at all possible. Sometimes, the father will be located somewhere else, so only the mother will be at the breeder. In this case, it is usually fine to just see the mother. You can tell a lot about a breeder form how they keep the mother and the puppies, so be absolutely sure to ask to see their living conditions. The parents should be AKC registered, so you should ask for registration. But AKC registration does not mean that the dog is high-quality. Every German Shepherd can be registered — even those with no health testing. Preferably, you should have owned at least one dog before. It is recommended that you have some experience with more active dogs, as well. These dogs are quite active and tend to be high-energy. Without the appropriate amount of exercise, they can easily become destructive. In fact, most of the destructive behavior associated with a German Shepherd is due to a lack of stimulation. German Shepherds require extensive training as well, so it is best if they have a handler that has previously trained dogs. They will take up a few hours a day as puppies and require as much as an hour or two of exercise alone. Many of these canines are more expensive than their black-and-tan counterparts. However, they have won the hearts of many pet owners. It will often take you a little bit before you locate a completely black puppy, so be prepared to sit on a few waiting lists. Despite their unusual colorations, these dogs are very similar to all other German Shepherds. They have the same temperament and work great as guard dogs. You have to prepare to train and socialize them properly. They require quite a bit more work than other breeds, but it is absolutely worth it in the end. We recommend these dogs for serious dog owners who have previously owned dogs. German Shepherds are not for the casual dog owner. They need someone who can commit to their training and activity needs. Author: Kristin Kristin was born in Tennessee and currently lives there with her husband and children. She is passionate about educating pet parents and helping them make the best possible decisions for their pets. She currently owns one dog, two cats, a lizard, and a variety of fish. Unleash the real potential of your companion! We will email you daily with training tips, ideas and videos. This is an introductory course into our training philosophy. You will get customized video lessons based on your training goals — and you can implement them in just 5 minutes a day.

A little cuckoo in the best way. These are a few ways that parents of Boxer puppies might describe their pooches. The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds for good reason. Those adorable looks are backed up by big personalities. Do you think a Boxer puppy is right for you? Brush up on your facts about Boxer puppies before you adopt! That can make quite a mess! Boxers are known for their puppy-at-heart attitude that shines through their young adult years. Be sure to give your Boxer puppy plenty of space to exercise and play, and teach them how to settle down if need be. This stubbornness also can carry over into aggression. Some Boxers can get rough with dogs of the same size and sex. Be sure to socialize your Boxer pup early and often and set up expectations early to avoid too much drama. Your Boxer puppy will have tons of energy, but as they age, the need for snuggles and downtime will start to balance out with the need for play. Boxer puppy sitting in grass Boxer puppy looking up at camera Boxer puppy looking at camera Boxer puppy running Boxer puppy Boxer puppy lying in grass. A little cuckoo in the best way. These are a few ways that parents of Boxer puppies might describe their pooches. The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds for good reason. Those adorable looks are backed up by big personalities. Do you think a Boxer puppy is right for you? Brush up on your facts about Boxer puppies before you adopt! That can make quite a mess! Boxers are known for their puppy-at-heart attitude that shines through their young adult years. Be sure to give your Boxer puppy plenty of space to exercise and play, and teach them how to settle down if need be. This stubbornness also can carry over into aggression. Some Boxers can get rough with dogs of the same size and sex. Be sure to socialize your Boxer pup early and often and set up expectations early to avoid too much drama. Your Boxer puppy will have tons of energy, but as they age, the need for snuggles and downtime will start to balance out with the need for play. Boxer puppy sitting in grass Boxer puppy looking up at camera Boxer puppy looking at camera Boxer puppy running Boxer puppy Boxer puppy lying in grass. Bruno's first week—7 weeks old, 12 pounds, 10 inches from the ground to the highest point of the shoulders the withers. We adopted Bruno when he was 7 weeks old. We had to wait until he was ready to leave the breeder before we could pick him up and bring him home. The breeder's policy was not to let the pups go until they are 8 weeks old, however Bruno's mother had died at birth and therefore he was not going to get that extra week with her and because of a schedule conflict on our end she made an exception. We decided to crate train our new puppy. Most puppies will cry all night in the beginning days because they miss their mother and their littermates. I placed Bruno's crate in the kitchen since it has a floor that can easily be cleaned in case of an accident. Dreading the sound of a crying puppy all night, and knowing this was the first night away from his litter I told two of my children to set up camp on the kitchen floor next to the crate. I did not want to bring the pup into our bed since we do not plan on allowing him on the beds when he is older. It worked, Bruno slept in his crate and didn't yip all night because he was not alone. Allie, our adult Boxer and two of our children were next to his crate. This allowed Bruno to learn what the crate was for, yet not be left alone. Bruno was exhausted from his three-hour car ride home and all of the attention he was receiving. Amazingly enough, he slept until a. I jumped out of bed and ran down to take him out to pee. It was then time for breakfast, another trip outside and playtime. I was up for the day because when he woke up, he needed to be taken right outside to pee and poop. Then he was hungry. After he ate he needed to be taken immediately outside once again to go to the bathroom. After a puppy eats, it stimulates them and the vast majority of time, they need to eliminate, it's a rule of thumb with a puppy. Then he wanted to play. After all, he just woke up! No time like the present to get hyper and want to play. He had three accidents in the last two days, which is very good for a brand new puppy. If Bruno is out of his crate, he needs to be watched constantly. I don't mean watched from across the room, I mean watched as in "hovering over him watched" to ensure he does not pee, poop or chew anything he is not supposed to inside the house. During the day we try not to crate him. He's either being held, hovered over or outside. We are lucky enough to have a very large fenced yard for him. If we did not, he'd have to be walked on a leash to go to the bathroom, which would be much more time-consuming. We have to teach Bruno not to bite our hands and feet. Yes, it is cute now and kind of funny, but when he is pounds it will not be so cute anymore. Rule of thumb with a puppy: if you do not want him doing it when he is full grown, do not allow him to do it when he is a puppy. This includes sitting with him on the furniture. Another thing we must break him from is chasing our cats. Again, it's cute and funny now, but this tiny little Boxer puppy will not be tiny for long and our cats would not appreciate an adult dog chasing them around. Cats are smart, if we allow this to go on they may even decide to take up residence elsewhere. Allie the Boxer meets her new brother. Adult dogs usually do not attack puppies and Allie rather liked the little guy. She did have to put him in his place a few times, which is normal dog behavior. An adult dog will often growl at a puppy to let it know its behavior is not acceptable. For example, when Bruno wanted to play and Allie did not, she let out a small growl and stomped at the pup to tell him enough was enough. Bruno took the hint and backed off his play and started chewing on Allie's collar and dog tags instead. Allie didn't seem to mind getting her tags chewed. She realizes Bruno is just a baby. I am lucky enough to be home with the puppy. If I had to leave for work things would be much more complicated. Bruno is young and he can only hold his pee and poop for a certain amount of time. The point of crate training a dog is you put the dog in a small enough crate so there is only room to comfortably sleep. Dogs do not like to eliminate where they sleep. However, if you leave a young puppy in a crate for too long, they cannot physically hold it in and they must go, even on their bedding. If you allow this to happen, you are going backwards in your housebreaking. If you are going to be gone for many hours a day, longer than the puppy can physically hold it, it is better to pen the dog in an area such as the kitchen where the floors are easy to clean up and place some pee pads down. It is not fair to crate a puppy or dog longer then they can comfortably hold in their waste. It is much harder to housebreak a dog if you are not home. This can really give the puppy a bad start in life and will be no fault of its own when they do not understand the concept of housebreaking. Keep in mind, you cannot yell at a dog for something after the fact, you must catch it in the act. If you do not catch it in the act, your yelling is pointless and confusing to the dog. I am writing this at a. However, he will be up bright and early wanting to eliminate, eat and play.It's now a. Bruno had to go to the bathroom. I walked him outside to the spot where I prefer him to do his business. He peed and I decided to give him some time to see if he had to poop as well; he is still outside and I must go and check on my adorable bundle of a puppy.Bruno is back in his crate. Bruno is yipping. I instinctively go and see him. Goodnight, Bruno, you have a lot to learn my young puppy. Sshhhh, lets only hope he does not keep me up all night because I will have to put up with his yipping in order to teach him what nighttime means. As I type this he is yipping from his crate. I am off to shower and go to bed. I decide to let Bruno get a drink and put him outside with Allie one last time before I go to bed to ensure he does not have to go when I ignore his plea to come out of his crate. When I turned off the shower water I could hear Bruno yipping up a storm. It woke my 9 year old who was almost sleepwalking when she opened his crate to put him outside to pee. I did her the favor of taking the pup out and told her to go back to bed. I put Bruno outside. He stayed out for a few minutes then wanted back in. It is only his third night away from his littermates and he's a tiny pup. After getting the usual puppy kisses all over my neck yeah, nice after my shower, huh? I will give him a few minutes to get good and sleepy then place him back in his crate and hope for the best. Even with all of this work, I look at him like I did my newborn babies; I just love this little puppy! The next morning: 7 weeks and 3 days old a. Bruno's up, hungry and ready to play! Bruno is tired and ready to go back to sleep. But first, his head smells like pee; he must have rolled in it. Time to clean him up and then put him back to sleep. He's taken outside to go to the bathroom and to play. He is now awake for the day but will take numerous naps as puppies need a lot of sleep. We will try not to allow his naps to last for hours on end, as those long sleep periods should be adjusted to the middle of the night hours. This size crate is the perfect size for this puppy. There needs to be room to sleep, stretch out and stand, but not enough room for him to pee in one section and still have a dry place to sleep. It's Bruno's fourth day with us and he has already picked up on the concept that his crate is the place to sleep without being disturbed. We are not being extra quiet as it is the middle of the day and he must get used to noises. Also most of his quiet sleep should be adjusted for the middle of the night. He'll soon wake to eat his lunch, go to the bathroom and play. He'll be awake for a few hours and then need another nap. This crate may be perfect for now, but very soon he'll outgrow it and we'll have to get him a larger one. I let Bruno sleep for two hours and decided it was time to wake him. As soon as he turns his hours around and is sleeping through the night I will no longer worry about the length of his daytime naps. I know he can sleep through the night; he did it the first two nights, but not the third. Bruno's 4th night: 7weeks and 4days old Bruno woke up at a. I came downstairs and put him outside. He peed and pooped. I carried him back to his crate and closed it. He laid down, then a few minutes later he started crying again. I walked back to the kitchen and was about to tell him to be quiet and give him a bone to chew when some motherly instinct inside me opened the crate door. Bruno walked out of his crate and over to my feet then sat down, leaning on my leg. I picked up the little fellow, he put his head on my shoulder and started to go back to sleep. My typical advice would be to put the puppy back in the crate if you are sure he no longer has to go to the bathroom, however I walked over to the rocking chair and rocked him back to sleep. I then put him back in his crate and he woke back up in the process, but this time he went to sleep and stayed asleep until a. He is just like a newborn baby and he's sweet as can be. Bruno's 5th night: 7 weeks and 5 days old Bruno woke up at a. I came down and took him outside and he went to the bathroom. I held him for just a bit until he calmed back down, then put him back in his crate and he fell back to sleep by a. Bruno woke up again. He was ready to play and eat his breakfast. I was beat, so at a. I tried putting him back in his crate to see if he would go back to sleep. It seemed like it just might work. I headed back to bed. At he started yipping just as I lay down. I went back to his crate and held a bone up to him to chew on and talked quietly to him. His eyes started drooping as he half chewed his bone still inside his crate. I waited there for just a bit until his eyes stayed closed for a minute or two, then I went back to bed for an hour. Housebreaking Bruno is now 7 weeks and 5 days old. He seemed to be doing so well with housebreaking. He was either inside being watched, in his crate or outside. As soon as he woke we put him outside to pee. He is not in his crate unless he's sleeping. Bruno was falling asleep so I decided to put him in his crate for a nap. As I leaned down to put him in his crate I smelled something. I felt his blankets and sure enough they were damp. Bruno had been peeing in his crate and sleeping in it! I changed his bedding and he seemed quite pleased. Now I have to figure out how to stop him when he's not doing it in front of me. The crate is not too large, which would have been my first advice to someone, to check the crate size. He is only 7 weeks. Maybe I am not always hearing him wake up in the middle of the night. At this age, puppies can only physically hold it for so long before they have to go, no matter what. Baby monitor??? Bruno smells like pee from sleeping in his crate. Time for a bath. Bruno's 6th night: 7 weeks and 6 days old Bruno was up at a. I let him out to pee. He went back to sleep shortly after and re-awoke at a. Bruno peed in his crate again, in the very back corner. I had to throw his bedding in the wash again and replace it with new bedding. His crate is not too large. I believe I need to watch how much he drinks right before bedtime. Puppies at this age have small bladders and cannot physically hold it in for too long. Bruno asked to come back inside the house and wanted to curl up in my lap, which means he's ready to go back to sleep. I put him back in his crate with the fresh bedding. Allie and Bruno sharing the dog bed. Yes, I do believe they like one another. Why Bruno.Bruno peed on his dog bed, the bed we keep on the porch for him. I had to hose his bed off and prop it up to dry. This is him asking mommy why she got his bed all wet with the hose. Actually, it is him discovering some new and interesting smells the moisture is bringing out from the bed!

