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What Should I Do? My Puppy Growls at Me! We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. Getting a new puppy is so exciting! We picture the puppy happily being petted, being held, and playing. But the reality can be quite different. You pick up the puppy and he growls. You tug the rope toy with him and he growls. Visions of Cujo appear. Some puppies growl more than others. But growling is natural puppy behavior. There are many reasons why puppies growl at us. The situation often helps us make sense of the growl. A growl is a way that puppies communicate with us. Puppies growl for some of the following reasons: Growling When Playing Some puppies get so wound up when playing that they excitedly growl. Some even sound loud and ferocious. But rest assured that this usually is in fun and nothing to worry about. The pup is just playing. Just as people are different, puppies also have their own personalities. Some are more gentle in play, whereas others are more rambunctious. You grab a rope toy and the pup tugs with all his might, growling as he tugs. Other puppies even growl —often accompanied by a play bow—when enticing you to play. He was just very excited when playing. Sometimes coming into the room can yield some grumbles while the puppy jumps around and spins. This often happens when children are around. A child runs and squeals. The motion and noise can set off predatory instincts in the pup, who then chases. Problems start when the pup grabs clothes, growling and shaking his muzzle with his needle teeth. The child cries as the puppy pulls her shirt. The pup is even more stimulated by the wailing. You take the poor tyke out of the room and now she has a bad feeling towards dogs. Unfortunately, this is normal, but unwanted, behavior in some pups. Redirect him to a favorite game of fetch Training to do commands also helps. Growling When Roughhousing Sometimes puppies will growl when someone plays in a rough manner. Usually this happens when people tease the pup with their hands. Because the pup explores the world with his mouth, he uses his needle-like teeth to grab the person or their clothes, growling and shaking his muzzle in a predatory way. Growling When Afraid Sometimes when a puppy is afraid of something, he growls. Usually this is in response to something new. You shake out a trash bag, or the vacuum cleaner is turned on, and the puppy growls. Some may take off for the hills and hide under the table, whereas others may growl as if in attack mode. Usually these behaviors are out of fear. And he may grumble in pain. Or he may yelp with a high-pitched growl. Growling when being handled, such as when being picked up or groomed Some puppies may wiggle and growl when being handled. Of course, they have to learn to tolerate such handling. While at first disconcerting, this behavior is normal. My puppy Millie usually does this late in the evening. Growling when guarding resources Some puppies will growl when around food, toys, or valued chewies. For young puppies from about two months old until about five months old, this is usually in a playful manner. Physical and mental exercise as well as training can help every situation. Growling when playing Training can help this behavior as can exercise. This training is done as a separate training exercise. Have some pea-sized treats on hand and give the puppy a toy while you hold onto the other end. Praise and give him the treat when he releases the toy to you. I also teach dogs to drop a toy or other object to the floor. When the puppy is right in front of you holding a toy, show him a small treat and do an exchange. A little exercise such as a walk before playing can help the puppy not be too exuberant and mouthy when playing. Another method to deal with when the puppy starts to growl in play is to walk away. The game ends. Puppies usually catch on very quickly that their fun ends when they get growly. Growling when excited Exercising the puppy physically before encounters with very exciting events such as being around children can help a situation not deteriorate. Do a short training session with the pup such as a sit and a down to help take the edge off his overly exuberant behavior. Exercise the puppy with a walk or play session, then have him do some impulse-control exercises like sit or down. Then have the child come into the room and calmly sit down. Redirect the puppy to a toy. Do some obedience commands with the puppy. Use positive reinforcement—calm praise and treats—when rewarding the puppy. Try not to have the child run; calm is better when working with the puppy. Train the puppy to go to a place like a bed or a crate. These impulse control exercises teach the puppy to calm down. Doing so encourages bad behavior, such as mouthing, pulling on clothes, and teaching the puppy that being out-of-control is rewarding. Growling when afraid Properly socializing the puppy to new people, events, everyday things and noises, and places will help prevent having a fearful puppy. Eventually, as the puppy can handle it, go closer over time. A good positive-reinforcement trainer who handles behavior issues can help with fear issues. In fact, a puppy gets used to our petting him and usually stops the cute, soft happy growl. Even a sweet puppy may nip or bite when in pain, so be careful and follow how the vet tells you to physically handle him to take him to the vet. Growling in frustration This is a situation that the puppy must learn to handle, as, even for puppies, life has many frustrating situations. Exercise of course helps as does training. Teaching a settle command also helps. Taking the edge off his excessive energy will help him settle. You can pick him up carefully or pet him on the ground while giving him something like a Nylabone or Bully Stick to chew. Redirect him to a chew also when grooming. Praise and reward calm behavior with a small treat. We always want to set him up to succeed. Growling when guarding resources The best thing you can do is to prevent this. So I get a few high-value treats and drop them in his bowl immediately after he finishes eating. Eventually, the puppy anticipates my going to the bowl is a great event. Just do it at most once per meal. Doing this type of exercise helps prevent resource guarding. For toys and chewies, do the exchange with a treat as described above. Contact a qualified positive-reinforcement trainer who has experience with such behavior issues or a behaviorist. Treats, praise, and play communicate to the puppy what we want. Harsh commands or punishment can ruin the bond you have with the puppy. It can also lead to the puppy not trusting you. Harsh methods that should not be used include: Pinning the puppy Many years ago, training methods were quite different. Some trainers would hold a puppy that misbehaved down until he settled. Needless to say, this is not only cruel but can even lead to aggression. Harshly correcting the puppy Some trainers still advocate hollering at the puppy, spraying the puppy with water, or using a shake can an empty soda can with 10 pennies and tape over the opening to correct the puppy. These methods may be effective in some cases. Screaming at the puppy or a shake can may scare some puppies whereas others become more excited. In a puppy or dog, suppressing an aggressive growl can actually lead to a bite. Plus, there are better, more humane methods we can use. Most puppy growls are normal. Does your puppy growl? What have you done to deal with your growly puppy? Tell us about your experiences in the comment section below. Helps ease anxiety in their new home. We love using Bully Sticks to help divert these unwanted behaviors. For a list of all the supplies we get for our new service dog puppies check out our New Puppy Checklist on the PuppyInTraining. Andorra and Spain Hi Amanda and welcome to the forum. At 12 weeks, it's highly unlikely that your puppy is aggressive. Have a look around the puppy boards and see how many other people are in exactly the same situation as you. It's perfectly normal behaviour for a puppy to bark, bite and growl, trying to encourage you to play. For taking things off him, management is key, but when that fails as it inevitably will, especially with children around , you should start training a "leave it" cue. Until that is strong enough, try swapping what he has taken for a treat or a toy he is allowed to play with. Eventually, he will grow out of taking the toys he's not allowed. Try to remain calm and patient - he doesn't understand that he shouldn't have these things, and if grabbing them gets him attention even if that is you shouting at him , then he's going to continue doing it. Most Labradors love to carry things in their mouths, so get him a toy he's allowed to do that with, and when he picks up something he shouldn't have, either ignore him if it's not something important or dangerous to him or swap it for that toy. If you're standing over him, he could also be scared - this is a very threatening position to a little puppy, so try not to do it. You don't want to scare him, as this could lead to problems further down the line. But as your kids approach the puppy, he starts biting and nipping them, causing a few surprised cries. The AKC says Labradors are an affectionate breed, treating adults, children, and other animals like family without causing any trouble. Labradors are easy to train and receptive to learning new commands since their main goal is to please their families. Do All Labrador Puppies Bite? As your new puppy settles into their new home, they are many stimulants, and he needs time to get to know your family, its new surroundings, and that not all slippers are a toy. Just as when people move to a new house, city, or country, your new Labrador puppy is exploring the world. This process will take a few weeks, so be patient. But what happens when he suddenly starts biting you and your kids? Every family that gets lab puppies faces this challenge. Although your puppy is only a few pounds, Labrador puppy biting is still painful. Many owners worry that the behavior will continue into adulthood, especially when biting becomes an ongoing issue. The good news is that there is usually a short time frame that you have to experience this. So in reality, Labrador puppy biting is primarily instinctual. Reason 1: Teething Puppies Sometimes, a Lab puppy biting is simply due to teething. Teething is uncomfortable, so your pup likely just wants to relieve that discomfort in any way possible. If that means biting a chew toy or your fingers, then so be it. Once your Lab puppy has its teeth, it might stop biting and nipping. You can help ease his comfort by offering him teething toys for puppies, like frozen chew toys. Reason 2: Excitement Biting Behavior Your new Lab puppy could get excited by just about anything: Your kids squealing, shouting, or crying, and adults shouting or being angry can set off your Lab puppy biting with its sharp teeth. The solution: Deter your puppy from biting you by redirecting him to what he can bite, like a toy. Reason 3: Biting for Attention Most Labrador puppies are receptive to conditioning and positive reinforcement. Dog lovers know that dogs crave attention from their families, but Lab puppies are extreme attention seekers. They love any form of contact with their families, whether playing, petting, or even just eye contact. So if your pup gets these responses from you while biting, he will interpret them as attention. The solution: Stop giving your puppy the attention he wants when he bites so he learns not to associate the two. When puppies are with their mom and siblings, the mom teaches them how hard they can bite each other without it being too painful through play fighting. Your Lab puppy learns how to calibrate strength based on his own family experience. Do Labrador Puppies Bite Children? One major adjustment is the play-biting: A small Lab puppy has a powerful bite and can cause pain, especially to such sensitive skin. The downside is that Lab puppies are more likely to bite children and teenagers than adults. It all comes down to learning how to interact with the puppy. Children and teenagers are inherently more confusing for a Lab puppy. The great news is that you can stop your Lab puppy from biting your kids through consistent training, but the training should be on both sides. Your kids also need to learn how to play and interact with the puppy, understanding its boundaries and playing just enough to keep them from overexciting. You plan to throw a chew toy into the yard for him to chase — but before you can throw it, he suddenly starts nipping and tugging at your hands while making odd puppy sounds that sound dangerously close to snarling. You might also be worried that you have a puppy displaying aggressive biting behavior. Most of the time, they mean no harm and just need a little training to control it! Without the proper guidance and education, many of these methods might be wrong: Instead of discouraging your puppy from biting, you could unintentionally reinforce it. Puppy Biting Tip 1: Discourage Play Biting Whatever stage of puppy development your adorable pup is in, he will always crave attention. If you encourage and reward play biting, he will associate it with attention, praise, and treats, causing him to do it more. So if your puppy has entered its biting phase and is displaying rough or aggressive behavior, stop yourself from giving any reaction. Simply follow rigid training steps, and it will eventually stop. Although that might be very hard to do because a Lab puppy is so adorable, you will thank yourself in the future for doing this. In fact, it might even make things worse. When you punish your Labrador, he might learn to fear you. This can worsen the biting and lead to your puppy developing more aggressive behavior as an adult. Some people also do a light swat on their puppies when they misbehave. When your pup starts biting, remain calm and follow positive training methods rather than negative ones. This is especially true when it comes to a nipping Labrador puppy. While a biting puppy is normal puppy behavior, without proper training and techniques, your Labrador might bite well into adulthood. Step 1: Teach Small Children Boundaries The first step in your training routine should be teaching your kids how to interact with the puppy. But if they start barking and biting out of excitement, you must stop playing with them immediately. Instead, pick up the toy and step away. Bite inhibition is when you teach your puppy how much is too much. After that time-out, you can return to the room and resume whatever activity you were doing. As your puppy learns to bite with less intensity, you can start training it not to put your hand in its mouth. This training takes time, so be patient, and you will see a positive result. Step 4: Reinforce with Additional Training You can also use other training techniques to reinforce positive behavior. Move your hand closer to the puppy and follow the same technique. If the puppy bites you, walk away from it. As you train the puppy to tolerate your hand getting closer to it without biting, you can finally keep your puppy calm and play safely without causing overstimulated biting. Puppies and dogs might go back to their bad habits if you change how you interact with them, so being consistent is crucial. Remember that children tend to take more time to learn training steps, so always reinforce the boundaries and supervise them during playtime in the early training days. Be patient and give your puppy time to learn. Seek help from professional trainers. Professional dog trainers are experienced in redirection, toy-play, and bite inhibition training to give you helpful tips and tricks. Take your puppy to puppy school. There are hundreds of puppy schools and programs that teach puppies good manners. Remember to never punish your puppy for biting. Invest in some good toys, such as different chew toys or Kong toys, so you always have something to redirect him towards. Conclusion Whether teething, scared or just excited, most Labrador Retriever puppies bite for various reasons. Unfortunately, those sharp little puppy teeth can hurt — so if you notice some unwanted biting from your Lab puppy, you should immediately start training him into different behavior. Learn more about what we do and check out our available Labrador puppies today! Share on. Aggression in Labradors Dealing with Aggression Labradors are not usually an aggressive variety. However, there are several factors which may contribute to aggression in labradors. Personality and genetic disposition are not usually the main influences. The early life experience of pups in the 'first fear imprint period, Aggression against the pup by family members or other household pets is highly influential to the way that a dog will respond throughout its life. The secondary influences include sex, age, size, hormonal variation during pregnancy and anxiety. Anxiety in pups must be placated with secure affection and positive discipline. Socialisation from 8 weeks of age is also critical for the healthy development. Do not use physical punishment. This can increase the intensity of your dog's aggression. For general health reason, particularly in later life, we do not recommend this prior to 8 months of age. Types of Aggression Animal behaviouralists classify patterns of behavior and the circumstances in which they occur. This is done to determine the dog's motivation and the cause of the behaviour: Dog to dog - Pack order aggression is one of the most common forms of aggression in dogs. They are pack animals, and they relate to humans as members of their own pack. If your dogs are fighting, do not get in the middle. Interrupt the aggression using water in a spray bottle. Dog to human aggression occurs as the result of intimidation or physical intervention by people, your and old, adult and child. Redirected aggression can occur when an aggressive dog, particularly a male that redirects its aggression from the source to another. When an owner is restraining a dog by pulling him back the dog may retaliate. Dominant dogs often redirect their aggression towards pack subordinates or children of equal size or smaller. Dominant dogs will defend their pack area including a home, room or yard. House and feed your dogs separately if they are fighting with each other. Remove contentious objects like bones and toys. Gender aggression particularly between adult males involves territorial and dominance disputes. Inter-female aggression occurs most frequently between adult females living in the same household. This will be apparent if one female is pregnant. Predatorial aggression is directed towards quick-moving stimulus, like a car or bike. Anything considers as prey, usually other weaker species can be the object of this aggression. Pain induced aggression occurs when a person attempts to touch a painful area or when injections are given. Fear induced aggression occurs when when the dog senses that it is cornered or trapped and cannot escape. A fearful dog is often the victim of an owner uses severe punishment common. Active and unpredictable children may induce this type of aggression. Never allow small children to have unsupervised access to any dog no matter how passive the dog may appear. Children and adults should avoid interacting with dogs that are eating. They should never tease or hurt dogs. Keep your dog confined when unfamiliar children are present Maternal aggression may be directed toward anyone that approaches a bitch with puppies or in false pregnancy. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. Print How to stop your puppy from biting your hands and feet — fast! Have you ever watched a litter of retriever puppies play with each other? They are all mouths and feet as they growl, bite and paw at each other. Over time, if left to it, each pup will naturally figure out their place in the pack. However, when you bring your Lab puppy home there are no longer littermates with whom to tussle. And the result is often that your Lab puppy will start biting and growling at you! The problem is that puppy teeth are sharp. Very sharp! And when your puppy bites you, even if they are playing, it hurts. So, what can you do to stop this behavior before it gets out of hand and you find yourself or someone in your family injured by your puppy? Before I go any further, I want to be clear about what we are talking about. You should seek professional help and evaluation. Why puppies bite and growl Puppy play is a kind of training for a dog as they grow and mature. It is also a way that dogs determine rank within a group. Remember, dogs are pack animals. In a pack there is only one Alpha lead dog. Every other dog is under the authority and control of that dog. No two dogs share the same rank. So, while biting and growling starts as play, it does not stay that way. All dogs, whether in a group of dogs or a human family, want to understand their place in the family. They need to know their place. It helps they be more mentally balanced and will help solve a multitude of behavioral problems. Once a puppy or dog understands where they rank in the pack, they often assume that place, at least for a while. Remember, they are dogs. They are not robots so occasionally they may challenge their position, but if the boundary remains clear, the challenge is short lived. Biting, nipping and playful growling at a human can become a challenge of dominance. If your puppy is young, you can quickly and easily end this behavior by establishing boundaries and consistently enforcing these boundaries each and every time your puppy shows this type of behavior. If you have let this behavior go on for a while, you may be in for quite a fight to take back your authority. Biting is not the same as chewing A puppy biting your hand or feet is not the same as a puppy chewing on a shoe, toy or other item. All puppies have a need to chew. As their puppy teeth grow and their adult teeth come in, it is common for dogs to chew on things to relieve the pain and help the new teeth to come in. This should not be discouraged, but rather encouraged on an appropriate item like a chew toy, nylabone or rawhide. And if this works, this is an appropriate solution. Instead, it is likely an issue of dominance. How to stop puppy from biting you Biting is just one puppy dominance behavior. There are many others such as jumping on you, putting a paw on your feet, and lifting and placing paws on your arms or legs. The behaviors I have listed are often gateway behaviors that escalate into more aggressive or troublesome behaviors like stealing food off your plate or the counter, pushing you out of the way when going through doors and pulling you around on a lead. Start by establishing firm boundaries The first step to stopping your puppy from biting or mouthing you is to set up firm boundaries for your puppy. You can set these up for not only biting but for all dominance behaviors. So, what is a boundary? Well, here are some examples. Some people we have worked with are okay with their puppy mouthing their hand as long as there is no tooth pressure. If you feel the same way, then make that a boundary. But if there is any tooth pressure, a swift and consistent correction will follow. This boundary is stronger and does not give the dog any room for confusion. In fact, they often will understand what your boundaries are but will test that standard against everyone else in the family. Each person needs to set and enforce boundaries. React with firm consistent corrections After you establish the boundary, you now need to react every time your puppy or dog crosses that boundary. Each and every time! There can be no room for confusion. Your corrections must be swift and consistent. Not all dogs react to the same level of pressure. For some dogs, this squeeze and strong words will be all it takes to stop the behavior. Especially if you are consistent in your correction. But some dogs have a stronger or more challenging personality. This will give your puppy a taste of his own medicine since his puppy teeth are sharp and will pinch into his lips or flews. You must be consistent. How long will it take to stop my puppy from biting me? If you are firm and consistent, the behavior should stop for the most part in a day or two. Some dogs require more pressure, some less. Your puppy should feel some discomfort. That is okay. The point is to show your puppy that biting hurts and that it is not an acceptable behavior. When nothing seems to work If you puppy is a bit older and has been getting away with biting and mouthing you for a while, you may struggle to end this behavior. Often the problem is a strong dominance issue that needs to be addressed. If your puppy continues to snap or bite at you even after a correction, you likely need to exert some dominance over your puppy. This is similar to what a mommy dog does to a puppy that is not behaving. Humans can do the same thing to show dominance over a rebellious puppy. I know, it sound a bit ridiculous but it really does work. Instead, remain calm and patient. Stay in control. Reacting with emotion can lead to strong reactions or punishment that you will later regret. The point is to show your dog that you are the Alpha in the relationship, and you can and will determine what behavior is acceptable. Biting is not love As a professional dog trainer, I am always surprised at what some of clients consider appropriate behavior. Some owners feel that setting boundaries and enforcing those boundaries means that you do not love your dog. That you need to accept all dog behaviors otherwise you do not love your dog. This is a false and faulty mindset. We have seen clients who have been injured by their dog multiple times and they still refuse to take steps to end the behavior. That is not love. What if the next person that dog bites is a child? Would you be able to live with that? A dog that is allowed to continue harming humans is only one bite away from having to be put down. It may sound harsh, but it is the sad truth. Some people may argue that the dog is unable to understand what they are doing is wrong. This is not based on reality. Dogs are very smart. They can learn to do amazing things and become incredible hunting partners and family companions. But they rarely achieve this potential without an owner who cares enough to set boundaries and enforce them. Final thoughts on how to stop my puppy biting me all the time You can stop your puppy from biting you and others if you are willing to take the steps necessary to make your dog understand that biting is not an acceptable behavior. A firm consistent correction each and every time your puppy bites will quickly teach your puppy to stop biting. These corrections will not harm your relationship with your puppy, but will, in fact, enhance it. Your puppy will quickly learn where the boundaries are and how to operate within those boundaries. We see it time and again, once a puppy is taught that there are boundaries, they quickly adjust and become wonderful loving and obedient family members. Help, my Lab puppy keeps biting me! How to train a puppy not to bite Is it normal for puppies to bite a lot? Yes it is! Almost all puppies bite and some bite much harder than others. How long do puppies teeth and bite? With some exceptions, puppy biting will stop by the time your puppy has his full set of grown up teeth at 7 months. Fortunately, you can stop your puppy from biting long before they have cut all their adult teeth. Do puppies grow out of biting? If you do nothing at all, to teach a puppy not to bite, the biting would likely subside over the next few months. But its very easy to do the wrong thing, and actually encourage a puppy to bite more. And in those cases, play biting can become very rough and the relationship between a young dog and their family can break down. Do All Labradors Bite? Anyone who shares their home with a 10 or 12 week old puppy will tell you that Labradors bite! And I can reassure you that this applies to all Labradors in the first few months of life. Fortunately this is a phase puppies go through and not a permanent character flaw. And most adult Labradors are indeed very good natured dogs. And also at what is normal, and what is not. If your children are in tears at being bitten every time they try to play with and cuddle their new friend, you may be wondering if your puppy is becoming aggressive. You may even worry that your children might be at risk. Fortunately I can reassure you that this is not the case. While your puppy may frighten your children with his sharp teeth and growling. The way he is behaving now does not mean he will be a threat to their safety in the future. Happily, studies have shown that behavior in small puppies is not predictive of the way that they will behave as adults! Why Do Puppies Bite Children? Some breeders will not sell puppies to homes where there are small children. This is because puppies often bite children and teenagers harder and more persistently than they bite grown-ups. It is normal for small puppies to make small children cry, but before you rush your puppy off to the local shelter, bear with me a moment, because I can help with that. Children give off conflicting signals to the puppy. Fortunately there are lots of ways to make it easier on yourself and on your kids. In short, you need to be a little patient at this point, and it helps to know that this phase does pass quite quickly. And that it is completely normal for all puppies to bite a lot, and to bite children with particular enthusiasm! It has to be said, Labradors are even more bitey than some other breeds of dog during this stage in their development. In fact, retrievers generally tend to be very bitey as puppies. As can the pain of being bitten. Puppy bites do hurt. And sometimes they leave marks. Pain, bruising, scratching, little tooth marks on your toddler, these are all part and parcel of raising a puppy. Some very enthusiastic puppies will even draw blood on occasions. All this is normal, but I will explain what you can do about it. Perhaps the most serious concern that new puppy parents have, is the fear that their puppy is becoming aggressive. What really worries people is the snarling. When puppies play, they practice being fierce. They throw themselves into the whole play acting thing with huge enthusiasm. And they are brilliant at it. And the most important part of that game is to make as much noise as possible and to sound as angry as possible. So, all puppies growl or snarl ferociously when they play, while they are biting, and sometimes when they are trying to entice their poor owners into yet another game. His little face will be all scrunched up, his lips drawn back, his teeth showing. So he has no idea that he is frightening your children or that you are wondering if he is turning into a horrible aggressive and dangerous beast. Please do be reassured, that however fierce your ten week old puppy sounds. It is just a game. He is truly just playing. Normal Puppy Play Behavior So, the hard truth is, all puppies bite. And many puppy bites are quite painful. Some Labrador puppies bite more than most, and biting a lot, and growling or snarling at the same time is normal. So is biting so hard that it makes your eyes water, and even occasionally breaks the skin. Puppies bite at hands that go to stroke them, at bare feet, and happily tug away at clothing, all the while trying to sound as fierce as they possibly can. All this is normal. And you, quite naturally, will want to know exactly when it is going to stop! When Do Puppies Stop Biting? It also happens in working dog families where the dogs may be kennelled or at least are not allowed unsupervised interaction with anyone apart from their trainer or main carer. A study carried out on Guide Dog puppies in showed that simply rejecting interaction and refusing to play was enough to stop the puppies biting their adult puppy walkers. But, and it is a big but — in most young families, this is not always what happens. In many families, especially where the puppy is a novelty, everyone plays with the puppy, and often in quite a physical way. This gets puppies very excited and tends to make biting worse. Inexperienced puppy owners also tend to inadvertently prolong the biting phase by rewarding the puppy with attention when he bites. The more excited they get, the harder they bite. Rough physical play gets puppies excited, rubbing puppies tummies, chasing puppies, grabbing at puppies. All these things get puppies bubbling with excitement Noisy behavior can get puppies excited too, so children squealing, or crying, grown ups shouting or getting cross. You might not think you are rewarding your puppy for biting, but you probably are. Labrador puppies are particularly social and love attention more than most puppies do. Any kind of contact with you, or other members of the family, including physical contact, talking, shouting, even eye contact, all reward your puppy. And if you give him these things while he is biting, this will reinforce the biting behavior and he will bite more in the future Poor bite inhibition What makes the bites hurt more, is poor bite inhibition. So the next section explains what bite inhibition is and how you can help your puppy improve his. What Is Bite Inhibition? At just eight or nine weeks old , Labrador puppies are actually capable of crushing bones the thickness of your little finger, with their jaws. Your puppy has been learning to inhibit his bite since he was tiny. His mother and brothers and sisters all helped to teach him how hard he can bite without hurting them. This is where your training will come in. You can read more about bite inhibition and bite inhibition training in this article What About Puppy Teething? We mentioned teething earlier because people tend to associate biting with teething. So, is it true that puppies bite so much because they are teething? And how long will teething go on for? In fact, most problem puppy biting is simply play. Puppies may chew or mouth at fingers to help relieve the discomfort of teething, but this is not the major cause of the biting problems we find in homes with small puppies. Most puppies have their adult teeth by the time they are 7 months old, but biting does not usually last that long. He is growing fast and by 11 or 12 weeks those bites will hurt a lot more. The time to begin taking action is now! But for the