feeding a golden retriever puppy

Rottle Highlights Rottles are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Rottweiler or Poodle parents. The main colors of Rottles are brown, black, white, red, gray, and blue. Rottles are relatively easy to train compared to other mixed breeds, as long as training starts at an early age. Due to their high intelligence, they can become destructive if they get bored. Rottles have high energy levels. Make sure your dog gets at least one good half-hour- to hour-long walk per day with a few good, active play sessions and shorter walks mixed in. Be sure to include some mentally stimulating games. Generally, the Rottle is considered a family friendly mixed breed dog. Rottle History The Rottle mixed dog breed may have existed naturally over the years, but designer breeders started intentionally mixing Rottweilers and Poodles sometime in the s , likely in North America. They continued to create Rottles as demand for the mixed breed pups climbed. Even though the Rottle breed got their start as a designer breed, some have ended up in shelters or in the care of rescue groups. Consider adoption if you decide this is the breed for you. Check your local shelters, look up Rottle rescues, or check with breed specific Rottweiler or Poodle rescues, as they sometimes take in mixed breed dogs and find homes for them. Rottle Size As the Rottle is a relatively new mixed breed, there are few standards when it comes to size. That said, as a mix between Rottweiler and Poodle parents, you can expect Rottles to be on the medium to large side. Most weigh in at 60 to 90 pounds and range in height from twelve to 27 inches at the shoulder. However, many can be smaller or larger than average. Rottle Personality Many Rottle parents describe their mixed breed dogs as incredibly smart and eager to please. This makes training Rottles relatively easy compared to other mixed breeds, as long as training starts at an early age. They can also grow protective of their favorite humans and may bark at unexpected guests. If you want a watchdog who is also super snuggly with your family, the Rottle may be the right pup for you. These dogs are incredibly trainable, and the sooner you start, the better. Rottles who are untrained or unsocialized may develop negative coping patterns like resource protecting. Be sure to use a lot of positive reinforcement with your Rottle, as they crave your validation. Rottles can get along in a one-person household, but they truly are fabulous family dogs. Rottle Health The Rottle breed is predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Rottweiler and Poodle also face. While most are generally healthy, some may be prone to a few health issues, which is why it is important to maintain good care and regular veterinary checkups. Some of the more common health problems Rottles suffer from include: Dysplasia. Lifespan Sociability The Rottie Poo is a hybrid breed, which means that normally you should be able to find a Rottle at a lower price than the parent breeds. Take your time to search for an ethical and reputable breeder. A good breeder will offer healthy puppies from good stock. Do your research on the breed and any breeders you consider buying from. Speak to the breeder. Ask questions about the breed and their puppies, in particular. Ask to see proof of screening and health checks. This will include proof that the parent dogs have been screened and checked for hip and elbow dysplasia. Ensure that you get to meet the puppy before you part with any money. Ask to see one or both parents. Check to see if the mother is responsive and looks healthy. Ensure that they are happy to meet you, but not overly friendly. This is a reasonable sign that your puppy will show a similar temperament, because puppies learn from their moms, just like babies do. Because hybrid breeds are not worth the thousands of dollars that purebred dogs fetch, and because hybrids like the Rottle can occur naturally without intentional breeding, you may find one in a local shelter. Try to determine why the dog was put up for adoption, and ensure that you meet the dog at least once before you adopt. If you have dogs of your own, try to arrange to bring them with you to meet your rescue Rottle before you take them home. The Poodle parent is described as hypoallergenic. One of the reasons that the Poodle has become such a popular pet, other than his intelligence and his loving nature, is because he sheds very little compared to other breeds. It is also beneficial for those that suffer allergies but still want a dog. Allergy sufferers are allergic to a specific protein that is found in dog saliva, skin secretions, and dander. Therefore, a dog that sheds less, distributes less dander and should cause less of an allergic reaction. Although some breeders and owners describe the Poodle as being hypoallergenic, they do still cause an allergic reaction, so they are not truly hypoallergenic, but they are as close as you can expect to get. The Rottle is likely to adopt a similarly low-shedding coat. Poodles and Rottweilers both hail from Germany. Most people believe that the Poodle is French and the Rottweiler German, but they would only be half correct. The Rottweiler is believed to be a descendant of drover dogs that were left behind by the Roman army. Their name originates from the town of Rottweil, where they were left when the Roman army abandoned the area. However, while most people believe the Poodle to be French it is the French national dog, after all , it too hails from Germany. In France, the dog is known as the duck dog. The Poodle cut is not just fashionable. It consists of various puffs and pompoms, although there are several exact fashions and styles that dictate where the shocks of hair should be found. While they are common in exhibitions and shows, the cut was functional before it was fashionable. A full coat would have left a Poodle hampered by its hair, and a wet coat would have weighed the dog down when he was busy retrieving birds from rivers and other bodies of water. Cutting all of the hair down would have left the Poodle vulnerable to the cold and wet. The Poodle cut was introduced as a means of enjoying the best of both worlds. They can be very easily trained, but they can also become destructive if they do not get enough stimulation. Training should start at an early age, along with socialization, to prevent destructive and antisocial behavior. Are These Dogs Good for Families? He will bond closely with all human family members, including adults and children. He will usually be well behaved around children, especially if those children are old enough and willing to play. Parents should always supervise time between dogs and very small children. As understanding as the Rottle might be, toddlers tend to grab tails, faces, and other parts of the dog. It is also worth noting that the breed can become protective of their humans. Early and ongoing socialization will help to combat this problem. With that said, if you introduce your Rottle to your other dogs when they are young, they may benefit from having a canine companion to play with. Always introduce any dog slowly and patiently, especially to cats. He will get along with human family members and can be introduced steadily and calmly to other animals, but he may not be the ideal pet for your home. Consider the following factors when deciding whether this breed is the perfect addition to your family unit. You can feed dry or wet food. Many owners prefer dry food because it is easier to store, will keep longer, and will usually work out cheaper. Wet food helps ensure that your dog stays hydrated and may prove more appealing to your dog, however. You can feed a combination of wet and dry food, but whatever type of food you opt for, ensure that you do not overfeed your Rottie Poo. This breed is prone to overfeeding and can put weight on very easily, thanks to his Rottweiler parent breed. Once a dog is overweight, it can be very difficult to shed the extra pounds. This means that your hybrid dog is going to need a lot of exercise each day, and you should be willing to provide a minimum of one hour. Although the Poodle will enjoy running and swimming, the Rottweiler is happy walking, and it will depend on which of the parent breeds is dominant in your dog, as to whether you will be able to slip a lead on and go for a vigorous walk, or whether you need to find some way of burning off even more energy. This crossbreed is known for being intelligent and energetic, which is the ideal combination for canine sports like agility. Fortunately, the Rottle is eager to please his owners and he is very intelligent. They are also driven by their desire for food and treats. If you do use treats as a method of reward-based training, ensure that you take these into account when determining the daily food intake for your dog. Socialization is also important to this breed, and puppy classes can help introduce your dog to new people and new animals. You should also walk them to new places so that they meet different groups of people and are confronted by unique situations. This not only teaches them how to act in those situations but shows them that new things do not need to be feared. They will shed, but not as profusely as breeds like Golden Retrievers. Brush every week to remove dead hairs. You will also have to take responsibility for dental hygiene and claw clipping. Claw clipping is another activity that you should start when your dog is young. Look for signs of the following and seek veterinary guidance, if your dog starts to show symptoms: Minor Conditions. Rottweiler mixed with Poodle Poodle Poodles come in three size varieties: Standards at the shoulder should be more than 15 inches tall; miniatures should be 15 inches or less; toys should not be more than 10 inches tall. All three types have the same structure and proportions. Origin of the breed is still debated, with a significant controversy whether the puddle comes from Germany as a water dog or from the French Barbet. Ranked second most intelligent dog breed just behind the Border Collie, the poodle is talented in many dog sports and activities, including agility, obedience, herding tracking, circus performers, and support dogs. Poodles took top honours in many shows of conformation. If they are not physically and mentally stimulated, bored poodles can become destructive. But active owners who can meet the needs of the Poodle will find a loving, smart, trainable and loyal companion to the family. The Rottweiler The RottweilerIt is a domestic dog breed, considered to be medium to large or large. In German, the dogs are also called Rottweiler Metzgerhund. It means the dogs of Rottweiler butchers since their primary use was to store livestock and to sell carts laden with butchered food. Now also Rottweilers are used as search and rescue dogs, guard dogs, and police dogs. They have a very intimidating appearance for Rottweilers. They are tall and have an attractive short hair coat. These canines are predominantly black hair in most instances. Brown and white accents, though, are quite popular. These have long floppy ears, big heads, and a wide jaw as well. Such medium-sized dogs are well-built and sturdy with a slightly rounded head, floppy ears, small, oval-shaped eyes, a black nose, and a flat muzzle. The gentle and cheerful breed is known to engage in several activities like protecting, agility and obedience, and is renowned for its diverse talents. Although the breed is often considered to be a guard dog, it originated as a herding breed, bringing cattle to the market. The Rottweiler began to lose popularity when locomotives became the preferred way to move animals. Nevertheless, like police, military, and guard dogs, their protective instincts quickly made them famous again. Features of Rottles Temperament and Personality The Rottle Rottweiler mixed with poodle shows a lot of loyalty and devotion to the members of his family, being very protective of them. This breed requires a lot of outdoor activities with the instincts of a working and hunting dog running in its DNA. The calm, playful and affectionate disposition makes it a perfect companion for both adults and children alike. It displays a cold and cautious nature when encountering strangers, often warning the owners in the presence of the intruder by letting out a bark. Exercise Because the Rottle poodle mixed with Rottweilers is high in energy, enough outdoor activities such as a long walk or running games will be required. Indeed, gaining weight is likely to be quite easy, so adequate physical exercise helps to keep it physically and mentally fit. Grooming Although the Rottweiler mixed with poodle it is a minimum shedder, it is crucial to brush those with a single coat frequently. That is thick and curly like that of a poodle to stop the shed hair from being caught in the curls. Bathe your dog regularly and, from time to time, wash your ears and eyes to prevent infection. Ears will also require regular cleaning to avoid wax accumulation that can lead to a painful disease of the eye. Toenails may need clipping to keep up with their oral health if they overgrow, teeth brushing two or three times a week. Rottle can be groomed appropriately at home or by the family. Health Conditions The Rottweiler Poodle mix aka Rottie poo is a safe breed with no known genetic disorders. It is likely to inherit some of the diseases that their parents have experienced, such as hip dysplasia, diabetes, hypothyroidism, patellar luxation, and volvulus gastric dilation. The Rottie Poo has a possible lifetime of 8 to 12 years, but an average of about ten years appears to be close to the middle. Primary health conditions can shorten the lifespan of an individual dog. Although here at Mississippi Rottweilers we try to breed the top German and European bloodlines in the world there is always a slight chance especially if the new owner neglects basic health rules that your puppy could one day get Hip dysplasia. We recommend that you feed your new puppy a balanced healthy puppy food and keep the dog a safe weight. Doing this will help prevent dysplasia in your Rottweiler Occasional tests. Life Span Did You Know? They are also sometimes called a Rottle. Rottie-Poos are intelligent, powerful, and loyal dogs that are devoted to their families and are protective of them. Rottles are also energetic, loving, and playful. Although they are not recognized by the American Kennel Club, this mix is recognized by other notable dog organizations. Rottie-Poos make great family companions and tend to have a sweet nature. As long as they have been properly socialized, they are well-mannered and get along well with children, other dogs, and other pets. Because of their protective nature, they can remain initially wary of strangers. They can also be prone to barking. So, you will want to start to train your dog to stop barking early on to keep it from becoming a nuisance behavior. A Rottle is a moderately adaptable dog breed. They tend to do better in homes with fenced yards where they can run. In some cases, they can adapt to apartment living. But, their large size and exercise needs can make that difficult. They do well in most climates, but are sensitive to the extremes and particularly sensitive to heat. Rottie-Poos also do not like to be left alone for long periods of time as they bond closely with their families and also get bored easily. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? They can be at times, but it is definitely not a guarantee. A mixed-breed dog could inherit none of the health conditions common to their parent breeds. At the same time, they could also inherit all of them or any combination of them. Reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues on to puppies. So, make sure you are asking them about the health and genetic history of both of the parents. As a large, barrel-chested dog breed, the Rottie-Poo, like their parents, are at risk for developing bloat. Bloat in dogs can sometimes just be gas, but it could also end up in gastric torsion where the stomach flips. Rottles are highly trainable dogs. They are intelligent and eager to please, which means they pick up on things quickly. They do require a confident owner who can clearly and consistently communicate boundaries and expectations during training. This can sometimes be a challenge for first-time dog owners, so puppy training classes are recommended. These classes are a good idea anyway because they reinforce training, offer opportunities for socialization, and also strengthen the bond you have with your puppy. They could inherit similar to one of their parents or a combination of both. If they end up with a Rottweiler coat, they will shed a bit year-round, need weekly brushing, and bathed occasionally. Daily brushing is required to remove tangles and prevent mats and grooming is required every weeks. If they end up with a combination coat, you may get some shedding here and there. Depending on the length of their coat and the curl, you may need to brush them every day or you might be able to get away with brushing them a couple of times a week. They may also need grooming every weeks or so. When it comes to dental care for dogs , daily brushing or use of an enzyme toothpaste is ideal for helping to prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Rottie-Poos can range from a moderate to high energy level. This means they require daily walks plus some playtime and extra activity to be happy and healthy. With a working dog background, they also need a job to do. Generally, they will be up for more activity if you are. Also, Rottles are athletic dogs. So, once puppies finish growing and their bones are done developing, you can try a bunch of different activities to see what you and your Rottle like the most. A fully-grown Rottie-Poo usually stands inches tall and weighs pounds. A Rottie-Poo generally lives for years. Featured Rottie-Poo Article. But, this mix may be wary and reserved with strangers. Around its family, this dog is often playful, affectionate, and silly. They are also very loyal to their family and may act as a guardian towards the family, especially kids. The Rottle can be very cuddly and may try to act like a lap dog. However, this mix should never be left alone with children due to their size and clumsiness. The Rottweiler Poodle mix does not typically enjoy being alone, but is not usually prone to separation anxiety. The Rottweiler parent is known for its protective instincts. Socialization as a puppy is vital to ensure your Rottle grows into the best personality possible. This will help to minimise the risk of aggression when your puppy grows older. Training and Exercise The Rottie Doodle is immensely trainable and eager to please, but may have a stubborn streak. These work by rewarding the behaviors you want to see, rather than coming into conflict with your furry friend. The Rottle is a mix of two athletic breeds, so daily exercise is essential. Swimming is often a favorite pastime of Rottweiler Standard Poodle mixes. They also enjoy long walks, hikes, or jobs with their favorite people. Retrieval games can also be a fun way to stay fit. The Rottweiler Poodle mix tends to excel at canine sports like agility, tracking, and obedience, which can be excellent opportunities to exercise thebody and mind. Although the Rottle will enjoy a cuddle, they need to burn off those high energy levels first. Rottle Health and Care The Rottie Poo has a potential lifespan of 8 to 12 years, but the average tends to be close to the middle, around 10 years. They have the potential to inherit health conditions from either of their parent breeds. We recommend the Rottweiler parent has good hip scores, is PRA clear, has had a recent eye check and no family history of heart problems. Shelter Dogs As this mixed breed gains popularity, older Rottles in need of loving homes will become more common. Rescue dogs are usually cheaper than puppies, and many already have basic training and socialization. But, you may be able to find a Rottle in a rescue center for the parent breeds. Scroll to the end of this article for some links that will help you start your search. Rottle Puppies The first step to raising a healthy Rottle dog is choosing from healthy Rottle puppies. Healthy Rottle puppies come from healthy parents. OFA recommends that, before breeding, Rottweilers are tested for hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, vision problems, and cardiac problems. Poodles should be tested for hip dysplasia, vision problems, cardiac problems, and thyroid problems. Any ethical breeder can provide you with the results of these tests, but the results should be registered with a canine health registry like the OFA as well. Parents should be at least two years old for these tests to be accurate, as well as for the best odds of producing healthy babies. Because of the size difference in the Rottweiler and Poodle, the mother should be the Rottweiler, as birthing overly large pups can be dangerous for a Standard Poodle. The breeder should allow you to meet the mother as well as any puppies in the litter that are still present. They should all appear happy and healthy. You should also be able to get information about the father and the breeder who owns him. All dogs owned by the breeder should be working animals or beloved pets, and not simply treated as business assets. As designer breeds are becoming more popular, their prices are rising. However, this will vary depending on the breeder, your location, demand for puppies, and more. A lower cost can be an indicator of a puppy mill. Because the Rottweiler parent is big, muscular, and courageous, many people assume that the Rottle is also self-assured, ferocious, aloof, aggressive, and confident. However, the Poodle genes also impart a sweet softness to the Rottle, making it one of the most popular hybrid dog breeds today. Do you want to know more about the Roodle and whether it is a good fit for your household? Then read on, we have all the information you need. What Two Breeds Make a Rottle? The Rottle is a beautiful and wonderful hybrid dog obtained by breeding a Standard or Miniature Poodle with a Rottweiler. Also known as Roodle, Rottiedoodle, or Rottie-Poo, Rottles combine the loyal, affectionate, and calm nature of Rottweilers with the intelligence of a Poodle. Rottweilers date back to the Roman Empire. Today, they are primarily known for their guarding skills but originally, they were bred to be drover dogs to accompany cattle and keep a watch on the livestock. Some experts believe that it is from Germany while others think it might have originated in France. Today, there is little doubt that the breed is one of the smartest and most trainable dog breeds in the world. Origins of The Rotti-Poo No one can pinpoint the exact origins of the Roodle hybrid dog, although, we can safely assume that it is a relatively new designer dog breed. The concept of designer dogs first came into existence during the s. One of the first crossbreeds — a Labradoodle — was developed in the late s and became immensely popular due to its high trainability and hypoallergenic fur. By the mids, people were looking for even more variety in Doodle breeds designer dogs having one Poodle parent. One such mix was the Rottle. Rottles do not have fixed standards as far as their physical attributes are concerned. Naturally, you could have many variations in the breeding programs: crossing a purebred Rottweiler with a purebred Mini or Standard Poodle, crossing a Rottle back to a Poodle, or breeding two Rottles, and so on. As a result, a Rottle puppy could reach a height of anywhere between 10 and 27 inches 25 to .Some Rottiepoos develop the muscular structure of the Rottweiler parent but others might be leaner like the Poodle parent. Just as there are variations in the height and weight of a Rottle, there can be many coat variations in Rottiepoos. Your Roodle puppy could develop a straight and medium-length coat like the Rottweiler parent or a curly, tight, or wavy hypoallergenic coat like the Poodle. Coat colours commonly seen in the Rottle are brown, black, phantom and tan, red, grey, white, and blue. Some Rottiepoos also develop the rust markings seen in Rottweilers known as phantom colouring. For a Roodle to inherit the tan points of the Rottweiler, the poodle parents must also carry to phantom colouring. Is a Rottle Hypoallergenic? Rottles may or may not be hypoallergenic. The best Roodle breeders will DNA test their breeding dogs to determine the coat traits they carry. Through DNA testing it is possible to only breed with poodle parents who carry two furnishing genes, no improper coat or shedding genes. This would make the resulting puppies very low to non-shedding. The chances of getting a hypoallergenic Rottle will increase if a breeder develops puppies by crossing a Rottle back to a Poodle. This is because there will be a larger Poodle gene pool to consider. This is due to the pet dander that causes allergy in the first place. Do Rottles Need Grooming? Every dog needs grooming. If your pet takes after its Poodle parent, it may even need special haircuts every 6 weeks or so and regular combing to prevent matting. Temperament of Rottles Rottles are protective, loyal, sweet, loving, and faithful dogs. They are a bundle of energy, especially when they are young — so do watch out, they tend to be very mischievous! Even if your Roodle is muscular, it should not be aggressive. Sure, you might want your Rottle dog to guard your property, but aggressive behaviour like biting and snarling warrants contacting a dog behaviourist to help train your dog. Well-bred Roodles are generally sweet-natured dogs with exceptional trainability, solid handler focus, and biddable, social temperament. They are perfect for families with slightly older children and anyone who needs a companion guard dog. Therefore, it is very important to buy your Rottle puppy from a reputable breeder. Good breeders will use only dogs with sound temperaments in their breeding programs. You can also ask to meet the dam and sire prior to buying the puppy. That way, you can ensure that the Rottweiler and Poodle parents or Rottle parents in the case of F2 Roodles are of sound and sociable temperaments as well. Rottiepoos need plenty of exercise and mental stimulation. Without these, your Rottie-Poo could misbehave including displaying destructive tendencies. You can always divide this into two or three shorter walks. Roodles can be good family dogs when they are well trained and socialised with kids from a young age. Standard-size Rottie-poos those from a Standard Poodle parent can be large, strong dogs and could unintentionally knock over small children during play. Are Rottles Good Guard Dogs? Some Rottles inherit the traits of a Rottweiler that make it a good guard dog. A successful guard dog needs to listen well and think fast. It should also be medium to large sized since small Roodles may not seem intimidating to intruders. Ideally, guard Rottles should have a lot of energy. Some dog handlers believe that female Rottles make better guard dogs due to their maternal instincts. Male Rottie-Poos, on the other hand, might be better off watching over the property as it is in their nature to be possessive about their territory. How Much Does a Roodle Cost? Some breeders may even charge more, depending on the efforts they have put into the breeding program. It is very important to know if you can afford a Rottle financially before bringing one home. If you want to save some money, you could consider adopting a Rottle. Contact animal rescue homes to see if they have a Roodle available. What to Feed a Rottle? Feed your Rottle a high-quality dog food containing nutrients that promote musculoskeletal health. This is especially necessary for large-sized Roodles as they are prone to musculoskeletal issues more than smaller dogs. If your Rottle is of a smaller size, then feed it a premium grain-free kibble that is appropriate for its small jaws. Some Roodles are known to have sensitive digestion, in which case, you may want to want to consult with a vet nutritionist about the right dog food to feed. Most dog owners prefer feeding dry dog food or kibble to their dogs. This is because of its convenience and longer shelf life. Wet or canned food is also a good choice owing to its higher moisture content. BARF or raw diet is another good option for Roodles. The raw meaty bone component of raw dog feeding will keep your Rottie-poo stimulated, content and their teeth sparkly clean. However, you must always consult a vet nutritionist before making any drastic dietary changes. Health Issues in Rottles Roodles from the best breeders are generally quite healthy. However, from time to time, health issues like hip and elbow dysplasia are known to crop up in the breed. Dysplasia is a congenital condition and can be prevented through good breeding practices. Larger Roodles could also develop issues like Osteochondritis dissecans OD and heart issues. With proper diet and overall care, Rottles could live for almost years. The Roodle is a fairly rare designer dog breed in Australia. Subscribe for poodle mix breed information and exclusive offers on the best products for your pup! Leave this field empty if you're human: Share this.

Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links, and I will be compensated if you make a purchase after clicking on my links. Imagine you knew how to discipline a German Shepherd puppy the right way so that your bond with your dog grew instead of fell short! Learn how to communicate with your pup and get the behaviors you want using these simple and easy methods for training a German Shepherd puppy. They may become frightened of you or fear your presence, depending on how severe your discipline is. Anxiety may even develop with too much punishment or useless corrections. Training a German Shepherd puppy at 8 to 12 weeks old? Yes, you can! A GSD pup of 8 to 12 weeks of age or older still needs positive reinforcement for the best behavior changes. Disciplining your GSD should not involve hitting, kicking, slapping, intimidation, or yelling. Do you want your German Shepherd puppy to stop their unwanted, bad behavior and turn into the sweet angel you want them to be? You can easily learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy if you work smarter… Not harder! Start early and remain consistent with your expectations. Training a German Shepherd means knowing what to do when your puppy acts up. Shepherd pups are one of the smartest dogs on the plant and learn quickly what you expect of them. But the best way to learn how to train a German Shepherd puppy at home is to work on your own behavior first. You should show them what behavior is unacceptable in your house. This means that you must stay consistent when responding to their behavior. For example: If your pup jumps on you and you redirect their attention to a toy to chew on instead. But, then your pup jumps on your friend and your friend lets them and you say nothing. This makes it likely that your dog will jump on whoever they feel like in the future. Use reward-based training. Use reward-based German Shepherd training techniques to get the quickest results. Reward-based training helps your puppy recognize when something is a bad choice source. When your pup performs what you ask, offer a tasty treat and words of praise. For example: Have your pup sit when you are by the front door getting ready to go for a walk. This teaches them that when they behave, they are more likely to get what they want. The best way to train your German Shepherd is by following a fun, engaging program that teaches not only the basics but covers problem behaviors, too. Sound difficult? It teaches you how to get your pup to learn positive behaviors. You can also have fun right at home with these games for German Shepherd puppies. Offer your puppy another option when they begin jumping on you for attention. Think about what your puppy is trying to get when engaging in jumping and bad behavior to determine when to ignore them. When your pup jumps on you when you come home, they probably want your attention. Withholding your attention when they are acting out shows them they need to act differently to get your approval source. Instead, offer them pets and praise when they have all 4 paws on the floor. You can also place them behind a puppy gate until they learn not to jump in order to avoid them scratching or nipping house guests when they arrive. After you teach them their basic obedience, ask them for a competing behavior like a sit or down when they begin to jump. Always remember to reward the behavior you want to see again! Ultimately, your puppy learns that good behavior earns your affection and attention more quickly. Your dog soon understands that they get nothing from you when they act badly. Here are some great commands for a German Shepherd that you can work on training. Redirect bad German Shepherd puppy behavior. Does your puppy jump, nip, chew, bite, or dig and you want to know the right discipline? The noise and disapproving tone distract your dog from bad behavior source. Showing them a favorite toy. Offering them another option you would like that is more constructive. You want to remember to watch out for: If your dog chews inappropriately on a pair of expensive shoes, get their attention by making noises or calling them to you and immediately offer the correct approved chew item. If you know your dog tends to bite you during play, have a toy nearby you can show them that you want them to bite instead of your arms. If you know they get wild and crazy in the evenings, have a list of these easy German Shepherd brain games to distract them and funnel their energy. Use time-outs appropriately when training a German Shepherd puppy. When your dog engages in bad behavior, remove them from what is causing the unwanted behavior. Put them in a different environment that is more calming and quiet instead. Respond immediately to the bad behavior and use the same routine every time to maintain correct discipline. Time out should: Not be done with force or yelling. Not be in a closet or other dark, scary area. Work to calm your puppy down, not frighten or stress them. Give your puppy a break from over-excitement. Not be a long punishment. Timeouts are generally recommended for only 1 to 2 minutes for puppies. Also, remember that closed doors can cause anxiety in dogs, so use a reliable pet-safe baby gate so that your puppy knows that you are still nearby. Remember, when training a German Shepherd puppy: Time out should not last over minutes. Watch for when your puppy is calm and quiet for a very brief period seconds long of calm. Then let them out quietly, without scolding them. This can cause anxiety. Remember to use a pet gate to separate them from the excitement that caused the unwanted behavior, while still allowing them to see you and not feel trapped. Ignore the unnecessary barking. German Shepherd puppies bark, but there are positive ways to help train them to bark and whine less. When they finally quiet down, even if only for a few seconds, reward them with a treat or praise. To have success, wait until they are quiet and stop barking, even if only for a few seconds in the beginning source. For example: If your puppy barks at joggers out the window every morning pull the blinds or curtains. If the behavior continues, place your dog in another room for a couple of minutes and repeat the previous time-out procedure every time they bark at the joggers remember to use the pet safe baby gate and to not shut a puppy behind a solid door because it can give them anxiety. If they are whining and crying at night, this could be a warning they need to potty. Make sure you read this post to know how to potty train a German Shepherd before you ignore all whining, barking, and crying. If your puppy barks during play they might be too excited and you can offer them a chew toy instead or cut your playtime short to allow them to calm down. Puppies bark for a number of reasons. But it does get easier to train your GSD over time as they learn what you expect. Keeping your pup from nipping and chewing. Puppies have sharp teeth, especially German Shepherd puppies! Puppies are energetic and must learn their limits for playing too rough source. Puppies view you jerking your hand back quickly as part of a game and could also tear your skin. And physical punishment should never be given! Show them what they can chew, instead, such as their favorite chew toy. Have plenty of safe chew toys to grab nearby to give your pup when they get wild and decide to bite you. Always use toys that your puppy can chew and bite to play with — pick from this list of German Shepherd Chew Toys to Prevent Boredom so you have a safe puppy toy that can take their bites. When they stop biting or nipping reward them with verbal praise and pets. Return later to try playing with your pup again and repeat the procedure. Read this information for more helpful tips to stop your German Shepherd puppy from aggressively biting and nipping you. Catch your dog being good and reward them out of the blue. See your puppy acting the way you want? Reward them out of the blue! Keep small bits of treats in jars around the house out of reach of your pup or in your pocket or a treat bag on your waist and use any opportunity your catch your pup doing good to reward them. If they sit and wait at the door, instead of dashing out ahead of you, reward them! Aim for one of these healthy treats that are the best for German Shepherds and pick carefully to ensure your dog stays athletic and fit. Food-based rewards are very motivating when training and disciplining a puppy. Avoid physical punishment and harm. Your German Shepherd is your companion for life. Research shows that physically punishing your dog for example hitting, kicking, growling, or staring them down increases aggression in your dog study source. Never use physical punishment to correct undesirable behavior. Not only can this punishment injure your puppy, but it also ruins your relationship and causes anxiety. It means setting expectations that they understand and staying consistent. Physically hurting your German shepherd will ruin your relationship with them. They will lose their trust in you and begin to avoid you. In the worst case, your dog could develop anxiety disorders, health issues, or even more problem behaviors. You could even accidentally injure your dog and they need vet care! Use the right tone and body language to communicate. Different commands and body language conveys information for training to your German Shepherd. The different tones of your voice and body movements are better understood by your dog. The actual command words are of less importance to your puppy. Use a direct tone and body language that matches what you want to say to your dog. Even pointing to a missed treat on the ground is body language your dog learns to understand. Still not convinced? Try out your training with this extensive list of helpful German Shepherd commands and watch how much your dog is capable of understanding. Shepherd pups want to please and have order in their home. To do this, stick with your training. Begin with a plan in place and disciplining your GSD will go smoother from the start. Persevere with your training and discipline. Remember that your German Shepherd is highly intelligent and needs your help to get the best from them. If you feel like giving up, take a break from training for a day or two. In order to avoid training frustration, remember that just like you a German Shepherd needs time to learn the rules of the house and new commands. This is true especially of puppies or rescue dogs. If you want to take a break from training and have fun, then include a few days a week of puzzles. German Shepherds are one of the smartest dogs in the world, so training them generally takes a short time. Never discipline a German Shepherd puppy for having accidents during potty training. Whether your German Shepherd is potty trained or not, never push their faces into their potty accidents. Your dog is counting on your leadership to show them the rules in a positive manner. Work on setting a consistent schedule with feeding and walks to avoid potty accidents indoors. German Shepherds are easy to train given the right attention. And they need to understand their schedule by having you teach them using consistent patterns, rather than receiving punishment or discipline. Keep a potty schedule posted nearby so all your family can see it and help prevent your puppy from having an accident. Use your bond with your puppy to your advantage during recall training. Use your positive bond with your German Shepherd puppy to work on early recall training. Especially when there are so many natural pleasures to see and explore outside. When you call your German Shepherd, its obedience simply depends on whether the motivation to obey your commands outweighs what your dog is focused on at the moment. Use this to your advantage! Tips for great German Shepherd puppy recall training: Begin calling your puppy in as many locations inside as you can. Give them a tasty reward or play a game with their favorite toy when they come. Work your way up to a perfect recall by having others try to distract your puppy while indoors. Next, move to your back or front yard with your dog on a long leash like this so they stay safe nearby and do the same. You can disciple them by showing them your tasty treat and walking backward a few steps to encourage them to move toward you. Train the come command in all situations, including the home and outdoors, from the time your puppy is 6 to 8 weeks old to avoid discipline problems later on. Need to train your German Shepherd on their recall? Because they are so smart and energetic, they require a physical and mental outlet for all their boundless energy. German shepherds also require a loving yet firm owner to help guide them into adulthood and beyond. This is a breed that gives and demands respect. Without training, they can easily develop bad habits that get harder to break as they mature. The best way to prevent problem behavior is to stop it before it starts. Some common problems that can be solved include: 1. Food guarding One easy way to prevent food guarding is to hand feed your puppy. Puppies that are accustomed to having their food handled rarely develop food guarding behavior. Placing your hand into the bowl to deliver food also prevents guarding because the puppy is happy to receive food from you and perceives it as a reward. Benefits of hand feeding also include teaching your dog to be gentle when taking food or treats, learning to be calm at mealtimes, improved impulse control, building trust, and the food can also be used as training treats. Start with once or twice a day and as the dog learns and matures, try a few meals a week. As long as food guarding never begins, you probably will never have the problem. Resource guarding Resource guarding or possession aggression also includes food but here, we have listed them apart. As the name suggests, resource guarding is simply guarding a possession such as a toy, bed, item of clothing, personal space — anything the dog finds valuable. Any lunging, growling, snarling, stiffening, or growling to prevent you from coming near their treasure needs to be nipped in the bud before it escalates. To prevent resource guarding, when the dog is a puppy, offer them and handle their toys, beds, food bowel, and more. Whatever they love, take ownership of it and share it with them, rather the other way around. As far as toys and chews, teach young pups that it is fun to share by trading high value items for a reward. Teach the puppy to drop the item in exchange for a treat and then give the item back so that the dog can enjoy it. The idea is taking items are not to punish and should not be perceived by the dog as such. If a dog begins guarding behavior that gets out of control, call a professional trainer. Play biting Herding dogs tend to play bite or mouth more than other breeds. German shepherds are notorious for play biting with their razor sharp teeth. As young pups, they love to herd and nip hands, feet, shoes, pants, and whatever else that moves. German shepherds need to be taught bite inhibition through redirection. Appropriate chews are also really important for this breed. Durable rubber chew toys for aggressive chewers, bully sticks, food puzzles that can be stuffed with treats and chews that can be frozen for teething pups work well. Destructive chewing German shepherds have amazingly strong jaws and love to chew. Preventing destructive chewing includes trying to determine why the dog is chewing. If the dog is lonely, bored, frustrated, anxious, or teething? Identifying the cause will help you come up with a solution. A basic guideline to prevent this type of chewing in puppies is to not leave temping items out where the dog can find them in the first place. Next, be sure that the dog has plenty of appropriate chew toys, is getting plenty of exercise, and has their emotional and mental needs met. German shepherds need regular exercise, training, play time, nurturing, grooming, healthy food, and lots of fresh water. They are very loyal and bonded dogs who need to be close to their family. When all these needs are met, chew toys, treats, and bones should be adequate for their chewing needs. When they begin to dig, tell them no and redirect them onto something else that is stimulating, such as their toys. The best way to stop the behavior is to prevent it from escalating and making sure the dog is getting plenty of exercise, mental stimulation, and attention. If your sheppy just lives to dig, you can create a digging pit or appropriate place to dig, such as a sandbox. Separation anxiety Separation anxiety can happen because German shepherds share such close bonds with their family. The best way to prevent this is establish a routine from the beginning. Start by teaching your puppy that you will come back by returning after a very short time and slowly increasing your time away. Crate training can also be helpful. Also establish a schedule that your puppy gets used to, including meals and potty breaks. A radio or TV being on can be helpful. Jumping German shepherds grow up to be powerful dogs so jumping is something that should not be encouraged in puppies. Fortunately, teaching a puppy not to jump is not difficult. Start by never petting the dog when they jump up. Tell the dog down and turn away. Once four paws are on the floor, lavish the pup with all the love and attention you want. In conclusion The good news about German shepherds is that they want to work alongside you and have a deep desire to please. Despite being strong willed and willing to look for their own job to keep themselves busy, they rather connect with and be near you. When you bond with them and direct their energy into positive things, such as training, exercise and playing games, they make the most remarkable pets in the world. Please share these tips with other German shepherd lovers. Degenerative Myelopathy You will need to take your German Shepherd to the vet twice a year for a checkup even if there are no signs of medical issues. A qualified vet can help prevent or slow down any future problems. Unfortunately, this is one of the cons of German Shepherds. Although I conducted thorough checks such as checking the hip scores of the sire and dam when getting my German Shepherd, sadly, she recently developed spinal osteoarthritis. Key takeaways: Only get a German Shepherd if you can afford to take multiple trips to the vet or invest in a good pet insurance policy. German Shepherds can develop medical conditions and require due diligence before acquisition and patience and care after adoption. GSDs usually have double coats, except for long-haired German Shepherds , and their undercoat hair sheds faster than a middle-aged dad with financial stress. Nonetheless, loose fur takes a lot of cleaning up. When your dog feels cuddly and rubs up against your leg, the loose hair will switch over to your denim. Carpets, sofas, and clothing are other surfaces that catch loose fur via friction. If not, German Shepherds are bad for you. However, you can have a little compromise if you opt for the long-haired variety instead of the short-haired German Shepherd , as they shed less if they have an open coat. Key takeaways: German Shepherds shed a lot. They are not hypoallergenic. You will need to dedicate two hours a week to brushing your dog. Opting for the long coat variety can help reduce the grooming burden. Easier to groom long haired types are usually harder to enroll in a dog show. My German Shepherd being de-shedded. In fact, their perception of the norms is dictated entirely by their early experiences. If sleeping alone is one of those factors, the dog might be pretty suspicious to find someone in your bed. Unsocialized GSDs can jump to the conclusion that any human except the ones that live in the house is a potential threat. Learn more about German Shepherd aggression here. Remember, German Shepherds are universally loved because they can be very friendly when trained right. The only problem is that if you do not have the time to help the puppy assimilate into your social culture, you can damage him for life. You can always keep strangers safe by putting the dog on a leash or in his crate. When humans are on edge and cautious around a German Shepherd, his self-image gets negatively affected by the experience. The more cautious people are around him, the more hesitant he is. This kicks off a vicious circle where caution inspires suspicion, leading to more caution and distance. You just need to expose him to enough people at a young age to have him feel confident in the presence of other humans. Many people unknowingly fail to provide a decent intra-species social experience to their dogs. Doing so can make your pup inherently dangerous to dogs of smaller stature. German Shepherd puppies need to be exposed to a variety of people to keep them open-minded about new faces. It is easy to make a German Shepherd asocial. A GSD that puts people on edge also feels bad about not receiving encouragement and attention. To some, this is a drawback in itself. The fact that you cannot passively own a German Shepherd is seen as a disadvantage by many people. German Shepherds need one to two hours of daily exercise — or their pent-up energy results in torn unscheduled test-driving of their teeth and claws. Still, it helps to keep in mind the kind of hours you work and how often you or a member of your family can be around the German Shepherd every day. Your answers to these questions will determine if a German Shepherd is bad for you. Most importantly, you need to constantly align their routine based on the external temperature. During summer, they can easily get exhausted and you may have to engage them indoors more than usual. This is the kind of active involvement expected from your end as you raise a German Shepherd. Key takeaways: German Shepherds require one to two hours of daily exercise and a few chew toys to help exhaust their pent-up energy. If no one can exercise your dog, German Shepherd behavior problems will occur and the house furniture can be at risk of getting torn apart. German Shepherds Can Develop Separation Anxiety German Shepherds can develop separation anxiety , making them a bad fit for people who need to leave their dog for hours on end. The breed can get so stressed and anxious in the fear that their owner will never return. This causes them to engage in destructive behavior such as chewing, howling, barking, panting, digging, trying to escape, or peeing in the home. This recent study also identified that dogs can relate human emotional expressions to subsequent actions. While your personality might be functional enough with your emotional makeup, you are not a large dog. Ask yourself if your emotional energy transferred to one of the most commonly used police dogs would create a positive environment. If not, you might want to adopt a less emotionally malleable dog. Check out my guilt-free guide on how long German Shepherds can be left alone for greater insight. Most German Shepherds also prefer to be inside dogs, meaning they like to be near their family as much as possible. This is due to their innate protective instincts and loyalty. GSDs can live outside, but you have to train them to stay out as young pups. There are ways to manage separation anxiety, from doggy camera products to utilizing doggy daycare services, dog sitters, and dog walkers. However, if you have a demanding job that keeps you stuck at the office for long hours, you should reconsider your choice of breed. GSDs are also naturally nervous about abandonment and can develop separation anxiety. German Shepherds Need Larger Space While I maintain that German Shepherds can live in smaller spaces and be apartment dogs, the effort required to have one be apartment-friendly is excessive. This fact alone makes them not suitable pets for some people. Generally, they are best suited for larger or medium-sized homes with backyards. GSDs grow up to 26 inches shoulder height and can be bulky, especially if they are show-line German Shepherds instead of the working line variety. Their size itself creates a space burden that a cramped apartment cannot accommodate. Moreover, you cannot crate GSDs all day, which means that the dog will be on the move and consequently put items in the apartment at risk. While this may not be a large difference, it is enough for medium-sized homes. Opting for a working line German Shepherd — Working line German Shepherds are denser in mass which results in a slightly more compact structure. However, they have higher energy levels, which puts a higher exercise burden on the owner. Nonetheless, no discourse about not acquiring one type of dog would be complete without comparing other choices. Any medium-sized dog, including a Gerberian Shepsky , is going to be more apartment-friendly than a big dog. So even though you can technically raise a German Shepherd in an apartment, the question is, are you willing to put in the extra effort? Key takeaways: German Shepherds can be raised in an apartment but require a lot of effort. Male showline German Shepherds are larger than female working lines. If you have your heart set on a GSD, you could always consider a smaller crossbreed such as these 21 German Shepherd mixes. If you do not have the time or patience to communicate your social status and have your doggo obey you, you might want a more passive dog breed. GSDs are single-master dogs and working on your bond with them will enhance the association. Key takeaways: German Shepherds work well with assertive owners. GSDs can challenge your authority and require patient enforcement of rigid boundaries. Only get the breed if you have that kind of capacity. Some organizations are happy to recover just the cost of feeding, vaccinations, and primary care. All of these things added together are not cheap. You can read more in my article Costs of Owning a German Shepherd , where I provide tons of examples to give you a better idea. Final Thoughts German Shepherds are best suited for families or individuals with large homes. Owners need plenty of time and patience to properly train and care for a new pup as an isolated and untrained GSD can become aggressive and dangerous. Related Posts You May Like:. Breed Info German Shepherds can be one of the best breeds of dogs to own. They are exceptionally smart, filled to the brim with personality, and incredibly affectionate to people they love. German Shepherd Behavior Problems German Shepherds tend to develop behavior problems when their needs are being met either mental or physical. Some of the most common German Shepherd behavior problems are jumping, destructiveness, OCD, hyperactivity, separation anxiety, excess barking and whining, mouthiness, dominance, and defensive aggression. This is not because they are inherently problematic dogs but because it takes a compatible lifestyle and handling style to enjoy the best traits of the breed. However, GSDs are instinctively protective of their family and defensive of their home. When not directed properly, this positive trait could easily turn into aggression. Dominance Dominance can emerge as disobedience or assertiveness towards humans or other animals. Being confident and headstrong dogs, German Shepherds might try to assert themselves and see what they can get away with. While GSDs are naturally clingy to their humans, distress from being separated must be address through methodical training. Mouthiness German Shepherds are naturally mouthy. They use their mouths to interact with the world. Additionally, as puppies, German Shepherds are prone to nipping and play biting as that would be how they interact with their littermates. Excessive Barking German Shepherds are generally very vocal. And because they are so large, their bark tends to be quite thunderous. Generally, they will bark because they want to communicate something, like alerting you to the presence of a stranger or because they sense a threat. However, they could also develop the bad behavior of barking excessively due to boredom or getting attention. Nevertheless, you need to be aware of them as well as how to manage them. Here are different ways to address German Shepherd behavior problems that might develop without proper training, handling, and socialization: Whining Like barking, whining is a means for dogs to communicate. Unfortunately, GSDs tend to whine excessively. This is a loud, high-pitched noise that could become aggravating when left unchecked. However, you can keep it at a minimum through proper reinforcement. Hyperactivity German Shepherds are