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. Bulldog Spotlight Gordon James I joined rescue because my family became overwhelmed with five kids and life, plain and simply. I decided I was ready to go because we were in an apartment and every day, it was getting smaller and smaller and smaller. My family loved me, but sometimes, love is not enough because I can hardly breathe. We are dedicated to saving and re-homing Bulldogs so they can have the healthy, happy lives they truly deserve. The group has been dedicated to the breed since , as a component of Lone Star Bulldog Club. Lone Star Bulldog Club Rescue accepts Bulldogs from owners who can no longer keep them, as well as retrieves Bulldogs from shelters and other undesirable situations. Each Bulldog in the program is lovingly cared for in a foster home until the perfect forever family for that specific dog is found. Every Bulldog is different: personality, temperament, energy, comfort with kids and other animals, medical needs and more. We take all these factors into consideration when making a forever-home match. Adoption is a coordinated process between the coordinators, fosters and applicant. We work together with our knowledge of the dog to find the best home. When you apply, you might have a particular dog in mind. But please understand, that dog may already be in the process of being adopted by an approved family who has been waiting weeks to be matched with the right dog. But they would prefer to be the only thing with fur in their home. They still make a wonderful companion and deserve a loving home. For your convenience, they have been designated as Forever Single on our website. If you plan on only having one dog, we hope you will consider one of these. Since most of our volunteers live in the North Texas area, it is easier on us and the applying family if they live in this area. Because of this, our out-of-state adoptions are incredibly rare and only in neighboring states. If you are ready to submit your adoption application, please complete the Adopt A Bulldog Application. A volunteer will then review your application. This process can take some time, and not every home is a suitable home for a Bulldog, so please be patient. You are not buying a dog. My name is Monty and I am famous! Yesterday, my photo was all over social media and friends were begging someone to save me. The shelter said I had to be out by …. Vocality level 1 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. He is willing to please, although he retains a stubborn streak. He is very good with children. Most are moderately friendly toward strangers. Although some can be aggressive with strange dogs, the breed is quite good with other pets. Upkeep The Bulldog appreciates a daily outing but cannot tolerate hot humid weather, which can be deadly. He should not be expected to jog or walk great distances, or to jump from any heights. Most Bulldogs cannot swim. Most Bulldogs wheeze and snore, and some drool. Coat care is minimal, but facial wrinkles and any folds around the tail should be cleaned daily. Special precautions must be taken when anesthetizing a Bulldog. Caesarean deliveries are commonly needed. Hip radiographs show most Bulldogs to be dysplastic but few show overt symptoms. History With the most distinctive mug in dogdom, the Bulldog has an equally distinctive history. Some Bulldogs were also set against bears for bear baiting, purely for entertainment. In , bull baiting was outlawed, and a new phase began for the Bulldog. By all rights, the breed should have become extinct, except that it had gained so many ardent admirers that they set out to rescue the Bulldog by selecting against ferocity while still maintaining—and often accentuating—its distinctive physical characteristics. Its tough steadfast persona led it to be identified as a national symbol of England. Its amiable clownish personality belies its appearance, and the Bulldog is a popular pet. Related Content.

The field-grown vegetables give your dog fiber for healthy digestion, and the recipe is packed with vitamins and minerals to deliver a balanced diet. What does your dog need from its diet? Of course, something like cost is essential, but the most important factor when it comes to your pet is their health. Does your dog have any dietary restrictions? If they have allergies or sensitivities , your choices are more limited, but it does also narrows down your search. Take the time to research brands and look at reviews to give you an idea of what works for other dogs and their pet parents. Nutritional Profile The nutritional needs of a dog may surprise you. There have been debates about whether dogs are omnivores or carnivores. However, unlike cats, dogs can process plant material and benefit from complex carbohydrates. Dogs gain nutrients from fruits and vegetables, and superfoods like kale and blueberries are always good to see in an ingredient list. Even wolves are known to munch on fruits and vegetables in the wild. Sweet potato, quinoa, and chickpeas are examples of high-quality carbs that provide fiber for digestion. Image Credit: Phuttharak, Shutterstock What Food Does for Your Dog A dog is considered a puppy for the first 12 months of its life, and it goes through a lot of changes during this time, which means it needs a good diet to support all the changes. Puppy food has a higher concentration of calories which turns into bone growth and new muscle. Once your dog is out of the puppy stage, the extra calories could result in weight gain. If your dog is a large breed may prefer buying large quantities, and you need a brand that stays fresh for a long time. Larger dogs are also more prone to joint problems, so you can look at diets that offer joint support. Limited-ingredient diets are mainly aimed at pet parents of dogs who have food allergies; the limited ingredient pool allows them to freely feed their dogs without worry of allergens or cross-contamination in their food bowls. Blue Buffalo is one of the most popular options amongst pet parents for a reason: they bring amazing quality to every bite! One of the significant responsibilities that prospective parents will have to contend with is feeding their dogs. When choosing dog food it is essential to identify what kind of food you need for your dog. There are many dog foods on the market, and it can seem daunting to choose the correct one, but there are a few significant factors you want to consider before purchasing dog food. Large breed food may be too big for small breed dogs for their mouths to chew comfortably. However, small breed food might be so small for a large breed dog that they inhale and choke for a large breed dog. You want to consider whether or not your dog will be able to eat the food properly. Puppies tend to eat faster than adult dogs, and food that is too small for them might also get inhaled, just like with a larger breed dog. While prospective parents of the new puppy may not know their dog has any allergies, they may find that their dog is intolerant or allergic to many common ingredients in dog food. Nutritional Profile Many people are misinformed about the nutritional needs of dogs. Most people think that dogs are carnivores, but scientific observation has shown that they are, in fact, omnivores. This means dogs are designed to break down the nutrients in plant material and animal proteins. Dogs can derive nutrients from several sources, including fruits and vegetables. A quality dog food will contain both meats and vegetables to provide the most holistic and well-rounded nutritional profile for the dogs eating their food. While dogs can consume animal proteins and plant matter, their primary food source should be animal proteins. A high-protein diet can help your dog achieve good health outcomes and should be encouraged. There is some controversy about grain-free diets, but grains can actually be healthy for our canine friends. Grain-free diets will be beneficial for dogs with grain allergies, however. Not all dogs can handle a protein-rich diet. Dogs at risk of kidney disease, liver disease, or some specific types of bladder stones will want to reduce the amount of protein in their diet. Additionally, you want to consider the differences between puppy and adult formula. At the same time, it may seem like a hassle to get your dog puppy food. A dog is considered a puppy for the first 12 months of its life; during this time, it will do the most of its growing and change size very rapidly. This amount of growth takes a lot of energy, and thus puppy foods have a higher concentration of calories that they can consume to turn into new muscle and bone growth. However, once a dog reaches the adult stage at 12 months of age, these extra calories are no longer necessary and can cause your dog to gain weight rapidly if you continue to feed them puppy-formulated food. After 12 months, you want to switch your dog slowly to an adult formula food with a profile geared more towards a dog that is no longer growing. The first ingredient in every ingredient list should be real meat. Dogs need a protein-rich diet filled with high-quality protein sources like real meat. These are signs that the food is low quality and may contain toxic things for dogs in high quantities. Canned Food There are many debates on whether kibble or canned food is better for dogs. If the nutritional profile of kibble is appropriate, then kibble is an excellent food source for dogs; kibble even has dental benefits for dogs as the crunchy texture helps clean the plaque off their teeth. However, canned food offers a higher moisture content for your dog, which can help keep them from getting dehydrated. Canned food is also often more palatable for dogs, and many dogs prefer the textures of canned food to their kibble. There is no definitive better or worse between the two; most parents feed their dogs a mixture of canned and kibble foods. However, some pet parents prefer to feed their dog canned and kibble foods as separate meals. There is no right or wrong way to feed your dog their food as long as they eat a nutritious species-appropriate diet and stay well hydrated. Food Availability Another critical factor that pet parents consider is the availability of food near their homes. They want to be able to not only purchase food online, if necessary, but also to buy food at stores nearby to their homes. PetSmart is one of the most widely trusted pet stores in the United States. With locations all over the United States, pet parents want to know what the best foods they can buy at PetSmart are, and being able to pick up food on your way home from work when you run out is an incredibly convenient option. There are lots of things to consider and lots of options to peruse. For those who are looking to spend a little bit more, PetSmart carries Instinct Raw Boost, which is a fantastic premium option. See also:. Black - with Tan, Yellow or Fawn size Med. Hello there! Tiny Tim was a long name for my foster momma, and one day she started calling my tiny bean and beans and I immediately responded to the nickname! I am roughly 7 months old, with the most beautiful 2 different colored eyes that always have a playful hint in them! I have lots of energy to explore, run, jump, play, and curiosity for a puppy! I love finding the mangoes in my foster parents backyard and eating them up! Some structure and guidance will help me feel more confident and make new friends! Playing outside is the best, but keep an eye on me, I love to dig holes in search of buried treasure! I am great with other dogs and people big and small! Food is left down at all times as is water, so please make sure I have plenty of water after coming in from playing so hard. I am given 1 chew a day, and training treats for learning how to sit, stay, and lay down. I used to have toy aggression and food aggression, but my foster momma always made sure I had plenty of food and toys to play with when I was bored I absolutely LOVE squeaky toys, from small unicorns to giant snake toys, I love nibbling, chewing, and squeaking them for hours. I have been known to run with mangoes and be vocal all the while! I am not your typical puppy, I am a sweet and loving boy looking for my furever home with my furever parents! I am neutered, up to date on vaccines, and microchipped. Adopt at www. PetSmart Charities does not facilitate the adoption process. Thank you.

