german shepherd mix puppies for sale in illinois

german shepherd mix puppies for sale in illinois - One would wonder - why is there such a huge range in price? What is the difference? For someone that is not experienced with the breed all the fancy abbreviations are not making much sense and often a pedigree is just a list of names. How to tell if the pedigree is breed-worthy? We often think that the higher the price, the higher the quality - but is it always true? Nobody wants to pay more if the same quality is available for less, but how to tell the difference? We will try our best to answer these and many other questions on this page and hopefully, will explain the GSD pricing and what impacts it, what to look for and if you do get what you pay for. How much should a German Shepherd cost? Let us be honest - when it comes to quality German Shepherd Dogs, there is no "cheap". We have great connections with breeders in USA, we stay in touch and monitor the market. We know what is offered for sale and what pricing policy different kennels are following. To this day we have yet to see a well-bred quality German Shepherd Dog puppy for sale at less than two thousand US dollars. There is a lot of time and funds invested into quality breeding stock dogs, training, health testing, food and care of the dogs. Responsible Breeders and enthusiasts are barely breaking even after selling their pups. Opposed to them are many "back-yard breeders" or pet owners that have no knowledge of the breed and the breeding requirements. They see an opportunity to make quick money and decide to breed their pet dogs in most times not even mature to a healthy breeding age and far off the breed conformation to produce " pet quality" puppies. When a buyer comes to a reputable breeder and gets set off by a high price, they seek someone with cheaper version. Who needs those fancy show titles and lengthy pedigree if all I want is just a pet? We firmly believe that back-yard-breeders are the biggest scam of the GSD breeding. In most cases, these dogs even come with an AKC registration, but this does not add quality to the puppy. Registration is just that - a registration and not a sign of quality. Every registration will come with a pedigree and quality pedigree does add quality, but nor a registration itself. We have seen pedigrees where none of the dogs on the entire pedigree hold any working or show titles. We have seen pedigrees where zero dogs in five generations have passed genetic health testing. So, when a person is trying to look for a low-cost German Shepherd Dog and goes to a BYB, they are most likely purchasing a mixed breed dog with a poor conformation and faulty temperament. In lines where dogs were not tested for generations is a high possibility of genetic health problems. Meanwhile, this "pet breeder" does not even see or understand the difference: we sometimes see advertisement of puppies for sale and can not believe our eyes. Everything on the ad screams: "Not a German Shepherd", but most people don't see it.Does this seems like a great deal to you? No to us! Not every litter is the same and our pricing reflects that accordingly. Show and Working homes that seek full AKC Registration need to contact us for pricing for puppies sold with full AKC - that will differ on a litter and situation. We accept PayPal transfers, Cash or Checks and may offer flexible payment plan options to help families that desire to have a dog, but can not afford to pay the full price up front. If dogs are sold in Wisconsin, we also charge sales tax in the amount 5. When we purchased our dogs, we paid at least double of what we are asking for the puppies. Many puppy buyers want to have a proof that their dog is a purebred. A pedigree of a dog is a first important point to consider when choosing a new puppy. But pedigree means very little when a person does not know how to read it or does not understand what to look for in a pedigree. It is essential that the buyer learns how to read a pedigree OR that a breeder explains a pedigree to a buyer. Not every pedigree is the same and some pedigrees mean very little, if nothing and are just bunch of names. Literally — just a bunch of names with absolutely no value. The names are just that — what the owner have named their dog and are not a real title. We have also made up this name for this article, but you get the idea, right? A puppy with a quality pedigree will have several generations of health tested, shown and titled dogs. Yes, not every breeder posts images of their dogs online, but there would be show mentions, trial mentions or pages created by other users on specialized dog-related websites, such as pedigreedatabase user created , workingdog or similar. How many VA dogs are on a pedigree and how far on a pedigree are they? Remember, all titles and health testing can be looked up. Also, pedigree allows to see inbreeding — breeding from closely related animals, especially over many generations. A good breeder understands the consequences of inbreeding and it is not uncommon to see inline breeding starting at sharing the same dog on a third line - puppy is "0", parents are 1, grandparents are 2, great-grandparents are 3 this is the closest inbreeding allowed. Not only this is unethical, but persistent inbreeding has produced an unusually high frequency of sufferers from genetic diseases and abnormalities. Pedigree is important, as it provides information on lineage, whether or not every dog on the pedigree is health tested, shown, titled, meets breed conformation and temperament. Each line has its own conformation standard, temperament traits and working abilities. Therefore, for this article we are going to quote a fellow hobby-breeder, Len from Hektor Haus. These shepherds should at a very minimum be AKC certified. With no paperwork, free might be acceptable if you just want to give a dog a new home. Hopefully the people responsible for their actions would also cover deworming, vaccinations and other fees. Unfortunately, American lines are now in hands of back-yard breeders, this has caused bad reputation of the breed, high number of health issues and lots of shelter dogs. We do not breed American Lines, as they do not satisfy our standards of breeding. German Working Line: These Shepherds range depending on the breeder, facilities, bloodline, etc. They can be more with additional training. German Show Lines: These are dogs that adhere to the breed standard and are significantly different animals. While any dog can be an excellent companion, these are beautiful, extraordinary family members with a little less drive than the working line. All health testing of a dog can also be looked up. It is important to understand what lines the dog comes from and how many dogs on the pedigree were tested and what grades were given to the dogs on the pedigree. A good breeder will have a record of all health testing for their breeding dogs and will be happy to show a proof of the grade. For OFA-evaluated dogs, a Certificate is issued and results can be found online. It is extremely important to evaluate the entire lineage. For German Shepherd, these are optional and are not a requirement for breeding. They simply are a tool to utilize while making breeding decisions. DM results are seen more now, while the test is not a guarantee to avoid a DM in puppies. Many times we see DM test being the only test done, as it is relatively low cost and can be done at home, without a visit to a vet. DM tested dog is NOT health tested dog. So, the chances of genetic health issues in a puppy are minimized. Breeders can only do their very best to carefully choose breeding stock dogs and health test them prior to breeding to minimize the risks of any health issues in puppies and trust that Mother Nature will allow only the best genes to be passed on. Just like in humans, two healthy parents can unfortunately have a baby with a health issue. Of course, in our human world feelings take over the genetic imbalances. But being a breeder, we choose the dogs we are letting to mate to produce a litter and therefore, we can analyze the dogs prior to the breeding to see how they are comparable and healthy. Working with a healthy pool of genes and choosing the best — brings the chances of health issues to a minimum. We also find it ethical to health test any dog before deciding to breed to ensure that this dog is capable to have a healthy pregnancy and safe delivery. When it comes to it, when you look at parents, do they look like the dog you dream to own? What do the titles mean? Given only to a group of outstanding German shepherds at a Sieger show. Outstanding German shepherds with full dentition and good character. Really about average, given to typical but not exceptional animals. Given to below average dogs. Poor quality dogs but of tolerable character. Given to dogs with faulty character or serious faults, ungraded. Why is this important? While a breed standard for a German Shepherd Dog is clearly written and can be found online, we must understand why some dogs rank higher, why some are disqualified and what to look for. One way to do so - is to look at dog or images of the dog shows yourself. The more dogs you see, the better you understand the quality of the breed. We believe that if a person can not see a difference, and to them "a dog is a dog", they most likely are better off adopting a dog from a shelter anyway. To us, the difference between well-bred and poorly-bred dog is tremendous, and just by looking at the images of parents or puppies, we can see where the breeding is going and what potential a puppy has. Please note, that we are not for breeding "the best looking dogs" only - No! They all are equally important. A good responsible breeder will do anything possible to stay as close to the breed standard as possible and eliminate breed faults from their breeding. Therefore, off-colors, off-size and off-temperament dogs must not be used in breeding. It must be a big red flag for a buyer. Our mission is to improve the breed standard, produce stable, clear headed puppies and prepare them for bonding with their new humans. Come and see the difference. Whatever task you may have - a canine from West German Shepherds. Welcome to West German Shepherds. Our mission: to improve the breed standard, to