working dogs developed in the fields where they worked long hours and ran great distances. Destructiveness German Shepherd destructiveness is related to hyperactivity. Often, this can include chewing, digging, and destroying things at home. Giving them ample mental and physical stimulation will help address this. Additionally, you can redirect their chewing to things of their own. Jumping Dogs often jump up at you as a means of greeting you excitedly. Try to address this at puppyhood by redirecting the behavior. For example, teach them to sit in front of you. Ignore them and gently push them off when they jump on you, and only fuss over them and give them attention when they sit. OCD Like humans, dogs can develop obsessive-compulsive disorders. Unfortunately, some GSD lines have this genetic predisposition. This can emerge as unwanted behaviors like excessive licking, pacing, or chewing. Often, this can be addressed by deterring behaviors ex. In more extreme cases, medication may be needed to treat OCD in dogs. Urine Marking Urine marking is common among male German Shepherds. It is a means to communicate with other dogs and typically a way to claim their territory. Even properly housetrained dogs will sometimes do this indoors, especially when there are other male dogs at home. They lack the confidence to be out in the world and might act out when presented with unfamiliar experiences. Reaching sexual maturity will make them more prone to mood swings and scent marking males. Additionally, this is the time when your puppy is most likely to develop stronger responses to strangers and might play more roughly with other dogs. Six months up to the time they reach about one year old is a critical time in their puppyhood where they will learn to be bolder and independent. It is a critical time for you to teach them proper manners while also enabling them to develop their own personality and confidence. This includes jumping and play biting. Even so, GSDs might also develop new behavior issues at this stage, and most of them stem from having excessive energy and drive. To mitigate these issues, make sure you give them plenty of opportunities to exercise as well as stimulate their mental faculties. How to Avoid German Shepherds With Behavior Problems Knowing that German Shepherds are consistently among the top 3 most popular breeds to own, they are undeniably incredible companions. But if you can, select a breeder with responsible practices and has a reputation for producing healthy and confident dogs. Socialization Start socialization as early as you can. Expose your pup to all sorts of experiences so that they may build their confidence and interact properly with their environment. Make sure they know how to engage with other people and animals. Leadership Throughout their puppyhood and sometimes even beyond, your GSD will test how you respond to disobedience. Stimulation Too much energy leads to boredom and the development of bad behaviors. Make sure you give your GSD plenty of exercise so that they can expend the excess energy they have in productive ways. Additionally, they need opportunities to use their intelligence and natural canine abilities through mental exercises. Final Thoughts All breeds have dogs with behavioral problems. However, such issues are much more of a concern with large dogs like German Shepherds. Knowing what to do to help your dog with misbehavior is half the battle. Are you making any of these disciplining mistakes? Do not use negative reinforcement Negative reinforcement is causing discomfort or worse, pain, to your dog to get them to perform a behavior. Other common negative reinforcers include a choke chain and prong collar. Negative reinforcement is about turning off something negative, or uncomfortable, at the least, and painful at the worst. But take note… Negative reinforcement has been scientifically shown to lead to an increased risk of aggression of 2. Instead, use lure and reward GSD puppy training Do not use physical correction Just as when using negative reinforcement, physical corrections cause your dog anxiety and fear and lead to aggression. When you got your dog you wanted him for life as your best friend and companion. If you find yourself about to engage in physical force for punishment with your German Shepherd, step away from your dog immediately. Ask someone for help. Call a friend or family member and tell them you need help with your dog. Even withholding food, water, or shelter is cruel and must be avoided. And demeaning them by calling them names and speaking to them in a critical tone can cause fear and aggression in German Shepherds. Not to mention, your continued shouting could stress your dog to the point they shut down and withdraw from you. They will no longer be the sweet, lively dog you dreamed about. Instead, learn how to use your voice to communicate effectively with your German Shepherd. Keep your voice calm, clear, and confident. Unfortunately, this type of training only makes his house training take longer since he begins to fear going potty anywhere. So, instead, he begins to sneak off and hide to potty indoors to avoid punishment. Preferably, always have your puppy tethered to you when potty training, never letting them out of your sight. When not tethered to you, place them in a puppy-proof area to prevent potty accidents. Reward your German Shepherd when they potty outdoors in the area you want with praise and treats. Learn more about how to quickly potty train a German Shepherd to start off on the right steps to house training. Or, what about when your tiny puppy sinks his little teeth into your hand in play and you laugh out loud? Why does your German Shepherd misbehave? Take a look. There are a few common factors in dogs that cause them to misbehave. Even if you think your dog is trained and should know better, these are the top reasons they might have bad behaviors. Separation anxiety If you spend a lot of time with your puppy, then begin to leave him alone for long hours he may start to misbehave. This is especially true if you are busy and tend to leave him in a crate for far too many hours. This could mean chewing inappropriate things, digging, or even excessive barking and howling. Under exercised An under-exercised dog is not getting his basic needs met. German Shepherds must have at least 2 hours of physical exercise per day. See — Fun Jobs for German Shepherds at Home for more ideas Before you leave the house give your dog a long walk with plenty of time to sniff. Inconsistent Discipline Another leading cause of needing to discipline a German Shepherd is a lack of consistent training and discipline techniques. Do you make sure your puppy always has 4 paws on the floor to greet guests? While many owners remember to obedience train their dog they overlook the importance of mentally stimulating games to reduce boredom. Decreasing boredom is shown to give your dog a more enjoyable day, which lessens their desire to participate in unwanted behaviors, such as chewing and digging. Start with a few minutes a day using mind games to help keep their mental health in check. Need more help disciplining your German Shepherd the right way? Do you wish there was a German Shepherd monthly guidebook? There is! Disciplining your German Shepherd puppy is most effective when you focus on teaching your German Shepherd what to do, rather than punishing him for unwanted behaviors. The wrong type of punishment can cause irreparable harm to your companion, but discipline when used properly actually reinforces positive behavior. She has a Bachelor of Science degree, with Honors, and has been training dogs for over a decade. Related Posts. Different causes make your furry friend chew destructively on couches, surfaces, and shoes. These include: Poor obedience training from when your dog was a puppy Loneliness from being left alone for too long Lack of exercise and mental stimulation Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior Excessive stress in the home environment How to Stop Destructive Chewing in Adult German Shepherds As with the causes, the remedies for excessive-destructive chewing in an adult GSD can be diverse. These will include: Retrain your dog if you think basic training was poorly done during puppyhood. You may want to consider the services of a professional trainer. Find ways of keeping your dog busy when you are not around. You can consider giving your dog a bone to chew on. If you do, go for natural or synthetic ones that will not break into pieces and risk choking your dog while he is alone. Ensure your GSD has the recommended 2-hour exercise daily, which could be distributed into walks and runs in the morning and evening and play and games at other times. That means he finds a replacement for his wild mates in his human family. Besides, the GSD is also a friendly and affectionate dog that loves cuddling time and spending time with family. As such, leaving your German Shepherd alone can cause excessive loneliness, otherwise referred to as separation anxiety , when it gets to the levels of an undesired psychological condition. The German Shepherd is among the top 10 breeds most predisposed to separation anxiety. This suggests that it could also be a breed thing, and you must take extra precautions. Dogs with this behavior problem find something to relieve their nervousness and stress, so most will turn to destructive behavior. Typical forms of destructive behavior include excessive chewing, house soiling, getting into the trash can, digging, destroying furniture and other items, and increased aggression toward family, strangers, and other pets. I would never leave her in her crate for more than hours. However, I got delayed in traffic for another 30 minutes on this occasion, and she clearly got bored! I only wanted one cushion! Remember that destructive behavior can be caused by factors like lack of exercise or a stressful home environment. Three solutions can be highly effective in stopping separation anxiety in your German Shepherd. Suggestions include finding someone to keep them busy and staying connected with them while you are away. Find a way of keeping your dog occupied while you are away Keeping your dog mentally and physically engaged can be achieved by employing a professional trainer or a dog walker. There are also doggy daycare facilities where you can take your GSD. Find a way of staying connected with your dog while you are away In an ever-changing technology era, staying connected with your GSD using dog cameras is easy. Take, for example, the Furbo Dog Camera from Amazon. Its main features can offer many ways to stay connected with your German Shepherd. You can toss a treat to your dog to reward him for good behavior. You can talk to your GSD to calm him down, especially when the barking alerts come in. Urine-Marking in German Shepherds Urine marking is an instinctive dog behavior that usually starts during sexual maturity. They will urinate on objects to leave a message for other dogs. For example, male German Shepherds will spray on the walls of a building where there is a female GSD in heat to tell fellow males to stay away. Generally, females only spray when they are in heat to attract any male dogs that happen to be in the area. However, urine marking becomes inappropriate inside the house, making it a behavior problem. The original herding and protective roles of German Shepherds make them quite territorial. As pack dogs, GSDs can also be highly dominant. Territory marking you welcome your partner at home, and your dog urinates on their backpack to claim ownership of you. Your dog has noticed a new dog in the neighborhood and wants to mark the house as his territory. How to Stop Urine Marking in German Shepherds To prevent or stop urine marking , consider one of these remedies — depending on the cause. Keep new and unfamiliar items in the house out of reach. Clean places where your GSD has urine marked to remove the smell and prevent your dog from remarking them. I like this one as you can use it on any surface. Help your German Shepherd become friends with new persons or dogs in the house. Eliminate anxiety-causing situations in the home. Confine your dog in his crate for a couple of hours. Consult a canine behaviorist if the behavior is out of hand. German Shepherds with ADHD will portray behavior problems such as hyperactivity, inability to pay attention, being easily distracted, impulsiveness, poor social skills, aggressive responses, fear, and sensitivity to noise. The consensus seems to reign about the interaction between genetic and environmental factors in ADHD. Hyperactive German Shepherds may be uncontrollable during walks, manifest excessive leash-pulling, become overly excited when removing the leash or returning home, and be challenging to engage in obedience training. Experts have used human ADHD questionnaires to detect the condition in dogs since; it seems hyperactivity has similar body chemical markers in dogs as in humans. This explains why testing ADHD in dogs entails observing changes in respiratory and heart rate and behavior. Consequently, solving hyperactivity in German Shepherds entails countering self-stimulation with external stimulation. As often repeated, the test for ADHD is to give your German Shepherd a prescribed stimulant in a controlled clinical situation and then observe the change in its respiratory rate, heart rate, and behavior. The levels for these markers will reduce in dogs with ADHD. Avoid self-diagnosing your dog, especially with self-made remedies. Excessive Barking in German Shepherds Barking is a typical communication behavior in dogs, and German Shepherds are known to be naturally vocal. Nonetheless, when barking becomes excessive, it can become a nuisance for both the owner and the neighborhood. Excessive barking means your dog will start to bark for any little stimulant and go on and on and on. It could be a doorbell, a passing stranger, or even the rustling of leaves in the backyard. If your GSD barks excessively, this may be the first sign of underlying issues and that he is sensitive to specific triggers. Triggers of excessive barking include: Boredom — your German Shepherd is home alone most of the time. Insufficient exercise — both physical and mental. Territorial behavior — your dog is overly protective of you, your home, or your possessions. Attention seeking — your dog has been reinforced to receive your attention when he barks incessantly. Medical issues — your German Shepherd has a medical condition that causes them pain and discomfort. How to Stop Excessive Barking in German Shepherds Sadly, people re-home their dogs every day due to excessive barking. If you have this German Shepherd behavior problem, below are the methods that are incredibly efficient in stopping excessive barking in dogs: Using positive reinforcement. To do this effectively, you must understand your German Shepherd and what makes him bark in the first place. Desensitization and counter-conditionin g : desensitization means exposing your GSD to the stimulus that causes excessive barking at a level lower or similar to the actual trigger. Eliminating the triggers: this might be a bit difficult, especially if they are beyond your control. For example, you cannot stop strangers from using a path near your house or leaves from rustling. Avoid gimmicks such as bark collars and sprays designed to teach your German Shepherd not to bark, as these only address the symptom and not the cause of the behavior problem. You have to lure them to the bathtub and put up with their crazy shaking and splashing unless you have managed to train them out of it! But bathing your dog becomes an extra hassle if covered with awful-smelling dirt! So, why do German Shepherds roll in the mud? Many speculative theories are used to explain why dogs roll in the dirt. Here are some of them: In the wild, wolves disguise their smell with dirt History has it that wolves disguise their scent by rolling in the dirt. Since dogs have their ancestry from wolves, it is speculated that they will roll in the dirt for the same reasons. Dogs love to leave their smell around Dogs have the instinct to leave their smell around to claim dominance or mark their territory. The pungent smell of dirt pushes them to want to claim their dominance with their odor, even when strong smells would overpower it. It gives them a sensational feeling As animals that predominantly use their sense of smell to interact with the environment, dogs enjoy extra sensory stimulation and may look for it excessively, such as lying in a pile of dirt. German Shepherds have innate behavior dispositions unique to the breed, like all other dogs. This can include behaviors like mouthing or destructive chewing. Think of their instinctual protectiveness towards their loved ones and how that can cause them to be aggressive toward strangers via nipping or jumping at strangers. But German Shepherds grow to be the dog you train them to be. And if that is not done correctly, behavior problems like howling will occur. However, that is not the only reason why your GSD may be misbehaving. German Shepherds have behavior problems such as howling, mouthing, jumping, and nipping due to poor or incomplete socialization and training, letting your dog have his way, insufficient exercise, hormones, health reasons, and using aversive training methods. Genetics can also cause poor behavior, which is easily solved by training. Genetic Disposition to Bad Behavior It has been scientifically proven that behavior, including howling and jumping, has both genetic and environmental determinants. This fact is recorded in a study on the genetics of behavior traits in German Shepherds, which confirmed that multiple genetic and non-genetic factors influence canine behavior, such as mouthing and nipping. In simple terms, your German Shepherd may inherit genes predisposing them to aggression from their parents, which does not mean you cannot tame the behavior through training. Poor Puppy Socialization Poorly socialized puppies grow into badly behaved adult German Shepherds exhibiting undesirable behaviors like jumping up and biting. If a German Shepherd is not socialized well at this age, he will become an unapproachable and untrainable adult. Proper socialization training for your German Shepherd means exposing them to different environments where they learn how to interact with other people and pets positively. This makes them more confident and calm than anxiety and aggression in unsocialized and badly trained dogs. Incomplete Obedience Training Obedience training is crucial in helping your German Shepherd understand your expectations. This includes managing behaviors such as play biting and improving the overall trainability of your pet. Many new dog owners think a week of training after bringing their dog home is enough. Not so! This is also key to ensuring your dog feels confident when interacting with visitors. Miscommunication can result in undesired behaviors like play biting, especially when your pet meets visitors. I have two helpful guides to help you with obedience training using positive reinforcement techniques. These guides incorporate strategies to improve trainability and build confidence in your dog. It has been confirmed that positive reinforcement training produces the best behavior in dogs because it boosts their confidence. Alao, you encourage your pet to repeat it by constantly rewarding him. Instead, research suggests that aversive training methods may be less effective in teaching good behavior to your dog. This can also negatively affect their interactions with visitors. Hormonal Effects and Gonadectomy Testosterone is often associated with aggression in male dogs. This research study discovered that other hormones could be the underlying causes of play biting and aggression in dogs. Oxytocin OT , a hormone associated with social bonding and sexual reproduction, and Vasopressin AVP , which regulates the volume of extracellular fluid volume and renal handling of water, can negatively impact dog behavior. Gonadectomy is the generic term for the surgical removal of the male testes or female ovaries. However, research results from a large sample of over 13, dogs show this is not entirely true. Scientists still do not know the reason for this. Would you call that a well-behaved dog? This is especially notable when visitors come to the house and the dog exhibits poor behavior. Not setting boundaries with your dog can be another reason your German Shepherd has behavior issues. Such a dog will show aggression when someone tries to set boundaries, such as at the vet or the dog park. The German Shepherd is a high-energy dog requiring at least two hours of daily exercise. This means more than leash walks! In addition to this, he will need lots of interactive play and mental stimulation to manage his health and build confidence. If you try to make your GSD a couch potato, he will have behavior issues, manifesting primarily in destructive behavior, negatively affecting his play-biting habits and behavior around visitors. Zak George , the well-known dog breeder and trainer, often emphasizes this point in his teachings. For example, a study revealed that dogs involved in physical activity and those who practice agility shows are less likely to show aggressive tendencies than those living a more sedentary life. Medical Conditions A final reason your German Shepherd will show behavior problems is if he has medical issues. These could be both physical and psychological. For example, dogs with Obsessive-Compulsive Behavior are often linked with self-directed aggression and self-mutilation, primarily through biting. A study on clinical features in dogs and cats with OCB indicated self-mutilation as the most recurrent of these features. Such practices are often seen as a sign of distress in dogs. Other medical conditions that may cause behavior issues in dogs include injury and post-operative pain, which can trigger aggressive behavior. In this case, having a breeder or vet advise on handling the dog can be beneficial. The causes of German Shepherd behavior problems are lack of socialization and exercise. German Shepherds are highly intelligent and social dogs and must be exposed to various people, animals, and environments to develop correctly. They are also active and energetic dogs that need plenty of exercise to stay healthy and happy. What other resources can help me deal with German Shepherd behavior problems? Many resources are available to help you deal with German Shepherd behavior problems. The most important is a qualified and experienced dog trainer. A good trainer can help you identify the source of the problem and develop an effective plan to address it. Another great resource is books and online articles written by experts on the subject. Final Thoughts Owning a German Shepherd is both exciting and rewarding for most owners. However, behavior problems associated with the breed can sometimes make owning a GSD a challenge altogether. What is most important is knowing that you can manage these behavior problems. Exercise, training, eliminating cues to behavior problems, and seeking a canine behaviorist are all possible ways to make your German Shepherd overcome his behavior shortcomings. Remember, though, that the job of a dog behaviorist or trainer is to train the dog and the human too! Related Posts You May Like:. German Shepherds were my very first breed. This noble-looking male has a beautiful rugged head, intelligent expression, and rich coloration. My experience with German Shepherd temperament Temperament and behavior stem from what the breed was designed for To understand a breed's temperament and behavior, ask, "What was he developed to do? The German Shepherd was developed from various sheepherding dogs. German Shepherds were also developed as military messenger and sentry dogs, and as personal protection and police dogs. The breed also excels at search and rescue, bomb and drug detection, and guiding the blind. Certainly you would expect high intelligence, high self-confidence, trainability, and an ability to focus. All of those traits are what you get in an ideal German Shepherd. One of the most capable and trainable breeds in all of dogdom, an ideal German Shepherd, when properly raised by a confident owner, can be a magnificent companion. There's a good reason my first dogs were German Shepherds! Unfortunately, it can be difficult today to find a German Shepherd with an ideal temperament. Or at least an ideal temperament to be a good family companion. Different lines have different temperaments Today, the temperament of a German Shepherd often depends largely upon what kind of line he comes from. Some breeders, you see, produce working lines of German Shepherds with high-drive temperaments — vigorous and intense. These dogs are ideal for competitive protection-dog sports. But not so much for the average family companion, unless you were to look carefully for an individual pup in one of those litters who didn't inherit that high-drive temperament. Other breeders produce show lines that match a detailed standard of conformation for the show ring. These dogs are softer-tempered than those from working lines. That sounds nice and yet.I've worked with far too many German Shepherds from show lines who were hyperactive, skittish, spooky, or downright dopey. This happens when breeders focus on appearance more than temperament and trainability. My recommendation for a good family dog If you're looking for an easygoing family companion, I would avoid both strict show lines and strict working lines. Instead, you might look for more of a generalist breeder who focuses on calmness and high trainability. These breeders might prove their dogs' trainability by participating in non-protection dog sports such as obedience, rally, or agility. Or, if you want a truly mellow Shepherd, you might consider a longhaired or perhaps a solid white German Shepherd. These dogs are seldom bred for aggressive dog sports, so they tend to have a milder temperament that fits well into many families. Just be careful with the whites. A good number of them are too soft, which can result in timidity or skittishness. I hope you can see.Because if you don't know what you want, and what you don't want, and if you don't ask the right questions, you're likely to end up with a German Shepherd that isn't at all what you were looking for — and possibly one who is too much for you to handle. Such an intelligent expression — confident and inquiring. Pros and cons of German Shepherds The Good Thrives on challenging activities and exercise Loyal to his own family Looks imposing and has a reputation that bad guys don't want to fool with, so makes an effective deterrent Highly intelligent and versatile — can learn almost anything The Bad Can be hard to find one with a family-oriented temperament and a decent chance of staying healthy Needs plenty of exercise and interesting things to do Needs careful socialization Destructiveness when bored or not exercised enough Potential aggression toward other animals Constant shedding — days a year Legal liabilities insurance issues, increased chance of lawsuits High risk of serious health problems Keep in mind that the inheritance of temperament is less predictable than the inheritance of physical traits such as size or shedding. Temperament and behavior are also shaped by raising and training. Books by Michele Welton "Respect Training for Puppies" or "Respect Training for Adult Dogs" is a step by step guide to help you bring out the best in your pup so you can enjoy a calm and well-behaved dog, no matter what his age. Get your book today. A healthy dog is a happy dog, so buy your copy today. How big are German Shepherds? Males stand about inches at the shoulder and weigh pounds. Females stand about inches and weigh pounds. Some German Shepherds are considerably larger than that, but shouldn't be. This breed is supposed to be athletic and agile, not giant-sized and ponderous. Larger dogs can have more joint problems and a shorter lifespan. Are there different "types" of German Shepherds? Officially there's only the one breed. But I explained in the Temperament section that there are different lines of German Shepherds with different temperaments. Those lines can also LOOK very different from each other. Show lines Those of us who admired the strong, noble look of German Shepherds from decades ago are saddened at what has been done to the appearance of modern show dogs. If you go to a German Shepherd specialty show in the United States