We work with reputable Golden Retriever breeders to ensure that our puppies are healthy, well-socialized, and ready for their new homes. Our prices for standard Golden retriever puppies and teacup Golden retrievers are competitive and reflect the quality of the puppies we offer. We would be happy to help you find the perfect puppy for your home! What is the History of Golden retriever puppies? Golden Retrievers have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world with their friendly nature and stunning appearance. But have you ever wondered about the history behind these beloved canine companions? The Golden Retriever breed was developed in the late 19th century in Scotland by the renowned Lord Tweedmouth. He sought to create a breed that excelled in retrieving game during hunting expeditions while maintaining a gentle and friendly demeanor. Lord Tweedmouth crossed various breeds, including the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, with the aim of achieving his vision. The result was the Golden Retriever we know and love today. With their innate intelligence, strong retrieving instincts, and desire to please, Golden Retrievers quickly gained popularity as hunting dogs. Over time, their exceptional temperament and loyalty made them sought-after family pets and service dogs as well. Temperament of Golden Retrievers Today, Golden retriever puppies are widely recognized for their intelligence, affectionate personality, and adaptability to various lifestyles and activities. They are often used as therapy dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue dogs, as well as beloved companions for families, couples, and singles. Have you ever seen such an adorable Golden Retriever puppy?!?! This love-bug will NOT disappoint with his amazing personality and great temperament. He is a real sweet puppy who will certainly have your whole neighborhood talking! He is super social and raised with children. This baby doll is vet checked, vaccinated, wormed and comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee. Reviews There are no reviews yet. We work with reputable Golden retriever breeders to ensure that our puppies are healthy, well-socialized, and ready for their new homes. Our prices for standard Golden retriever puppies and teacup Golden retrievers are competitive and reflect the quality of the puppies we offer. What is the History of Golden Retriever puppies Texas? Golden Retrievers have captured the hearts of dog lovers around the world with their friendly nature and stunning appearance. But have you ever wondered about the history behind these beloved canine companions? The Golden Retriever breed was developed in the late 19th century in Scotland by the renowned Lord Tweedmouth. He sought to create a breed that excelled in retrieving game during hunting expeditions while maintaining a gentle and friendly demeanor. Lord Tweedmouth crossed various breeds, including the now-extinct Tweed Water Spaniel, with the aim of achieving his vision. The result was the Golden Retriever we know and love today. With their innate intelligence, strong retrieving instincts, and desire to please, Golden Retrievers quickly gained popularity as hunting dogs. Over time, their exceptional temperament and loyalty made them sought-after family pets and service dogs as well. Temperament of Golden Retrievers Today, Golden retriever puppies are widely recognized for their intelligence, affectionate personality, and adaptability to various lifestyles and activities. They are often used as therapy dogs, service dogs, and search and rescue dogs, as well as beloved companions for families, couples, and singles. If you are considering getting a Golden retriever puppy, you may be wondering about their temperament and behavior. Generally, Golden retrievers are friendly, gentle, and patient dogs that love to be around people and other animals. They are known for their wagging tails, joyful expressions, and willingness to please their owners. Meet Marlie, a Golden Retriever ready to meet her forever friend. This spunky gal is sure to brighten up all your days! She is AKC registered, vet checked, vaccinated, wormed, plus comes with a 1 year genetic health guarantee provided by the breeder. Her parents are Lila Golden Retriever — 70lbs. Marlie is super social and enjoy running around playing with the children she is currently being raised with. Reviews There are no reviews yet.

By Chris Dog owners have probably noticed that their furry friends sleep most of their lives. Adult dogs, on average, sleep hours a day, and puppies and senior dogs can sleep up to 20 hours a day! Like humans, dogs need quality sleep to stay healthy. They also need sleep to heal from injuries and illnesses. Why is my dog suddenly sleeping on the floor? Lack of sleep can put dogs in a bad mood like it does humans. With sleep such a significant part of their lives, we try to do everything we can to make it a peaceful and enjoyable experience for them. Some dog owners let their dogs sleep in the bed with them. Others set up crates and houses with plush dog beds. And some dog owners give their pups the run of the house, letting them choose wherever they want to sleep. If your dog started sleeping on the floor recently, you might wonder, why is my dog suddenly sleeping on the floor? But in some cases, it may be worth monitoring or checking in with your veterinarian. It is also important to note where your dog was sleeping before it moved to the floor. Here are some common reasons why your dog may have suddenly started sleeping on the floor. Many owners line the dog bed with blankets and towels for additional warmth and comfort. Cockapoo lying on the floor. However, your dog may be getting too hot in the dog bed. Heat rises, so the floor is often the coolest place in the room. Dogs can strategically lie on the floor to maximize the amount of skin touching the floor. Lying on the floor allows them to shed body heat and cool off. If your house is hot and you notice your dog suddenly sleeping on the floor, this is likely the reason. Dogs who sleep on the floor to cool off might sleep in the Superman position with their front legs kicked out in front of their head and their rear legs extended behind the buttocks. The Bed Is Too Small Your dog might start suddenly sleeping on the floor if it finds its bed too small. If your adult dog still uses its puppy bed, it might have outgrown it. Your dog may not like the feeling of being constricted in the space of a small bed. The dog sleeps on the floor. Your dog needs a bed big enough to stretch out and relax. Large dogs will need bigger beds than small dogs. If you suspect the bed is too small, introduce a bigger bed and see if your dog resumes sleeping in it instead of on the floor. The Bed Is Uncomfortable or Damaged Another reason your dog might start sleeping on the floor is if its bed is damaged or worn out from overuse. Is the bed old and starting to disintegrate? Dachshund lying on the clean floor. Check if your dog carried something into the bed, like a rock or stick that could be pressing into its skin. The sleeping dog on the floor with the owners. If your dog suddenly starts sleeping on the floor, consider whether it might be having some separation anxiety. Have you started leaving your dog alone for extended periods? Has your dog been in daycare or at a kennel? Your Dog Experiences Restlessness Dogs sometimes have difficulty getting comfortable. You may have seen your pup spin in circles multiple times before lying down or repeatedly changing positions. It could be restless if your dog suddenly starts sleeping on the floor. Many different things can cause restlessness in dogs. Your dog might not be getting the exercise it needs. Or perhaps your dog has recently experienced new and stressful environments that led to anxiety. Their quirky, seemingly-random silly behaviors are part of why we love them. The dog comfortably sleeps on the floor. If your dog suddenly starts sleeping on the floor instead of its bed or wherever it used to sleep , it may be a matter of preference. Like with humans, dog preferences can change over time. Perhaps your dog decided it likes to sleep on the floor or finds it oddly comforting. If your dog seems happy and comfortable on the floor, it should not be a cause for alarm. If so, the bed might be too high for it. This can be a problem for older dogs that are not as agile as they used to be. A recently shaven Labradoodle rests on the floor in a holiday home. Your Dog Sustained an Injury Dogs with injuries might start suddenly sleeping on the floor if they are in pain. Dogs can suffer from orthopedic issues like spinal and muscular pain, disc disease, and hip dysplasia. These dogs might be trying to find a firm surface that provides more support than a soft bed. The dog seems comfortable wearing the bendable plastic cone after surgery. If you notice your dog has abandoned its bed for the floor and is also displaying other symptoms indicative of pain — like moaning, crying, whimpering, panting, spinning in circles, and looking generally uncomfortable — you should contact your veterinarian for an appointment. Older dogs can experience cognitive decline. They get restless and confused at nighttime and may have trouble sleeping or change their sleep habits. Border Collie covers face while lying on the floor. If you have an older dog that recently started sleeping on the floor and is also displaying cognitive symptoms like confusion, you should contact your vet. Here are some answers to the most frequently asked questions. Should I let my dog sleep on the floor? Like humans, dogs need good sleep to be healthy. The most crucial factor is that your dog is sleeping. If your pup is snoozing away peacefully on the floor, it is not a cause for concern. Corgi and Dorgi both have health conditions that may occur. However, if your pup seems uncomfortable on the floor, there may be an underlying medical issue or pain. Senior dogs need supportive beds, so the floor is not the best option. As dogs age, they become susceptible to joint issues, arthritis, and hip dysplasia. These dogs would do best in an orthopedic, memory-foam type of mattress. Why does my dog adjust where he sleeps? There are various reasons why your dog may switch up where he decides to sleep. The most common reason dogs sleep in a new spot is an injury or illness. A dog that once slept on a wood floor may find a carpet or cushioned surface more comforting when feeling sick or sore. Old Chihuahua sleeps on the floor. Final Thoughts So, why is my dog suddenly sleeping on the floor? Dogs can be creatures of habit, adopting the same daily routine and sleep behaviors. However, if your dog suddenly starts sleeping on the floor instead of its bed — or wherever it was sleeping before — it is not a cause for alarm. Your dog may be too hot, uncomfortable in bed, trying to get closer to you, or restless. Check to make sure that your dog has not outgrown its bed. You may be unable to pinpoint an exact reason for the behavior — your dog may just enjoy sleeping on the floor! It may take some troubleshooting to determine why your dog suddenly started sleeping on the floor. If your dog previously slept in a dog bed but lost interest, it might be time to upgrade the bed. In the long term, sleeping on the floor is not a supportive position for dogs. Older dogs are prone to orthopedic issues and need a comfortable, supportive bed for their joints and muscles. My wife and I love playing with our active miniature Labradoodle Max. We want all Oodle puppies to be healthy and happy, have lots of fun and be part of the family. Load More. We may receive commissions from purchases made via our links. It's happened to all of us. Your Labrador puppy sleeps on the floor instead of the cozy dog bed you just bought. But is it really a bad thing? Generally, it isn't bad for a Labrador puppy to sleep on the floor. This behavior might be triggered by the temperatures, the bed being uncomfortable, the wrong size, or being in the wrong spot. If none of those are true, then it is possible your Lab puppy simply prefers sleeping on the floor. Be conscious of the reasons your Lab puppy may prefer sleeping on the floor, what to do when he sleeps there, and the things to be wary of. In this article Reasons Your Lab Puppy Sleeps on the Floor It's pretty annoying spending time and money on getting the perfect dog bed, only for it to be abandoned for the floor! While you can't verbally ask your pup why he's abandoning his bed, there are a few triggers linked to this behavior, as outlined below. The Bed Is Uncomfortable One of the main reasons your Lab puppy may prefer sleeping on the floor is because his bed is uncomfortable. It may be too slippery, scratchy, something is poking him, or the padding isn't right for him. Or, your Lab might be running away from a wet, dirty, or smelly bed. So, if your dog normally sleeps on his bed but suddenly switches to the floor, first check his bed. You can place your palm on the bed and have a