produce stable, clear headed puppies and prepare them for bonding with their new humans. Committed to producing exceptional canines with 14 years of hard-earned expertise and insight; here, you will glean insider information on selecting a German Shepherd pup and why West German Shepherds. She passed away in my arms on Monday September 16th at AM. Brownie was our reigning queen, an alpha female who earned her stripes the hard way; as a result she never flaunted her position but rather ruled with a strong bark and gentle paw. Great with families, working bloodlines, very protective. When the AKC American Kennel Club or CKC either of the 2 following entities Canadian Kennel Club or the Continental Kennel Club registers a new puppy, it does so sight unseen - without ever having evaluated the appearance, health or quality of the parents of the litter. In fact only a minuscule fraction of the tens of thousands of breeding dogs all across America have ever been evaluated. While registration is a great place to start, there is more to consider than whether the dog is registered. Sadly, the marketplace is chock full of puppies with bad genetics and these are from officially registered canine parents. A puppy born with a slight genetic abnormality might come from purebred parents, and can still be registered. An inexperienced or unscrupulous breeder may not recognize the uneven hips on a puppy and sell it to someone who will later breed the puppy. The final outcome will be a new line of registered dogs that are genetically inferior. None of these statements are made to be derogatory of the AKC or CKC, these registration organizations do many wonderful things to improve the health, welfare, training and advocacy of ALL canines. Yes, AKC registration is an important factor that should not be overlooked, but there is much more to contemplate. The pedigree of both parents should be considered as part of your quest for a puppy, the pedigree will list all of the ancestors historically for 3 or 4 generations back up the family tree. All of the canines listed in the pedigree impact the genetics and thereby the health of the offspring. The pedigree itself does nothing to convey the health of a puppy, but it tells the dogs lineage, their titles and country of origin. By searching, you can find a breeder offering puppies from parents with exceptional pedigrees, that have correct body structure, a superior visual appearance, plus the temperament to match your expectations. What is an exceptional pedigree? The more champions in a pedigree, the better. Here is a quick run down of German Shepherd championship titles. The German Sieger beats hundreds of other Champions to be selected this coveted title. The only higher title accomplishment attainable is the World Sieger. It is the same as the Sieger - but is for the female winner of the German National Championship Conformation show. Not many people are familiar with the word Sieger but even less are familiar with the word Siegerin outside of German Shepherd professionals. The Sieger show is held annually in Germany. VA-2 is the Vice- Sieger, etc. The best genetics possible are found in Sieger show winning adult German Shepherds. The puppies born from these bloodlines will be the absolute best in quality and appearance when compared to the average German Shepherd you see on the street. An analogy would be like comparing a shiny Ferrari against a rusted out Ford Pinto. The top bloodlines are found in the VA titled dogs and filtered down into their offspring, but be prepared to pay a significantly premium price for that level of parenthood and prestige. You will hear of dogs described as being from show lines, herding lines or working lines. Show lines refers to canines that are used to compete in conformation shows, herding lines means canines used to herd sheep, working lines denotes canines used to work in protection, Schutzhund or other disciplines. Primarily there are 3 main types of German Shepherd Dogs. Czech Shepherds are longer and leaner in body frame, more narrow across the chest and have taller rear hindquarters. Typical coat colors are black and tan, black and creme, black and silver, brown sable, silver sable and brindled. The coat patterns of a Czech Shepherd run from blanket-back to saddleback and brindled but most are blanket backed. We do not produce Czech Shepherd pups. Yes, Dutch Shepherds still fall under the umbrella of German Shepherds. Dutch Shepherds originated in the Netherlands and are very similar to Czech Shepherds in body form however they are typically more solid, weighty and sturdy than Czech Shepherds. Dutch Shepherds are not very commonly found outside of police or military use. They also present as a harder dog meaning they require an experienced trainer, handler or owner. Obviously there are exceptions to these generalized statements. Dutch Shepherds are brindled in coat color, brindled simply means a mottled and multi-colored un-patterned coat appearance. We do not produce Dutch Shepherd pups. West German Shepherds come from the democratic capitalist state of West Germany. West German Shepherds have shorter more compact torsos, thicker across the chest and have the squatted or lowered hindquarters. It is not that the dogs are stacked or posed for pictures, their rear bone structure is genetically encoded to be positioned more angular than that of a Czech Shepherd. The coat colors of a West German Shepherd are black and red set in a saddleback pattern. While interesting, we do not own or breed for these types, nor am I going to invest any time delving into them further. Over the past 25 years I have owned and bred different types of German Shepherd dogs. I keep track of the litters being sold in our geographic region. The West German type German Shepherd dog is the most sought after type. This is the number one variety of German Shepherd dog that previous GSD owners, consumers, enthusiast and new first time owners are actively seeking. You might assume that the cheap dogs are not as healthy or desirable, and the more expensive ones are a better, safer choice. Breeders know this. Many breeders will put a higher price on their low quality dog to look professional and make their dogs appear more valuable. Some breeders import very expensive dogs so they can breed them to sell puppies at a higher price bracket. An experienced breeder can evaluate a dog by comparing the conformation or show quality, health, physical performance and the ability to work; but can only do so after having studied the breed and being immersed in these canines for many years. One factor that has impacted price structure is the difference between Czech Shepherds and West Germans Shepherds based on an over-inflated value. Many first time German Shepherd buyers are ignorant of this fact. The new buyer will look at a few breeder websites, see the price tag, then sticker shock sets in; so they search again based on a lower initial purchase price and soon find a breeder that sells at lower price tiers. It never was a bargain. Czechoslovakian Shepherds sell for less money for a number of reasons. The market is diluted with them, it seems they are on every street corner. If you want the best German Shepherd for your money you will need to hit the perfect trifecta: choose breeder, bloodline and puppy very wisely. Breed level dogs or dogs used for breeding purposes should be exceptionally beautiful, it should be like a day versus night comparison. Its time for a really bad analogy, but it should be like comparing the cute girl you saw at BurgerDoodle against the hot supermodel on TV. Or for the lady readers, it would be like comparing an overweight plumber to a ripped fitness instructor. There should be an impressive difference between the quality of a German Shepherd breed dog when compared to the German Shepherd you just saw on the street corner. Both parents should have correct body type, not be excessively underweight or overweight, they should have dark eye colors, the coat should be exceedingly beautiful with vivid color pigmentation. The body should be proportional to the animals overall size, the body should not be too short nor should it be too long. The dog should not be a giant massive pound beast, nor should it be a petite 55 pounds worth of dog. The withers should be the high point and the back line or top line should gracefully slope to the hind quarters from there. The torso should appear rugged with powerful legs, the angulation should be correct and the stance when viewed from the side should look as if the German Shepherd were ready or capable of striking in a nanosecond. The West German Shepherd is a herding type breed and should weigh between 70 to 90 lbs and be 22 to 26 inches tall. That is 22 to 24 inches for a female and 24 to 26 inches for a male Toss a ball and observe the adults as they run, their movement should be easy, graceful as if to announce - yep, I can do this all day long! Look to see if the movement is fluid or constrained. Check the eyes, ear and teeth. Eyes should have dark pupil colors, teeth properly aligned, ears should be set close and stand erect, they should be reasonably clean and not coated with goo inside. Do the adult dogs track you as you move around? Are they agitated or nervous at your presence there? Pet them, handle them and look for their response. Nearly every German Shepherd breeder in America will tell you that they have champion bloodlines. Immerse yourself by studying, looking at pictures, making comparisons, asking questions via phone, text or email and then going to visit several of the top contenders. Go visit, meet them in person, ask questions, make notes etc. Choosing a breeder does not sound like a complicated task, however you should visit with several individuals and keep a skeptical eye open. Just because this breeder has nice looking German Shepherds - does not make them an ethical or honest person. Nearly everyone has heard the term puppy-mill. This refers to a large breeding operation that mass produces puppies to sell in a variety of retail outlets. Some of the puppies go to pet stores and boutiques, others are sold on-line and shipped in crates via carrier or air-freight, still others are to be sold at events like dog shows, local flea markets, farmers markets, outdoor festivals or from