golden retriever puppies behavior

Remember, Labs do not have a natural food intake regulator so you will need to monitor them with portion control. Using a cheaper brand is a poor option at half the price. You will use twice as much and you will have to clean up larger amounts of waste in your yard. To allow for an accurate control of body weight and growth rate, this amount of food can be dispensed over 3 meals per day. After 5 months of age, the feeding regularity can be reduced to two meals per day with the commensurate increase in food quantity. The amount of food a Labrador puppy requires will increase then level out during first 14 months of their life. At months, their bone density is increasing and their growth plates are set. We do not recommend desexing you pup until at least 3 years of age. This allows for an appropriate development and supply of hormone which in turn produces proper bone, muscle and vital organ development. Table foods dispensed randomly to dogs are not nutritionally balanced. We do not offer our dogs table food at all. There will be no problems if you are feeding a puppy with a homemade diet but it should be prepared from prescribed recipes that are nutritionally complete and balanced. Diets consisting of an unplanned and indiscriminate mixture of human foods particularly including carbohydrates will likely result in obesity and even dietary-induced disease. When you Lab reaches 14months of age, it should be given an adult food that contains less energy and calcium. This will decrease the risk of obesity and orthopaedic conditions. And do not feed them coffee or tea as they can contain caffeine, theobromine, and theophylline. These toxic substances can dangerously affect the heart and nervous system. Onions, garlic, raisins and grapes can be severely toxic in labradors. Raw meat is potential source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria for your puppy. Eggs yokes are an excellent source of protein. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin, which decreases the absorption of biotin a B vitamin. This can, in extreme cease, lead to skin and coat problems. Liver contains higher levels of protein, fats, carbohydrates, minerals and vitamins. Raw liver can be a source of parasites and pathogenic bacteria. Excessive amounts of liver can cause Vitamin A toxicity. Raw bone chewing will control tartar buildup on a pups teeth. However, bone chewing can cause intestinal blockages and perforations. Never use cooked bones. Commercial Puppy Foods Most commercial puppy foods are designated for small, medium, large and giant breeds. This designation can be found on the label. Puppies of medium sized breeds are less than '25 kg fully grown adult body weight'. A full grown and lean Labrador will usually weigh between 25kg and 45kg. We feed our dogs at the 'lower' level of the recommended range. The 'Hills Body Fat Index' is a very helpful body shape indicator. The same food as the bitch You should feed your new puppy with the same brand of food as the bitch received during lactation. From 2 weeks into pregnancy, our expectant mothers are fed 'Royal Canin Labrador Puppy' food. Introducing a new brand of food If you are wanting to introduce a new brand of food to your puppy, then blend it gradually with the existing brand in increasing amounts over 3 days. This should prevent food rejection and any kind of gastric upset. It is best to choose a diet designed for large breed puppies. Selected commercial feeds should contain a limited percentage of filler compounds. Pawlinglabs uses Royal Canin Labrador as our preferred option. Growing labradors Labrador pups have a very steep growth curve, and their total daily energy needs do increase as they grow. Calculate the amount of puppy food that will satisfy that need. The feeding guidelines on the commercial pet food label provides an estimated quantity of feed for several different ranges in body size. These instructions will give you an estimated starting point for the particular brand. Medium or large? Medium breeds should be transitioned to an adult diet by 12 months of age, while large breeds between 14 — 18 months of age. Mature female labradors are medium and weight approx kg. Mature males are large and weight approx kg. Their calcium and energy content should not exceed that level recommended by a registered nutritionalist. Sound skeletal development Sound skeletal development in labradors is produced by the interaction of genetic, environmental, and nutritional factors. The phase prior to weaning and the growth phase, up to 14 months are integral to sound skeletal structure. Don't take your young pup on extended distance walks and certainly not 'running' until at least 18mths of age. You must avoid stairs and slippery floors for the same reasons. Their growth plates are set at about mths of age. Feeding and Overfeeding Large breeds like Labradors are the most susceptible to skeletal disease. Feed consumption, nutrients balance and feeding methods influence our ability to produce sound skeletal development and eliminate skeletal disease. Appropriate food consumption and nutrition plays a critical role in bone development. Overfeeding will not increase or benefit the growth rate of young and growing labrador puppies. And it does not correlate with optimal adult size. However, it does increase the risk of skeletal abnormalities. The vast majority of skeletal disorders occur in large breeds including labradors and they are associated with consumption of table food and an excessive intake of a commercial food and supplementation. The large breeds like labradors are limited in their ability to cope with an excess of minerals such as calcium. The result of this over consumption is abnormal bone development and skeletal disorders. Nutritional management will be critical in the to prevention of bone and joint diseases. In most cases, skeletal disease can prevented by appropriate quantities of feed in a regulated diet with optimal nutrient levels. A complete and balanced commercial diet is essential. Dietary deficiencies will be of little concern if your labrador pup is fed with a complete and balanced commercial diet. Brands like Eukanuba and Royal Canin are specifically formulated for young, growing labradors. There is real potential for harm by over feeding and giving additional supplementation. Housing safety and activity levels Housing safety and activity levels are under the your influence. Nutrition is also under your control and it is the single most important factor affecting the development of the musculoskeletal system. Energy, protein, and calcium are the critical nutritional components affecting skeletal development. However, if they are given in excess, they will be detrimental to normal bone and joint growth. Most pet owners feed commercial dog food. These prepared diets are balanced and complete. Pawling Chocolate and Black Labradors. We may earn money or products from the companies mentioned in this post. As we all know too well, what we put in our belly has a huge impact on our health, vitality, length and quality of life. They have to strike a fine balance between getting enough nutrients to grow and avoiding an over-abundance that can lead to abnormal growth and disabling conditions. In this article you will learn precisely how to feed your puppy. What they can eat, what they should not, how many times you should feed them each day, basic information on home-made diets and the pros and cons of various commercial dog foods. The majority of Labrador owners feed their puppy kibble. Kibble is ground meal, shaped into dried biscuit-like pellets that are extremely convenient to buy, store and feed, providing everything a puppy needs in one easy to handle product. All the major brands carry a range of kibble and many are specifically formulated to suit the precise needs of puppies. For our recommendations of the best puppy food for labs, please read our article on: The Best Food for Labrador Puppies. Good breeders will supply you with all the information you need to feed your new puppy and you should follow this advice. Puppies almost always get upset tummies during a change of diet. The stress of moving to a new home is enough to deal with without them potentially having tummy upset on top. So try to avoid this. But expect your puppy to get diarrhea after such a sudden change. What Can Puppies Eat? With a bewildering choice of different puppy foods available, what to feed your puppy may not be the easiest decision to make. You Can Feed Your Puppy Kibble Kibble is ground up food, formed into pellets and dried for easy storage and convenience. It is a specially formulated, complete and balanced diet, containing everything a puppy needs to grow and be healthy. Many people believe kibble is the best way to feed a puppy, with it being so easy to buy, store and feed while containing every nutrient a puppy needs in the right proportions. Wet, Complete Puppy Foods Are An Option As the name suggests, complete wet dog food is complete and balanced, meaning nothing should be fed in combination. Everything needed is included in this one food. Complete wet foods come in individual pouches or tins with one pouch or tin containing one single serving. In the main these foods are low in nutrition, contain a high amount of cheap fillers, by-products and water and need mixing with a biscuit to give them some substance and to make them more complete. Because the food is such low quality, you have to feed a lot of it. And what goes in, must come out. This type of feeding was popular decades ago and I do remember my parents feeding our first dogs this way, but most people have moved on from this and are feeding their dogs in better ways now. Raw Food, BARF And Home-Made Diets Raw feeding is a diet that consists of mostly raw meat, edible bones and animal organs, though most practitioners also mix in small portions of fruit, veg and selected other foodstuffs. There are many people feel strongly that this is the best possible way to feed a dog. But I would caution most people that to feed this diet successfully, you need to do A LOT of research, gain a lot of knowledge and truly understand a dogs nutritional needs to make sure they get exactly what they need in the right amounts. Many people wonder if they can feed their puppy human foods, anything found in the fridge or larder. Furthermore, there are many human foods that are toxic to dogs that you should avoid at all costs. Too much of some nutrients can be bad in itself, but also prevent the absorption and use of other nutrients too. So supplementing a balanced diet is a bad thing to do. Can You Give Puppies Milk? Assuming you get your puppy at the recommended 8 weeks, they will have been fully weaned before you bring them home. Many puppies are intolerant of cows milk and drinking it leads to an upset tummy and diarrhea so you would do best to avoid giving your puppy any milk at all. One exception is for very young puppies under 6 weeks of age. When we have newborn puppies at our house we sometimes need to supplement and use Esbilac Milk Supplemen t. However, if you have a very young puppy that you think may need supplementing please first consult with your veterinarian. Are They Necessary? You will likely be feeding your puppy a commercially available complete and balanced dog food, in which case you certainly should not supplement their food. Supplementing this will mean too much of one or more things, making it unbalanced which can actually lead to harm. But an excess amount of calcium in the diet of a Lab puppy can lead to skeletal development problems. So adding a calcium supplement to an already complete diet can actually do more harm than good. There may also be times your vet advises you to do so. But if feeding raw, you should know more about nutrition than I do. This is a hard question to answer and sadly I cannot give you a definite quantity or weight to feed them each day. Puppies grow at different rates, some are more active than others and there can be large differences between metabolisms too. However… The biggest determining factor is how concentrated the nutrients and calories are in the brand of food you feed them. High quality foods are nutrient rich and give a puppy all they need from quite small amounts of food. But cheaper brands are full of low quality and nutritionally empty fillers that mean a puppy needs considerably more to get what they need. Start by feeding your puppy according to the guidelines on the label of the puppy food you buy for them. Then see how their body develops. Puppies should not be fat! But at the other end of the scale if they start to look and feel a little slim, up their portion sizes a little. The guidelines on the food you buy are just that…guidelines. You might also be interested in:. How often and what time to feed I will show you the best puppy foods, whether dry, wet, or raw, and look at food safety, together with schedules, quantities and even a handy puppy diet chart. Best Puppy Food for Labs The best Labrador puppy food provides a diet that is nutritious, healthy, and tasty. So, what is the best puppy food for your Lab? Puppy kibble or dried food is the most popular option. Kibble is complete and can give a perfectly balanced diet. Puppy kibble and tinned dog meat combined is another common choice among puppy parents. Feeding your Labrador puppy on home cooked food or on a totally raw diet is also possible. Raw puppy food is growing in popularity, and there are pros and cons to raw feeding your puppy. People often feel very strongly that one way of feeding is better than another, and you can always find evidence to support your view. Dog breeders, veterinarians and even nutritionists have their own strong views. The dire consequences they list for not listening to them can have puppy owners very worried. The truth is that there is no good quality evidence showing that kibble is better for the long term health of your dog, or that raw feeding is better. There are risks and benefits to both, and the main thing is to ensure that your dog has good quality food to eat. Puppy kibble suits some better, and raw puppy food is better for others. Puppy Kibble for your Labrador Puppy food made into pellets is called kibble. An airtight plastic container or tin will do the job, although you should make sure it is food grade quality. Puppy kibble is the best way of feeding your Labrador according to most breeders and your veterinarian is most likely to support this method of feeding. Good puppy kibble will contain every nutrient your Labrador puppy needs in order to grow and remain healthy. The kibble pieces will be tasty, good for keeping teeth healthy, and free from additives that can provoke allergies or stomach problems. Labrador puppy kibble only needs to be fed next to water. Puppy kibble from a reputable manufacturer is intended to be a complete and balanced food. But some owners like to mix in canned dog food or even scraps of raw food with kibble. Your puppy is likely to get an upset stomach or to not have the right balance of nutrition when fed this way. Whether you decide to feed only with kibble or you want to mix it up, pick a good dried food manufacturer and stick with them. Feeding your Labrador puppy raw food has its benefits and drawbacks. One of the downsides is that there is a lot to learn. Here is a link to the articles you need to help you decide whether or not raw feeding is for you: Although I like the raw diet for my dogs, most puppies fed kibble go on to have long and healthy lives. Whatever puppy food you choose, the most important thing is portion control. How Much to Feed your Labrador Puppy? People often tell me how much their puppy weighs, and ask how much puppy food they should give him. Your Labrador is particularly at risk if they grow too quickly. The following diet chart is for kibble fed puppies and does not apply to raw fed pups. It gives you an idea of how much to feed your Labrador puppy Lab Puppy Feeding Chart The Lab puppy feeding chart below is only a very rough guide. The quantity of food you need for your puppy will vary depending on your puppy and on the brand of food you are feeding him. Labrador puppy food must be aimed at medium to large breed dogs. Check the pack carefully and look at the dietary charts. Ideally, you want the optimal protein content and the lowest amount of additives. Part of this always comes down to the cost. The healthiest puppy food is usually the most expensive and may not be affordable for some families. The Cost Of Puppy Food Some puppy food brands are more concentrated than and contain a higher proportion of proteins, essential oils, and other nutrients. The absence of these fillers means that you can often feed lower quantities of more costly food, making them less expensive than they first seem. You might also find that cheaper brands make your puppy poop more due to those extra fillers going straight through him. While some brands are beyond the budget of many families, it is usually good to buy a premium brand. High Quality Brands of Puppy Food Some brands of puppy food have developed a reputation for producing a high quality product and have many devoted supporters, including breeders that have fed them to generations of puppies. The best food for Labrador puppies to consume in their first two to four months of life is milk from their mother. This specialised care is usually left to trained breeders or veterinarians, who are knowledgeable in caring for pups with no mother to nurse from. If you have recently brought a Labrador puppy into your family, they are most likely older than 8 weeks, and so have started to eat solid foods. You can do this by mixing some dry food with specially formulated puppy milk to form a soft mixture. You can feed your puppy this mixture three to four times a day. Over time, you can reduce the amount of milk you include in this mixture, until they are at the point where they are happily eating dry foods. Read on to learn how much you should feed a Labrador puppy as they get older. In their four months living with you, and once they are weaned off milk, Labradors are likely to reach almost half their adult weight. They will reach their full adult weight by the time they are 6 to 7 months old. With this rapid growth can come some risks. Labradors can be susceptible to bone growth disorders, like hip dysplasia and joint abnormalities that can start in puppyhood. Once your Lab puppy hits 6 months, their growth begins to slow down. Once puppyhood is over, you can move to feeding your lab twice a day instead of 3 or 4 times. Labs are still very active in their adolescent years, and so should be fed with this in mind. The transition from puppy food to adult food should happen at around 15 months. This is because, being a breed who grows very quickly, you want to ensure that you are feeding them according to their large breed needs. You need to take special care when considering what you should feed your Labrador puppy, as they require different nutrients compared to their adult counterparts. It is also dangerous for a puppy to overeat. Labradors are large breeds, which means they need plenty of nutrients and calories as they grow to ensure they go from being active puppies to healthy adult dogs. Labrador puppies need to eat food that is high in proteins and fats. Carbohydrates are also essential for supporting your active pup. Aside from nutritionally complete dry puppy food, Labrador puppies can benefit from the extra protein that raw meat can provide them with, such as lean beef, turkey, chicken, or fish. The amount of food you give your Labrador is determined by their weight, energy levels, and age. For most adult Labradors, around 1, to 2, calories per day from high quality food sources is ideal. Female Labradors, who tend to be around 5 to 10 kilos lighter than males, may need less food, as will less active dogs. Dogs who need less food, whether they are less active or simply older, will usually still need around 1, to 1, calories per day. You may want to alter the amount of food you are feeding your Labrador based on how calorically dense their food is. Adult Labradors should be fed twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. Their daily allotment of food should be split evenly between these two meals. For most dogs, it is recommended that you exercise your dog before meal times to assist with potty training. However, some dogs may benefit from exercise after eating: especially high energy Labs with a lot of energy to burn off. You should also try to give your Labrador a high quality food that is specially designed for large breeds, especially if they are very active. For example, less active senior dogs will need to eat less food as they will not be burning calories as quickly as a lively little puppy will. Senior dogs may benefit from a higher fibre and lower calorie diet. Your dog may also develop chronic or short term medical conditions that require specially formulated food. For example, Labradors can be particularly susceptible to obesity. As a breed, they tend to be one of the most commonly obese dogs in Australia. This is due to several factors, including a genetic predisposition to unhealthy weight gain and a famously large appetite. However, plenty of Labs suffering from obesity are simply overfed and not getting enough exercise. Choosing a low carb diet is crucial to preventing obesity in your Labrador. If you are unsure about what you should feed your Labrador, you should always consult your vet. They will be able to determine if your dog is suffering from any chronic health issues, and they will be able to create a nutritional plan to help keep your dog healthy and happy for many years to come. Wet food for Labradors is often high in protein and fat, and is better at keeping your dog hydrated than other food sources. Chewing on dry food can be especially good for teething Labrador puppies. A raw diet can be a good option for your Labrador as you have more control over the kinds of food and amount of nutrients your pup is consuming. For this reason, raw diets require a lot more work on your part as an owner. Whatever you decide to feed your Labrador, all dogs need a similar ratio of nutrients in their diets. Different dog breeds will need different kinds of nutrient support as they go through the various stages of their life. It can also be easy to overestimate the amount of food your Labrador needs to stay fit and healthy — especially if they are skilled at begging! You need to make sure that your dog is eating the right amount of food for their breed, their size, and activity level. You should also avoid foods that, while delicious for humans, can be harmful or toxic for dogs. Foods like onions, nuts, alcohol, cooked bones, and artificial sweeteners are commonly included in dinners meant for humans, but can cause serious health issues for your Labrador. No matter how old your Lab is, it is important to keep to a consistent feeding schedule. A feeding schedule can help you keep track of any changes in behaviour around food that might signal illness or physiological stress.