feel of it. If the bed is worn out, replace it. You can also try to lure your puppy back to the bed by adding extra padding or some soft blankets. For the longest time I struggled to find a bed for Molly that she wouldn't completely abandon or destroy. So, I finally spent just a little bit extra for a good quality Furhaven bed from Amazon. What a difference! Now, whenever we can't find her we know where she is. Some love big beds while others love small beds. Therefore, the size of the dog bed you got for your puppy might be the reason behind him sleeping on the floor. Inspect your Lab puppy as he sleeps and observe his sleeping posture. Take note of his stretches, turns, and the area where he sleeps. Note that most puppies are insecure in large beds, as they feel exposed to threats. Therefore, if your puppy's bed appears too big or overly small for him you should replace it. Even after placing beds in different spots in your house, you might still find him sleeping on the bare floor. Because he's already used to sleeping on the floor. It's a habit he has already been accustomed to. This is mainly the case if you adopt an older Lab puppy that has been raised sleeping on the floor. It might be a little too hot or too cold. For example, during summer, the cozy, comfy overstuffed bed may overheat, leaving your furry canine friend with no option than to lie on the floor to try to feel cooler and comfortable. On the other hand, during winter, the bed may not be warm enough for your pup. He may prefer sleeping on the floor next to the fireplace or heater. Your Lab puppy might also be looking for an ideal spot to bask by following the sun's rays during a sunny day. So, it's good to understand the prevailing temperatures. Furhaven has a bed on Amazon that has a cooling gel pad within it that can help if you live in a warmer climate. Note: I chose the egg carton foam because Molly had a history of chewing a corner of her bed and I didn't want to take any chances. Plus, we keep it pretty cold at night! Your Lab Puppy Wants To Stay Close to You Sometimes the bed may be a comfortable, clean, and perfect size, but its position leaves your dog sleeping on the floor. Generally, Labradors are highly affectionate and always crave the attention of their parents. As a result, you may find your young canine friend trying to be as close to you as possible. The bond you have with your Lab may drive him to sleep on the floor next to your bed as you sleep or in the kitchen as you prepare meals instead of his cozy bed. In such cases, you can get your puppy to stick to his bed by placing it in spots closer to you. You may find that among your litter of Lab puppies, some prefer sleeping on the bed while others always crave the floor. So, if your dog has a cozy, comfortable, and clean bed but still sleeps on the floor, it might be a matter of personal preference. Even if you force him to sleep on the bed, he'll still find his way to the floor, because it's what his heart wants. If you notice that your Lab's tendency of sleeping on the floor is associated with weird behaviors such as whining, panting, or abnormally excessive drooling, it might be an indication of an underlying condition. Although other reasons behind your puppy sleeping on the floor aren't causes of alarm, this reason is. So, keep a close eye on your pup as he lies on the floor. Immediately contact your vet if you notice any symptoms of pain. Here are a few tips you can try: Place the bed in an ideal spot. You'll know where to put the bed by observing where your puppy likes to sleep on the floor. This could be in your bedroom, kitchen or front door, or lounge. Make the bed comfortable. You can make the bed comfortable by replacing it if it's worn out. Or, you could clean it, or add a soft blanket. Make the bed accessible. Ensure the bed is in a location where your puppy can easily access it. It shouldn't be too far from you or placed in a secluded spot. Let your puppy sleep. If you try every means possible to lure your Lab puppy to his bed but still find him on the floor, leave him to enjoy his time. After all, if he's healthy and the floor is clean and not too hard on him, then it doesn't cause him any harm to let him sleep on the floor. Things To Be Concerned About Even though it isn't bad for your Lab puppy to sleep on the floor, there are certain things you should be concerned about. Before leaving your puppy to continue sleeping on the floor, here are a few things you should keep in mind: Your dog sleeping on hard floors for a long time may negatively affect his health. It may trigger structural ailments such as arthritis and hip dysplasia. As much as you strive to keep your floor spotless, it may not be the cleanest place for your puppy to nap. Your Lab puppy's dense coat may accumulate dirt, debris, and other strange materials that can affect his skin's health. If you let your puppy sleep on the floor, he might grow thinking it's a good thing to do. As a result, he might develop a lifelong habit of sleeping on floors which might be hard to correct in adulthood. Wrapping It Up Generally, it isn't bad for your Lab puppy to sleep on the floor. So, it shouldn't be a cause of alarm unless it's associated with signs of pain. However, you should remember that puppies sleep between hours a day. Choosing an ideal spot for your Lab puppy to sleep is vital for his general well-being. Try keeping the floor clean, and if possible, throw a soft blanket in your puppy's favorite spot to make it a little more comfortable. Related: Does my dog need a bed in his crate? Can you imagine curling up beneath the covers on a hot summer night? The floor is ideal because it feels cool and provides some relief from the heat. It sounds weird, but my dog does it all of the time. Look at where your dog lays on the floor. Is it near a fireplace, heater, or other warm spots? That could give you some major clues, too. Related: Why has my dog stopped jumping? Some people like hard mattresses, while others can sleep only on something soft and fluffy. Ignore that advice. Instead, feel it with the BACK of your hand. Or better yet, your wrist. These areas are far more sensitive and should give you a better idea of just how comfortable the fabric really is. Small dogs are too insecure in large beds. They feel exposed to potential threats to lie down and sleep. On the other hand, the bed might be too small for your furbaby to stretch properly. In this case, a large mattress, like a Big Barker dog bed , might be what solves your problem. For small or medium-sized dogs, you might try nest beds. These beds have a lot of cushioning to keep your dog warm, and the cave-like structure makes your pet feel protected. And dogs are creatures of habit, and if they are used to the floor, they will sleep on the floor. Observe where your dog feels safe to lie down and place the bed there. When he does, give him a treat and praise him. Practice the routine several times a day. Just remember to focus on positive reinforcement. Never punish your dog for not using his bed. However, if your dog suddenly starts sleeping on hard surfaces and changes his behavior drastically, I would be worried. Depending on the type of bed and its location, your dog might be having difficulties jumping into the bed or waking up the stairs to reach his bed. As a dog grows old, certain joint conditions- such as arthritis and hip dysplasia- might affect his ability to move around. So, if you have an older dog, I would mention the change in sleeping arrangements as soon as possible to your vet. So, try airing out that new bed for 24 hours before you worry that Fido is completely and eternally rejecting it. Try moving it closer to where he usually sleeps. We had great success getting my dog to sleep on her bed by putting it in her favorite spot in the bedroom with us. Is it okay if my dog sleeps on the floor? Does sleeping on the floor hurt dogs? However, if your dog has arthritis, hip dysplasia, or other joint conditions it can lead to more aches and pains. Why does my dog sleep on my side of the bed on the floor? Take it as a compliment and a sign of your deep bond. Dogs do not care as much as we do about material things like beds. Sammy is probably more comfortable on the floor, and he will move to the bed when he feels like it. What do you think about these reasons why a dog sleeps on the floor instead of a bed? Do you agree or disagree? Share your opinion in the comments. Imagine spending hours trying to find the perfect dog bed for your canine companion. You go above and beyond when it comes to features! Maybe you spring for memory foam, cozy bolsters, and premium fabrics. When you take it home, you're super excited to give your dog all of the spoiled luxuries they deserve. But after a few minutes of trying it out, Your furry friend decides to sleep on the floor instead. Does that situation sound familiar? It's undoubtedly a frustrating experience. Despite your best efforts to provide the most comfortable bed possible, your dog may suddenly turn to the floor to get some shuteye. But why? It turns out that there are many potential reasons. Here are some of the most common and possible solutions you can use to encourage your dog to use a bed. Uncomfortable Temperatures Dogs need to be perfectly comfortable to get some sleep. Even some minor temperature issues can prevent them from getting a good night of rest. Your pup can't get up to change the thermostat. So, they have to rely on positioning and surroundings to get the level of comfort they need. A bed that's too hot or too cold is unappealing to pups. In the summer, you might notice your dog resorting to cold kitchen floors. There's a good chance that the overstuffed plush bed is way too warm. So, your pup goes to the cold tile instead! The same could happen during the winter. Your dog might prefer to sleep next to the heater vent or radiator instead of next to the cold window! Think about how you position the bed, its materials, and any accessories. Sometimes, switching up the location is enough to make it more comfortable as far as temperature is concerned. Alternatively, you can add a blanket or opt for well-ventilated materials. It can take some trial and error. But once you get things right, your dog should have no problem getting off the floor and using their bed again. Improper Bed Sizing Size is an essential factor when choosing a bed. If you ignore it, don't be surprised if your dog looks elsewhere to lay its head. For bigger dogs, beds that are too small can cause issues. Even if your dog's capable of sleeping on it curled into a ball, it might be problematic for stretching out. Your pooch needs to spread its legs and have enough room to change positions. If they can't do that in the bed, they have an open floor to utilize! You would think that smaller dogs are easier to please in this regard. However, that couldn't be farther from the truth. Tiny dogs often feel overwhelmed and scared when they have too much space. They'll feel exposed to potential threats. Plus, a more giant bed makes it harder to get warm. Whether your dog's big or small, always take measurements before buying a bed. Measure their length from top to bottom as they lay sprawled out on the floor. Use that as a guide to choose the right size. Most manufacturers offer a few models. Select the one that's closest to your dog's measurements, and you should be good to go. They Prefer a Different Spot Sometimes, the solution revolves around location. Is your dog's bed in a different room on the other side of the house? Did you put it downstairs as you sleep on the second floor? Whatever the case may be, it's not uncommon for dogs to take issues with being far away from you. Dogs like to sleep near their owners. It makes them feel comfortable and close to you. Instead of using that fancy bed you bought, most would rather sleep on the floor next to your bed. Try moving the bed closer to your own sleeping spot. Once again, it may take trial and error here. Some canines prefer to be right next to you. Others like the den-like feeling of being under your bed. Experiment a bit and let your dog find its sweet spot. Unwanted Sounds Here's something that most people don't even consider. Many beds can create unwanted noise that drives your dog mad! If you've ever tossed and turned on a squeaky bed frame, you can probably feel your dog's frustration. Not every bed is made of thick, high-quality materials. Some have fabrics that crinkle, liners that sound like they're constantly scratching on something, and piping that creaks. Some beds even have frames that squeak as bad as human metal beds! You have to remember that your dog's hearing is far more sensitive than yours. The noise you hear coming from the bed might not be a huge deal. But to your dog, it can be something that keeps them up at night. The only course of action here is to invest in a quieter bed. Look for a simpler model without all the unnecessary extras. It might be the peaceful haven your dog needs. The Bed Isn't as comfortable as it