time being, you need to put this image aside. Children under five are simply not capable of playing with a puppy under four months without getting bitten. So you need to supervise every interaction between them. Do put baby gates across doorways, even if you no longer need them for your children. Baby gates allow you to separate children and puppies when you are not free to supervise. Do show children how to stroke the puppy gently whilst you hold one end of a rawhide chew and let the puppy gnaw on the other end. It will end in tears. Playful Visitors It is not just children that play inappropriately with puppies. I have known grown men grapple roughly with a tiny puppy, rolling him around the floor, making growling noises, whilst the puppy gnaws on his knuckles. You can find out how to play safely with a Labrador in this article. Saving your sanity and enjoying your puppy If you were not expecting this, it can seem like a big deal, but supervision and some separation is essential if you are to keep your sanity, and your children are to dry their tears and carry on enjoying their puppy. With older children, you need to teach them how to interact with the puppy without getting him overwrought. Labrador puppies, like toddlers, are easily over-excited. And when they are over-excited they start to be silly. Your first job at this stage, is to keep your puppy calm. Your second job is to stop giving your puppy rewards for biting. Make sure the puppy gets no reward at all when he bites someone. Especially no attention. The next stage explains how you can do that. The process whereby the puppy learns to use his mouth gently on your skin — and it takes a little while. Bite inhibition is taught in stages. The puppy learns to reduce the power of his bites gradually. What to do when your puppy bites If your puppy bites and hurts you, remove your attention immediately. This is where baby gates can be really helpful. If you are playing with your puppy and he bites you, you can step over the gate, thus effectively removing all attention from him. All of a sudden his playmate has disappeared. What about squealing You may have heard that a puppy will stop biting if you yelp or squeal. And you can try this, because it does work with some puppies. But many puppies get even more excited by the yelping, and on others it has no effect. The strongest signal you can give your puppy is the loss of your presence and attention. What about punishment? Some people try and stop puppies biting by smacking them or shouting at them. There are several problems with this. Firstly, it tends to only stop the puppy biting the person who did the yelling. Which is of course the very opposite of what you are trying to achieve! You can find out more about the potential impact of punishing your Labrador here. What if you need to move a biting puppy? If you need to move the puppy away rather than stepping away from the puppy you may find he bites at your hands when you go to pick him up or take hold of his collar. Others bite when they are stroked or petted. We are fond of wiggling our fingers at puppies, petting them and rubbing our fingers in their fur, not behaviors that dogs really understand. And many puppies see fingers and toes as something to chase and play with. Hands are a particular target for puppy bites so teach your children to interact with your puppy using toys that he can tug and bite on, rather than playing with him using their bare hands. Distracting your puppy If you want to sit and pet your puppy, or your children do, use treats or hold a rawhide chew with one hand so he can gnaw on the end. Have your puppy wear a harness and houseline so that you can pick up the end of the line and move him to where you want him to go without his grabbing at your hands. Stage Four: Train Your Puppy Not To Bite This is where we teach the puppy to let us stroke and pet him, or handle him in any way we like, without him putting his mouth around our fingers. The best way to do this is with a clicker and some dog treats. But you can also use a word like YES instead of the click. And place a treat on the floor in front of him You see where I am going with this? Build up slowly so that you can touch him anywhere on his head or body, pick up his paws etc. All without him grabbing or mouthing at you. What do I do if he mouths at me? If the puppy grabs at your hand, you got too close. Make smaller hand movements further away from him until he ignores those, then bring the movements gradually closer. Stage Five: Playing Safely As puppies grow older biting can reappear. Puppies between six and nine months of age, are extremely boisterous, and may start nipping with their teeth during play. At this age, your puppy is more than half grown, and his size and weight are a significant problem if rough play is allowed. The secret to avoiding and resolving this issue is to change the way you interact with your puppy. And to ensure that children follow your example. Boisterous and excitable puppies must not be allowed to play rough games with small people. The consequences can be very unpleasant, and it is no coincidence that this is the age at which many young dogs are abandoned or given up to rescue. Here are a few more articles that you might find helpful:. Older puppy aggression Most puppies are through the worst of the biting phase by about four months old. After about six months of age, some puppies begin to show signs of fear aggression. This means that they may growl or snap at strangers who approach or try to touch them. The way to avoid this behavior and raise a friendly puppy is to thoroughly socialize your pup. You should follow our socialization steps as soon as your puppy arrives in your home Nipping and rough behavior in bigger puppies Some aggressive puppies at around six to nine months old have a resurgence of nipping and rough behavior. Often ending in tears when children are involved. This kind of biting is almost always linked to inappropriate play. Often involving children. Dogs, especially young dogs, are not great at reading behavioral signals from small children and vice versa. There is a bit of a language barrier here, and children can get hurt. The article on playing safely with your Labrador will help you with this. True Aggression in Puppies It is important that you also know how to recognize and deal with true aggression. Genuine aggression is very rare in small puppies and is almost always linked to extreme fear. A puppy that bites from fear will normally attempt to hide and withdraw first. The frightened puppy will normally growl fairly quietly and try to avoid contact before he bites, whereas the playing puppy will initiate contact and growl more and more fiercely once the biting game is underway. A frightened puppy will also often give off a distinctive musky smell. Helping a frightened puppy If you find your puppy cowering under a chair and not wanting to be touched, you can be sure that someone or something has really frightened him. Remove the source of fear toddlers, and other dogs are common culprits and take your time over reassuring him. Fetch some nice food, and tempt him out. He may need plenty of cuddles for a while, but try not to worry. Most puppies are very resilient and soon bounce back from an unpleasant experience. Aggression in older puppies It can be hard to know when an older puppy is truly being an aggressive puppy. Most commonly, biting and rough behavior in older puppies is due to the causes discussed above. True aggression in older puppies is normally caused by fear and anxiety due to insufficient socialization. Socialization To avoid this kind of aggression it is vital to socialize puppies carefully, so that they are not afraid of anything. Although there may be a genetic element to some dog aggression, socialization is your biggest tool in raising a happy calm friendly puppy. Some dogs will guard beds, chairs and benches. Resource guarding should be treated using positive reinforcement Resource Guarding Sometimes, aggression in older puppies is due to resource guarding. This is clearly not to do with play. An aggressive puppy may growl when people approach his food bowl, or his bed for example. Some aggressive puppies also guard stolen socks, or trash picked up on their walk. This is all classed as resource guarding. How to train an aggressive puppy Some years ago, people believed that resource guarding could be trained out of puppies with dominance and pack leadership strategies. We now know that these techniques only suppress the problem and make the dog feel more threatened. They can be extremely dangerous and lead to bites and ultimately the destruction of the dog. Positive Reinforcement Modern training techniques use positive reinforcement and counter conditioning to change the way that dogs feel about having people near their food and other resources. With most resource guarding problems, especially in older puppies and adult dogs, it is best to get professional help from a behaviorist. Your vet should be able to recommend one. Aggression towards other dogs As with dog-human interactions, it is important to be aware that puppy growling and gentle biting at the other dogs in your house is normal puppy play. Keep an eye that the older dog is not getting frustrated, and separate them if needed — but try not to worry about the puppy noise! You may find our guide to introducing a puppy to an older dog helpful. If, however, your older puppy or dog is being aggressive to other dogs it meets, you may want to consider help from a behaviorist. Puppy Aggression Causes Dog to dog aggression occurs for a variety of reasons. You may need help unpicking the cause, before trying to fix this problem. In the meantime consider keeping your dog on a leash when other dogs are around. And remember — punishing your dog is known to make this problem worse. Life with an Aggressive Puppy Growling and biting are not usually signs of aggression in puppies. Noisy, aggressive-looking, play is a developmental phase that all puppies go through. With your help, it will soon be over. Serious aggression in small puppies is rare and usually only occurs in puppies that are terrified, and that have been prevented from hiding. So rest assured, no matter how fierce your little puppy sounds when he hangs on to your shoes or attacks your fingers, it is not a sign of true aggression. It is normal puppy play. More serious problems Most puppy owners will be reassured by this article, that their puppies growling and nipping is not a sign a an aggressive puppy, but is a normal phase of puppy development. However, if you are concerned that your older puppy or adult dog is showing true aggression, or that they may bite you in a way that causes genuine harm, seek help. A canine behaviorist can assess your dog and advise you on how best to retrain them. Your vet will be able to put you in touch with a behaviorist. Aggressive Puppy and Children Remember, children are particularly at risk from dog bites. If you are concerned, minimize interactions between your dog and children. And always supervise their time together. Research shows that most people find it hard to predict when their children are safe around a dog, and when to worry. Your vet is an important point of call for an aggressive puppy or dog. What makes a dog suddenly aggressive? There are many factors that can make a normally gentle Labrador turn aggressive. However, sometimes, some of the behaviors that Lab puppies normally exhibit make their pet owners think of them as signs that their dog is dangerous. Here are some normal Labrador behaviors that many pet owners take to be aggressive puppy signs: 1. However, biting is actually pretty normal in most puppies. They will bite their beds, their bowls; sometimes, they will even playfully bite their owners. While this behavior should not be tolerated and should still be corrected. It is a perfectly normal behavior in a Lab puppy. Biting things is one of the ways that puppies learn that they can get attention. So, they may resort to biting you a bit to initiate play or if they want something. Small puppies may growl whenever they play with you or tug at you to get your attention. It is likely not a cause for alarm, especially when they are not causing any pain and seem to be just exhibiting playful but overexcited behavior. However, growling is something that you should watch out for in truly aggressive puppies. It does not necessarily mean that they intend it to be aggressive. This is especially true when they are just eager and excited to play around with you. Resource guarding Resource guarding is essentially being very protective of things, especially food. But if your Labrador puppy growls or acts aggressively when someone comes near their food, it could be another sign of serious behavior issues. This is especially true when they do this frequently. But when they exhibit unnatural and aggressive behaviors with regularity, that is when you should intervene. When Labrador exhibits alarming behavior Despite the fact that most of the time, Labrador puppies are not truly aggressive, there are also hallmark signs that their behavior is unusual. These may include your puppy growling when picked up all of a sudden or them showing puppy aggression towards other dogs. In these cases, intervention with a behavioral specialist is usually necessary. The difference between normal behavior and alarming behavior in Lab puppies is usually fear. In most cases, your dog may exhibit these particular behaviors because they scared of the subject or fear it. What if my puppy starts growling and biting at strangers? First of all, puppies are naturally curious little things. Whenever you go out for walks, they may find something that captures their interest and follow or play with it. But, when they bark or lunge at strangers or things for a negative reason, that becomes alarming behavior. Puppies should not react in a negative way to curiosity. They should not be scared to the point of aggressiveness whenever a foreign person or object is near. In a young Lab puppy of about 3 months or 10 weeks, this is a major concern. While it is perfectly normal for them to be curious about things, they should not resort to thrashing to get away from or being aggressive towards things that are strange to them. Aggressive puppy signs One thing that you notice when a Lab puppy is no longer just playing is when their body language becomes aggressive and rigid. Instead of a fun, playful aura, your Lab puppy may exhibit tense behavior. Their body language is something that you should pay close attention to because it says a lot about whether they are being truly aggressive or just playing around. Often, this difference draws the line between what is commonly perceived as aggressive and what is truly a sign of puppy dominance and aggression. Aggressiveness in many puppies is characterized by stillness, a hard expression on their face, and low growling. With any of these signs, the best thing to do would be to call a behavioral specialist so you can find a way to intervene with aggressive puppy behavior. As a responsible pet owner and citizen, you should make sure that your Lab will not cause harm to others intentionally. According to this study on canine aggression, aggressive behavior in dogs can cause social disruption. But, the good side of it is that most pet owners are willing to take action to correct these behaviors through different training methods. What to do about a Labrador Retriever puppy growling and biting Even if you believe that your puppy exhibits completely normal Labrador behavior, it still should not be tolerated. Fortunately, in most cases, the puppy grows out of this stage fairly well. With enough training and persistence, most puppies will no longer like biting and nipping so much by the time they are about 6 months old. Each puppy is different, but the following important tips are good starting points: 1. Do not punish them. Punishing your Labrador will probably do more harm than good. Punishment has long since been disputed as an inefficient mode of training. These days, positive reinforcement is the way to go. Punishing your Labrador Retriever for their behavior will only repress these aggressive behaviors and make them fearful of you. As a pet owner, what you want to do is to create a healthy relationship with your Lab that does not involve fear. After all, they need to be loved and cared for in order to grow well. Ignore your Labrador puppy growling and biting. If you respond to them in any way, they will think that what they are doing is effective. Remove items they can bite. Most Lab puppies will really go through a phase of biting things around them. So, if you find yourself with constantly bit puppy items, you should just invest in items that they cannot ruin by biting. Additionally, you should keep away from them any items that they can bite and then ruin. Conclusion For the most part, all you will need to grow out of your puppy growling and biting phase is some time and proper training. You have to be patient with your Lab pup as they may still have to learn how to play gently or how to act around people. They are trained to know what behaviors need changing and how to achieve those changes. Post navigation.