or Canada, you'll see tall narrow bodies, long narrow heads, and such excessive curvature of the rear legs that the dog's back slopes downward from shoulders to tail. You could roll a ball down that back. In my opinion, these are misshapen caricatures of a German Shepherd. To make matters worse, show lines produce more than their share of spooky and low-intelligence dogs, which is what happens when you over-focus on appearance rather than temperament and trainability. In contrast, the West German show line has a more normal shape. There are many West German bloodlines in the United States. Just be aware that these dogs aren't couch potatoes: they do have plenty of energy and some working drives that will need to be exercised. Solid black German Shepherds are less common, but when combined with a rugged build, makes for a very handsome dog. It's true that working lines are often too strong-tempered and intense for the average family. But if you're an experienced owner who knows how to be in charge and if you provide firm rules and plenty of physical and mental exercise, working lines can make great companions. Knowledgeable working dog breeders can point you toward the pups in their litters who are calmer and have less working drive. These dogs were used by the military and border patrol, so they're tough, not recommended for the average family. Pet lines? You might be thinking, "Must I choose show line or working line? Isn't there another choice, like a line specifically bred to be a good pet? Some breeders emphasize high trainability, competing with their intelligent dogs in non-protection sports such as obedience or agility. Other breeders emphasize "old style" German Shepherds with a more rugged build. But avoid breeders who boast about their "giant" German Shepherds. Packing more weight onto the frame and joints of a breed that's supposed to be medium to large is a huge pun intended mistake. German Shepherd with long hair. This particular dog has a minimalist long coat — just some ear tufts and a body coat that's slightly longer than normal. Shorthaired or longhaired When you're thinking about the different types of German Shepherds, you should also consider the two types of COAT: The normal coat is short hair. But German Shepherds also come in a longer coat. Both coats are the same breed. Unfortunately, in the United States, long coats are frowned upon by the official clubs and show-dog breeders. Long-coated dogs can be registered, bred, and shown in certain activities such as obedience and agility. But they're not welcome in the conformation ring, where judging is based on appearance. Some long-coated Shepherds have essentially a short body coat with only minor feathering around their ears, on the backs of their legs, and on their bum and tail. Other long-coated German Shepherds have long hair across most of their body. Do long haired German Shepherds have a different build or temperament? Yes, often they do. Because they're not welcome in the conformation ring, their structure hasn't been deformed like that of their shorthaired brothers. And because they're seldom seen in protection dog sports, their temperament tends to be softer and milder, which fits well into many families. German Shepherds are active dogs, but should not be hyperactive. Fetch games are a great way to exercise this breed. How much exercise do German Shepherds need? German Shepherd puppies and adolescents up to 18 months old should have moderate exercise only — multiple walks, fetch games, or if there is a compatible playmate playing with another dog. But the growing bones and ligaments in a young dog can be irreparably damaged by too much exercise or the wrong kind of exercise. At this age, there should be no forced running beside a jogger or bicyclist. Restrict jumping as much as possible. Once the dog is mature, the amount of exercise needed will vary according to the dog's energy level. But all German Shepherds, to maintain fitness, need brisk walking every day and all-out running in a safe, enclosed area as often as possible. Dogs from working lines typically want a lot more exercise. Mental exercise is even more important for German Shepherds. Mental exercise means the dog gets to participate in interesting activities that keep his intelligent mind stimulated. This might be a dog sport such as agility, rally obedience, musical freestyle, tracking, flyball, herding, or schutzhund. It might be interactive dog toys, or a homemade obstacle course, or learning tricks, or playing games such as Hide 'n Seek. Handsome black German Shepherd, attentively awaiting your next words. Are German Shepherds easy to train? Some are easy to train, while others are more moderate. As we've seen, different lines have different temperaments. German Shepherds from working lines are typically more assertive and stronger-willed. A "tougher" German Shepherd will be more challenging to train unless you pay closer attention to building the right Leader-Follower relationship with the dog. That doesn't mean "softer" German Shepherds are automatically easy to train. Some dogs with soft temperaments are skittish or shy, making them just as challenging as a strong-tempered dog. In general, though, a sound-tempered German Shepherd who is a good fit for family life should be easy to train. Just establish the right Leader-Follower relationship and the dog will be happy to work with you. This is taught in my puppy training book, Respect Training For Puppies 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. Are they friendly with strangers? Most German Shepherds are reserved with strangers. As the breed's national club says, a good German Shepherd has: "a certain aloofness that does not lend itself to immediate and indiscriminate friendships. The dog must be approachable, quietly standing its ground and showing confidence and willingness to meet overtures without itself making them. Without proper guidance from the owner, a German Shepherd's natural aloofness can morph over the line to suspiciousness, distrust, and even aggression or fearfulness. When you own an aloof breed, you need to socialize the dog thoroughly. This means a careful program of teaching him to pay attention to you and mind you in the presence of other people and other dogs. He doesn't have to like them, but he must accept them. One thing I should mention: many German Shepherds who bark and lunge at strangers or other dogs aren't being either protective or aggressive. Rather, this kind of reactivity can be the dog's attempt to hide his own insecurities behind a blustering facade. At the other end of the spectrum are German Shepherds who tuck their tail between their legs, and try to hide behind you or run away whenever a stranger or another dog approaches. Sometimes this is just inexperience with the world, but sometimes it's an inherited form of shyness. German Shepherds who are genetically shy can be helped by socialization — but not "cured. There are also legal liabilities to consider when you acquire a German Shepherd. For example, your homeowner insurance policy might be cancelled or the rates hiked, because people are often quicker to sue if a "guard dog breed" does anything even remotely questionable. Are German Shepherds good with children? If the dog was raised with childen and if the children are well-behaved, most German Shepherds with a normal temperament are fine with them. But if you have young children, you need to be especially careful about bringing an adult German Shepherd with an unknown background into your home. That dog should have a stellar temperament vouched for by experienced rescue personnel. Also I wouldn't be comfortable with some high-drive German Shepherds around toddlers. These vigorous, intense dogs could send a toddler flying without even meaning to. Are German Shepherds good with other pets? Most German Shepherds are fine with other dogs and cats in their own family, if introduced to them when the dog is young. I've had multiple German Shepherds living harmoniously with my Chihuahuas and cats. And some German Shepherds are dominant, or aggressive, toward other dogs of the same sex. My dog Luke, for example, would never dream of harming a female dog — but he would have loved to engage any strange male. Only a firm Respect Training program kept his behavior under control. Long-coated German Shepherd. Keep their feathering combed out to avoid painful mats and tangles. Grooming: Do German Shepherds shed a lot? Are they easy to groom? About shedding.I have good news and bad news. The good news is that German Shepherds have only one shedding period a year. The bad news is.In other words, German Shepherds shed constantly. How is this different from most breeds? Most breeds shed a few hairs here and there throughout the year. But the vast bulk of their shedding occurs only twice a year — for three weeks in the spring as their thicker winter coat switches over to a cooler summer coat, and for three weeks in the fall as the summer coat switches over to a winter coat. Not German Shepherds. They shed a TON during those spring and fall coat-switching seasons. Plus they shed moderately the rest of the year. So year-round, you'll find hair on your clothing, on your carpets, and under your refrigerator. Frequent vaccuming will become a way of life. You might be wondering, "How can a shorthaired dog shed so much? They have a short outer coat harsh to the touch , plus a woolly undercoat for insulation. Breeds with a double coat always shed more than breeds who simply have an outer coat but no undercoat. German Shepherds come in a long coat, as well as a short coat. Both coats shed heavily. Now, about grooming.How much grooming is required depends on whether a German Shepherd is shorthaired or longhaired. We've already talked about the temperament usually good of longhaired German Shepherds. As far as grooming goes, they obviously need regular brushing and combing to prevent mats and tangles. The longer the coat, the more work it will be. But even if your Shepherd has a short coat, you're not off the hook when it comes to brushing. With a constant shedder, you should brush as often as possible to pull out the shed hairs before they end up on your floor and furnishings. Ironically, longhaired German Shepherds often seem to shed less than the shorthaired. That's because some shed hair gets caught in the long coat instead of falling out. The trade-off is that you need to brush out that accumulated hair regularly or it will tangle and fuse into a matted mess. Longhaired dogs need trimming Along with brushing and combing, longhaired German Shepherds need trimming every few months. Focus on the longish hair around the dog's private parts. Otherwise whenever he goes to the bathroom, the result is going to be unsanitary, both for the dog and for your house. Remember, anything that sticks to long hair eventually ends up on your floor or furnishings. So keep your dog's private parts trimmed short. Gray sable pattern How long do German Shepherds live? Are they a healthy breed? German Shepherds typically live years. Some do live to 13 or 14, but usually with chronic health issues such as arthritis. And sadly, many don't even make it to age .As a long-time German Shepherd owner, I know first-hand how many health problems this breed suffers from. Crippling joint diseases, autoimmune diseases, digestive diseases, skin diseases, heart and eye diseases.It's a good idea to have pet insurance when you own a German Shepherd. Here is a complete list of health problems in German Shepherds. The most common color in German Shepherds — black and tan, in the saddleback pattern What colors do German Shepherds come in? The most common colors are black and tan, black and red, black and cream, or black and silver. These colors cover the dog in one of these three patterns: Saddleback — the black overlays the dog's back and sides like a saddle. The rest of the dog is tan, red, cream, or silver. Usually there's some black on the face, as well. Blanketback — the black extends further down the shoulders and hips. Honestly I don't know why this pattern is called bicolor, which simply means two colors. As we've just seen, the other two patterns also have just two colors. Another common color is sable, which is an overall shade of gray, golden, or red, with black-tipped hairs that create a "dusted with black" effect. A less common, but perfectly acceptable, color is solid black. Many blue dogs look as though they've been dusted with flour. Liver German Shepherds have inherited a color-modifying gene that changes their black pigment to brown any shade from light to dark. For example, if a German Shepherd would have been a black and tan saddleback — except that he inherited a modifying gene — he becomes a blue and tan saddleback, or a liver and tan saddleback. Blue and liver are considered serious faults by the official German Shepherd clubs and breeders who show their dogs in the conformation ring. But you can still register these dogs and compete with them in activities such as obedience and agility. Controversial color: solid white As with blue and liver, you can register a white German Shepherd and show him in competitive activities such as obedience and agility. But you can't show him in the conformation ring. Well, the Powers-That-Be say white is an unacceptable color because German Shepherds were developed to be herding and guard dogs. White dogs, they say, are too visible to make effective guard dogs. On the other hand, white dogs blend in too much with the sheep or snow instead of being clearly visible to the human shepherd. If you love the white color, you might be pleased to hear that White Shepherd enthusiasts have formed their own club, which holds its own conformation shows. Do German Shepherd ears stand up on their own, or do they have to be cut or taped to make them stand up? Ah, you're thinking about cropping, a surgical procedure to make the ears stand up. That's done with Doberman Pinschers, but not with German Shepherds. A Shepherd puppy's ears prick up naturally — they're never cropped. German Shepherd puppy with perfectly normal ears at this age. If the pup inherited normal genes, the other ear should come up shortly. But German Shepherd puppies aren't born with pricked ears. In some pups, the ears start to prick up at 6 or 8 weeks old, while others don't start until 12 or 14 weeks old. Often the ears don't go up smoothly. In other words, they don't suddenly pop straight up. Typically one ear will go up halfway, and stay like that for a few days. Then the other ear may start to prick while the first ear straightens all the way up. A few days later, just as the second ear straightens up, the first one suddenly flops back down. This can be a trying time for new owners who worry that their pup's ears will never stand properly. Rest assured, it's normal for German Shepherd puppy ears to go up and down for a month or two, especially during the teething period. Unfortunately, some puppies do inherit poor genes for ear strength and often those ears will never come all the way up. They're called "soft ears. I had a German Shepherd with one soft ear. It flopped sideways on top of his head, while the other ear stood up beautifully. Of course I loved him dearly anyway! Most German Shepherd puppies start out with floppy ears and dark coloration. I'll be happy to show you how to raise and train your new family member. Or check out my training tips to teach your German Shepherd puppy to be well-behaved. Also see my advice on German Shepherd health care , including feeding and vaccinations If you don't have a German Shepherd puppy, but you want one.I can help you with that, too. German Shepherds are extremely common in the United States, the 2nd most common of all breeds. So they're very easy to find. The problem is finding one with the best chances of developing a stable temperament and the best chances of staying healthy through the years. THAT is harder to do. First, you need to think about the different types of German Shepherds we talked about earlier. The different temperament types and the different build and coat types. You'll remember.Or you can just hop onto Craigslist and buy a puppy from someone who "just breeds pets" or "just had one litter. Not unless the seller has done the proper health certifications on the puppy's parents. One huge difference between a responsible breeder and an irresponsible "puppy producer" is — health certifications. One parent should have a certificate showing them to be clear of degenerative myelopathy. This is the fastest way to rule out all the bad breeders. No certificates equals irresponsible breeding. Many years ago, I had a dear German Shepherd with this devastating disease. Believe me, you do not want to go through that. If a seller can't show you those certificates, the puppies are higher risk for health problems. You might choose to accept that risk. But then you need to be willing and able to pay a couple thousand bucks for future surgeries and lifelong meds if your German Shepherd ends up crippled, paralyzed, or stricken with heart disease. Because of their popularity, and because so many owners acquire one without doing diligent research, German Shepherds are often available from dog rescue groups. German Shepherd crosses and mixes are frequently found in animal shelters. However, shelter personnel can be over-zealous in labeling every medium- to large dog with a vaguely shepherd-ish look as a "German Shepherd cross. Did you know there's a quick and simple DNA test that can tell you definitively which breeds make up any given dog? What breeds are similar to German Shepherds? The Shiloh Shepherd looks like a large German Shepherd, which is not surprising since the Shiloh was developed 50 years ago by crossing German Shepherds with larger breeds. Compared to German Shepherds, Shiloh Shepherds tend to have a calmer, more easygoing personality. Compared to German Shepherds, most White Shepherds have a softer, more sensitive personality. White Shepherds are fine watchdogs, but seldom aggressive. In fact, if a White Shepherd is going to have any temperament fault, it's more likely to be timidity or skittishness. The Belgian Shepherd is recommended only for experienced owners. Compared to the German Shepherd, a Belgian is more agile, graceful, and elegant. Belgian Shepherds are highly intelligent, but also easily bored and prone to obsessive behaviors. This is a demanding breed that needs ongoing supervision and structured activities. An expert researcher and author of 15 books about dogs, she loves helping people choose, train, and care for their dogs. To help you train and care for your dog Dog training videos. Sometimes it's easier to train your puppy or adult dog when you can see the correct training techniques in action. The problem is that most dog training videos on the internet are worthless, because they use the wrong training method. I recommend these dog training videos that are based on respect and leadership. Respect Training For Puppies: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved puppy. For puppies 2 to 18 months old. Your puppy will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. If your dog is over 18 months, you'll want Respect Training For Adult Dogs: 30 seconds to a calm, polite, well-behaved dog. Again your dog will learn the 21 skills that all family dogs need to know. Teach Your Dog English Words is a unique Vocabulary and Respect Training Program that will teach your adult dog to listen to you and do what you say. Related posts you might enjoy. German Shepherds are smart, loyal, naturally protective, and friendly. Without proper training and socialization, German Shepherds can develop nervous habits and overly-protective behaviors, just like most breeds. You might be wondering: What traits should I be watching for in my German Shepherd puppy? This intelligence, when left to its own devices, can lead to problematic behaviors. With early training and socialization though, you can help to prevent some of these common issues from coming up. A few of the most common include: Over-Protectiveness — German Shepherds are naturally protective. They want to protect the family unit. This protectiveness can become problematic if it manifests as aggression towards strangers or other animals. Examples include lunging at the mailman, or aggressive barking at passers-by. Introduce them to new people, new situations, and new noises. Socialization helps your puppy develop confidence and to learn what types of people and situations are non-threatening. Unfortunately, when they become over-territorial, this can be unsafe for visitors. Often, too, Shepherds can become territorial over food, growling, barking or lunging at anyone or other animals that come into their space. Exercise, obedience training, and rewarding calm behavior can all help to alleviate territorial aggression. Digging or Destructiveness — German Shepherds, require rigorous mental and physical exercise. They get bored very quickly, and often, this boredom manifests itself in destructive behavior. When bored, your pup might try to seek attention too, another common reason for the destructive behavior, like digging excessively or chewing up a shoe. Providing daily physical exercise, as well as training mental activity can help prevent boredom. Nipping — Many young dog breeds nip starting at around 6 to 9 months old. This is fairly typical behavior, but with Shepherds, it can be a bit scarier as get bigger. Separation Anxiety — German Shepherds, love you and want to always be by your side! Unfortunately, work and vacation make that impossible. You might also start with shorter trips when you first bring your pup home. Obedience training is imperative, and you should include your whole family in the training process. This will help your dog learn that he is not the alpha. Ultimately, the best way to weed out problematic behaviors is to start a training regime very early. German Shepherd puppies want to learn and put their intelligence to good use. Owners must be consistent in their training. Using the right cues, rewarding the right behaviors, and communicating with your dog properly is very important. The best way is to learn the right way to train a pup is to seek the help of a German Shepherd trainer. Taking a course teach you how to properly communicate with your dog and provide you with techniques to redirect negative behaviors. It starts with the breeder. Find a breeder that breeds for temperament and health. The best breeders take great care to produce animals that are calm, confident and loving. It requires careful pedigree planning and selecting the right sire dad and dam mom who show well-adjusted temperaments. Similarly, the best breeders will also be happy to provide a pedigree for the animal and are glad to answer the phone when you have any training concerns. For more information or if you may have questions, please contact us here.

Born in November .Comes with registration papers, shots, and clipped ears. They are pure breed as both parents come from a certified breeder. Gorgeous wrinkles,massive bone structure, compact and muscular. Home-raised, family socialized puppies with sweet, loving and playful temperament, loves children. Ready to be a family companion or your best friend. Current vaccinations, de-worming, new crate, veterinarian health check and health certificate. Health guaranteed. Awesome puppy looking for a new home. Gorgeous English bulldog puppies that love to run and play. These cuties are vet checked and up to date on shots and wormer. They are registered with the AKC, plus come with health guarantee provided by the breeder. They are family raised with children and enjoys getting lots of love and attention. To learn more about these babies, please contact us now via xxx xxx-xxx0. Male and female puppies 12 weeks old and very sweet. They have excellent temperament with all pets and children. They are housebroken and crate trained. They are updated on vaccinations and deworming. First Serious buyers will have Free Shipping. Text me only at xxx xxx-xxx2. View Detail Sweet English bulldog puppies for sale to lovers. These puppies have excellent temperaments and great conformation. They are great around children and would make a great addition to any family. They come with a one year health guarantee with all shots and their vaccine records. If interested you can contact me. This puppies are vet checked and will be coming alongside with their health papers. Please only serious inquiries as these pups mean a lot to us. We will only see these pups go to the best homes possible. We will feed them on Royal Canin puppy food which is one of the best quality foods xxxxxxxxx. First shots, de-wormed and health certificate. Family raised indoors at our home. View Detail Healthy English Bulldog Puppies For Re Homing they are health registered,very socialized and friendly with pets and kids at home, they are a face to die for and they are ready to make a loving home companion to a new pet loving and caring home. Very Strong Lively, View Detail Amazing male and female english bulldog Sweet, very affectionate bulldog, Male, just of 12 weeks of age, approx. Up to date on shots, neutered, Insured for year, with paper proof of all the aforementioned, Seeking a New home, sweet home. Home Fee is Negotiable! Note: Prefer a home with either older children that love to play, cuddle, pet, and train doggies, or an older person or single homebody seeking a bulldog dog to love and pamper to the max. This doggie loves to play fetch, hide n seek, and cuddle, lick, and run around the yard, when bouncing across the yard like a rabbit in a video game. They are vet-checked, registered and have complete shots. Super calm with everyone and friendly with other home.Text Me xxx xxx-xxx8 Text Me xxx xxx-xxx8 View Detail cute english bull dogs for rehoming vet checked potty trained and comes with a one year health guarantee. They are very healthy and friendly. They are 12 weeks old. Contact Via Text xxx xxx xxx3. Welcoming a new puppy into your home is an exciting time filled with joy, cuddles, and a few inevitable challenges. One of the most common questions new puppy owners ask is, "When can puppies go outside? Table of Contents Easiest Dog to Take Care of: Top 10 Breeds for a Happy Home Do you ever dream about having a furry best friend who loves to play fetch, gives the warmest cuddles, and greets you with the happiest tail wags every time you come home? A friend who is not just any dog, but the easiest dog to take care of? We know, it sounds like a dream come true, right? But we also understand that bringing a new puppy home is a big step. It's like adding a new member to your family, a little brother or sister.All French Bulldog Insights French Bulldog Breed Info If you're seeking an adorable companion with a charmingly squashed face, an easygoing personality, and a distinct penchant for lounging on the couch, the French Bulldog could just be your perfect match. With their signature bat ears and expressive eyes, French Bulldogs, or "Frenchies" as they are lovingly known, have captured the hearts of many dog lovers around the globe, consistently ranking among the most popular breeds. Renowned for their easy maintenance and the ability to thrive in apartment living, French Bulldogs are a city dweller's delight. Their small size, typically weighing under 28 pounds, makes them perfectly suited to compact urban spaces. However, their charming personalities and heartwarming companionship are universally loved, irrespective of city or countryside living. This breed's laid-back nature does not mean they're devoid of fun and play. On the contrary, French Bulldogs can be quite playful and are known for their often comical and entertaining antics, which only further endears them to their owners. Their affectionate demeanor, combined with a remarkably low barking tendency, makes them a joy to have around the house. French Bulldogs are sturdy, compact, and stocky, with a powerful muscular build that contradicts their small size. They have a smooth coat that comes in a variety of colors, from fawn and brindle to white and grey. Their facial expressions are human-like, and they're known to "talk" using a complex system of yawns, yips, and gargles. However, owning a French Bulldog does come with responsibilities. Their brachycephalic short-nosed nature makes them prone to certain health issues and less tolerant of extreme temperatures. Despite their muscular appearance, they are not the best swimmers, and care should be taken around bodies of water.