Seems Pure discomfort could be the issue with floor sleeping. Despite all of the plush extras, you never know what your dog will honestly think about their bed. Dogs have their personal preferences like humans. What you might find cozy may be irritating for Fido! For example, some dogs show an aversion to memory foam. For most people, it feels like sleeping on a cloud. However, dogs can find it challenging to use. Pay attention to how your dog interacts with their bed. If they have trouble getting up to move positions, the bed is likely causing some discomfort. Your pup may even cry out in pain or groan. After so many nights, most dogs will move to the floor. Pain and Irritation Seeing your dog sleep on the floor isn't an automatic cause for concern. But if it comes out of nowhere, it may be a sign of something more nefarious. Now, sleeping on a hard floor might sound counterproductive. But it's impossible to know what's going on in your dog's head. In some cases, sleeping on cold tiles can relieve pain. It's not uncommon to see dogs using tiles as a way to soothe joint or muscle pain. Others might avoid using a bed because of a broken spring or out-of-place piping that's constantly jabbing them in the side. Whatever the case may be, matters of pain aren't something you should ignore. Give the bed a good look-over and consider bringing your dog to a vet. If there is some hidden health issue at play, your vet can help diagnose the problem and provide proper care. Height and the Struggle of Aging Joints Senior dogs have many unique needs that younger pups don't have to consider. Rambunctious youngsters can leap on the couch without missing a beat. But at some point, your dog is going to have trouble even climbing a few inches to get into bed. Modern dog furniture is well-built and uses thick foam several inches deep. Sure, that layer of cushioning is excellent for relieving joints. However, getting into it prevents your dog from ever reaping the benefits. Once again, a trip to the vet is always a good idea. If your dog is suffering from joint pain, there's a lot you can do to provide relief. Beyond medication and joint supplements , you can modify the sleeping situation. Consider investing in a more senior-friendly model. Ramps and other accessories are also available to make things much more manageable. It's What They're Used To Finally, your dog might choose to sleep on the floor simply because it's what they're used to doing. You're more likely to see this from adopted dogs or those who didn't come from a good home. Your dog might start out using a beg. But those old habits can come back the moment they feel uneasy or scared. Even dogs that have spent several months sleeping on beds can resort back to their old way. Canines are creatures of comfort, and they prefer to stick to what they know. Breaking the habit isn't impossible, but it will take some time. Think about working with a trainer or behavioralist. They can help you develop a routine that breaks through those issues. Conclusion Dogs aren't super concerned with fancy furniture and over-the-top beds. They like to be comfortable, and many will look beyond the bed to get as cozy as possible. Try the tips we went over to see if you can coax your pup into using the bed you bought. But if they still prefer to sleep on the floor, don't fight it. Provide all the accessories they need to get comfortable. As long as they get enough shuteye, there's nothing wrong with enjoying the floor! Also read:.

Knowing why your dog is panting, perhaps excessively or maybe at night, will require you to consider what else might be happening for your dog at that moment. Are they anxious? Learn the common reasons why dogs pant so you can react appropriately. Why Do Dogs Pant? Moderate to rapid open-mouthed respiration is a normal dog and puppy behavior that lowers body temperature and also gets oxygen into the dog's bloodstream. The panting dog breathes with its mouth open and tongue somewhat protruding. Panting should not be confused with labored breathing. Labored breathing is characterized by strained respiration and may be accompanied by sounds of distress like crying or whining, or whistles from the nostrils or windpipe due to blockage. These are a few common reasons why dogs pant. Instead, dogs cool their bodies using the evaporation of moisture from the mouth and tongue, and by exchanging the hot air of their lungs with cooler external air. Even if they are not overheating, dogs will pant from exercise. It's much like the way humans breathe heavily when doing aerobic exercise. However, panting is also the primary way for dogs to cool themselves off because they don't sweat the way humans do. Though dogs do sweat a little bit from their paw pads, this cannot sufficiently cool them off. Instead, dogs cool themselves through their mouths. Panting allows dogs to release heat and exchange it for cooler air. As you may imagine, this is not a very efficient process. It's even less efficient for short-faced dogs like bulldogs or pugs. That's why dogs start to pant even when they get even a little bit warm. The hotter a dog becomes, the more intense the panting becomes. Sometimes, heavy panting is accompanied by drooling and redness of the tongue and gums. Along with profound panting, warning signs of overheating include a bright red tongue and gums, wide eyes, and weakness. Hot puppies may also resort to digging , to scoop out cool places to rest. Excitement or Stress Panting may have nothing to do with body temperature. Many dogs will pant when they experience fear , anxiety, or stress. Examples include car rides , fireworks , separation anxiety , vet visits , and other stressful events. Look at your dog's body language to help you determine if your dog is showing signs of fear or any other type of distress. Understanding the cause of fear or anxiety in your dog can help you minimize these incidents. If panting seems to be related to fear, anxiety, or stress, it's best to remove your dog from the situation as soon as you can. Play Panting may simply be a sign of happiness in your dog. If so, the rest of your dog's body language will reflect this happy mood. The tail will usually be wagging in a happy way. Your dog's body and facial features will be somewhat relaxed. The eyes will appear bright and happy. Once things calm down, the panting will slow down and eventually stop. Continued mild panting with an open mouth and bright eyes is normal in a relaxed, content dog. In fact, many people consider this to be a doggie smile. Pain or Discomfort Dogs are pretty good at hiding pain and illness from humans. Some dogs try harder than others to hide their discomfort. However, once they reach a certain level of discomfort, they often cannot help but show signs, such as panting. Look for other signs of illness or pain, such as vomiting , loss of appetite, diarrhea , lethargy, limping , pacing, and behavior changes. Contact your veterinarian if you suspect that your dog is sick or injured. Warning If at any time you see that panting is extremely intense and cannot be explained, you should get your dog to the nearest veterinarian immediately. It's always best to play it safe and let your vet check things out. Physical Problems These are just a few of the possible reasons why your dog may be panting: Dogs with a high fever may pant to help lower their body temperature. Medications given by the veterinarian may increase respiration or prompt panting. A very full stomach or bloat may also cause your dog to pant , sometimes in preparation for vomiting. This can be an emergency and your pet should be evaluated immediately if they are vomiting or dry heaving. Cushing's disease , a condition caused by excessive production of the stress hormone, cortisol, can cause excessive panting. Laryngeal paralysis , a condition where the muscles that open and close the larynx at the back of the throat are weakened or paralyzed, is another cause of panting. This condition is more common in older medium to large breed dogs such as Labrador retrievers. The panting is often accompanied by a high-pitched wheezing noise known as stridor. What to Do if Your Dog Is Panting If the cause is immediately understood, such as play or anxiety, intervention is not needed. Offer water if they've been playing and may be hot, but if the cause is unclear or worrisome, such as from a physical problem, bring them to the vet to get checked out. If due to an underlying condition or physical problem, your veterinarian will help determine an appropriate treatment. Take steps to prevent overheating by keeping your dog cool and minimizing exposure to heat. Always take careful steps to keep your dog safe in hot weather. Never leave a dog alone in a car, as cars can quickly get much hotter than the outside temperature. When in doubt, take your dog to the vet for medical attention. If you suspect your pet is sick, call your vet immediately. For health-related questions, always consult your veterinarian, as they have examined your pet, know the pet's health history, and can make the best recommendations for your pet. Article Sources The Spruce Pets uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy. Lopes Fagundes, Ana Luisa et al. Frontiers In Veterinary Science, vol 5, .Frontiers Media SA, doi.Home » All Posts » Uncategorized » Why is my puppy panting so much? Why is my puppy panting so much? Their new owners want the best for them and to know that they are well. Panting is a key sign to be aware of. Panting, what does it mean? Panting is the rapid inspiration and expiration of air through an open mouth. Often with the tongue drooped out and lolling in the wind! If you see a cat panting or breathing with its mouth open, this means that something is wrong. There are a number of different causes of panting in puppies: Being too warm The most common cause of panting is being warm. It allows for heat loss through evaporation of moisture from the tongue and mouth. As a result, they are more susceptible to getting too warm or cold. Puppies will normally move around themselves to seek out warmer or cooler areas depending on how they feel, so ensure that he has a cool space that he can move to if he wishes. Pain Pain and discomfort can cause a dog to pant. They may also be withdrawn, restless or may just not want to move around. Stress Panting can also indicate a stressed puppy, and here it may also be accompanied by drooling. If your puppy seems otherwise well, and is definitely not overheating, then he may be panting because he finds himself in a stressful, or unusual situation. This can include situations created between pets of the same household. So be attentive to how your puppy is getting along with other furry members of the family. You might need to take measures to diffuse any tension and avoid triggers of stressful situations for your puppy. For example, around mealtimes or in certain areas of the house. Breathing problems Whilst it could appear that a puppy is just panting, it may actually have a problem breathing and be in some distress. Similarly, a puppy panting because of a respiratory problem may seem to pant, but, on closer inspection, the way they are breathing is different. Often, they will be putting more effort into breathing in or breathing out, sometimes both, and there may be some noise associated with breathing too. Most of the time, because they have an underlying problem, these will not appear to be well puppies. They will generally have other signs like lethargy, coughing, inappetence, fever or nasal discharge. Such puppies need urgent veterinary attention. To sum up… Panting is generally a normal behaviour, seen commonly amongst dogs and puppies. Make sure to keep an eye on how warm his environment is, and watch how other family members furry and human interact with him so see when it happens. 