Vocality level 2 in 5 Disclaimer: While the characteristics mentioned here may frequently represent this breed, dogs are individuals whose personalities and appearances will vary. Please consult the adoption organization for details on a specific pet. Temperament As a crossbreed, it is hard to say for sure which behavioral and personality traits each Doodle will possess. Overall, pet parents report that Goldendoodles are friendly family dogs who do well with children and other pets. Good puppy socialization is key to their development as a well-rounded adult dog. They have an average to high energy level and require roughly minutes of exercise daily. Due to their loyal, people-pleasing nature, Goldendoodles can be easy to train, and if done properly with positive reinforcement, can be extremely obedient pets. They prefer room to run around, so would thrive with a fenced yard. They may not be the greatest choice for apartment dwellers, unless you are big on daily outdoor exercise. Upkeep With an average-to-high energy level, Goldendoodles do best with more active families who can dedicate time to playing games with them. They thrive on socialization and playtime with other dogs to help to burn their energy. Mental stimulation in the form of agility or ongoing training will help keep their adventurous spirit content. If not properly occupied, they can sometimes become destructive -- another reason why they might not be the best match for a small apartment. Goldendoodles have a double coated fur that can be quite dense. Some have fur that can be left in its natural state but you should still expect to brush it out roughly once per week. Others may have fur that will require more upkeep, including professional grooming every weeks the more dense the fur, the more it will trap dirt. Otherwise, bathe your Goldendoodle as needed, brush teeth regularly, and trim nails times per month. Be sure to check and clean their ears to remove any buildup and avoid infections! The mix of the two did not appear in America until the s, but has been gaining popularity as people value a type of dog that could possess the low dander levels of a Poodle and the intelligence and happy personality of a Golden Retriever. The Goldendoodle was originally offered as a larger alternative to the Cockapoo, one of the early intentional crossbreeds. Because Goldendoodles are so popular, they certainly can be found for adoption in animal shelters and Doodle-specific rescues. If sharing your home with a Doodle is your dream, be sure to consider adoption! Related Content. Adopt a Goldendoodle! At the time, they rescued and put up for adoption 24 Goldendoodles that were rescued from a breeding center that needed to be shut down. In addition to Goldendoodles, Delaware Valley Golden Retriever Rescue also rescues and puts up labradoodles for adoption. Delaware Rescue has strict guidelines that must be followed. This is one of the largest doodle rescue and adoption centers in the world. IDOG Rescue is a non-profit organization that is headquartered in Houston, Texas, but they receive calls and entertain inquiries from around the country. They mostly rehome and set up retired Goldendoodle adults for adoption. Some pups are rescued, but they are extremely rare. Wavy coat F1b Goldendoodles are typically non-shedding while still maintaining that teddy bear look. If you want to adopt a Goldendoodle, then Doodle Dandy Rescue is a great option. They have strict guidelines for adoption that must be met. The entire adoption process is quite long and rigid so it can take some time for your adoption request to get approved. What are the best Goldendoodle rescues in the US? Norcal Poodle Rescue Adoption is a certified non-profit organization made up of people who specialize in rescuing and looking after poodle breeds like the Goldendoodle. They are currently based out of North Carolina and cater to humane societies, pet owners who have given up their poodles, and shelters. In addition to adoption applications, they also accept shelter volunteers. They have saved close to 4, doodles. They primarily focus on rescuing and nurturing labradoodles and Goldendoodles. Although they are based in California, they have over volunteers from all over the country who help rescue and get Goldendoodles adopted. They rarely have Goldendoodle puppies for adoption, but when they do, they provide transport and help the puppies find a new home. As the name suggests, the center primarily focuses on the rescue and adoption of golden retrievers and its mixes. GRIN is a non-profit organization that operates with over volunteers. Rather, they are a group of people and homes scattered all over Western Pennsylvania and Northeast Ohio. They advise you to apply for a younger dog in advance through their website. They have rigid guidelines for adoption that must be met and their acceptance period takes anywhere between 2 to 4 weeks. They have become increasingly popular, which means finding one for adoption can be a bit of a challenge. Goldendoodle puppy plays with a toy actively outdoors. You can also reach out to your local animal shelters and rescue organizations to inquire about Goldendoodles in need of a loving home. By expressing your interest, you can be among the first to know when a Goldendoodle becomes available for adoption. Another option is to join social media groups and forums dedicated to Goldendoodle enthusiasts. These communities often share information about Goldendoodles in need of homes, upcoming adoption events, and more. Being part of such groups can increase your chances of finding a Goldendoodle that needs a loving family. Keep in mind that the adoption process may take some time, as these organizations want to ensure that the dogs are placed in the best possible homes. You may need to complete an application, provide references, and even have a home visit. Another thing to consider is offering your home as a residence for a family dog that is part of a breeders program. Many breeders offer free or very discounted dogs as long as you are okay with them having a litter or two throughout their life. It never hurts to reach out or ask the question in a local Facebook group for the Goldendoodle breed! They require a lot of attention. If you leave them alone for more than a few hours, they can be difficult to manage. A lot of people are initially enthusiastic before adopting a Goldendoodle but very quickly realize how much time they have to spend with these little canines. Goldendoodles thrive in environments where people are at home at all times. Like other smaller dogs, Goldendoodles bark as a defense mechanism. If you adopt a Goldendoodle that barks a lot, take the time to get your dog trained. We might get sick or move, and sometimes we may need to find a new job. If you know that these factors could potentially hamper the time you devote to your dog, you may have to put your dog up for adoption. Why Is Adopting a Goldendoodle Rare? Although this is a list of some of the best Goldendoodle rescue shelters and networks in the United States, most of them may not have Goldendoodles up for adoption when you check. Some adoption facilities have never received any Goldendoodles at all despite being open for their rescue. There are a couple of reasons for this. A Goldendoodle puppy needs enough sleep for best health. If these dogs get on any adoption websites or similar websites, they will likely be gone within the first day. This can lead to a puppy mill or dodgy breeder scenario where the popularity makes the breeder chase litter after litter without caring for the dog. A dog owner who adopts from a breeder must take appropriate steps to ensure it is not a puppy mill, and is in fact an ethical and reputable breeder. They form strong bonds with their owners. If owners face any problems with their dogs, they would rather find ways to work through these problems than give them up for adoption. However, Goldendoodles are one of the friendliest and most social dogs out there. Desirable Goldendoodle Personality Goldendoodles are extremely adventurous. Generally, these cute canines are outgoing, friendly, and happy dogs. They love meeting new people and dogs. One thing to remember about these dogs is that they do well in open spaces like spacious yards or country homes. Their affection, intelligence, and bubbly personalities make them great therapy and working dogs. They enjoy mentally stimulating activities. For example, Goldendoodles are known to be able to smell peanuts in foods for people suffering from nut allergies. To satiate their need for activity, you will have to take them out for walks and runs daily. Goldendoodles are also known for enjoying swimming and playing in the water. They Are Good with Children If you have children at home, then adopting a Goldendoodle is a great choice. These dogs play well with kids. They are gentle, loving, and patient around young kids which is one of the reasons they make great family dogs. You should still exercise caution and check on their behavior. You must also teach your children how to behave around dogs. Prevent your child from agitating your Goldendoodle with ear or tail pulling and other rough activities. Like any other animal, dogs are protective of their food and can become aggressive if they perceive a threat. This may not be true for all Goldendoodles, but you should still take precautions to protect your kids. These dogs are social animals and love interacting with other dogs. Wavy coat Goldendoodles are typically low shedding. However, they still need a certain amount of grooming. To prevent them from shedding, some people cut their hair short. It will take some time for the rescue dog to get comfortable around you and you may have to deal with issues like separation anxiety. Goldendoodles require a few hours of activity every day. You will have to spend time walking and playing with them daily. Active play, a visit to a dog park, or fetch are appropraite activities. Grooming Is Imperative Though your new doodle puppy will likely shed lightly, you will still need to groom their coats or have a pet groomer take care of their grooming once a month. Just remember to do your research before adopting a dog. I am about 2 years old and I love follow my foster mum around. She tells me I am her shadow. My foster potty trained me in a day and she said I am very very smart and I have to agree with that. I also learned new commands like sit, down, and off. We are working on the stay but I have a hard time sitting still because I have lots to keep an eye on inside. She walks me always on her right side and I became very well behaved in our leash walking training. I do like to be right by my foster brother Logan, so sometimes I will pull to be with him. I have an another foster brother and he is smaller and furry and he meows for food all the time when he is not sleeping. I love him and he give me sand kisses. We went to a coffee shop other day and all these people want to pet me and take pics of me. I felt like a movie star! On the walks I get overly excited when I see other dogs and I am very vocal about it. Sometimes the dogs get scared of me, but I assure you, I am awesome and not aggressive at all. I just want to say hi to ALL the dogs! But I warm up to everyone very quickly. I am getting a lot of love and attention right now and it will be ideal for me to not be left alone for too long. Why Adopt Goldendoodles? Abandoned, stray, or neglected dogs that ended in shelters are a growing problem. Did you know approximately 3. This is the single most important reason why adopting Goldendoodles is necessary. Top Reasons to Adopt Goldendoodles Here are the top reasons why you should consider adopting Goldendoodles. Standard adoption fees vary by dog breed, demand, and other factors. Nonetheless, adopting a pup costs significantly less than buying one from a breeder. Adopting a Goldendoodle typically may save you some veterinary costs like spending on spay or neuter surgery, initial vaccinations, microchipping, and other fees. Typically, you need to put in an application to take a rescue Goldendoodle home. Goldendoodle rescues or shelters are non-profit organizations filled with Goldendoodles looking to be rehomed. Finding a Goldendoodles rescue can take some time, but there are quite a few across the U. Top Goldendoodle Rescues For Adoption The following is a comprehensive list of Goldendoodle rescues where you can potentially find Goldendoodles looking to be adopted. From mini Goldendoodles and Goldendoodle puppies to retired Goldendoodles and Teddy Bear Goldendoodle, these are the top places to get your hands on one of the most popular hybrid breeds today. Originally bred to be guide dogs, these canines quickly grew in popularity thanks to their easygoing temperaments and affectionate natures. Today, they serve as therapy dogs, hunting companions and, of course, family pets. Goldendoodles are a cross between two popular purebreds: poodles and golden retrievers. Many of them inherit the low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats of their poodle parent and the distinguishable golden color of their golden retriever parent. As a medium-large dog breed, goldendoodles generally range from 15 to 20 inches in height and 30 to 50 pounds in weight. They benefit from at least 30 minutes of exercise a day, which makes them suitable for more active households. Like all dogs, goldendoodles require a high-quality diet that consists of plenty of proteins and fats. When taken care of, the average goldendoodle can enjoy a happy, healthy life of up to 20 years. Labradoodle Overview Labradoodle Overview In , a breeder wondered what would happen if they combined the genetic material of a poodle and a Labrador retriever. The result was a loyal companion dog that retained the intelligence of poodles and the affectionate nature of Labrador retrievers. Their playful, trusting personalities, coupled with their eagerness to please their owners, make labradoodles popular family pets. Labradoodles are medium-large dogs and range anywhere from 20 to 25 inches in height and 50 to 65 pounds in weight. However, some labradoodles are bred with mini poodles instead — these dogs, dubbed mini labradoodles, are usually just 15 inches tall and weigh between 15 and 25 pounds. Most labradoodles will need to work off this energy with at least 30 to 60 minutes of exercise. They also enjoy spending time with people and get along with just about anyone, from young children to fellow dogs. Provided their needs are met, these cuddly canines can live up to 14 years. Bred to serve as companion dogs, these sweet canines have the intelligence of poodles and the friendliness of cocker spaniels. Thanks to their playful personalities, endless curiosity and eagerness to please, you can trust a cockapoo to provide you with endless entertainment. You can find this unique dog in a wide variety of sizes and colors — one cockapoo might sport a light brown coat and measure at under 10 inches, while another may have dotted black-and-white fur and stand over 16 inches tall. No matter what they look like, most cockapoos have low-shedding, hypoallergenic coats thanks to their poodle parentage. Generally, cockapoos are small-medium dogs and benefit from a minimum of 15 minutes of daily exercise. Most cockapoos have an average lifespan of about 15 years, which they love to spend with their favorite humans. Not only does training encourage your dog to listen to you, but it also promotes their health and well-being. This is ideal if you: Have a busy work schedule Have familial commitments Have family members with health concerns or special needs Our mission is to help you skip past those difficult dog behavior stages such as teething and potty training and enjoy a respectful, well-behaved pet from the get-go. Through coat testing, we can guarantee that each one of our dogs is low-shedding. Our training includes: Housebreaking: Our dogs can go at least three hours a day without potty breaks and are crated for up to nine hours at night. Thanks to our comprehensive training, you can expect an ideal puppy, your new best friend, to assimilate smoothly into your household. This is also an organization that rescues both cats and dogs and is not breed-specific. That being said, they also rescue Doodles and other mixed dog breeds. If you were thinking about adopting a Labradoodle, today is your lucky day! Take a look at adorable Zeus , a Labradoodle that this rescue is currently offering for adoption. You can also keep an eye on their list of available dogs here , so you can contact them when a Doodle is rescued. When you pick a dog from this rescue, your next step is to complete a preliminary adoption application. In this application, you will be asked questions regarding the future environment of the adopted dog. Some elements of the environment, such as a fenced yard, are a crucial deciding factor in this process. After the application is checked, you will be contacted by one of their volunteers via phone or email. Keep in mind that this rescue also requires vet references during the application process. Tiny Paws Rescue Tiny Paws Rescue is a foster-based, volunteering organization, dedicated to saving all small dog breeds and cross breeds. This organization is a c 3 non-profit and it is entirely run by volunteers without any public funding. You can find Ausiedoodles or even Goldendoodles in this rescue. Of course, we recommend you take a look at their album of adoptable dogs. This rescue keeps all their adoptable dogs in an album on their Facebook page , separate from their website. To start the adoption process you will need to first complete their adoption application. The smaller the dog is e. The adoption process starts with the Deed Verification. This is where they check if the owner of the property is you or the landlord you are renting from. After that, they will follow up with a Google search of adults in the home, and will also phone your references. Their next step is to contact your veterinary references. You will be asked to phone your references and veterinarian beforehand. If your previous dogs are deceased, the veterinary references still apply. After checking your pet history, the final step in the application process is a home visit. This includes meeting both your current pets and also meeting the people in your home. Rescue and Adoption Details.