the back of a pick-up truck. Please beware of purchasing from the aforementioned venues, a large portion of these animals also come with very serious life threatening diseases. The puppy mills are known for over-crowding, unsanitary conditions and harsh treatment of animals since they often operate in secrecy in a warehouse or very remote type location. Another type of breeder is the novice, money driven or back yard breeder. These types are largely copy cats. They read websites of professional breeders and the on-line ads, familiarize themselves with the terminology, soon enough they begin executing their forgery. They position themselves as professional breeders but on a smaller scale, offering puppies that are hand raised etc. If you were to look around their property - they place looks like a normal home, there is no footprint or significant investment to indicate that they have created a top-notch, professional environment for their canines. See the selecting a breeder section for more information on how to identify unsavory breeder types and more specifically what to look out for. The canine breeder should be a walking encyclopedia about the overall health, housing, care, nutrition, exercise and training necessary for the type of canines they are breeding. They should have built up a considerable amount of knowledge, expertise and experience around their breed, they should also be proficient at mating and whelping too. Their kennels and property should reflect careful consideration about every decision that impacts the housing, health and environment for their canines. I highly recommend you visit with a few breeders, there is no substitute for this step. This is an opportunity for you to evaluate the breeder, to observe the adult canine animals and also the time to examine the relationship between the breeder and their animals. If the breeder is a professional - then there should be compelling evidence that they have made a significant investment in providing great facilities for the animals. What is the condition of the fencing, the shelter, the dog house, the whelping area etc? How does the breeder talk, do you feel extremely comfortable with their knowledge, character, speech and demeanor? This is the precise moment in time where you need to follow your gut. I have visited other breeders and seen unbelievable things, such as: When the puppies eat, play, then take a nap; mice scurried out from under the shed and begin scarfing crumbs of food dropped by the puppies. Another breeder had a koi pond with long strands of green slime pond scum, the puppies were using this as a water source; the issue was every time that it rained, the runoff rainwater drained back into the koi pond carrying with it the germs and bacteria from the waste products generated by the puppies. I have met a few great breeders and many really bad ones. In the final analysis - you are not just buying a puppy, but you are buying into the combined genetics of both parents, you are buying into the kennel, the breeder person, their level of knowledge and expertise, lastly whether or not that person is honest and ethical. Believe me - there are some real unsavory characters out there breeding dogs, selling puppies and offering stud service. For more info please read - Selecting a Breeder. The health of the animal is determined by genetics as passed down from both parents. Each pup has 2 parents, 4 grandparents, 8 great grandparents 16 great great grandparents all of these ancestor impact the offspring. Inquire of the breeder if there are any known genetic problems. Inquire about the frequency of those genetic problems occurring. If a breeder proudly says there have never had a problem with any of their animals then you should consider 1 of 2 possibilities. The very best kennels in the country have encountered genetic problems, but because of strict quality control protocols they move to a different pairing of adults to eliminate the genetic problem or they stop breeding that line altogether. A sincere breeder should offer a health guarantee to protect the customers investment. Always read the contract and ask questions long before making a deposit. A genuine breeder should want to stand behind their puppies, they should want to protect their reputation and provide detailed records. Furthermore a breeder should encourage open communication and build a relationship with their customers, how else will the breeder stay abreast of the health, wellness and genetic factors that are happening within their bloodline? An experienced breeder should have insight as to the traits of each puppy in the litter. The breeder should be able to help show you which puppy best suits your needs based on the criteria you have stated. What is the singular most important trait to you? Do you travel frequently and want a protective dog for your family? Are you seeking a dog for companionship? Is your situation that you have a big family, a lot of friends, neighbors and relatives who visit often and want a family dog? Were you planning on working the dog? Share this information with your breeder and ask them to help steer you towards a puppy that exhibits traits that are well suited for your primary intended purpose. Many clients want to actively choose a puppy, while others are more comfortable with a passive approach, spend time with the litter and allow the choice to be more organic and mutually made by the puppy that is attracted to them. There is nothing wrong with either method but I will offer this - If you want to ensure that you get the puppy with the traits that most closely match your needs, then for optimum results take an active role in making the selection. In each litter there will be certain trait variations the pups have inherited from their parents. Any German Shepherd puppy born in the litter can be trained to serve or work in any type of role that you desire, however some pups are more naturally suited to be self starters and do the task with minimal input from you. A German Shepherd is not naturally a mean or vicious dog, however they are alert, aware and protective. These traits have been locked into them from the start by the nature of the breed, these animals were coded to be discerning from the start. A Golden Retriever is a great congenial dog, it loves everyone it encounters right down to the burglar who is prying open the back window of your home with a crowbar. The Golden Retriever will hold the door open and wag its tail as the contents of the home are being ransacked and loaded into a truck. Now flip the script and try that with the German Shepherd dog. The German Shepherd dog has already been eyeballing everyone long before they set foot on the property. Even if the dog was inside and did not see someone coming - it is always listening for sounds that are non typical for its environment. Go ahead and pry the window open with the crowbar - lets see how that works out for you. Someone may actually get inside but I am pretty confident they will be encouraged to leave hastily by the canine with intense actions of fierce barking, deep growling, hackles up, ears on high alert and eyes laser focused on the intruder. The uninvited guest will drop everything - run out the door with empty arms, a chewed up backside, a renewed fear of God Almighty and total respect for the German Shepherd Dog… Again, the German Shepherd is not a mean dog, it is not a vicious dog, but it is a vigilant dog. It is a watch dog - it is a dog that closely looks after the people that it is bonded to and the place where they live together. All things considered - a German Shepherd is a very practical investment for peace of mind regardless whether you are young or old, single or have a large family. On pickup day I will spend a minimum of an hour and a half with each new owner going over paperwork and the best practices for feeding, health, training, tips on care, etc. With West German Shepherds. You are buying into the tremendous wealth of bloodlines we have selectively cultivated and created, you are buying the expertise we have accumulated in 14 years of running a top notch breeding program. I am passionate about this breed and ensuring that everyone who wants a German Shepherd - has an amazing experience. Please contact me if I can be of service to you. Thank you for visiting West German Shepherds. The original quote was intended for every breed of dog; as German Shepherd owners already know - these canines are far superior to any other breed on the planet! I often repeat - some days you are the dog, some days you are the fire hydrant. More quotes can be found at the bottom of each page. I have three pets at home which answer the same purpose as a husband. I have a dog which growls every morning, a parrot which swears all afternoon, and a cat that comes home late at night. Do you get the difference? The man will be there to feed the dog. The dog will be there to keep the man from touching the equipment. Kristi C. Dave and his staff are amazing. They helped find the right dog for me and have worked with us to make sure we are a successful fit. I have a wonderful companion who is better than I could have ever imagined. Dave gave us a program to follow and explained every step. He let me know what to expect and has been available to answer any questions I have along the way. Dave and his staff love the dogs they work with and it shows in the way the dogs respond to them. When I pull in the drive [at CVC], my dog is excited and happy to be there. Tyler B. Cedar Valley Canine is a sure thing if you are wanting to add a German Shepherd to your family and train them to their full potential! We bought both of our German Shepherds from them and do our follow-up training there as well. I would give more stars if it were possible. Tyler N. Dave is by far the best dog trainer in Nashville! My wife and I purchased our first German Shepard pup and training class from him 6 months ago and I couldn't be happier. His drive and knowledge is unmatched. Our puppy has been amazing; her drive, train-ability, and temperament are amazing. We couldn't have asked for a better experience!! Kaye R. In the past 10 years, we have obtained four German Shepherds from Dave Taylor. These dogs have all been perfect companions in our family and expertly trained by Dave in