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When you bring a new puppy home, it's important to keep feeding it the same food that it has been eating at its previous home. The AKC advocates for the responsible ownership of dogs and promotes purebred dog events, such as the Westminster Dog Show. Go to source Talk to the person or organization that you are adopting your puppy from to see what food they are feeding it. They should willingly provide that info and they may even send you home with some if you can't find any to buy. If you can't find the right food in your local pet supply store, consider ordering it online. However, you would need to order it ahead of time so that you have it on hand when the puppy comes home. If you want to feed your puppy a different food from what it has been eating, you will need to switch its food over the course of several days. Feed that mix for several days. Finally, you can give the puppy all new food. If you are content to give your puppy the food it was originally eating, it's fine to do that. Every puppy will have different nutritional needs. Because of this, it's a good idea to discuss proper nutrition with your vet. They can suggest great foods to give your puppy and how much it should be eating. Go to source The right portion size depends on the size of your puppy and its metabolism. Ask your vet to teach you how to body score your puppy. This will allow you to do a quick visual check to see whether your puppy is losing or gaining weight. Tip: If your vet suggests a specific food but doesn't tell you how much to give your puppy, follow the instructions on the packaging. Doing 3 or 4 feedings per day allows your puppy to get enough nutrients without overwhelming its digestive system with a huge amount of food at once. This is especially important when your puppy is under 6 months old, as they have delicate systems. Go to source Don't just leave the food out all day. Take the food away after the puppy eats for about 10 or 15 minutes. Lab puppies should always have access to fresh water so that they can stay adequately hydrated. Put out a dish of water and dump it out, clean the dish, and refill it daily. Some puppies are really messy with their water dishes. To prevent a mess, try putting the water dish on a tray, so that spilled water won't go right onto the floor. Top Picks For Our Dogs Preparing Your Home For A Puppy You should treat the preparation of your home for the arrival of a new puppy in much the same way as you would for the arrival of a baby because the process is almost identical. You must be ready to provide every little thing your puppy needs in life, making sure they have water, are fed, comfortable, happy, catered for and safe. To achieve this there are 4 main things that you need to do: Go shopping for equipment and supplies Puppy proof your home and garden to make sure your puppy stays safe Set up an area for your puppy to sleep and spend time in when you cannot supervise them Decide on the rules and routines required to successfully raise a puppy Without such preparation, things will be difficult. A Nutritious Puppy Food The most important supply needed for a new puppy is a highly nutritious puppy food. Hopefully your puppy came from a responsible breeder who was feeding them a high quality, complete and nutritious food. If so, you should ask what they were feeding, stock up on and continue feeding this if possible. If not, then puppies are incredibly active, growing fast and developing bone, muscle and more every day. Because of this they need almost double the calories, more protein and have different nutritional needs to mature adult dogs. Furthermore, they have far smaller mouths than adult dogs so puppy food comes in smaller chunks more suited to their size. Click here to see our recommendations for the best puppy food for labs Bowls for Food And Water There is a bewildering array of dog bowl choices out there so choosing the best can be difficult. Looks and design aside, I recommend going for stainless steel bowls because they are long-lasting, cannot be chewed and are very easy to clean. I also recommend buying bowls with heavy rubber bottoms so they stay rooted to the spot and are harder to spill or flip over. Unless of course you buy bowls in a stand, then these problems are already solved. A Puppy Crate And Bedding A good crate is one of the most beneficial things you can provide for the good of yourself and your puppy. First of all, supply some bedding to place inside for your puppy to sleep on. My recommendation for this is VetBed. Many puppies can chew and ingest normal bedding which can result in medical emergencies and VetBed is the most durable bedding on the market. During these times you need to provide a larger, but still safe enclosure to confine your puppy. You might also like to buy a plastic sheet and some puppy pads or use lots of old newspaper for them to use as a potty in your absence. Puppy Chew Toys Puppies chew. A lot. And they seem to prefer chewing phones, footwear and TV remotes more than anything else. Just make sure whatever toys you do buy are suitable for a puppy as many will be too large for their little mouths to begin with. Interactive Puppy Toys So you can play games with your puppy, provide exercise and mental stimulation, you will want to buy a few toys that encourage the two of you to interact. Balls for throwing and chasing, soft toys and ropes for playing tug, other toys for fetch, there are many available. You will also need a collar to provide a place to attach an all important ID tag. ID Tag An ID tag is an essential means to be reunited with your puppy should the worst happen and you somehow lose them or they run away. Clicker A clicker is an extremely useful tool used during training as a reward marker that dramatically improves the timing of communication between you and your puppy when you want to reward a behavior. Although not essential, I do highly recommend you use one. Puppy Training Treats Tasty food treats are the go-to reward used during training so you will want to make sure you always have a good stock at hand. They need to feel happy with being bathed, happy having their coat and teeth brushed, their feet touched, nails clipped and having their eyes and ears inspected. To do so, you should fake going the process, getting them used to being handled, the sight and feel of the tools and so on. To achieve this, you will need to buy and get them used to the following items: Dog shampoo Combs and brushes suitable for a Labrador Scissors Cotton balls Toothbrush Use these tools right away and often, and give your puppy praise and tasty treats as you go so they form positive associations with grooming. Puppy Proof Your Home and Garden The process of puppy proofing your home is very much like baby proofing before the arrival of a child. Except a puppy is far more curious, active and destructive and can get themselves into far more trouble. A puppy is a new-born. Everything is a toy and they will run and pounce and jump and chew on anything in their environment. So before you bring your puppy home you simply must make it safe for them. For things you cannot move skirting boards, table legs etc. To keep them safe while still providing an area for them to play in and stretch their legs, you want to restrict their access to a single room, or otherwise create an enclosed space for them. To do so, either buy a pet barrier or baby gate that goes across a doorway to restrict them to an easy to clean and safe room, or buy an exercise pen puppy pen to create an enclosed space in another room. I also strongly recommend buying a crate for many reasons, but initially, mostly just to provide the perfect place for them to sleep. I shall discuss crate training a little later in this article. All of this must be decided BEFORE you get your puppy home because consistency is a key part of raising a puppy successfully. Everyone must enforce and live by the same rules for your puppy to thrive. Initially they have no idea how you want them to behave, or how and when they can expect the things they want and need in life. The more consistent everybody is with the puppy, the quicker they will learn all this stuff and the happier everyone will be. So decide and write down if necessary when your puppy will have all their needs met, make sure everybody knows who is responsible for each task and make sure everybody knows the rules. You might think the collection and journey home with your new puppy is no big deal, but there are many things can go wrong. Therefore, you should never take a puppy before 8 weeks old. During the first 8 weeks, a puppy learns a lot from their mother and litter-mates: Bite inhibition, canine body language, acceptable play and interaction with other dogs and how to accept discipline. Things you will find it very hard to teach them later yourself. The flip side of this is that the 7 to 14 week stage is the most impressionable for a puppy, where they bond strongest with people and must be socialized to all the sights, sounds and smells of the world so they grow up confident and comfortable with their surroundings. So anyway, for the journey home there a few things you need to consider: Safety in the car, the need for water and toilet breaks and the possibility your puppy will be sick. Having a loose puppy in the car presents a very real danger of leading to a crash, they can easily climb out of a box and now is not the time to use a harness and car safety belt. If the crate is small enough you can place it on a front or rear passenger seat and secure it with the seat-belt, or you may have to place it in the trunk of your car. Fully line the crate with absorbent paper in case there are any accidents, this will keep most of the mess off your puppy and make cleaning easier. And finally, place a chew toy or two in the crate to keep your puppy occupied. If you have another person to help you, your puppy can ride home in their lap if the journey is short. They must be under your passengers control. They will also need to potty every half or so. Therefore, you should plan breaks along the way every 30 minutes or so. Stop the car, allow them to drink, then wait for them to wee before setting off again. When you stop, make sure your puppy is on leash and tightly held by someone before letting them out of the car. And as an extra precaution, carry your puppy and only put them down to do their business, then carry them back into the car. Take with you some towels, plastic bags, kitchen roll and deodorizer to take care of any accidents. And when driving, take all corners slowly, and accelerate and brake gently. If your puppy is on a passengers lap, they will be able to see some warning signs that puppy is about to be sick: Their lips will curl, they will excessively salivate and then eventually start to heave. When your passenger spots these signs, they can place a thick towel beneath the puppy to catch everything and avoid a mess in your vehicle. When bringing home a new puppy, make sure you collect them and then drive straight home. Your puppy is having the most stressful day of their short life so far, try not to make it harder than it already is by taking them to strange places and passing them around to strangers to say hello. You want to get them home quickly so they can start the process of settling in as soon as possible. Whether this is inside on paper, or a spot outside, as soon as you arrive home carry them there, set them down and wait for them to do their business before doing anything else. This might take 30 seconds or it might take 10 minutes, but patiently wait and when they go, praise them profusely. Well done! Shut them in another room away from the puppy as things are intense enough as it is. Explain they have to be calm and gentle during the first introductions. Let them sniff and look around, getting used to the area and their new little world. You can now let people come and say hello. Have people sit or kneel to greet them. Once everybody has said hello, you should stay with your puppy, show interest but stay calm. Allow Your Puppy To Sleep After all the excitement, stress, massive change and huge amount of mental stimulation your puppy has just been through, they will likely need to sleep soon after arriving at your home. So as soon as they either start to look tired, or the introductions to their new living space and family have ended whichever comes first put them to bed for a short while. On the other hand they might feel completely overwhelmed, retreat into themselves and show reluctance to explore. They might slink into a corner silently and sit there watching their new world with wonder but apprehension, before falling asleep for hours. And when it comes to the first night they might sleep right through, or they might cry and whine the whole night. As your puppy begins to get used to everything, their character will start to shine through and you will begin to see their true personalities. Exactly what this will be is different for every puppy…it will be fun for you to find out! And by being the provider of everything they need in life, giving them all that is good, it will only take 2 or 3 days for your puppy to learn to love you and get excited and happy to see you when you turn up. So your task is to set up and stick to these schedules, begin training your puppy and help them to learn how you want them to behave and when they can expect the things they need in life. What should you feed your puppy You should feed your puppy the same food they had at the breeders because an abrupt change in diet almost always leads to stomach upset. Complete and balanced means it has everything a puppy needs, and in the right quantities. So seek out this kind of wording and check the internet for other owners reviews. Puppies need to eat a lot because their rate of growth is very high. For puppies up to 12 weeks, you should divide their daily requirement into 4 portions, for puppies 12 to 26 weeks, feed them 3 times per day and from 26 weeks on feed them twice per day. You should also aim to feed them as close as you can to the same times every day and evenly spaced throughout the day. This will help their body clocks fall into a pattern