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

Call Today! We breed from only the best quality bloodlines in the world adhering to the strict German SV standard. Our dogs are health tested hips, elbows, back and DM and are titled from both showline and working lines, raised in the house and already started before they go home! What else separates us from other Michigan German Shepherd Breeders? Von Buchmann German Shepherds, aka Michigan German Shepherds, is not a kennel but we are a home where our handful of dogs, bred to the strict German standard, stay inside with us and are a part of our family. They are family members to us. We stay small so every dog can get the attention and time they deserve, and our puppies can be raised in a family situation. Our puppies are not only born in the house, but they stay in the house. Our German Shepherd puppies go from our whelping box right to crate training and house breaking introduction. We get several comments from families they are very easy to finish housetraining. Phoenix von Buchmann IGP3 ang a normal hips and elbows dm clear, queen of the house and grandma to all of our showline babies Preserving the breed is at the utmost importance to us so our dogs are bred to uphold German SV standards. We breed to the German SV standard to ensure we have the most stable and healthy dogs for your family. I, Peggy Buchman, grew up with German Shepherd dogs and have loved them my entire life. My daughter started training German Shepherd Puppies and dogs in IGP, service work, and pet training and it has brought back all of my favorite memories of them. What a wonderful experience this has been, breeding and raising German Shepherd puppies. Watching the development of them as they grow with their new families, feedback has been amazing. Many families have come back for a second and third German Shepherd Puppy. We have dogs in sport homes, service homes, and mostly family companion homes where comes our most important focus, temperament! Since we raise our own dogs and keep from our own stock we have a great understanding what is behind your puppy and his or her pedigree. Raising and training our own dogs to the German standard takes a lot of commitment, time, expense, and is never easy. Please scroll down and slide left to scroll through our many Testimonials. We are hands on in all aspects of our German Shepherds. Training and Handling our own dogs for Titling, Showing and Breed Surveys Even down time is exciting with our acreage to take leisurely runs, even going on family travels Up North "I take pride in the German Shepherds I am producing here at von Buchmann German Shepherds" - Peggy Contact Us Today Real Testimonials Mia is such a little love at about 40 pounds now with beautiful markings! She has been easy to train since she is so food motivated. She has a great personality and temperament. We just love her so much and thank you for a great bloodline!! Susan S. He is an amazingly sweet, loving, playful and handsome little guy. Donnie D. Hank is doing great! His color is fantastic and his listening skills are superb!!! He very much enjoys our outings and meeting new people still!! And does very well with it! Simon E. My puppy, which I name Kimber has been nothing short of amazing. She is a very beautiful GSD, healthy, and very willing to learn new things. I have actually train Kimber to be a diabetic alert service dog for myself, which she picked up very well and is happy to work. Peggy was more than willing to help evaluate which puppy of the litter would have the best attitude for my life being around several young children. We interviewed other breeders but you could immediately tell that Peggy truly cared about her dogs and took care to ensure we would get a puppy that was a good fit for us. She answered all of our questions and continued to do so long after the actual adoption. Our dog has been a wonderful addition to our family and our next German Shepherd will be from Von Buchmann! High quality German Shepherds and a breeder who cares, you really can ask for more. Denise B. We purchased our first puppy from Von Buchmann German Shepherds in .Since then, we have been back to get two more puppies. Peggy is a very knowledgeable breeder and her dogs are beautiful and well trained with great temperaments. We are very pleased with Von Buchmann German Shepherds. April R. Besides his physical beauty, he has a protective yet loving temperament, listens and responds to all commands, was well socialized and mannered, and only barks when alerting me to perceived danger. You will not be disappointed. Susan H. We bought our first German Shepherd from this breeder and have been over the moon impressed with how this pup fits perfectly in to our family. Peggy did a great job of recommending the perfect puppy based on drive and temperament for our family with three young boys. Our pup is currently 11mo old and such a joy. Ever the professional, Peggy answered all of my possibly annoying first time dog owner questions with care and grace. She has been a resource for us months after our purchase and I would not hesitate to contact her with questions in the future. I highly recommend this breeder without reservation. Kelli S. Their temperament, physique, coats and general health are outstanding. Jodi H. I give Von Buchmann German Shepherds a 5 star! I have a beautiful 18 month girl from Phoenix. Peggy Buchmann matched the perfect pup with what our family wanted in a Shepherd. Our pup was used to a household environment, family life, and well socialized for her age when we got her. The follow up with Peggy has been amazing. She is quick to answer questions and offer support and suggestions. Peggy takes her breeding seriously and strives for great temperment, good health, and beauty with her pups. Tammy S. Very knowledgeable, caring and responsible breeder that is always responsive to concerns or questions! Our second male from her is now 7mos and is incredible! Mark M. We have had our beautiful Luca with us for nearly 10 years. We will not hesitate to look to Von Buchmann for our next family member. Thank you for such excellence. Kristen R. Once adopted we can transport to you. We have a cost effective transporter that has stops in most north eastern states. She runs every 2 weeks. Please note! Don't just apply just because she has a cheap adopt fee. You must prove you can afford to adopt regardless! I find that most of the folks who apply for my reduced fee dogs back out when they realize they are still responsible for the transport fee. If this applies to you please don't waste our time! Scarlett was born .Her mom was a german shepherd golden mix. We are not positive what dad was. Scarlett is active and very loving. She is good with people and ok with other dogs her size. She is too playful for small dogs. She needs a large dog only home. She is NOT good with cats. She needs an active home with room to run. She would not do well in a cramped up apartment with no exercise. She is house trained and crate trained,This baby will go home spayed and current on vaccinations, deworming, flea preventives, started on heartworm prevention and microchipped. This pup will receive a health certificate issued by our vet prior to going home. The adopter will get all his health records with the adoption. We require a prescreen application to apply. You can get that on our main website at www.

Dogs new to being crated may whine or cry because they are not accustomed to the confinement. And puppies, recently separated from their littermates, are often confused and lonely and will vocalize to call for their mother and siblings. Dogs, and especially puppies, are social and want nothing more than to be with their "pack. But how do you get a puppy to stop whining in his crate? The truth is: you may not be able to completely curb whining behavior in puppies, but there are ways to minimize it. Tip 1: The top tip to help cut down on your puppy whining in his crate is to completely ignore the whining behavior. If you do that, most puppies will simply stop whining for attention because it doesn't give them results. One of the biggest mistakes that owners of new puppies make is giving their puppies attention or taking their puppies out of the crate once the whining begins. Any type of attention will just reinforce the behavior. That includes negative attention, such as you reprimanding them. You should avoid giving attention or taking a puppy out of the crate until he is quiet. That way, you are reinforcing the behavior of -not- whining. Being quiet and calm is the only way they're released from the crate, therefore they will learn to be quiet and calm in the crate. Tip 2: Picking the right-size crate is more important than most people think. The crate must be large enough that the pup can stand up, turn around and play with toys, but not so large that they feel comfortable using the restroom on one side of the crate and being able to move to the other side to avoid it. You will have to buy crates minimum to keep up with a puppy's rapid growth, or consider a model with a divider. Expensive, but totally worth it. A correctly sized crate will stop them from using the bathroom in it, and will give them enough space to occupy themselves, thus reducing how much they whine in the crate. Tip 3: Get your puppy comfortable with the crate. Familiarizing your puppy with his crate is another way to help cut down on anxiety and reduce whining. Take your time acclimating your puppy to the crate. Your pup needs the opportunity to learn that the crate is a comfortable and safe space. If you just stuff a puppy in one, with no toys, no acclimation period etc. Instead, provide treats, chew toys and bedding in the crate to make it fun and homey. Use a lot of treats to reward your puppy when he is being quiet and calm in his crate. Give treats for going in the crate. Make the crate a very positive experience. If you successfully do that, your puppy will willingly go into their crate because they will associate it with good things. Going inside the crate is usually the result of overestimating how long a puppy can go without relieving themselves. The general number of hours a puppy needs between bathroom breaks is ascertained by adding his age in months, plus one. Using that formula, a 2-month-old puppy can usually hold it for three hours, and a 3-month-old puppy can generally hold it for four hours and so on. When potty training, there's no such thing as too many bathroom breaks. If you're at home and capable, there's no reason to stretch out breaks to their maximum. Tip 5: Crate placement matters. Some puppies will be perfectly quiet and content if the crate is placed in your bedroom or a common area. Others will whine all night long and you won't get a wink of sleep. Experiment where you place the crate. Try to keep them in a place where they can see you at first. If it prevents you from sleeping, no one can blame you for putting the crate in a faraway room, the garage, basement etc. But by doing that, it's likely that the puppy might feel isolated and react by crying even more. Either way, completely ignore the whining. We suggest trying to keep the puppy's crate in whichever room you're in at first. If necessary, you may have to place it elsewhere to get sleep. Do expect some whining in the beginning, even if the puppy is around you. Tip 6: Exercise, play, and toys. If you let your puppy play after coming inside from using the bathroom, like most babies, he'll tire himself out and want to nap. So make sure they get to play and spend time with you. And make sure they're occupied in their crate. The best way to do that is to use interactive toys to keep them busy. And there you have it, 6 tips to help cut down whining in the crate. Again, remember to be patient. Even under the best circumstances, puppies will whine in the beginning; even if you're in the same room. Don't be too quick to put them in another room or part of the house. Only resort to that if it severely impacts your sleep or ability to work. Thanks for reading, please leave a like and share if you find these tips helpful. The service dog and guide dog to the blind Canine therapy dog work Search and rescue and nose work Hunting and tracking Canine athletics such as agility and dock diving In each one of these job descriptions, you can visualize two partners: a human partner paired with a canine partner. Any working dog breed that has been developed and bred specifically to work closely with a human partner is going to be intelligent, perceptive, and extremely sensitive. German Shepherds fit this description perfectly. As WagWalking. The German Shepherd is actually not known to be a barker, but barking will increase if your dog becomes lonely or bored. In the same way, German Shepherd crying, whimpering and whining can turn from simply attempts to talk to you into pleas for attention, time and affection if not enough of that is readily available. There is really no way to train your German Shepherd dog to be a different type of dog than the GSD breed is known to be. But there are some ways to keep the natural vocalizations of your German Shepherd from turning into real problem behaviors of the type that may get you into hot water with neighbors or housemates or even the local community. Tips to Train German Shepherd Not to Cry So Much Whenever you are dealing with a very smart dog breed that is highly attuned to their human carers, you can bet your dog will notice what gets your attention fastest. Then your dog will do more of that. After all, your German Shepherd loves attention from you! So anything your GSD can do to keep your attention on them is a good thing to do more of. This means you will need to start paying more attention to the things your dog does that send you running to them. When your GSD starts whimpering, whining, or crying, for instance, you will have to stop yourself from immediately responding. In this section, we will look at specific tips to train your German Shepherd not to cry so much. We will look at tips for GSD puppies, adult dogs, and rescue dogs. Train your German Shepherd puppy not to cry so much One of the most common issues new German Shepherd puppy keepers face is trying to crate train a new GSD puppy. Crate training can be an invaluable addition to your training protocols! Yet, as PetMD points out, your puppy is often already dealing with a lot of changes when crate training begins. Your GSD puppy is trying to learn to sleep apart from mom and littermates for the first time. Your puppy is in a strange new place with a new family and new surroundings. Suddenly there are lots of rules and regulations, potty training issues, leashes and collars to get used to, veterinary visits, and then…. This means that regardless of what breed of puppy you are crate training , some crying and whining are just going to come with the territory. So here are expert tips to help your GSD puppy understand that whining and crying will not get them out of crate training. Do not respond to the crying behavior when it first starts — wait until your puppy quiets down before approaching the crate. Make sure the crate is puppy-sized — your GSD puppy should be able to stand up and turn around, but if you can fit two GSD puppies inside it, it is too large. Take time to get your GSD puppy familiar with the crate structure itself — practice going in and out the door, do short sits at first, offer lots of praise and rewards. Put the crate in a place where you are still visible at first so your puppy will not feel abandoned and start to cry in a panic. Train your German Shepherd adult dog not to cry so much When it comes to training an adult GSD dog not to cry or whine so much, it is all about setting reasonable expectations, as this VetStreet owner thread highlights. After all, you have chosen a vocal dog breed with a high need and drive to be near you and in constant communication with you. But if you set a goal to simply reduce the amount of crying or whining, you are likely to have a much better chance of reaching your goal. Here are some tips to help encourage your German Shepherd to stop seeing crying or whining behavior as an effective way of getting your attention quickly. Make a list. Start making a list of each time your German Shepherd whines and what was going on just before the crying started. This can help you identify certain issues that may cause your GSD to whine more — is it just before dinner time? Is it time for the evening walk? Is there some other routine your dog remembers