Other Fun Facts about the Aussie Bulldog Breed Australian Bulldogs look like their fellow English bulldogs at first sight; their large heads, big muzzles, and flat faces are what make us mistake them for each other. The Australian Bulldog is larger and heavier than the English bulldog. A number of breeders were involved in the process of developing this new version of bulldog. They intended to create a dog that can handle many roles such as being obedient, family companion, loyal, watchdog, and friendly. Such characteristics were easily achieved due to the fact that bulldogs in general have durable body structures. Breeders created this new kind of bulldogs by molding the traits of the English bulldog, Bullmastiff, Boxer, and British Bulldog into a new bulldog breed: the Australian Bulldog. Each kind had something unique to offer the new breed. Features like good appearance and affection are originally from the British Bulldog; Boxer and Mastiff provided the traits of a watchdog. And the Staffordshire Bull Terrier had to offer the well-built body muscles. In fact, it takes much time to create a new dog breed and achieve the required characteristics. Participation between breeders was fruitful throughout the development process. Luckily, the breeders succeeded in making health a priority and did not sacrifice it for gorgeous looks. In short, they have developed a dog that is perfect by all accounts. Physical Characteristics of the Australian Bulldog The Australian Bulldog — also called Aussie Bulldog — is a pleased-looking dog which has an easily recognized nature and is fond of socializing with its adopters. The Australian Bulldog has very distinctive looks and physical traits. This medium squish, in fact, helps the dog breathe easily. It offers the bulldog more freedom and naturalness when moving. Its head is large, containing a large nose, round and dark eyes, and average-sized, fold-over ears. Teeth are partly covered; that is, they are not completely protruding. The body is rock-hard, the neck is thickly sold, and the chest is deep. Similarly, the legs are solid, strong, and muscled enough to run, move and chase. Its tail is usually straight and thick. The main reason for breeding the Australian Bulldog was to come up with a new breed that is healthier than the English bulldog. The non-bulldog blood that had been added to the new version helped breeders reach that goal. The being said, numerous efforts have been exerted to help the Aussie Bulldog avoid any congenital conditions. It still until this moment suffers from many issues that the English bulldog suffers from. Taking into account the fact that it has a short face, the Australian Bulldog is vulnerable towards some breathing issues that it can be subject to heat exhaustion compared to its fellow breeds. Experts recommend wiping its face with a cloth every day so that the wrinkles on its face are cleaned. This will also help the dog avoid any skin issues from accumulating and deteriorating. However, almost similar to the English bulldog, this breed can suffer from the following health issues: 1. Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is considered one of the most common health issues the Australian Bulldog can suffer from. This health issue is usually caused by a malformation in the hip joint. In a perfectly healthy dog, the upper leg bone fits perfectly in the acetabulum, both of which are coated in a layer of cartilage. This cartilage prevents these two bones from rubbing against each other. Although such a condition is genetically inherited, there are also some external risk factors that can lead the dog to suffer from it. The following are the common risk factors: Weight: overweight dogs are more likely to develop this condition than normal ones. Size: large dogs are more prone to develop Hip Dysplasia. However, the condition can be present from birth. Build: dogs with thick bodies are more prone to Hip Dysplasia. Elbow Dysplasia: Similar to Hip Dysplasia, Elbow Dysplasia is a genetically inherited condition that affects the Australian Bulldog, especially the big-sized, giant ones. The risk factors that can lead to this condition include the following: Weight: overweight dogs are more likely to develop this condition than normal ones. Entropion Entropion is deemed one of the most common genetically inherited visual issues that affect the Australian Bulldog. The condition causes the eyelid of the dog to rub up against the surface of the eye. Over time, the rubbing itself can cause pain and damage the eye that, if left untreated, can cause blindness. The factors that can lead to this condition are listed below: Genetics: as aforementioned, this condition is genetically inherited. Wrinkled skin: dogs, like the Australian Bulldog, with skin folds are more prone to develop this condition. Facial structure: dogs with flat faces and short muzzles are more likely to develop this kind of disease. Size: giant dogs are more prone to develop Entropion. Age: although this condition is present once the dog is born, older dogs can develop more symptoms and suffer more severely than young ones. Allergies Allergy is a hypersensitivity disorder that affects the immune system of the dog. Allergy reactions are featured by the excessive activation of specific white blood cells, leading to an extremely inflammatory response. Common allergies include eczema, fever, asthma, food allergies, and hives. The most common symptom of this condition is recurring seizures which start at a young age. Ectropion Ectropion is another common condition in bulldogs that usually impacts the lower eyelid. Other common conditions include:. Nice long bodies on the females are preferred as a rule due to being better whelpers than short bodied females. A nice level topline is preferred with tail cartridge straight off the back, docked or not. Moderate turn of stifle and hock angulations. Chest area should be broad with the brisket well let down. Front should be straight with good shoulder placement. Body coat preferred short and smooth, not thick or rough. Eye placement should be wide apart, being large and clean in appearance. Teeth should be of good size and well placed within the mouth. Jaw structure preferred wide and square top and bottom. The Aussie Bulldog comes in a variation of wonderful colors, including shades of fawn, apricot, orange, red, mahogany, white and at least 5 shades of brindle including red brindle, fawn brindle, black brindle, mahogany brindle and silver brindle. Aussies also come in pied coloring with pied being one color more dominant than the other, and an arrangement of patches on the body that is quite appealing. Temperament The Australian Bulldog is a medium sized dog that loves being part of a family. The Aussie Bulldog is intelligent, loving and loyal with a sound temperament. Good with children and fun-loving, this breed is pretty easygoing. It will enjoy playing with a ball or Frisbee and loves to play or swim in water. It is a good watch dog but not a guard dog, though its appearance can be a deterrent. Given the alertness of this breed, the Aussie Bulldog does have the ability to be a dependable watch dog at a mature age. With its intelligence and loyalty it is a very easy dog to teach at home, but obedience training is recommended as with any breed of dog. The Aussie Bulldog has stamina and its personality is one everyone could get attached to. This breed craves leadership from its owners. Like all dogs, they need a firm, but calm, confident and consistent pack leader and daily mental and physical exercise to avoid any behavior issues. Height, Weight Height: Males 18 - 20 inches 46 - 51 cm Females 17 - 19 inches 44 - 48 cm Weight: Males 60 - 78 pounds 28 - 35 kg Females 50 - 61 pounds 23 - 28 kg Health Problems Although the best has been done to eliminate health problems within this breed, this does not mean that they are faultless, but all effort is put in to breed Aussie Bulldogs of good health, sound structure and good nature. Living Conditions Aussie Bulldogs are not recommended for apartment life, but can live in the smaller space if sufficiently exercised. This breed is an indoor dog, and should not be left outside all day in a kennel. Bulldogs do best in temperate climates as the breed can chill easily in cold weather and have trouble cooling off in very hot weather. Exercise Aussie Bulldogs need plenty of exercise which includes long daily walks. They like to go swimming in summer and lie in the sun during the winter months. Comb and brush with a firm bristle brush, and bathe only when necessary. Wipe the face with a damp cloth every day to clean inside the wrinkles. This breed is an average shedder. This type of dog had the strength, endurance and size to do the job that was set out for it. The original breeders made personality and health in a dog their top priorities, along with keeping a unique Bulldog look. The Aussie Bulldog is a recognized breed within the eye of the general public, but they are not yet registered with the ANKC as a pedigreed breed. All lines of Aussie Bulldogs should come with a breed certificate for the documentation of their ancestry. The public first heard about this breed back in as a result of Keith Nobes asking Pip to write to Burkes Back Yard and inform them of their combined breeding program of The Aussie Bulldog. On their way home from Western Australia, driving from Perth to Toowoomba they Noel and Tina visited Joe and Louise Cauchi in Sydney's western suburbs and viewed 2 litters of pups that were of Aussie Bulldog type, making them approximately 2 weeks old when the program aired on Burkes Back Yard. Both breeding programs were in the early stages, and originally from Greens Lines and Nobes Lines; this was very promptly followed by Cauchi's lines. Since then they have continued to increase the Aussie Bulldog population with approximately 40 or 50 more enthusiastic breeders joining together all three lines of dogs. Nobes lines and Greens lines were developed heavily based on British Bulldog, Bullmastiff, Boxer and a small percentage of Staffy, closely followed in the months to come by the introduction of Joe and Louise Cauchi's dogs based mainly on JD Johnson Line American Bulldogs, which do not have any connection in physical type or temperament to the American Pitbull or the Scott line American Bulldog. Johnson line American Bulldogs are similar in height and head type to the Boxer and Bullmastiff. Their breeding stock now has 5 generations of Aussie Bulldog to Aussie Bulldog in total. The consistency with the Aussie Bulldog is better than a lot of pedigreed breeds in proving this with every planned litter. Less - Aussie Bulldog Australian Bulldogs have stout, compact bodies that are very strong and well-muscled. Generally, the bodies of female Australian Bulldogs should be longer than those of their male counterparts. Australian Bulldogs have a level top line and a broad chest with the brisket well let down. Their tail cartridge is straight off the back, and their tail may or may not be docked. Australian Bulldogs have a very strong, square head that is substantially deep and wide at the muzzle. They have a pronounced stop between their large, wide-set eyes. This breed has nose wrinkle. Australian Bulldogs bred for show have a near level bite and large teeth. Their wide jaw structure should be square at the top and bottom. Australian Bulldogs have a short, smooth coat that exists in a variety of colors. There are at least five shades of brindle that are suitable for show. Australian Bulldogs may also have a pied coat, meaning there is one coat color on the body that is more prominent than another. Australian Bulldogs often have a series of patches on their body. The Australian Bulldog is a medium sized dog that loves being part of a family. The Aussie Bulldog is intelligent, loving and loyal with a sound temperament. Good with children and fun-loving, this breed is pretty easygoing. It will enjoy playing with a ball or Frisbee and loves to play or swim in water. It is a good watch dog but not a guard dog, though its appearance can be a deterrent. Given the alertness of this breed, the Aussie Bulldog does have the ability to be a dependable watch dog at a mature age. With its intelligence and loyalty it is a very easy dog to teach at home, but obedience training is recommended as with any breed of dog. The Aussie Bulldog has stamina and its personality is one everyone could get attached to. This breed craves leadership from its owners. Like all dogs, they need a firm, but calm, confident and consistent pack leader and daily mental and physical exercise to avoid any behavior issues. The pair decided to cooperate together and breed a well-rounded bulldog. Their predominant focus was to construct a dog with a typical bulldog appearance, but one that also had a terrific personality. Despite the fact that this breed is not yet recognized by the ANKC as a pedigreed breed, the Australian Bulldog is recognized as a breed by the general public. Any advice provided is general only and does not take into account your individual objectives, financial situation or needs. Please consider the Product Disclosure Statement PDS to ensure this product meets your needs before purchasing or choosing to continue with the product. Testimonials and customer experience may vary depending on individual circumstances. Claims are assessed subject to policy terms and conditions. The discount will be spread over the course of the first year and deducted from the standard monthly payment. This offer only applies to new policies for eligible pets under the age of 12 months and cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. We may revoke this offer at any time without notice to you. Limit of one 1 Pet ID Tag per policy year. Cover is subject to the terms and conditions of the policy for each renewal period. For further details, refer to your PDS. Whether that is the case will depend on the nature and experience of the condition, and some conditions are eligible for review after an month period — refer to your Policy Booklet for more information, terms and conditions. To do so, your Vet will need to certify and provide veterinary records verifying that the Condition remains a Temporary Condition and has not existed, occurred or shown noticeable signs, symptoms or an abnormality for a period of 18 months. The Pre-existing Condition exclusion s shall not be deemed to have been lifted unless agreed to by us in writing. For more details refer to the Product Disclosure Statement , or download the form here. Refer to the Product Disclosure Statement for further details. Refer to the applicable Product Disclosure Statement for further details. Not all conditions and treatment will be covered. Juliet is a beautiful red fawn French bulldog and has a planned breeding with a handsome fawn stud at the end of this yr and she will almost.I fell in love with this amazing breed and have been hooked ever since. Distance from search location: 38 Km WA Dogs 2 images We have been involved with exhibiting and breeding the wonderful British Bulldog as well as the French Bulldog since We have bred multiple champions,with many group wins along the way. We are.Our dogs are part of our family, so when we do have a litter the puppies are raised in the home, so mother and pups can be cared for around the.Started showing and breeding 30 years ago. My mother and I have both fallen in love with French Bulldogs. We take.All of our breeding stock are hip and spine x rayed and scored. They are also.We continue to improve the standard so the breed has a bright and long lasting future. We only breed.All dogs are part of my family and living inside, spoiled and given lots of love and best care these guys deserve. Only sell pups to loving homes.

Though size varies between individuals, a standard German Shepherd weighs about 60 pounds. Whether you already own a German Shepherd pup or are looking into it, be prepared for a hefty lap dog! Continue to 7 of 16 below. They were originally bred for their striking good looks and intelligence, making for a great working dog on the police force and in the military. They were so cute that dog-lovers in other countries soon caught on and began breeding them themselves. Continue to 8 of 16 below. These dogs are very protective of their homes and family and make excellent guard dogs. Continue to 9 of 16 below. They need stimulation, even if they are a family pet and not a trained deputy. This can be in the form of playful games, puzzle toys, tricks , and obedience training. Otherwise, German Shepherds may show off some unpleasant behavior, like chewing. Continue to 10 of 16 below. Continue to 11 of 16 below. Continue to 12 of 16 below. They perk up as they grow older, making them look extra tall and important. Continue to 13 of 16 below. Beautiful all black and all white German Shepherds are out there, too. Continue to 14 of 16 below. Continue to 15 of 16 below. This breed is inherently athletic and courageous—nothing can stop them, not even water. Continue to 16 of 16 below. These pups are incredibly intelligent and capable canines who are ready to work. And German Shepherd puppies are too cute! Remember, you can get any kind of dog, including a GSD, from shelters and rescues, so always adopt! They tend to be one-family pets, meaning they can be suspicious of strangers. Although absolutely gorgeous, Shepherds are shedders to the max. Prepare for a snow globe of hair to poof off your pup any time you give them a big snuggle, which will be more often than not. When you first get your puppy, playing may consist of nipping due to their herding background. When your GSD is fully grown, they may love to wrestle around and forget how big they are. These pups are always up for snuggling with others, including kids and other pets. Softies Who Are Also Busy Bodies If you want a German Shepherd puppy in your life, you have to really want your dog to be a part of every little bit of your daily routine. Morning showers? Your pup will want to sit right outside to make sure you rinse off the soap. Your bed? Highly intelligent and curious, Shepherds want to know what is going on all of the time. German Shepherds will attach at the hip and make the right person the happiest dog parent on the planet. German Shepherd puppy in grass close-up of German Shepherd puppy German Shepherd puppy in profile German Shepherd puppy on rock German Shepherd puppy lying down on lawn German Shepherd puppy looking at camera German Shepherd puppy on snow German Shepherd puppy in yard Remember, you can find just about any breed of dog you are looking for at a shelter or rescue. Would you adopt a German Shepherd Puppy? Do you have experience with these adorable pups? Let us know in the comments below!