obedience and protection. Dave is extremely knowledgeable about dog behavior and handling, and he will be a phone call away through the dog's life if you have any questions. Our dogs are dark black and tan, sable and naturally occurring solid black. We strive to produce a social, environmentally sound dog with natural protection instincts. Our puppies are active, inquisitive and have strong personalities. They benefit greatly from consistent constructive training. Therefore, we strongly recommend that you put your puppies in a structured training program as they develop. We offer several different options for training and they are designed to fit our type of German Shepherd. How much training and what kind of training do you recommend for a Cedar Valley Canine puppy? We begin training at 7 - 8 weeks of age. The busy puppy translates into a young dog that is suitable for a wide variety of activities and it is important to direct the natural energy and curiosities of the dog into practical training and living scenarios. We also advise crate training for our dogs. Dogs have an inherent desire for a den or shelter and a crate allows them that space and also aids in the housebreaking as they have a natural instinct to keep their living and sleeping area clean. How much is a Cedar Valley Canine dog? Is there a waiting list for puppies currently? When can I expect my puppy? We do have a waiting list for our puppies. The time of the waitlist is hard to predict as it is dependent on many things - preference of sex and color as well as the size of any given litter. What kind of family is the right fit for a Cedar Valley Canine dog? German Shepherds can live almost anywhere - in an apartment in the city or on a farm. The important thing is that they have appropriate outlets for their energy. As mentioned above, they are busy and active puppies, so it is important to be aware of the time and energy needed for proper exercise and socialization in order to keep everyone happy! Do you transport dogs out of state? What is the current fee for transport? We ship dogs all over the United States and the price depends on the mode of transportation, time of year and the destination. We are always happy to help with this in whatever way we can. Write a Review vitali P 2 weeks ago Thank you affinity! We are very happy with our work together! A very special thank you to Jessie. Our new puppy sends you much love! Anastasiya Karovina 2 weeks ago Thank you guys for the beautiful baby. She's gorgeous! Brought joy to the house for the whole family. Excellent work, service, responsible attitude. I recommend it! Hagen 3 weeks ago My journey with my German Shepherd began with the expert guidance of the breeder at I Guard International and was beautifully complemented by the training prowess Jessi, Cody and Nick at K9 Country Club. Together, they've shaped a truly remarkable experience for me and my family. At I Guard International, I found not just a breeder but a passionate caretaker for these noble animals. The attention to detail, the commitment to quality, and the profound understanding of the German Shepherd breed were evident from our first meeting. Our pup was not merely a product but a living testament to their dedication to excellence Cody, working in unison with Nick, brought a whole new dimension to our German Shepherd's training. Their collaboration, with unique insights and methodologies, created a synergy that was reflected in the outstanding development of our pet. Cody's patient approach, his investment in understanding our dog's unique needs, and his ability to work seamlessly with Nick, resulted in a well-rounded and perfectly trained companion. But it wasn't just about the training; it was about the relationships that were forged. Jessi, Cody and Nick became more than trainers; they became mentors and friends to our family. They shared their wisdom, their love for dogs, and their unwavering commitment to providing the best care and training possible. Our German Shepherd's growth under their combined guidance has been a joy to watch. His character, discipline, and happiness are direct reflections of their hard work and heartfelt investment. If you're considering a breeder who truly understands the essence of the German Shepherd breed and trainers who will not just train your dog but celebrate its unique personality and potential, I wholeheartedly recommend I Guard International for breeding and training. In a world filled with choices, choosing them was one of the best decisions we've made for our family and our beloved pet. Their combined expertise and genuine love for what they do have created a lifelong bond and a truly happy, well-trained German Shepherd. Thank you, I Guard International, Cody,Jessi, and Nick, for being more than professionals in your field; thank you for being partners in our family's journey. Tom Jones 2 months ago.Hans Hauge 3 months ago We wanted two dogs that could both defend our home and still be a part of the family. We got it with these two. When someone comes to the door they let us know, and then they just chill out. Megan Mathews 6 months ago.As I was looking for breeders in the Spokane area. I came across I-Guard and gave them a call and spoke with Jessi. We set up a meeting to talk about their German Sheppards and she introduced us to Nick. He listened to our story about our Mal and he matched us up with the perfect German Sheppard for our family, Ace. I was impressed with the knowledge and professionalism that both Jessi and Nick gave to me and my family and feel very fortunate that I made the phone call to I-Guard for our next addition to our family. Since July Nick has reached out to ensure that all is going well on top of training Ace 1 on 1 to help out with my autistic son. Thank you Jessi and Nick for all you have done for my family. Zach Phelps 8 months ago Love these guys! Jessi was super helpful in answering any questions. They breed great tempered dogs for any environment. They took the time to talk and match the right dog to my crazy lifestyle. I will absolutely be coming back to expand my pack in a year or two. Chris Destro 2 year ago We searched and spoke with many German Shepherd breeders. Once we connected with Jessie, we felt super comfortable as she did not rush our decision at all, in fact, she was extremely patient and helpful as we made our final choice. So glad we went with I-Guard and her! He is amazing with kids and has a friendly disposition. We love him very much. Thank you again, Jessie.Koda is the best! We look at every German shepherd puppy as a special member of our family—and a future member of yours. Think of it like skipping the baby stage and the sleepless nights. Puppies range from two to 10 months old depending on your preference. We are a family-owned, professional German shepherd breeder located in beautiful Larkspur, Colorado. Our dogs in our breeding program come with clear-in-the head character, safe nature, and stable nerves. We welcome your visit to our kennels in Douglas County, Colorado. We believe in our German shepherd puppies breeding program, you should too! Our kennels in Larkspur, Colorado, we breed German Shepherd Puppies with world-class parents, top working, show line pedigrees. Confident, self-assured puppies bred for families. We are confident in our purebred German Shepherd puppies; you will be too. Click Here Working line German Shepherds Our working German Shepherds with full working titles are bred with focus and the ability to work, eagerness to learn and accomplish the given role they were originally bred for. Clear in the head, safe nature, and stable nerves to function in any environment with courage, intelligent and stability to exceed your expectations. The most sought after world-class and world champion pedigrees in the world! This is the best puppies you can get, unmatched in every aspect of the top working show line German Shepherds. Click Here Trained German shepherds Our trained puppies include potty and crate training, socialization skills within a family home environment including other animals, cats and dogs. Object orientation in building confident, self-assurd puppies with motivation to perform. Our puppies live with our families, our children, interacting daily in our homes. Click Here German Shepherds Buying an older puppy or a young adult trained German Shepherds can be risky and could end with disastrous results. If you are looking to buy a German Shepherd puppy, then you should find one from a reputable breeder. While these puppies are more expensive, a reputable breeder can guarantee the health and behavior of the puppy. These dogs are prone to genetic diseases such as hip and elbow dysplasia. These health issues can be avoided by genetically testing the parents, which is something reputable breeders usually do. When improperly raised puppies might have behavioral issues and can cause a lot of damage if they bite someone. A good breeder will have their dogs pass a temperament test. German Shepherd Dog Price While most dogs in shelters are adults, adopting a German Shepherd is a great way to find a dog without supporting unethical breeding. Sometimes these hardworking shepherd dogs are given up because they are very energetic. Not everyone is able to take care of a dog that needs a lot of attention and exercise. Some people buy a German Shepherd puppy without understanding the work involved in caring for this breed. Why Are They So Expensive? Breeding a healthy and well-behaved German Shepherd puppy is not easy! It is not as simple as crossing German Shepherds together. However, if you want a puppy of good temperament that is genetically healthy, there are other costs involved in the breeding and raising. This is especially important for a German Shepherd. You do not want a puppy that grows up to be aggressive or that suffers from mobility issues due to hip and elbow dysplasia. Papers A paperless German Shepherd puppy will be the cheapest. Typically breeders invest as little as possible in these pups. You get a puppy just how it is, without knowing its pedigree or background. A puppy with health certifications, temperament test results, and registration papers costs more than this. However, those papers will be beneficial not just for you, but also the puppy. This means your puppy