NET I am no longer able to log in or send out from the epix. I apologize for any inconvenience. Thank you. With many years of experience in ethical, responsible breeding as members of the German Shepherd Dog Club of America - we adhere to the standards they provide. Our AKC registered dogs are deeply rooted in select German lines, and select American lines with a careful breeding plan we produce puppies, 4 to 6 annual litters, that excel as cherished family pets, working and show dogs. We are also expanding what we train or introduce our pups to, we have plans to bring in canine agility training and conformation. We remain active with our dogs and take great pride in ensuring that our pups are raised in a healthy, well socialized and loving environment. We talk below about some of the specialty areas that our pups have been and will continue to be successful in. You'll find our pups grow to be great protectors, wonderful pets, excellent in the fields of search and rescue, remarkable therapy dogs - it all begins with our puppy training. This agreement contains our health guarantee and other useful information. We cannot urge you strongly enough to keep in touch with us regarding the growth and development of your new puppy. While Veterinarians are useful in many areas of a dogs life, the Breeder has the experience with the growth, health, and development issues specific to the German Shepherd Dog. The German Shepherd Dog is unique, and as such, has unique growth patterns and health issues that many vets are not familiar with. Because of this, we have certain vets that we recommend who are familiar with the German Shepherds Dogs and their growth. If the Breeder has not provided a registered name, you may register your dog with a registered name of your choice Please be prepared to provide the registered name at the time of delivery. All picks will be done in the order of deposits after Von Moyer Haus picks there puppy. It is recommended that the buyer have the puppy examined by a licensed veterinarian within 2 business days of the purchase date. Should the puppy be found to have a serious genetic or health defect, the breeder is to be contacted within 8 hours of diagnosis, so arrangements can be made for return of the said puppy within 7 days if the buyer would like to return the puppy. Upon return of the defective puppy, along with written diagnosis signed by a licensed vet. The buyer can request a replacement puppy of equal value. The breeder is not responsible for the vet bill. Puppies that become sick or die due to an accident or buyers negligence chewing electrical cords, hung by collar, exposing the puppy to strange dogs not living in the home before fully vaccinated, etc. We only breed litters per year — a replacement puppy may not be immediately available. The puppy is not the be tied, chained or otherwise tethered; nor allowed to roam free, except while on a leash or under the direct supervision and control of the owner. If the puppy is ever discovered living in such manner, the breeder will repossess the dog. If the puppy does not drop both testicles by the time he is 1 year of age, it would be recommended that you have him neutered. However, no genetic issue is exact. Von Moyer Haus German Shepherds assumes no responsibility or liability in this matter, making it the sole responsibility of the buyer. If any dog is spayed or neutered before the age of 1. There will be no refunds or replacements of any puppies. Vets will recommend doing this around 6 months old. If a puppy is spayed or neutered before the age of 1, we require you to get a copy of the certificate and forward it to us. You will be provided a list of shots your puppy has received along with a list of shots your puppy needs. You will also be given a list of the dates and type of worming your puppy has already had with the schedule of future worming. In addition to taping, the breeder can also provide you with other suggestions which are proven to assist with the standing of the ears. Hip Dysplasia Although it is impossible to guarantee a puppy will not get hip dysplasia, we make every effort to avoid such an occurrence by using stock that has been x-rayed. Our policy on replacement is stated below. The guarantee below is good for the life of the dog against crippling hip dysplasia. In the event that a bitch conceives a litter or a male sires a litter, this guarantee becomes null and void. Hip Dysplasia is a congenital malformation of the ball and socket joint of the hip. A dog may or may not become lame because of the disease and depending upon its severity. In the event that one of our puppies does become dysplastic, we will do the following We will replace the puppy with another puppy of equal or greater value if the puppy is found to have severe hip dysplasia moderate to extreme in which the disease is crippling. The X-ray and a copy of the OFA letter of diagnosis must be given to the breeder. If the buyer chooses to keep the puppy, a certification of sterilization must be given before any replacement will be made by the breeder. To aid in prevention of hip dysplasia and Pano, it is recommended to give puppies mg of Vitamin C daily until 6 months of age, then increasing the amount to mg. Do not allow your puppy to jump from elevated areas, over obstacles, or on concrete until at least 12 months of age. Pano Pano is temporary and painful limping condition which unfortunately can occur in German Shepherd puppies that grow too quickly. It usually strikes between the ages of months of age and can occur on and off for up to 2 years of age. Because Pano is a temporary and relatively easy to manage, we do not replace puppies afflicted with Pano. Following the breeders diet recommendations below can help prevent or reduce the severity of Pano. Soft Pasterns Soft Pasterns occur when your puppies front legs at his wrists are bent inward and it looks like the puppy is walking on his feet and wrists at the same time. In certain bloodlines there is a period, usually during the teething stage that your puppies ears and pasterns might temporarily soften. With the proper diet, they will return to full strength after the teething is completed. Soft Pasterns is a temporary affliction that is self resolving, lasting several weeks to several months depending on severity. Diet Recommendation We feed all of our dogs and puppies quality premium dog foods. The primary ingredient in premium food is meat based Chicken, Beef, Turkey, Lamb etc. Premium food promotes good health, strong teeth, shiny coats, and firm stools. This has bee practices by GSD breeders for many years without any negative effects on growth or size at maturity. Socialization Our puppies are raised underfoot, socialized with other dogs, extensively handled, and exposed to variety of conditions. Allow a variety of people of pet your puppy children, elderly, men, women, different ethnicities. Be VERY careful to protect your puppy form unpleasant or traumatic experiences, such as taunting by children or being assaulted by an unfriendly dog. These can have a lasting negative effects which can be difficult to overcome. Responsible owners channel this intelligence and drive in the proper direction with adequate love, attention, and training. We recommend that you enroll your puppy into an obedience class by 6 months of age. If, for any reason, you decide the puppy you picked is unacceptable, you may either choose another puppy if any are available, they rarely are or transfer your deposit to another litter. If you have the puppy for a few days, a refund can be given after the puppy is resold and for the price they are sold at. This maybe different then what you have paid since some puppies may not be sold right away that can change the price. Deposits are not refundable but can be transferred to another Von Moyer Haus Litter. No Exceptions will be given. Any other issues that arise, there will be no refund only a replacement puppy when you are ready for another. We wish you and your puppy the very best. Give the love, care, and attention your puppy deserves and you will be rewarded with a loyal, devoted, and beautiful companion for many years! Please drop us a note and photo of your puppy every so often. I am concerned about and enjoy knowing how puppies from our breedings are developing. Feel free to call me with any questions or concerns that arise regarding your puppy or e-mail to gldnrudy rcn.

These rescues will be helpful in your quest to adopt a German Shepherd : 1. Their dogs come from local shelters or direct from owners. This German Shepherd rescue has a vital mission. They prefer potential adopters who previously owned a GSD and understand the breed. As part of the adoption process, applicants must believe in good dog training and care and be able to invest the time and resources necessary to train and socialize the dog properly. Their mission is plain and simple — to re-home, foster, and rehabilitate as many adult dogs or puppies from shelters or surrendered from owners as possible. The founder Nila Walden-Hughes was inspired to set up the rescue following the sudden passing of her beloved four-year-old German Shepherd Dog. She has given her life to dogs and has always loved GSDs since she was a young child as she was raised by her visually impaired Grandparents and grew up with guide dogs, mainly German Shepherds. She is a certified dog behavior consultant and canine trainer. All rescue dogs are thoroughly vetted and trained in obedience before new owners are matched and the dogs placed with their new families. They work out of the Daytona Beach and Jacksonville areas. They have a common goal to rescue as many homeless German Shepherds as they can by rehabilitating them and finding them approved families or individuals. They adopt German Shepherd Dogs where they can support their volunteers and rescue representatives. Augustine, Orlando, and Jacksonville areas. Daytona Beach German Shepherd Rescue is a foster home-based organization. They can only rescue a dog from a shelter or an individual once they have found a foster home where the dog can safely live while waiting for a permanent adoptive. The foster home is frequently a lifesaver for the rescue. You can apply to foster a German Shepherd Dog in need via their website. They are committed to the rescue, rehabilitation, and careful re-homing of lost, abandoned, homeless German Shepherd Dogs to loving homes in Florida. All rescues adults and puppies are adopted as indoor family pets, and Dreamcatcher German Shepherd Rescue will not allow dogs to be used as guard dogs or farm dogs. They aim is to rescue, rehabilitate, and place German Shepherds in loving homes throughout Broward, Miami-Dade, and Palm Beach counties. They work tirelessly to save these majestic dogs from high-kill shelters around South Florida. Many of the dogs they save are on their way to being euthanized or have medical conditions that require attention such as heartworm disease or orthopedic issues from traumatic injuries. This German Shepherd rescue relies entirely on volunteers who offer their time, money, and expertise to rescue German Shepherds. Their adoption process seeks to match the temperaments and needs of rescued dogs to those of potential adopters. They are always looking for foster homes to give rescued German Shepherd Dogs the love, understanding, care, socialization, and exercise they need to leave their past behind and look forward to a new life in a new loving home. They started as a fundraising company for other rescues in and a year later became their own rescue. Through Rescue Rebels, companion animals are rescued, provided the physical care needed, spayed or neutered, and provided with behavioral guidance, socialization, and training where necessary. She had a host of issues, one being blind due to cataracts from untreated advanced diabetes, yet Rescue Rebels were able to gift her the gift of sight. You can read about her remarkable transformation here. Florida German Shepherd Clubs Keeping pace with local German Shepherd clubs could also be an excellent idea for you on your journey to adopt and raise a rescue German Shepherd. Here are 3 German Shepherd clubs in the state of Florida and their websites: Club. Our Rescue implemented its program in early .We operate the rescue with dogs received from shelters and from owner turn-ins. We post all info on the rescue there as well as on the site. Our Mission: To take in discarded or turned-in German Shepherd Dogs, give them a positive environment, healthy food, medical attention, socialization and lots of love and understanding in order to find them new forever homes in our local communities and throughout the State. We are breed specific but at times fall in love with a dog or two that are mixes of GSD's, but that require and are deserving of our help. We seek qualified families and individuals who wish to own German Shepherd dogs. If you wish to adopt, please send us an email to schedule a qualification interview in Punta Gorda FL. You can also download and fill out an application form set of 3 documents, on line and PDF it to us from the site, no printing necessary. The interviews and meeting and greets are held in Punta Gorda. Our ideal adopter is someone who has had a GSD in their past and knows the breed. We seek people who believe in training and the proper care of these great dogs. We especially want people who get dogs from us to dedicate the appropriate time and resources to train and socialize the dog. Adoption Process: Our adoption process begins with an application form set of 3 documents sent on the website and then an interview by phone based on the information we gather from your applications. We will ask you about your current pets, if any and we will ask you for evidence of their 'up to date' vaccinations, your vets name and number, your track record in keeping animal shots and registrations up to date, your training experience and about your commitment. We will ask to meet your entire family and anyone else that lives in the home with the dog. We will also ask that if you have pets, that you bring your dog here to meet his new friend. We will require that you sign an agreement regarding the care of the dog you may be given as well as a liability letter indemnifying The Hoffer Family Foundation and GSD Rescue from any liability or legal issue surrounding any dog received from us. Additionally we now require you to sign a Hold Harmless agreement before coming in for an interview or to evaluate your dog. We will ask that upon adoption that you provide your vets name and address and phone for verification purposes. At the point when dogs are surrendered to SWFLGSD Rescue we require all medical records be given to us along with any chip registration information and numbers, complete shot record and the contact detail on the vet who administered them. We do require a current heart worm test paid for by the owner prior to turning the dog over to us. When you receive a dog from us he or she will have all shots, be spayed or neutered and will have a chip. If any of these things is not done at the time of pick up we will arrange for that item to be done at Gulf Coast Humane in Ft Myers or at the Animal Welfare League in Port Charlotte; at our expense. Money we take in can be paid to us in cash or preferably check or Zelle. Those funds remaining after expenses are donated to the Ya Ya Girls Back Pack Kidz or one of our eight other local charities we support through the Hoffer Family Foundation. We will always take any of our rescue dogs back at any time, however we will only offer a refund in the animal is returned to us within 14 days from adoption. PLEASE NOTE we rarely have puppies but when and if we do the fee structure is quite a bit different from regular adult dog adoption in that we will require a bond to make sure the dog is neutered and a bond to make sure the puppy goes through the appropriate training. We will be responsible for the spay or neuter and all shots as part of the fee. The bond is forfeited if the sterilizing is not done as agreed and the dog can legally be recovered from the adopter by contract. We strongly recommend researching the breed before deciding on a GSD. We have many articles to ready on the breed and adopting a GSD posted on the web site. Once you have adopted a dog, we recommend a qualified socialized training program and not an individual trainer. This type of socialization training will insure a bond between you and your pet and it will give you the tools you will need to have the best experience with your pet possible. Remember nothing is more stressful than having an animal you love be out of control, unruly or unsocialized. You can read more about the breed and training on this site. It is important to note that we are not in the pet business, but rather a rescue. When we get dogs in we do our best to find them qualified adoptive families. We do not seek out dogs to rescue nor do we take every dog that comes to us. Each dog tendered to us by a person or shelter comes to our Punta Gorda location and is tested for sociability with people and dogs. If the dog demonstrates any aggression or if we deem that the animal is not suitable, we will reject it and not accept it into the rescue. This is done at the sole discretion of Erik Hoffer and all decisions are final. We are very dog choosy and take dogs in on temperament and not cosmetics or age. When we choose a family to adopt the dog we do not ever go in any particular order, but rather we try and match the family from info from the interview and application to the animal in so far as temperament, training ability, health of the family members and the dog, energy of the dog, family situations and other relative data. Clearly this is not to prejudice a renter, but rather to insure the animal has a consistent place to live. If a renter is displaced, finding another rental unit here in South FL, that will take a GSD is rare if not impossible to find, hence the position we take of not adopting to renters. If you are in a condo, you will have to have a certification from the Board of Directors of the home owners association specifically allowing a German Shepherd to be kept on the property. .We will never ask that you take any dog, but rather show you what we have in our system and allow you to decide after a family meeting if that dog is suitable for your family. We will always take any dog back, but refunds are only good for 14 days with notification of your desire to return the dog. One final note. My time and that of our foster volunteers is extremely valuable, as is yours and your families. If you make an appointment with any of us we expect that you will keep it. If you are going to be late, we expect a call at or at the number provided at least a few hours before your appointment. Even if you are just running a few minutes late, a call to tell me your ETA is expected. If you are a no show with no call, please understand that we will no longer keep your application as active nor adopt to you or accept a dog from you in the future. Social Media: Facebook Instagram 4. The rescue was started in .It can take as much as a month from when your application is received for it to be approved and you to be considered for adopting a dog. Typically, the rescue receives multiple applications for every dog in the rescue. Applications are not considered on a first-come-first-serve basis, but rather, dogs are matched to the best possible home for them based on their particular needs. Application review involves a check with your veterinarian and employer and a mandatory home visit in which all members of your family must be present. If you want to adopt a puppy under six months of age, you must work part-time or work from home so that you will have sufficient time to care for the puppy. Fenced yards are required and crating is highly recommended. Daytona Beach German Shepherd Rescue relies on foster homes to provide a place for shepherds to live until they can be adopted. Fosters are provided with everything they need to care for the dog, but they are asked to exercise, train, and generally provide rehabilitation for rescue German Shepherds. As a foster parent, you have the first option to adopt your foster dog. This program can be a wonderful way for you to try out several different German Shepherds before you arrive at the perfect dog for your home. Rescue and Adoption Details Website: dbgsdrescue. German Shepherds are extremely intelligent, fiercely loyal, and driven to work. Unfortunately, some of these characteristics are why German Shepherds often end up being rehomed. People may buy a German Shepherd puppy because they like the way the breed looks, they want a protection dog, or they are unaware of the special needs of this breed. Faced with a powerful breed dog with high drive, who can often outsmart their person, many people end up surrendering this breed to a shelter or rescue. Most German Shepherds face a significant adjustment period when they are rehomed. Make sure that you have the time and energy to give your rescued German Shepherd plenty of exercise, training, and structure as they adapt to their new life with you. Try not to come to any conclusions about an individual German Shepherd within the first few weeks or even first months of having them, as it takes this breed a long time to settle into a new home and become the loyal, loving, intelligent companion they are meant to be. Florida has a high rate of homeless dogs of all breeds, and homeless German Shepherds may be even more common than other breeds. The German Shepherd is a popular breed in Florida but rules restricting this breed in rental homes and condos means that it can be hard to find somewhere to live with a German Shepherd. Be sure you know the rules of your HOA, condo or apartment before contacting one of these rescues. Some of the rescues listed here understand these restrictions and will make sure you have verified any rules that you need to follow. If you contact the rescues on this list, there is a very good chance that you will find the perfect German Shepherd for you. Leave a Comment. NEW Customers, sign up here! Shepherd Help and Rescue Effort, Inc. We work tirelessly to save these regal dogs from high kill shelters throughout the South Florida region. Many of the dogs we rescue are scheduled to be euthanized or have special needs that require medical treatment such as heartworm disease or orthopedic issues from traumatic injuries. Support for S. See all the Dogs! Gia is a very sweet, approx. She may not be a pure-bred GSD, but what she lacks in breed distinction, she makes up for with her winning personality and unwavering l.When the owner was contacted by authorities, they didn't want her and surrendered her to us here at SHARE. She is d.Bear is a working line shepherd and needs an experienced handler. He will do best with a home that understands that he's not super social with s.The organizations charitable tax ID number is .A copy of the official registration CH and financial information may be obtained from the division of consumer services by calling toll-free, within the state, HELP-FLA. Registration does not imply endorsement, approval, or recommendation by the state.