Share A Story! German Shepherd Rescues In Texas A small commission may be earned on any purchases made via links on this page. Read our full affiliate disclosure. The good news is that there are also a lot of breed-specific rescues to help German Shepherds in this state. They primarily rescue from rural shelters and places that do not have a lot of adoptions. This rescue is entirely volunteer-run. Dogs are usually housed in foster homes until they can be adopted. They have four shepherds of their own and hate the thought of any shepherds being mistreated, neglected, or euthanized in county shelters. They work full-time, but strive to save shepherds in their spare time. They believe that finding the perfect match for the dogs in their care is essential, so they are not in a rush to find homes for dogs, but rather take their time to make sure that the right dog ends up in the right home. German Shepherd Rescue of Texas is always seeking out fosters to help them rescue more dogs. They provide foster homes with everything they need to give superb care to the dogs in the rescue. Foster homes are given a crate, training support, and training strategies customized to each dog. If you would like to adopt a dog from German Shepherd Rescue of Texas, you can expect your application to be approved within about five business days. German Shepherd Rescue of Texas requires that dogs be allowed to live inside with the family, rather than being kept outside in a dog house. They save dogs from very difficult situations where they may have been neglected, abused, or euthanized in a shelter. They make the important distinction that rather than selling dogs, they adopt sensitive creatures into new homes where they will be valued as they deserve. This is a foster-based rescue, which means that dogs live in a foster home until they can be adopted. Foster homes are provided with food, medical care, and whatever else dogs may need. If you are interested in adopting but not ready to make a commitment yet, fostering through German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas is a great solution. You can see beautiful high quality pictures of the dogs right on their home page so you will fall in love before you know it. German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas strives to keep bonded pairs together, so you may be encouraged to adopt two dogs instead of just one if you are interested in one of the bonded dogs. Rescue and Adoption Details. Dogs in our program are in foster homes private homes of volunteers and treated like one of our own. We do NOT have a shelter. The advantages of having our rescued GSDs in private homes is that we interact with them frequently and have insight into the personalities and likes and dislikes. Our volunteers give freely of their time, money, and affection to save these animals. Please keep in mind that they are ALL volunteers - no one gets paid, and we all have full-time jobs, families, and lives too. Please be patient if we cannot answer you immediately - we do strive to respond within hours to all inquiries. German Shepherds GSDs are loving and loyal companions, who provide comfort and security to those privileged enough to share their friendship and love. All of our rescued GSDs are spayed or neutered, are current on vaccinations, and are tested for heartworms, lyme disease, and ehrlichia. All of our animals are on heartworm preventative. Your assistance will allow us to keep saving these wonderful canine companions. We couldn't do it without you. Fortunately, many rescue groups in Texas can help. For example, German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas, an all-volunteer organization, relies on private foster homes for its rescue dogs. The group provides veterinary care and ongoing preventive care for their animals, which includes food and proper training. Before adopting a dog, German Shepherds are neutered and microchipped. Because of the high demand for these dogs, the rescue organization only accepts the best-behaved dogs. To get the best possible chance of finding a healthy German Shepherd, consider a volunteer organization. The German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas uses private foster homes to raise and rehabilitate puppies. These organizations provide vaccinations and other preventive care, including spaying and neutering. The dogs are also microchipped before adoption to make sure they are healthy and happy. You can also find German Shepherd puppies for free at your local animal shelter. The shelter has a large selection of German Shepherd pups, and they are a great way to find a dog that is right for you. The German Shepherd is one of the most popular breeds, and the breed is growing in popularity. However, the best place to find German Shepherd Puppies is at your local animal shelter. These shelters are full of animals that have been given up for some reason. While these pups are adorable and friendly, they will need to be trained to behave properly in public. Most shelters will give you the pup for free, and they usually come with vaccinations and a microchip. Another good place to find free German shepherd puppies is at shelters. These shelters usually have German Shepherds available for adoption. You can also visit a local rescue group to adopt a German Shepherd. Another great option for free German Shepherd puppies is a rescue shelter. There are many other ways to find a free German sheepdog. You can visit a rescue in your area and meet the other dogs. While you may be tempted to adopt a German shepherd puppy from an individual shelter, you should be aware that these dogs are not always suitable for households with children. They are not the best pets for families with small children, so it is important to make sure you have the space for a dog. During the training process, you can help the dogs adjust to their new environment. Many dog rescue groups have listings on the internet. These organizations will often have multiple dogs for adoption, and you can often find one that meets your needs. Adoption requires time and effort, and you need to learn how to train and control your dog. This organization is located in Central, Texas, and the application process is simple. The German Shepherds will be spayed or neutered after adoption, and their vet bills will be covered. The German Shepherd Rescue of Central Texas is a nonprofit organization that relies on private foster homes to provide medical care and ongoing preventive care for dogs. They also give the dogs nutritious food and vaccinations. Before adoption, all of the dogs at the rescue center are neutered, microchipped, and tested for heartworms and fleas. Their mission is to provide a loving, safe home for every German shepherd that comes into their care. Although free German shepherd puppies in Texas are a great option for new owners, it is also important to be wary of scams. Be aware of the different breeds that advertise on the internet. These breeds are known for their fierce loyalty and high energy level. Buying from a breeder means supporting the operation of the mill and keeping puppies like this alive. A good place to find free German shepherd puppies is the local animal shelter. These shelters house dogs that were surrendered by their owners or turned in for some other reason. The older the dog, the better the quality of life it will have. But the best place to find a free dog is the shelter you find near your home. Moreover, it has a good reputation for being very active and playful. The dogs at the shelter spend half of their time doing activities and exercise. They are very active and need lots of space to keep their muscles toned. These dogs are very healthy and friendly and need a good home. The costs will vary, but the German shepherd will be in a foster home. In Texas, free German shepherd puppies are available on the internet. There are free German shepherd puppies in Texas. Some breeds are more expensive than others. Share this:.

Rest assured when purchasing a dog from us that years of breeding and training experience have gone into the development and selection of your German shepherd dog or puppy. Black, Dark Sables, as well as Red and Black German shepherd male and female puppies are available by reservation. Martin Z. Riverside is over an hour drive from me in the valley, but; the puppies that come from the breeder are worth the drive and more! My all black German Shepard "Sirius" is an absolute dream! The breeder and his family truly care for the dogs and their upbringing. Arsalaan constantly checks in to see how me and Sirius are doing and is there to answer any questions you may have. Whether it's your first dog or not give him a call! He'll walk you through the steps and be there with you for guidance. Gavin U. Arsalaan and his family are very kind, caring breeders! When I first reached out to him, he was very quick with a response and easy to communicate with. He truly takes great pride in his pups and is very helpful to answer any questions that may arise. I brought Bear home with me on Dec 16 and he was nice, clean, and healthy upon pick up. Arsalaan provided Bear's list of shots as well as his pedigree and some other additional documents. You will not be disappointed working with him, highly recommend him and his family to help you bring home your newest family member! Mitchell K. Very responsible breeder, I came from Arizona and couldn't be happier. Very helpful before and after receiving my puppy. I highly recommended. Jimmy M. I call Arsalaan whenever I have questions and he is always very helpful with training tips and advice. I get a lot compliments on her looks. Elvia B. I am so grateful for all of the help I got from Arsalaan, and we also appreciate him following up on our puppy "Rexie". He's given us great advice even before we decided to get Rexie. Although he's up north about a 90 minute drive from us, it was definitely worth it. He kept our puppy even after her 8 weeks we couldn't bring her home because it was a Christmas gift. When I took Rexie to her first vet visit the vet said " this breeder definitely knows what he's doing ". Rexie came with up to date vaccinations and AKC forms paid for just have to finish writing them up. Our new family member is a happy and healthy puppy! Plus she sleeps through the night quietly from day one. Amazing Thank you Arsalaan. Contact Us for Details on Our Puppies! The joy of owning a working line bred German Shepherd is immeasurable — but a companion and workmate that gives itself over to you so completely requires a significant reciprocal commitment. Do you have a fenced yard? Are you able to devote at least 30 minutes per day to exercising your dog? Will your puppy be raised inside of your home as a part of your family? Do you have small children, infants or other animals in your home currently and if not do you plan to in the future? Do you plan to crate train your puppy in addition to housebreaking? Are you prepared to feed a high quality food to your dog such as a grain-free or holistic food as a regular diet throughout its lifetime? Do you know the difference between the temperaments and character of a Working Line German Shepherd Dog over a show line or an American bred German Shepherd? Have you already consulted with a private trainer or know of obedience classes that are offered in your area that may be more specific to working dogs over an average Pet Store style all breed pet training class? Do you plan to spay or neuter your puppy when he or she is old enough? Are you financially prepared to provide care for your dog and seek veterinary care in the event of an emergency that may require hospitalization of your dog? If you are planning on breeding, do you have at least 5 years minimum experience as a Breeder? Are you educated in canine reproduction and development, have the basic knowledge and understanding of genetics as well as proper care for newborn pups, neonatal intensive care and experience in identifying reproductive complications or emergencies should they arise? Kreative Kennels is a working line Professional German Shepherd breeder. We offer german shepherd puppies for sale , personal protection dogs for sale , police dogs for sale , family protection dogs for sale , family companion german shepherds for sale. We are striving to breed great working line german shepherds for the military, border patrol, police departments and family companions. We are breeding dogs that exhibit excellent prey drive, courage, intelligence and also have a ton of energy. We have purchased some of the best german shepherd stud dogs available in the Czech Republic and Germany for use in our kennel. The same is true for our females. Kreative Kennels employees have personal contact with all of our german shepherds every single day of the year. We also evaluate the performance of each dog after its training session. We test all of our german shepherds dogs in real life surroundings. Kreative Kennels located in California is a relatively new venture that came about as a result of a present. We began researching pedigrees and titles, unable to quell our interest in the beauty of the working line German Shepherd. We have high expectations for these dogs; their pedigree and ability is that convincing. Our german shepherd stud dogs and breeding females are carefully selected. Their list of accomplishments speaks for itself in regards to quality. German Shepherd Dogs are the perfect dog to own. Their impeccable training allows them to be not only a superb guard or protection dog but also the perfect addition to any family. Feel free to contact us to schedule a visit or discuss any of our fine dogs. Any reproduction of any part of this website is strictly prohibited. If you wish to use any of the content of this site, Please contact us at npalffy kreativekennels. The physical traits and disposition are ideal for long hours of concentration and the ability to adhere to commands. A working line GSD is generally a healthier dog than its show counterpart and there are distinct differences. Working line German Shepherd breeders choose their sires and bitches carefully in order to produce the strongest pups with the best genetic lines. This breed excels at K9 training and they are well acclimated to following commands, provided the owner has a firm hand and understands how to best work with the breed. The working line breed was standardized with the intent of producing dogs that could protect livestock from predators. The breed became more popular around the turn of the 20th century and was introduced in the United States in .Working line German Shepherd breeders developed and improved breeding techniques and the working line dogs became instrumental in military initiatives for both the Allied and Axis forces during World War II. After World War II, German and American working line German Shepherd breeders continued to further the breeding process and these amazing dogs have become synonymous with military and law enforcement work over the last century. There are a few differences between the working line German Shepherd and the show line in disposition and appearance. The working line dog is bred to be stronger, healthier, and more able to work for long hours. These dogs also enjoy working. They are high energy, which is necessary for the type of work that they do. In appearance, working line dogs have a thicker coat. They are sturdier and thicker than show line dogs and their back legs are longer, giving them a straight structure. Show line dogs have shorter back legs, giving them a slanted back and a sleeker appearance. These dogs are bred to be agile and obedient. Excellent for protection, the Czech line is strictly bred and is noted for its dark coat. West German. The West German line is noted for its coloring and pleasing looks. They are also known to be calm in temperament. They do have a strong drive and great work ability. DDR German Shepherds are known for their athleticism. These dogs are more muscular and larger. They were bred for extreme conditions and difficult work, such as search and rescue. Protectiveness, Intelligence, and Trainability The working line German Shepherd is naturally inclined to protection. The breed likes and wants to do well with commands. They are very responsive and intelligent. But they need a firm hand from their owner and trainer. Depending on the line, most GSD can be described as aloof. They are intelligent and highly motivated. These dogs were bred for work, so they need to be exercised and worked regularly to maintain optimal health. These dogs are specifically bred to work and to carry specific traits and temperaments. Working line GSD are an excellent choice for military, law enforcement, and protection. Your breeder should be able to work with you to find the right dog, type, and temperament, depending on the type of work you want the dog to do. We can match you with the ideal German Shepherd puppy for your needs and work with you to understand all of the intricacies of the breed and training. Upcoming Litters What customers say about our puppies "Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives.Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words. Audrey and I discussed her breeding line and I was most impressed! She took the time to explain her dog's lines, what some of them had gone on to do : police, detection, protections, pets - it was impressive. I was beyond happy that Audrey not only had the experience, but also had the educational degrees to back up what she was saying. I did not meet Audrey when this litter was born but instead there were a few male puppies available black and sable but none had been actually chosen yet. Audrey put me down for a sable male per my request. I knew I would not see whatever puppy was to be mine except through videos, pictures, etc….She would send videos, pictures, and just general updates. Audrey was always available and responded quickly to any correspondence. I sometimes wondered when she slept with all these clients and pups. Dedicated to a fault is only one way I would describe her, there are so many positives. One day Audrey sent a particular video and I fell in love. It is the fairest way to allow clients to choose. Audrey and I continued to correspond sometimes daily and she was amazing. A day or so later, Audrey let me know that this little guy was mine. I believe that Audrey does everything within her power to ensure that clients do receive the puppy they want if the fit is correct. Now, we had to transport this little man. Audrey and I communicated a lot! I had never had a puppy brought to my door physically unseen. This was completely new to me yet, I know dogs are flown all over the world. Together, Audrey and I navigated this last leg of the journey and I could not have asked for more from her. Dedication, patience, and caring are truly not strong enough words to use when describing how Audrey was during this process. Audrey ended up keeping my pup who was named Malachi for an extra week. While he was there, she taught him his name and sent pictures and videos often. They certainly made my day! Since Malachi has arrived home, he is nothing short of amazing! He is exactly as Audrey described him and the litter Daisy x Maverick focused, well behaved, eager to learn, and dark stunning sable! Exactly what a great breeder should do. My experience with North Mountain Kennels was wonderful. If you are looking for a well bred high quality working German Shepherd l highly recommend North Mountain Kennels. Audrey is in a class all of her own and I am grateful that the stars aligned so that I was able to be blessed with one of her pups. He is a true gift and I look forward to all the days ahead with him. Thank you Audrey! Currently Available Puppies. 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!