meets the breed standard and is a purebred dog. The last thing you want is to buy a German Shepherd wolf-mix thinking it is purebred. Veterinarian Visits Reputable breeders not only genetically health test the parents, but they will also take the puppy to see a vet before 8 weeks for a basic health check. During these visits breeders will also have the puppies vaccinated, dewormed and placed on preventatives. When you buy a German Shepherd puppy from a reputable breeder, they will offer you a health guarantee. Most will also be able to provide you proof that the puppy has passed a temperament test. Training Some breeders also take the time to socialize and train their puppies. Many experienced breeders have a specialized training program that begins the process of potty training and basic obedience. This will mean you have an easier time housetraining your puppy, but you will have to pay for their efforts! These are all good signs that the puppy you are buying is of good quality. This will mean you are more likely to avoid any temperament issues or having to pay for vet visits to diagnose and treat hip and elbow dysplasia. Bloodlines Breeders who focus on breeding championship bloodlines will charge more for their puppies. A family might not need such a high-quality German Shepherd. All they need is a healthy and well-behaved puppy that will bring them years of happiness. However, there are many people who need a working dog or show dog. The most expensive dogs are those that are bred to be champions or protective and hard-working. Some breeders spend thousands of dollars just training a world class service dog. A family friendly guard dog with a protective temperament is not easy to breed consistently. Breeders have to factor in not just the genetics, but also the temperament and training. Origin The most expensive types of German Shepherds are those that are imported directly from Germany. Breeders must pay to stud and import these dogs which is not cheap. Since the German Shepherd breed originated in Germany, breeders in the US import dogs from Germany to breed puppies with a purebred lineage. Breeding in Europe is more regulated so the bloodlines are better protected. These puppies are known as European German Shepherds and are slightly different. They are smaller, have straighter backs and brighter coat colors. Some people think they look similar to a belgian malinois. Most European dogs are bred to be working dogs, while American dogs are more frequently bred for companionship. This is the same for American and German Rottweilers and American vs. European Dobermans. All of these breeder will be able to provide: Pedigree and kennel club registration. Documents that certify the puppy is free of any disease and has been checked by a veterinarian. A health warranty. Health records that guarantee the parents are genetically healthy and will not pass on elbow or hip dysplasia. These German Shepherd breeders all breed their puppies in accordance with the breed standard. None of them will sell puppies that are not registered with the American Kennel Club. Another good place to start looking for breeders is the American Kennel Club marketplace. Many of these puppies are bred to be family dogs and come with their papers. As you start looking into more well-known breeders or those that produce dogs of championship or working bloodlines, then the price of a German Shepherd starts to increase. Julia was a German Shepherd bred by the Harrison K-9 facility, highly trained in protection. She could also understand commands in three different languages. Her intelligence, as well as her ability to protect, were why she was priced so highly. Julia was bought by a billionaire businessman in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The rarest coat color is panda, which is why it is also the most expensive. These German Shepherds are black and white. It is a piebald pattern where the black coat is splotched with large patches of white. Some puppies can have other colors like tan, instead of white. Panda dogs are purebred, but the rarity of this mutation makes them very hard to find. There are very few breeders that sell the panda color. And he actually cost nothing! By the end of his life, Rin Tin Tin had appeared in 27 Hollywood films. Rin Tin Tin most notably helped Warner Bros. But these dogs come in more than just this classic color! There are 11 colors that are recognized by the breed standard. Check out the table below for some German Shepherd prices based on coat color. The tan color covers the chest, belly and legs. White A white puppy has a furry coat that is entirely white, allowing it to blend in with the snow. Its eyes and nose are black as coal. Black A black German Shepherd has a coat that is entirely black. Any other color would classify them as a bi-color. Blue A blue German Shepherd is not literally blue, but has a gray color with a bluish hue. Sable The sable color is one of the most common colors, but is a bit more interesting than the black and tan. The hairs of these dogs have bands of tan and black, giving them a very unique coloring. Some of the factors that contribute to this cost are: Food. Sound in mind and body, strong, functional, intelligent, trainable, courageous, and resilient. These are the natural qualities that can only be realized through the incredible genetics of purebred German Shepherds. We only import the best-of-the-best. Certified champions straight from Germany! Due to his home being burglarized in , Wayne decided to train dogs in tracking, obedience, and protection. His untrained Staffordshire Bullterrier was unable to protect his home and he then decided to obtain a Rottweiler for protection. Wayne continued to train Rottweilers up until the early 90s where he purchased his first German Shepherd. He was raised along side German Shepherds which had a huge impact toward his love and respect for the breed. At Kraftwerk K9, we honor the history of the German Shepherd. We here at Kraftwerk K9 care for and teach these world-class dogs to live up to their full potential. Our ethical breeding facility sits on 25 gorgeous acres of Washington soil and is available for touring before purchase. Take a look at our facility Learn more about our certified German Shepherds by calling today at or visiting our Available Dog page! If a breeder tries to tell you that his puppies are healthy because their parents never had any issues — do not believe him! It is impossible to diagnose e. Where can you find cheap German Shepherd Dogs? The question is — do you want to purchase a dog with questionable health and temperament? These dogs often are not purebred German Shepherd puppies, but are mixed with e. Labradors, Pitbulls or Golden Retrievers. If you end up with a dog with genetically based health conditions however, be prepared to spend a multiple of the original purchase price on vet costs! Temperament and behavior While a lot of good manners can be taught through consistent training, temperament is genetic to a certain level. When you buy an extra cheap German Shepherd puppy, you not only get a dog with questionable health, but also with unpredictable temperament! Even aggression can be genetic and can be passed on from the mom and dad to the offspring. You can save yourself a lot of time, nerves and money spent on future behavioral training by getting a well-bred and more expensive dog. What is the most expensive type of German Shepherd? Like in many dog breeds, certain rare German Shepherd colors are much more expensive than the most common colors and patterns. It is much more important that your puppy has a sound temperament and fits in well with your family and lifestyle than that he has a certain rare look. These dogs are mutts German Shepherds mixed with Miniature Poodles, Shelties or other smaller breeds. Once more, be certain to not decide on your future dog based on looks alone. A stable temperament and good health is much more integral than a certain size or weight. Working lines vs show lines The German Shepherd was originally bred as a working dog. Since his original use as a shepherd dog however, he has filled many different roles — from guarding properties over being used in the show ring to participating in Schutzhund and IPO trails. Depending on which lines your German Shepherd Dog comes from, the prices can vary a lot! Show line German Shepherds are the dogs that are bred for conformation shows. These are the type of dogs you should decide on if you would like a shepherd puppy as a pet and companion animal. If you are interested in using your German Shepherd as a protection dog and to participate in IPO trials, you should pick one from working lines. There are a lot of highly successful working line breeders both in North America and Europe. For this price, you get an absolutely flawless dog with extensive skills and perfect obedience. Some US dog owners interested in Schutzhund choose to import a puppy from old European working lines. While this might sound insanely high for a pet dog owner, for Schutzhund enthusiasts it is a typical price for a pedigreed German Shepherd pup. How much does it cost a month to own a German Shepherd? This will cover the basics: high-quality food and regular vet checks. Some German Shepherd owners spend considerably more money. Professional grooming is necessary for many German Shepherd owners, as these dogs shed heavily. This breeds tends to exhibit several behavioral issues that can be difficult to fix for first-time dog owners, including: Separation anxiety. Ilac also was SG2 many times throughout Germany and Belgium. He also competed at the World Sieger Show in Germany. Our World Class German Shepherd Puppies have superb attitude, excellent temperament, great trainability and wonderful personalities. Our German Shepherds are gorgeous Black and Red color, big boned, and correct structure. Our success assures you that we will be here to answer your questions and honor our guarantee. Only successful professional german shepherd breeders can afford to have these expensive high quality breeding dogs. Our puppies are professional grade and so is our Guarantee! It is always a good idea to visit the kennel and inspect their operation, meet the parents of the puppy you are thinking of purchasing. This can be done by appointment and you are always welcome. This would be true in the entire family tree, generations as far back as x-rays and certifications existed. This is the highest standard used by any kennel in North America. As a buyer you should always ask about hip certification. Sieger Shows are a requirement to comply to the German standards for breeders. These shows are where they bring in the German judges, breed wardens and koermeisters. Kennels compete for breed ratings that improve the breed. This has to be done under German Regulations. Please also read our standards page and terminology.