and will help your house training immensely because they then potty the same times every day. For example: 8 to 12 weeks old, 4 times a day at AM, AM, PM and PM 12 to 26 weeks old, 3 times a day at AM, PM and PM 26 weeks old and ongoing, 2 times a day at and Obviously you can adjust these times to take into account when you get out of bed and to fit around your life. Also… The first few nights have the crate or exercise pen your puppy sleeps in placed in your bedroom. One night move the crate next to the bedroom door. The next night move it outside the door, but leave the door open so they can still see you. The next night further into the hallway. Finally to their eventual resting place. They might take to sleeping on their own OK, they might whine and cry. NEVER go to them to comfort them if they cry, you must only get up to take them to potty and then silently and without fuss put them back into the crate. Rewarding silence and ignoring noise is the only way they will eventually learn to be quiet at night themselves. Any time you cannot closely supervise them, you have to confine them, either in their crate, an exercise pen or a puppy proofed room secured with a barrier across the doorway. The point of confining them as a puppy is so they can enjoy all the freedom in the world once they are an adult. By confining them with treat dispensing chew toys they get rewarded for chewing the right things and develop a chew toy obsession. Confine them now, they form a good chew toy obsession and have no chance of developing bad chewing habits. Then once they are over their adolescent chewing stage you slowly open up the house to them and eventually they can have free roam and be completely trusted. A little sacrifice when young for a better life later. And a second hugely important reason for confining your puppy when you cannot supervise them is for speedier house training. In fact if you read my comments from earlier, you will see you start the very first moment you finish the journey home. In essence, house training is about creating good habits while avoiding bad ones and for the speediest success you want to start immediately. Wherever your puppy is able to potty has the chance of becoming their favored toilet spot for many weeks or months to come. So you want to prevent them pottying inside, and encourage them to potty outside. The main ingredients of a successful house training program are preventing mistakes and praising heavily for doing the right thing. Achieving this is all about schedules, supervision and confinement. Now, your puppy will need to potty anywhere from every 15 to 45 minutes. So to start with, take them outside every 30 minutes and adjust this schedule to suit their natural rhythm. You must also take them outside immediately after they wake up from any sleep, after any eating or drinking, after play and after any heightened excitement. These are times that often lead to a puppy needing to potty so take them outside at these times and you will avoid many mistakes while taking advantage of predictable opportunities to praise them for doing the right thing. In the first week or so, you will likely find your puppy almost instantaneously leaks with little warning. Simply do your best to take them out to potty extremely often so they go in the right place as often as possible. And confine them to a single enclosed room or in an exercise pen for the first week or so to protect your carpets. Crate training goes hand in hand with house training, being one of the best tools to help speed up the process. Therefore, you want to start crate training very early on, after just a few days of getting puppy home, and I personally aim for 9 weeks old to start. I prefer to wait a week or so to avoid them pottying in the crate as much as possible, doing the most I can to preserve their instinct not to soil where they sleep, the instinct that helps most when using a crate for house training. But by all means sleep them in their crate at night if you wish and I do. For more information on crate training your puppy and using it for house training purposes, please see the links below:. How does it feel to be a new puppy parent? You must be chuffed. Take a look at these first few articles. All the ingredients you need for a happy home. But for now, beside your bed is the best place for your puppy to sleep — it will help them feel safe. Puppies like their crates rather cave-like; we suggest covering it with a blanket to block out light, but keep the front open so that they can see outwards. Make sure to make it snug inside with something like a vet bed or a blanket, or why not take it up a notch with a heat pad or hot water bottle to recreate the feeling of their mother. Nothing feels more comforting than that. Before you head to bed, take your puppy out for one last round of loo-going. Set your bedtime at a later time too — midnight sounds about right. Come back calmly, and place your puppy in the crate and turn out the light. Stuff you should know about Sleep Training your Labrador Your puppy will wake up several times in the night and will need the bathroom at least once! Be prepared for not-so-deep sleeps and tired mornings — just for the first few weeks. Having them sleep next to you is only temporary. Consistency is key! As for you, full nights of sleep will start getting closer and closer. Alone Training How can I teach my Labrador puppy to be ok on their own? Start by feeding your puppy in their crate during meal times. If they seem worried by you leaving, stay in view, and just pop right outside their confinement area. Keep it short and sweet: No need to stay away for long, 60 seconds tops will do for now. Repeat: Do this at least once a day to make progress go steady and smoothly. Socialization Exercises To Do this week Letting your Labrador puppy explore the yard Besides the gnomes and questionable yard furniture you may have, letting your puppy explore your own yard is a great and safe way to start showing them the sounds, lights and wonders of the outside world. Exploring different surfaces exercise Make sure that the surfaces you use are safe — nothing too crazy just yet. Gather surfaces such as An oven tray with a small layer of water A piece of astro turf A carpet tile A large piece of tin foil, cardboard or something crinkly PRO TIP: Set up for this exercise in the room your puppy spends most of their time in — it will help them to feel safe and confident. Pop the surfaces out safely on the floor and allow your puppy to investigate them. Nobody has ever enjoyed walking on those. Remember to be patient! Lucky for you — teaching them their name is easy peasy. Say their name in a happy jolly tone and reward with a treat. Repeat five times, 5 and take a break. Practice this 2 or 3 times a day so they get the hang of it. Teach your puppy to sit Teaching your puppy how to sit is a popular one. The first two are far more common though. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow it up with a food reward. In puppy logic, stinky means yummy. How to do it Start at home; where there are no distractions. Just make sure to shut off Gogglebox in the background. Recall — How to teach our Labrador puppy to come back when called Your puppy already knows their name at this point, so this should be a walk in the park. How to do it Treats and a cheerful voice will be what works here. Do these exercises before meal times so your puppy is more motivated. Practice this 5 times a day and in 3 different places in your house and yard to get them used to coming to you in all settings. How to do it Show your puppy that you have their favorite toy, and start to get them excited about it. When they show interest, throw it a little bit away from you. They will likely follow it and pick it up. If they do, encourage them back to you with your voice, so remember to sound happy! Swap the toy for a treat or another toy and do the process again. Repeat this about 5 times. Instead create more distance and excitement sounds to get them to come to you — spaniels like to show off, so they will likely want to parade what they have! Always swap the toy for something when they have it, this could be a treat or another toy. Resource guarding occurs when we force puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. For breeds like Labradors who are designed to want to hold things in their mouths, this is pretty important! Resource guarding is when a dog protects a resource from being taken by someone else — dog or human. For some reason, there is a solid list of things puppies find irresistible: Socks. However, a healthy six-month-old labrador will grow significantly in size. Some of them can weigh up to 50 pounds. For a more balanced diet at six months, you can shift from feeding your puppy three smaller meals per day to two meals a day. To counteract this, you can drop the amount of food and gradually increase it. Setting Your Lab Puppy Up for Successful Potty Training Training an animal to control their bladders until you get outside is no different than potty-training for toddlers. In other words, crate training speeds up the potty-training process for your pet. Effective crate training depends on two things: Praising and rewarding your puppy for relieving itself outside. They come to understand this as a desirable behavior. Preventing your puppy from going to the toilet within the home. So, why is using a crate to train your puppy to go outside so effective? Initially, this should be every hour or so. As labs grow older, you can reduce the frequency as they learn to hold and release independently. Step 2: House Training a Lab Puppy Housetraining or potty-training small labs can be, well, frustrating. As a pet owner, there are simple ways to train your puppy to understand ideal behavior quickly. Instead, they simply forget that they should control it. This helps avoid any issues early on. Keep small labrador puppies off the carpet. How to Feed Your Dog for Optimal Growth Feeding your labrador puppy a balanced diet could be an entire guide all on its own. It can feel overwhelming because you do have many options when it comes to feeding your dog. For example, if you work from home, it would be easy to feed your dog homemade dog food. Similarly, you might work a and yet want to reap the health-related benefits of a raw diet. Make sure to speak to your vet first. You do have choices for what to feed your puppy and you can mix and match these. Popular feeding options for any animal include kibble, wet food, raw food, and home-cooked food. Remember, a puppy is still growing, and they need a complete profile of nutrients and minerals to support their development. There are many commercial brands of dry food or kibble to choose from and you can adjust what you buy based on the ingredients. Do your research and find a brand you trust, with as much bioavailable nutritional content as is helpful. These can harm your puppy. In order to maintain good health and prevent simple ailments, your puppy can also benefit from taking a supplement. Some families choose to mix scraps or raw food with kibble to provide moisture and decrease the amount of food versus the calories consumed. Any veterinarian will tell you that a hard and fast rule is not necessarily the type of food but the amount. Obesity is a condition that can lead to many health issues for this breed. Over-exertion, especially for a puppy, is possible. This includes activities like playing fetch or tug and release. However, breeds that worked as a hunting companion for humans love to be active. Again, this goes back to the strengths of the breed. Keeping up with your puppy could be a task-and-a-half, so in the first months of life, you should be keeping them in your backyard or playing with them at home. As they become house trained and get all their vaccinations, you can turn walks into light jogs or runs if you want. In the long-term, exercise will help keep dogs healthy and disease-free. However, early dog training can eliminate common problems with puppy temperament and help make sure that your fur friend is always as friendly and happy as possible through the years. Puppy socialization simply means making your puppy open to and familiar with new experiences. You want to provide stimulation and encounters with experiences that they will probably face as adults. The window of opportunity to make sure your puppy is always a happy and friendly pooch closes around 14 weeks. Pre-Vaccination Lab Puppy Socialization Any veterinarian will tell you that a puppy is all done with their vaccinations after 12 weeks of age. The main point is to keep your puppy away from other dogs who may not yet be vaccinated or the excrement and markings of other animals that could carry data diseases. You can head to an off-leash dog park to allow them to explore and meet other fur friends. You can also take them beyond your backyard to the countryside to enable them to swim or set up obstacle courses and play with them. Another thing that people forget about is spaying