that you have forgotten? This will also help you identify when crying might be prompted by discomfort, illness, boredom, loneliness, or some other reason. Stop responding to the crying right away. Crying or whining can be an auditory irritant — no doubt about it. No matter how much you love your dog, having to listen to constant crying can get on your nerves! So instead of responding right away to try to make the sound stop, task yourself to take several deep breaths and count to 10, or 15, or .Wait until the whining at least lessens or ideally stops before responding. Train your German Shepherd rescue dog not to cry so much German Shepherds are so sensitive that being relinquished and re-homed can be especially hard on this dog breed. You may get your new GSD rescue pup home only to discover your dog develops a full-blown case of separation anxiety whenever you are not clearly visible and available to your dog. As All Shepherd Rescue charity explains, separation anxiety can be a much bigger problem to address than simply removing social reinforcement for the behavior. Your GSD is panicked! Making use of a dog walker, doggie daycare, or a friendly dog-loving neighbor or friend when you have to be out can spell you during the re-training process. Ideally, no one would choose a German Shepherd dog without knowing in advance that these dogs tend to be naturally vocal. Yet it happens every day. There is so much to learn about the German Shepherd dog breed that sometimes the vocalization habits just get overlooked. Now that you understand your experience with GSD crying is not unique to you and your dog, you can start taking steps to reduce the crying behaviors. How can we tell if a German Shepherd puppy is crying for real or attention? While the whining and crying might be aggravating, you can do things to lessen the whining and this guide will show you how. Why does a German Shepherd puppy cry? German Shepherds are known to whine more than other dogs. Attention German Shepherds love getting attention from their owners, which could bring whining. If the dog is near you, has toys, and their body language looks good, they probably want your attention. Boredom German Shepherds are high-energy dogs and need a lot of exercise to get that energy out. If the dog is whining out of boredom, create a play and exercise routine for them. Fear Similar to people, dogs get scared. They may begin to while around storms, new people, or stressful situations. In this case, they are seeking comfort for their owner. If possible, minimize the citation and comfort the dog. Give them a calming area to relax when if a scary situation. There will also be other signs of illness, like lethargy, lack of appetite, or reduced interest. Take your dog to the vet ASAP if you suspect they are in pain or sick. Hungry German Shepherds are intelligent dogs and will let you know when dinner time has been skipped. We get busy too, so pay attention to the time to see if a meal was accidentally skipped. They are in a new environment, away from all they know and love, and it can be scary. Below are some tips on how to get past the crate-crying phase. This can help indicate if the whine is because of something terrible or less wrong, like boredom. Each German Shepherd has their own unique cry; this is just a reference point. Complaining whine This is not yet a cry. What to do if a German Shepherd puppy cries? Like a baby, they will cry for no apparent reason, and the older they get, the better it will get. If your puppy is safe, fed, and not ill, it is best to ignore it and not reinforce bad behavior. If you gave them constant attention with each whine, you could create a bad habit. What to do if a German Shepherd puppy cries in the crate at night? Crate training is hard, and it will result in your German Shepherd puppy crying at night. Below are a few tips to make the night easier, according to Wag. Make the crate a place your puppy wants to go: Add their favorite toys and blankets, give them treats, and make it a positive area. Place the crate where your German Shepherd is near you: it can be a calm and quiet area but make it accessible to the outside since the puppy will need potty breaks. Let them get used to the crate for a moment. When they wake up, grab them before the whining starts and take them potty, this will help make them less scared. Repeat and practice: Crate training takes time and can be challenging, especially at 3 am. Ensure that they are okay and rule out if a vet is needed. The most important thing is not to encourage the behavior. Can a German Shepherd puppy be trained to not cry? Yes you can work on your German Shepherd puppy not to cry. The easiest way to do this is to create an exercise and play routine to burn out energy and make them tired. German Shepherds love playing outside, and it can give them the stimulation they need to be happy. Crate training your puppy correctly will also train them not to cry in the crate. You are tired from being up at night and might lash out. Remember a few things not to do when the puppy cries. Punishment Punishment is the worst possible thing to do when your puppy cries. This can instill fear in your dog and make matters worse. We hate seeing our dogs upset and will do anything to help them. Instead, try to redirect the behavior. Allow them to go outside to play, chew on a toy, or relax in their crate until the whining subsides. What is normal crying vs abnormal crying? Puppies will cry for a lot of reasons. This is all normal for a puppy and how they communicate. If you notice your puppy is crying more and suddenly, what some would say is out of the blue, you might want to see why. Check for signs of illness or pain. Take a moment to reassure yourself that your dog is okay and allow them their moment to whine before redirecting them. Further Questions How do you stop a German Shepherd puppy from crying for its owner? The easiest thing is to set up a routine for them to play and exercise. Crate training is also a great option. Is it normal for a German Shepherd puppy to whine a lot? Yes, a German Shepherd puppy will often whine, just like a baby cries a lot. Should I ignore my puppy when it cries? No, the whining could indicate there is a problem. Always make sure they are okay, then redirect the dog. More posts on German Shepherd Puppies Recommended post. Illness The reason that your German Shepherd puppy has been crying a lot could be that it is ill or injured. It would also be more likely if something recently happened that might have caused it to become ill or injured. If you think that illness or injury might be the cause then the best option for you would be to take it to a vet. Fear The reason that your German Shepherd puppy has been crying a lot could be that it gets frightened. This would be more likely if it only seems to be crying when things happen that might frighten it. Related post: Why is my German Shepherd always afraid? It wants attention It could be the case that your German Shepherd puppy cries a lot because it wants to get attention from you. In this case, it would be likely that it has learned that crying gets it the attention that it wants so it cries more. To stop it you could try giving it more attention throughout the day and to stop giving it attention when it starts crying and then to carry on giving it attention when it is not crying. Boredom Another reason that it cries a lot could be that it is bored. This would be more likely if it tends to cry more when it is not doing anything and if it tends to cry at around the time that it usually gets to do something. German Shepherds are meant to be very active dogs and it is generally recommended that they get at least an hour of exercise per day. If your German Shepherd is not getting an hour of exercise per day then making sure that it does would likely be a good start. However, German Shepherd puppies are not supposed to get as much exercise since their joints are still developing. Generally, it is recommended to give a German Shepherd puppy 5 minutes of exercise, per day, for every month of age. So, a 2 month old puppy should get about 10 minutes of exercise daily. Other ways that you can reduce its boredom would be to spend time training it or to give it toys to play with. Excitement It could also be the case that it seems to cry when it becomes excited. This would be more likely if it only seems to cry when things happen that would cause it to get excited. Examples could be: When it is about to go out for a walk When you are playing with it Related post: How to tell if your German Shepherd loves you Nature It is not unusual for German Shepherd puppies to cry a lot. Sometimes they will cry without any apparent cause. It is likely that it will begin to cry less as it gets older. However, if it is crying constantly then it would help to take it to a vet to rule out illness or injury. Things to consider Before trying to get it to cry less it would help to know exactly what is causing it to cry so much. Below, I will mention a few particularly helpful things that you can consider. What is different when it cries A useful thing to consider would be when and where your German Shepherd puppy tends to cry. If it tends to only cry in certain situations then it would be very likely that it has something to do with the crying. If your German Shepherd puppy started to cry more, suddenly, then it would make it more likely that it has started to cry more due to things such as stress, fear, being mistreated, illness or injury or a change in its lifestyle. It would help to consider what happened at around the time that your German Shepherd puppy started to cry more. Things that you could think about would include: If someone left home If another pet passed away If something happened that might have caused it to get injured If someone was mean to it If you moved home If it did start crying a lot more, suddenly, then it would help to take it to a vet to rule out illness or injury. How to get your German Shepherd puppy to stop crying all the time Below, I will mention a number of things that you can do about your German Shepherd puppy crying all the time. Avoid punishing it It might be tempting to punish your German Shepherd puppy by shouting at it or even hitting it. However, it is very important not to do so. If you do then you will likely cause it to become fearful, it will develop behavioral issues and it will not be trusting of you. Avoid encouraging the behavior If your method of getting it to stop crying is to give it things that it wants, it could be the case that you have inadvertently encouraged it to do it more. Instead, try to avoid giving it attention or rewards unless it is necessary and then to reward it when it is being well behaved. Take it to a vet If you are unsure of why your German Shepherd puppy cries, it has started doing it suddenly or it has been acting unusually then it would help to get the expert advice of a vet. Ensure that its diet is correct If it is not getting the nutrients that it needs in its diet it could be causing your German Shepherd puppy to cry. If you want to get your German Shepherd to cry less and for it to be as healthy as possible it is important to make sure that it is eating correctly. You can look here to see what you should be feeding it. If you are unsure of what food to get for your German Shepherd, consider getting dog food designed specifically for German Shepherds. You can find dog food specifically designed for German Shepherd puppies on Chewy here. Give it things to be distracted with such as a chew toy If you think that boredom could also be the reason that your German Shepherd puppy keeps crying then it would be an option to give it things to keep it distracted. Things that you could do could include giving it toys to play with, puzzles for dogs to complete or chews to chew on. You can watch the video below to see more tips on what you can do to get your German Shepherd puppy to cry less. You can watch the video below for more tips on what you can do to get your German Shepherd puppy to cry less. If you want a happy and obedient German Shepherd, this is one of the best online dog training programs available right now. You can get the first month free using This link. This is normal and natural. It is simply that your puppy is learning how to sleep alone for the first time. Rather, the goal is to ease the crying and the feeling of being alone for your puppy. If you can do this, the crate will no longer be an issue. Otherwise, you are just putting off the introduction of the crate. And you are likely to be listening to a crying puppy all night anyway because everything is so new. It might be tempting to just let your new GSD puppy sleep with you for the first night or few nights, or a week, or month…. Persisting with crate training can pay off if you know what to do. You are used to sleeping in a huddle with your littermates all snuggled together around your mom. Suddenly, your sleeping arrangements are changed. Mom is gone. Your littermates are nowhere to be found. In place of the comfy dog bed or blanket, or whelping bed there is a cold steel or plastic box. So the first order of business that is urgent is to get your new GSD puppy comfy in their new crate! Here are seven expert tips to make the crate look and feel and smell homey and safe for your puppy: 1. Cover the crate partially for naps and bedtime but not so much that there is no ventilation. Aim for protecting your puppy from drafts and light but still allowing for sufficient airflow. Add in a comfortable puppy blanket so your dog can snuggle up in it. Ease Into Extended Crate Time With Short Training Sessions When you first bring your German Shepherd puppy home, it may be late in the day and you may not have time for a bunch of crate sessions right away. This means you may have to deal with some whining and crying the first night. It can help to place the crate in your bedroom if possible. This way your dog can at least see and smell you. And if your new GSD puppy needs to potty, which they likely will, you can take care of it right away. But starting the following morning, you should begin proper crate training for your German Shepherd puppy right away. And you should establish reasonable expectations for the outcome. As PetMD points out, even the best crate training in the world may not completely stop your puppy from whining, crying, or barking. This is because you have chosen an intensely people-oriented dog breed! All dogs are oriented towards people to some degree, but the German Shepherd dog breed is particularly people-focused. Your puppy just wants to be with you. You want to start with very short and sweet sessions just to get your German Shepherd puppy used to being in the crate. Start with just 10 or 15 minutes at a time at timed intervals throughout the day. As you do this, make sure the crate is in a quiet place, but not a place that is far away from you and your family. The more easily your puppy can sense your presence, the less likely they are to get very lonely and start crying loudly. A Sample German Shepherd Puppy Crate Training Schedule As you learned earlier here, crate training under the best of conditions can be stressful for a puppy. This is especially important while your puppy is also going through potty training! Noon: Lunch! What should you do if this happens? While some amount of crate whining and crying is normal when a new puppy is first getting used to the crate, sometimes crying and whining can have other meanings as well. It is always smart to have your new GSD puppy checked out by your veterinarian right away anyway — ideally in the first 24 to 48 hours. But if your puppy keeps whining and crying, there may be another reason. Your dog might be sick or injured and need treatment. It is much better to talk with your veterinarian and know for sure than to worry and wonder and get no sleep at night. Sometimes puppies may develop separation anxiety and get very frantic about trying to get out of their crate. When this happens, self-injury becomes possible. It may be helpful to ask your veterinarian for a referral to a dog trainer so you can address the separation anxiety before it leads to self-harm or an ingrained behavior pattern. By understanding the most common reasons your German Shepherd puppy might cry in their crate and what to do to ease loneliness and fears, your new puppy will soon settle into your family. If you looking to buy a new crate for your dog, here is a list of our recommendations. Recommended reading:.

Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. Golden Retrievers are classified as a gundog breed, and these dogs are often divided into those bred for show and those meant for work. However, the body of the show Golden is typically larger, taller, heavy-boned, and fuller in the chest. Small Parents Like people, puppies inherit physical traits from their parents. And even puppies from the same litter can vary in size. Neither of these scenarios is healthy for a puppy. Larger breeds like the Golden Retriever are more at risk for growth disorders than small breed dogs. This article will give you a lot more information on how much to feed, what to feed, and how often to feed a Golden Retriever puppy. Illness and Puppy Growth If a puppy has been seriously ill for a prolonged period, it may affect their ability to grow normally. However, once the puppy is free of worms, they should continue to grow at a normal rate. The best way to determine if your puppy is too thin or too fat is by how he looks and feels. When looking at your puppy from above, he should have a noticeable waistline. Another way to tell is by putting your hands on either side of his ribcage. You should be able to feel his ribs using a gentle pressure. But if his ribs are visible, he could be underweight. Obesity is a huge problem for many dog breeds. Although there are ways to make your puppy grow bigger, this is not something you should attempt. It could also mean you end up with a fat puppy. One of the best ways to ensure your puppy has a long, healthy life is to ensure he stays at an optimal weight. Hip and elbow dysplasia and other musculoskeletal disorders are associated with excess weight in larger breeds. Having your dog neutered at a young age can also cause them to grow taller. The problem is, this can also cause abnormalities in joint formation. Neutering also makes Golden Retrievers more at risk for certain types of cancers. Typically it will take approximately 18 months for your Golden Retriever to become an adult dog. Even though they can reach their full height at anywhere from 9 to 12 months, it will usually take them longer to fill out to their full weight. Remember that there are wide variations in size within the Golden Retriever breed. If this is the case, you should contact your veterinarian to seek advice. Beginning the puppy development stages before birth Puppy development stages week by week Amazingly, in a way the puppy development stages begin before your dog is even born. Your puppy spends approximately 9 weeks developing inside his Mom. The mother dog has a womb or uterus, that has two long tubes, and the puppies grow in a row along each tube rather like peas in a pod. The puppies are joined to their mother by a placenta which provides all the nourishment they need for those few weeks. To begin with, the puppies have plenty of room to move but they grow fast and as the time for birth draws near they are packed in quite tightly. The one week old puppy Your puppy is born fully furred but with his eyes and ears closed so he cannot hear or see. His front feet are strong and he can pull himself towards his mother with them. He can cry if he is uncomfortable and his mother will respond to his cries by moving him towards her and licking him. Your puppy spends most of his time sleeping or suckling. He cannot regulate his own body temperature and needs his mother for heat, or an artificial heat source. In the first week to ten days of his life your puppy grows rapidly and will double his birth weight. His forelegs are getting much stronger. She licks the puppies bottoms to stimulate a bowel or bladder movement and eats the result. There is no cleaning up for the breeder to do yet. The breeder will begin to handle the puppies more though, and get them used to human contact. She will worm the puppies for the first time at the end of this week. Puppies begin to get their personalities. Your puppy can stand and sit up by the end of the week. Tails can be wagged, ears will be completely open and puppies start play growling and interacting with their littermates. Your puppy can regulate his body temperature more effectively and will start to cut his first teeth in preparation for weaning. The front teeth, canines and incisors are cut first. Toward the end of the week he may have his first tiny taste of puppy food. They also start to move away from the sleeping area to empty their bowels and bladder. They may try to climb out of the whelping box. If she lives indoors, she may rejoin the family for more of each day. Your puppy will cut his back teeth and the breeder will get weaning underway this week and by the end of it, your puppy will be getting quite a bit of his nourishment from puppy food. She will also worm the puppies a second time. If the mother is allowed near the puppies after she has been fed, she may regurgitate her dinner for them. This is completely natural and normal. He is a proper little dog. Rolling around with his brothers and sisters and playing with toys. Teething toys, puppy Kongs, balls and rope toys are big favorites with puppies. He can bark too and some puppies can be quite noisy at this age! He chases after his mother whenever she appears and suckles hungrily, but she is starting to get fed up with it, and may be reluctant to feed her brood for very long. His mother is teaching him not to bite too hard. If he lives in outdoor kennels he should spend part of each day indoors with the family. By the end of the sixth week, most are fully weaned, and eating five or six little meals of puppy food each day. Socialization must begin in earnest. He is now two months old and ready for his new life. It is the time during which they become fearful of anything unfamiliar and need to be thoroughly socialized. This is also the time during which most puppies get to grips with house-training, learning to wait before eliminating and start sleeping through the night without a potty break. It is a busy time for new puppy owners. Your puppy will have his vaccinations during this month. Biting can be a big problem during this stage and you need to be patient and consistent in order to teach the puppy not to hurt people when he plays. Provided you use force free methods, this is a great time to get puppy training under way, and especially to teach a puppy recall, and to get your puppy used to working with food. So, for a 2. You can do the same calculation for medium pups at sixteen weeks and large breed pups at 20 weeks — just divide his weight by his age in weeks before you multiply by .Medium to large pups will reach about half their adult height by the end of the month. If the weather is warm you can get your puppy swimming now. He should be able to come when he is called, in and around your home, provided there are not too many distractions. It all depends on what you have taught him. He may still be chewing a lot and biting too. Use frozen Kongs to help him and give your furniture and fingers a break. Puppies can go for short walks now. By the end of this month your puppy could have a twenty minute walk each day. He may also enjoy fetching a ball and playing with other dogs, but take care to stop before he gets very tired. Less dependence This is the month during which some puppies start to become less dependent on their humans for security. Keep your puppy close to you outdoors by changing direction frequently so that you puppy has to keep coming to find you. And engaging him in games. The foundations of a great recall are often build or spoilt during this month. If your puppy knows how to sit or lie down at home, start some simple proofing exercises with him in public places. A healthy puppy can usually manage on two meals a day from around six months. During this month a Retriever, Spaniel or GSD puppy will reach around two thirds of his adult weight. A Great Dane and other large breeds will have reached about half their final weight and little dogs will have almost completed their growth. Some female dogs will come on heat for the first time during this month, or the next, so keep an eye open now for swelling of her vulva and any discharge. Your dog will become increasingly confident over the next few months so practice, practice and practice that recall! Make it a habit he cannot break. And be generous with your rewards. Small breed pups may now be more or less mature. Your puppy will enjoy half hour off lead walks now, and should be able to walk on a loose lead for short periods with plenty of encouragement and rewards. Keep practicing that recall! These help to slow his growth further and to build his confidence. Make sure you practice good outdoor management on walks to maintain the good recall you have built and work hard on thoroughly proofing all his obedience skills. Read up on neutering before you take this important step, for dogs of either sex. Once your dog is a year old he can participate in more strenuous activities and sports. Now is the time to think about the kinds of activities you would like to do with him — go jogging together for example — and if necessary, to start to get him fit. Puppy development stages — Summary There is huge variation in the way in which dogs develop and mature. The puppy development stages and ages outlined above are a rough guide. We hope you enjoyed them and found the information interesting. When it comes to training, you get out what you put in. Your progress depends as much if not more on you rather than your puppy. If you train your puppy five times a day, six days a week he will learn many, many times faster than a puppy that is trained once a day at the weekend. Enjoy watching your puppy grow and develop. And have fun! At what age is a Golden Retriever fully grown? As larger dogs, Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to reach their full weight. Most Golden Retrievers will be close to their adult height and weight around a year of age but may need one more year to fill out their chest fully. A six-month-old male Golden Retriever will weigh between 35 to 45 pounds, while their female counterpart will weigh around 30 to 35 pounds at the same age. As for their height, most Golden Retrievers will still need another three to six months to reach their adult height. At this age, they will likely be a few inches away from their adult height, which ranges from .Pro Tip: Check out this ultimate pet parent guide with 39 dog care tips on bonding with your pet, puppy-proofing your home, training, microchips, and more! How much bigger will my Golden Retriever get? There are a few ways you can estimate how much bigger your Golden Retriever will get. If they are less than a year old, they still need more time to reach their full adult size. Many Golden Retrievers can take up to two years to completely fill out, though their weight at one year old is usually close to their full adult weight. A puppy is rarely larger than their bigger parent, so this will also give you a general idea of their maximum weight. If their paws still look large or oversized next to their body and legs, they are probably still filling out and have some growing left to do, as this is a classic sign of adolescence in canines. What is the size of a full-grown Golden Retriever? As adults, Golden Retrievers will appear overall symmetrical and have a powerful body hidden beneath beautiful, golden fur. Golden Retrievers are stunning, sunny dogs that easily steal our hearts. Unfortunately, as a purebred dog breed, they are more susceptible to genetic diseases, which can compromise their lifespan and quality of life. However, many genetic disorders can be treated or prevented with regular veterinary care. Remember that prevention is almost always easier and less expensive than treatment. Your veterinarian may recommend a large-breed growth food to your Golden Retriever puppy to support their growth rate which can help prevent or decrease the severity of hip dysplasia in adulthood. According to the Veterinary Centers of America , Golden Retrievers are also more prone to gaining excess weight. Golden Retrievers are also susceptible to various genetic health disorders, such as oral tumors and aortic stenosis. Aortic stenosis is most commonly found in large, purebred dogs, including Golden Retrievers, and occurs when the aortic valves to the heart narrow. Aortic stenosis causes the body to struggle to pump blood through the valve, creating additional stress on the body. If untreated, aortic stenosis can lead to muscle failure and even fatality. However, veterinarians can treat many genetic diseases like aortic stenosis and oral tumors through surgery and medication. Even with proper prevention and wellness care, necessary veterinary visits can be expensive, with many treatments costing thousands of dollars. Out of over 20, pet parents surveyed , only .The last thing you should be focused on when the worst happens is how to finance a needed surgery or treatment for your beloved pet. This is where pet insurance comes in. Just like people, dogs are living longer lives and will need additional veterinary care to maintain a happy quality of life. Let pet insurance help you with these costs should the worst happen to your dog. Wellness plans are also available as an add-on to help with the ongoing costs of regular veterinary care , like x-rays and exams. Act now and give yourself peace of mind knowing that your Golden Retriever is covered should anything happen. Compare top Golden Retriever pet insurance plans side-by-side with Pawlicy Advisor today! Key Takeaways On average, male Golden Retrievers weigh pounds and females weigh pounds. At full height, Goldens stand between .Although puppies groww extremely fast, the Golden Retriever breed can take as long as 2 years to reach full maturity. Owners should keep an eye on their Golden Retriever's diet because they are very prone to obesity. Pet insurance helps cover the cost of care necessary to give your Goldie a happy, healthy life. Do you want to find the best pet insurance? Let's analyze your pet's breed, age, and location to find the right coverage and the best savings. Analyze My Pet About Pawlicy Advisor The pet insurance marketplace endorsed by veterinarians, at Pawlicy Advisor we make buying the best pet insurance easier. At this stage, nipping bad behaviors in the bud is more important than imprinting positive ones. Instead, just redirect them to positive behavior and reward them accordingly. By this point, your puppy should have already been given their distemper and parvovirus vaccinations. By this point, they should be fully housetrained or close to it. Your dog will be likely to gnaw and bite on anything they can get their chompers on—including you. Stay calm and redirect their attention to appropriate objects like chew toys. Your Golden should be fully accustomed to their new kibble at this point, and you should feed them three to four times per day. A 3-month-old dog should also get a DHHP booster, which protects them from parvo, distemper, parainfluenza, and adenovirus. You can play with your pup as much as you like, but take care not to put too much stress on their joints. Avoid a bunch of running and jumping, especially on hard surfaces. Your dog can transition from four meals per day down to three at this point, but the meals should probably be larger. This can cause digestive issues until your dog gets accustomed to it, so be prepared to clean up a few messes. Training should continue, although your primary focus will likely be convincing your pup to chew on something besides your shoes. Your dog will need another DHPP booster at this point, as well as a rabies vaccination. Other optional vaccines include Bordetella, Lyme disease, coronavirus, and leptospirosis. This could cause a brief burst of intense biting and chewing, so power through it. Make sure your pup has plenty of chew toys available to them. Stairs in particular should be avoided. Your pup is likely to start asserting itself at this stage and may start to mature sexually if not spayed or neutered. There are no vaccinations required at this point. Everyone knows how much fun it is to raise teenagers, right? This can lead to undesirable behaviors like aggressiveness, increased tendency to roam, and destructiveness. As a result, you may think that your dog is too skinny, but resist the urge to increase their rations. While most breeds have a puppy coat that they eventually grow out of, Goldens do not. Instead, their puppy coat becomes their undercoat, so you may notice your dog becoming increasingly fuzzy. The teenage rebelliousness should be wearing off by this point, and your dog is ready to begin training in earnest. You should still be feeding them twice daily, and they should stay on puppy kibble for at least another 6 months. Goldens reach their full height between 9 and 12 months old. Females tend to get there faster, but males will be taller in the end. You may also need to cut back on the amount that you feed them. It depends on the individual dog, but females generally reach maturity first. Spaying or neutering your dog has its pros and cons. The pros are fairly obvious: less marking, reduced misbehavior, and zero chance of getting an unexpected litter of puppies. Spaying and neutering can also protect against certain cancers. You may want to wait until your dog is at least 12 months old before getting them fixed. This also leaves the window open longer in which they can suffer skeletal damage, though, so be careful about how active you allow them to be. However, stunted growth and growing too quickly can cause serious health problems, so you should check with your vet to make sure your dog is growing on schedule. Stunted growth is usually caused by malnourishment or a medical problem. You should have your pup tested for parasites like hookworm or ringworm, and consider switching them to a higher-quality, calorie-dense food. If left untreated, malnourishment can lead to weak bones, muscles, and immune system. As you might expect, growing too quickly is often caused by feeding your dog too much. American and British Goldens are similar. However, American Goldens tend to be less stocky and muscular, instead having a leaner appearance. They may weigh a bit less as well. They tend to be taller as well, often standing an inch or two higher than their counterparts. Conclusion Golden Retrievers make excellent pets, and we understand how hard it is to resist the temptation to bring a puppy home. If you do, though, you should understand what to expect from your new dog. Steady growth is what you want to see, without too many peaks or valleys. This sets your dog up for a long, healthy lifespan. Every dog develops at their own pace, so as long as you feed your pup an appropriate amount of high-quality puppy kibble and get them vaccinated regularly, you should be fine. See also:. But how long will your bundle of fur stay a puppy? Puppy which begins at birth and continues until the end of rapid growth, generally lasts between months depending on the breed of the dog. Puppies have a sensitive period for socialization which runs roughly between three weeks and three months. Below are some things to consider for safety, nutrition, socialization and training: Purchase books and videos by professional positive reinforcement trainers and behaviorist. Puppy proof your home- keep electrical cords safely away from chewing, toxic materials should be stored in a safe place including medications and plants. Provide your puppy with appropriate chew items, toys and games. Supervise your puppy at all times or make sure they are in a safe pen or crate area no free roaming without supervision. Safety: Crate training, on leash, fenced yards, transportation safety restraint, temperature in cars, no riding in open truck or with windows wide open. Consult your veterinarian for approval and get your puppy started in a puppy class at weeks. Puppies should receive a minimum of one set of vaccines at least 7 days prior to the first class and a first deworming. They should be kept up-to-date on vaccines throughout the class. This is something that your puppy class will help with if they have supervised play time with other puppies. If you have a well-mannered older dog, they may help you in teaching your puppy or young dog proper etiquette. Puppies will often follow and mimic older dogs behaviors. Enjoy, love and be kind to your puppy at all times. Young Adult starts when the puppy stage ends, and young dogs go through a period where they are still maturing both socially and physically. This stage usually lasts to about years of age. If your dog has behavioral issues fear of loud noises, aggression, separation anxiety, food guarding, excessive barking, etc. Some dogs may not enjoy being petted or made over by lots of new people in a structured setting, but they would be outstanding in nose work or dock diving. Dogs burn energy three ways; with their paws, brain and mouth. Mature Adult stage continues for the next quarter of their expected lifespan. At this time, you and your dog have a routine and they are well trained and happy. Below are some suggestions and signs you should look for as your dog matures: Continue to keep your dog active in physical and mentally stimulating activities that are suitable for their age. Make sure they are still getting social interaction with people, animals and new environments. Behavior changes can be due to medical problems and not out of spite. If a potty-trained dog starts urinating in the house, it may be a sign that there is an underlying medical problem that should be examined by a veterinarian. Consult your veterinarian as soon as possible if you have concerns. Seniors are in the last quarter of their life. This is a time that you may need to alter things in your home so that your dog can easily get around and be supported properly. Non-skid rugs or mats, harnesses, doggie boots, ramps, and orthopedic beds may be needed at this time. Senior dogs can still enjoy walks, car rides and fun activities; being with you is their greatest desire. Moderate activity, nutrition and frequent health examinations are key to keeping your best friend happy, healthy and enriched in their golden years. Below are some geriatric symptoms to be aware of: Weakness, lethargy. And also cover how you can determine if your Golden is too fat or too thin to ensure your puppy is as healthy as possible. Your new furry friend has a lot of growing to do, and you probably have a lot of questions. Your Golden Retriever puppy will go through a number of developmental stages throughout their first twelve weeks. Male Golden Retrievers generally weigh between 65 and 75 pounds and stand from 23 to 24 inches tall. Females are generally smaller, weighing between 55 to 65 pounds, and will grow to stand .Differences Between Individuals At 4 months, your Golden Retriever puppy will reach about half their adult height. When it comes to mental development, it can take even longer than that before the Golden Retriever is fully mature. However, every puppy is a unique individual, and these are merely milestone guidelines. Disparities exist between the working and show Goldens, as well as between males and females. Golden Retriever puppy growth can also be quite sporadic. As an overall average, many Golden Retriever puppies will weigh just approximately 1. This means at 3 months, your puppy could weigh about 22 pounds, and at 6 months, they could weigh roughly 44 pounds. Golden Retriever Puppy Growth Chart 8 weeks. Not all goldens will grow to the same size and at the same rate. The size of the parents is always a good indicator of whether your dog will be above or below average in size. However, while natural variation is nothing to worry about, stunted growth or accelerated growth is. If a golden retriever puppy is malnourished or suffering from an unidentified medical condition usually hookworm or ringworm , their natural growth can be compromised. This can lead to serious medical issues in later life, as it can leave them with weak bones, weak muscles, and a weak immune system, as well as a tendency to develop both skin and digestive issues. Growing too quickly, largely as a result of overfeeding, can also pose a major health risk. As well as leading to obesity, carrying too much weight at the development stage can leave your golden retriever with skeletal abnormalities, hip dysplasia, and osteochondrosis , a condition that affects the joints. With these tips, you will help fight off those genetic health disorders as well. Appropriate Diet Start off by speaking to your vet for guidance on foods to use for the different life stages. At the very least, you will need a nutritionally complete and balanced diet made for large breeds. Good food will help your pup gain the right amount of weight, look healthy, and have enough energy. Proper exercise will build their muscle and bone strength, prevent obesity, increase their agility, stop destructive behavior, and help them release pent-up energy. Vaccines will help to prevent infectious diseases such as hepatitis, parvovirus, rabies, and distemper, all of which could affect the growth and overall health of your puppy. This will be a plus for her overall health. It would also be great to have your vet do routine health checks on your puppy. This way, no issue will go unnoticed, and treatment can be administered early for better outcomes. A shiny coat and bright eyes are a plus. Alternatively, if you notice rapid weight gain or loss, unusual bumps and lumps on their skin, digestive issues, changes in behavior, and visual or hearing complications, take your dog to the vet right away. Compared to other breeds, Golden Retrievers, especially females, grow pretty quickly. Males could take up to 18 months to achieve the same milestone. However, both will still need an additional year to fill out the chest fully. Adult height, on the other hand, will be reached between 9 and 12 months. As always, females will get there a bit faster than males. You can get a rough idea of how big your golden retriever will grow by first studying the parents. Take note of the size that both of the parents and previous litters have had. Rarely will a puppy grow larger than its parents, so the measurements you gather will give you a better idea of how tall and heavy your golden retriever will get. Full-grown, healthy, male golden retrievers have a height of between 22 and 24 inches while the females are 20 to 22 inches tall. In terms of height and body structure, the Canadian golden retriever has no rival. Spaying and neutering specifically affect the development of bones and also ligament and tendon strength. In fact, some studies report higher incidences of cranial cruciate ligament tears and hip dysplasia among golden retrievers that went through this procedure. Therefore, consult your vet when deciding if and when to spay or neuter your dog. The weight of your golden retriever is a good indication of their healthy development. While male and female Goldens will have different weights and show goldens tend to be heavier than working goldens, overall, they should be hitting the weights listed in the growth and weight chart above. If your dog is not hitting these milestones, consult your vet about malnutrition, possibly caused by worms, and excessive golden retriever growth, which is often the result of overfeeding. If you feel like your pooch is missing any of them, again, it is time to consult your vet. In general, good nutrition and a loving home is a recipe for a happy and healthy golden retriever. If you want to know more about your golden retriever, you can do a DNA test, too. You can choose one of the tests below:.