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german shepherd mix puppies for sale in illinois - Daisy and Brock are a beautiful mother and son pair who love to snuggle together and cuddle. They are both sweet, happy, and friendly. They adore getting attention from anyone they meet during their walks and easily draw people in with their sunny personalities and soft silky coats. They have settled into an easy routine in their foster home and relish their walks every day and visits to the dog park. During their walks Brock clocks roughly twice the mileage of foster mom and Daisy with his side-to-side walking style. Neither is true! These pups love to live it up at the dog park where they show off their speed as Brock sprints and dives after his Kong frisbee, often grabbing it taco style, while Daisy relishes fetching an orange Chuck-It ball before eventually resting to chew on it. Brock is also a master at tug-of-war who has learned to drop it sometimes after repeated requests so it can be thrown again. Brock is extra special because he was born without a tail, which causes him to be incontinent. Inside the house he wears diapers and a belly band, and his incontinence is easily managed. When coming inside from a walk, Brock waits patiently for his diaper to be put on. Daisy and Brock took time to smell the roses and ponder life. While happy to be in a foster home, they would love to find their forever home. Please open your mind and your heart to considering adopting these two gorgeous pups. You will never regret your decision. They are good-natured and even-tempered, which makes them a popular choice for families with young children. Labs are known for their enthusiastic tail-wagging and their boundless energy, and they will often approach strangers with a wagging tail and a friendly face. However, they can also be boisterous and excitable, so they may not be the best choice for those looking for a calm and quiet dog. Since the Lab was bred as a hunting dog, this lovable giant will need lots of vigorous, outdoor exercise to keep him calm and centered. Yellow Labs are usually a big fan of fetching and chasing games, and enjoy a good romp in the yard with their family. Yellow Labradors also enjoy walks with their master, and are good swimmers that enjoy lakes, rivers, pools, and the beach. Overall, the Yellow Lab is a friendly, energetic breed that makes an ideal companion for those who are looking for an active lifestyle. Yellow Lab Puppies Health Considerations Though generally very healthy and long-lived — with an average lifespan of around 10 to 12 years — our Yellow Labs for sale are not without their unique health concerns. Like every breed of dog, there are a few conditions you should be aware of before you consider purchasing one of our Yellow Lab puppies for sale. Understanding the risks allows you to know the signs and prevent small health concerns from turning into big ones. If your dog is constantly scratching or seems to have irritated skin, they may be allergic to something in their environment — like pollen or dust mites. Your vet can help you identify the source of the allergy and recommend the best course of treatment. Yellow Labs are also prone to ear infections due to their long, floppy ears. And if you notice your dog shaking their head or scratching their ears more than usual, make an appointment with the vet right away. Finding a Yellow Lab puppy for sale from a reputable breeder can dramatically — although, not eliminate — the risk of your dog developing some of these conditions. The coat is typically yellow, but can also be ranging in color from light cream to fox red. When it comes to coat care, the Yellow Lab is relatively low-maintenance. The coat does not require trimming or special haircuts, although it does need to be brushed regularly to prevent tangles and mats. Labs also enjoy spending time outside, so regular baths are generally not necessary unless the dog gets particularly dirty. Meet Yellow Lab Puppies for Sale. Life Span Did You Know? There is a reason that year after year, the Labrador Retriever is the most popular dog breed in the United States. The history of the Labrador Retriever dates back to the early s in Newfoundland, just off the Atlantic coast of Canada. Had these families not played a vital part in the continuation of the breed, the loving and affectionate Labs we have all grown to love may not exist today. The first recognized Yellow Labrador Retriever was born in .One of the friendliest breeds out there, Yellow Labs are great companions and love to be a part of the family. While the color yellow is part of their namesake, their coats range from fawn or cream to butterscotch or a deep golden hue. Coming into popularity during the midth century, the Yellow Labrador Retriever has been a staple for hunters and family homes alike ever since. These dogs are patient and kind when faced with energetic young ones. Yellow Labs delight in big spaces, opting to run and play wildly. However, they will happily lounge on the couch after having a long, hard run outside. When given a little training, they can easily learn to control barking habits and restrain themselves from digging. Their double coat also makes them a good fit for just about any climate. As with most dogs, they are sensitive to extreme heat or cold. Generally speaking, Labradors are healthy. They can develop certain inherent conditions, along with cataracts and kneecap displacement, but will remain healthy overall. As long as they are taken to their vet appointments with regularity, Labs will usually feel just fine. Yellow Labs are loyal companions with few drawbacks. Treats never hurt, of course. This, paired with their eagerness to please, makes them a highly trainable dog breed that is a good fit for owners of any experience level. With minimal training, these dogs can control their barking and digging without much trouble. Labs have very short, double-layered, and water-resistant fur. Its density protects them from the cold, so they will often try to swim any time of year. They experience heavier seasonal shedding twice a year and slight shedding throughout the year. Giving them a good brush once a week or a few times a week should keep their coats shiny and healthy. Other grooming tasks include nail trimming, ear care, and dental care. Proper dental care for dogs includes brushing their teeth or using an enzyme toothpaste every day. This helps prevent the tartar buildup that causes dental diseases like gum disease and tooth decay. You can also supplement your dental care efforts with dental hygiene chews, a special dental care diet, and more. This breed tends to be very active. They were bred to be working dogs and need exercise. A few daily walks and some time to run should help assuage their energy levels. Yellow Labs also need a fair amount of mental activity as well; they like to stay sharp. Yellow Labs are classified as medium to large dogs. They reach an average height of 23 inches and an average healthy weight of 75 pounds. A Yellow Labrador Retriever generally lives years. It was traditional in Newfoundland for every fishing boat to have a Labrador Retriever that would help retrieve the fish as they came in off the trawl. Featured Yellow Labrador Retriever Article.

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german shepherd mix puppies for sale in illinois - How does the Labradoodle growth chart work? The following numbers are estimates based on the litter of a Labrador Retriever crossed with a standard Poodle. If your pup's Poodle parent is a toy size, then they are likely to be significantly smaller than these estimates. Their health is what matters most, so if you have questions or concerns about your puppy's development, reach out to your veterinarian. At what age is a Labradoodle fully grown? Labradoodles typically need 12 to 18 months to reach their full size, especially if their parents were on the heavier side of the average weight spectrum. Large breeds grow slower and take longer to reach their full size compared to small and medium-sized dog breeds, which usually reach maturity within nine to 11 months. How big should a 6-month-old Labradoodle be? A 6-month-old Labradoodle may weigh anywhere between 40 and 55 pounds. As a general rule, male Labradoodles weigh more than their female counterparts. In terms of height, a 6-month-old Labradoodle puppy will stand around 14 to 18 inches tall at the shoulders, but this varies based on their genetic makeup. Pro Tip: Download our new puppy checklist for tips on how to set up a vaccination schedule, essential pet care supplies, and more. How much bigger will my Labradoodle get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much more your Labradoodle may grow. Most Labradoodles need anywhere from 12 to 18 months to reach their full size. If your pup is younger than a year old, they are likely still growing. Refer to our Labradoodle weight chart to estimate how many more pounds they might put on as they mature into adulthood. If they look oversized compared to their limbs, then they're probably still filling out. Oversized paws are a classic puppy feature indicating that your pup still has more growth underway. Lastly, if you purchased your puppy from a breeder, you can contact them about your Labradoodle's weight. Alhough the breed varies greatly in size, knowing the weight of your puppy's parents and those of previous litters can help you predict your Labradoodle's adult size. What is the size of a full-grown Labradoodle? As a hybrid dog breed, Labradoodles vary significantly in size based on their geneology. Per Agape Labradoodles , adult Labradoodles typically weigh over 45 pounds, with some Labradoodles