The breed was a great success. Labrador retrievers are considered among the most intelligent and trainable dog breeds. This is why they are often used as working dogs. Labs are also naturally playful and affectionate. They love their people, and they are friendly with strangers and other animals. This makes them great family pets but terrible guard dogs. This is why they are usually rated among the top three dog breeds in most countries. The main complaint that people have about a Lab is that it has a high-shedding coat , which can be difficult to manage. Yes, we have Labs at home and I assume we eat our fair share of dog fur throughout the year, especially during the high shedding seasons. Meanwhile, Weimaraners are large dogs that were bred in Germany for hunting in the early 19th century. They are large enough to use when hunting animals such as boars, bears, and deer and were favored by royalty when hunting was still a popular aristocratic pastime. The history of the Weimaraner Lab mix is less well known, but it most likely originated in the s when many of the Lab mixes emerged. While breeders agree the mix results in an excellent dog, Weimaraner Labs are still relatively rare due to their large size and high-shedding coats unlike many other Lab mixes. Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Appearance Both parent breeds are medium-to-large dogs, so you can expect the same from their mixed offspring. Weimaraners are fairly large dogs typically measuring 22 to 28 inches in height. They have athletic bodies, so they typically only weigh between 55 and 88 pounds. Labs are a bit smaller, measuring 21 to 22 inches, but they can weigh between 55 and 80 pounds with their sturdier frame. A Weimador will usually measure between 21 and 24 inches and can weigh anywhere from 60 to pounds depending on whether they get the athletic figure of the Weimaraner or the stockier build of the Lab. They usually have the barrel-chested appearance of the Weimaraner but with a bit more heavy muscle on their frame. Labs have high-shedding double coats that are quite long and can be black, chocolate, or yellow. They will have light amber, gray, or blue gray eyes. Their skin under their coat is a pinkish color rather than white or black. While their coat can be short or long and is a single layer, they still tend to shed quite a bit. They do shed, so they need to be brushed regularly to keep their coat under control. While their appearance can vary significantly, as is true with most mixed breeds, you can expect them to have a relatively long and square muzzle with long ears that flop down. Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Temperament Labrador retrievers are among the most intelligent and naturally friendly dogs, which is why they are popular for mixed breeds. Weimaraners are intelligent, but not on the same level as a lab, so mixing them with a lab improves their intelligence and trainability. Weimaraners also have a very strong prey drive. The trainability that the Lab brings to the Weimador mix is important for teaching your dog what not to do and controlling their natural instincts. Weimaraner Labrador mixes need to be properly socialized from a young age to learn appropriate behavior. However, due to their large size, they should always be supervised when around smaller children. Labradors are very social animals that love being around their people all the time. Weimaraners take this to the next level! They are not independent and prefer to be glued to the side of their person. As a result, you can expect their mixed breed offspring might be a little needy. While their large size means they need outdoor space, they also need to be allowed inside the family home to be close to you. This unique mixed breed can develop fairly severe separation anxiety if they are left on their own for extended periods of time on a regular basis. You can expect whining, digging, and destructive behavior as a response. These dogs do best with families when there is usually someone around the house or when they can accompany someone to work. Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Energy Levels Both Labrador retrievers and Weimaraners are high-energy dogs, so you can expect their mixed breed offspring to be a big ball of energy. They should have plenty of outdoor space available to blow off steam whenever needed. Just make sure your yard is well-fenced! Their prey drive can see them overcome some pretty impressive obstacles to catch smaller animals. A Weimaraner Lab mix needs at least an hour of exercise a day, preferably broken into two or three sessions. These should be active sessions that include running and games such as fetch and pull. They will enjoy accompanying the family on outdoor activities such as hikes and swims. Both their parent breeds love the water, and the Weimaraner even has webbed feet that it may pass on to its offspring. When they are at home, these dogs need quite a bit of mental stimulation. Interactive puzzles and toys that release treats are a good choice for them. A slow feeder is also a good investment as they tend to gobble down their food. This will stimulate them and improve their digestion. Weimaraner Labrador Retriever Mix Health Care Weimaraners are actually considered among the healthiest purebred dogs, and this is something their mixed breed offspring benefit from. They have a good lifespan of 10 to 12 years, which is about average for a dog of this size. Smaller dogs tend to live for longer. Unlike many large dog breeds, hip and elbow dysplasia rates are low in Weimaraners and their mixed offspring, too. It is still worth being careful about this due to the prevalence of the condition in Labs. One of the best things you can do is not over exercise them as a puppy, as this can exacerbate the problem. They should only have five minutes of exercise per month of life until they work up to an hour a day at the age of one. Eye conditions are a common problem for both parent breeds and can show up in their puppies. They probably will develop some kind of sight loss as they enter their senior years. Another problem for Weimanders is bloat or gastric torsion. This is when the stomach twists itself, pinching off blood vessels and blocking the route of food traveling in and out. If it is not treated quickly, it can lead to death fairly swiftly. Constipation and a swollen stomach are among the first symptoms. This can be avoided by feeding them smaller meals more often and avoiding rigorous exercise for an hour before eating, as well as for about an hour after eating. However, they do sometimes show up in shelters. Their neediness means they often prove to be too much for unprepared owners and therefore might find themselves in need of a new home. There are a few breed-specific rescues where you might be more likely to find these dogs. Labrador Weimaraner mixes have a friendly and playful personality and are full of energy. They are quite clingy and love to be around their people all the time. They will want to join you on hikes and in bed, and they can develop anxiety if left alone too much. Is a Weimaraner a good family dog? Weimaraners love their families and will thrive in an active family that has lots of time to spend with them! While they love children, it can be difficult to socialize them to live alongside smaller animals, such as cats, due to their high prey drive. Do Weimaraners like to cuddle? Yes, a Weimaraner will love to get up on the couch with you for a cuddle. They are also fans of standing hugs and will probably greet you with one every time you walk through the door. Weimaraner Lab mix dogs are friendly and playful dogs that are fun to be around, but they are also a pretty big commitment! Their size and energy levels mean you need a pretty big space for them and have to commit to regular exercise. They also need good training structure to keep their prey drive under control. These dogs can only be described as clingy, and they will want to be around you all the time. They will not cope well if left alone at home for hours at a time while everyone is out and about. They are ideal for someone who wants constant canine companionship. A friendly dog by nature, it strives for human attention and likes to remain close to its family members. It is patient with children and does well with other pets too. However, its athletic and exuberant disposition calls for careful observation when around younger children, otherwise they could be knocked over and get hurt. This sociable and pack-oriented pet is always happy to help its owner in family activities. Like its Weimaraner parent, it suffers from separation anxiety when left alone for hours. Although it does not bark at everything, it will certainly alert its owner about the presence of an intruder. This makes it suitable for watching and guarding activities. Care Exercise Being highly energetic and lively, labmaraners need plenty of daily activities to burn off their energy. Thus, homes with enough room to play and run are suitable for raising these dogs. They should be taken out for walks every day, which does not mean strolling around the neighborhood will satisfy their exercise requirements. To be fit, they need vigorous activities like hiking, running, and playing. Since these obedient dogs like to stay close to their owners, they do not always have to be taken out on leashes. Grooming The short and smooth-haired labmaraner does not require extensive maintenance. Combing once in every alternate week keeps its coat glossy. While bathing your pet with mild soap is recommended only when needed, occasional dry shampooing prevents the accumulation of dirt. Health Problems Like most crossbreeds , it is also prone to hereditary health issues. It may inherit some health conditions like hip and elbow dysplasia, entropion, obesity, and bloating from its parent breeds. Also, check for some general dog health concerns including diarrhea, worms, fleas, and ear infections. Training Even though training them is easy, their occasional stubbornness is something that inexperienced owners might find difficult to manage. Employ a firm and assertive training method, but do not be harsh in your approach. Make the puppies familiar to their cage or crate so that they accept it as their safe dwelling place. Start socialization and obedience training early to prevent them from becoming over-dependent. This will also restrain some of their destructive behaviors like chewing small household items and digging holes in the yards. Feeding Your labmaraner dog needs a nutritious diet rich in proteins, carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals to support its high activity levels. Instead of providing one or two heavy meals, you should divide it through the day. Interesting Facts These are multitalented dogs and could be used for retrieving, jogging, agility, and performing tricks. They are good swimmers and do not shy away from the water. Weimaraner Lab mix puppies Due to their high energy and potentially anxious nature, this is not a breed that will do well with an owner who works full time and is not at home much. They also like a lot of space, so apartment-dwellers might think twice about this breed. That said, Weimaraner Lab mix dogs make fantastic family pets. They are great with kids and adults alike and a social breed happy in multi-dog households. The breed slowly made its way to the Americas, but their popularity exploded after many Weimaraner pups were brought back from Germany after the end of World War II. The Labrador breed are descended from the St. Labradors were favored by wealthy aristocrats in their early days, before becoming one of the most popular breeds in the modern age. Weimaraner Lab Characteristics The Weimaraner Labrador mix will take on the characteristics of its parent breeds — but as with any mix, the results may vary. Looking at the Weimaraner, the height span is inches, with weight between 55 and 90 lbs. The Labrador is a bit smaller, with a height of .You could assume that a Weimaraner Black Lab mix would fall in a similar weight and height class based on these figures. However, in reality they could be at the Lab minimum or Weimaraner maximum. As for appearance, the Labmaraner is a beautiful dog. It has long legs, a glossy coat, and a strong, muscular frame. The Lab Weimaraner mix tends to have a short, single-layered coat. Longer coats are possible, but are rare. Grooming Since Weimaraner and Lab mix dogs have relatively short coats, their grooming requirements are fairly light. Brushing once a week or so should be sufficient. However, Labradors are prolific shedders, and can molt a great deal. Although Weimaraners shed less, their mix could go either way. So be prepared for either eventuality. Weimaraner Lab Mix Temperament Labrador Weimaraner mixes are very active dogs that tend to have a lot of energy. Since both parent breeds are fairly high-energy, you can count on your Labmaraner having an active personality. These dogs tend to be very loyal and loving, as you would expect from the origin breeds. They are great with kids, and generally make excellent family pets. Their friendly temperament means that although they are likely to bark to alert their owners of an intruder — before running over to get their belly rubbed by said intruder. Labs are also often friendly to the point of being quite pushy, a characteristic that you are less likely to see in a Weimaraner. Weimaraner and Labrador Health Any mixed breed dog will be susceptible to inheriting the health issues of the parent breeds. On the Weimaraner side, potential health problems include hypertrophic osteodystrophy a bone disease , spinal dysraphism a spinal deformity that can lead to neurological abnormalities , hyperuricosuria a condition that can lead to bladder and kidney stones , and hypomyelination a condition that can lead to tremors in puppies. For Labradors, health problems typically include eye problems, joint problems, obesity, and cancer. While generally healthy pups, one of the most common issues with Labs include hip dysplasia and elbow dysplasia. Labradors may also be prone to obesity and related concerns, including diabetes and arthritis. These factors can typically be controlled by proper feeding habits and regular exercise. The Weimaraner parent should also have good hip scores and have had their eyes checked by a vet. Your pup might be prone to the health issues of either parent, and it may take on more or less of the characteristics of either parent. Socialization and Training Lab Weimaraner mixes are typically happy, social dogs, but they need to be socialized early for best results. The ideal socialization window for young dogs is typically between 8 and 16 weeks of age. This is the period where your pup will be most open to new experiences. And less fearful of larger dogs and unfamiliar humans. Keep in mind that socialization needs to happen with other dogs, and with other people. As for training, Labradors are generally eager to please. They respond very well to positive reinforcement training with treats. Weimaraners are a bit more strong-willed than labradors, which can make training a bit more difficult. Lab Weimaraners should be trained early and often for best results. As they are both sporting dog breeds with the potential for prey drive, recall training from a young age is essential. And thus, the Weimaraner Lab cross is actually rather uncommon. Finding one in a rescue situation will be quite difficult. When choosing a breeder, make sure to do your research. You want to identify a reputable breeder that is knowledgeable and kind to their pups. Ask if the breeder conducted any health testing on the parents, as the results of those tests could sway your decision. Lifespan Sociability Labmaraners are extremely cute puppies, so you might find it hard to visit a litter without coming home with a puppy or two. This breed is extremely energetic and intelligent, so they need a great deal of exercise and mental stimulation. Digging up your backyard, starting up an endless volley of barking, or chewing the leg of your coffee table are just a few ways that these dogs might choose to entertain themselves! Before taking on the responsibility of a Labmaraner puppy who will grow up to be a large and powerful dog, make sure you can provide what they need. They come in a range of coat colors While the Weimaraner is famous for its grey coat, there are three colors accepted within the breed standard. These are blue, gray, and silver gray. Labradors also come in three accepted colors: chocolate, black, and yellow. Both breeds can have small white markings on the chest. They combine the best bits of both parent breeds As with many hybrid breeds, the Labmaraner combines some of the best aspects of both parent breeds. The Labrador is well-known for its loyalty, friendliness, and intelligence. The Weimaraner is prized for its bravery, energy, and bravery. One puppy in a litter might resemble their Labrador Retriever parent in temperament but look more like a Weimaraner, another puppy might be the exact opposite, while another is a perfect mixture of the two breeds. They have no trouble picking up new commands and will enjoy nothing more than a rewarding training session with their owners. Are These Dogs Good for Families? The Labmaraner can soak up as much exercise as you can throw at them, so if someone wants to take them on a run in the morning and another family is heading out to the lake and thinks that your dog might like a swimming session, the answer is always going to be yes! Keep the first few introductions short, and make sure each dog has a separate part of the house where they can retreat to if they want space. Regarding cats and other small pets, Labmaraners can be trained to accept these with a minimum of fuss. As a hunting breed, the Weimaraner does have a high prey drive, and your puppy may inherit this trait. Image: Gualberto Becerra, Shutterstock Things to Know When Owning a Labmaraner Becoming the proud owner of a Labmaraner is going to require a significant investment of time, energy, and money! So, before you make up your mind, here are a few more things to consider. While they might be an active breed, they certainly do love to eat! Whether you choose to feed your dog just wet food, wet food and kibble, just kibble, or a raw food diet will depend on both your preferences and those of your dog. Once fully fit, these active dogs will happily take as much exercise as you can give them. But if you wanted to go out for a day hike and take your pup, then they will easily cope with that and still have energy at the end of the day. They need to run to work off steam, so make sure they can indulge in plenty of opportunities to stretch their legs. Dock diving, games of fetch, fly ball and agility are all excellent activities that a Labmaraner will love. If your dog has excellent recall and a relatively low prey drive, then you should be okay to let them off-leash when out and about. The best method with this smart breed is to combine both physical and mental activities every day. Having an intelligent