Ready to adopt a loveable Labrador Retriever? Providing families with chocolate, yellow, and black English Labrador Retriever puppies and adults, Starlite Labradors is your trusted and responsible dog breeder. Whether your family wants to enjoy a wonderful temperament or simply want a furry best friend, our team strives to provide the same happiness to your family as Labrador Retrievers have brought ours. All dogs come available with their age-appropriate shots, AKC papers, and a 2-year guarantee for happy and healthy pups. Proudly located in Grabill, IN, we service all of the Midwest. For more information about our current Labradors available for adoption, please give us a call at ! Raising our family and Labrador retriever puppies on a small farm in Northeast Indiana since , our labs are well-cared for by our family. Feel free to look through our family of labs, and if there are any questions about upcoming litters or adult labs available for adoption, please get in touch with us; we would be happy to help answer any questions you may have. Share 0 Shares Indiana is known for quite a lot of things, its love for the beautiful game of basketball, its vast, fertile farmlands as well as its fun and often packed water parks and amusement parks. Another great thing that Indiana is widely known for is its love for the Labrador Retriever breed. If you reside in the Hoosier state, and you are in search of some great Labrador Retriever puppies in Indiana, This article is just for you. In this article, I would be highlighting some of the best Labrador Retriever breeders in Indiana. They produce top-quality Labrador Retrievers for the family. Founded in , Southern Indiana Holiday Kennels has long dedicated its time and other resources to breeding some high-quality Labrador Retrievers that are of sound temperament and possess an eagerness to please. They breed Labrador Retrievers of all colors and are very selective when it comes to picking the right sires and dams to be part of their breeding program. All their sires and dams hail from well-decorated and championed bloodlines with impressive pedigrees to match. They are properly tested for genetic defects as well as cleared from elbows and hip dysplasia. They also have their eyes and hearts clear. All Labrador Retriever pup is raised in climate-controlled, clean, and generally safe spaces, they are showered with so much love and care right from birth till they leave for their new homes. They are well socialized and trained and you can find a lot of their dogs becoming great hunting companions, service dogs, therapy dogs, and great family companions. Every pup is AKC registered, they are well vaccinated, have their deworming records updated, fed with great quality food, and have their dew claws clipped Southern Indiana Holiday Kennels Contact Details Owner. Pet Keen is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more. We understand there are many reasons for seeking a breeder, though, so we encourage it to be done the right way. We have not personally investigated all of the breeders below, rather, we have gathered their details for you to get in touch and ask all the right questions before you decide. Learn more about our position and how to choose a breeder here. Labrador Retrievers are one of the most popular breeds around—and for good reason. These dogs are perfect companion animals, ideal for first pets, therapy animals , gun dogs , multi-pet households—and even show. If you have a love for this breed, you can pick from many reputable breeders in Indiana. The 7 Labrador Retriever Breeders in Indiana 1. All Labs at this location are raised as family members with direct access to children and other dogs. This website contains images of all the gorgeous specimens Buck Branch uses for breeding and a history of previous litters. They make temperament a top priority, breeding dogs who have docile, amiable personalities. These dogs undergo several health checks before placement, including a complete clearance from a board-certified ophthalmologist. They also introduce them to different environments and interact with children and other animals—including cats. These pups are bred for hunting companions, so there are tons of opportunities for training and other events at this facility. These breeders focus on common Lab colors—black, chocolate, and yellow. These dogs are registered through the AKC, capable of completing tons of work and field-related tasks. If this rare Lab color has your attention, this breeder has raving reviews about the quality of their puppies. This breeder has been in business for over 20 years. All puppies require a deposit before placement for which they take PayPal. These AKC-registered Labs live in climate-controlled kennels. They breed Labs of all colors—and many studs and dames have been used for varying purposes. This breeding facility is a moderate-sized facility, having over 20 breeders and six studs. You can check out all breeding dogs on the website as well as look at any available puppies. Even though this breeder might have less interaction with all pups, they do produce quality animals. These American-style Labs are excellent hunters and make stunning quality pups. This operation also has tons of training options, really getting to the roots of the Labrador breed. These pups come with all vet checks and health clearances. These puppies are microchipped before coming home—and there is a month health guarantee on all. Puppies require a deposit and come home after 7 weeks. This operation really explored color genetics, producing fascinating fur tones. All dogs are housed in indoor kennels that are completely temperature-controlled. There is very transparent pricing and easy information on how to bring one of these lovely dogs home on the website. Featured Image Credit: Alexx60, Shutterstock Written by Ashley Bates Author Ashley Bates is a freelance dog writer and pet enthusiast who is currently studying the art of animal therapy. A mother to four human children— and 23 furry and feathery kids, too — Ashley volunteers at local shelters, advocates for animal well-being, and rescues every creature she finds. Her mission is to create awareness, education, and entertainment about pets to prevent homelessness. Her specialties are cats and dogs.Read more Advertisement.

This fact alone makes it difficult to judge whether or not your pug is going into labour. Because dogs can't verbally communicate the changes in their body or the feelings they're experiencing, owners of expectant female dogs must be vigilant in observing the physical signs of impending labour. While the signs that a pug is about to have puppies can vary from dog to dog, there are several telltale signs of labour common across all dogs that pug owners can watch for. A pug can't tell you what's going on with its body. Consult your calendar. Pugs are pregnant for an average of 63 days from the date of conception, but this varies from dog to dog. Pugs can give birth anywhere from 50 to 75 days after the date of conception. Become more alert and observant of your dog around the 50th day of gestation. Check your dog's temperature. The average temperature of a pug when taken rectally is between .A dog's temperature drops below degrees approximately 24 hours prior to labour. Look for vomiting over a period of two to three days. Hormonal changes and the need for an empty stomach during birth encourage an upset stomach and vomiting in pugs two to three days prior to labour. Monitor your pug's food intake. Expectant pugs will typically reject food the day before going into labour. Watch for signs of nesting. Expectant dogs seek out isolated spots to give birth to their puppies. Dogs in nature, including pugs, are den animals. As such, they search out quiet, comfortable, protected spots to go into labour. Pugs about to go into labour may drag blankets, socks, shirts or other fabric items to their chosen spot prior to giving birth. Observe any changes in behaviour. Pugs about to have puppies may follow you around and stick close to you at all times. Other expectant pugs may become snippy or slightly aggressive prior to the birth of their puppies. Pugs become extremely restless and uncomfortable a maximum of 12 hours before having puppies. Note any odd actions. Pacing, panting, whining and shivering without provocation are signs that the pug is entering the first stage of labour. Look for a gush of straw-coloured fluid coming from the pug's vaginal canal. This is a sign that the placental water sack has ruptured. The first pug puppy is usually born 10 to 30 minutes after this occurs. WARNING Seek emergency veterinary medical attention immediately if your pug does not start labour within 24 hours of a significant drop in body temperature, appears to be in a great deal of pain or takes more than a four hour break between delivering each pup. These signs are indicative of a complicated labour that could have deadly consequences for your dog or her pups. Understanding what to expect will make you more useful if an emergency arises. Pugs have heads that are much larger in relation to their bodies than many other breeds, and this genetic trait can cause a higher risk of complications and the need for a caesarean section. Your veterinarian will supervise your pug's pregnancy and decide on the safest delivery option. The entire process may only require you to stand by and watch, but be ready to step in and assist or call for professional help as needed. Take your pug to the veterinarian for confirmation of pregnancy. Your vet will determine the necessity of a caesarean section depending on your dog's conformation. Later on the pregnancy you can have X-rays done to determine the size of the litter. Keep your pug up-to-date on its vaccinations. Ensure that it has been dewormed and is checked for the Brucella bacteria, which is infectious to humans and can cause abortion in canines. Proper nutrition and prenatal care is important. Gradually change your pug's diet to a high-quality food that promotes growth and is targeted toward pregnant and lactating dogs. The whelping box should ideally be easy to clean and provide easy access for the mother but securely contain the newborn pups. Place the whelping box in an out of the way area that is warm and quiet. Get the mother used to the whelping box by placing it in the box regularly and giving it a treat there, so it develops a positive association with the box and knows to go there during labour. Pugs have a strong natural instinct to nest before giving birth, and their temperament and love of treats makes training them to use the whelping box easier than other breeds. Create a whelping box for the mother composed of wood, plastic or even thick cardboard. Body temperature will alert you to imminent labour. Normal canine body temperature is .A mother about to go into labour almost always experiences a drop in body temperature to .As labour draws even nearer, your pug will begin to become restless and possibly vomit. At this point, place the mother in the whelping box. Labor should begin shortly after this. The puppies' large heads prolong labour, which typically lasts six to 12 hours. If your veterinarian recommended a caesarean for your pug, it will probably be scheduled in advance. Make sure it is a side and not a central cut, to expedite nursing. If you have planned a home birth, stay close to your pug to make sure all is well. If labour seems not to have made any progress in two hours, or your pug has not begun whelping within 24 hours, contact your veterinarian for assistance. When the day of birth draws near, begin taking the mother's temperature twice a day. The first puppy should be born within two hours of the beginning of labour. If not, contact your veterinarian. Usually, the mother will begin a period of rest up to four hours after the first puppy is born, but sometimes will have immediate subsequent births. After the delivery of each puppy, the mother will also deliver a placenta. Visible contractions signal the start of normal labour. Count the placentas and puppies and make certain there are an equal number of both. Undelivered placentas can make the mother dog dangerously ill. She should chew through the umbilical cord as well. The mother should lick and chew the puppies out of the amniotic sac as soon as they are born if they are still surrounded by it. Due to their short snouts, pugs can have problems tearing the sac or chewing through the cord. If the pups or mother are unable to break the sac, step in and tear it yourself by rubbing the puppy gently with a clean, dry towel. Immediately after the birth of each puppy, the mother should vigorously lick and clean it. If it does not start breathing, suction mucous from its nose with an infant-sized suction bulb and keep rubbing it. If the mother is unable or unwilling to chew through the umbilical cord, you need to tie off the cord with silk thread and cut it with a pair of clean scissors. Check the status of mother and puppies every hour or so. Pugs are notoriously bad mothers, so make sure that the mother has accepted all the puppies and that each is nursing well. Help your pug to find a comfortable nursing position. Depending on her maternal skills and postpartum condition, you may have to do everything for her, from feeding to cleaning the babies. Do not leave the mother alone with her babies until you're confident she's recuperating well and able to take good care of the puppies on her own. Line the whelping box with fresh bedding and give your pug a light meal and plenty of water in the immediate postpartum period. Introduction Pug giving birth for the first time can be an exciting and fulfilling experience. It can also be quite a challenge, so it is important to be prepared. Before the birth, you should talk to your vet to ensure your pug is healthy and ready for labor. During labor, you will need to be present to help ensure a safe delivery. After the birth, you should check on the mother and the puppies to make sure they are healthy. With some preparation and care, you can help ensure a safe and successful delivery for your pug and her puppies. What to Expect When your pug gives birth for the first time, you should expect an exciting yet challenging experience. Preparing beforehand is key to making sure you and your pug are ready for the big day. During labor, your pug will need your support and the birth process can take several hours. Make sure to keep your pug comfortable and monitor her health, and for the puppies, make sure they are eating properly and are growing well. With the right preparation and care, your pug and her puppies can have a successful first birthing experience. You should also get the birthing crate ready and make sure you have a thermometer, towels, and hot water bottles on hand. During labor, you should stay with your pug and help her out as much as possible. Make sure to contact your vet if you have any questions or concerns. Make sure your pug is in good health and up to date with vaccinations. Have all the supplies you need ready and at hand, including some extra food and a few blankets. Contact your vet to make sure they are available in case of an emergency. Familiarize yourself with the birthing process so you know what to expect. Your vet will be able to answer any questions you have, and give you advice on what to expect during the birth. They will also be able to administer some medications to help with labor and delivery, if necessary. If your pug has any underlying health issues, your vet will be able to advise on how best to keep them safe and healthy during their pregnancy. During Labor During labor, your pug may display signs of restlessness, pacing, panting and discomfort. If the labor process seems to be taking longer than expected, contact your vet for advice. During labor, keep your pug comfortable and provide encouragement, but let her do the work. Offer her food and water in small amounts as she may not have much of an appetite. If it seems too slow or too fast, contact your vet for advice. Birth Process Once your pug enters labor, expect her to deliver her puppies within hours. It is important to be patient and monitor your pug during this time. Ensure she has access to food and water and plenty of clean bedding. Note any unusual discomforts your pug expresses and take her to the vet if necessary. During the birth, it is important to stay with your pug and support her. Check the puppies for any signs of distress and help to move the puppies from the birth canal if needed. Be prepared to provide assistance with the delivery of any stuck puppies. Be patient and remain calm and comforting during this process. After the puppies are born, be sure to check and record how many were born, the gender of the puppies and any other signs of distress. Keep a watchful eye over the puppies and make sure that the new mother is adequately caring for them. Congratulate yourself for a job well done! Make sure the area is kept warm and that the mother is able to nurse the puppies. Monitor the puppies regularly and keep an eye out for any complications. Make sure to check the puppies for any deformities or health issues, and keep them clean and free of fleas. Bathing them can help keep them healthy, as well as helping to prevent fleas. Feeding them a high-quality puppy food will also help them develop properly. Keep the puppies in a quiet, safe environment, and make sure they have access to plenty of toys to keep them active and engaged. Socializing them is also important; spend a little time each day playing with them and getting them used to human contact. This will help them become well-adjusted, friendly adult pugs. Recovery Recovery is an important stage of the birthing process. For the mother, it is the time to replenish strength and energy after labor. She will also need to rest and stay in a quiet area to ensure she recovers well. To ensure a smooth recovery, provide your pug with a comfortable nesting place, clean bedding, and plenty of fresh food and water. For the puppies to thrive, their mother needs to be in good health. Offer your pug plenty of love and attention, as emotional support is just as important as physical care. You may also need to help her with feeding her pups until they are able to eat on their own. It is important to keep the puppies and their mother in a clean and safe area. Make sure to keep the puppies warm, as they are unable to regulate their own body temperature. Look out for signs of infection or illness in both your pug and the puppies. After delivery, it is normal for the mother to be exhausted and weak. It is also normal for her to lack appetite. She may also feel disoriented and be in pain. Make sure she is given a warm, clean place to rest. Keep a check on her temperature and monitor her urination and defecation regularly. Make sure she is well-hydrated, and give her meals that are rich in vitamins and minerals. If your pug is having trouble recovering, contact your veterinarian immediately. If you notice any signs of distress or unusual behaviors, keep a close eye on her and, if necessary, seek professional help. Monitor her activities and make