weighing as much as pounds. However, most Labradoodles will weigh between 50 and 90 pounds. In [terms of height], Labradoodles stand 21 to 24 inches tall when measured from paw to shoulder, or approximately two feet excluding their neck and crown of the head. How do I make sure my Labradoodle is healthy? Our Labradoodle puppies are important, cherished family members who we want the best for. One of the best ways to help your Labradoodle thrive is by taking them to regular veterinary appointments to have them routinely checked out and evaluated. Prevention is always better than treatment, and regular veterinary exams provide your veterinarian with the opportunity to screen your Labradoodle for disease. Your puppy will need to see the veterinarian several times in their first six months of life for core vaccinations against things like Rabies, and then at least once a year as an adult for annual health check-ups. Like their parents, Labradoodles are also more susceptible to hip dysplasia , a common orthopedic condition that occurs when the hip joint forms improperly. Hip dysplasia can lead to pain in their back legs, impaired mobility, and even lameness if not treated - fortunately, the condition is treatable with surgery. When over 20, pet parents were surveyed, only .As loving pet parents, it can be devastating to think that our four-legged friend could develop a painful disease that requires expensive treatment. This is where pet insurance comes in. Most pet parents opt for accident and illness pet insurance plans as they cover both injuries and most illnesses, such as hip dysplasia or eye diseases. Pet wellness plans can be added to your insurance coverage to help you pay for preventive veterinary care, like your regular vet exams, x-rays , dental cleanings , vaccinations, and more. Like humans, dogs are living longer, which creates an even bigger need for excellent veterinary care so that our dogs can live their happiest and healthiest lives. Pet insurance helps alleviate the financial strain that's often caused by vet visit costs. If your Labradoodle puppy gets sick or hurt, you and your veterinarian can work together to provide your pup with the best treatment plan - without worrying about how much it might cost. Key Takeaways Adult Labradoodles weigh pounds on average. The parent Poodle breed has toy and standard size variations that impact the size of the offspring, along with other genetic factors. Most Labradoodles grow until months of age. The breed is known for several congenital health disorders, and is especially prone to hip dysplasia. Pet insurance can protect your puppy and provide a financial safety net for vet costs throughout their life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. But in the early days, we recommend keeping them close to you at night. It will help them feel safe and cared for — leaving their litter is quite a big step, after all. Your puppy may be unsettled and will most likely need at least one bathroom break through the night. It will all be okay in a few weeks time, though. The crate should be a cozy warm den for your puppy. Soft blankets and a cuddly toy should do the trick to help them settle. It is also a good idea to cover over the sides but keep the front uncovered so your pup can still see out. Just before bed, take your pup out for one last potty stop. With that beautiful voice of yours, gently reassure them and rest your hand in the crate so they know you are there. When your puppy wakes up in the night they definitely will at some point , listen to see if they are settling back down. Expect to be out at or am to take them straight to the loo. They will be bursting! That just about covers the first steps of Labradoodle sleep training. Very tired. But early mornings, late nights and disturbed sleep are all part of owning a puppy. As they mature emotionally and settle into their new home they will be happy in other parts of the house, and even outside of their crate. Having them in your room does not cause separation anxiety later on. Stick to a routine! Consistency is everything. It will backfire on you. Check out our guide on how to get a puppy to sleep through the night for more tips. Alone Training Labradoodles are very sociable. That can mean two things — they will always be happy to see you and that being alone can be challenging for them. This will help them feel at ease without you and also help them love their crate a little bit more too. While they are eating, go and do something close by. No need to go completely out of sight, but try not to focus on your puppy either. Labradoodles love to eat, so use this time wisely to distract them away from you. Just a few seconds is good enough in the early stages. Repeat: Practice makes perfect! Do this exercise at least once a day to build up alone time, and check out our guide to puppy separation anxiety. We expand on our little secret in our puppy potty training article. Every 30 minutes, after eating, sleeping or playing. Socialization Exercises to do This Week Early socialization is important for all puppies. It gives them confidence and teaches them to view the world in an optimistic way. Here are some puppy socialization exercises to do with your Labradoodle. Let your Labradoodle Puppy Explore the Yard The yard is a great way to introduce your puppy to the great outdoors. They will also get used to walking on different types of surfaces such as your tiled, wet lawn or open flower beds. To get them there, here is a quick exercise you can run through: Exploring different surfaces exercise Have plenty of treats ready. Only use safe surfaces, nothing too slippery. Gather surfaces such as: A piece of carpet A large tray with a thin layer of water A large piece of tin foil or cardboard, something that makes a noise. Put the surfaces out on the floor and let your puppy investigate. Let them take their time and go at their own pace. In our experience Labradoodles are quite food motivated, and you can probably use a low or medium value treat for this. You can even try to use their kibble as many will be delighted to work for their food. For more info on what rewards to use check out our article on rewards and treats. Teach your puppy their name One of the first things your puppy will learn from you is their name. Fortunately, teaching a Labradoodle puppy their name is rather simple. Pretty easy, right? Practice this a few times everyday until they start flipping their head at you every time you call their name. Make sure everyone in the family uses the same name too! Teach your puppy to sit Labradoodle training is often started by teaching them how to sit. We call this a marker word. Keep using this word when they do the right thing, and then follow with a tasty treat. Bits of smelly sausage or cheese will definitely do the trick. If this happens, try to keep it simple at first and just use their own kibble if they are motivated to work for it. Save the big guns in treat terms for when you really need it! How to do it Always begin training at home. The outside world is far too exciting at the moment, and your puppy will probably not focus on you. Stand in front of your pup with a treat in your hand and place the treat on their nose, then bring it up to your waist. Recall — How to teach your Labradoodle puppy to come back when called Your puppy should have a good grasp of their name by now, which should make recall training pretty straightforward. Pun intended. How to do it You will need plenty of those high value treats and your best cheery voice. Call your puppy only once! This is super important as you want them to learn that their name only has to be called once for them to react to it. How to do it Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Once they are interested in the toy, throw it a short distance away from you. With that lovely singing voice of yours, encourage them to bring it back to you. When they do, swap the toy in their mouth for another identical toy. Repeat about 5 times and practice everyday. Get your puppy excited by showing them their favorite toy and making it come to life by waving it around. Prevention of Resource Guarding This part of Labradoodle training is important — it will prevent resource guarding by teaching your puppy how to give up items willingly. Resource guarding is this thing that happens when dogs are unwilling to give up items back, or when they get protective over something from humans or other dogs. From the training tips above, preventing resource guarding always comes down to a good swapping. Resource guarding starts when we force our dogs as puppies to give up items or snatch things out of their mouths. To avoid that, resist your temptation to reach deep inside their mouths to get whatever it is they have. Ultimately, we want our puppies to be willing to give things up when we need them to. What we really mean is care, handling, health and grooming. Start by just showing them the brush and running it over them with the apartment side so they get used to the sensation minus the bristles. Hand Touch and Handling If you handle your puppy too roughly or grab at them, not only are they going to have a bit of a fright, but it could make them feel scared about being touched in the future. Use plenty of treats, and remember to stop if they walk away. Touch should be a pleasant thing not forced. Week 2 — Training your Labradoodle puppy Week 2 already! Socialization exercises to do this week Training to do this week Husbandry Tasks to do this week — Fireworks — Watch the world go by outside your house — Play dress up. It takes traits from both breeds, and new puppy owners will quickly see this combination was chosen intentionally. The Labrador retriever is an intelligent, loyal breed with an excellent temperament for nearly any family or living situation. Unfortunately, these dogs also shed a lot, which can be a hassle. It also makes a Labrador a poor choice for public social situations, such as outdoor dining at dog-friendly patios. Instead, the coat traps dirt, allergens, loose hair and other debris inside it. This means less shedding but also means daily brushing is required. The poodle is also an intelligent breed that makes a perfect addition to most homes since it was bred to be a companion animal. Any puppy is a lifelong