dog can be a wonderful thing, but it can also be frustrating when they teach themselves a new trick, like opening a door that was meant to stay shut or realizing that they can jump on a chair to investigate leftovers on the table. Consistent training methods are best with this breed, so finding yourself a puppy trainer who can help you implement a training program is a great idea. Luckily, they also love food, so positive reinforcement using plenty of treats usually turns even the most stubborn Labmaraner into a willing student. Sometimes this will shed frequently, like a Labrador, and other times, it will be much lower shedding and similar to a Weimaraner. Labmaraners can have quick-growing nails that can become uncomfortable if allowed to grow too long. Minor Conditions. Labmaraners are mixed breed dogs. They are not purebreds like their Labrador Retriever or Weimaraner parents. The most common Labmaraner colors are brown, yellow, black, and grey. In general, the Labmaraner is a pretty adaptable dog when it comes to climate. Just make sure to provide a dog coat if the weather gets too frosty, and seek out shade and fresh water during the hotter months. Labmaraner dogs and children are a great fit for each other. The mixed breed is friendly, gentle, and playful and will love to frolic with the kids. Just be sure to supervise play sessions. When it comes to walks and play sessions, aim for a minimum of an hour every day. The Labrador Retriever originates from Canada, where they were first bred for hunting and retrieving tasks before becoming renowned as guide dogs. These days, the Labrador Retriever is one of the most popular dogs in the United States—a feat likely helped by their gentle and loving nature. The Weimaraner was also originally bred as a hunting dog, but in Germany. The breed is sometimes affectionately called the grey ghost due to their unique color! The Labmaraner has become known as a designer dog breed, but many of them unfortunately end up in shelters. Labmaraner Size The Labmaraner is usually described as a large-sized dog. Although, as is always the case with newer mixed dog breeds, exact size standards might vary. Most weigh in at 60 to pounds and range in height from 21 to 24 inches. Female Labmaraners might be ever so slightly smaller than their male counterparts. They are smart dogs who also take well to training; although, some Labmaraners might prove a little stubborn at first. Persistent and proper training is key. A big family is a plus when considering a Labmaraner—not least because they crave attention and do best when around people. Kids, especially, are a great fit with the breed. Like most large dogs, the Labmaraner will require a lot of exercise. This is not a dog that will prosper being cooped up all day, and destructive behavior might even occur if they are left alone in an apartment. Labmaraner Health Labmaraners are generally considered to be healthy dogs—although the breed can be predisposed to some of the same conditions that the Labrador Retriever and Weimaraner face. Your vet can help you develop a care routine that will keep your dog healthy. It cannot be stressed enough that the Labmaraner needs a lot of exercise. Aim for 60 minutes of walk and play time every single day. If possible, bring the dog along on hikes and runs. As with any active dog, be sure to check their nails and paw pads for any signs of damage that might have been inflicted while outside. Ears will also need to be maintained and checked for infections or parasites—ask your vet about tell tale signs of a possible infection. Labmaraner Feeding An ideal Labmaraner diet should be formulated for a large breed with high energy. Baths should not need to be given too frequently—unless a particularly messy outdoor play session has taken place! The breed is friendly, gentle and playful and will love to frolic with the kids. The Labmaraner is usually tolerant of any resident household pets. Just be sure to monitor early interactions and set boundaries if need be, especially if the dog starts to show any of their hunting heritage traits. Ultimately, early socialization pays off. Make sure to reward your Labmaraner for good behavior and adhere to a proper training regimen when you bring them home to your family. Labmaraner Rescue Groups It may be hard to find a breed-specific rescue for Labmaraners because they are a mixed breed. However, you may want to try Labrador Retriever or Weimaraner breed-specific rescues, as they often care for mixes, as well. Here are some rescues you can try:. There is some speculation that the silver Labrador is in reality a Weimaraner Lab mix. Weimaraners come in three colors — blue, gray, and silver gray. Labs come in three colors — black , chocolate , and yellow. But, there is a rare color variation of Labradors called silver. Silver Labs are, in essence, chocolate Labs with a diluted color gene. The Weimaranar Lab mix has a short, flat coat and floppy ears. Their muzzle is fairly long and slim, and they are pretty leggy too. Labradors tend to be between .They can weigh from lbs. Weimaraners are just a bit taller and heavier. They can be as tall as 27 inches as an adult; females can be as small as 23 inches. Female Weimaraners weigh between lbs, while males weigh between lbs. A Working Background Labrador Retriever ancestors originally come from Newfoundland, where small water dogs pulled in nets and traps full of fish for their owners. Weimaraners they were bred as big-game dogs, but shifting hunting priorities turned the breed into a sought-after bird dog. Although used for slightly different sporting roles, these dogs were both bred to be involved in retrieving game. To do that they needed to be intelligent, strongly bonded to their handlers and able to work cooperatively with them. Weimaraner Labrador Mix Temperament Temperament in mixed breeds is just like appearance — impossible to predict! But looking at the parent breeds can give us a better idea. Both types of dog bark when necessary, so expect an occasional barker. Also, both breeds are active and need exercise to get their energy out. They are easily trained, but must have some stimulation. Weimaraner Lab mix puppies could be high-spirited, like a Lab, or a great runner with plenty of stamina, like a Weimaraner. Most likely, a mix will be friendly and sweet. Still, you should remember that your Weimaraner and Labrador mix can show traits of either parent. Training and Exercise A Lab Weim mix will respond best to positive reinforcement. Harsh, punishment-based methods can cause distrust and stubbornness when training. Training will offer much-needed mental stimulation, but also a little exercise. They are active, energetic dogs who need to run. Whether this is an energetic game of fetch, swimming, or hiking with you. They will be great candidates for dog sports like agility and rally. Destructive behaviors will be reduced by staying fit and busy. Just be wary of over-exercising when they are young, as this can have a negative impact on the health of their joints when they are older. Labs are generally a healthy breed. But they are genetically prone to obesity, vision problems, and certain types of cancers. They are also prone to hip and elbow dysplasia, which are developmental abnormalities in the joints. Large-breed dogs often suffer from these. Weimaraners, too, are a generally healthy breed. But they are also genetically prone to certain conditions, hip and elbow dysplasia, cataracts, dermoids, corneal dystrophy, and distichiasis entropion. If you are buying a puppy from a breeder, ask to see both parents good hip scores and clear eye tests. When you visit a breeder, take note of the conditions of the dogs. What About Rescue? They are usually cheaper than puppies, and are past the awkward first training stages. So, it could take you a while to find a Weimaraner Lab mix suitable for your home. Make sure to ask plenty of questions to find a rescue dog that will suit your home perfectly. If you can, find out why they were taken to the shelter. Also ask questions about their temperament, including how well socialized they are different types of people, animals, and things. Cream, silver, yellow, black, chocolate Suitable for: Active lifestyles, homes with land Temperament: Energetic, loyal, intense, action-oriented So, what exactly happens when you cross these two structurally similar dogs? You get an agile, lean muscular dog that is capable of taking on the world at large. Dogs that are harder to train will require a bit more patience and practice. Proper exercise, nutrition, and hygiene also play an important role in the lifespan of your pet. More social dogs have a tendency to run up to strangers for pets and scratches, while less social dogs shy away and are more cautious, even potentially aggressive. Labmaraner dogs are energetic and loyal animals. Find the right food for your dog, and give them tons of love to keep them happy and healthy. They have fun-loving personalities and make terrific playmates. The Weimaraner is an incredibly intense dog that loves nothing more than a job to do. When you cross the Labrador Retriever and the Weimaraner, you get a very high-energy breed that needs lots of space to run. Their mental and physical stimulation is equally important, as this dog is fiercely intelligent and very active. This breed would fare best in situations with lots of room to run and explore. If you have a lot of acreage or a huge fenced-in area, they can work quite well in your living situation. This breed is a bit hyper, taking a very long time to mature. Because of their overabundance of energy, they work best with people who have a highly active lifestyle. These dogs can be highly affectionate with their owners and family members. But primarily, they are bred for work. However, a well-trained cross can be incredibly devoted, loyal, and faithful to their humans. These dogs do not do well with apartment living. So, if you and your family live somewhere that makes it complicated for outdoor activities, you might want to think about getting another breed. Because of their exuberant energy, these dogs work best for children ages 6 and older. Also, the Weimaraner is known for exhibiting a bit of aggression at times. They have too much intensity for younger children and might knock down or hurt a younger child. Even though a Lab is a super exciting, fun breed, the Weimaraner DNA might throw a wrench in the mix when it comes to being a family pet. However, because of the possibility of same-sex or territorial aggression, you should socialize them as early as possible. They have high chasing instincts.

What Is A Miniature Boxer? A Mini Boxer is often achieved using specific breeding practices. Relatively new to the canine scene, the Miniature Boxer is making waves for his family friendly nature, adorable appearance and devoted temperament. And this brings us to the origin of the Miniature Boxer and what you should know about controversial breeding practices. Keep reading. On paper, the Miniature Boxer sounds like the perfect companion. This is especially true if you already have an affinity for Boxers and all their endearing qualities. The Boxer was inspired by ancient war dogs dating as far back as 2, BC. Traditionally, Boxers were bred to be versatile working dogs. They served as guard dogs, cattle dogs, war dogs, and even guide dogs and service dogs. And this brings us to the Miniature Boxer. Miniature Boxers are still relatively new, which is one of the reasons they have yet to be considered an official size variety of purebred Boxer. They are also somewhat controversial, as the practices for breeding Miniature Boxers come with some amount of risk. According to most experts, there are three methods a breeder could use tocome up with a Miniature Boxer. These methods include the following: Breeding Dwarfism: Breeding dwarfism is a very controversial method some breeders use when attempting to create Miniature Boxer dogs. While this method does keep a Miniature Boxer litter purebred, it also puts the puppies at a much higher risk of serious health issues like spinal problems, breathing difficulties and muscle development. Purposefully breeding dwarfism into dogs like Boxers can cause other issues as well down the road, which may lead to devastating and costly problems for owners. For this reason, most reputable breeders will refrain from purposefully breeding dwarfism into their dogs. Breeding Runts: The other common way some might go about breeding smaller than average Boxer dogs is to breed runts. When puppies are born runts, they are also usually born with other underlying health issues. Breeding runts to create a Miniature Boxer means that these dogs have a much higher risk of being born unhealthy and going on to live unhealthy lives. Again, because of the health risks and moral implications of breeding runts, most reputable breeders will stay away from this method for how to create a Mini Boxer dog. Crossbreeding: The last way, and perhaps safest way, of creating a Miniature Boxer dog would be through crossbreeding. If combined correctly, the resulting puppies would be smaller than the traditional Boxer while still maintaining that unique Boxer-like appearance and temperament. While crossbreeding is the safest and healthiest way to go about breeding smaller Boxer dogs, there are still some cons to this method. For example, many traits of early generation crossbreed dogs will be unpredictable, including traits like health, appearance and temperament. And while crossbreed dogs may be viewed as healthier than purebred dogs thanks to what is known as hybrid vigor the idea that they have a wider genepool than their purebred counterparts and are thus less susceptible to genetic disease , they also have a longer list of health issues to contend with. That said, if you are keen on getting a Miniature Boxer to call your own, we would recommend looking for a crossbreed Mini Boxer as opposed to one of the other types listed above. The Miniature Boxer — Temperament and Personality Traits For the most part, Miniature Boxers have many of the same characteristics as their average sized Boxer counterparts. Regardless of how your Miniature Boxer was created, the truth is that the majority of his temperamental traits should be the same as his standard Boxer counterpart. As a breed in general, Boxers are known to be intelligent, affectionate, playful and family oriented. They can be high energy dogs and do well in active families and in homes with large, securely fenced yards where they can run and play freely. When properly socialized, the Miniature Boxer can get along well with other dogs and children. In fact, the Miniature Boxer may be a better option for those with younger children, as full sized Boxers can be a bit overwhelming for small kids. Still, Miniature Boxers are not pocket pups. They are considered medium sized dogs, which means they may not be the best suited for apartment living, especially if all of their exercise and mental stimulation needs are not met. That aside, when in the hands of the right owner and when trained, socialized, and exercised properly, the Miniature Boxer can do well with active families, novice dog owners, singles, couples, and active retirees. How To Train and Socialize a Miniature Boxer Training should be done utilizing positive reinforcement techniques and consistency. For the most part, Miniature Boxers are sweet and affectionate dogs, but without proper training and socialization they can develop serious behavioral issues down the road. How To Socialize A Miniature Boxer Socialization should begin as early as you get your Mini Boxer and will continue on with your dog throughout his lifetime. Making sure you properly socialize a dog means that you should try and introduce that dog to as many new people, places, sights, sounds and experiences as possible as young as possible. Ensuring these first impressions are positive for your Miniature Boxer are also important, so refrain from forcing your Boxer into a situation that he is clearly frightened of or this could lead to fear-based behavioral issues down the road. They are eager to please and quick to learn, especially when training is kept light, fun and game-like. Just as with socialization, you can begin training your Miniature Boxer as soon as you bring him home. Use treats and praise as opposed to punishments and scolding , as positive reinforcement training techniques have been shown consistently to work better than aversive training methods. Worse still, negative reinforcement training techniques can lead to a breakdown in your bond with your dog, and even hinder his learning progress. Just like their larger counterparts, Miniature Boxers are energetic dogs who require routine exercise each and every day. The best exercise for a Miniature Boxer will be a routine walk for 40 minutes to an hour each day. Mini Boxers might also enjoy light hikes or trips to the dog park. Most importantly, this harness is safe for your dog and will not cause choking. It also helps to teach him good walking manners, especially when paired with treats, praise and consistency. Boxers are intelligent dogs, and the Miniature Boxer is no exception. If not kept properly exercised and mentally stimulated, the Miniature Boxer may be prone to some serious destructive behavioral issues including barking, marking and chewing, as well as some dangerous behavioral issues like anxiety, which can lead to aggressive behaviors. Investing in puzzle toys, KONGS, and keeping up with routine training can help ensure your Mini Boxer is happy and healthy both metnally and physically. The good news is that grooming a Miniature Boxer is relatively easy. Brushing them once or twice a week can help combat any loose hair, as can ensuring you keep your Miniature eBoxer on a quality dog food. This will help keep ear infections at bay and reduce odor. Your Miniature Boxer should also have his teeth brushed at least once a day using a dog safe toothpaste to help keep dental disease at bay. We also recommend you invest in a quality dog shampoo. Wahl Dry Skin and Itch Relief Dog Shampoo Sale Buy on Amazon Some Boxers can be prone to allergies and skin issues, so we would recommend a soothing dog shampoo made with quality ingredients and specified for dogs. The above dog shampoo by Wahl is made with all natural ingredients like coconut oil and oatmeal. It is also free of any dyes, parabens, and alcohols that could exasperate already sensitive skin. However, keep in mind that irresponsible breeding practices can lead not only to shorter lifespan, but also a lesser quality of life that can be devastating and costly. Welcome Thine, O Lord , is the greatness, and the power, and the glory, and the victory, and the majesty: for all that is in the heaven and in the earth is thine; thine is the kingdom, O Lord , and thou art exalted as head above all. What are the crossed with? I want a Boxer Boston cross is that what these are? It all started with my love for animals, ALL animals, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I studied and even spent my senior