sure that she is not straining herself. With proper care and attention, your pug should make a full recovery. Make sure the mother has plenty of food and water, and keep the puppies safe and comfortable in a warm and clean environment. You should also be aware of any health issues the puppies may have. Check their eyes, ears, and fur for any signs of infection, and be sure to handle them with care to avoid any accidental injuries. If you notice any unusual behaviors or signs of distress, take them to the vet for further examination. Take some time to socialize your puppies with other animals and people, so they can become comfortable with them. Post Views: .Pug Dog Pregnancy Overview Whether you are purposefully breeding or your Pug may have accidentally become pregnant, this page will guide you through the basics of what to expect, how to know a Pug is pregnant, the labor process and care. Signs that a Pug is Pregnant You might be wondering if your Pug is pregnant and perhaps you can not get an appointment with the vet immediately. A dog's pregnancy is a fast one compared to humans; therefore a dog will show signs of being pregnant very quickly. The following are signs and symptoms that a Pug is pregnant: Week 1 - At this early stage, there will usually be no signs. Towards the end of Week 1, some dogs may have slight nausea that causes a decreased appetite. Some will be minimal, causing you to question if there are truly changes: She may be more tired than usual Her stomach may seem slightly swollen She may clean herself much more than normal Her nipples on her tummy seem larger than before During Week 2 there may still be some 'morning sickness' that causes nausea. This is often fleeting and a stronger, more heartier appetite will emerge as she transitions into Week 3 Week 4 - Signs are now very clear: The Pug's stomach will be distended, clearly showing that she is carrying a litter Her nipples will be enlarged and darkened as her body prepares for nursing; some that were previously flush with the skin will now be popped out. For those that have had been bred before, nipples may hang down as they fill with colostrum She will have strong nesting tendencies, wanting to prepare for the impending birth. Her appetite will have increased greatly. Pregnant dogs often eat up to twice as much as normal at this point. Weeks 5 and 6: Nearing the end of the gestation period, a Pug may shows the following signs: She may tired out very easily now The Pug often wants to remain at home and will usually be less social. This will be comprised of not just the pups each will be under one pound, weighing only mere ounces but also will fluids water, amniotic fluids and tissue amniotic sacs that surround each fetus. Wubbzy after giving birth - nursing her newborns Photo courtesy of Laura Velez Pug Pregnancy Facts A Pug will be pregnant for an average of 63 days, a range of 60 to 65 days is considered normal If your Pug is pregnant for more than 67 days, be sure to bring her to the veterinarian The average sized litter for Pugs is 4 to 6 puppies, though this can vary from 1 to 9 and still be considered normal. An x-ray ultrasounds are not typically done performed after 6 weeks the fetus's bones are not calcified before then will show you how many puppies there will be - this is very important so that you know that all came out during the birthing process Possible Risks 1 Since a Pug dog has a large head in comparison to its body, there is a chance that the dam will need to have a cesarean section. As soon as you know your dog is pregnant, you must have your veterinarian keep a close eye on her progress. Her hips and pelvis will be evaluated and judged if there is enough width for a natural birth. Your vet may choose to plan a C-Section or wait to see if there are any warning signs that the pups will not fit through the birth canal based on how many fetuses there are and their predicted size at the time of delivery. Their appetite will increase around week 3 or 4. Do not be concerned about feeding her too much at this time; she will crave the necessary calories needed for her pups and it will be your job to supply them. Everything that your Pug eats will be transferred to her growing puppies; therefore she should be allowed to eat as much as she wishes, when she wishes. Do please be sure to keep these meals and snack on the healthy side. While pregnant dogs do need a bit more fat in the diet, the goal is to increase nutrients while keeping food wholesome and healthy. Following home cooking suggestions, adding fresh raw baby carrots or steamed potatoes can be nutritious add-on ingredients to her diet. Supplements- There is no need to offer her additional vitamins and mineral supplements; and in fact doing so can cause health issues to both her and the fetuses. Do not give her extra calcium - This has been shown to: Increase her odds of developing eclampsia - a dangerous, life-threatening condition involving seizures and high blood pressure More difficult delivery Joint abnormalities in the puppies "Tiny little newborn Pug puppy" Tinkerbell Photo courtesy of: Laura Valez Activity - Unless there are any exercise restrictions set in place by the veterinarian, you will want to continue to walk your Pug daily at a nice pace; albeit perhaps a bit slower. This will allow her to stay fit and becoming sedentary can lead to a sore joints and muscles. Do not allow her to jump down from the sofa or any other height that would cause a jarring this should be the rule for all Pugs. During the final 2 weeks - depending on how many pups she is carrying - she may have trouble maneuvering around and walks can be put on pause at this time. Comfort - If your Pug has been sleeping in your bed, she will need her own personal space now. Her instinct to nest will be strong and the pregnancy will cause her to want to retreat to a 'nest' to rest. A quality canine bed with one or two soft baby blankets these are a good size for a dog to use as nesting materials , set in the corner of the family room will do just fine. Be sure to not set her up too far away from the 'action' as this will cause her to feel isolated and stressed. Other Dogs - If the sire is in the house, separate the two dogs starting at the beginning of Week 5. He can re-join her when the pups are 4 weeks old - with your supervision. Once they are fully weaned, he can have full access. If your pregnant Pug seems to be bothered by the presence of other dogs in the house male or female , surround her resting spot with portable baby gates. Your Dog Giving Birth At Home If it is determined by your vet that your Pug is able to give birth at home, you can prepare for this by sectioning off a quite corner in a room or creating a whelping box by placing a large canine bed inside a good-sized cardboard box with one side cut out for access. The bottom of the whelping box can have plastic layering placed down, followed by layers of clean newspaper; as the papers become bloodied and soaked with fluid, they can be quickly removed, revealing fresh paper. Supplies In the prepared room, be sure to have all supplies close at hand. If possible, have an assistant with you since this is not a job that one should handle alone. The items that you should have are: -Clean towels. Pug pregnancy symptoms and early signs Pregnant Pug symptoms We understand how difficult it can be to determine whether your Pug is pregnant or not. Luckily, there are several early signs of a Pug pregnancy. Below is a list of pregnant Pug symptoms and early signs: A pregnant Pug will not eat as much as before. At times, she may not want to eat her meals at all. This usually happens around 2 weeks or 14 days after being inseminated. Instead of being energetic and playful, a pregnant pug starts to feel lethargic and tired. These symptoms and early signs are just a few we listed. Many veterinarians and Pug breeders will perform a series of tests and exams to fully confirm that your Pug is pregnant, including blood work, ultrasounds, and x-rays. How can I tell if my pug is pregnant? Here, we will explain two main methods that will provide you with full proof that your Pug is pregnant. Pug ultrasound 25 days after conception If you suspect your Pug is pregnant, call your vet and bring your Pug to the vet. At the vet, a Pug ultrasound will be performed. Usually, the ultrasound can be done as early as 3 weeks or 21 days after partnering. There are pros and cons to using the ultrasound method. While it should be painless, it can also be uncomfortable for the pregnant Pug. Some Pugs may tense up and feel vulnerable with the vet touching their belly. All of this can stress out your precious Pug. Pug ultrasound can also be costly to owners on a budget. Blood test at 35 days 5 weeks after conception Another way to fully confirm that your Pug is pregnant is by having a blood test. The blood test is vital to confirm whether your Pug is pregnant or not because it can help to detect pregnancy hormones in Pugs. There are also pros and cons to getting a blood test. The con is that if the blood test is done too early on, it may not always be accurate. Take a Pug that is less than 5 weeks or 35 days pregnant as an example. If blood work is done, it may show a negative result even though your Pug is in fact pregnant, albeit at the early stages. Save Big On Dog Essentials! Welcome to our pack! What is the most reliable Pug pregnancy test? While the Pug ultrasound is more expensive than the blood test, it is definitely the most accurate way to confirm that your Pug is indeed pregnant. Keep in mind that it is best to wait 25 days post-partnering to get the ultrasound done or else the ultrasound scan might be a complete waste of money as it may give you an incorrect result. The ultrasound scan images can also show you how many puppies your Pug is expecting. How long are Pugs pregnant? How long are Pugs pregnant for? By the third week of the pregnancy, your pregnant Pug will start to show signs of pregnancy we mentioned before such as not eating as much, skipping meals here and there, stomach getting bigger, and feeling more tired and lethargic than before. In addition to these early signs, you can also expect the following in your pregnant Pug: Your Pug may have canine morning sickness. Instead of eating less and losing appetite that occurs earlier in the pregnancy, your Pug is now gaining back her appetite and may in fact eat more than normal. Your Pug may not want to walk, play, or exercise as much as before. Seeking comfort and care during the pregnancy, your Pug may want you to pet her more and cuddle with her more. During the 4th week, you may notice a clear discharge from your pregnant Pug. Again, some pregnant Pugs may experience one of these symptoms while others may experience all of these symptoms. No two pregnant Pugs are alike so the pregnancy symptoms will vary. Since this is just the early stages, it can be hard to tell. Month 2 Things get more exciting and interesting during the second month. This is when the signs of Pug pregnancy really start to speed up. For instance, between the 32nd day to the 35th day, the fetuses will start to have toes and eyelids. The pregnant Pug is in for a ride because the fetuses are developing very quickly during month 2. On the 50th day, we highly recommend that you bring your pregnant Pug to the vet for an X-ray. This X-ray will inform you of how many puppies your pregnant Pug is expecting. This information is crucial because it helps you as the owner or breeder to prepare and plan according to the litter size. This is normal behavior that pregnant dogs naturally exhibit because they are trying to look for a comfortable and safe spot to give birth to their puppies. We recommend that owners and breeders add comfortable and soft cushions and bedding for their pregnant Pug. This will help the Pug feel more safe and secure during her pregnancy and leading into labor. At this stage, here are some signs of Pug pregnancy you can expect: Eating more than her usual amount. Around the 45th day, your pregnant Pug will lose her appetite for food again and eat less than usual. A significant weight gain due to pregnancy. Urinating more often than usual. Month 3 The third month is both exciting and nerve-wracking, especially for first-time owners and owners that did not expect their Pugs to become pregnant. At this point, you know your Pug is definitely pregnant. During month 3, the Pug will be giving birth to her puppies. Here are some signs to look for during month 3: As the puppies inside the pregnant Pug move into position, her waist will get slimmer than before. As the pregnant Pug prepares for pregnancy during days 61 and 62, she may not want to eat as much as before. Instead of lethargy, your Pug will start to circle around, become restless, and may even get agitated. We will share a bit more tips so that you are prepared and know what to do while your Pug is pregnant. How long do Pugs stay pregnant? Pugs will stay pregnant for about 58 to 68 days. You can expect a Pug to be pregnant for an average length of about 63 days and this is from the date of her conception to the date of delivery. Owners and breeders can expect both behavioral changes as well as physical changes. Pregnant Pugs does not want to see or socialize with other pets or dogs in the house. It may seem that your pregnant Pug is lethargic, but she may in fact be calmer than usual and less tense than before. Try to keep her space nice, tidy, and comfortable. Expect your pregnant Pug to sleep more often and in different places around the house. How to prepare for a Pug pregnancy Preparation is key when your Pug is expecting. Puppy kibble is great because they are nutritious that would be helpful to the developing puppies inside her. Expect your pregnant Pug to feel lethargic and tired and may not want to walk or exercise as much. This is natural so owners and breeders should not over-exert their pregnant Pug. Your pregnant Pug may also have a difficult time breathing and may pant heavily so avoid over-exerting your precious pregnant Pug. On month 3, start preparing and make her crate comfortable and secure. Pug pregnancy and birth: How do Pugs give birth? Your vet will help you determine whether C-section is the best option. C-sections can be costly for those owners on a budget. Before the C-Section, the vet will administer the anesthetic first. This costly birthing method is one of the reasons why Pug puppies are so expensive. Natural birth So, can Pugs give birth naturally? Yes, if after consulting with your vet, both you and your vet agree that the natural birth is fine. By this time, her nest should be ready for her to give birth in. She will then lie down and pant heavily as if she was just running. This is normal. She is breathing heavily and her heart rate starts to increase. Labor can be strenuous and long. Sometimes the first puppy may not appear until 12 hours into labor. Once she has delivered her puppy one at a time , the mommy Pug will immediately nibble at the sack and lick the gooey sack away from her puppy. This is important because it allows the newborn puppy to breathe. Some mommy Pug may start to eat away at the umbilical cords and sack. Final thoughts If you suspect your Pug is pregnant, try your best to figure out when your Pug first became pregnant. This way, you can prepare and feed her accordingly. If you have a pregnant Pup, I hope this article was helpful and I wish you both all the very best! No material on this site is intended to be a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

As affectionate and intelligent pets, Labs are the perfect fit for families who can give their pups lots of love and activity. And when you combine these traits with other personalities from popular breeds such as German shepherds, corgis , and huskies, the mixes are sure to melt hearts. A Bit On Labrador Retriever Mixed Breed Health and Genetics Before adopting a new puppy, it's important to understand the health and genetics of the breed in order to provide all the loving care you can. When dog breeds mix, traits from both parents present themselves in the breed, creating both adorable physical characteristics and loving personalities as well as various health risks. Theresa Entriken , DVM, says health risks aren't meant to discourage pet parents from choosing mixes, but it's important to stay alert for as your pet ages. Early signs typically include noisy panting , a raspy bark and tiring easily with exercise, but later signs can include vomiting and muscle weakness. Before adopting, make sure to research breeders carefully and avoid breeders who aren't putting the puppies' health and safety first. And be sure to consult a veterinarian to learn about the health risks of both parent breeds. Now, on to these fun-loving mixed dog breeds! Along with being adorable and easy to train, their curly poodle coat offers minimal shedding for us allergy-suffering dog lovers. Whether you're looking for a companion to explore the outdoors or a puppy to train, this mix is sure to deliver the fun. These intelligent dogs are full of energy and affection, making them the ideal companion for any active owner. The caring and active personalities from a Lab and golden retriever makes this crossbreed a perfect fit for anyone looking for a loving, active dog. Beagles are natural scent hounds and Labs love to have fun outdoors, so this gentle mix will want long walks to sniff every corner they can. Tomato leaves stem or unripe fruit Alcohol, beer, wine or liquor Grapes or raisins Golden Retriever Crossed with Labrador Exercise Requirements The Lab Golden Retriever Mix has an active temperament so they might get destructive if they get bored. It is recommended to exercise them at least 2 hours daily. Getting them to do physical activities every day will help keep him happy and healthy. Here are some outdoor activities that you can try with your Golden Retriever Lab Mix: Hiking: It is a great way to turn your daily walk more challenging and exciting for your dog. Swimming: Utilize your private pool and do a swimming exercise with your dog companion. Swimming does not only serve as an exercise activity to yourself and to your companion dog, but it is also a great bonding experience. It also provides relief from the heat during the summer months. Make sure you supervise your dog all the time while doing this activity. Dock Diving: This is a fun sports activity to enjoy with your dog. All you have to do is throw a floating toy and encourage your dog to jump and swim out to retrieve it. If you and your Golden Retriever Lab Mix want to upgrade the challenge, you can try joining a Dock Diving Club and compete with other dogs. Play Fetch: This is a classic outdoor game that is great to do in summer. Challenge your dog by putting a twist to the activity, you can either use a Frisbee or a tennis racquet to make the object travel farther for your Golden Labrador to retrieve and return back to you. However, you should not be working them too much because when it comes to recovering objects, both parent breeds of Golden Retriever Lab Mix can be overly enthusiastic. However, even though they are intelligent dogs and has a