commitment. Understanding what to expect at every life stage will help you prepare to give your cute little puppy a long, prosperous, happy life. A normal-sized labradoodle will live an average of 12 to 14 years. Smaller labradoodles resulting from a miniature or toy poodle crossbreed will generally live a little longer. However, you must remember that this lifespan is only an average. There are plenty of labradoodles who live into their late teens. A healthy diet, regular exercise and periodic vet visits are crucial to your labradoodle puppy living a long, healthy life. These main life stages include puppyhood, adolescence, adulthood, middle-aged and senior. Each life stage is discussed in more detail below. Puppyhood If you adopt a labradoodle puppy, this will be the first stage you get to witness. A labradoodle puppy will remain in this life stage from birth until five or six months. Birth to 7 Weeks From birth until about seven weeks of age, labradoodle puppies stay close to their mother. They spend all their time eating, sleeping, growing and cuddling with their littermates. As they get closer to seven weeks of age, they may begin exploring their world a little. Around seven weeks of age, a labradoodle puppy will start becoming more interested in people. This is also when it begins forming bonds with you and other humans in the home or family. These adorable puppies will become more playful and curious at about eight weeks old. Instead, you want to create only positive experiences during this time to ensure it grows into a secure young adult dog. This is the perfect time to start positive training techniques. Teaching your labradoodle puppy about action and reward now will benefit its lifelong training. During this stage of puppy development, socialization is crucial. Now is the perfect time to take it to new places, introduce it to new people and provide it with new experiences. The most important part of this stage of puppy development is that your pup becomes a free and independent thinker. With its curiosity at an all-time high, this is the perfect time to bring your new companion everywhere. Socialization and bonding are other vital aspects of this stage of puppy development. Pet owners will find their puppy wants to be with them all the time and may become mildly anxious when separated from them. Most of its time will be spent eating, sleeping or getting into trouble. Your growing canine should have lost its baby teeth, have all its adult teeth and be out of the biting stage it may have had during puppyhood. Thanks to the Labrador genes, your labradoodle will always love to chew. You can stop destructive chewing behaviors by providing a chew toy or two or 20 to keep it occupied. It may become territorial, but regular socialization can help ease these issues. Your labradoodle will also begin showing quite a bit of strength, so continuing its training during this time is crucial. Acting out, wandering and even behaving aggressively are all normal during this time. Adulthood For a labradoodle, adulthood starts somewhere between two or three years of age and lasts until around its seventh birthday. During adulthood, labradoodles are at their prime. Their adult coat will grow in, which may be thicker or denser than their puppy coat. This breed is very intelligent and easy to train, so if you want to keep teaching it new tricks, you can. Weight Management Your labradoodle will reach its adult size between two and three years old. They can tell you if your dog is a normal size or needs diet and exercise. Middle-Aged Your doodle puppy will turn middle-aged around seven years old. This life stage is relatively brief and only lasts until the dog turns nine or .During middle age, most dogs are still active and overall healthy. It may exercise less and sleep a little more as it transitions between adulthood and its golden years. A middle-aged dog may begin to develop some health problems, especially as it gets closer to its senior years. The primary issues of concern are obesity, joints and teeth. The teeth and joints will become especially vulnerable during this stage, so you must take your dog for regular teeth cleaning and wellness visits. In addition, your vet may recommend supplements to protect the joints. Extra weight will also place unnecessary additional stress on the joints and heart of your dog. Senior Your dog will officially be considered a senior from around nine to 10 years of age until the end of its life. During their golden years, your labradoodle will require extra care and attention. Health problems are most likely to occur during these years, and your vet may suggest two annual well visits instead of only one. After 10 years of age, your dog will likely encounter issues staying warm. You might consider a heating blanket in their bed, keeping the house slightly warmer during winter or providing extra blankets to snuggle under. Your dog may also have problems with its eyesight. The most common issue for senior labradoodles is their joints, which tend to ache as they get older. In addition, they may have mobility problems caused by sore and stiff joints. For example, consider a ramp to help it get into the car or up your porch steps. Developing one or more health problems could mean a shorter lifespan for your labradoodle. A few of the most common health problems affecting labradoodle puppies or adults include: Allergies usually to food Ear infections which can lead to hearing loss after repeat infections Epilepsy. The Labradoodle was one of the very first designer dogs. The first planned Labradoodle litters were born in Australia in the late s. A Labradoodle has the potential to be a great family pet, and so they have remained one of the most popular mixed breed dogs. Although these curly haired dogs are frequently described as hypoallergenic, this is actually a myth. However, they do usually shed less than other breeds. If they are your first puppy, you might be surprised just how much time and energy is required to care for something so small. Even though this is an exciting time, it can also be frustrating. Challenges include everything from housebreaking and crate training to socialization and constant chewing. Remember that everything is brand new for your furry companion. Consistency and schedules are key to meeting navigating the next few weeks and not getting overwhelmed. Like any mixed breed, there is an element of unpredictability when it comes to what a Labradoodle puppy will look like. They can take on a combination of traits from either parent, and even within a single litter, puppies can vary in size and appearance. The list of colors they can come is almost endless. Labradoodle puppies with a Standard Poodle parent typically weigh between 7 and 12 lbs at 8 weeks of age. But miniature Labradoodle puppies may only weigh 4 to 7 lbs. Just like for human babies, sleep is very important for puppies. To help them settle overnight in your home, keep them in a crate or high-sided box by your bed for the first few nights. Potty Training Your 8 Week Old Labradoodle For most people, potty training is the first hurdle when they get home with a new puppy. At 8 weeks old you can expect your Labradoodle to need to pee at least every 2 hours. Young dogs have small bladders, and very little conscious control over when they go. Even the most diligent puppy parents find a few wet spots on their floor at the beginning, but visiting the backyard regularly will keep accidents to a minimum. Be consistent and praise your pup whenever he uses the toilet in the right place. Clean up mistakes quietly and without scolding. They might also overcome that fear by hiding from you to pee indoors. Feed your puppy the same food they had with the breeder for about 2 weeks. Then slowly mix it with the new food, gradually increasing the proportion of new food over the course of a week. For the time being, an 8 week old puppy needs their daily ration of food divided into four meals. But you might use most of it up as training treats! It can also trigger short spell of diarrhea. Small, regular meals prevent hypoglycemia, which is when blood sugar levels become dangerously low. Your pup also needs a food which is designed to meet the specific nutritional needs of growing puppies. This will protect him against conditions like hip dysplasia. Hip dysplasia is a malformation of the hip joint. There are hereditary and environmental factors which can make it worse — and one is if their diet causes their bones to grow faster than the cartilage in between them. An 8 week old Labradoodle will have all their baby teeth, and though tiny, they are very sharp and deliver a painful nip! Wear close fitting clothes in sturdy fabrics, and shoes without laces for the time being. If they try to chew your fingers, take your hands away and give them a suitable substitute like a chew toy. Puppy biting generally ceases at around 6 months once they have all their adult teeth. Crate Training Your 8 Week Old Labradoodle When done properly, crate training provides a safe den for your puppy to rest in. It can also help with toilet training, and keeping your puppy safe while your bring in groceries or take a shower. And 8 weeks old is a great age to start this process. To ensure he views his crate as an inviting place to be, furnish it with a cozy blanket and treats. From 3 weeks old until about 12 weeks old, puppies are in an important phase called the socialization window. They are more open forming positive impressions of the world around them than they ever will be again. So this is the time to introduce them to all the people, places and things they will encounter as adult dogs. Make sure all these introductions are happy lots of treats! And they will carry that happy association with them through the rest of their life. As Your Labradoodle Puppy Grows Labradoodles are known to be sociable, easy-going, devoted, and highly energetic. Training should be positive and consistent. But working out where to start can be bewildering. There are lots of books and online resources available, as well as puppy classes led by qualified dog trainers. The Puppy Parenting course in particular is the perfect guide to preparing for, settling in, and starting training with a new puppy. Tell us all about them in the comments box down below!