or neutering their dogs. Spaying or neutering your dog could help with behavioral issues and can also reduce the onset of certain health conditions. At the same time, spaying or neutering a puppy too early may also lead to health issues. For many people, this is a worthwhile and even enjoyable trade-off. A happy, sociable dog is always the result of consistent training. Training your dog is a significant aspect of their early years. The different stages include: Get it — Using positive reinforcement, trainers will help your dog carry out actions without commands. Teach it — This stage harnesses the progress you made in the previous stages. Your dog now knows the word and the action that goes with it. Proof it — Proofing is where many people get stuck. Your dog will learn to listen and obey commands at this stage even when they are engaged in other things. Maintain it — Consistently using the techniques you learned to keep your dog following the same desirable behavior. All breeds of dogs respond best when you train them. Every labrador retriever relies on their human taking control and showing them how to respond in any situation. You can be sure that if you follow these tips that you will be taking proper care of your new puppy and will be able to make sure that your puppy will live a long and healthy life. Share on. Learning to be alone Happiness is a Balancing Act Your job is a bit of a balancing act. Keeping your little one happy, while ensuring that he is educated in the ways of our curious human world, and that he learns to behave himself Here are a few tips to help you along the way. This is natural and normal. It makes them feel safe. Puppies also feel safe if they have a den, a place of safety, like the whelping box or nest where they were born, to rest in when they are on their own. But you can hurry that process up by leaving the door open all day and leaving food and nice toys in there for your puppy to find. If you or your children are very excited, your puppy will get excited too. He may get very overexcited, which is when biting can get very out of hand. Of course, there are bound to be times when, despite your best efforts, your puppy gets a little too over-excited. But, learning how to deal with this can help calm things back down. Outdoor Time To Potty I get a lot of questions from people that are struggling with potty training because they are expecting a new puppy to go too long without a wee during the day. Sometimes two or three hours. Some eight week old puppies will empty their bladder in the garden, come indoors and wee again just 15 or 20 minutes later! This is very annoying, but it is a short-lived phase. Restricted Access Many people find it hard to cope with their puppy simply because they are giving him access to too large an area of the family home. He has no chance of learning to be clean if he cannot be watched constantly by a family member and is far more likely to have accidents on carpets, than on hard floors. He will also be constantly in trouble for chewing things he should never have been able to reach. Baby gates are a brilliant way of restricting very small puppies to a fairly small designated part of your home with washable floors. The puppy can then be gradually introduced to more rooms as they mature. The Right Feeding Routines Puppies often have sensitive tummies. Especially in the first few days and weeks in their new home. Most Labrador puppies are greedy and will eat large meals. The quantities on food packet are daily rations and should be divided into at least four portions to begin with. And the result is can be a nasty attack of diarrhea, although of course there are other causes of upset stomaches too! Puppies need to be out and about. There is a small period of time during which puppies can easily accept new experiences. And after which they become fearful of strangers, strange objects, and strange experiences. This unique time slot is called the window for socialization, and it is all but closed before the puppy is 14 weeks old. So you need to get your puppy out and about, meeting all kinds of people, vehicles, shops, machinery, and so on. Positive Reinforcement Leads To Happiness! Nowadays we train dogs using positive reinforcement. Essentially this means with rewards. These rewards can be anything he enjoys, from toys, to food, to simply running around. But puppies need to be shown how to earn rewards the right way. So that we get the right responses from them. It is all too easy to reward your puppy for doing the wrong things. Lots of puppies learn to bark to get attention for example or to jump up to get a stroke. There are lots of games you can play with puppies to help them learn how to earn rewards. Let the puppy know what you like them doing with a marker word like YES and follow it up with a treat. You can start rewarding your puppy like this, for making eye contact with you, right from the very first day. Learn To Be Happy Alone? All companion dogs need to be alone at times. And the best time to learn this skill is when he is small. As soon as your puppy has settled in to his new den, after the first few days it is time to start leaving him alone for short periods of time. Pull up a chair and start by getting the puppy used to being shut in the crate with you next to him. When he is happy to be crated while you are there, you can start leaving him for very short periods of time. Just a few seconds to begin with. Time Off The Leash! Small puppies have a powerful following response — I call this the safety response because they do it to feel safe. If you put and eight week old puppy on the ground and walk away, he will follow you. If you keep your puppy on a leash for the first six months of his life, when you let him off he will no longer have this following reflex, and you will have wasted a great opportunity to establish this good behavior. Check out below for a demonstration, on teaching the puppy recall. So that he can learn to follow in your footsteps as you lead the way in exploring the great wide world. Obviously this needs to be done in a very safe space. Later on when you take your puppy into a more distracting environment, you should attach a trailing line to their harness for safety. If your little one is allowed on the sofa today, he may think he is allowed on the sofa tomorrow. Decide what your rules are, and work out how to achieve them. Find out everything you can about how puppies learn so that you can teach your puppy how to live in our world, with love and kindness. Print We recently brought home Bubba, a female chocolate lab puppy. Bubba is already sold as one of our Custom Trained Retrievers, so it is our responsibility to train her and raise her until she has progressed to the level of training the owner has requested. That means Bubba will be with for almost a year and a half. We train one or two of these puppies each year, and over the years we have gotten pretty good at it. We also train adult dogs for hunting and competition, so we see a lot of dogs come into our program. Dogs that have each been raised differently. There are some definite training tips that can help you help your lab grow up to be the best version of himself. Training and socialization for very young Labrador puppies — week one The first week of a puppy being away from its litter is very stressful for the puppy. Most often, the first two days, the puppy will sleep a lot! The pup is adjusting to all the changes, and they need time to do that. After the first couple days you may notice a spike of energy. This is your sign that the puppy is adjusting well and is ready to be exposed to a few more things. Labrador puppy training that first week home Here are the things we work on during week one. A nylon adjustable one is usually best since puppies grow quickly. It often takes the puppy a few days to adjust to having a collar on. Intro crate We introduce our puppies to a crate on day one. Literally the day we bring them home. Most puppies will cry, bark or howl while in the crate the first few or many times. Ignore it, it does not hurt the puppy at all. Always wait until the puppy settles down and is quiet, even if that quiet only lasts for just a minute or two. Learn more about crate training. Intro to housebreaking Another day one lesson and one that will last for a few weeks or months. We introduce housebreaking day one by allowing the puppy to run around an enclosed area under close supervision. If your puppy then goes potty outside, great! The thing to remember about housebreaking, is that your puppy should never be allowed to roam the house or a room without supervision. The only way to housebreak a dog is for them to get caught in the middle of an accident. That is how they learn that what they are doing is not right. Learn more about housebreaking. Intro leash We introduce a leash to our puppies around day three of being home. But once they start getting more energy and get more inquisitive, we use a Flexi-lead attached to the nylon collar to take the puppy outside. This accomplishes two goals. The gentle tugs on the leash and pressure when the puppy strains against the leash are great training for handling pressure as they get older. Intro to pressure and correction The last thing we introduce to our new puppy during the first week home is pressure and correction. This is an often-missing element to training that can severely handicap a dog that you want to be a hunting companion or competition dog. The kind of pressure I am talking about is very mild such as saying NO to the puppy when they are chewing up your shoes or scratching through the carpet. This is the way mama dogs carry their puppies and it does not hurt them at all. This does not hurt the puppy; it is exactly what a mama dog does to teach her puppies. Learn more about introducing pressure and correction. Commands to start using that first week home The first week there are some commands we start using so that the puppy will associate the words we use with actions. Puppies play and explore with their mouths, and often they will think it is great fun to bite your hands and feet. If this does not curb the behavior, I grab her lower jaw, wrapping her gums around her teeth and squeeze. I have found this to be very effective, especially if you start this the first week you have the puppy home. The longer you wait to start, the harder it becomes to stop this behavior. It takes very little pressure to stop a 7-week-old puppy from biting. Learn more about how to stop your Lab puppy from biting you. Off command The OFF command is also started day one. The OFF command is used to stop a puppy or dog from jumping on you. It can also be used to keep a dog off a sofa or other furniture. Starting day one, I gently use my knee to push down the puppy each time they jump on me. I say OFF when I do this. Usually, a gentle push with the knee is all it takes with a very small puppy. They learn this command very quickly. If your puppy is a bit more energetic or stubborn and tries to jump on you despite your gentle pushes, then you may need to use a little more force. Even if you were to knock your puppy backwards onto her back, that is not going to hurt her seriously. But it will likely make a good impression and cause her to think twice before jumping on you again. With jumping, consistency is important. You must knock your puppy off every time she jumps on you. Learn more about how to stop your Lab from jumping on you. We use this as a que when we are taking the puppy outside to go potty. We use this while the puppy is on a leash, and we are pulling them toward us. I only use this command for very young dogs. Your goal is to get the puppy to rest in your arms and not move. But if you keep at it, you will see your dog settle for longer and longer periods of time. Introduction to retrieving Lastly, since all our puppies are retrievers, we start introducing the puppy to retrieving. The first few times are simply throwing a toy a few feet and if the puppy runs out and gets it and comes back to you, great. Then take the item and throw it again. If the puppy does not come back or does not even run out to get the item, then stop for the day. Just let the retrieving develop naturally. Next week we will start more formal retrieving training. Final thoughts on what you should do that first week with your new Labrador puppy As you can see, there is a lot of training that you can do with your seven- or eight-week-old puppy. And while you can wait for training, your puppy is ready and able to learn quickly right now. I will be posting weekly on the training we are doing with Bubba, so you can get a week-by-week snapshot of how we raise and train a puppy up to be a excellent, responsive hunting or competition dog as well as a well-mannered family dog. If you are struggling or need additional help with your new puppy, you can email me ottertailkennels gmail. I would be happy to discuss your goals for your retriever and tell you about the programs I offer. Until next time, happy retrieving.