friendly nature, you still need to put time and effort to train them better. Both parent breeds were bred to carry things. The best way to teach your Goldador not to bark is to socialize them frequently with strangers. Use Positive Reinforcement The Labrador crossed with Golden Retriever is a sensitive type of dog, so training them using positive reinforcement will be very helpful. Make sure to avoid negative punishment-based training since this hybrid dog may end up fearing you rather than respecting you as their leader. Make it a regular routine to reward your puppy whenever they do something right. Training your Goldador consistently in a positive method will give you pet companions that are obedient and good-natured. Do Mental Exercise The Golden Retriever mixed with Lab is an intelligent dog, and they need stimulating mental activities to avoid developing any aggressive behaviors, such as nuisance barking and chewing. Without proper mental exercise, Goldador puppies will grow into a passive, timid and uninspired dog. Labrador Golden Retriever Mix and Families Despite its large size, the Labrador mixed with Golden Retriever is a great family dog because of its easy-going personality. It is extremely friendly and affectionate. The Goldador is the type of dog that goes well in a loving and active family — one that considers him as a family member. The Golden Labradors cherish the company with children. They are naturally gentle, but they can play tirelessly as long as your kids can keep up. However, due to their sheer size, supervision is still needed around toddlers and infants. The Goldadors makes an excellent therapy and companion dog. Because of their affectionate nature, they generally do well when given lots of attention and affection. These hybrid dogs love to be with people, and hence it is tough for them to cope with solitude. So give love lots of love and affection to your Goldador Lab Retriever Mix and expect that it will shower you back with love. Typical Lab mix traits The best Lab mix breeds are of course a matter of opinion. As with any purebred dog, it depends entirely upon why you want a canine companion. If you want a small Lab mix as a family companion then getting one who is crossed with a smaller, calmer breed is a good choice. But if you want a dog for sports or hunting then going with a Labrador crossed with another working breed is a sensible move. If you want a dog to have a go at agility, then a Collie cross is a great place to start. Lab mix dogs are often found in shelters or Lab rescue centers. What is My Lab Mixed With? Labrador mix bred dogs can often look very different to either of their parents. And in some cases, if the parentage is unknown it is entirely possible that they have more than one breed in their genetic makeup. If you are rescuing an older dog, the only way to know with reasonable certainty where your mixed breed dog came from, is to order a DNA test. This will give you as many as three or four generations back, and give you a great idea what breeds went into your wonderful dog. They are fairly rare, as Afghan hounds are not terribly numerous. Your Afador puppy is likely to grow to be fairly large, as both Afghan Hounds and Labradors are reasonably tall. You could therefore end up with a dog with medium to long fur, which will require regularly grooming. Afghan temperaments tend to be more aloof than that of Labs, with less boisterous enthusiasm for everyone they meet. Basset Hound Lab mix Another rare cross but one which has great appeal to some people, is the Bassador. They are on average around 14 inches tall as adults, with body proportions suiting a larger breed of dog and shortened legs. Working line Basset Hounds tend to be in far better shape than their show bred cousins, and this is where you should start your search if you have your heart set on a Bassador. Border Collie Lab Mix Border Collies are incredibly intelligent dogs, who work very well with their owner if properly trained. Loyal to their families, and fairly indifferent to everyone else. They are quick to learn and can be taught a mind boggling range of activities through positive reinforcement training. The show dogs tend to be the least driven, although still high energy dogs that require a lot of stimulation. Like Labs as puppies they can be very nippy. This can express quite strongly around children, as they attempt to herd them around. They are not generally therefore recommended to families with very young kids. They do however often make excellent pets when older for active, busy families who enjoy training and working together. Cavalier King Charles Spaniels are without a doubt some of the friendliest little dogs in the world. They are charismatic, fun and loyal. They also have a fairly good average lifespan of 11 years. However, there are a couple of big, scary health problems associated with large numbers of this breed, so be very careful and do a lot of research if you are thinking of bringing one into your home. Health problems impacting a vast quantity of these little dogs include mitral valve disease , a heart problem which causes early death, and syringomyelia. This is a neurological problem caused by the size and shape of their skulls, not allowing their brain and brain stem to be properly accommodated. Two very popular breeds of gundog with a lot of similarities, this is one of the cross breeds where can be fairly confident of the type of Lab mix you will be getting when you bring home your puppy. Goldadors are very popular seeing eye dogs. They are well known for being intelligent, fast learners and very co-operative with their handlers. Like their Golden Retriever and Labrador parents, they tend to have very friendly temperaments and love spending time with their human family. Golden Retrievers are similarly sized dogs to Labradors, but with a far longer and wavier coat. Most Goldadors seem to have shorter fur more like the Lab parent, but this is not guaranteed. Bernese Mountain Dogs tend to be fairly calm and aloof as adults, and require a lot of dedication to socialisation when they are young due to potential nervousness around strangers and guarding tendencies. Due to their size, they are not really recommended for homes with young children or frail adults. Bernese Mountain Dogs are very large, growing up to 28 inches tall and weigh up to pounds. They also have a long coat, which requires a lot of grooming to keep in a good condition. Unfortunately like many extra large breeds, Bernese Mountain Dogs do not have very long life expectancies, averaging around 8 years long. When looking at longevity size is a big factor, and giant breed dogs regardless of whether they are mix bred or not will have shorter lifespans. You could therefore expect to see your puppy potential live fewer years than the average purebred Lab. They are utterly beautiful dogs, and if well managed can make wonderful companions. Labmaraner The Weimaraner is a beautiful dog, and an intelligent one too. Like all members of the gun dog group he has been bred with co-operative working in mind. Although he tends to be slightly less people focussed in general than your average Lab. This means that they are not as obsessed with greeting everyone when you take them for a walk. However, they can also be a little harder to engage in the training process and in some cases be even more driven than a Labrador. Like Labs, Weimaraners can also be prone to separation anxiety when left alone for long periods. Labradoodle Labradoodles are the most popular Labrador Retriever designer dog breed at the moment. A Labradoodle will not necessarily be a non-shedding dog, and may require some extreme grooming or very regular visits to the poodle parlour in order to not become matted. Pitbull Lab Mix The Pitbull Lab mix should be a great family dog, full of energy, with a short, easy care coat. Rottador or Labrottie Rottweilers crossed with Labradors are known as Labrotties. Or Rottadors. And they can be incredibly beautiful and dedicated companions to their families. Rottweilers can be up to around 27 inches tall, with big heads, deep chests and well muscled bodies. They are powerful dogs and need commitment to positive training from day one from their families in order to understand how to behave in their homes. Rottweiler temperament is also quite different to that of your average Labrador Retriever. There is no way of knowing which of his parents your Labrottie will take after. Rottweilers are a guarding breed. Extremely loyal to their family, but known to be wary of strangers and unpredictable around children if improperly socialised and managed. Your Labrottie puppy must be very well socialised, just as you would with a pure guarding breed dog. Make sure he has regular positive contact with people of every age, and is familiar with things like beards, hats and unusual items of clothing. Springador Springer Spaniels crossed with Labs are often referred to as Springadors. They can make fabulous pets or working dogs, but can have the extremes of both breeds. They are not for the inexperienced or inactive owner. Springers are very lively dogs with an incredibly high prey and hunting drive. They benefit from positive reinforcement training from an early age. In general Springers have great temperaments. However, there are some working lines which have nervous aggression problems and fixations on light chasing. Make sure that you meet the Springer parent to ensure that they are confident and not agitated. English Springer Spaniels tend to be smaller and lighter than Labs, with a longer coat. Springadors often have shorter coats, and can look a lot like a slightly shaggy black Lab with a few white markings. Lab Mix Temperament When you buy a mixed breed dog, their temperament will be a product of their varying lineage. They could end up with any mixture of the two lines temperaments, or something completely different. Make sure to meet both parents to ensure that they are confident, friendly characters. If both lines are happy, loving dogs then the chances are good that your puppy will be the same. Photo kindly provided by N Pappalardo. If your Labrador is a known cross, then you can make an educated guess that he could be anywhere between the average sizes for those breeds. However, it not always the case. And with a Labrador mixed with unknown other dogs, then they really could be any size at all. The Labrador element to their genetics does not limit their growth. Nor do they mean that they will definitely have any specific height to them. There will potentially be huge variation even within the litter. I grew up next door to a family who had two Labrador x Terriers from the same litter. One looked exactly like a Labrador in every way, except she had very short legs. The other was Labrador height but with a totally different shape. If size matters to you, then a purebred puppy or dog over 18 months old might be a better choice. Lab Mix Health Mix breed dogs can still be susceptible to the diseases carried by their parents. Especially if those diseases are common in both breeds. The Labrador parent should have a clear eye test of less than a year old. They should be PRA clear, and have a lower than average hip score. For full health testing for Labs check out this article. The other parent may also need a clear eye test, and a good hip score. The most important thing is to pick a puppy whose parents have both had all of the health tests relevant to their own breed. And whose personalities you would be happy to see replicated in your pup. Alternatively, look for a rescue dog that you have met and fallen in love with yourself. The double coat has a soft undercoat below a rough top coat that is water resistant. Either way, their coat will be fairly high maintenance. Shedding and Grooming Your new friend is going to shed, sometimes a lot. Both parent breeds heavily shed their coats with the change of seasons twice a year. For the rest of the year, expect a moderate level of shedding. Increased brushing during transitional times can help catch the loose hairs and stop them from spreading everywhere. Golden Retriever Labrador mixes will need weekly brushing, likely more during shedding season. Their nails should be trimmed regularly as well. Are They Hypoallergenic? The Goldador dog will not be hypoallergenic. They are high shedders, spreading dander from skin and saliva liberally around your home! With designer breeds like the Golden Retriever Lab, you can only make an educated guess about their temperament based on the general demeanor of their parents as well as the temperament of the parent breeds as a whole. If they are left alone a lot, they may become very destructive to your home. They will chew out of boredom or anxiety. As many Lab lovers know, these dogs do not know a stranger. Generally, the Goldador will get on well with children and other pets. Socialization Socialization from an early age is important for any breed, including the Golden Retriever Lab. Even though it hails from overly friendly and sociable breeds, there are still no guarantees to the temperament of your dog. Since training and socialization are both best started early on, puppy training classes can be a great way to both train and socialize your puppy at the same time. Training Tips The Goldador has an easygoing and eager to please temperament that helps make them highly trainable. Owners should start training early, from the time their puppy comes home. The parent breeds have a long history as service dogs, bomb detection dogs, hunting dogs, and now therapy dogs. Obedience classes will help create a well-mannered dog but also strengthens the bond between the dog and owner. Since Goldadors grow to be large dogs, obedience is also important to prevent them from jumping up at your guests! Energy Levels Golden Retriever Labrador puppies will grow into high-energy adults with a love for playing and a passion for retrieving! A Labrador Golden Retriever Mix makes a great companion for jogging, hiking, or cycling. This is a breed that also loves to swim. Canine sports, like agility, obedience trials, and tracking, are also a great way to keep your dog physically active, mentally stimulated, and out of trouble. As a very social breed, they do best as indoor dogs, but with a large, fenced in yard to run around. In addition to self-exercise, they need walks or other forms of daily activity with their owners. Exercise is especially important for the health of your Goldador since both Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers have a tendency to develop elbow and hip dysplasia. Weight management is one way of combating these joint problems. Health and Care All pedigree dog breeds are inbred to some extent. The measure of this is called the coefficient of inbreeding COI. The higher the COI, the greater the risks of health issues arising specifically from inbreeding. In a crossbreed such as the Goldador, the COI is usually much lower than it is in a purebred dog, and this is a good thing. To begin to look at the health and care of a Goldador we first need to consider the inherited health risks from both parent breeds Labrador and Golden Retriever. Labrador Health Labrador Retrievers are prone to a few hereditary health conditions and joint problems, as well as some health issues common to most dogs. To help minimize the likelihood of hereditary health issues in your new Goldador pup, check that your breeder has followed the recommended testing for the Labrador Retriever breed: Hereditary Nasal Parakeratosis HNKP. Should a Lab Mix take after their Labrador Retriever parent, they will be a playful, energetic, and affectionate dog that loves their families. Labrador Retrievers are energetic dogs that tend to have an extended puppyhood. They are also social, friendly, and tend to be patient and gentle with children. This makes them fantastic pets as they also tend to get along well with other dogs and even other pets, despite their retriever tendencies. If the other parent breed has a similar temperament, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. You still want to ask questions about the other parent breed as they are bound to introduce some potential quirks of their own. Although Labs are happiest with room to run, they adapt well to apartments as long as they get enough exercise, mental stimulation, and affection. They also do well in most climates, but do not like to spend long stretches of time alone. If the other parent breed is also highly adaptable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Are mixed-breed dogs healthier than purebred dogs? As with purebred dogs, health often depends on reputable breeding practices. Just as a mix can inherit none of the conditions common to their parent breeds, they could also inherit all of them or some combination of them. From the Labrador side, potential health concerns to be aware of in a Labrador Mix include patellar luxation , hip dysplasia, elbow dysplasia, and cataracts. The other parent breed will likely introduce some other potential conditions to this list. Reputable breeders screen their dogs to avoid passing preventable issues to puppies. You can also ask about any health tests or clearances that have been done. Labrador Retrievers are highly trainable dogs that can be a good fit for owners of any experience level. First-time owners may have a challenge at first with their high energy and exuberance, but tend to be successful. If the other parent breed is also highly trainable, then you can expect the same from a Labrador Retriever Mix. If the other parent breed tends to be more challenging to train, then you will want to be prepared for that potential and be ready to enroll in puppy training classes if you need them. A Lab Mix can end up with a coat similar to one of their parents or a coat that is truly a mix of both. Should they inherit the Labrador Retriever coat, it will be short and will shed throughout the year with heavier shedding as the seasons change. Weekly brushing and the occasional bath keep a Lab coat healthy. Trimming nails once or twice monthly keeps them from growing too long. Because dental care is often overlooked, gum disease is one of the most common health issues in dogs. Brushing teeth every day or using an enzyme toothpaste daily in addition to cleanings at the vet as needed helps prevent painful dental diseases later in life. Labrador Retrievers are high-energy working dogs that need plenty of exercise and a job to do to be happy. If the other parent breed is also a high-energy dog breed, then you should expect a Labrador Mix to be a high-energy dog as well. Even if the other parent breed sits in a lower activity range, you will still want to be prepared for the potential of a high-energy dog should they take after their Lab parent. Fully-grown Labrador Retrievers tend to stand inches tall and weigh pounds. The other parent can have a big effect on this, especially if they are the mother. Labs generally live for years. Although the other parent breed could affect this slightly, you should be able to expect a similar average life span from a Labrador Retriever Mix. Featured Labrador Mix Article.