And, along with all the joys, you may have a few new puppy jitters too. I get it! In other words, I am over the moon for Doodle dogs. Now what? Choose your veterinarian and make a new puppy appointment. As your Goldendoodle becomes a senior, your vet may suggest twice yearly well check visits. Your veterinarian is an essential part of helping your puppy live the happiest, healthiest, and longest life possible. But how do you choose a veterinarian? For a veterinary clinic to become AAHA accredited, they are assessed on standards for veterinary care. Also, you can ask friends, family, and other dog parents for recommendations on vets, check out veterinary websites, and visit the veterinary offices. Schedule a new puppy vet visit. When we called our veterinary office, the care team asked for some basic information about the puppy so they could get her records set up. This way we could rest assured that our puppy was in good physical health, on track for vaccinations, and had the proper testing for parasites and worms. For example, our new puppy had hiccups. Finally, we could ask our vet about the proper nutrition for our puppy, how much to feed each day, and get expert answers on puppyhood — everything from tips on potty training to puppy socialization. The list of veterinary specialty services sounds much like the specialty services that we receive as humans. Why do I bring this up? With so many advanced veterinary resources available—much like humans use insurance to cover the healthcare costs—you may want to investigate pet insurance. Since there are so many insurance options to research, doing your homework ahead of time makes sense. Also, from my research, the younger your puppy is when you enroll, the lower your monthly payment will be. Alternatively, if you are unsure about insurance, you may want to consider putting money aside each month to cover unexpected emergencies or life-saving procedures that may be down the road. Start planning your new schedule. What will your schedule look like when your new puppy comes home? Who will be available to care for your puppy? Every family has different daily routines, so arranging a schedule looks different for everyone. If there is more than one family member in the household, perhaps you can flex your schedules. Prepare your home and start new habits. Dropping backpacks by the door or leaving socks on the floor is real life. Yes, many Goldendoodles—and other Doodle dogs—are notorious sock thieves. Scratch grapes and raisins off the shopping list because they are a hazard for dogs. Clear the coffee table a. Buy the lidded trash cans for the bathroom that are dog-proof. Make sure your kitchen trash cans are not where puppies can get them. In addition to preparing your home, you may want to puppy proof your car too. I know a lot of people put packs of sugarless gum in their car console. Order your new puppy supplies. Crates and puppy toys and water bowls and leashes and collars. The list of puppy supplies is long. For a complete list of new puppy supplies, please check out my new puppy check list. You can also visit our Goldendoodle Supplies store. Here you will find puppy supplies that we have used and recommend. Determine you puppy space—a designated puppy area. This one was big for us. When our new puppy first came home, we thought we had a puppy space the family room with puppy gates to block off the other rooms determined. So we MacGyvered a solution by sectioning off a smaller area of the family room using our new three-panel wooden dog gates and our L-shaped couch to make a play area. For example, we could easily observe when our puppy started to wander away from us, lost interest in toys, or started sniffing. These were all her signs that she was just about to go potty! Set up your puppy supplies. For example, if you bought a new crate, assembling it now will be easier than when you have a curious puppy helping you. Rest up! New puppies have tiny puppy bladders and need to go out at night to go potty. Choose a designated area outside for puppy potty training. Determine where your puppy will sleep. More than likely, your puppy is used to sleeping next to puppy siblings, listening to puppy sounds, and feeling the warmth of her mom and puppy brothers and sisters. Since dogs are so social, for our puppy, we wanted to provide reassurance that we were nearby. We decided that our new furry family member would be safest in a crate. But the crate would be placed next to the bed so that our puppy could feel close to us—her new pack. Plus, we could comfort her with the sound of our voices or a gentle touch. Also, we placed a Snuggle Puppy in the crate. I thought our puppy might see the Snuggle Puppy as a play toy rather than a calming toy, but no! Our puppy loved it! This is a day for heaps of love and time and attention. Here are some tips to help the day go smoothly. Before going into your home, allow your puppy the opportunity to go potty. Before you walk through the door with your new puppy in your arms, allow her a little time to explore her new puppy potty spot in your yard or green space. Even as a puppy, our week-old Goldendoodle was a little speedster, so we knew we had to keep her on leash. Start small. As mentioned earlier, rather than giving our puppy the ability to roam our home immediately, we started small. So on her first day home, we created an even smaller area using our couch and our dog gates. This allowed us to be able to sit with our new Goldendoodle puppy and also let her explore and sniff within a small space. Also, we could watch her like a hawk as well as enjoy spending time with her. We had a couple of puppy toys for her to play with and a small dog bowl of water in her improvised play area. Bond with your fur baby! Give your dog heaps of your love, attention, and time. If you take away just one tip from this article, this is the one! In fact, multiple research studies have shown that when you bond with your dog, your dog releases oxytocin—the love hormone. Our puppers are counting on us to protect them from canine diseases like parvovirus.Expect your puppy to need you. Your puppy is going to need you, want to be with you, and count on you. Puppies have years of biology telling them that being part of a pack is security. They want you. Before that big day, you can plan ahead by puppy-proofing your home, getting the puppy supplies bought, and more. I hope that even one or two of these tips will help make your day even happier. And, by being prepared, I hope any new puppy jitters quickly become new puppy joys. Welcome to my first puppy blog! His expected weight as an adult is between 40 and 50 pounds. Before bringing Henry home I did months of research on puppies. I wanted to make sure I knew as much as possible. I grew-up with a shih-tzu and now my parents have a havenese. My parents used potty pads with both dogs and they were difficult to house train. I researched different breeds, breeders and also considered adoption. However, most of my research was focused on crate and house training. I am not a dog expert and have no education as a dog trainer, but I thought it would be helpful to share what has worked well for us. In our home we created a designated puppy room. For about his first two weeks home he rarely left this room. He has a tiny, weak bladder and is easily confused in his new home. You can create a puppy room or space anywhere in your home, I think it just helps to do-so close by to an exterior door. It is key that this area is very close to the puppy room. Fortunately, he went potty right away on that first day. We gave him lots of verbal praise then took him inside. Each time he comes inside we wipe his paws with a wipe because he does not have all of his vaccine boosters. I have spoke with a few veterinarians on this topic and suggest everyone do the same. Taking Henry outside to go potty was the right choice for us. When Henry entered his room his crate was setup with the door open. Inside we had a crate pad and the towel he sat on in the car during his ride home. I was a bit nervous about the crate situation because neither of my family dogs took a liking to their crate. We let him explore his new room for a bit and before we knew it, he walked into his crate on his own to lay down. From that moment on, he loved his crate! I originally planned to move his crate into our bedroom next to my side of the bed. Since Henry easily went in and out of his crate on his first day home we decided not to move his crate. I totally understand that this is not the case for every pup! When we took Henry home he was about 9lbs and he started with a 24 inch crate. As most sites suggest, he had enough room to turn around, but not enough room to play. Too much extra space in the crate may cause puppies to go potty on one side and sleep on the other. The crate should only be big enough for relaxing — not relaxing AND potty. Tip 4 Stick to a schedule. Day and night. We brought Henry home on a Sunday afternoon and I was able to stay home the following two days. Starting on the first night we set alarms to wake up every two hours to take Henry outside. I know that some sites suggest not waking your puppy up, but this is the method that we chose and it worked very well for Henry. We chose this method because we wanted him to understand that night time is for sleeping and going potty — not playing. By waking him up we felt were inconveniencing him, not the other way around. For the most part, he was always sleeping when we took him out until he woke up for good around 5am. We followed the 2 hour approach for about five days then increased to 3 hours. After about another five days we increased to 4 hours. He has never had an accident in his crate and can hold it for hours at night. Henry eventually started sleeping later util about 6 and am. For the first two weeks, we also wrote down every time Henry ate, drank and went potty. During the first two days, we peed 14 times before dinner. Patience is not my strongest venture. My husband on the other hand, has the patience of a saint. Brining home a puppy is without a doubt stressful and exhausting. The first few weeks are especially tough, but hang in there! I promise it gets better. Your little guy was taken from his mama and siblings then placed in whole new world. It is going to take some time for him to learn, but he will learn. During the first two weeks Henry went nuts for food and water. Here we are 5 weeks out and he plops his little butt down when we bring his food over. The calmer you are, the calmer he will be too. Our next goal is to tackle puppy biting — check back soon! Share this:. Although I was 18, I missed two things. And in the case of highly emotional ones like golden doodle , separation might hit even harder. My point being? Your new golden doodle friend might take a while to get used to your home. And the first 24 hours might be more demanding than you initially anticipated. But you need not be discouraged. Here are the things you can do to familiarize your new furry friend with your home. Take a day off work Having a new puppy is almost like having a newborn baby - can you be away from your newborn on his first day? Absolutely not. In a similar vein, your new golden doodle puppy demands that you dedicate a few days to him. If not a few days, then at least the first day. Doing this will help you guys get acclimated and start the bond-building process. Keep him close to you From the moment you walk out of the breeder home, snuggle with your pup. Even if he's feeling withdrawn because he doesn't know you, draw him close and keep him there. Most experts advise bringing treats along so you can have something to entice him with on your way home. Use calming music As you might expect, a new puppy coming to live with a total stranger might feel stressed, scared, and uncomfortable. As a result, he might not be too happy about the new arrangement. But music can help change his mood. According to PetMd , playing soft and calm music can help provide comfort for stressed and anxious dogs. In that case, it makes sense to keep your headphones close by. Make potty training a priority Another big challenge of first days is the issue of pooping. Since your pup is new in the house, he may be confused as to where to poop and where not to. You can help him out by starting his potty training immediately. The moment you walk into the house, take him to his designated potty area and let him poop there. If he does, reward him with a treat and shower him with praise. An hour later, return to the same spot and repeat. Do this a number of times throughout the day. But you hate the idea of dog training, don't you? Well, lucky you, one of the perks of small dogs over bigger dogs is that they aren't difficult to train. After repeating it a few times, you'll start noticing your golden doodle heading to the potty area all by himself. He now knows what the spot is for and no longer needs help or support. This is the beauty of golden doodles. They're so obedient and easy to train that you don't even need any special dog training guide to get started. Allow for exploration but don't keep your eyes off them Dogs, especially energetic ones like golden doodles, aren't just going to sit in one place. They will like to move around the house, explore the place, and chew on a few things. Don't stop them. Instead, encourage them even further. And when you find them scratching on the floor or chewing on furniture, redirect their focus with a treat. Get down and get playful You can keep a serious face and mood with everybody but not with your new furry friend. Unless you want him to be tensed and uncomfortable, you need to recreate the sort of environment he had at the breeder's home. Remember, he was a part of a pack back there, and he had fun with his peers and mother. Since you've taken all that away from him, you have to replace with something a little close. So, get down on all fours and hop around like a furry, laugh out loud even when nothing is funny, run up and down the stairs and let him chase you. In short, do everything possible to keep your pup entertained and at home. That way, he won't miss his old family and environment too much. Start calling him by his name Your pup will probably have a name from the breeder's home, or you will have to choose one for him. Whatever the case, it's always a good idea to call him by this name from day one. Although golden doodles are a smart breed, you still need to say this name repeatedly for him to understand it's his name. You can say it while he's looking right at you or while he's looking away; while he's napping; while he's playing; with a low tone or with an excited tone. If you're not getting a good result, try these steps: Take him to a special corner in the house Look him right in the eyes and say the name with an excited tone Reward with a treat and sing his praise Alternatively, you can try this method Keep his leash on and take him somewhere in the compound Wait a minute to watch him look away Once he's looking away, call his name. Say it in a positive tone. If he doesn't respond, pull the leash lightly to have his attention Repeat What if he won't stop crying at night? All we've said so far is about the day experience. At night, the story changes. Your pup may have trouble sleeping, or worse, he may even start crying. And who can blame him? He's lonely and alone. To help him, you can do any of the following. Tire him out close to bedtime When a pup is worn out from playing, he won't even have the energy to cry, let alone stay awake. Bring him into the room One of the main reasons pups cry at night is because they feel alone. When you allow them to come sleep with you in your bedroom, it minimizes the loneliness. Note: He doesn't have to sleep in your bed; you can bring in a soft dog bed or a crate. Use calming music Like we said before, music can help calm his nerves. Do not reproduce without permission. Preparing for a Goldendoodle Puppy Preparing for a Goldendoodle Puppy Preparing for a new puppy is an exciting endeavor, but when the breed in question is a goldendoodle, the experience becomes an extraordinary one. However, as with any new furry addition, preparation is key. From learning more about this breed to choosing a vet and puppy-proofing your home, getting everything ready for your new goldendoodle addition can make the transition easier for you and your pup. What You Need To Know About Goldendoodles A fairly newer crossbreed that emerged in the late s, these pups are hybrids of golden retrievers and poodles. Likely inspired by the successful crossbreeding of Labrador retrievers and poodles resulting in the popular labradoodle, the goldendoodle mix has also proven a resounding success. Goldendoodles come in four size variations: petite, mini, medium and standard. This is a highly intelligent, nonaggressive breed that thrives on pleasing their humans. Goldendoodle puppies can have different coat curl patterns, from tight coils to looser waves. Doodles are quiet, typically only barking when they feel threatened. Goldendoodle puppies love to swim, a trait inherited from their parental breeds. Prepare Your Home for a Goldendoodle Puppy Anytime you bring home a new goldendoodle puppy, some preparation is needed to make the transition easier for you and your furry addition. From puppy-proofing to training tips, it might seem a little overwhelming at first. When you set up your doodle den, make it as comfortable as possible. Introduce it to the crate in as positive a manner as possible to get your puppy accustomed to the idea of sleeping there. Goldendoodle Puppy Housing Training Tips Getting your doodle accustomed to certain behaviors at home will help make the transition much smoother. The key to proper home training, even outside of what you learn in a more structured training environment, is consistency. If there are certain behaviors you plan to implement from the outset of bringing your goldendoodle puppy home, make sure that you — and your family members — remain as consistent as possible. It takes puppies time to learn, so keep in mind that like a small child, your puppy is bound to make mistakes. This is one of the reasons you should enforce anything you do with a structured training protocol with your new pet. Remember to always use positive reinforcement for your new pup and take the time to learn its body language. Tips for Puppy-Proofing Puppy-proofing is as important as baby-proofing, as your new doodle may let its curiosity lead it to investigate anything and everything. The best thing you can do to combat any unwanted shoe or furniture damage is puppy-proof before your new puppy arrives. Being proactive in puppy-proofing will save both you and your new family member a great deal of stress when you bring your puppy home. Use puppy gates to block off any dangerous areas of the home. Get Family Members Ready for a New Furry Friend In addition to preparing your home for a goldendoodle puppy, you may need to prepare your family members as well. It can be challenging to give any new puppy space to acclimate, especially one as cute as a baby doodle. Kids especially may have issues respecting boundaries where your new pup is concerned. A daily schedule and plenty of conversations about not overwhelming your new family member are key to getting everyone on the same page. A daily puppy schedule will help everyone get acclimated and will set expectations in terms of crate training, meal and playtimes and potty breaks. One of the biggest adjustments you may have to make is that goldendoodles need lots of time for play and exercise. Try to allot at least 30 minutes a day to spending time outdoors, playing with toys, running around and learning new tricks. These dogs enjoy the mental stimulation as much as they do the physical activity. House training may be a slow-going process in terms of potty training and breaks, so you may have to be patient here as well. A new goldendoodle puppy is going to have accidents — this is a fact of life. If you plan to be away from home for long periods, consider hiring a dog sitter for the first few weeks. So once you get your puppy established with a vet and integrated into your household, consider daycare if you spend a lot of time away from home each day. Shop for a Few New Puppy Essentials One of the most fun parts of bringing home a new puppy is shopping for the essentials. This is true of toys, treats and even some types of collars and leashes. This goes for toys, food and even more expensive bedding options. Similar to their human counterparts, puppies develop their own likes and dislikes over time. What To Know About Caring for Your New Doodle Caring for your doodle puppy requires consistency and attentiveness to everything from the food you choose to the vet you feel most comfortable with. Choose a Veterinarian With Goldendoodle Experience Preparing for a goldendoodle puppy also means finding a veterinarian to care for your new puppy. When you start the search for a veterinarian, look for one with experience with this breed. Doing so ensures your local vet is more likely to be proactive with any health or genetic issues that may crop up down the road. New Pup Food Facts Anytime you bring home a new puppy, choosing the right dog food can be a matter of trial and error. If you do opt to transition to another brand, discuss it with your vet first. It may take time — and lots of patience — to transition your puppy to another food, so keep that in mind before you make the switch. This also applies to puppy treats. Any food or treat changes should be implemented slowly and with care. Keep in mind that puppies have sensitive tummies and may not take to a new food brand or type very well. So be prepared to go back to the food they were eating before the switch if the new option causes them stomach issues. Brush your pup daily and schedule a grooming appointment every six weeks or so. Failure to properly groom your doodle can result in matting, which is both painful and unsightly. Keep the at-home grooming to daily brushing and find a professional you can trust for the more extensive process. Doodle Training Is Crucial Like any puppy, your new doodle addition will likely require dog training at first to stop bad habits from forming. Finding a professional dog trainer is as essential as settling on the right veterinarian. Once you find the right person for the job, create a consistent training schedule to cover the basics. Decide if you want to engage in training at home or at a training facility. This allows it to associate certain behaviors with specific areas of the home. For instance, if part of the training process deals with meals and food access, initiating it around its own bowl might be more beneficial than doing so at another location entirely. Goldendoodle puppies are lovable and ideal for dog lovers of all types. They make for an ideal choice for families with small children and individuals who just want a canine companion to make a family of two. If there is a behavior your puppy exhibits that you may think is cute while your puppy is small, you need to think ahead and determine if this behavior will be acceptable from an adult dog. Consistency is the most important tool for training a puppy in their first year and beyond. Each family member needs to use the same techniques and commands so as not to confuse your puppy. It is important to remember that a puppy associates a reward or a disciplinary action with its behavior in the past 3 seconds. Waiting longer than 3 seconds to reward or discipline is very confusing to a puppy. You cannot stop this behavior, but you can certainly direct your puppy to chew upon acceptable items until this phase passes at about a year of age. The only way puppies know how to play is the typical wrestling, biting, chasing, tackling, pulling, and nipping they do with littermates. In the absence of littermates, you and your family suddenly become the littermates. Repeat this same disciplinary action a total of three times in a row. Every now and then, a particularly feisty puppy will become more excited by this disciplinary action and need a more distinct disciplinary measure. This next action needs to be initiated quickly. This will be uncomfortable for your puppy. When behavior meets with uncomfortable consequences, the behavior will stop. With all this being said, the absolute best remedy is for you to arrange daily play dates with other puppies or young dogs. The bottom line is that your puppy needs to have active playtime each day. Jumping — Your puppy will jump on you to get your attention. This may seem innocent while your puppy is small, but Grandma may not appreciate being knocked over by the full grown untrained dog. Make sure you do not reward the puppy for the act of getting down as this will enforce the behavior of jumping up only to be told to get down for a reward. This is not a sign of aggression unless you allow this to go undisciplined over time. You need to actively discourage any and all growling directed at you. If your puppy growls at you when you get close to the food bowl, immediately remove the food bowl and feed the puppy out of your hand. Do not stop brushing until the puppy accepts this without growling. Each puppy needs to learn its place in the pecking order of a family. Obviously, they need to be the lowest on the totem pole. If allowed to be boss, growling is a normal thing for a puppy to exhibit when showing its dominance. Each family member must establish they are boss. This includes young children who are timid or fearful of the puppy. Remember that any behavior you allow as a puppy is then extremely difficult to curb later in life. If you do not wish to have your adult dog on the furniture, do not sit on the sofa holding your puppy. If you do not want your grown dog to grab your pant leg, etc. Leash Training — Training your Goldendoodle puppy to walk on a leash without pulling will take some time. Be patient and read our complete guide to leash training here. Buying a Trained Puppy — You can opt to have your puppy purchased at Fox Creek Farm trained by a professional trainer. Buying a trained puppy can save you a lot of time and benefit the entire family. Please visit our board and train services page for more information. Pet Insurance — We always recommend that any dog owner have a good quality pet insurance. Choosing the best pet insurance will take you a bit of time to learn about the coverages and fees associate with the brand and your particular dog. Spend some time with our blog articles on pet insurance linked above to determine what is right for you and your furry friend. Open Search Bringing home your new puppy is an exciting day! My husband and I raise and train premium goldendoodle puppies in the beautiful PNW. I work with amazing families who want the best for their newest member of the family. Knowing what to expect and having the right mindset will go a long ways! Check out our resource page for my favorite recommendations. To help understand your puppy, keep in mind where they are coming from. Up to this point, most puppies have been with their mama and littermates. They have eaten when they wanted, slept when they wanted, played when they wanted, and gone potty anywhere and anytime they wanted! Imagine the difference when you try to get them on a schedule! With all that in mind, when you first arrive home give your puppy a chance to relieve itself in an area you have designated for that purpose. I would take them out without their leash—just carry them to the spot and set them down. I recommend starting potty training immediately. Allow your puppy minutes to potty and explore the new territory. Talk to the puppy when it explores to make it feel more at home. At night the puppy will feel lonely and will probably demonstrate this by whining. These are a few things that you can do that might make the puppy feel at home. Many times people are reluctant to have their puppy sleep in a crate. My advice is to always listen to your intuition when it comes to your puppy. With that said, your puppy is used to sleeping in a cove like tight space and the crate will not only help them potty train but give them that cove like feeling. Make it comfortable for them by adding a soft crate bed , a soft toy , and a transition blanket. I like the Mid West Life Stages crate because it has an adjustable wall. You can put the wall up to make the crate space smaller and move it back as your puppy gets bigger. Where do you put the crate? Two main schools of thought on this… Keep the crate in a draft free area next to your bed. This is a good option if you are able to get up often during the night. For approximately the first three weeks, if your puppy cries, take him out, on leash to relieving area. After relieving put him back into his crate. Do not give him any treats or any play time. Put him right back into his crate and he should go back to sleep. This is considered the more gentle method as your puppy will feel safe knowing you are present. It is more difficult as well because it will take a long time for your puppy to sleep through the night as he will be able to wake you and want your assistance. Many people choose this option until their puppy is potty trained and then move the pup to their room. With this option, set a designated time to get the puppy from their crate to go potty. The first night take them out every 2 hours. Each night add an hour in between potty breaks next day every 3 hours, next day every 4 hours—all the way up to 7. By the end of one week your puppy will be able to sleep 7 hours in their crate. With you setting the pace your puppy will learn you will take them out and stop barking after the first 5ish days. I would invest in earplugs if you choose this option! Under no circumstances take the puppy to bed with you. This will form a very undesirable habit. Once your puppy is potty trained and sleeping through the night, it is much more manageable if you choose to have your puppy sleeping in your bed. Before that—you are going to have a rough time with night time potty training and may find yourself getting up frequently for months and months! I recommend going a whole month of no accidents and seeing clear communication from your puppy asking to go outside before moving them to your bed. Be consistent! Whatever method you choose be sure you can stick with it! Know that a great deal of effort in this beginning time will give you a well trained and happy pup for their lifetime! Read more on how to crate train and what the days beyond should look like on my crate training post! Hold your puppy by his collar by slipping your thumb in his collar and set his food about two feet away. This should be done at every meal throughout training. It is easiest for the puppy if you can feed them the same food your breeder was giving them. Be sure to order some ahead of time so you can have it ready. You can also add 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree to their food to help with their tummy. Expect your puppy to not have much of an appetite. Keep it picked up and give it to them each time. Immediately take them outside as they will probably go potty within a couple minutes. To help them feel secure you can give your puppy a distressing massage while having some cuddle time. Wait until they are somewhat sleepy or at least not energetic. Bring your puppy into your lap giving them lots of eye contact. Dogs have distressing pressure points in the slight indent at the top of their head and the sinuses below the tear ducts. You can rub those areas while snuggling in addition to long slow strokes from the top of his shoulder blades to the base of his tale. But…they WILL transition! Dogs are incredibly intuitive and they will be able to sense you love and care for them. At the end of the day that is what is most important. Keeping as many things the same will also help. Talk to your breeder about food, vitamins, transition blankets, etc. Here is a list of things that will help your puppy make that transition. Yay puppies!!! In the first week you've probably already introduced your new little guy to the family, offered a tour around the new digs, made some key introductions with other housemates in their furrever home and maybe even said hello to a neighbor or two…but now what? Many new goldendoodle owners are often unprepared for what comes next and find that the honeymoon period is not always as glamorous as imagined. This is a HUGE transition both for you and for them! Many new owners will buy the best food money can buy or, more commonly, offer the same food the breeder has been using. It is very common for puppies to have a transitional period where eating is suppressed. Different factors can be at play here — homesickness, stress, or even intimidation by other household pets. We encourage you to be patient, supportive and just keep offering food — especially during those down times when things are quiet and pup is feeling settled. Eventually, your little guy will come around! This is the first night your pup has been away from littermates so he or she may spend a lot of time whining in the crate spare a tear for sibling bonding. This can last for several nights, but usually decreases with each passing night. At JLDD, we start all pups on crate training by the time they are just two weeks old. At JLDD we introduce a potty area at around three weeks old and encourage the pups to use puppy pads throughout their time with us. The smaller the area, the more likely your pup will be to use the puppy pad. In fact, confining them to just a room or two of your house at first is often a good idea in general to make things less overwhelming for them. Bonus points if your predesignated area is within direct eyeline to the outside door…that way your little guy can quickly get familiar with the way outside. Be prepared…young pups have to pee A LOT! This aspect of owning a new pup takes time and is sometimes a 2-steps forward, 1-step back process.At night, you can expect your pup to be able to go around hours at first without needing to potty…some of our bigger pups can go 8 hours from night one, but it just depends on the pup. Most will need a potty break at some point in the middle of the night for the first couple weeks—it can be tough, but fortunately they are usually able to stretch it out pretty quickly. To review, when raising a goldendoodle puppy, the best tools you can have in your belt are patience, a good sense of humor and consistency. Puppies thrive on schedules and predictable expectations, and lots of snuggles and chew toys! Doodles are very smart and learn fast, so you should see marked improved by the week, meaning that each progressive week is generally easier than the last. The transition in the first week with your goldendoodle is tough for them, but remember, they are learning that YOU are their new pack. This is a critical phase for bonding to humans and you are about to have a profoundly loyal best friend for life. You got this!