year riding with a vet and assisting with surgeries and doctoring animals. I have always loved the boxer, and I started studying genetics and how everything works, from horses and their colors and coat patterns to dogs and where they all came from. I studied different dog breed and where they originated and what dogs were used to create those breeds, I found breeds that were already closely related and had some of the same history as the Boxer. Our first two litters were out of small standard healthy boxer females. Roxie and Valentine. Val was bred to a Boston terrier, and Roxie was bred to a pocket puggle. Overtime and endless searching we found another small standard boxer, then we added a couple more, a new Boston male. We were now crossing the lines and breeding back in the boxer blood and have .That's why you can end up with perfect puppies and not so perfect puppies within one litter. One thing that I will say. Without His help and guidance and HIM making the genes works and the crosses turning out, Mini boxers and Myself would not be where we are today. It was culled off as it wasn't preferred in the boxer breed when being created. Because it is a recessive gene meaning BOTH parents must carry it to produce it every now and then a standard boxer will pop up that is Black and Tan, same with long haired boxers! Or "Blue" So I have also added that gene to my lines which was fairly easy with a blue Boston. We have lines that started with Pocket puggle, Boston, bulldog, Frenchy etc. With the occasional first generation cross when we need to start a new line that's unrelated. Due to the fact that we are the only ones doing what we are doing to make the miniature boxer a recognized breed, we can't just go out and get a new stud dog when we need unrelated lines. Is nearly the same as the standard Boxer, with a few exceptions to color and size. We also have a percentage guideline of what dogs can be registered as Miniature Boxers. Many ask us, are they AKC registered? The short answer is NO. The long answer is, It use to be my goal, then I realized, that AKC does not care if the dogs are actually pure bred or not, and only if you have a club of people and have bred a huge number of these dogs to get them recognized. Standard sized boxer Standard. Lifespan Sociability If you are considering purchasing a Miniature Boxer puppy, there are a few things to keep in mind before you make a decision. Like most puppies, they have a fair amount of energy, which will most likely last throughout their life. Mini Boxers have a decent lifespan and can live from 12 to 15 years, especially if you care for their physical and mental health, beginning when they are puppies and continuing throughout their life. Even though they are playful, Mini Boxers need a strong leader and early socialization to become the ideal pet. We will dive deeper into specific health issues a little later in the article. There has been a misconception that Boxers are an aggressive breed, so this can be a myth that is carried to the Miniature Boxer. The Mini Boxer is muscular and stocky and may have an aggressive appearance, but once you get to know them, you realize that they are loving and friendly. Unfortunately, only purebred dogs are allowed to be registered through the AKC. They make great guard dogs. The Miniature Boxer is serious about their devotion to their family, so they will alert you if they sense that you or someone they love is in danger. They are social and like to be part of the action, but they can be wary of strangers. Giving them attention is important, and they will show you love in return. If you want a lap dog, then the Mini Boxer is ideal because they would rather snuggle on your lap than anywhere else. As long as they receive attention and can interact with everyone in the household, they will be happy. Mini Boxers are intelligent and learn quickly; providing socialization and training from an early age will ensure that they live up to their full potential. They are alert yet feature a calm and gentle disposition. Are These Dogs Good for Families? They form deep bonds with their family and love children. They are patient with children, and since they have a high energy level, they make ideal playmates. Sometimes their need for chasing the cat may arise, but they are doing it out of playfulness more than being mean. When they are around other animals in the household, they can become friends and include them as part of the family unit. A post shared by Miso the Miniature Boxer lilboxermiso Things to Know When Owning a Miniature Boxer Owning a dog requires you to know how to properly care for them so they can have a happy and healthy life. This section provides further detail about the breed so you are comfortable with their needs and requirements. High-quality dog food that is formulated for medium breeds is ideal, and you can find brands that offer medium-breed puppy food and even senior food that allows you to provide optimal nutrition for all life stages. They are prone to obesity if they consume more calories than required, so make sure you are adjusting their food intake in relation to their activity level. Puppies will have a higher amount of energy, and as your Mini Boxer ages, the level will decrease. However, this breed requires a fair amount of exercise to prevent them from becoming bored and overweight. Playing fetch and other games are ideal for providing one-on-one attention and releasing some energy. Mental stimulation is important too, so teach your Mini Boxer tricks, create an obstacle course, or get a puzzle toy for them to play with. They can be stubborn, but if you remain consistent and patient, they will learn to listen to you. Positive reinforcement with firm rules will teach your Mini Boxer that you are the leader but are also fair and will treat them with respect. The earlier you start, the better results you will receive because there is less chance of bad habits forming. After a hard day of training, your pup will be looking for a comfy spot to lounge. Regular baths will keep them smelling fresh, and cleaning their ears regularly will prevent infections that can affect floppy-eared dogs. However, you need to be proactive and provide the best care, which includes having your hybrid visit the veterinarian as recommended for regular checkups. Minor Conditions. Intelligent Pug Characteristics Pugs are extremely playful and love to interact with their owners. They also get along well with other animals, especially cats and other dogs. They're most known for: Friendly Easy going Health Issues Because these dogs have only been bred for a few years, there has been no study on whether there are any specific health issues being produced from these crosses. In order to get a better idea of which health problems a puppy might face, you must research the parent breeds involved, and take a look at health issues that are common to them. The average reported lifespan of these dogs is between 12 to 15 years. Boxers can be prone to cardiomyopathy , bloat, hip dysplasia , and hypothyroidism , among other possible health threats. Pugs can be prone to obesity, breathing problems , eye problems, and skin problems. Boston Terriers are prone to eye problems , heart problems, epilepsy, and skin problems. Fox Terriers can be prone to Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, patellar luxation, congenital hypothyroidism with goiter, and primary lens luxation, among other health issues. Rat Terriers can be prone to allergies, dental problems, and patellar luxation. Corgis are prone to eye problems, glaucoma , and progressive retinal atrophy. Beagles are prone to epilepsy , intervertebral disk disease, and tumbling puppy syndrome. English Bulldogs are prone to a long list of health concerns, including obesity, heat stroke, elongated soft palate , heart disease, and more. Keep in mind that a particular pup might never face one of these health issues, but the possibility could be there in the gene pool, so it's good to be aware. Are you InTheKnow? Sign up for our newsletter featuring all the latest stories and products we love. Invalid email I agree to receive email communications from LoveToKnow. The breeding procedures used to create this mix are extremely controversial. Many " miniature " dogs have been heavily inbred, so it's not uncommon for them to develop genetic disorders or become ill at a young age, even from a reputable breeder. The miniature Boxer is also a high-energy breed that requires a hands-on owner. They aren't meant for owners with sedentary lifestyles or those who reside in apartments. Because the miniature Boxer sheds, it may not be suitable for those looking for a hypoallergenic dog breed. If you understand the cons, there are many pros to this breed. Since they are smaller than Boxers, they are less expensive to feed and easier to care for. They require slightly less exercise than the original breed and can do well in smaller spaces, even if they aren't ideal apartment dogs. This mix is family-friendly, intelligent, eager to please, and easy to train. Also, they're relatively affordable to purchase as puppies. Finding Miniature Boxer Puppies for Sale When looking for a breeder of miniature Boxers, make sure you do your due diligence. Before you decide to do business, take the time to investigate the breeder fully to make sure you'll receive exactly what you're paying for. There are many unscrupulous breeders producing designer dogs, and you want to make sure the breeder can provide a health guarantee. The breeder should demonstrate that they are breeding to create dogs with excellent health and temperament. Because these dogs are not recognized by the top registry organizations and are not bred in large numbers, you may have to search for them online as well as locally through sites such as Craigslist to see if you can locate a breeder. Cost of a Miniature Boxer Puppy Because these dogs are not popular yet, they can be relatively expensive. Dog Clubs The miniature Boxer is not a recognized breed, but it may become one as some point in the future. If you'd like to register your pet with a dog club, both the American Canine Hybrid Club and the Certified Pet Registry take registrations for various crosses that produce this type of dog. Spend Time With These Dogs Before you bring one of these pups home, spend some time at several breeders' kennels so you can get to know the dogs in person. This is the surest way to find out if a Miniature Boxer will fit your lifestyle, as well as which particular cross you prefer. Getting a puppy is a commitment for the life of the dog, so be sure about your choice. While many breeders have their own version of what goes into the genes of the dog, they all seem to have one goal in mind and that is for the dog to look like a smaller version of the purebred Boxer. Some have been more successful than others in their attempts. Some breeders are simply breeding the Boston Terrier mixed with the Boxer. The best way to determine the temperament of a mixed breed is to look up all breeds in the cross and know you can get any combination of any of the characteristics found in any breed. It is very common for breeders to breed multi-generation crosses. There are even cases where the dog does not even have Boxer in it at all, for example some are crossing the Rat Terrier with a Pug and calling it a Mini Boxer. Others call this mix a Puggat. Another example is a cross of the Pug with a Toy Fox Terrier. Others call this mix a Toy Poxer. Still others are more seriously working on creating a new purebred, writing a breed standard and registering it. Other breeds may also be included in the future to broaden the gene pool.

We have a small family run farm on 14 acres. Puppies are born in our home and socialized from day one by ourselves and our children. We do not take our dogs off the property Silver Brook Labs are members of our family and embraced by all the comforts of our home. We pay careful attention to the lines and heritage of our dogs, we ensure the finest pedigrees are bred all of our puppies come with a lifetime of support. Labs make excellent hunting dogs and companions, they have a great desire to please. The only way our puppies travel is with our flight nanny Loretta Ferster Paws N Claws Inflight where they are on board In the safety of her care. Please click on links provided for more information on upcoming litters. If you would like to see what our kennels look like click on the our Kennel link. We do not allow visits to our Kennels. Why you may ask? It is for the Safety of not only our adults but our expecting moms and younger puppies who do not have the immunity to disease yet , many diseases can travel on foot and your clothing. Such as Parvo Virus and Canine Flu are just a few. No Sale of any of our puppies is worth the risk to us. Contact Us. As one of the most energetic breeds, your Silver Lab puppy will always be down for exercise, play, swimming or any other outdoor activity. Playful and excitable, be prepared to remove any knick-knacks from coffee tables or end tables — this breed is notorious for knocking these over with an almost constantly wagging tail! Widely considered the sweetest tempered dog breed, your Silver Lab puppy will light up every time you walk in the room — greeting you with kisses and affection when you come home after a long day at work. Highly intelligent, these dogs can easily be trained to respond to a variety of commands — and their alert nature makes them natural guard dogs. As one of the most lovable dog breeds, your Silver Lab puppy is sure to get along with everyone — from other dogs to small children and the elderly — making the breed a perfect fit for almost anyone who has the stamina to keep up with it! Many of these conditions affect dogs in later life, though some can occur during adolescents and early adulthood. To learn more about our commitment to ethical breeding practices , read about the Keystone Puppies Health Guarantee! This hunting breed has a water-resistant or water-repellent coat that is slightly dry and oily. Unlike many short-haired breeds, Labs are outdoor dogs. They are usually able to keep warm in the winter and cool in the summer. Silver Labrador Retrievers have short, straight coats that shed seasonally. They have a double coat — with thick, dense hair — which helps keep them warm during winter months. Their heavy coats also offer additional insulation when swimming — a favorite pastime of Labradors, Silver Labs included. With a low-maintenance coat, the Silver Labrador Retriever only needs brushed once or twice a week. Meet Silver Lab Puppies for Sale. Labrador Retriever Puppies for Sale in Florida Did you know that the Labrador retriever has been the most popular dog breed in America for decades? Labs are intelligent, friendly, loving, and well-tempered. They make excellent working dogs, service dogs, and above all else, family companions. At Silver and Charcoal Kennels, we raise Labrador retriever puppies that embody all the desirable traits of the breed. Although we are based in Mississippi, we deliver our puppies to Florida and throughout the country. We have different bloodlines for different types of temperaments, such as companion dogs, hunting dogs, and service dogs. All of our puppies are born with stable temperaments, supreme health, and an unparalleled loving nature. We breed both English style blocky and shorter and American style taller and more athletic Labs. Our Labrador retriever puppies for sale come in the most beautiful and sought-after colors of silver , charcoal , and champagne. We raise our pups with plenty of attention, love, and care until they are delivered to your Florida home, so you can expect your Labrador to be friendly, confident, and loving. All Labrador retriever puppies come with AKC registration, a month hip guarantee, and up-to-date vaccinations. Silver and Charcoal Kennels will deliver your Labrador retriever puppy to you in Florida. After you reserve your Lab puppy and submit your deposit, when your puppy is ready to go to their forever home, we will deliver them to you. We will organize and coordinate delivery with our trusted drivers—we do not send puppies by plane. No money is due after your initial deposit until your puppy is home and you are happy. Are you ready to welcome home your own silver, charcoal, or champagne Labrador retriever puppy? Questions about our puppies? All of our Labrador puppies are raised with plenty of love and companionship in our home on ten acres in Polk City Florida. North Lakeland. Our puppies are very social because they are truly "Home raised. Once our girl is pregnant she is immediatly brought into our home where she has her own room where she will sleep and grow to be comfortable with, and when her nesting urge takes over this is where the birthing of her precious pups will take place. Then together we raise the pups for the next eight weeks. They are played with and introduced to adults and children. They are constantly groomed and attended to so they become very socialized even being introduced to other dogs and cats. We raise these wonderful companion dogs for personality and compatability with their human counterparts. As a result they become very loving and very attached to their humans. This is more of a labor of love for us rather than a business. We spend loads of time with our dogs, caring for them and playing with them to insure they are properly socialized. We hope you'll get a feel for the relationship we have with our dogs as you see their pictures and our facilities. Thank you, from our family to yours! Home sweet home! All of them! We breed Silver and Charcoal Labrador Retrievers. Our community consists of 3 acres of country space with a teeming habitat that includes cats, goats, bunnies, sugar gliders, tortoises, hedgehogs, and …. Having grown up with Labs…the only truthful purpose is our love of these amazing, beautiful, and devoted animals. Our program provides a focus on family temperament, life longevity, and unrivaled companionship. We are happy to refer you to a reputable trainer should you want your Lab to accompany you on your hunting adventures. Reserve Your Puppy In order to assure you get the exact puppy to add to your family we ask that you fill out a short c ontact form and either Matt or Tammy will reach out to you within 48hrs to talk about your reservation. We do not screen extensively, but we ask that you are ready to discuss the next steps of the process. This is unfortunately a non-negotiable step in getting the pups to serious owners. Once you have reserved your pup: we will arrange delivery or pickup as per your preference and set a date for going home. Throughout the waiting we are always accessible for questions regarding diet, health concerns, or just a photo of how your pup is developing. We will never let a pup go home before 8 weeks of age to ensure a developed social capacity. All our pups will arrive or leave with the following: Health certificate with 8 week vaccinations. One year health guarantee We offer several options to receive your pup: Pickup in Florida free.