Pedigree or crossbreed? What is a pedigree dog? When most people think of a pedigree dog, they envisage a breed which is Kennel Club recognised and registered, and therefore has a Kennel Club supplied pedigree. If a breeder has bred a pair of dogs which both have pedigrees, they can produce a pedigree for the resulting puppies. Pedigrees are important so that breeders can make well-informed breeding decisions and prevent close inbreeding; without pedigrees, nobody would know how closely related two dogs were and would therefore be taking a huge risk by breeding the pair. What is a crossbreed? So why are they not usually referred to as pedigree dogs? Is Kennel Club recognition important? In our opinion, absolutely not. Pedigrees: The Kennel Club provide pedigrees for registered puppies, but those pedigrees are produced using data provided by the individual breeders themselves with no requirement for DNA testing. In real terms, that means that a Kennel Club pedigree is of no greater value or significance than a handwritten pedigree that Joe Bloggs dreamed up and scribbled down on a scrap of paper. This is a document which details the physical traits that the breed should display — breeders who are interested in showing their dogs use it as a target or a set of goal posts and they aim to breed dogs as close to that standard as possible. If you have no interest in showing and are looking for a family pet, this is irrelevant. In fact, the Kennel Club has been heavily criticised recently for producing breed standards which have compromised the health of many dog breeds. Where do Australian Labradoodles fall into the equation? Australian Labradoodles are a crossbreed — they are not recognised as a breed by the Kennel Club. Is this a problem? In short — no. Breeders all over the world keep pedigree records and work together to ensure that a good gene pool is maintained and dogs are not inbred. It is up to individual breeders to carry out their own health screening and make the certificates available for their puppy buyers to view. It is also up to the public to demand to see health certificates prior to buying a puppy. The result is that Australian Labradoodles have far fewer health issues than many of the Kennel Club recognised breeds! Hope this has helped! Our Breeds Australian Labradoodle Australian Labradoodles were originally bred to be service and therapy dogs for asthma and allergy sufferers in Australia in the late s. Their outstanding temperaments and non-shedding coats make them a popular choice with families around the world. They are bred in three different sizes: miniature, medium and standard, and have a wide range of coat colours. They are known for being intelligent, trainable, happy-go-lucky, comical, gentle and excellent with children. Bernedoodle Bernedoodles were first bred in Canada to be excellent companion dogs in the early s. They are popular family companions in North America and relatively new to European shores. They result from crossing the Bernese Mountain Dogs with the Poodle. They are bred in a variety of solid and multi-combination colours, but are particularly known for the beautiful and much sought after black tricolour of the Bernese Mountain Dog. Bernedoodles are bred in three sizes: miniature, medium and standard. They are known for being smart, trainable, funny and affectionate. Sometimes, the Australian Labradoodle is used or infused instead of the Poodle and the resulting offspring are known as Australian Bernedoodles.

It is also cheerful, happy and friendly, also getting along well with strangers and greeting them happily, a trait inherited from its Pug parent, which does not make it an efficient watchdog. The Shug dog also shares a good rapport with children of every age but should be socialized before they get to interact with dogs or other pets. Care Exercise Because of its active nature, it needs to be taken out for a brisk walk on a regular basis, coupled with sufficient play time. They would also do well in an apartment, provided they have sufficient toys to play with or enough stuff to be kept busy. Grooming As they shed less, their grooming requirements are also low, sufficing with a weekly brushing for excess hair removal. You should also wipe its eyes and ears with a moist cotton ball on a weekly basis, brush its teeth and clean its nails, to maintain proper hygiene. Health Problems Though a healthy and hardy breed, it might develop some of the health concerns of both its parents like hip dysplasia, breathing difficulties, gastric dilation volvulus, bloating, arthritis and brachycephalic syndrome. Training Its inherent intelligence may make it easy to grasp training, though it needs a firm master who can deal with its strong-willed nature tactfully. Socialization: Teach your Shug puppies to get along well with other pets as well as people whom they do not know. You can invite friends to your home who have dogs or even take them to a dog park so that they may be acquainted with other dogs and gradually get to know how to interact with them. Obedience: You should train your Shug puppy with commands to control its stubbornness. Once it succeeds, reward it with treats and praises. Practice this many times so that your dog instantly comes the moment you call him even if it is distracted by something else. Housetraining: This should be started simultaneously with obedience training. Take them outside every 2 hours from the beginning. Always make your dog eliminate at one particular spot so that he can associate it with relieving itself. Reward it appropriately with praises and treats whenever your dog does a good job. Feeding Give your Shug dog high-quality dry dog food in combination with a nutritious homemade diet. However, overeating may affect their health adversely, so you need to keep a check on their diet. Leave a Reply Your email address will not be published. Photo by crazydaisyshug IG Treat your search for a Shug puppy as an adventure, as it may take you some extra time and effort to look for one. We also gathered some trusted advertising sites for puppies and dogs where you can look for a Shug puppy. Here are some sources where you can find German Shepherd Pug mix puppies for sale: Buckeye Puppies — This online advertising platform connects buyers to local breeders of Shugs and pet shops in Ohio, Indiana, and Michigan. They strive to make the puppy purchasing process as safe as possible for both the buyer and seller. They regularly scan their website listings and monitor feedback from users to ensure credibility. Best Friends Forever Puppies — With over 30 years of experience in matching families with their ideal companion, Best Friends Forever Puppies offers a great selection of both registered and designer breed puppies including the German Shepherd Pug mix. They also have a one-year health guarantee along with up-to-date vaccinations, a complimentary wellness exam, and bath and trim services for their dogs. Greenfield Puppies — Greenfield Puppies has been helping buyers find a reputable breeder for over 20 years. Their website advertises breeders of various pure and mixed breeds such as Shugs located throughout Pennsylvania and surrounding states. They ensure healthy and humane breeding practices for their puppies and verify the reputation of their breeders via background checks. If you want to adopt a Pug German Shepherd mix instead, here are some rescues you can check out: Westside German Shepherd Rescue of Los Angeles — This non-profit rescue organization is committed to saving German Shepherds, all types and mixes, from high-kill shelters. They adopt and provide them with loving, qualified homes. They provide vet care, safety, and food and place the rescued dogs in qualified foster homes with their volunteers until they get adopted. Pug Rescue of Austin — Located in Austin, Texas, this all-volunteer non-profit organization is dedicated to the rescue, healthcare, and rehoming of abused, unwanted, and neglected Pugs and Pug mixes. There are also rescue organizations for Pugs and German Shepherds that you can try contacting. Since taking care of a dog is a commitment, you have to be certain that you really want a Shug dog in your life! Here are the pros of owning a Pug German Shepherd mix: Unique looks: German Shepherd Pug mixes can have different physical characteristics that they can inherit from either of their purebred parents or a combination of them. Some may look more like a German Shepherd, while others resemble the Pug more. The bottom line is that each Shug dog will have a distinctive adorable appearance! Great temperament: The German Shepherd Pug mix is a sociable, affectionate, fiercely loyal, obedient, playful, and intelligent dog. These good traits are their foundation as good companion dogs. German Shepherd Pug mixes are so friendly that they get along easily with anyone. Low shedding and grooming needs: The short coats of Shug dogs make their grooming low-maintenance. Lots of dog owners find them convenient to take care of compared to other dogs. Just as long as their needs are met, from nutritional to emotional needs, then the Shug will be there for you. Manage this by exerting more effort, patience, and determination when training. Dedicate ample time, love, and attention to your dog not just because they need them but because you care for them. They tend to get curious about their surroundings and people. These can change through early socialization. German Shepherd Pug mixes indeed inherit most of the best qualities from the Pug and German Shepherd genes. This leads to pain, stiffness and restricted movement. Denture malocclusions Malocclusions of the dentition often occur in dogs with short muzzles. Shortness of breath Difficult breathing can be recognized by the dog's rattling and sometimes accelerated breathing rate. Overweight Often, unfortunately, the dogs very much under excess weight. But the dogs themselves are never to blame! Heart disease Can occur frequently in dogs and can sometimes be treated with medication. Breathing problems Dogs with shortened muzzles can often experience respiratory problems. German Shepherds and Pug mixes can look different, but generally have the head and nose of a German Shepherd and the body and coat of a Pug. What is the temperament of a pug-shepherd mix? German Shepherd and Pug mixes are usually loyal, friendly and playful. They can inherit the German Shepherd's protective instinct, so early socialization and training is important. How long do German Shepherd and Pug mixes live? The average life expectancy of a pug-shepherd mix is years. How much exercise does a pug-shepherd mix need? German Shepherd and Pug mixes need moderate exercise. A daily walk or play session should be sufficient. Are German Shepherd and Pug mixes good with children? German Shepherd and Pug mixes usually get along well with children, but early socialization is important to ensure they are comfortable in their environment. Author Sissi Author Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Since then she struts daily her steps with Loki through the world. The Beagdor Labrador-Beagle mix is a therapy dog for children and also accompanies her to schools. Secretly she fancies a French Bulldog as a second dog. Sissi is a blogger since , came on the dog .Useful Articles. Lifespan Sociability Shugs are a new breed for the market so putting a price on them is pretty much the Wild West at the moment. You can try your luck at your local dog shelter when searching for a dog and you might be able to find a mixed dog that resembles the Shug. When you bring a Shug into your home, be ready to have a playful and sociable dog with you. They love spending time with their family and are known to be quite needy so make sure you can spend a lot of time with your dog if you decide to go after a Shug. On the one hand, this is actually a good thing. On the other hand, it means that breeders can sell any puppy and call it a Shug without any repercussions. Talk to other people who have bought puppies there, and look for any negative press. Shugs are different from Pug-Zus. A Shug is a mixture of a Pug and a German Shepherd. Pugs are the favored dog of royalty. Move over, Corgis! They love playing and getting attention. First, they love strangers too much to be good guard dogs. Nowadays, Pugs and Shugs are more likely to rush over to interlopers and wag their tails than to bark and summon help. Second, Shugs are prone to separation anxiety. Again, nothing is a substitute for meeting the pup and its parents before any money changes hands. Choose an organic dog food with real ingredients , avoiding by-products and gluten meal, and feed your Shug two cups per day. It loves a brisk walk through the park as much as it loves to eat and nap. In order to maintain its healthy weight, you should exercise your Shug about 45 minutes a day, using a combination of walks and toys. If it gets more of its German Shepherd side, it will be able to handle longer walks. If your Shug looks more like a Pug, go easy on the outdoor exercise on hot days. The good news on that front is that Shugs are happy to spend most of their time indoors. This makes them great dogs for people living in apartments. However, German Shepherds are work dogs bred to accept training. Shugs are almost never aggressive. Their biggest problem behaviors are disobedience and potty training. To housebreak a Shug puppy, consistency is key: take it outside at regular intervals, and make sure it always relieves itself in the same spot. Brush its teeth and nails at the same time, if you can. Dysplasia is more common in German Shepherds, while obstructed airways are a bigger risk for Pugs. Bloat and allergies are potential problems in both breeds. Minor Conditions Allergies: Both Pugs and German Shepherds might suffer from allergies, which can cause red, itchy skin around their eyes and ears. German Shepherds frequently suffer from dysplasia, a trait they can pass down to Shugs. An honest breeder will screen out parents who might be at risk of dysplasia. Male vs Female Male and female Shugs look and act very similar. On average, females are about an inch shorter than males. Compared to the differences between mixes that favor one parent or the other, though, gender distinctions are pretty minimal. Separation anxiety and stubbornness are a problem, as is the fact that this breed is a bit of a barker. See also:. His face and personality was all pug, I didn't notice any German Shepherd traits other than his coloring and size. He loves dogs, people, and pretty much everything else. He is very food-motivated as well, and will drool at the sight of food. He makes little honking noises when he runs the pug part of him , especially when chasing new friends at the dog park. He loves to chase the skunks in his backyard too. He also loves snuggles, and will usually sleep in and go to bed at night when he is tired all on his own. His owners are Chelsea and Patrick Lapienis, with the former telling Newsweek: "He's a lovable goofball who is super sweet and very excitable. He loves playing fetch, hide and seek, and even has some puzzles that he likes to solve. He loves meeting people and dogs alike, and is friends with his vet. The adorable mutt is a result of a pug crossed with a German Shepherd. Chelsea Lapienis She revealed his unusual parentage, adding: "We were told that the mother was a pug, and the father was actually a 6-month-old German Shepard who wasn't fixed yet. They don't usually breed this mix, so he was definitely a surprise. He was 7 lbs when we got him at 2 months, so he was a decent size. When we met him, it was an instant attachment, and we are so happy that we added him to our family. He is also a huge cuddler who loves to snuggle when possible. He has very high energy levels and very low energy levels at times. At first glance his body resembles a German Shepherd, but where does that curly tail come from? Place your bets on his unique mix, but you will never guess it. This is Goblin, and he's a pug and German shepherd mix. While I assume this was an oopsie, somewhere out there there's a very determined pug daddy who must be held accountable for making every owner from this litter laugh for the next 15 years. Turns out Goblin's mom is a pug, and his dad was a six-month-old German Shepherd. Chelsea Lapienis De Prophetis, who's been a professional pet groomer for more than 10 years, talked viewers through the grooming process, including sharing some excellent slow-motion footage of Goblin being blow-dried. She continued: "After his bath, I towel him dry, and I spray him down in our quick dry spray and he is very excited to show you how adorable he looks, in the not so happy hoody. During his blow dry I noticed that my favorite thing about him is his flapping nostrils. While the pug part of him tried to stay positive, the German shepherd part was not enthused. After he is dry, I de-shed this majestic mongrel, with the EquiGroomer, and then I clip his nails. Pugs are usually difficult for nail clipping, and naturally he had to give me some sass. So I gave him the finger. He made me laugh for an hour straight. And that only continued as he bucked around my yard. Thank you so much for watching, I hope you enjoyed the goofy Goblin. Sweetums reckoned: "I refuse to believe this isn't just two pugs in a trench coat. While Plague raved: "He's beautiful. I've never seen such a great mix. Its ears may be erect like the German Shepherd or floppy as that of the pug. Its tail also bears a striking resemblance to that of a pug, curling comfortably on its back. Goblin is a year old, and his litter was an accident. ET: This article was updated with comment, video and photos from De Prophetis. ET: This article was updated with comment and photos from Lapienis. Photo: spiketheshug The German Shepherd Pug mix will borrow a decent amount of its looks from both of its parent breeds, usually maintaining roughly the size of the Pug and the short, curly tail, as well as the short, bristly fur of the Pug. It will likely have the nose, mouth and head shape of the German Shepherd, with the ears of the Shepherd. Are you looking for a way to treat your furry friend? Sign up for our newsletter for a chance to win a free month of Barkbox! Subscribe By subscribing, you agree to get emails from myk9life. We'll respect your privacy and you can unsubscribe any time. They were originally bred in the 19th century by Max von Stephanitz for use as a herding dog, from a variety of previous German herding dogs. Though due to their large size, intelligence and ability to follow commands, the German Shepherd has found itself taking on many different roles throughout the years, including in police and military work, and as a disability-assistance dog. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular dogs in the United States, likely for their multi-use capacity, obedience and generally friendly nature. The German Shepherd was the creation of Max von Stephanitz in the nineteenth century in Germany, it was originally created as a herding dog to help German farmers herd cattle. However, today, it occupies many different roles, including as a police military working dog, and as a disability assistance and beloved family pet. The History of the Pug By contrast to the German Shepherd, the Pug was bred to be a lapdog and companion pet of Chinese royalty and nobility, dating back as far as B. You may see depictions of Chinese nobility with their Pugs on their lap. The Pug began life in China but migrated to Europe in the 17th century as trade began to open up between Asia and Europe. From there, the Pug will have become a staple of American life through the migration of Europeans to the United States in the 19th century. Though it is far from the most popular dog in the country, it holds a respectable level of popularity, ranking below forty routinely. Last year, the Pug was the 33rd most popular dog in America. Pugs are great companion pets for just about anyone. Their laissez-faire attitude to life and low-maintenance requirements when it comes to exercise and grooming make them the perfect pet for the elderly. Pugs were originally bred in China, and first appeared around B. C as lapdogs and companions of Chinese royalty and nobility. Crossbreeding in the United States began to gain popularity in the s and peaked in the 90s and s, therefore we can assume that the Pug would have likely been crossbred during this time period. Even leading to rehoming, or having to put a bunch of money into training, above and beyond that which is normally expected of a new owner. Expect a highly intelligent, energetic, friendly dog with a happy disposition and lots of love to give! In general, German Shepherd Pugs are quite friendly animals, you can expect them to be somewhat aloof with strangers, but very friendly to those they know and love! The German Shepherd Pug will typically weigh between 12 and 15 pounds. You can expect the German Shepherd Pug mix to stand between 8 and 12 inches tall. The German Shepherd Pug mix is a minimally shedding dog. We recommend half an hour to forty-five minutes of exercise per day. The life expectancy of your typical German Shepherd Pug mix is between 12 and 15 years. These medium sized pets hail from crossing two great breeds-the Pug and German Shepherd. These medium sized pets came into existence by crossing two great breeds-the pug and german shepherds! The Shug dog is a mix of many different breeds, but its closest relatives are the Pug and German Shepherd. It has similar features to both parent breeds including an erect or floppy ears depending on how their owner cares for them. The tail curls nicely at either end like that found in Pugs as well. The Shug Dog Breed loves to cuddle and hang out on the couch, but this breed also really likes playing fetch. They make fantastic watchdogs too so rest assured knowing this little guy will always protect those he loves. They are also playful, which can be fun for you. However they will bring their fair share of mischief into the relationship too. He has the perfect personality for any household. Height: Shug dog breed ranges from inches. Weight: This breed weighs from lbs. Lifespan: Life expectancy is from years. Coat: Small coat. Shedding: Less than normal routine. They need to be Socialized, just like all dogs! These German shepherd mix breeds are not ones who can hang out by themselves for long without getting bored easily in fact their energy level might make some people feel queasy and can be counted as playful dogs. German Shepherd Pug Mix is an intelligent dog just like its ancestors. A solid connection between people and their companion animals builds an emotional foundation for bonding that can strengthen lifelong relationships through mutual understanding. As this one might exhibit stubbornness similar to that found in Pug ancestry which could lead them into mischief as well as strong willed nature after being trained properly. The wide, low-set muzzle that enables them to find their prey easily while keeping an eye out for danger gives way as it becomes longer so the dog can see further with less effort than its shorter counterparts. With a stocky build and round face, the Shug is similar to both its parents. Their ears may stand up proudly but will also have some floppiness due to their Pug heritage too. It is very common for breeders of designer hybrid dogs to crossbreed multiple generations. A Shug may seem like a doe-footer at first, but they quickly inherit the stubbornness of their parents. When they need more power in order accomplish tasks such as pulling heavy carts or chasing small animals like rabbits across fields of wheat where visibility may be limited by weather conditions these traits become evident once again due lamb ears which stand erect when alert but have soft edges because this breed was originally developed from livestock herding methods not hunting ones! Having a Shug dog is like owning two dogs in one. A little ball of energy with an adorable face, the pup will be your best friend for life if you give it space to explore and unleash its personality! The coat on these little guys varies from smooth hairlessness all over their bodies like humans to short hairs around them where they stand or lie down so get ready because no matter what kind yours looks likes there might still have some unique features that make them stand apart from other breeds such as wrinkles being considered good luck by the Chinese — another reason why yours should always stay hydrated while walking outside. If left on their own for long periods of time or without proper training they might become destructive as well; chewing everything within reach and barking constantly when bored! Below factors can be beneficial for their grooming: Socializing: One should try to make their Shug dog breed puppy socialize with other pets and people that it does not know. Invite friends over, take them for walks at a dog park so they can get acquainted before getting an animal companion of their very own! You could invite some canine companions. Once this has been mastered then you can teach more complex ones like staying at one place for quite some time while waiting patiently with treats , walking on different surfaces without getting distracted too much—and even jumping through hoops! This pup needs to be brushed at least once per week or else dirt will start building up on their skin which could lead the animal down a bad path of infection from scratching constantly in an attempt to remove this unwanted residue. Not only do they have an adorable face, but Shushers shed minimally and require very little maintenance. A Shug dog breed life is full of challenges, from needing to stay clean in order not to be uncomfortable when you visit their home for hours on end with no bidet or proper restroom facilities. Fortunately there are some easy solutions that will make things easier. You should check your Shug dog ears regularly and trimming nails every month or two will keep her pretty clean. If your shug shows any labored breathing or difficulty taking rapid deep breaths while running errands on summer days then be sure to bring him inside. You may be wondering how a Shug dog breed will do in winter? Get him some water and use cool clothes on his body while providing plenty of shade for rest in order to avoid passing out because this condition causes confusion as well which makes taking care easy too tricky at times but not impossible. You should not encourage your Shug dog breed to work through training. It is crucial that you keep track of the meals they eat so as not overfeed or underfeed! Hip dysplasia and elbow displacement are reduced in occurrence with this type of breed as well! Final thoughts on German Shepherd Pug Mix: Shug dog is a cross between two popular breeds that have been bred to avoid the biggest problems with each. Shug-pugs combine elements of German Shepherds and Pugs, which makes them perfect for city living where space is scarce but your dog still needs ample room to run around in addition to being able breathe easily indoors without having allergens stick around like peanuts or dust mites from old furniture pieces left out on dirty floors! Shug dog breeds are a great choice for families! Not only do they have the intelligence and playfulness of their German Shepherd genes, but also an affectionate personality that makes them happy to be around. The Pug side of Shug genetics means that these pups are relaxed which makes for an easy going personality if your new pup friend or relative resides at home with you. Post navigation. German Shepherd Pug Mix: Two Dogs From Vastly Different Backgrounds German Shepherds have a rich working heritage, first as herders and protectors of livestock and later as police and war dogs, guide dogs, search and rescue animals, and guard dogs. Stephanitz developed the breed further through closely-related offspring such as Beowulf and herding dogs tending sheep across the plains of Germany. The Pug is among the most ancient of dog breeds. Pugs roamed China as early as the Han Dynasty, which spanned from B. However, evidence suggests an earlier foundation for the breed in the Lo-Sze Dog of B. Not only have Pugs served as loyal companions their entire history, but they also once almost exclusively accompanied royalty. Persons of the crown would display a special preference for the little dogs for decades to come. Pugs found their way to Europe in the s and s, and gained overwhelming popularity along with other purebred dogs during the Victorian Age when they shared the spotlight with the Poodle and German Shepherd. They had short coats, so while Victorians could not figure out an attractive haircut for Pugs, they dressed the dogs in elaborate collars and bows around their necks. Like many German-Shepherd-based designer dogs, such as the Shottie or Doberman Shepherd , the Shug often has a readily recognizable appearance and demeanor. However, the two parent breeds are so different you can obtain widely different variations that can resemble a rare breed or one of the purebred parents. How big will your dog be? German Shepherds are two feet tall at the shoulders, give or take a couple of inches. Females tend to be slightly shorter than males. The AKC does not specify a weight standard, but most Shepherds are between 65 and 90 pounds. Contrast the Shepherd with the Pug, who stands 10 to 12 inches tall and weighs 15 to 18 pounds. Females are slightly smaller than males. Shugs are usually of a size between their parents. They can range from the upper height of the Pug at 12 inches to significantly shorter than a Shepherd at 15 inches tall. Most Shepherd Pug hybrids weigh 45 to 50 pounds, making them medium-sized dogs. What color will your German Shepherd Pug mix be? He can have black markings from a saddle pattern to most of his body. Pugs are most commonly fawn with a distinctive black mask, but Lady Brassey popularized solid black Pugs around and they have seen a recent resurgence. With the coloration selection from their parents, Shugs can be black and tan patterned like a Shepherd, or the colors may be marbled. They are more often fawn, like Pugs. Other possibilities are silver fawn, solid black, or brindle. What other traits should you look for besides color and size? Shepherds are medium-large dogs with a rectangular moderately sloping topline from shoulders to croup. Ideally, they should have a length to height ratio of 10 to 8 or 8. The German Shepherd has a low-slung, relatively long, somewhat bushy tail that curves slightly upward at the end. German Shepherds have a long moderately narrow snout with powerful jaws and tight lips. The shoulders and neck are long, facilitating an effortless and efficient stride, especially when trotting. Shepherds move with grace and speed, showing off their specialty as working dogs. They have deep chests that facilitate enhanced cardiac function and stamina. Pugs are tiny with a compact build that should never appear lean. They have a curly tail that frequently has two or more spirals. Their ears are medium and somewhat forward-facing as they lay against their round heads. Pugs have an extremely short muzzle with wrinkles considered good luck by the Chinese and round bulging eyes. It is difficult to say what their paws will be like, given the major differences in size and appearance between the two dogs. A Shug will likely not appear as stocky or rotund as a Pug but will have more of a square conformation than a Shepherd. The hybrid usually has semi-prick button ears similar to a Pit Bull. Shugs usually have a broad and deep chest like a Shepherd and a shortened muzzles with neither the flat-faced exaggeration nor the facial folds of the Pug. Their eyes are round with varying degrees of bugging. Temperaments of Shugs vary more than their looks Does Shugs make great guard dogs? While a Shepherd Pug mix will not likely guard your property very well, they tend to warn against intruders. Socialization is crucial for Shugs to keep them from developing fearfulness or shyness. Are German Shepherd Pug hybrids good family dogs? Shugs who inherit a balanced blend of genes from their parents make excellent family companions. They are happy, friendly, loyal, and eager to please and entertain. Hybrids may inherit temperament and personality traits to varying degrees and thus, your Shug can gain any mix of tenaciousness, focus, and courage from the Shepherd and charm, humor, and gentleness from the Pug. Will your dog be good around children? German Shepherds often must receive training as well as socialization to be safe around children. Although Shepherds do not target kids for misplaced aggression, they can become irritable with teasing and maybe on guard against unfamiliar young people. Pugs enjoy everyone, including children. To a Pug, a child is another person who can touch and love on her. The Shug usually is very tolerant of and even affectionate with children. Although it is not advisable to leave dogs unsupervised with toddlers and infants, the Shepherd Pug mix seems to thrive around people of any age. Will your Shug tolerate your guests? Shepherd-Pugs are usually friendly and outgoing with strangers. A dog who inherits more of his personality from the German Shepherd may be indifferent or somewhat aloof with your guests. However, a well-socialized Shug dog is neither aggressive nor fearful. What about other pets? Historians and behaviorists alike, according to Petplace. German Shepherds tend to chase small animals, although, with proper training, they can learn to get along with cats and small dogs. Some individuals do better with other animals than others. German Shepherds may also have issues with dogs their size because they generally learned to work independently as opposed to hounds who work in packs. Moreover, the Shepherd has a history that includes some dogfighting. Males tend to be more dog aggressive than females, but same-sex aggression with either gender is not uncommon. Shugs usually get along well with other dogs. It is always a great idea to socialize your puppy at a young age, so she does not grow up shy and suspicious around other canids. The most effective way to deal with dogs who have the temptation to chase small animals is to train unquestioning obedience. How easy are Shugs to train? According to Apa. Stanley Coren , a renowned psychologist, ranks dogs similarly and according to three intelligence categories. Based on instinctual intelligence, adaptive learning, and obedience, Coren places German Shepherds No. Both the Shepherd and the Pug can pose challenges with training. Shepherds sometimes exhibit dominance and pushiness, while Pugs often demonstrate willfulness and an inability to focus. Pugs are reputably difficult to house train. They possess intelligence inherited from the Shepherd but can acquire some stubbornness from the Pug. Shugs require persistent training and exposure to consistent mental stimulation. Boredom can cause them to be destructive like the Shepherd, digging, chewing, and barking. The Shepherd Pug hybrid also needs constant human companionship like his Pug parent and will react with depression if left on his own. How much exercise does your dog need? Pugs are enthusiastic but fairly sedentary dogs. Their snub noses create a plethora of problems collectively called brachycephalic syndrome that causes exercise to be uncomfortable and, in some cases, life-threatening. Brachycephalic complications stem mostly from trouble breathing. Narrow or stenotic nares increases resistance to drawing air into the sinuses. Elongated soft palate — Behind the ridges on the roof of the mouth is a flat area going towards the throat that is called the soft palate. In Bulldogs, Pugs, and similar dogs, the soft palate often extends past where it normally should and can partially obstruct the epiglottis. Hypoplastic trachea — The trachea or windpipe does not fully develop in short-nosed breeds, meaning the tubular structure is narrow and can collapse in some individuals, making it even more difficult for the dog to breathe. Moreover, as the animal finds more difficulty breathing the trachea collapses even more with the effort. Brachycephalic breeds will easily suffer respiratory distress with heat, stress, or excessive exercise. Their shortened muzzles also predispose them to heatstroke because their sinuses are not long enough to cool inhaled air. The exercise requirements of your Shug will vary depending on her conformation. If your dog has inherited a greatly shortened snout, she will not tolerate as much exercise as a canine with a more normal muzzle. One way you can tell if your dog potentially suffers from brachycephalic syndrome is frequent snuffling, snorting, reverse sneezing, or loud breathing, also known as stridor. Your pup may also snore loudly. Dogs who struggle to breathe are inherently exercise-intolerant and brief walks at multiple times during the day are best. You should mix a brisk walk with 10 to 15 minutes of vigorous activity, like running or romping. You can play fetch or Frisbee. Combine physical exercise with training or interactive mental games. Shugs do not tolerate temperature extremes at all The German Shepherd is one of the most weather-resistant dogs you can own. This same double coat provides insulation and exceptional air circulation in the heat. Although the Pug often has a double coat, it is of rather thin hair. Most black Pugs do not even have an undercoat. A sparse coat alone tells you the Pug probably will not do well when it is cold outside. Their thin coats do not offer much insulation, and their short sinuses do not cool inhaled air much before it reaches the lungs. Pugs must not venture outside when it is hot, and you must monitor their exercise at all times. Therefore, a Shug mix will do moderately better than a Pug in cold weather and will need limitations on activity when it is warm outside. Look for any signs of respiratory difficulty in your German Shepherd Pug mix or tiring easily during exercise. If your Shug shows any laboring, immediately bring him inside if possible. If not, cool him down immediately, using water if necessary. Heat exhaustion and heat stroke require immediate medical attention after you have taken efforts to cool the animal yourself. Signs of exercise intolerance are obvious, and unlike with other breeds, you should not encourage your Shug to work through it. Heavy panting Fatigue and exercise intolerance Difficulty breathing — Although many owners accept a certain degree of respiratory difficulty as normal for short-nosed breeds, you should not ignore it in your Shug. Heavy panting — A German Shepherd can pant heavily and be fine. If your Shug is panting heavily, you may have exercised her too hard. It is a sign of heat exhaustion if it is warm out. Drooling Bright red mucus membranes Shugs live as long as Pugs Despite having similar health problems, Pugs live significantly longer than English Bulldogs. Bulldogs live about seven years with a reported range of 8 to 10, while Pugs have a lifespan of about 12 to 15 years. They have a few breed-specific health problems in addition to the brachycephalic complex. Orthopedic disorders — The Pug is one of the small breeds prone to hip dysplasia as well as Legg-Calves-Perthes disease the head of the femur dies because the blood supply becomes interrupted and luxating patellas kneecaps dislocate during normal movement. Hemivertebra — Many dwarf dogs with curly or corkscrew tails can have moderate to serve deformities of the vertebrae. The severe case will become paralyzed. Pug Dog Encephalitis — Fatal immune-mediated inflammation that affects only Pugs and is hereditary. Corneal ulcers and lacerations — Depending upon how fast her face is and how bugged her eyes, a Pug is vulnerable to ocular injury. Keratoconjunctivitis sicca — Dry eye. Skin and ear infection — Frequently have allergies as a cause. Obesity — If a Pug becomes overweight, it exacerbates any breathing difficulties. German Shepherds live 10 to 12 years They have several health concerns, most of which have at least one genetic factor. Panosteitis — Painful bone inflammation of young growing dogs. Bloat — Complex involving gas and fluid distension of the stomach followed by life-threatening rotation; seen in deep-chested usually large breed dogs and Dachshunds. Orthopedic — Hip and elbow dysplasia. IVDD — Intervertebral disc disease or slipped disc. Degenerative myelopathy — Progressive nerve disease eventually leading to paralysis. Diabetes — Maybe related to the high incidence of pancreatitis. Pannus — Disorder of the cornea common in Shepherds. Seizure disorder Hemophilia — Bleeding disorder. Shugs have a similar lifespan to their Pug parents of 12 to 15 years. The hybrid tends to represent a vast improvement in terms of health over both parents. Hip dysplasia.

Life Span Did You Know? The Boxer is one of the most popular dog breeds in the United States. It has been recognized by the AKC since .Although the Boxer dog breed originated in Germany, their ancient ancestry can be traced back to the Assyrian empire war dogs of BC. The modern Boxer breed we know and love today was originally developed in Germany in the late s. English-bred Bulldogs and the Bullenbesiier were crossed to create an energetic and agile hunting dog to chase wild game. The Boxer is a popular family companion and a versatile working dog. As a member of the Working Group, Boxers can be found competing in dog sports like agility, obedience, and herding. They also make great service and assistance dogs, as well as therapy dogs, and can be found working as search and rescue dogs, drug detection dogs, police dogs, and military dogs. The Boxer is a muscular and energetic dog that tends to have a happy, friendly disposition. They bond closely with their families and tend to get along well with children and other dogs. They can even do well with other pets despite their high prey drive if they are socialized and trained with them. As long as they are well-socialized, Boxers are generally upbeat, playful, and friendly. Although they have a natural instinct to protect their family from unwanted visitors, they do tend to warm up once introduced and are happy to make a new friend. They can be prone to barking a lot if you do not work on socialization and training your dog to stop barking early on. Boxers can be highly adaptable dogs. Although they have a lot of energy and are better suited to homes with yards where they can run, they can adapt to apartment living as long as they get the daily exercise, attention, and mental stimulation they need. As with any non-arctic dog breed, they are sensitive to very cold temperatures. Boxers are also a brachycephalic breed, which means they are even more sensitive to heat than other dogs. A Boxer is also one of the most affectionate dog breeds. Because they bond so closely with their families and get bored easily, they should not be left alone for long periods of time. Potential health conditions to be aware of in a Boxer include hip dysplasia, degenerative myelopathy, thyroid issues , and heart conditions like aortic stenosis and cardiomyopathy. Good breeding practices make a big difference and reputable breeders will screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. So, make sure you are asking the breeder about the health and genetic history of the parents and about any health tests that have been done. Boxers are intelligent dogs that are eager to please their owners. Despite their energetic personality, they are one of the best dog breeds for first-time owners and are highly trainable dogs. They tend to excel at almost any task put before them! Because of their open, friendly nature and high energy, they have a tendency to jump up at people in excitement and playfulness. Since they grow into powerful dogs, you will want to make sure you train your dog not to jump up. Boxers have smooth and short coats that will shed a little year-round and require minimal grooming. A brush-down once or twice a week and the occasional bath as needed will keep their short coat healthy and looking great. Nail trims once or twice a month are usually enough to keep nails from growing too long. Checking ears weekly and carefully cleaning as needed can help prevent ear infections. Checking and wiping their facial wrinkles weekly or a few times a week if your dog is prone to getting into things can help keep their wrinkles clean and free of irritation. Dental diseases, like gum disease, are the most common health issues in older dogs because dental care is often overlooked; and, it can lead to other serious health issues. Brushing daily, plus cleanings at the vet when needed, is ideal. The Boxer is a high-energy dog breed that needs plenty of daily exercise to stay happy and healthy. Due to their high prey drive and urge to chase, they should only be let off-leash in secure areas. Boxers tend to get bored with repetition, are excellent problem solvers, and are naturally exuberant. A fully-grown Boxer usually stands inches tall at the shoulder and weighs pounds. Boxers generally live years on average. In Germany, the Boxer was one of the first dog breeds chosen for police training. Featured Boxer Article. Further information: Bullenbeisser Friedrich Robert and his boxer, The Boxer is a hunting mastiff developed in Germany in the late 19th century from the now extinct Bullenbeisser , a dog of English Mastiff descent, and Bulldogs brought in from Great Britain. Its task was to seize the prey and hold it until the hunters arrived. In later years, faster dogs were favored and a smaller Bullenbeisser was bred in Brabant , in northern Belgium. The Brabanter Bullenbeisser is generally accepted as being a direct ancestor of today's Boxer. The club went on to publish the first Boxer breed standard in , a detailed document that has not been changed much since. During World War I , the Boxer was co-opted for military work, acting as a valuable messenger dog, pack carrier, attack dog , and guard dog. Taken home by returning soldiers, the dog was introduced to a wider audience and soon became a favorite as a companion, a show dog, and a guard dog. Boxer early genealogy chart Flocki, the first Boxer German citizen George Alt, a Munich resident, mated a brindle-colored female dog imported from France named Flora with a local dog of unknown ancestry, known simply as "Boxer", resulting in a fawn-and-white male, named Lechner's Box after its owner. This dog was mated with his own dam, Flora, and one of his offspring was a female called Alt's Schecken. George Alt mated Schecken with a Bulldog named Dr. Flocki was the first Boxer to enter the German Stud Book after winning the aforementioned show for St. Bernards in Munich , which was the first event to have a class specific for Boxers. Blanka von Angertor, Flocki's sister, was even more influential when mated with Piccolo von Angertor Lechner's Box grandson to produce the predominantly white particolored female dog Meta von der Passage, which, even bearing little resemblance with the modern Boxer standard early photographs depict her as too long, weak-backed, and down-faced , is considered the mother of the breed. Our great line of sires all trace directly back to this female. She was a substantially built, low to the ground, brindle and white particolor, lacking in underjaw and exceedingly lippy. As a producing female, few in any breed can match her record. She consistently whelped puppies of marvelous type and rare quality. Those of her offspring sired by Flock St. Salvator and Wotan dominate all present-day pedigrees. Combined with Wotan and Mirzl children, they made the Boxer. Breed name[ edit ] The name "Boxer" is supposedly derived from the breed's tendency to play by standing on its hind legs and " boxing " with its front paws. Brace's Pet Owner's Guide to the Boxer, this theory is the least plausible explanation. At that time, the spelling "baxer" equalled "boxer". Both the verb boxen [English "to box, to punch, to jab"] and the noun Boxer were common German words as early as the late 18th century. The term Boxl, also written Buxn or Buchsen in the Bavarian dialect, means "short leather trousers" or "underwear". The very similar-sounding term Boxerl, also from the Bavarian dialect, is an endearing term for Boxer. These dogs were the result from mixes of Bullenbeisser and other similar breeds. Bier beer probably refers to the Biergarten, the typical Munich beer garden, an open-air restaurant where people used to take their dogs along. The nickname "Deutscher Boxer" was derived from Bierboxer and Boxer could also be a corruption of the former or a contraction of the latter. This seems improbable. Any such action would likely result in a badly bitten if not broken leg. On the other hand, a German breeder of 40 years' experience states positively that the Boxer does not use his feet, except to try to extinguish a small flame such as a burning match. But a Boxer does box with his head. He will hit not bite a cat with his muzzle hard enough to knock it out and he will box a ball with his nose. Or perhaps, since the German dictionary translates Boxer as "prize-fighter", the name was bestowed in appreciation of the fighting qualities of the breed rather than its technique. Boxer is also the name of a dog owned by John Peerybingle, the main character in the best-selling book The Cricket on the Hearth by Charles Dickens , which is evidence that "Boxer" was commonly used as a dog name by the early 19th century, before the establishment of the breed by the end of that same century. A brindle Boxer with two white socks Brindle, fawn, and white Boxer puppies See also: Dog health A healthy Boxer puppy Leading health issues to which Boxers are prone include cancers , heart conditions such as aortic stenosis and arrhythmogenic right ventricular cardiomyopathy the so-called " Boxer cardiomyopathy " , [35] hypothyroidism , hip dysplasia , and degenerative myelopathy and epilepsy; other conditions that may be seen are gastric dilatation volvulus also known as bloat , intestinal problems, and allergies although these may be more related to diet than breed. An emerging health concern among boxers is Boxer Juvenile Kidney Disease JKD , where the kidneys do not develop normally during gestation and leads to chronic renal failure. There is strong evidence to suggest JKD is an inherited condition in boxers with research being undertaken by the University of Ohio to determine the gene mutation, as well as other work separately by the UK Boxer Breeder Council. Mortality due to infection increases significantly with increases in inbreeding. The breed is particularly predisposed to mast cell tumours, a cancer of the immune system. Because of their brachycephalic heads, they do not do well with high heat or humidity, and common sense should prevail when exercising a Boxer in these conditions. See also: Dog food Boxers need plenty of exercise, which means their diet should be high in quality calories. The main source of these calories should be lean animal protein, which include lean chicken, turkey, lamb, and fish. They sometimes appear at dog agility or dog obedience trials and flyball events. These strong and intelligent animals have also been used as service dogs, guide dogs for the blind, therapy dogs, police dogs in K9 units, and occasionally herding cattle or sheep. The versatility of Boxers was recognized early on by the military, which has used them as valuable messenger dogs, pack carriers, and attack and guard dogs in times of war. Notable Boxers[ edit ] Punch and Judy were awarded the Dickin Medal for conspicuous gallantry or devotion to duty while serving in a military conflict.